The lowering skies and menacing Gothic spire that provide the backdrop to the opening scenes of the final Harry Potter film are not a typical presentation of life on a suburban street.
But leafy Heathgate in Hampstead Garden Suburb was the location for scenes where Hermione Granger, played by Emma Watson, bids a tearful farewell to her parents after erasing herself from their memories in the 2010 film of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (part one).
Stuart Graber, who is selling his home on the street, was a keen viewer of the action as it unfolded.
“They wanted to use St Jude’s church in the background because it’s very Gothic looking.
“They were unlucky because for most of the year it’s cloudy, raining and miserable, but that day just happened to be a beautiful, sunny day in June.
“Of course that wasn’t what they wanted so they had to bring in rain and wind and make it look like a dark, stormy night.”
Viewed without special effects, it’s clear why this street was the perfect choice to represent the safe, family home of Harry Potter’s principle ‘muggle’ character.
Heathgate is one of the oldest streets in the Suburb and the house is grade II-listed.
It was designed by renowned architect Edwin Lutyens, who was also behind the distinctive church at the end of the street.
Graber and his wife Susan thought it would be the perfect place to raise their children in when they moved to the UK from Graber’s native New York nearly 30 years ago.
“When we moved over here I hadn’t even heard of Hampstead Garden Suburb but we discovered this lovely home, it wasn’t too big, it wasn’t too small, it was just perfect for our family’s needs,” says Graber.
The six-bedroom house is semi-detached and offers over 3,500 sq ft of living accommodation over three floors.
There are four reception areas on the ground floor and a kitchen/breakfast room, which leads into a large utility/office room.
Further benefits include a stunning 101’ rear south west-facing garden, while the wide open space of the Heath is right at the end of the street.
“Heathgate dead ends in the Heath extension so it’s perfect for dog lovers,” says Graber.
“We have two bulldogs, The Manoush (don’t ask me why, my son named him), a.k.a. ‘the ball thief of Hampstead Heath’, and his sister Cupcake. Dogs are in heaven here.”
It’s time for the dogs to pack their bags though since they’ll be joining the Grabers as they relocate to the States where their children Amanda and David have settled.
“Hampstead Garden Suburb is a very special place, there’s a uniqueness about the area because of its architecture, and its place in history,” Graber concludes.
“Now that we are moving, we’d love to see the house go to a really nice family – especially one with dogs!”
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