Miriam Margolyes has lived in one of London's 'most desirable and trendy' areas since the 70s

Miriam Margolyes

Miriam has lived in Clapham since 1975

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Solen Le Net

By Solen Le Net


Published: 16/04/2024

- 19:08

Margolyes has lived in the popular South West London hub before it became popular

Miriam Margolyes has achieved stardom on both sides of the Atlantic since she began gracing screens and stages with her award-winning performances in the 90s.

It wasn't until 2002 that she cemented her name in the industry after putting on a memorable performance as Professor Sprout in Harry Potter.


Despite her professional accolades, the star has chosen a humble life in Clapham, with her two lodgers.

The renters spoke about their unique experience with i News last year.

Emily Cook wrote: “My family and friends think it’s hilarious and ridiculous that I live with Miriam. I do too. But this unusual domestic set-up has become my new norm and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Clapham aerial view

Clapham Common is home to an array of different landscapes

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Miriam has been a Clapham local since 1975 when the South London area was still relatively barren.

Since then, progressive gentrification has captured the interest of families and young professionals.

Cafe and restaurant owners have battled an onslaught of closures since the middle classes began flocking to the area in the 80s.

The recent downfall of Clapham High Street’s Crown Post Office stirred uproar among locals, including Miriam, who fought relentlessly to keep it open.

Speaking about the planned closure on TikTok, the legendary actress said: “I am so furious and upset about this.

“That Post Office is efficient and busy, and the thing that has made me the cross of all is that there is no reason for this closure.

"Nobody in Clapham knows why it is being closed. It is popular and central to our community.

“Elderly and disabled people are being pushed to go further afield to get to a Post Office and it’s not that simple for some people to travel.”

Despite losing several landmarks, experts at Penhusrt Properties believe the evolution of Clapham and its surrounding areas have made it “the most desirable and trendy place to live and socialise”.

They added: “With great transport links and Europe’s busiest railway station on the doorstep, Clapham offers spacious commons, vast amounts of bars and restaurants and a friendly family environment.”

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Miriam Margolyes

Miriam reportedly lives with two lodgers in clapham

PA

Data released by the HM Land Registry suggest house prices in the area continue to climb yearly.

“Overall, sold prices in Clapham over the last year were similar to the previous year and eight per cent up on the 2021 peak of £835,814,” says property experts at Rightmove.

Lambeth Council believes that the large park at the heart of the area adds to Clapham's allure.

"Clapham Common contains many other interesting landscape features including avenues of mature trees," according to the council.

The green space is also home to three pounds used for a mixture of fishing, model boating and wildlife conservation, as well as two woodlands, species-rich meadows and grasslands, and a network of paths.

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