What Is A Mews?
These fascinating streets offer the lucky few peace and tranquillity away from the pace of London life. We take a closer look at what makes them so special.
- What is a mews?
- Why are mews called mews?
- What is a mews house?
- Who built mews houses?
- When were mews houses built?
- Where can I see mews homes for sale or rent?
What is a Mews?
A mews is a type of street. Mews are quintessentially pretty, often traffic-free streets, usually found to the rear of rows of extravagant 18th- and 19th-century mansions. Mews streets are often cobbled and typically have no pavements or sidewalks. This is why many people who live in mews streets place plants and small trees outside their doors, adding charm and visual appeal and making London’s mews properties so sought-after.
London is home to the greatest number of these quiet streets, with their picturesque and individual homes.
Why are mews called mews?
Mews take their name from the Royal Mews, a vast stables that once stood on what is now Trafalgar Square. The king’s falcons were housed there, and during the moulting season they would ‘mew’ (from the French verb muer, meaning to moult). Over time the word came to refer to the stables themselves, and eventually to the charming streets that we now know as mews.Mews take their name from the Royal Mews, a vast stables that once stood on what is now Trafalgar Square. The king’s falcons were housed there, and during the moulting season they would ‘mew’ (from the French verb ‘muer‘ meaning to moult). Over time the word came to refer to the stables themselves, and eventually to the charming streets that we now know as mews.
What is A Mews House?
Mews houses were originally built to stable horses, with accommodation for servants above. Typically, the ground floor housed stables and a coach house, while the upper floor provided a hayloft and rooms for the coachman and ostlers.
Who Built Mews Houses?
Mews were built by London’s property developers to serve the mansions they were constructing for Georgian and Victorian elites in the 18th and 19th centuries.
When Were Mews Houses Built?
Many mews streets were built as London expanded westwards during the 18th century. Grand terraces of townhouses were constructed on what had previously been fields in areas such as Mayfair, Kensington and Marylebone. These homes required space for horses, coaches and servants, so mews roads were built to the rear, providing stabling and accommodation for staff.
There was often a tunnel beneath the garden connecting the main house with its basement, allowing servants to access the stables without disturbing the residents. A curious feature of many traditional mews houses is that they have few or no windows at the rear, helping to preserve privacy between the mews and the gardens of the houses behind.
Most mews were utilitarian places, with hard-wearing cobbles and a central drain to carry away waste from the horses. The cobbles still survive in many mews today, adding to the old-world charm of these streets. Many also feature impressive arched entrances and are no-through roads, adding to their quiet, secluded character.
Why Are Mews So Popular?
In the early 20th century, the rise of the motor car and the decline in domestic servants made mews houses unnecessary for many homeowners. Most were sold off, and businesses such as taxi firms, garages and print shops moved in. Mews became synonymous with scruffy backstreets and were often used as locations for gritty gangland dramas on black-and-white television.
Then, in the 1960s, racing drivers such as John Surtees and James Hunt discovered that they could buy a mews house for relatively little money and live above their cars. One of them was rally driver Antoine Lurot, founder of Lurot Brand, who recognised that mews houses were becoming increasingly fashionable.
People began to appreciate that mews houses were both practical and full of charm, with many occupying prime central locations.
Today, mews appeal to people who want to live in a tranquil community in the heart of London, while remaining within walking distance of beautiful parks, independent shops, world-class restaurants, bars and excellent schools. For many, mews living offers the perfect way to enjoy London life.
Mews homes have also been adapted to make the most of their individuality. Basement extensions, roof terraces and clever use of interior space have transformed many of these properties into unique and highly desirable homes.
Small wonder that these centrally located, heritage-rich properties continue to grow in popularity.
Which Are London’s Most Popular Mews?
Here are the most sought-after mews in London:
- Kynance Mews, South Kensington, SW7
- St Luke’s Mews, Notting Hill, W11
- Napier Place, Holland Park, Kensington, W14
- Pindock Mews, Maida Vale, W9
- Bathurst Mews, Hyde Park Estate, Bayswater, W2
- Hesper Mews, South Kensington, SW5
Photos of Mews
Where Can I See Mews for Sale or Rent?
Below you will find the latest sales and rental properties from Lurot Brand. We’re always adding new properties so do get in touch if you would to discuss your mews property search in more detail.
Latest Rental Properties
View All Properties to Rent
4 Bedroom Mews House To Rent
Queen’s Gate Mews, South Kensington, London, SW7£2,192.08 pw (£9,499 pcm)
1 Bedroom Flat To Rent
Cornwall Gardens, South Kensington, London, SW7£1,500 pw (£6,500 pcm)
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