Fitzjames Avenue, London W14

This impressive three-bedroom, first-floor apartment lies within one of the coveted mansion blocks on Fitzjames Avenue in West Kensington. Quiet and tree-lined, the area is a short walk from the cultural and culinary institutions on and around Kensington High Street. This apartment's well-balanced plan stretches across 1,600 sq ft of accommodation, with grand 3.2m high ceilings and banks of tall ornate windows. Incredibly well-connected, Fitzjames Avenue is within 10 minutes of West Kensington, Kensington Olympia and Barons Court stations and in walking distance of some of west London's best schools.

Setting the Scene

Kensington had become a fashionable London neighbourhood by the early 20th century. The mansion flats of Fitzjames Avenue were created as an answer to a growing demand for the conveniences of urban life without sacrificing visual appeal.

This particular block was designed in the early 20th century by architect Delissa Joseph, known for his work on the London Underground network and as the husband of Lily Delissa Joseph, an artist and English Suffrage campaigner. Architecturally, it incorporates many of the hallmarks of late Edwardian style, including an elegant red-brick façade, bay windows and decorative stonework. A recent refurbishment has enhanced the character and finish of this particular apartment, creating a curated yet comfortable home.

The Grand Tour

Entry to the building is from Fitzjames Avenue, via a meticulously landscaped and maintained forecourt. The apartment is on the first floor of the building and can be accessed via a lift and stairs. Residents benefit from the rare convenience of a 24-hour porter.

The front door opens to a hallway with an attractive archway. Richly-toned parquet flooring spreads throughout the living spaces, which have also retained original cornicing, beading and skirting boards.

The airy open-plan reception space is enhanced by high ceilings that create a sense of well-proportioned scale, further amplified by the light that floods through the large windows. Encompassing living and dining zones, the space has walls finished in the neutral hue of 'Soba' by Paint and Paper Library.

The living room is orientated towards a fireplace and has large French doors with access to a balcony that overlooks the richly planted courtyard below. The dining room has space for a large table and has a beautiful curved bay window.

Across the hallway lies the kitchen, which has a heat-resistant granite countertop, gas hobs and and oven, white-tiled walls, and charming two-toned shaker-style cabinetry. A deep sink is positioned beneath the window, allowing natural light to flood in. The floors are finished with alternating black-and-white hexagonal tiles from Ca' Pietra.

Calm and secluded, the large principal suite is at the rear of the plan, with walls washed in the sultry 'Nether Red' from Little Greene. A spacious dressing area adjoins, as does an en suite shower room. There are two further bedrooms; one has double windows and generous storage space, while the other has a characterful fireplace.

The family bathroom, complete with a bathtub, is adjacent to the laundry room. The interconnecting hallway has been lined with bespoke bookshelves and has half-height beaded moulding that draws the eye upwards.

The Great Outdoors

A private balcony extends from the living room and has space for a table and chairs and potted plants.

The building’s formal landscaped forecourt is entered via a gate on the charming Fitzjames Avenue. An evergreen mix of mature trees and plants including japonica and yukka create a sophisticated and welcoming first impression.

There is an allocated car parking space to the rear.

Out and About

Fitzjames Avenue is conveniently situated in the heart of Kensington, a five-minute walk from the shops and eateries of Kensington High Street and Holland Park. Hyde Park and Kensington Palace can be reached within 30 minutes' walk.

There are numerous art galleries in the area, such as the V&A, the Serpentine and the Design Museum; the extraordinary architecture and collections at Sambourne House and Leighton House are also nearby and well worth a visit. Fine dining options nearby are impressive and include three-Michelin-starred The Ledbury and Core by Clare Smyth.

There are plenty of state-run and private schools nearby, including Kensington Academy Primary, Avonmore Primary, St James senior and prep schools, St Paul's, Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School, Sacred Heart School, and Godolphin and Latymer. Ecole Francaise Jacques Prevert is also nearby.

West Kensington (Circle and District lines), Kensington Olympia (District, Piccadilly, Circus, Central and Mildmay lines) and Barons Court (Piccadilly) stations are all within a 10-minute walk.  There is convenient access by car to A4, M4 and A40, with quick routes to Heathrow Airport, Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds. St Pancras International can be reached easily via the Piccadilly line.

Tenure: Share of Freehold
Lease Length: Approx. 988 years remaining
Service Charge: Approx. £9,000 per annum, including contribution to the maintenance and sinking fund
Ground Rent: None
Council Tax Band: F