KENSINGTON COURTW8

KENSINGTON COURTThe Kensington Court Conservation Area carries the sought after W8 postcode and is situated just opposite of Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens. The impressive development boasts a series of exquisite red brick mansion blocks each showcasing an array of outstanding architectural ingenuity. With its intricate design and prime location, Kensington Court remains a distinct community in the heart of the Royal Borough.

HISTORy AND ORIGINS

The story of Kensington Court began when the Victorian politician named Baron Albert Grant yearned for the greatest house in London. In order to achieve this dream, he bought and demolished two manor houses, and bought out a large slum to make way for his extravagant plans. Eventually, he built a one hundred room mansion house on the site. In 1882, the Baron moved on and his mansion was destroyed to allow room for a new residential development. Jonathan Carr, the speculator who developed the country’s fi rst garden suburb, Bedford Park in Chiswick, saw the newly-cleared site as an opportunity to build a community for London’s growing middle class.

Carr hired the coveted J.J. Stevenson as his architect who was responsible for many churches and famous buildings around the Royal Borough. Once he had drawn up an overall scheme for the estate, the name Kensington Court was soon acquired. Construction began in 1883 and was completed in 1886.

Over the next 20 years, the rest of Kensington Court’s buildings were completed by other developers with their own architects, the last being Cornwall Mansions in 1905. Most of the new buildings were constructed as fl ats, a style of living that became increasingly fashionable in London despite originally being associated with the poor. As a result many mansion blocks continued to be built around the Royal Borough to accommodate this demand for new modern urban living.

CENTRAL LOCATION, VILLAGE FEEL

Kensington Court consists of various mansion blocks; Kensington Court Mansions, Roxburghe Mansions, Durward House,

Cornwall Mansions and Kensington House. The development resembles the famous Cadogan Square in Chelsea which J.J Stevenson was also heavily involved in. Each portered block demonstrates an impressive interpretation of the Queen Anne Style and although different in appearance, they are united by their red brickwork, ornate porches and entrances, and their Vienna style balconies with wrought iron railings.

A charming cobbled walkway leads from Kensington High Street to the area marked with a lovely selection of al fresco restaurants and cafes. Despite its central location, the murmour of Kensington High Street and the echoes of the city centre seem worlds away and residents here can enjoy an especially relaxed and discreet atmosphere in the very heart of West London.

Thackeray Street, leading out of the development, encompasses a notably Parisian feel with a variety of boutique art galleries, hair salons, restaurants and bakeries. It is an attractive option for those wishing to escape city life and explore a less mainstream side to Kensington.

Kensington Court is also home to a number of embassies and high commissions. They provide local, national and worldwide information on their services to all commercial, industrial and tourist orientated activities. As Kensington Court is such a diverse community, the embassies aim to assist their compatriots and offer them the local representation of their homeland.

RESIDENT ADVANTAGE

Kensington Court boasts a Residents Association of the highest sort representing the interests of the people living in the area. In 2011 the Residents Association won a Gold Standard Award from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea for their achievements.

The Association consists of around two hundred and twenty members and a committee of ten. Joining forces with two neighbouring Residents Associations, Victoria Road and Kensington Square, the Kensington Court Residents Association aims to not only protect the area and maintain its unique village feel, but to also enhance the quality of life of the people who reside here. The committee has established relationships with local restaurants and businesses allowing

residents to enjoy generous discounts and arrange social events throughout the year including the annual street party which takes place on Thackeray Street every summer.

The Kensington Court Conservation Area is a vibrant and diverse mixture of fi ne Victorian residential properties and businesses, with Thackeray Street at the heart of its community. The Council and the Residents Association seek to protect this balance and encourage residents to adhere to the guidelines set out in the Council’s Proposal Statement when carrying out routine maintenance, repairs, or undertaking new building works.

Although the Residents Association does not have the power to grant or deny planning permission, it keeps a watchful eye on the applications and the construction problems they bring with them. Their aim is to keep noise, dirt, congestion and unsightly skips to a minimum.

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS

Kensington is best known for its Royal neighbours. Kensington Palace is situated opposite Kensington Court within the beautiful Kensington Gardens, originally part of Hyde Park. William III and Mary II bought the Jacobean mansion, originally known as Nottingham House, for their London home in 1689. Until the death of George II in 1760, it was the favourite dwelling of successive sovereigns.

Today the Palace is the offi cial residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, fondly known as William and Kate and their new addition, Prince George. The State Rooms are open to the public where visitors can see the sites and learn the history. The Orangery, a palatial building set in the heart of Kensington Gardens, is a favourite amongst visitors looking for an indulgent afternoon tea or an elegant lunch. It can also be hired for events.

The title ‘Royal’ in the ‘Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’, is not only due to the Queen’s personal association with Kensington, but also the stone and stucco houses, churches, museums and other public buildings which arose during her reign and in fact still survive today.

