7 February 2012 marked the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens, one of Britain's most well loved residents. Every year around February 7th we are reminded of the dynamic impact Dickens made on London through his timeless novels such as A Christmas Carol and A Tale of Two Cities. Conversely London generated a big impact on him as displayed in Oliver Twist and Great Expectations. As you travel around the city and check out unlikely nooks and crannies you will still see clues in places within our city where the writer received inspiration. Demurely hung on a wall in a small pub in Leather Lane Market is a letter Charles Dickens penned to the pub landlord of the time.

A one bedroom flat at 4 Covent Garden was recently listed on the market by a Central London estate agent. It was this building and few others in Covent Garden that Dickens gave credit to as inspiration for his description of the area as one of London's largest slums. He would marvel at today's luxurious beauty in the area.

Covent Garden is one of London's most desirable locations today. Evidence being that Central London Estate Agent was able to acquire some £645,000 for the flat at 4 Covent Garden which has a balcony, underground car park space and use of the block's porter system.

The property prices in the area are upscale and may be out of purchasing range but worth considering a Central London Estate Agent property to rent in Covent Garden. While the area has been equipped with modern renovations it has preserved its historical appearance. No doubt that today Charles Dickens would be rushing to rent in Covent Garden.

Covent Garden Estates is located between St. Martin's Lane and Drury Lane on the most eastern edge of the Westend. The building that was home to a fruit and vegetable market for hundreds of years now houses one of London's most prestigious shopping centres and tourist attractions, like Apple Market and the Royal Opera House. The Piccadilly line and Covent Garden Tube Station service the area. The district is divided into several markets. The central square attracts tourists coming to see street performers. These artists perform every day except Christmas with performances generally lasting thirty minutes. The area is alive with activity so residents and those who rent in Covent Garden never need travel far for entertainment or shopping.

Beecham Estates and Pill Limited owned the Covent Garden property from 1924 to 1928. Ownership was transferred to the Covent Garden Properties Company, LTD with the owners being the Beechams and several other investors. In 1962 the market and the bulk of the remaining properties were sold to the Covent Garden Authority for more than £3,900,000. During the 1960s increased traffic congestion around the market made business undesirable. The market relocated nearby in the 1970s which left the old buildings vacant. These buildings were purchased in 2006 by a development company for £421,000,000.

The developer's entire Covent Garden Estates consists of 550,000 square feet (51,000m squared) and has a market value of £650,000,000.

In 2010 Apple technology opened its largest worldwide store in The Piazza where it is surrounded by other shops.

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