Auction House London’s Area Guide to Kensington
Auction House London has a number of interesting properties listed for auction throughout the City and surrounding areas. Our property auction experts are knowledgeable about the different areas in and around London, such as Kensington, and are sharing a series of London area guides to help investors make more informed decisions.
This latest addition to the Auction House London series focuses on Kensington in west London, within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The area is rather affluent and has excellent transport links both into and out of London, providing some intriguing opportunities for investors.
Where is Kensington?
Kensington is one of London’s best known districts, located just west of Hyde Park and bordered by Notting Hill to the north, Chelsea to the south and Hammersmith to the west. The famous Kensington High Street forms the commercial heart of the area, while elegant residential streets and garden squares spread out in every direction.
Transport links are some of the best throughout the whole of London, with Kensington’s near-central position making it one of the best connected parts of the capital. High Street Kensington station serves the Circle and District lines, while Gloucester Road, South Kensington and Earl’s Court are all close by. Numerous bus routes also crisscross the area, and road access into central London and towards Heathrow Airport is straightforward via the A4.
The history of Kensington
Kensington began as a small Saxon settlement and remained a village for many centuries. Its fortunes changed in the late 17th century when William III and Mary II chose Kensington Palace as their royal residence, placing the area firmly on London’s map and giving it a regal connection that lasts to this day.
The 19th century transformed Kensington again, with the Great Exhibition of 1851 instigating major development, while the arrival of the Underground helped turn it into one of London’s premier residential districts. Then came the grand terraces, cultural institutions and private garden squares, creating much of the Kensington seen today. Royal connections, architectural beauty and cultural prestige have defined the area ever since.
What does the architecture and property market look like in Kensington?
Kensington is renowned for its architecture, such as white stucco terraces, Victorian townhouses and handsome mansion blocks that line many of its streets. Garden squares such as Kensington Square and those around Holland Park showcase some of London’s finest residential design, and the property market reflects this heritage. Kensington remains one of the capital’s most sought after postcodes, attracting domestic and international buyers alike. Large family homes sit alongside luxury apartments, period conversions and prestigious lateral flats.
As such, opportunities can be limited so it’s worth keeping an eye on upcoming auctions. Current lots include this fifth and sixth floor two-bedroom flat at Campden Hill Towers on Notting Hill Gate, complete with a private balcony and concierge service. Also coming to auction is this fourth floor one-bedroom flat on Powis Square, within easy reach of Kensington Gardens, and this first floor bedsit on Holland Road, perfectly placed for Holland Park.
What are the amenities like in Kensington?
As you might expect, Kensington offers some of London’s finest amenities. Kensington High Street is packed with premium retailers, independent boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Kensington Church Street is particularly well known for its art galleries, antiques dealers and specialist shops.
The area also benefits from world-class cultural attractions, including South Kensington’s museum quarter, which boasts the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, all within easy reach.
Residents also have local access to excellent healthcare, private clubs, gyms and a wide range of professional services.
Open spaces in Kensington
Green space is another of Kensington’s strengths. Kensington Gardens stretches along the eastern side of the district, offering beautifully maintained lawns, tree-lined avenues and iconic landmarks including Kensington Palace and the Albert Memorial.
Holland Park provides a more intimate setting, with formal gardens, woodland walks and the famous Kyoto Garden. Many residential streets also enjoy access to private communal garden squares, adding to the area’s leafy character.
What are the schools like in Kensington?
Kensington is well served by schools such as highly regarded independent options like St Paul’s Girls’ School, Thomas’s Kensington, and Wetherby School. There are also several strong state schools in and around the area. For older students there are nearby institutions such as Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art.
The area’s location also provides easy access to many of London’s leading universities and specialist colleges.
Auction House London prides itself on having local knowledge about diverse areas of the capital. If you have questions about Kensington or any other London area or suburb, please contact our team of property auction professionals. If you’re looking to buy property in London at an auction, browse through the lots listed in our forthcoming auction. Or, if you have a property you want to sell in London or the surrounding areas, why not see how much it could be worth in an auction with a free valuation by Auction House London.