Lurot Brand Mews News - Autumn/Winter 2025 by LurotBrand

OUR AUTUMN/WINTER ‘MEWSLETTER’

from Peggy Lurot, Managing Director

In the months leading up to the recent Budget, the property market was defined not by clarity but by speculation. Owners, buyers and investors alike were making decisions against a backdrop of uncertainty, and the effects of that period are still playing out today.

For some homeowners, the instinct was to wait. Properties were placed on the rental market or left empty until the economic picture became clearer. Others were unwilling to delay, choosing to sell quickly, sometimes at reduced prices. Buyers mirrored this divide: many seized the moment, hoping to secure a property before any policy shifts, while others stepped back, preferring to see what direction the market might take.

The result was a landscape of contrasts. Some homes attracted competitive bids, while others remained unsold for longer than usual. Developers and investors stayed active but focused narrowly on ‘finding the deal’. Meanwhile, rental stock increased notably in the autumn as more owners decided that letting offered greater security than selling in the short term.

This climate placed considerable pressure on everyone involved. For our associates and for many across the industry, these weeks were some of the most challenging in recent memory. Getting a property under offer was only the beginning of a long process paved with challenges: the smallest hiccup, whether from banks, solicitors, advisers or buyers themselves, could unsettle a transaction. At times like these,

professionalism, patience and sensitive communication are the only way to ensure everything moves forward.

Yet despite the strain, the rewards remain. Every sale or rental carries with it a story: a family beginning a new chapter, a firsttime buyer stepping onto the ladder, or a landlord enhancing a home for future residents. In a slower, more uncertain market, we spend longer alongside our clients, which means we share more of their journeys. Inevitably, we find ourselves invested in their outcomes too.

At its heart, property is not just about bricks and mortar, it is also about people and place. That is easy to forget amid economic headlines, but these stories remind us that this remains the foundation of our work. A neighbour put it best when he said to me recently:

‘…but

aren’t we lucky to be in this lovely mews corner of London?’

Now that the Budget has been announced, the coming months will reveal whether those who waited or those who acted early made the wiser choice. What is certain, however, is that the human side of property - the stories, relationships and trust at the centre of every transaction - will continue to matter most.

I hope you enjoy reading this latest edition of Mews News.

Peggy Lurot Managing Director peggy@lurotbrand.co.uk

AUTUMN/WINTER UPDATE FROM THE SALES TEAM

Prior to the November Budget, buyers remained cautious and price sensitive. Whilst some buyers and sellers were willing to expedite transactions before the Budget, for the most part, the Budget created a ‘wait and see’ mentality amongst buyers. Much like last year, once the dust has settled, we expect to see a renewed sense of activity amongst buyers who will be making more informed decisions. Overall, whilst market conditions have been challenging, Lurot Brand has seen a 15% increase in viewings year-on-year. We have also seen an uptick in market appraisals this quarter, with many sellers looking to come to the market in early 2026. In this instance, we have prepared marketing material in advance and shown these properties privately to gather invaluable feedback ahead of a more formal launch in the new year.

Freehold mews properties continue to be seen as stable investments in uncertain times, by buyers who are, of course, charmed by their unique appeal, but also worried about the inflated service charges that leasehold properties and flats offer. In what has been a challenging quarter, Lurot Brand has agreed ten deals, showing that mews properties continue to attract buyers. Many have been discretionary purchasers seeking clear value among the wide choice of properties currently on the market. Most are highly informed, often using £ per square foot as a benchmark before deciding which homes to view.

In this market, while buyers are prepared to offer, persuading them to improve their bids can be challenging, as they want reassurance that their purchase will still represent good value in the short term. More positively, buyers are still transacting at the agreed selling price during and after conveyancing. In other cases, higher offers have been withdrawn due to political shifts or delays. Conveyancing is currently taking around 8-12 weeks and we strongly recommend that sellers instruct lawyers early and prepare documentation in advance to avoid unnecessary delays.

With stock levels across London remaining high, bridging the gap between asking price and achievable sale price has been key to enabling our clients to sell in a competitive and uncertain environment. Sensible pricing not only reduces time on the market but can also help secure stronger results. In fact, we have achieved record prices for clients who adopted this approach.

If you’re looking to sell your property with Lurot Brand, please email sales@lurotbrand.co.uk to see how we can assist you.

LETTINGS UPDATE: PREPARING FOR CHANGE & OPPORTUNITY

As autumn settles in and the lettings market continues to evolve, there’s plenty for landlords to stay informed about - from important legislative updates to ensuring properties are presented at their best during the darker months. Having received Royal Assent, the Renters’ Rights Bill is now the Renters’ Rights Act. This landmark legislation aims to enhance protections for tenants while maintaining balance in the private rental sector. As the finer details unfold, we’ll continue to guide our landlords through the practical implications to ensure they remain compliant and well-informed.

Closer to home, Westminster Council’s new licensing scheme became mandatory on 24th November. Landlords who have yet to apply should do so urgently, as noncompliance could result in heavy fines. We’d strongly encourage all landlords who may be affected to visit the Westminster Council website via the Private Housing | City of Westminster webpage.

