Content
LIVING IN KENSINGTON & CHELSEA
Overview of area
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, situated north of the River Thames in South West London, is one the most popular areas to live in London.
The area became an epicentre of culture in the swinging sixties with many legendary bands and acts calling it their home before later becoming the birthplace of the punk movement by the mid 70’s. Whilst this was a defining time for the area, it has always been enriched with history dating back to the pre Tudor era.
The Kings Road is, and always has been the main artery of Chelsea, while High Street Kensington is considered the heart of Kensington, both of which are home to high street and high end brands as well as some of London’s most exclusive bars, Michelin star restaurants and elite nightclubs, frequently visited by the top celebrities. Sloane Square, South Kensington and High Street Kensington are the main tube station and are served by the district and circle lines.
International travel from the area is very easy, as you have good links to Victoria Station which houses the Gatwick Express and Paddington which has the Heathrow Express, both of which are easily accessible on the District and Circle lines.
History of the area
Over the years the borough has been the home of an array of famous artists, scientist’s and novelists, as well as the Prime Minister Winston Churchill himself.
Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula lived in the quiet town until his death, as did Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin. Having been home to such influential and prestigious residents over the past few hundred years has only increased the area’s exclusivity and it is today considered one of the wealthiest areas in London to reside.
For example, Sloane Street in Chelsea is now catching up with Bond Street as a premier shopping destination, and is home to some of the world’s most couture brands such as Chanel, Dior and Cartier.
The Area
Kensington & Chelsea is home to some of London’s most stunning architecture. From quintessentially British Edwardian houses, to redbrick art deco mansions blocks to the most expensive streets in Britain.
The area offers a real variety of housing style which is very unique to such a small borough in London. The area is littered with Grade II listed houses, some of which have not been internally altered for a number of years, adding an almost historic feel to the neighbourhood.
The majority of the prestigious streets in the area have access to private communal gardens, and only people who live in these streets can access these communal areas, and throughout the year there is always a large community spirit where people gather in them to celebrate all sorts of occasions.
Buildings
Residences include stucco fronted Victorian houses located north of the Kings Road in some of London’s most esteemed addresses, to the smaller, quaint mews houses, located on stunning cobbled streets.
As you move further down through the borough and towards the River Thames, the property slightly alters and you are met with more Grade II and III listed properties, some of which wouldn’t look out of place in a more countryside setting, and old red brick mansion blocks which boast large lateral living spaces.
Rental Prices
Prices for rental in the area vary, one bed are usually marketed from £400pw upwards, two bedroom properties tend to go for £700pw upwards, and for three bedrooms you would be looking to spend £1000pw upwards.
As you move onto larger properties dependent on whether they are houses or flats the prices become very wide ranging. Whilst you could get a 4 bedroom mews house for £3000pw, a four bedroom Victorian stucco fronted house could be more likely to start at £5000pw.
Schooling
Kensington and Chelsea is also home to a large selection of primary and secondary schools. The most notable primary schools in the area are Eaton House, Hill House and Sussex House.
The most sought after secondary schools in the area are Moore House and Francis Holland. You should consider the catchment areas very carefully before finding a new home as places within the schools are very competitive.