The most beautiful period properties for sale in London
From red-brick Victorian townhouses to palatial regency-era mansions, these beautiful, unique homes only get better with age
While clean lines, Critall doors, cookie-cutter facades and neutral palettes are all the rage this decade, London is rich with characterful, charming period properties. Whether you’re looking for an Upstairs, Downstairs vibe that would be fitting for a modern-day Crawley, or just a one-of-a-kind property that has all the warmth, depth and integrity of a place with stories to tell, these period properties have extraordinary and authentic bones, which cannot be matched today. From Regent’s Park to Chelsea, Hackney to Notting Hill, here are some of the most special period properties for sale right now.
Saint Katharine’s Precinct, Regent’s Park, NW1
One of six glorious houses in the stunning Saint Katharine’s Precinct, this beautiful Regent’s Park, Grade II-listed home is the perfect example of Gothic Revival at its finest. Having been intelligently redesigned to suit modern living, the property is part of a rare and prestigious collection of houses grouped in a private enclave overlooking Regent’s Park. Originally built between 1826-1827 by the renowned architect Ambrose Poynter, a founding director of the Institute of British Architects and an associate of John Nash, Saint Katharine’s Precinct originally formed part of the grounds of the Royal Hospital of St Katharine, a foundation established by Queen Matilda in 1148.
Over the centuries, the remarkable four-bedroom, five-bathroom home has been home to senior clerics and members of the royal household, and benefits from a slew of period features. Glorious floor-to-ceiling windows fill the home with sunlight, while the incredible characterful beams make a grand impression throughout. Spanning 6,183 square feet across five floors, the flexible and spacious living accommodation, interconnecting reception rooms, a library, and a family room all offer plenty of entertaining space. The eat-in kitchen is airy and inviting, with direct access to the landscaped garden.
Listed for £13.75m, visit sothebysrealty.co.uk
Rossetti Garden Mansions, Chelsea, SW3
A magnificent, New York loft-style penthouse set within a period mansion block, this historic building, which was built in the late 19th century, pays homage to the pre-Raphaelite painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti. A gorgeous home that showcases two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two enchanting south-facing terraces, it also overlooks the idyllic tree-lined streets of Old Chelsea.
A striking red brick building, it is effortlessly sleek and captivatingly contemporary, having undergone an incredible architectural transformation. The fabulous main reception room benefits from a bespoke lunette window, a striking iron staircase that guides residents up to a generously sized bedroom, and a state-of-the-art shower room that adds a characterful twist. A focal fireplace, an exposed brick wall, and modern Critall door room dividers seamlessly blend old and new, highlighting the property’s old period charm together with modern interior flourishes.
Listed for £3m, visit maskells.com
Cornwall House at Cornwall Gardens, South Kensington, SW7
A first-floor apartment with three bedrooms and six balconies, the Grade II-listed Cornwall House at Cornwall Gardens is as intriguing as it is beautiful. Built by JT Smith as part of the larger Cornwall Gardens development between 1862 to 1879 and named in honour of the Prince of Wales's coming of age, it has always been a popular residential choice for many notable people including fashion designer Sir Hardy Amies and Dame Iris Murdoch.
Built in the Free French Renaissance architectural style, it features gault brick with elaborate stucco dressings. The communal gardens feature mature plane trees dating back to 1870 and are a prominent feature of the area. The home also benefits from stunning and intricate cornicing and archways, vast and impressive ceiling heights, and large, light-filled windows in every direction. Designed in a tasteful and contemporary palette, it blends modern and period with panache.
Listed for £5.75m, visit middletonadvisors.com
Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, SW10
A magnificent Grade II-listed Thameside home, famous for being the former residence of world-famous artist JMW Turner, the balustrade on the parapet of the house is said to have been placed there by Turner himself, where he used the roof as a place of vantage for his internationally acclaimed artistry. Made up of two combined freehold houses, Cheyne Walk comprises a collection of prestigious riverside residences named after William Cheyne, Viscount Newhaven who owned the manor of Chelsea until 1712.
While most of the houses along Cheyne Walk dating back to the early 18th century, the area is as rich in history as the house is in exquisite interior finishes. The most impressive room in the stunning eight-bedroom, five-bathroom home is a vaulted main reception room, which boasts ceiling heights of more than four metres, and leads on to an inviting patio garden with grass beyond. Arch windows, French doors, and ornate fireplaces add allure at every corner.
Listed for £9m, visit carterjonas.co.uk
Drayton Gardens, Chelsea, SW10
A glorious three double bedroom apartment, set on the first floor of one of the most sought-after buildings in Drayton Gardens, this property has been meticulously restored by its current owners, and blends timeless elegance with refined modern finishes. Retaining a slew of intricate period features throughout – including fantastic high ceilings, intricate architectural detailing, arched doors, and fireplaces in most rooms – the wealth of detail has been carefully preserved and enhanced to reflect the home’s heritage.