Some of these Kensington buildings may be amongst the grandest architectural monuments of the time with a vividness and

strength unequalled anywhere else in the capital.

KENSINGTON: WEST LONDON’S EPICENTRE

Kensington High Street is one of West London’s most popular shopping streets, with upmarket shops and cafes serving a wealthy community. The area is well connected for public transport with tube stations on the High Street, Notting Hill, Gloucester Road and Earls Court. The surrounding neighbourhoods of Chelsea, Notting Hill and Knightsbridge all offer a range of high class shopping and dining experiences along with famous London bars and clubs.The largely popular Whole Foods, an American health supermarket chain, opened its fi rst UK organic superstore on the High Street in 2007. It occupies the former premises of the classic and much loved department store Barkers, but has swiftly become an attraction of the area with its wide range of quality health foods such as regional cheeses, freshly prepared fi sh and handmade chocolates.

Offering culture and entertainment to the area, the Royal Albert Hall, facing onto Hyde Park, is a Grade I Listed multipurpose building hosting not only music concerts, but exhibitions, public meetings, scientifi c conversations and award ceremonies. It is a famous landmark attracting both visitors and locals alike. It forms the practical part of a national memorial to Prince Albert, the decorative part is the Albert Memorial, which can be found opposite in Kensington Gardens.

The area is home to many outstanding schools including St Mary Abbotts Primary School, Ashbourne Independent School and Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle. Excellent healthcare establishments are also within close vicinity such as Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, The Royal Brompton Hospital and Cromwell Hospital.

THE ROyAL PARKS

Renowned for its green spaces, Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park are major draws to this part of West London. With a combined area larger than Monaco over 750,000 children enjoy and explore these parks each year letting their imaginations

soar in these magical, wide open spaces.

Hyde Park covers 350 acres and is home to a number of famous landmarks including the Serpentine Lake and the Speakers’ Corner. The park also offers various recreational activities including open water swimming, boating, cycling, tennis and horse riding. Kensington Gardens, originally part of Hyde Park, is home to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain and playground, along with magnifi cent trees, ornamental fl ower beds and the famous Round Pond. Many people fl ock to the area to relax in the magnifi cent gardens and to explore Kensington Palace.

NOW’S THE TIME...

Kensington Court is a prime London address, centrally located amidst London’s most famous landmarks. The area has experienced a rapid price growth over the last few years with demand at an all time high. Those looking to sell or let their homes can expect to benefi t greatly from the especially high prices, often exceeding the original asking price. If you are thinking of selling or letting your home, or simply would like some free, honest advice, do not hesitate to get in touch with our experienced team at our Kensington offi ce on Hornton Street. Feel free to drop in or call 020 7795 4288 for more information.

With special thanks to the Kensington Court Residents Association for all their input and help with the creation of this area guide.

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NURSERIES & SCHOOLSLittle Cherubs Nursery School0207 348 7365

Holland Park Pre-prep School and Day Nursery020 7602 9066

Primary SchoolsSt. Barnabus and St Philips School020 7937 9599

Fox Primary School020 7727 7637 St. Mary Abbots Primary School020 7937 0740 Norland Place School020 7603 9103

Glendower Preparatory School020 7370 1927 Senior Schools Lycee Français Charles de Gaulle020 7584 6322

Ashbourne Independent School020 7937 3858 The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial RC School020 7603 8478

MEDICALCromwell Hospital020 7460 5700

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital020 8746 8000

Royal Brompton Hospital020 7352 8121

Kensington Place Surgery020 7229 7111 Kensington Dental Practice020 7937 9097

LIBRARIESKensington Central Library020 7361 3010

Notting Hill Gate Library020 7361 3010 GYM AND SPORTSVirgin Active Kensington020 7761 0000

Equinox020 7666 6000 CINEMASOdeon0333 006 7777

The Gate Cinema0871 902 5731 Coronet Cinema020 7727 6705

ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA PLANNING AND CONSERVATION020 7361 3012

POLICE AND FIRE SAFETYKensington Police Station72 Earls Court RoadW8 6EQTel- 101

Kensington Fire Station13 Old Court,Kensington High Street,W8 4PLTel- 020 8555 1200

Misrepresentation Act 1967. This brochure and the descriptions and measurements herein do not constitute representation and whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this cannot be guaranteed.

020 7795 428810 Hornton Street London W8 4NWwww.bective.co.ukkensington@bective.co.uk

Bective Leslie Marsh Established in 1881, Bective Leslie Marsh has an excellent reputation for selling and letting quality property in Central London. The Kensington Office is situated on Hornton Street, a stone’s throw from Holland Park and just a few yards from Kensington High Street. Bective Leslie Marsh are proud to have handled many successful sales and lets within Kensington Court achieving some of the highest prices in the market place for our clients. If you would like an up to date valuation of your property, please do not hesitate to contact us as we would be delighted to carry out a free, comprehensive valuation and market appraisal.

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