With shorter days and colder weather fast approaching, now is also the time to ensure your property looks its best for viewings, especially with the natural light fading quickly. Tenants viewing in the early evening or on overcast days will appreciate a warm, well-lit and well-maintained home. Check that all lightbulbs are working, keep the heating on a low but comfortable setting to avoid frozen pipes and make sure that the property is spotless. Completing any outstanding maintenance or small cosmetic updates can go a long way in reassuring tenants that they’re renting from an attentive landlord.

While more stock has come onto the market recently, high-quality properties continue to attract strong interest and achieve excellent results. We’re proud to have recently let several standout homes, including a beautiful property in Queen’s Mews, W2, an exceptionally modern house in Kynance Mews just opposite our South Kensington office and a stunning residence in Princes Gate Mews, priced at £2,423 per week.

As the year draws to a close, it’s clear that well-presented, correctly-priced properties remain highly sought after, with data from LonRes stating that in the third quarter of 2025, 42.6% of houses currently available in SW7 saw a reduction in asking rent since they were first put on the market. This further demonstrates that in this everchanging lettings landscape, pricing correctly is key to ensure minimum void periods.

If you’re looking to rent a mews property in London, we’re proud to showcase a selection of exceptional homes available to let, which can be found in the property section of Mews News.

If you’re considering letting your home for the first time or reviewing your existing portfolio, our team is here to help you navigate the latest changes and make the most of the market opportunities ahead.

For further information, please contact us on lettings@lurotbrand.co.uk

‘High-quality properties continue to attract strong interest and achieve excellent results.’

GOOD FOUNDATIONS LEAD TO GREAT DESIGN AT RUSSELL GARDENS MEWS

A classic Kensington mews under construction that delivers the best of both worlds - a charming location & creative modern design.

Mike Lurot is no stranger to selling mews houses off-plan. Lurot Brand is working with tried and tested developer, Proficiency Ltd, on a highly anticipated rebuild of a mews property. Their inhouse expert team adopt a creative yet sympathetic approach to the history of character buildings and share Lurot Brand’s love for the mews, reflected in their previous work at properties in Russell Gardens Mews and Ennismore Gardens Mews. This current innovative project, once a commercial garage premises, will see a thoughtfully crafted residence emerge as a lesson in refined Japandi design, whilst respecting its classical heritage on the outside.

How will the architectural design reflect its traditional mews location?

• The design will respect the traditional external mews character, while creating a complete contrast internally. From the street, the house will assume the classic mews façade - the simple two-storey elevation alongside its neighbours. It is not about making a statement, the architecture should look like it belongs. Step inside, and it’s a different scenario. Given that mews houses are inherently compact, every design decision is focused on maximising the sense of space and light by using larger windows, rooflights and internal glazed doors; critical in these tight footprints. Clean, minimal interiors with lime wash walls, concealed storage, and unfussy details make rooms feel larger. The key move is a double-height vaulted staircase with a glass partition at the middle floor to create a vertical light well through the house, maintaining a sense of openness between levels. The minimal aesthetic is not just stylistic, it’s functional, allowing natural light to bounce freely through spaces. The result is a contextually correct house from the outside with an unexpectedly bright, spacious experience inside.

Tell us more about how the finished mews house will look.

• The completed house will be a refined three-storey, three-bedroom home that maximises every inch of its mews footprint. Externally, the traditional mews façade will be retained - with a rendered bottom half and painted brickwork on the top half in a neutral tone that sits quietly within the streetscape. Carefully proportioned windows and a simple roofline have been designed to respect and complement the neighbouring properties. Inside, the aesthetic shifts to a sophisticated Japandi style - defined as the perfect balance of Scandinavian functionality and Japanese minimalism. Think walnut joinery against lime-washed walls, natural textures, and subtle tonal variations rather than stark contrasts. The bespoke joinery throughout is not just storage, but considered standalone architecture, creating seamless storage to conceal everything from kitchen cupboards to integrated wardrobes.

How do you go about selling a concept off-plan?

• CGIs are helpful to visualise the concept and style whilst the project is still underway. Being on site, with only an outer shell, can sometimes make it hard to imagine the space and final concept because there’s still so much to be built - joists, floorboards, roofs, dropping floor level, insulation. The floorplans create a sense of separation and flow; we use them as a guide whilst doing a walk-through viewing with buyers. Selling off plan includes us providing context to prospective buyers about the developers: their track record with previous projects, their design ethos, their style of finish, and showing the developers’ photo portfolio of past work. Keeping buyers updated of the timelines and providing monthly progress reports generates excitement.

What

practical & logistical considerations arise when building in a mews?

• Whilst many traditional mews houses were converted to residential use some time ago, these conversions often involved only limited structural alterations. When redesigning or extending such buildings today, it’s common to uncover challenges typical of older construction - foundations that may need strengthening, existing steelwork that doesn’t meet modern standards, or walls not designed to take additional loads. As a result, these properties can require extensive structural interventions such as underpinning, new steel frames, or reinforcement. And here’s where it gets really difficult - mews streets are narrow. You can’t fit a crane down there, so steel beams must arrive in pieces to be welded on site, and it’s the same with concrete, which must be mixed on site, since trucks can’t access the mews.

