In the thick of it: Homes for sale in central London
Each corner of the capital has its own appeal, but those seeking quintessential luxury make a beeline for prime central London – or PCL, as it’s known in the business
It’s often said that each of London’s neighbourhoods is like its own little city; you’re going to get a vastly different experience living in Brixton versus Belgravia, for example. If you’re a homebuyer with liberal sensibilities and a penchant for Georgian townhouses, you might be drawn to north London. If you’re a card-carrying member of the cult of the Sloane Ranger, then you’ll feel most at home in the environs of the south west.
If you’re a traditionalist, however, who considers Savile Row, Claridge’s and Burlington Arcade your natural habitat, it’s likely that only central London will do. The City of Westminster (which contains areas including Belgravia, Marylebone and Pimlico) is the second most expensive borough in the capital after Kensington and Chelsea (hold tight for south and west London property round-ups). It differs slightly depending on how you measure it, but Mayfair and Knightsbridge generally vie for the title of priciest area. And why settle for anything less than the best?
So, if your criteria for a new home reads ‘posh’ and price is no object (of course, you get more bang for your buck when you’re not paying ‘golden triangle’ premiums), read on for our round-up of fantastic central London properties currently on the market.
Ranelagh Cottages, SW1W
The sequestered, secluded nature of this property is a rare find in Belgravia, whose streets are tightly packed with terraced stucco townhouses. Not only does this home enjoy a sizeable private garden, but also has the breathing room to extend; the current owner has received a favourable pre-planning application from the local authority to do so. So, if three-bedrooms isn’t enough, consider adding an extension at ground level and/or creating an extra basement level.
£4,950,000, knightfrank.com
Albion Street, W2
This quintessentially British townhouse brims with character, offering five bedrooms, a west-facing patio, and charming entertaining and drawing rooms, as well as a kitchen/breakfast room and formal dining space. It’s located at one of Connaught Village's most sought-after addresses, consisting of picturesque period houses and mews cul-de-sacs.
£4,500,000, bhhslondonproperties.com
Shepherd Street, W1J
This split-level maisonette boasts a south-facing 30 foot rooftop terrace and a position in the heart of Mayfair, just a stone’s throw from Shepherd's Market and the expansive greenery of Green and Hyde Parks. The first level houses a very well-lit reception area, while the kitchen features marble countertops, custom wood cabinets, and distinctive panelled walls. The master bedroom comes with a marble-clad en suite, and shares a floor with two additional bedrooms.
£4,750,000, carterjonas.co.uk
York Terrace West, NW1
Regent’s Park barriers central and north London, and this super-rare property occupies its southern border. Hence its rarity – only a handful of London homes can lay claim to direct views into the park. The property is also part of John Nash’s York Terrace West, a Regency-style, Grade I-listed terrace built in 1823, which is now the only private gated road in Regent's Park. The home boasts access to landscaped private gardens, 3,200 square foot-plus of internal space, and a grand central staircase void that we can’t get enough of.
£9,950,000, londonrealestateoffice.co.uk
Marylebone Square, W1U
This development boasts the extraordinary claim of being Marylebone’s only new build. By way of explanation, today, Marylebone is owned by two major estates, the Howard de Walden and Portman Estates; the land in the middle was unclaimed, until now. Marylebone Square says that it is ‘sensitively reimagining an empty urban space’ with a collection of 54 luxury apartments, including elegant penthouses and 25 affordable homes available for rent.
POA, marylebonesquare.com
Charles Street, W1J
This Mayfair home is not like the others. The three-bedroom duplex doesn’t employ any gaudy features in an attempt to match its surroundings, but remains tasteful and understated. The 3,270 square foot home is set around a courtyard, while interiors have been designed in a palette of creamy shades and pale wood. The living spaces are notable for their 3.4-metre ceilings, and a double-height staircase with a bespoke fitted bookcase serves as the apartment's centrepiece.
£11,500,000, sothebysrealty.com
Cheval Place, SW7
This stylish, minimalist home is located just off Brompton Road in the heart of Knightsbridge. Residing at the end of a terrace, it’s set over four storeys and spread across 2,170 sq ft of well-organised accommodation. There is a cinema/sitting room and a double bedroom on the lower ground floor, while the main reception/dining room is on the ground floor, with a separate dine-in kitchen. The first floor comprises two double bedrooms, and the second has an additional sitting room with access to a private west-facing roof terrace.
Guide price: £3,750,000, savills.com
St. Georges Drive, SW1V
This family home is coming to the market for the first time in 20 years, which is always a good sign – this is a home to be lived in and into which the previous owners have poured their heart and soul. The five-storey property is situated between Eccleston and Warwick Squares, and showcases period features such as the fireplace and ceiling cornices in the dining room, exceptionally high ceilings and large windows throughout, and a wood-panelled study with triple aspect windows. But the home has also been updated with modern touches, such as a contemporary kitchen, fully-equipped gym, and mezzanine floor.
Guide price: £6,450,000, savills.com
