Living in Holland Park (As featured in Netflix’s ‘Buying London’)
If you caught Netflix’s recent show “Buying London,” you will have seen some of London’s most fantastic neighbourhoods. One of my favourites is Holland Park, located in west prime central London. Named after the 54-acre park that used to be the grounds of Cope Castle, Holland Park is now a luxurious, high-end area in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, known for its understated grace and elegance.
History
Holland Park has a rich history dating back to the early 17th century. Initially a private estate owned by Sir Walter Cope, the park was later inherited by the Earl of Holland, from whom it takes its name. The central feature of the park is Holland House, a grand Jacobean mansion that suffered significant damage during the Blitz in World War II. The house’s ruins have been preserved and are a focal point within the park.
Today, when you visit the park, you can enjoy:
- Children’s play facilities: Including an adventure playground with zip-wires, swings, slides, and multi-play units, as well as accessible equipment, habitat panels, new planting, and rubbing plaques for newly planted trees.
- Large areas of woodland: Abundant with wildlife.
- Sports areas: Including tennis, football, golf practice nets, cricket practice nets, and netball.
- The Belvedere Restaurant: Offering a taste of Italian provenance by renowned chef Lello Favuzzi. Built between 1638 and 1640, the Belvedere was originally part of the stables and coach house serving Holland House and the Park. It was turned into a ballroom, complete with a viewing gallery, or belvedere, and orangery in the 19th century. The ballroom survived the Blitz bombing and was turned into the restaurant that resides there today.
Top 5 Restaurants in Holland Park
- The Mitre: A cosy British gastro pub with fresh seasonal food, cask-conditioned real ales, and carefully chosen wines. It’s great for a Sunday roast or visiting on a sunny day for brasserie-style dining on their outside terrace.
- Julie’s Restaurant: A modern French restaurant with a cool, unique atmosphere that has drawn a unique crowd since its opening. Chef Patron Owen Kenworthy oversees the regularly changing, all-day carte of modern French brasserie cooking. Cocktails are designed in harmony with the dishes.
For even more dining options, visit nearby Notting Hill.
Top 5 Things to Do in Holland Park
- Kyoto Garden: A tranquil Japanese garden with a koi pond and waterfall located inside Holland Park. This serene environment is perfect for relaxation and photography and was opened in 1991.
- Opera Holland Park: A must-visit for opera lovers, offering open-air opera performances in the park since the 1990s.
- Shopping at Clarendon Cross: A semi-pedestrianised area with independent boutiques offering art, fashion, and food.
- Daunt Books: A bookshop for travellers, with its most popular store located on Holland Park Avenue.
- The Design Museum: A cutting-edge museum with exhibits on everything from fashion to architecture and digital design. It offers free entry to the permanent collection and won the European Museum of the Year award in 2018.
- Leighton House and Sambourne Houses: Combining living and studio space, these houses remain largely unchanged today and are extraordinary legacies left by two celebrities of the late Victorian era—Frederic Lord Leighton and Edward Linley Sambourne. The houses are filled with sculptures, blue and white ceramics, and glassware.
Top Schools in Holland Park
- Holland Park School: Catering to students aged 11-18 years, rated Outstanding by Ofqual.
- Fox Primary School: Catering to students aged 4-11 years, rated Outstanding by Ofqual.
- St Clement and St James CE Primary School: Catering to students aged 4-11 years, rated Good by Ofqual.
- Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School: Catering to students aged 11-18 years, rated Outstanding by Ofqual.
Property Styles in Holland Park
Holland Park features a mix of architectural styles, including grand Victorian townhouses, modern apartments, and historic mansions. The area is known for its elegant and often expansive properties, many of which retain period features while offering contemporary luxury. The neighbourhood’s residential streets, such as Ilchester Place, are among the most desirable and expensive in London, characterised by beautifully maintained gardens and close proximity to the park itself.
Properties in Holland Park had an overall average price of £2,194,654 over the last year. The majority of sales in Holland Park during the last year were flats, selling for an average price of £1,257,534. Terraced properties sold for an average of £3,879,997, with semi-detached properties fetching £8,662,900. Overall, sold prices in Holland Park over the last year were 4% down on the previous year and 2% down on the 2018 peak of £2,247,569.
For Sale:
2-Bed, 2-Bath Apartment in Holland Park, London, W11 – £2.3M
This beautiful 2-bed garden flat occupies the major part of the Lower Ground Floor of an elegant period villa. It features a south-facing patio, a study or third bedroom, and access to a communal garden. Conveniently located, it offers easy access to:
- Holland Park station (0.0m)
- Notting Hill Gate Station (0.4m)
- Shepherd’s Bush (0.6m)
6-Bedroom, 7-Bath Semi-Detached House at Bedford Gardens – £15,500,000
This 6-bedroom semi-detached period house has been recently refurbished, showcasing state-of-the-art interior design. It includes a family cinema room, large walk-in wine cellar, study, fully equipped gym, and a bedroom and bathroom. The lower ground features a 10m swimming pool, steam room, laundry, and utility room. With 6,594 square feet, this luxurious home equates to £2,350 per square foot.
