PROPERTY
to the open spaces of Holland Park, attracting many wealthy businesspeople and celebrities such as Sir Richard Branson and David Beckham.
Thurloe Square, Brompton £3.76million
The square is named after John Thurloe, an advisor of Oliver Cromwell, who owned the land in the 17th century. Sir Henry Cole (1808–1892), the first Director of the V&A Museum, lived at No. 33. The building is marked with a blue plaque.. Not only is the square dog-friendly, it also has a children’s playground and a stroll from the shops, restaurants and museums of desirable Knightsbridge.
St James’s Gardens, W11
“These exclusive gated gardens are steeped in history and treasured sanctuaries”
Rosmead Garden, Notting Hill £3.64million
Perhaps one of London’s most famous garden squares, having featured heavily in the Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts film Notting Hill. The space is quite unique among its contemporaries, with many of the homes surrounding it having direct access onto the green via a backdoor, making it a rear garden of sorts.
Kensington Square, Kensington £3.16million
With an average property price of £3.16million, it was originally known as King’s Square, built in honour of the reigning monarch at the time, James ll. The garden is private and not open to the public, though it has taken part in the annual Open Garden Squares Weekend. Former residents include composer Hubert Parry, philosopher John Stuart Mill and John Simon the sanitary reformer.
Park Crescent, Marylebone £3million
This crescent is among the most prestigious in the capital, in a desirable location at the north end of Portland Place and south of Marylebone Road. It comprises beautiful stuccoed terraced houses designed by the architect John Nash, and forms into a semi-circle. The original plan was to build a circular building, but only the bottom half was completed. Between the arms of the crescent is a private garden, recognised as being of historic interest.
Hanover Gardens, Notting Hill £2.97million
This peaceful woodland garden is situated within the Ladbroke Estate. Among its famous former residents was Dame Sylvia Crowe, the noted landscape architect. This communal garden used to be known as Hanover Terrace Garden, Hanover Terrace being the old name of Lansdowne Walk.
Markham Square, Chelsea £2.73million
One of Chelsea’s finest garden squares, situated north of King’s Road, and a short walk from Sloane 92 FEBRUARY 2020
Markham Square, Chelsea
Square. The building of the original square began in 1836 on the site of the old Box Farm orchard – owned by the Markham family. In 1935 the garden was laid out as a cherry orchard. After WW2, the square was redesigned by the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s head gardener to resemble a private country garden. These exclusive gated gardens are steeped in history and treasured sanctuaries amongst the hustle and bustle of our capital. Wealthy buyers from around the globe continue to be attracted to London’s squares, mainly due to their scale, style and timeless beauty.