Just going to B&W doesn’t work for me. Two problems – firstly, the lack of sharpness which looks sort of hazy/moody/ethereal in color, just looks muddy in B&W. Secondly, there is not enough difference in contrast between the buildings and the foliage.
I agree with both your thoughts, but it still looks ,like a very nice, evocative Victorian scene to me!
I see what you mean. A filter might help???