Why Buy in Belgravia?
Historically, Belgravia was home to the great, the good and the wealthy; aristocrats had houses here, and landed gentry divided their time between rolling country estates and their Belgravia townhouses. Mews houses served a proper purpose to house both staff and livery, as owners of these grand houses wanted to maintain a lavish lifestyle that mirrored their life in the country.
Today occupying an easily accessible location within the Capital and situated in a most attractive Conservation area, the atmosphere of Belgravia is one of refinement and an understated wealth. The kudos and credentials of Belgravia exist today, although much of the ‘old money’ has sold up and cashed in , selling up to wealthy international buyers and investors, who choose to buy a London residence to add to their overseas property portfolio, in what they perceive to be the most gentrified part of prime central London. It is fair to say that Belgravia enjoys a truly international reputation across the globe, and consequently values are some of the highest achieved in Prime Central London.
What Types of Property can you Buy in Belgravia?
Located between Knightsbridge and Victoria, Belgravia lies within a Conservation area and is made up of late Georgian terraces, crescents and squares, much of it owned by Grosvenor Estate and many properties Listed. This has resulted in very little new development in Belgravia.
As well as providing residences of the very highest quality, Belgravia is home to several embassies; the earliest to locate here was the Austrian Embassy, in the 19th century The architecture of Belgravia is remarkable for its grandeur and sense of unity – and because so much has survived intact over several centuries. While fashionable boutiques, restaurants and independent high end retailers are in situ, the residential Belgravia streets remain largely unchanged and stand much as they did several hundred years ago.
The area feels leafy and green enjoying several garden squares, including Eaton Square, Chester Square, Wilton Crescent and Belgravia Square. The collection of quiet streets and traditional cobbled mews are distinguished by tall narrow houses, converted apartments and mews houses. Accommodation in the houses tends to be vertical rather than lateral space and the traditional layouts, boast grand impressive rooms on the main floors, perfect for entertaining. Outdoor space, if any, is limited to a roof terrace, perhaps a slither of a courtyard, but the garden squares and green spaces are close at hand.
How is the Current Property Market in Belgravia?
Decent family houses, often laid out over five floors are achieving between £3,000 to £4,000 per square foot. Although, this obsession of ‘square footage valuing’ really does not apply to these uniquely traditional and classic properties, which have a quintessential English style and feel, that cannot be defined by square feet in its crudest terms.
Premier streets in Belgravia are located mainly around the garden squares, particularly Chester Square and Eaton Square – here the northern side is best as it gets the sun. In Wilton Crescent the end with houses with Portland stone facades are the best in the street.
Who tends to live in Belgravia?
Belgravia was the chosen home for the late Baroness Thatcher. Increasingly, the locale is made up of an international wealthy set, and adopted less by families, who find themselves priced out of the market and are inclined to look to more family centred locations such as Notting Hill, Kensington & Chelsea offering a greater choice of lateral space, including conversions of former industrial warehouses and factories and new build developments.
Transport links and infrastructure Belgravia is in close proximity to the mainline station at Victoria, and overground and underground lines from here reach every part of London. Walking is an easy alternative to public transport with river and park routes on the doorstep.
What Facilities and Amenities are Nearby?
Eating Out – Michelin Starred restaurants
Marcus: formerly ‘Marcus Waring at the Berkeley” (2 stars) The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Belgravia, SW1X 7RL
Zafferano (1 star)15 Lowndes Street, London, Belgravia, SW1X 9EY
Amaya (1 star)Halkin Arcade, Motcomb Street, , London, Belgravia, SW1X 8JT
Petrus (1 star) 1 Kinnerton Street, London, Belgravia, SW1X 8EA
Galleries:
Osborne Studio Gallery – 2 Motcomb St, London SW1X 8JU – specialises in sporting paintings and bronzes by leading contemporary artists, with an emphasis on horse racing
The Mathaf – 24 Motcomb St, London SW1X 8JU – orientalist paintings
Private Members Club
The Caledonian Club: A little bit of Scotland in the heart of London. Founded in 1891, private Members’ Club situated in the grand & beautiful surroundings of Belgravia
Day Spa and private members’ club – women only
Grace Belgravia is a private club for spirited, cultured, caring women who want the very best for their health and well-being. Our mantra is inside out beauty.
Shopping and Designer Boutiques
While several international fashion design houses have their retail flagship stores and studios in Belgravia (Philip Treacy, Donna Ida, Jenny Packham, HEMYCA) it remains a quiet district in the heart of London, contrasting with neighbouring districts which have far more busy streets and shops.
An excellent guide to shopping in Belgravia van be found on the London Town Website
A 2012 article about shopping in Belgravia can be found in Forbes Travel Guides
Preparatory School
Eaton House Belgravia, 3 – 5 Eaton Gate, London SW1W 9BA – non-selective’ pre-preparatory school for boys aged 4 – 8