What type of buyer do you envisage this mews house will appeal to?

• A buyer searching for a rare opportunity to purchase a brand-new freehold mews house, with a modern twist. Whilst buying off-plan, prospective buyers will have the option to select specifications, finishes and colour palettes during the construction. This offers an opportunity to be more involved and enjoy an element of creative control in designing some finishing touches. The location of Russell Gardens Mews is near to Holland Park, with Kensington Olympia Overground station close by, providing easy access to the City via the Underground.

As a selling agent, what excites you about this project?

• I sold the property to the developers and now, with them, can offer a full circle experience taking the project from concept to final product. Watching the construction progress is one of the joys of being an agent. Meeting ambitious creative individuals in synch and sympathetic to the mews lifestyle is always satisfying. The team and I visit the property fortnightly, and buyers become excited about progress, with monthly updates via our social media platforms. Interested parties enjoy seeing the property come to life from a shell to a functional home. Stripping the property right back has given everyone an insight into the unique history of mews buildings.

LUROT BRAND’S

Refer a landlord and be awarded £500 when we successfully let their property!

We are delighted to offer a special reward when you introduce a new landlord to Lurot Brand.

If the person you refer is not already a client of Lurot Brand and their property is successfully let with us (minimum letting fee of £1,500 applies), you will both receive a ‘thank you’ from us.

YOU WILL RECEIVE A £500 CASH PAYMENT ONCE THE NEW TENANT(S) HAS MOVED INTO THE PROPERTY AND THE REFERRED CLIENT WILL ENJOY £500 OFF THEIR FIRST YEAR’S FEES.

Please note self-referrals are not eligible and the offer is not open to Lurot Brand staff.

For more information, please contact lettings@lurotbrand.co.uk

EMBRACING

THE

RHYTHM OF LIFE IN OUR KNIGHTSBRIDGE MEWS HAVEN

Architect David Edwards shares what makes his Mews home special & how his life is personally interwoven with this locale.

‘We have a birds-eye view of Red Arrow flypasts and New Year fireworks over the Thames.’

Moving to London in 1980, we rented, then bought a flat in Battersea. Deciding to be central, we began searching for a freehold property in 1987. As an architect, the potential of mews houses was not lost on me. While visiting a friend in Ennismore Gardens, I noticed a dilapidated house up for sale in Rutland Mews South. A deal donewe moved in. I planned a major sympathetic refurbishment - removing the hideous ‘Spanish’ frontage and a confession box in the sitting room! Procrastinating for 20 years caught up when a collapsed roof brought the cold-water tank through our bedroom.

Being uninhabitable, we moved to a townhouse garden flat in nearby Ennismore Gardens to supervise the demolition and my rebuild with a new basement, ground, first and second floor. There was an altruistic element in my design plan to create a sanctuary for Andrew, our closest friend and one of the family, to move in. Recently diagnosed with a brain tumour and given an 18-month prognosis, Andrew could no longer live independently. Our astonishingly quiet mews cul-de-sac, a two minutes’ amble to Hyde Park, proved the best environment for Andrew, who lived for another 10 years. He adored being five minutes’ walk from concerts at the Royal College of Music (RCM), nearby museums, and his beloved British Museum, where he’d given talks for 20 years. I truly believe the restorative calmness of our mews gave our friend more years to embrace life.

Back in 1953, the original house featured in the film ‘Genevieve’. A passing American tourist told me, and I watched it on DVDrecognising what’s now our bedroom window!

Film crews still come to this picturesque part of Knightsbridge, and surprisingly, tourists venture off the beaten track to photograph our abundant windows boxes. They tell me, ‘It’s a combination of Cornish fishing village and Italian hill town’. There’s a wonderful view north up Ennismore Mews to the Italianate campanile of the Russian Cathedral, and east to the domes and towers of Brompton Oratory, V&A, Natural History Museum and Imperial College’s Queen’s Tower.

Rutland Mews South is wonderfully sociable. We take full advantage of being a few hundred yards walk from the RCM, with which I am closely associated. Every year, we attend possibly 100 concerts taking up to a dozen neighbours and friends, whom we host back at home for lunch or supper. In summer, we meet friends in the glorious back garden of the Goethe-Institut, overlooking Imperial Campus Prince’s Gardens, but keep this to yourselves...

Friends are amazed sitting out on our sunny terrace, spotting goldfinches, blue and great tits, or a swooping sparrowhawk. Only 100 yards from Harrods with its boiler chimney in our eyeline, we have a birds-eye view of Red Arrow flypasts and New Year fireworks over the Thames. The gun salutes in Hyde Park and Russian Orthodox Cathedral bells are within earshot. There’s a ‘rus in urbe’ aura, yet we’re immersed in London’s rich culture and surrounded by landmarks. I couldn’t contemplate life without the Mews and the joys of Albertopolis.

