2 bed flat for sale

Kensington Court Gardens, London W8

Set in the heart of central West London, this spectacular two-bedroom apartment occupies the lower ground floor of a coveted Victorian mansion block once home to literary great T.S. Eliot. Defined by generous proportions and exceptional natural light, the entire space has been recently renovated by the current owners to an exacting standard with a refined palette of materials and bespoke storage throughout. These sensitive upgrades have increased the home's EPC rating to its full potential. The reception space has been thoughtfully reconfigured around a sociable open-plan layout. Residents also benefit from access to a private courtyard and the convenience of a live-in porter. Gloucester Road and High Street Kensington Underground stations are a short walk away, as is the iconic high street.

The Tour

Positioned along an elegant residential road, the building’s red-brick façade has recently undergone a meticulous restoration and enhancement, as have the communal areas inside. Completed in the late 19th century, the building is fronted by a grand entrance gate which opens onto a well-maintained lobby.

The front door reveals a double-width entranceway, which seamlessly spills into a light-filled open-plan reception room. Crisp white walls and clean lines highlight the apartment’s generous proportions, complemented by exceptional ceiling height and a considered selection of refined materials. Underfoot, engineered oak floors have been used across the house and are complete with water-based underfloor heating. Custom-designed storage solutions are found throughout the house alongside discreet recessed, dimmable lighting fixtures. All windows are double glazed, and all doors are crafted with solid wood and have Barber & Osgerby-Olivari handles.

A versatile space suited for both everyday living and entertaining, the open-plan reception area is arranged with a spacious sitting room at the front and a kitchen/dining room toward the rear. The bespoke contemporary kitchen, designed by Halcyon, has base and wall-mounted units finished in a warm, sand-tone. At its centre, the substantial island has an integrated Gaggenau hob. Two integrated ovens, one fan and one combi-steam, are also from Gaggenau, and the dishwasher and fridge/freezer are from Miele. A Triflow filter tap completes the kitchen.

Beyond the hall, a corridor runs vertically along the plan. Here, full-length recessed shelving extends along one side, providing an abundance of space to display curated objects. Opposite is a well-appointed cloakroom, guest WC, and a fitted cupboard that serves as a practical utility/laundry area.

Two spacious bedrooms are tucked to the rear, both complete with Novamobili wardrobes with built-in lighting and mirrors. Bright and quiet, the principal bedroom is finished with a neutral palette and has an expansive west-facing window drawing in afternoon light. The en suite bathroom is fitted with bespoke floor-to-ceiling Italian porcelain tiles and jtp brushed aluminium fixtures. There is a contemporary egg-shaped bathtub from Lusso Stone, a large backlit mirror and heated towel rails. Similarly finished to an impeccable standard, the second bathroom has a walk-in shower and beautiful built-in alcoves.

The apartment is equipped with advanced security systems and integrated smart-home technology. Security features include two Banham locks and a monitoring alarm, custom-designed Roché Security grilles, a sprinkler system and window stoppers.

The home is offered without a chain.

The Area

A short walk south of Kensington High Street, the apartment is brilliantly situated in one of London’s most desirable areas, with access to excellent restaurants, boutiques and parks.

There are endless dining options on the doorstep. Thackeray Street is home to Café Montparnasse, with a charming bistro-style terrace and Grato is the go-to in the neighbourhood for Italian fine dining. Tucked along Launceston Place, hjem is a local favourite for its laid-back atmosphere and delicious Danish specialities. The surrounding area is home to a plethora of renowned galleries, museums and landmarks. These include Japan House, the Natural History Museum, the V&A Museum and the Royal Albert Hall.

Perfect for a weekend stroll, Kensington Gardens are a short five-minute walk from the apartment, with Hyde Park stretching out beyond; one of London’s most beautiful parks, offering 350 acres of rambling green space, lake swimming, sports pitches and the pioneering Serpentine Pavilion. The recently reopened, members-only The Roof Gardens is also nearby.

Covering around 56 acres, the iconic Holland Park is a 15-minute stroll from the house and encompasses a semi-wild section of woodland to the north, a central section with formal gardens, and areas dedicated to sport and exercise to the south. At the southern edge of the park is the Design Museum, with an exciting programme of exhibitions, workshops and talks exploring the ever-evolving landscape of design.

The area has many state and private school options, including Thomas’s Kensington, Glendower Preparatory School, Kensington Primary Academy and the École Française de Londres Jacques Prévert. For secondary education, Sacred Heart High School, Queen’s Gate School for Girls and Kensington Park School are well regarded.

The apartment is well-served by public transport and equidistant from Gloucester Road and High Street Kensington tube stations (Piccadilly, Circle and District lines), providing direct routes and links across the capital.

Tenure: Share of Freehold / Lease Length: Approx. 968 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £4,800 per annum, including contribution to a sinking fund / Ground Rent: None / Council Tax Band: F