Kensington Park Gardens, London, W11

An oasis of calm in the heart of Notting Hill. Set on broad and peaceful Kensington Park Gardens, one of the neighbourhood’s most sought-after residential streets, this apartment enjoys privileged access to two of the area’s best communal gardens – Stanley Gardens and Ladbroke Square Gardens.

Occupying the lower-ground floor of an elegant Grade II-listed townhouse, the apartment is approached via a leafy private courtyard. From the principal bedroom, a romantic cast-iron spiral staircase leads directly to Stanley Gardens, where beautifully maintained lawns, ornamental planting and mature trees that provide welcome shade create an ideal spot to relax.

Full of character, the apartment stays naturally cool, even during summer heatwaves, with no need for air conditioning. Come winter, it’s warm and inviting. The bright reception room features an original fireplace framed by built-in shelving, with alcoves on either side providing space for a desk and television.

Next door, a kitchen topped with river marble is equipped with an integrated dishwasher, Smeg range cooker and retro-style fridge-freezer. Beneath a softly illuminated gold-leaf ceiling, the dining area seats up to eight.

Mural artist Flora Roberts continues the burnished theme with playful hand-painted floors in both the main bathroom and separate cloakroom. The former also features a bathtub and walk-in shower. The principal bedroom, with built-in wardrobes, is pin-drop quiet, cocooned by fully lined blackout curtains and a new Naturalmat bed and mattress. A second bedroom offers flexibility as a guest room or home office.

Two storage vaults in the private courtyard belong to the apartment, one housing the washer-dryer and offering additional space for outdoor storage. Access to Ladbroke Square Gardens, just across the street, with its tennis courts and playground, is also available by separate arrangement.

Location
Moments from the bustle of Portobello Road, Kensington Park Gardens offers a quieter perspective on Notting Hill living, with the boutiques of Westbourne Grove and some of the neighbourhood’s best addresses close by. Mornings might begin with a Pilates class at BodyWorksWest, followed by a wander through the market and a stop at Notting Hill Fish + Meat Shop for groceries. An exceptional dining scene comes into its own after dark: neighbourhood favourites Dorian, Gold, Straker’s and Fat Badger sit alongside Michelin-starred destinations Core by Clare Smyth and The Ledbury.

Notting Hill Gate - 9 mins