‘A

mews is much more than a home, it is a sanctuary to simply be, a private place that transforms into a social gathering space. Once you live in a mews, life becomes interwoven with kindred spirits, kindness and conversation, and within touching distance lies music, art, wildlife, nature, and gardens to remind you that beauty is on your doorstep.’

QUEEN’S GATE MEWS, SW7

ARCHERY CLOSE, W2

MEWS IN BLOOM 2025

Celebrating the gardens that bring London’s hidden streets to life.

Every summer, the Mews in Bloom competition showcases the beauty and creativity of London’s mews gardens. This year’s entries were judged by celebrated artist Endellion ‘Delli’ Lycett Green, who brought her painter’s eye and botanical knowledge to the role. Following in the footsteps of her late mother, Candida Lycett Green, who judged in 2007, Delli spent a day touring the mews and offering her expert feedback. After much consideration, Gloucester Place Mews was crowned overall winner, with Wetherby Mews as runner-up, and No. 33 Gloucester Place Mews awarded the special prize for best individual garden.

A JUDGE WITH DEEP ROOTS IN ART & GARDENING

This year’s Mews in Bloom was judged by Endellion “Delli” Lycett Green, a contemporary artist whose career spans more than 25 years. Known for her bold, sensuous paintings of plants, Delli has exhibited widely in London and abroad, with her work represented in collections at Chatsworth House, St Thomas’ Hospital, the NatWest Art Collection, and numerous private holdings. Her process often begins with sketches and photographs taken outdoors, later developed into paintings that she describes as ‘a lifelong homage to plants.’

Delli’s connection to gardening and creative expression is deeply personal. She grew up in a family of writers and artists: her grandfather, Sir John Betjeman, encouraged her to exchange poems and sketches, while her mother, Candida Lycett Green, wrote extensively about gardens, publishing titles such as The Garden at Highgrove and Brilliant Gardens. Candida also judged Mews in Bloom in 2007, making Delli’s appointment this year especially

poignant. As Delli put it, ‘it couldn’t have been otherwise’ - nature and creativity were part of her upbringing.

Reflecting on her judging experience, Delli remarked on the unique challenges faced by mews gardeners. Unlike larger gardens or parks, mews rely heavily on container planting. Maintaining pots requires constant attention, from watering and pruning to deadheading and replanting. Despite the demanding summer conditions, she was struck by the health and vibrancy of the entries: ‘I have been very impressed by the lushness and abundance. Not a dead wisp or flailing plant anywhere. Bravo to everyone who has cared so lovingly for their mews.’

Her words also highlighted the broader value of these gardens. Beyond aesthetic pleasure, the mews plantings create habitats for pollinators and bring colour and texture into the city’s most historic residential streets. As she toured the competition, Delli praised the creativity on display: inventive plant supports, adventurous planting schemes, and the way each mews expressed its own character.

For Delli, judging Mews in Bloom was as much about people as plants. She noted the community spirit that keeps these streets flourishing, with neighbours often working together to maintain cohesive displays. This blend of artistry, horticultural skill, and collective effort formed the basis of her final decisions - a process she described as both joyful and immensely difficult.

© Painting ‘Lotus’ by Endellion Lycett Green

© Painting ‘I dreamt I saw cornflowers’ by Endellion Lycett Green

STREET BY STREET: HIGHLIGHTS & FEEDBACK

Each mews offered its own unique display, reflecting the personalities of residents while contributing to the overall cohesion of the street.

ARCHERY CLOSE

Archery Close impressed with its climbing jasmine, fruiting lemon trees underplanted with purple petunias, and cherry and fig trees. Hydrangeas in shades of red, white and cream added vibrancy, while bamboo, olive trees and Japanese maples gave structure. Neat sitting areas created an inviting atmosphere, with commendations for Nos. 2, 18 and 23.

GLOUCESTER PLACE MEWS

Gloucester Place Mews showcased strong design and a remarkable sense of unity. Bay trees, camellias, salvias and begonias provided a colourful backdrop, while a towering yucca hid a carved tree-stump pond with frog figurines. Most striking was the sequence of identical window boxes along the street, filled with fairyfan flowers, hot pink pelargoniums and Hidcote lavender. This unified planting scheme elevated the mews as a whole. Commendations went to Nos. 11, 29 and 33.

RUTLAND MEWS SOUTH

Rutland Mews South delighted with its cohesion, where one garden seemed to spill into the next. Cala lilies, lobelia, busy lizzies, fuchsias and astilbe provided colour, while foxgloves stood tall in wild magenta. Burgundy-leaved heucheras and euonymus fortuneii added depth. Commendations went to Nos. 4, 17 and 19.

CRANLEY MEWS

Cranley Mews reminded visitors of the power of foliage, with Japanese maples, fatsias, medlar and bay trees. Exotic Bird of Paradise flowers provided a rare flourish, joined by agapanthus, hydrangeas, lilies and clematis. Commendations went to Nos. 9, 18 and 52.

QUEEN’S GATE MEWS

Queen’s Gate Mews offered giant wisteria, cherry trees, roses and pink hydrangeas, with an airy feel that conveyed vitality and ease.

