Kinsbourne Green is considered by some to be part of Harpenden, but is very much a place in its own right. We found out more about this pretty hamlet...

The area is in close proximity to Harpenden's shops, pubs and restaurants.

The hamlet is well situated for commuters - with easy access to both the M1 and Harpenden train station.

Meanwhile the Common offers a green space which is popular with joggers and dog walkers alike.

A sunset in Kinsbourne GreenA sunset in Kinsbourne Green (Image: Newsquest) Kinsbourne Green's streetscape is constantly evolving. For example Charlie's Chinese restaurant, which was once a Luton Road landmark, was demolished in 2016 to make room for six new homes.

Highlands on Annables Lane was sold that same year, and was the most expensive home sold in Hertfordshire in 2016.

After changing hands for £5,125,000, the home was promptly demolished and a new property was built in its place.

Homes currently on the market in the area include a four-bedroom detached house in Ridge Avenue for £1,075,000 and a four-bedroom detached house in Spring Road for £2,150,000.

There is also a five-bedroom detached house in The Common for £2,850,000 - complete with a heated swimming pool and pool house.

A Kinsbourne Green period propertyA Kinsbourne Green period property (Image: Newsquest) Church

St Mary's was built in 1869 as a combined church and school.

The school closed in 1955, but the church remains at the heart of the Kinsbourne Green community.

Kinsbourne Common Hall flanks St Mary's and is a popular venue for children's parties.

There used to be a Methodist church in the hamlet, but it was closed in 2002 due to declining membership.

The church was sold to developers in 2003, and houses were built on the site.

Schools

Kinsbourne Green is nearby to some of Harpenden's popular, and oversubscribed, state schools.

Primary pupils can attend Wood End (rated 'outstanding' at its latest Ofsted report) or Roundwood (rated 'good').

The closest secondary school is Roundwood Park, which is rated 'outstanding'.

Roundwood SchoolRoundwood School (Image: Newsquest) Pubs

Kinsbourne Green used to have four pubs, but now the only one remaining is The Fox.

The Whip is now a house known as Whip Cottage, The First and Last was demolished in 1974, and Charlie's - originally known as The Harrow - suffered the same fate.

The Fox was previously known as The Smyth Arms, and is a popular, family-friendly gastropub with a modern British/Mediterranean menu.

The Fox in Kinsbourne GreenThe Fox in Kinsbourne Green (Image: Google Street View) For many years the pub was next to a butcher's shop, which was also a meeting place for the hounds of the Hertfordshire Hunt - who were based at the nearby kennels.

The Whip was built in 1780 as a house for the landseer (head gardener) of the Luton Hoo Estate.

From around 1840 the house was sold to a hat-making company in Luton, and became a pub in around 1900.

The pub also ran a small grocery store during WWI.

Farm life

Annables Farm in Kinsbourne Green is home to The Farmschool, an educational charity which was established in 2014.

The charity helps children and young people reconnect with farming, food and the environment.

Located in Annables Lane, the venue is available for corporate hire.

Littlefield Farm is a good place to find the perfect Christmas tree, and has provided Christmas trees for people in the surrounding area for decades.

From 1936 the area was home to Leylands Chicken Farm, which was renamed Kinsbourne Poultry Farm in 1952, before leaving the area in around 1964.

The Turner's Hall Fire

One of the most dramatic events in the hamlet took place on the night of November 4, 1826.

A fire broke out in the lamb house at Turner's Hall Farm, and spread to the stables and barn.

The fire consumed the stables, the barn - which was full of corn - and killed the majority of the livestock.

While all the occupants of the farmhouse were distracted by the fire, a band of gypsies from the nearby heath are said to have looted the manor house.

According to local legend, they stole the most valuable contents - including jewellery and furniture - and looted the wine cellar.

This area guide is sponsored by Frost's, which has offices in St Albans, Harpenden, Marshalswick and WheathampsteadThis area guide is sponsored by Frost's, which has offices in St Albans, Harpenden, Marshalswick and Wheathampstead (Image: Frost's)