Discover 5 of London’s Most Exclusive Neighbourhoods

Where is the best place to live in London?  In this article, I will be sharing my guide to London’s most exclusive and desirable neighbourhoods, including one you may not be so familiar with, which adds to it’s charm!  

South Kensington

When most international people name a London neighbourhood where they’d like to live, South Kensington usually tops the list.  

And what’s not to love?  Living here and you are in the centre of it all – world class museums, restaurants and shops along with gorgeous housing.  

For culture, you can’t be beat it as South Kensington is home to Exhibition Road which is home to some of the world’s most celebrated museums – the V&A, Science Museum, and Natural History Museums.  Nearby you have The Royal Albert Hall for world-class performances and concerts.  Also, you are on the southern edge of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, an extensive stretch of green space. 

From easy access to London’s finest dining whether its Michelin starred notables like Claude Bosi at Bibendum which is actually located in iconic Michelin House or local favourites like Noor Jahan, you will be spoiled for choice.  

The Institut Francais and Ciné Lumière offer the vibrant French community or just local Francophiles access to authentic French culture.  

For shopping, there are too many fantastic boutiques and shops to name so we will just highlight that world-renowned Harrods and Harvey Nichols are nearby in Knightsbridge (along with many other high-end shops along Old Brompton Road).  

South Kensington is also very well connected for transport with South Kensington and Gloucester Road stations nearby along with numerous bus routes.  

Housing in South Kensington

We’ve got this gorgeous 2 bedroom flat for sale on Queens Gate, which you can view here.   

Average house price is around £1.6M but can range vastly, up to over £10M.  

Housing style is dominated by huge white stucco mansions of which many have now been converted into flats, and are now Grade II listed.  There are also many iconic red brick houses here, the most beautiful of which are around Cadogan Square in nearby Chelsea. Some of the largest and most expensive homes in London are on Queensberry Place and Montpelier Square. 

Chelsea

Chelsea also comes to mind when you think of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods.  It offers a village vibe somehow marrying an aura of elegance along with wild partying notoriety.  

There are farmers markets to explore and high-end shopping and boutique stores centred around Sloane Square or strolling down King’s Road.  It’s got a vibrant art and design community with the Designers Guild and William Yeoward Furniture to name a few notable.  

Quintessential Chelsea is Bluebird Café, a favourite destination for drinking & dining.  Located right on King’s Road, it’s a perfect spot to people-watch or maybe be in close proximity to a celebrity from the café & courtyard.  

Housing in Chelsea

Terraced houses and detached mansions can be found in Chelsea along with flats in a few select mansion blocks.   Average house prices hover around £3.5M so you’ll need to have a bit of excess cash on hand.  But if you can afford it, what you’ll get is an incredible village with beautiful housing.

Chelsea is close to the Thames, with Chelsea Harbour being a destinatioin for new build apartments.  Across Chelsea Bridge Road or Albert Bridge Road, you are able to visit the stunning Battersea Park with its 200 acres of green space.  

Oh and of course, I must mention Chelsea Football Club which I have to say is the premier leagues most posh club!

Mayfair

Next up is Mayfair which may be London’s most desirable areas. It is the ultimate of elegance in the heart of London and all the buzz. 

You’ve got the famous streets of Bond Street and Savile Row along with Mount Street and North and South Audley. You have some of the world’s best shopping at your doorstep from Oxford Street to Regent Street to Bond Street, you have everything you need.  

The hottest new restaurants and bars are ever-present such as Scotts for seafood or Roka for Asian or Jean-Georges at the Connaught hotel, you won’t have a better meal in all of London. You also have some of London’s most exclusive private members clubs including Annabel’s, 5 Hertford Street, and The Arts Club gives access to the most privileged.   Speaking of private members clubs, if you want to find out more about London’s most exclusive and sought after clubs, make sure to check out this video.   

Housing in Mayfair

Mayfair often tops the charts as the world’s most expensive housing on a price per square footage basis.  Currently, it is hovering around £3,500 per square foot in close battle with Manhattan.  As a historic neighbourhood in the centre of the city, there are classic Victorian and Edwardian townhouses but are often priced privately.  There are converted flats and duplexes where you might not have great space, but you’ll have style and classic features. 

As an example of the type of homes to expect in Mayfair, this 3 bed / 3 bath duplex townhouse is on the market for £6M.

Marylebone

If Mayfair is central London living at its most upscale and elegant, well then Marylebone is central London living at its most understated and relaxed.  

Quietly tucked between the noise and bustle of Baker Street station and Marylebone Road to the north and Oxford Street to the south, this upscale neighbourhood has classic charm and character that is present throughout.  Its streets are full of mostly independent shops, upscale restaurants, chic cafes and eclectic delicatessens.  

Some of Marylebone’s most famous landmarks and architecture include Madame Tussauds, the Langham Hotel, Selfridges, Wallace Collection and Wigmore Hall.   Daunt Books is a definite must-visit as it is considered the world’s oldest custom-built book shop.  

Harley Street is probably the most famous street associated with medical specialists and clinics in the world.  Patients from across the globe travel to Harley Street to be seen by the most exclusive private specialists and consultants.  

One of my most favourite restaurants in all of London is Michelin starred Indian restaurant Trishna, located on Blandford Street. You can also visit one of Marylbone’s most famous spots for food or drinks, the Chiltern Firehouse, which is also a favourite stomping ground for celebrities.  The Michelin starred restaurant is part of the boutique hotel where you may definitely run into an A-list celebrity.  

Housing in Marylebone

There are many Grade II listed buildings, including towering red-brick mansion blocks as well as elegant Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian terrace homes bordering garden squares.   Housing options include compact studios to lovely mews houses, expansive flats in the mansion blocks, and some modern developments and apartment blocks. Given the location and the historic buildings, Marylebone is very pricey but not quite as pricey as Mayfair.

The average property price is around £2.3M, with homes like this is lovely 3 bed / 2 bath mews home on Bentinck Mews with an asking price just under £3M.  At just over 1100 square feet, it equates to £2544/sq. ft.

Holland Park

And finally, for my secret location that is a highly desirable neighbourhood in central London, it is Holland Park.  This lesser-known area is tucked by powerhouses Notting Hill to the north and Kensington to the east.  Along tree-lined streets, you will find many large Victorian terrace and detached homes.  

Locals love Holland Park’s thriving afternoon cafe culture and you’ll find many on Holland Park Avenue where they can enjoy outdoor cafes and very entertaining people watching. There are many boutique galleries and shops throughout and at the southern edge is the Design Museum, a leading destination for contemporary art.  

Holland Park itself is 54 acres of semi-wild woodland.  The park contains a café, tennis courts, children’s playground and not one but two Japanese gardens – the Kyoto Garden (1991) and Fukushima Memorial Garden (2012).  

Housing in Holland Park

In Holland Park, you can find some of the most beautiful large homes including, 5, 6 or even 7 bedroom detached houses; many can be found along Abbotsbury or Addison Road.  Some of the largest properties can be found on Holland Villas Road and there some lovely mews streets including Royal Crescent Mews and Holland Park Mews.  

When I think of homes in Holland Park, this 6 bedroom terraced house on Holland Park Avenue comes to mind.  It goes across 4 levels and is 3059 square feet and with an asking price of £4.5M equates to £1471 per square foot.

If you want to find out more about London’s incredible neighbourhoods or what to consider if you are relocating here, make sure to get my free London Guide or reach out to discuss how I can help you find the perfect neighbourhood to live for your lifestyle.