WETHERBY MEWS

Wetherby Mews, the runner-up, presented an exceptional display. Its entrance featured trailing jasmine, daisies and burgundy yuccas, leading to a wall of hydrangeaspink lace cap and blue globular varieties reaching seven feet. Such scale in pots demanded impressive horticultural skill. The mews as a whole was praised for richness and cohesion, with particular mention of its magnificent beaked yucca.

CORNWALL MEWS SOUTH

Cornwall Mews South took a wilder approach, with mature trees and cascading vines. Jasmine trailed from rooftops, while hydrangeas, fuchsias and even chilli plants brought bursts of colour. Commendations were given to Nos. 5a and 6a.

FULTON MEWS

Fulton Mews impressed with ingenuity: wires suspended wisteria across the street, creating the illusion of it growing mid-air. Yuccas, agaves, oleanders and peace lilies added variety, complemented by hanging baskets and a wooden Ganesha statue. No. 2 was commended.

FULTON MEWS, W2

THE STANDOUTS: MEWS IN BLOOM 2025

After careful deliberation, two mews streets emerged as the standouts of this year’s competition: Gloucester Place Mews and Wetherby Mews. Both demonstrated exceptional planting, creativity and cohesion, making the final decision extremely close.

Gloucester Place Mews, however, was declared the overall winner. The street’s coordinated planting created a strong sense of community spirit, with identical window boxes brimming with colour. The combination of fairy-fan flowers, pelargoniums and lavender formed a striking visual rhythm that tied the street together beautifully. Delli described it as ‘outstanding in unity, colour and care.’

Within Gloucester Place Mews, one house captured particular attention: No. 33 Gloucester Place Mews, awarded the prize for best individual garden. Its combination of bay trees, camellias, begonias and whimsical details such as the frog pond carved from a tree stump demonstrated both imagination and horticultural skill. This garden stood as a shining example of how creativity and dedication can transform a small space into something extraordinary.

Wetherby Mews, meanwhile, achieved runner-up status with its remarkable hydrangeas and cohesive planting

throughout. The sheer size and health of its hydrangea wall, combined with the presence of a rare beaked yucca, elevated the mews to near victory. Delli described it as ‘a very close decision - both streets were magnificent.’

While these two mews took top honours, the competition celebrated the efforts of all participants. Delli emphasised that every street demonstrated care and imagination, from the exotic Bird of Paradise in Cranley Mews to the inventive suspended wisteria of Fulton Mews. Each contribution added to the character of London’s hidden streets, making them places of beauty and biodiversity.

In her closing words, Delli captured the spirit of the competition: ‘All the mews were fantastic, just unbelievable. To walk among them was to drink in colour, form and life - a privilege in such a historic architectural setting. The bees and butterflies of London are very lucky indeed.’

With the plaques and prizes awarded, and thanks extended to residents and to Peggy Lurot for her support on the day, Mews in Bloom 2025 closes on a note of celebration. Beyond the competition, it stands as a reminder that gardening is not only about plants, but about community, imagination and the joy of making London bloom.

GLOUCESTER PLACE MEWS, W1U

BRENDA’S BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS BRING

YEAR-ROUND PLEASURE TO WETHERBY MEWS

‘In a garden centre or where I can buy container plants, I’m like an unsupervised child in a sweet shop!’

Longtime Mews resident, Brenda Tanis’, love of gardening has inspired her to transform Wetherby Mews into an urban garden oasis. Starting with the frontage of her own corner mews house over 20 years ago, Brenda has gradually taken on the stewardship of her neighbours’ homes. Today, the mews boasts a flourishing display of pots, plants, climbers and small trees, bringing joy throughout the seasons to residents, locals and tourists passing by. Brenda’s passion and endeavour, gratefully assisted in her preparations by Andrew George, was recognised this summer when Wetherby Mews was named runner-up in our annual Mews in Bloom competition.

Where and when did your love of gardening begin?

• From my American childhood it feels like gardening has been very important in my life. I’ve lived in this mews for 22 yearsrenting, then buying the property from our landlord. When we came here there was not a pot in sight!

Do you have any favourite plants that you use every year?

• Urban gardens suit using a variety of plants to create a long flowering season with blooms from early spring to late summer. Hydrangeas are my favourite in shades of pink, purple and blueevery year they produce blooms with such intense colours. The traditional blue mophead variety in front of my house is an absolute stunner - year after year people visit to photograph it.

What green-fingered tips can you share?

• Invest in a decent pair of garden secateurs and a hose with a good nozzle. Watering and feeding container plants is essential - in summer and during cooler months when the wind dries them out. Do consider the amount of direct sunlight

and manage pests. Some people treat pots as a rubbish bin; I had my nephews design polite signs to deter this! As Audrey Hepburn said, ‘If we begin by respecting plants, it’s inevitable we’ll respect people.’

Mews gardening is a long-term project requiring time and patience - with a bit of trial and error. Moving plants around and experimenting with perennials and plants that can withstand sub-zero temperatures. Camillias do well - being evergreen and hardy. Climbers like Clematis and scented Jasmine add height. Recently, I’ve had success with lilies, while olive trees, grasses and small shrubs add depth and volume. For autumn, I pop in some late annuals for colour and I tend not to prune back plants until the spring to provide winter protection.

