Kensington property market highlights
Each month the Foxtons South Kensington manager will report on the property market in the Kensington area.
Report published June 2008
Read the Kensington rental market highlights
Contact Foxtons South Kensington
At 350 acres, Hyde Park is one of London's largest green spaces and its urban location has drawn inevitable comparisons with Central Park in New York.
Although the latter is larger, Hyde Park dwarfs its American counterpart in terms of historical importance Henry VIII hunted deer and wild boar over its expansive fields, it was the original location of the Crystal Palace in 1851, and Speakers' Corner has provided a platform for such luminaries as George Orwell and the Pankhursts.
The parkland is punctuated by shady trees, creating the perfect setting for horse riding, tai chi or boating on the Serpentine.
Neighbouring Kensington Gardens, separated from Hyde Park by William III in 1689 to create a peaceful refuge for Londoners, remains just that: games are largely discouraged in order to maintain the tranquillity and to preserve the historic landscape. In addition to its public parks, Kensington is known for its desirable garden squares, oases of calm reserved for the residents of such exclusive addresses as Onslow, Harrington and Wetherby Gardens, to name but a few.
Beautifully maintained with colourful flower beds and neatly pruned bushes, these immaculate squares are seldom seen by the general public, although the annual Open Garden Squares Weekend offers a welcome opportunity to marvel at their summer splendour. I think my manager's choice this month, a magnificent apartment in Cranley Gardens, perfectly demonstrates the outdoor potential of South Kensington.
In addition to pretty communal gardens, the property has two enormous flat roof areas that will certainly make the property hard to resist for sun- worshippers.
One of these roofs adjoins the third floor kitchen, providing a panoramic setting for summer breakfasts or evening drinks, while the more substantial fifth floor roof area offers a lofty retreat from city life, great for summer celebrations or as a sizzling suntrap. Foxtons.co.uk/180454 This magnificent apartment overlooking the Natural History Museum in South Kensington recently exchanged for just under 3 million reflecting its stunning location and stylish décor. Unsurprisingly, this exquisite four bedroomed apartment recently achieved a superb price.
The property, which was on the market for 2.5 million, benefits from its enviable location close to bountiful shopping opportunities and the open spaces of Hyde Park.
More information
- Kensington rental market report
- Property market reports for other areas
- I'm interested in more information about selling or letting property in the Kensington area
Download or subscribe to Foxtons South Kensington Area Magazine
Foxtons South Kensington Area Magazine
Each month our Foxtons South Kensington office manager will report on the property market activity in the Kensington area.
You can read the Kensington report here each month, or if you prefer, you can download our magazine or request a copy be delivered to your door.
