Maison Mason launched their new estate agents in June 2020. Owner Calum Mason talks about what makes Crystal Palace one of the best places to live on the outskirts of central London.

‘I have been working in Crystal Palace for over 12 years and I still get buzz every day as I walk to the office. I meet local business owners and we chat about our plans for the day, exchange the latest news, and even talk businesses. Of course they ask me about the property market, and I am always happy to give my opinions and thoughts.

Crystal Palace is known for its amazing 360° views over the Surrey and Kent countryside and Central London. I have always felt that the view reflects the 360° Crystal Palace community. It’s multi cultural and filled with people from all walks of life, old and young, families, couples and singletons, bohemians and city types. Properties range from large detached period properties and modern architectural homes, to town houses, purpose built apartments, and Victorian conversions.

I'd say that there are three things that make Crystal Palace seriously special:

1)      The green spaces and views.

If green space is your thing, Crystal Palace has it in abundance. My favourite is probably Crystal Palace Park, on the site of the former Crystal Palace Exhibition Building and complete with a children’s play area, a maze, a boating lake, a concert bowl and Howie, my wire haired dachshund’s  favourite dinosaur trail (yes really!).

2)      The amazing array of independent restaurants and shops.

We often hear about the demise of the High Street, but Crystal Palace really does seem to be bucking the trend.  An area known locally as the Crystal Palace Triangle, formed by Westow Street, Westow Hill and Church Road, is full of bustling restaurants, cafes and independent shops. When we emerged from lockdown in September 2020 it was wonderful to see so many businesses re-opening their doors and being supported by local people.  You can see how they are adapting to the ‘New Normal’ from this feature https://www.theresident.co.uk/london-culture-events/shoplocal-the-new-normal-for-crystal-palace-traders/.

3)      The community.

I may be biased but I think it’s probably the sense of community that makes Crystal Palace such a truly great place to live. Here's an example. In 2018, after a nine year battle by local people, Everyman cinemas opened in Church Road. Crystal Palace had been without a cinema for over 50 years. You can read the story behind its re-opening https://insidecroydon.com/2017/08/15/crystal-palace-cinema-campaigners-given-5m-price-tag .

Another amazing community group is the Crystal Palace Park Trust, formed in 2016 by local people passionate about maintaining the park for the benefit of everyone. There's a ‘Friends of Crystal Palace Park’ charitable CIO which arranges monthly volunteer gardening  sessions and open the information centre at weekends.

Lastly, on a personal note, I’d like to say a big thank you to my team, who have chosen to join me in my new adventure at Maison Mason. I have just one wish for all of us - to be the estate agent people choose to use. We're looking forward to meeting you!