Where

does your gardening inspiration come from and how does it benefit you?

• I’m always excited to discover new mews with a treasure trove of plants. I walk my dog and explore the streets to glean new ideas - Spear Mews, Stanhope Mews South and Colbeck Mews are all local to visit for inspiration. Also, Kensington Gardens is a must-visit, and the peaceful Brompton Cemetery is a sleeping garden blessed with incredible planting; especially the early show of daffodils is wonderful. Gardening gives me a break from my city job and through gardening and watering, I’ve met many people and made new friends.

KERSLEY MEWS, SW11BATTERSEA’S RARE SURVIVOR SOUTH OF THE RIVER

By Martyn Brown, of Everchanging Mews

Located in the Borough of Wandsworth, Kersley Mews is one of the few surviving mews streets south of the Thames. Part of the Battersea Park Conservation Area, it is a small through-road of just 13 properties, with a road surface of traditional granite setts illuminated by heritage-style lamps. Today, it is entirely residential, but its origins tell a different story.

The Mews was laid out in 1879 by builder Thomas Pink of Holston, as part of a speculative development that included substantial houses along Albert Bridge Road, Foxmore Street, and Kersley Street. The

mews provided stabling, carriage storage, and accommodation for the servants of these larger houses. Architecturally, they were modest two-storey coach houses in plain stock brick with pitched roofs, carriage doors at ground level, and haylofts above.

Unlike the ornate red-brick street frontages of the surrounding houses, these working buildings were functional, reflecting their purely service role.

Pink, who had successfully built houses on the prestigious Cadogan Estate in Chelsea, struggled to attract tenants to Battersea. Within a few years, the development was

transferred to Edward William Hudson, an architect and developer, and to solicitor John Troy. Hudson sought to cut costs by replacing the proposed stock-brick façades with red-brick dressings, but the Commissioners refused. He proceeded regardless, employing architect George F. Sharp to design the coach houses on the south side of the Mews and houses on Cambridge Road.

When Charles Booth’s Poverty Map was compiled in the 1890s, Kersley Mews lay in an area classified as having a mix of ‘comfortable’ and ‘poor’ householdsfar from the uniform affluence of today’s London mews.

At the time, the street would have been alive with the sounds and smells of working stables, with coachmen and grooms living above their charges. The decline of horse-drawn transport in the early 20th century brought

gradual change. By the post-war years, most of the buildings had been converted for residential use. Since 2003, planning applications have included many roof extensions, internal alterations and some rebuilding. Despite modernisation, much original character survives - several garages retain carriage-door proportions, and original sash windows can still be spotted.

Kersley Mews today is a peaceful residential enclave within walking distance of Battersea Park and the Thames. The east entrance from Kersley Street is marked by painted brick façades and coach lamps; the west end opens onto a quieter service lane behind Cambridge Road. The surrounding conservation area has helped protect its scale and character.

As one of the only mews in Battersea to have survived redevelopment, Kersley Mews is a rare reminder of the Victorian servant infrastructure that once supported London’s grander homes. Where horses once stood and carriages rattled over granite setts, there are now potted plants, bicycles, and parked cars. Yet the street’s proportions, fabric, and atmosphere still speak of its working past - making it both a sought-after address and a tangible link to the city’s layered history.

Such is life in the everchanging Mews.

FURTHER ADVICE ABOUT LONDON MEWS

Martyn John Brown

MRICS, MCIOB, MNAEA, MARLA, MISVA of Everchanging Mews www.everchangingmews.com and the London Mews Forum www.londonmewsforum.com wrote this article.

Martyn provides professional surveying advice – for surveys, valuations, and Party Wall matters, contact info@everchangingmews.com or call Martyn on 0207 419 5033.

PRINCE OF WALES

INSIDE THE MEWS WHERE BRIDES-TO-BE FIND

THEIR DREAM DRESS

When Evelie’s co-founder, Caroline Black, came up with the concept of a modern wedding dress boutique, the magical mews location fitted perfectly.

Evelie was founded in 2021 as a family business by Caroline Black and husband Simone. Shaped by Caroline’s sales background, the couple’s intention was to create a fresh bridal shopping experience, curated for a seamless customer experience; putting each bride at the heart of everything they do. Their first studio was at Chippenham Mews in Maida Vale, followed by Reece Mews in South Kensington. They love the Mews’ quirkiness and community spirit with an annual summer street party at Chippenham Mews and having two vintage car dealers as neighbours in Reece Mews - adding extra character and style to the mews.

We spoke to Caroline to learn more about Evelie and the inspiration behind choosing mews streets for their boutiques.

Why did you decide on a mews location for Evelie?

• I’ve always loved the quiet charm of London’s mews streets - hidden havens away from the city bustle, yet still central and accessible. Both Chippenham Mews and Reece Mews feel discreet and intimate, reflecting the personal bridal experience we offer. It’s the perfect backdrop for how we connect with our customers: private, calm, and individual. Brides often comment on the serene surroundings, so different from the usual busy high street. It really evokes the sense of an individual journey we take each bride on.