Opening into a grand entrance hall that leads to two stunning reception rooms, the impressive room is illuminated by five elegant French windows that open onto an enticing balcony. The three generously proportioned bedrooms offer a quiet and private place to switch off, while the principal bedroom boasts a dressing room and a beautifully appointed ensuite bathroom.
Listed for £4.85m, visit struttandparker.com
Well Street, Hackney, E9
An incredible three-bedroom maisonette, this gorgeous home spans three beautifully presented floors, its soaring ceilings, original cornicing, and elegant fireplace creating a striking and charming space. Large dual-aspect sash windows flood the main reception room with natural light, offering both character and space aplenty, with the generous proportions making it ideal for both everyday living and entertaining.
Upstairs, three well-appointed bedrooms are located on the top floor. The principal bedroom is light, bright, airy and spacious, benefitting from built-in wardrobes and a large sash window, while the second bedroom is equally light filled, with the third being ideal as a home office or nursery. A large landing area enhances the feeling of openness, space and flow. Accessed via a private front entrance and welcoming hallway, this remarkable Hackney home combines period charm with modern living, creating an inviting space ready to enjoy.
Listed for £1m, visit knightfrank.co.uk
Creswell Place, Chelsea, SW10
Exuding enduring quality and appeal, this wide, low-built house is positioned on the borders of Chelsea and South Kensington and has been recently transformed by the current owner. The spacious panelled entrance hall paves the way for the beautiful balance of colours, patterns and textures throughout the property, while large double doors from the hall lead to a spacious drawing room. Extending to just under 24 feet in width, the marble fireplace gives old-school grandeur, while the dining room, also entered through large double doors from the entrance hall, features an antique mirrored wall which adds depth and character.
The kitchen has been designed around a large island extending to almost four metres, finished in a Silestone worktop supplied by 202 Design. Upstairs, the first and second floors are occupied by four double bedrooms, all with luxurious ensuite bathrooms, bespoke joinery and soothing palettes, while feature fireplaces from Chesney's are peppered throughout. A wide terrace at the rear of the house provides the perfect outdoor setting for a quiet cuppa or social gathering.
Listed for £7.95m, visit struttandparker.com
Chevening Road, Queen’s Park, NW6
A great five-bedroom Victorian house with handsome period features, it has been thoroughly revamped with state-of-the-art technology, smart interior design and a landscaped tiered garden. Unfolding across four floors, the property was built in 1900 and is a typical example of late-Victorian architectural style and proportioning. The attractive exterior heralds many Gothic revivalist features – think red brickwork, ornate column capitals, portico entranceway and pitched roof with decorative trim – while inside, the character and charm continues.
The front door opens into a light and inviting entrance hallway, leading into a spacious double reception room, featuring original ceiling roses, immaculate wainscoting and two working fireplaces – complete with engraved stone surrounds and coloured tiling. At one end, a bay window bathes the space in natural light while French windows open onto a Juliet balcony at the other side. An expansive open-plan kitchen, dining room and orangery has been designed with expert precision by the current chef owner.
Listed for £4m, visit domusnova.com
Aldridge Road Villas, Notting Hill, W11
Oozing period prestige as well as cool and contemporary character, this fabulous five-bedroom house impresses at every turn. A palatial heritage townhouse, the dramatic room volumes span all five floors, while the private gardens to the front and back add a choice of outdoor space in one of London’s most coveted neighbourhoods. Upon entry, double doors give way to an open-plan living area, where soaring ceilings, intricate cornicing and original cast iron fireplaces leave vestiges of the home’s heritage.
Period grandeur meets contemporary character in the standout kitchen, where a repurposed chemistry bench serves as a quirky countertop, with a copper sink and aged brass accents adding thoughtful and curated accents. Glass doors lead to the gorgeous balcony which looks out over the landscaped garden below, which comes complete with a Koi Carp pond and a canopy of mature flora and fauna. On the first floor, two further reception rooms speak to the home’s versatility, while five impressive bedrooms are dispersed throughout, all with their own charming details.
Listed for £5.25m, visit domusnova.com
Chesterfield Street, Mayfair, W1J
Built around 1755, this elegant Mayfair mansion was originally the home of aristocrat Elizabeth Gordon, the 5th Duchess of Gordon, who served as a Mistress of the Robes to Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III. Spanning a whopping 3,409 square feet, the Grade II-listed, four-bedroom home boasts grand reception rooms worthy of a ball or two. Recently refurbished and oozing contemporary glamour, the attractive brick façade, stuccoed ground floor and tall sash windows give way to an interior design treasure trove within.
The two reception rooms, spacious family kitchen-breakfast room, and bedrooms each occupy their own private floor and have been immaculately restored with imposing high ceilings, amazing cornicing, hand-crafted fireplaces and large sash windows. Luxurious modern specifications include a designer kitchen and spa-style bathrooms, while above is a spacious roof terrace garden with rooftop views of Mayfair.
Listed for £10.95m, visit wetherell.co.uk
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