Why Americans Love Kensington
Are you an American moving over to London and looking for luxury living, world-famous museums, a great community vibe AND period properties offering modern living?
Then you’ll be pleased to hear that today we’re sharing all the reasons why so many Americans and foreigners love living in Kensington.
Property types in Kensington
As a property nerd, I have to start with the grand Victorian properties that are ever-present throughout Kensington. Also, I should mention the gorgeous Georgian townhouses overlooking the gardens at Kensington Square.
But Kensington also has a selection of red brick mansion blocks, luxury modern developments and quaint cottages.
Due to the prime central London location and luxury lifestyle this area exudes, it tends to attract wealthy expats moving to London for their second homes, as well as celebrities.
With so much demand, the area is seeing a flurry of modern high-end apartments and developments. The Odeon cinema on Kensington High Street now is under redevelopment for a smaller cinema along with new flats and townhouses.
While at Lancer Square, there is development of 36 bespoke luxury apartments and penthouses. It is part of the Kensington Palace conservation area.
What to see and do in Kensington
So beyond walking the streets and looking at gorgeous homes, what else is there to see and do in Kensington?As it’s got a fantastic prime central London location, it has lots of great options.
Parks and Green Spaces
Green spaces are plentiful here – you’re next to Kensington Palace Gardens – 265 acres of parkland and flowers. It’s also home to the Serpentine Galleries and the Princess Diana Memorial Playground.
Kensington Gardens segues into Hyde Park which is the largest of the four royal parks – you could go here any day of the year and find a new route or event to enjoy. There’s also Holland Park (which is next to the Design Museum) which has sports centres, a playground, Japanese Kyoto garden and even an adventure park with zip line for the adventure seekers among you!
For even more nature and green spaces to enjoy throughout London, check out my video on the Royal Parks of London. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvTS75sYX0Q
Top restaurants and bars
Thanks to its prime central location and affluent residents, Kensington is home to some of the best food, restaurants and eateries of London.
From the modern British fine dining at Launceston Place’s 1839 townhouse to the sumptuous Japanese dishes at Yashin Ocean House, you can walk down the streets of Kensington and find a wide range of cuisine to suit your appetite.
If you want to grab a taste of the Mediterranean, then you must visit CERU. They offer modern twists of Mediterranean cuisine, with a handpicked wine list and seasonal menu.
If you’re more laid back and want to go for a pint, The Builders Arms is a local haunt for workers, students and residents alike. But don’t be fooled by it being a pub, the food here is divine. The Sunday menu offers a sharing roast of 21 Day-Aged Sirloin of Beef, Roast Chicken, Slow-Cooked Pork Belly, pigs in blankets, and stuffing!
Shopping in Kensington
Kensington is a great location for access to luxury shopping such as world famous Harrods and Harvey Nichols just moments away in nearby Knightsbridge. While there you’ll be on Old Brompton Road and nearby Sloane Street for other incredible luxury brands.
Kensington High Street is a fantastic high street with plenty of options for great retail along with cafes, eateries and fine dining.
For something special, head to Sign of the Times, a boutique shop with vintage and second-hand designer clothes and accessories that fill the store.
There’s also Chelsea nearby with the boutique-filled Kings road, to spend a day of window shopping.
To find more fantastic shopping experiences in London, make sure to see my video showcasing the top 10 shopping streets of London.
So, what will you need your budget to be to live here?
Properties in Kensington had an overall average price of £2,248,468 over the last year.
The majority of these were flats, selling for an average price of £1,494,053.
Terraced properties sold for an average of £4,451,969, with semi-detached properties fetching an average of £11,220,727.
Overall, sold prices in Kensington over the last year were 2% down on the previous year, while they remain similar to the 2018 peak of £2,229,941.
Now that you know why it’s such a great area and we’ve given you a sense of the property market in Kensington, let’s highlight some fantastic homes across different price points
Properties on the market in Kensington
5 bed, 5 bath townhouse in Hereford Square – £10,000,000
If you have an 8-figure budget and are looking for a family home, then this classic stucco-fronted 5 bedroom, 5 bath house across 6 floors is a rare find.
This substantial, wider than average, Grade 2 listed Victorian House on Hereford Square overlooks an award-winning private garden square. It has a beautifully updated interior while maintaining period features. The lower ground floor has its own entrance, perfect for a nanny or au pair.
The property is on the market with a guide price of £10,000,000. With 5,627 square feet, this comes to £1,777 per Sq. Ft.
5 bed 4 bath mews house in Petersham Place – £3,750,000
For those looking for a quaint, cottage-style property, mews homes in London are few and far between – which makes them even more desirable!
This 5 bed, 4 bath mews property in Petersham Place has traditional styling throughout.
The home is across 4 floors, with huge ceiling heights, period features, and even two dressing rooms plus a separate utility room (which is a rare addition in UK homes).
At £3,750,000 and 2,275 square feet, it comes to £1,648 / Sq. Ft.
3 bed, 3 bath apartment in Princes Gate Court – £5,500,000
If you’re looking for a home next to world famous museums and the Royal Albert Hall, you can’t get much closer than on Exhibition Road.
Closer to the South Kensington border, this 3 bed, 3 bath apartment in Princes Gate Court has the Science, Natural History and V&A museums at its doorstep.
The property is in a gated development, with 24 hour porter, off-street parking, and impeccable modern interiors.
At £5,500,000 and 2024 square feet, it comes to £2,717 per sq/ft.
Closing
As you can see, Kensington really does offer luxury living with properties and amenities to suit those who can afford it.
If you are looking for a home that provides you with amazing cultural experiences, tons of green space, and excellent transport options in the centre of London, it is a neighbourhood that continues to deliver.
Whether it’s Kensington or not, to find out more about the neighbourhoods of London that will suit your London property needs, please get in touch.
