Holland Park, London W11

This one-bedroom, Grade II-listed apartment is on the first floor of a handsome Victorian villa in Holland Park. Spanning some 884 sq ft, the light-filled living spaces have been finished in a palette of restrained tones and with refined contemporary touches, as in the poured concrete kitchen. The greenery of Holland Park is minutes away, with Kensington Palace Gardens and the boutiques, galleries and museums that this part of west London is known for just beyond.

Setting the Scene

Arguably one of London’s finest addresses, Holland Park is distinguished by rows of identical, grand Victorian villas. Constructed c.1862, the architecture of the road is an astonishing example of high Victorian classicism: a riot of balustrading, Doric columns and decorative quoining is finished in a creamy, white stucco façade. Characterised by its grand symmetry, the house sits on a quiet, leafy road that backs onto the much-loved greenery of Holland Park, previously called Holland House. For more information, please see the History section below.

The Grand Tour

The entrance to the house is via a flight of Portland stone steps flanked by decorative ironwork. A communal hallway unfolds ahead, laid with original Minton tiles in traditional earthy reds, browns and creams, punctuated by pops of turquoise blue. The apartment is on the first floor and occupies the depth of the house, taking advantage of both morning and afternoon sunlight that streams through large bay windows.

An entrance hall with handy storage gives access to the main rooms. At the front of the plan is a large open-plan reception room and kitchen with high ceilings; tall windows overlook the stately plane trees of nearby Holland Park Avenue. Finished in a neutral palette of colours, the space has stripped original floorboards and wonderful Victorian cornicing. A contemporary poured concrete kitchen has been added by the current owner, creating a clean juxtaposition between old and new. Appliances are cleverly concealed behind sleek cabinetry, and glass shelving has been added for crockery and glassware.

Behind the kitchen is a large utility space and guest bathroom; with bespoke cherry wood cabinetry the room has expanses of built-in storage.

The bedroom is at the rear of the apartment and is finished in a dusty pink. Deep carpet runs underfoot and the expansive bay window allows light to flood the room of a morning. A duck egg blue-painted bathroom sits adjacent, with a traditional claw-foot, cast-iron bath, vanity and WC.

The Great Outdoors

A communal garden is accessible along the side of the house. A tranquil oasis, the space is shaded by well-established, with a lawn surrounded by beds of fragrant flowers.

Out and About

Holland Park is one of London’s most coveted neighbourhoods, awash with independent shops, cafés and restaurants. Weekends can be spent sampling delights from the butcher C. Lidgate or fishmonger The Fish Shop, perhaps with a trip to independent booksellers Daunt Books or local Soho House cinema The Electric thrown in for good measure. Portobello Market is close at hand, as well as a selection of delectable restaurants – Core by Clare Smyth and The Ledbury are both local (and Michelin) favourites – and bars such as Julie’s.

Kensington High Street is a short walk away, with more independent delis and cafés, as well as Green Valley Grocery and Whole Foods, alongside fashion, sporting and homeware boutiques.

Beautiful open green spaces could not be closer, with Holland Park and its calm Japanese-inspired Kyoto Gardens and roaming peacocks just minutes away. The wide expanse of Hyde Park and neighbouring Kensington Gardens is only slightly further away and a wonderful spot for weekend picnics and strolls.

Holland Park Underground Station (Central Line) is a short walk away, while the nearby Westway provides quick access to the A40 and surrounding motorways.

Tenure: Share of Freehold
Lease Length: Approx. 975 years remaining
Service Charge: Approx. £4,500 per annum
Ground Rent: £120 per annum
Council Tax Band: G