Does each boutique offer something different?

• We have designed four distinct bridal studios, and the entire Evelie collection is thoughtfully divided across two beautiful locations. Our handpicked curated selection of different designers is suited to various tastes and budgets, but our personalised service is always the same. In Maida Vale, the lofty, light first-floor studio accommodates a bride and up to four guests, while its intimate ground-floor studio is ideal for a bride and up to two guests. This location features exquisite dresses from designers such as Adore, Sincerity, Lillian West, and Justin Alexander and gowns are priced from approximately £1,000 to £1,700. In South Kensington, our 400 sq.ft. ground-floor and lower-groundfloor studios provide a relaxing space to welcome up to four guests. Here, you’ll find stunning gowns from renowned designers such as Justin Alexander Signature, Aire Barcelona, Mikaella, and Paloma Blanca. Prices range from £1,600 to £3,000.

Tell us about your collections?

• From clean, minimalist crepe gowns and romantic lace to dramatic overskirts, classic, elegant silhouettes never date. While there are always seasonal trends, with basque waists and veils particularly popular right now, our ‘inspiration’ comes through curation rather than design. Each season, we seek both timeless and modern dresses: styles a bride will still love in 20 years, but with details that feel fresh and current.

Data analytics help us understand what brides are drawn to during appointments, allowing us to refine our collections and create a truly tailor-made experience. It’s often the little touches that make a dress deeply meaningful, from brides incorporating lace from their mother’s gown to having initials or wedding dates embroidered into the lining. Our seamstresses love bringing those personal stories to life, ensuring every bride’s journey feels uniquely unforgettable.

Best advice to a bride?

• Keep an open mind. Sometimes the dress you least expect is the one that makes you feel most like yourself.

LUROT BRAND’S

Mewsflash 2025 Announcements

Reinstatement works have now commenced at our Sussex Place premises. We look forward to welcoming back our local clientele there in the early New Year.

As we move through the latter part of the year, our sales team continues to achieve exceptional results across London’s most desirable addresses. Recent highlights include the sale of a remarkable mews residence in Princes Gate Mews - previously on the market for several years with other agents - and the highest agreed sale of the year in Hyde Park Gardens Mews. We also attracted multiple competing bids on a distinguished project in SW7, underlining the enduring demand for prime mews homes.

Our lettings department has also maintained impressive momentum, completing several off-market rentals in prestigious mews such as Shillibeer Place and Connaught Close. For a confidential discussion about our bespoke off-market service, please contact lettings@lurotbrand.co.uk

Our ongoing feature, #TheMewsEdit, offers an insider’s view into standout mews developments, following each project from concept to completion. This quarter, we’re spotlighting Russell Gardens Mews, currently available off-plan. Learn more about this exceptional development on page 10.

We’ve been curating a series of comprehensive area guides to accompany our highlight videos, each designed to celebrate the distinct character and hidden gems of London’s most popular postcodes. Visit The Blog on our website to discover how you can explore these charming neighbourhoods.

Our renowned Mews Directory continues to expand, with refreshed photography and updated content documenting every mews across London. It remains the most comprehensive resource of its kind. Take a look at the Directory on our website to explore and rediscover your favourite mews.

Calling all mews enthusiasts

Over the years, we’ve heard numerous heartwarming stories from residents in the mews that we’d love to share with the community.

If you have a story or an event related to the mews that you’d like to contribute, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us with your mews news!

marketing@lurotbrand.co.uk 020 7590 2528

CATTO GALLERY

Just a short walk up Heath Street, the Catto Gallery established in 1986, showcases contemporary pieces from established artists and rising stars. It’s the perfect place to browse for something unusual, assisted by the welcoming staff, who are knowledgeable and helpful. The displays change regularly which means you never know what you’re going to stumble upon. Perfect if you’re looking for a unique work of art for your Mews house.

www.cattogallery.co.uk

FODDER

Also in Heath Street, this independent lifestyle store champions craftsmanship, sustainability and everlasting design. The store sells curated contemporary handmade homewares, ceramics, original prints, unique textiles and gifts sourced direct from UK makers. These are items chosen for functionality, design and to elevate the everyday, alongside timeless design classics from sustainable global brands.

www.shopfodder.com

Photo © Catto Gallery

Photo © Fodder - Shopfodder.com

Photo © Ginger & White

For locals and visitors alike, Hampstead is perfect for a day out. Wander its High Street and charming side streets, past quaint churches and brightly painted doors, and discover Hampstead’s intrinsic charm, from Flask Walk to Hampstead Heath. Explore its museums, visit John Keats’ Regency villa, or pause at the exquisite Hill Garden & Pergola. Below, we showcase a few more of our favourite spots.

5. 4.

Tucked away on the charming side street of Flask Walk, close to the tube, you’ll find this charming florist, known for its friendly staff and exquisite floral arrangements. They offer stand-out customer service and knowledge of all things blooming. The perfect place to pick up flowers, not just for everyday beauty but special occasions too. www.sayehgaltonflowers.com 3.

