Living in South Kensington
South Kensington is one of the most desirable areas to live in the UK. The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea has an exciting history, replete with rich culture and some of the most exemplary architecture on display in London. Over the years, South Kensington has earned the reputation of an affluent place that is home to some of the best museums, cultural institutions, and of course, cafes and restaurants. The place is also a hot favorite of expats with a more than fair splattering of French. Perhaps that has something to do with the presence of the French embassy and French schools in the vicinity.
South Kensington stands apart with its sprawling mansions and Italianate stucco manors. They have some of the most stunning abodes in the area. Some large properties have been transformed into apartments. Whilst others remain as single-family homes. Above shops, boutiques, and cafes you will find Apartments, and whilst not a typical industrial area you can find a few exquisitely gems if you fancy living in a renovated industrial or factory space. Whilst, densely populated, generally the roads, roads are wider, and a host of garden squares provide something rather special. One of the biggest attractions of Kensington is its property stock. A strong combination of period buildings and luxury developments dominate the area.
It is one of the key reasons for the growing popularity of Kensington. The gorgeous white stucco terraces, off-street squares, and lush green trees add to the affluent appearance of the area. There is a clear influence of the period architecture and French and Dutch designs here. The properties in Kensington are mostly flats. They are situated in Georgian and Regency buildings and over the years have been converted no longer to house several generations of the same family but to meet today’s market needs for smaller spaces that are superbly located. The flats with large living spaces have high ceilings and tall sash windows. Alternatively, can also consider buying or renting one of the cozy cottages available across South Kensington. Couples and families prefer them.
Mews houses are also available in plenty in Kensington. They are primarily seen in places like Lexham Mews, Adam and Eve Mews, and Radley Mews. The red brick mansion blocks in Kensington provide a sense of history not found in other areas of the capital. Buying a property in Kensington requires a significant financial investment. It certainly helps to have 1 million plus in your budget. Put simply all properties in South Kensington command a premium.
Things To Do In Kensington
Arts And Movies
Kensington protects many of the UK’s historical items that have immense value. It is home to the V&A Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum. The strong French connection also extends to the cinema. You can enjoy the latest Gallic releases at the Cin Lumire at the Institut Franais.
Shopping Options
For those who are passionate about shopping, Kensington is also something of a retail dreamland. If you plan to shop at the best places, remember that luxury comes at a price. Some of the best places to shop are:
– Harrods and Harvey Nichols are located in the south.
Boutiques in the Bute Street, Brompton Road, and Fulham Road.
– Premium outlets in Sloane Square, Kings Road, and Kensington High Street.
Schools in South Kensington
South Kensington has several private schools, such as the Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle, Servite RC Primary, Hill House, St Barnabas and St Philips C of E Primary, Bousfield Primary, and Our Lady of Victories RC Primary. The French populace is served by the Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle.
Eating Out in South Kensington
For those who love fun and frolic, there is an abundance of food and drink options in South Kensington. The options range from casual dining spaces to Michelin-star restaurants and haute cuisine outlets. The diversity of the restaurant scene allows foodies to try something new every night for months and still have plenty of options to explore.
Green Spaces In South Kensington
Wherever you live in South Kensington, you are always in the cradle of nature. There is absolutely no dearth of relaxing green spaces here. The famous Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are all located conveniently from the main place. These Royal Parks feature attractions such as the Serpentine Gallery and the Serpentine Lido.
Transportation
South West London is not renowned for its transport links, but Kensington is one of the few exceptions to the rule. There are two tube stations for the convenience of commuters. One is located at South Kensington, and the other is at Gloucester Road. These operate on Piccadilly lines and the District and Circle. This takes you into the center of London in as little as 10 minutes. West Brompton Overground is another convenient way of connecting to Clapham Junction. There are also plenty of buses for visiting Warren Street and Baker Street. You can reach Kensington and Trafalgar Square conveniently using the night bus services. South Kensington is bounded by Knightsbridge on the north, Brompton on the east, Chelsea on the south, and Earls Court on the west. So come see what bit of it is right for you.
