Barkston Gardens, London, SW5

The Barkston Residence, Kensington

Grand and most spectacular 6-bedroom mansion apartment, backing directly onto private communal gardens. Set within a handsome, portered Victorian corner building, facing and with access to the Narnia of Barkson Gardens, this is a truly special home.

Lived in and adored by the current family for many years, this is your chance to acquire one of the largest lateral living spaces in Kensington and Chelsea. Originally divided into two flats (and still currently registered as two also) this is an abundantly flexible living arena which can be tailored to any growing family’s needs.

The chess tiled entrance hall, currently used as a delicious dining room, is truly breathtaking and has hosted many a party in its day: not least with former illustrious owners Commander David Hankinson and his wife Lavinia Lascelles, daughter of Sir Alan Lascelles, private secretary to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.

Off set from here are both a big bay windowed reception and a ‘countryside’ kitchen which is ultra charming. The made to measure- granite counter top stone in one piece (no seam) is a particular feature. The current principal bedroom could easily be converted into an alternative drawing room / dining room/ playroom with its’ grandeur and proportions so alluring.

Five further double bedrooms follow each other off the hallway: four of which directly face an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ tiered garden, which is an ideal safe haven for children and give a quiet green vista to enjoy, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of South Kensington. Its wide variety of flora and fauna have been cultivated by the current owners for you to benefit from in the future. From Japanese maples to Camellias to Azalia and Olive trees, it’s no wonder these rooms adjacent have been used as Artists’ Studios for over 60 years, with so much natural light billowing in to their large sash windows. The eastern wing of the apartment can be converted in several ways to create a separated annex with it’s own amenities perfect for a live in nanny, older family member or late teenager too. With the ability to be accessed via Laverton Mews, as well as the front of the building, an entirely detached studio space can easily be created or indeed a full two-bedroom apartment: as it once was. Three bathrooms boast Carrara Marble tiles throughout.

There are so many more fun features to promote like the solid oak parquet flooring, 3 roaring fireplaces (including a wood burner in the Artist’s studio) and the secret safe and painting…but we’ll talk about all of these when you come to see the apartment in person.

Totally rare and unique to the market, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to hit the jackpot and buy a 250 sq m home, in Barkston’s admired safe and secure community.

• Tenure: Share of Freehold: 955 years on both leases
• Ground Rent: n/a
• Service Charge: £8,405 per annum
• EPC Rating: C
• Council Tax Band: H
• Local Authority: Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
• Total Sq Ft: 2,655 sq ft

Lease details, service charges, ground rent (where applicable) and council tax are given as a guide only and should be checked and confirmed by your Solicitor prior to exchange of contracts.

tlc Estate Agents are a NAEA & RICS registered agent with Client Money Protection and Members of The Property Ombudsman.