GINGER & WHITE

Located in Perrins Court, Ginger & White is a British cafe in Hampstead celebrating the simple, joyful things in life – made from scratch daily – think dippy eggs, toasties, artisan coffee, banana chocolate chip cakes, turkey bacon and homemade chunky peanut butter. www.gingerandwhite.com

KENWOOD HOUSE

An English Heritage house, built in the 17th century, it served as the residence of the Earls of Mansfield in the 18th and 19th centuries. Kenwood House’s Robert Adam interiors feature paintings by Vermeer, Turner, Rembrandt, and other famous artists. It also offers a lovely cafe with lots of outdoor seating. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ visit/places/kenwood

SAYEH & GALTON FLOWERS

Photo © English Heritage

A TASTE OF AUTUMN: BLACKBERRY

& APPLE STREUSEL

A delicious, seasonal cake full of autumn flavours, featuring blackberries & apples - perfect for cosy autumn days.

CAKE

This recipe comes courtesy of Julia Arwas, our Business Support Manager.

Nothing says autumn quite like blackberry picking. This streusel cake is a firm favourite in our household, and I hope it quickly becomes one of yours too. We’re lucky enough to handpick both the blackberries and apples from our garden, and the cake is the perfect ending to a crisp autumn day, perhaps after a walk through the woods.

Serve it on its own or with cream, ice cream or custard – either way, it’s delicious!

INGREDIENTS

For the topping

• 125g plain flour

• 60g flaked almonds

• 60g caster sugar

• 125g cold butter

For the cake

• 115g unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 100g caster sugar

• 50g soft light brown sugar

• 2 large free-range eggs

• 150g self-raising flour

• ½ tsp baking powder

• 100g ground almonds

• 60ml semi-skimmed milk

• 150g blackberries

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Any type of baking apples of your choice (I tend to use three Bramley apples, peeled, cored, cut into quarters, then chopped into smaller pieces, with a drizzle of lemon juice to stop browning)

METHOD

Step 1 Prepare the oven and tin: Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/Gas 4 and line a springform tin.

Step 2 Make the topping: Use your fingertips to rub together all the topping ingredients until the mixture resembles chunky breadcrumbs. Pop it into the fridge until ready to assemble the cake.

Step 3 Make the cake mixture: Cream together the butter and sugars until pale and fluffy. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, until fully combined.

Step 4 Add the dry ingredients: Combine the self-raising flour, ground almonds and baking powder, then fold into the batter until just combined.

Step 5 Add the milk: Mix the vanilla extract with the milk and fold gently into the cake batter. Be careful not to overwork it.

Step 6 Fold in the apples: Gently fold in the apple chunks until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7 Assemble the cake: Spoon the batter into the lined cake tin and spread it evenly. Scatter the blackberries on top and lightly press them into the batter. Finally, cover evenly with the crumble mixture.

Step 8 Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

Step 9 Enjoy!

CORNWALL MEWS SOUTH BUY TO LET

A discreet off-market mews sale & a swift letting in South Kensington.

Cornwall Mews South has long been one of South Kensington’s most attractive addresses, known for its cobbled charm, elegant façades and the lifestyle that comes with living in a London mews. Recently, Cameron Power concluded the off-market sale of a freehold house in the street, with the property let almost immediately after completion. The story highlights not only the strength of demand for quality mews homes but also the unique lifestyle appeal that continues to draw tenants and buyers to this part of the capital.

SELLING CORNWALL MEWS SOUTH

Cornwall Mews South was sold discreetly, off market to a private investor who had previously acquired another buy-to-let property through us. The transaction was handled with precision and efficiency, with the buyer securing a well-placed freehold property in one of South Kensington’s most desirable cobbled enclaves.

What makes this story noteworthy is the speed and competitiveness of the letting that followed. Frankie Dickens let the house on completion having already lined up viewings to take place that very day.

Multiple applicants were prepared to make offers, highlighting the depth of demand for mews properties in central London.

WHO WERE THE TENANTS?

The successful tenants were a professional couple relocating from outside of London. Frustrated by the lengthy commute into London, they were determined to find a central home with character. While open to different property styles, it quickly became clear that mews living offered something unique: privacy, charm and the sense of belonging to a tucked-away community. Importantly, the property also provided space for their dog, a non-negotiable factor in their move.

THE CONTINUING APPEAL OF MEWS LIVING

This case study underlines why mews properties consistently outperform the market when it comes to attracting quality tenants. Unlike standard flats, mews houses offer front doors onto quiet cobbled streets, a village-like ambience in Prime Central London with excellent transport connections nearby

and a friendly mews community, where neighbours look out for one another. Cornwall Mews South, located just moments from Gloucester Road and South Kensington, is a prime example. Residents benefit from world-class amenities on their doorstep - from restaurants and cafés to cultural institutions and transport links - yet enjoy the tranquillity of a street that feels a world away from the bustle.

IN SUMMARY

The off-market sale and rapid letting of Cornwall Mews South demonstrate the enduring strength of demand for prime London mews houses. Whether for investors seeking reliable returns, or tenants drawn to lifestyle and character, Cornwall Mews South epitomises the appeal of this unique property type.