Chelsea And South Kensington

Chelsea and South Kensington are two of the most celebrated districts in the capital, with prestigious schools, luxury shops and plenty of open spaces and amenities to enjoy. They’re also just a few short stops on the District or Piccadilly lines from the West End. There’s a lot of history in this area too. The Manor of Chelsea was already established by the time of the Norman invasion and this has always been an area with a certain cachet; in the 16th century, two of King Henry VIII’s wives (Catherine Parr and Anne of Cleves) lived in the Manor House, as did the future Queen Elizabeth I. And King’s Road was originally just that: a private road built so that King Charles II could travel between St James’s Palace and Fulham.

The village of Chelsea was absorbed by London in the 19th century, and during the Victorian era it was best known as a bohemian quarter, home to artists and writers. In the 1960s they were replaced by pop stars, actors and models as Chelsea became the centre of Swinging London. Even living there today, you’ll soon get used to seeing celebrities in the street.

South Kensington, a mile to the north, was farmland until the mid-19th century, when the organisers of the 1851 Great Exhibition built the museums and institutions that form the heart of the district: the Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum, the Royal Albert Hall, Imperial College and many more. Around this area, known as Albertopolis, streets of grand white stucco houses were laid out, and from the beginning they attracted the wealthy and the famous.

The reputation of Chelsea and South Kensington extends beyond the UK; this is one of the most cosmopolitan parts of London. In particular, South Kensington has a large French population centred around the Lycée Français and the Institut français, while Chelsea has one of the world’s largest American expatriate communities.

Wherever they come from, there’s plenty for the locals to enjoy; shopping in Sloane Square and the King’s Road, eating in one of the many world-class restaurants, strolling in Hyde Park or along the riverside, or visiting

a museum or art gallery. It’s a lively area and a special place to live. We hope you’ll enjoy exploring some of the suggestions for making the most of it in this guide.

Houses In Chelsea And South Kensington With beautiful townhouses and period conversion apartments surrounding green squares of urban oasis and redbrick mansion blocks, not to mention the impressive garden sizes, properties in Chelsea and South Kensington are ever-popular. Often period on the outside, and modernised on the inside, they’re a wonderful representation of what London has to offer.

Shopping The King’s Road, once the heart of ‘1960s swinging London’, is world famous for shopping. At one end is Sloane Square and the curved façade of Peter Jones department store; journey down the road and you will find contemporary furnishing stores and smaller, independent clothes and shoe shops. There is also a Chelsea Farmer’s Market on Sydney Street – a selection of independent businesses and restaurants.

Getting Around Chelsea and South Kensington are easily accessible by train, plane, bus and car; Underground: Gloucester Road, South Kensington, Gloucester Road for Circle, District & Piccadilly Lines and Earl’s Court for District & Piccadilly Lines and West Brompton for District lines. Train: London Victoria and London Paddington are nearby; the latter offers links as far south as Penzance and as far north as Aberdeen. Car: The M25 transports you all around the outskirts of London; you’re also close to the A1, M1 and M4.

Restaurants, Pubs And Bars Restaurant Gordon Ramsay – the famous chef’s three Michelin star flagship restaurant serves elegant French food in an intimate setting. The Ivy Chelsea Garden - offers all-day dining with an extensive garden, terrace and orangery and live music on a Tuesday evening. Colbert – A Parisian inspired Chelsea institution. A high-end French café menu with art nouveau and Victorian features. The Anglesea Arms – Voted one of the top 10 pubs in Central London. The Chelsea Pig – ‘A proper pub’, once owned by Frank Lampard is hidden in the back streets of Chelsea. The Bluebird – An art deco icon on the King’s Road, with a café in the courtyard and bar and restaurant on the first floor serves a range of wine, spirits and cocktails.

Knight Frank’s Relocation Service We understand that moving home is a stressful and time-consuming process at the best of times, without the added challenge of that move being to a new country. Our relocation team are on hand to help you with this new chapter, offering a bespoke service with no cost or obligations and full access to London’s property market, to ensure your experience is as smooth as possible.

Sacha Pryor Associate, Relocation Inspired by my parents’ love of property, I started out my real estate career in Cambridge, first working as an estate agent. I jumped at the opportunity to move into the world of corporate relocation and now have over eight years’ experience working in the dynamic and global London market. A vital part of what I do is to listen to my clients’ individual needs, so that when they are matched to their perfect property, they have the best start to their new journey in London. For any of your property needs or advice, please get in touch. I’d love to help you. E: sacha.pryor@knightfrank.com T: +44 20 3504 7337 www.knightfrank.co.uk

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