5 reasons why renting in South Kensington is so popular
Renting in South Kensington offers the opportunity to live in one of London’s most prestigious and desirable neighbourhoods. Renowned for its elegant period homes, picturesque garden squares, world-class museums, quaint mews streets and vibrant café culture, it’s no wonder that South Kensington is one of the best neighbourhoods to live in South Kensington.
Drawing on the local expertise of our experienced Lettings team, this neighbourhood guide explores what makes renting in South Kensington so appealing. From beautiful mews streets to explore, green open spaces to relax in and outstanding local amenities, discover the lifestyle, architecture and community that continue to attract renters looking for an exceptional London address.
What is renting in South Kensington like?
South Kensington sit to the southern side of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. At the heart of the gardens sits Kensington Palace, a royal residence with more than 300 years of history that has been home to kings, queens and members of today’s British Royal Family.
Renting in South Kensington means being surrounded by impressive architecture, timeless elegance and effortless style. The neighbourhood is renowned for its excellent restaurants and a vibrant pavement café culture.
Head to Thurloe Street to immerse yourself in the lively village atmosphere and enjoy a leisurely al fresco lunch or coffee. While you’re there, pop into South Kensington Books, the independent bookshop at No. 22, where books have been sold continuously since the 1940s. Very nearby is Thurloe Place Mews, a peaceful mews cul-de-sac perfectly situated close to this village-like part of South Kensington.
When it comes to shopping, South Kensington offers an exceptional mix of independent boutiques and designer stores, alongside beautiful florists, knowledgeable specialist wine merchants, delicatessens, patisseries, and artisan bakeries. If you’re renting in South Kensington, pay a visit to the Bute Street Farmers’ Market, which takes place every Saturday, on a lovely pedestrianised street. It’s the perfect place to shop for seasonal produce while chatting with local traders and neighbours.
Those renting in South Kensington can also enjoy the neighbourhood’s quieter side, from its beautiful garden squares and stylish gastropubs to its welcoming independent restaurants. One local favourite is The Queen’s Arms, located on Queen’s Gate Mews; a cosy pub serving classic British comfort food with warmth and flair.
1. Excellent French connections in South Kensington
South Kensington is often referred to as Paris’ 21st arrondissement, thanks to its long-established French community. Many French renters are drawn to the neighbourhood because of its elegant character and cosmopolitan atmosphere, as well as the presence of the Institut Français and the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle.
Renting in South Kensington means walks to school look a lot prettier than you’d think living in a central London area. French-born Sales Associate, Mike Lurot, has fond memories South Kensington, ‘walking through the mews, on my way to and from school.’ His favourite South Kensington mews is Kynance Mews, which he describes as ‘one of the prettiest and so quiet. It’s also one of the most photographed cobbled mews in London.’
The charming rows of two- and three-storey mews houses are approached through not one, but three distinctive Grade II-listed arches, draped in Virginia creeper and, each May, adorned with cascading wisteria in full bloom. It’s common for those renting in South Kensington to look for houses available in the quaint mews streets that are found in the area, due to their unique look and proximity to schools and restaurants.
2. Transport connections in South Kensington
Travel across London and beyond could not be easier when renting in South Kensington. South Kensington Underground Station and Gloucester Road station are served by three tube lines: the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines. It offers excellent connectivity across Central London, with direct links to areas including Chelsea, Fulham and Knightsbridge, as well as Islington, Canary Wharf and Wapping.
3. Arts & Culture in South Kensington
For those renting in South Kensington, the neighbourhood is an ideal choice if you have a love of culture and history. The neighbourhood’s rich identity is shaped by some of the world’s most celebrated museums, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum.
For music lovers of all genres, the iconic concert venue at the Royal Albert Hall is an atmospheric event space that attracts the finest British and international musicians, orchestras and performers. Together, these world-renowned institutions offer an exceptional calendar of exhibitions, concerts and cultural events, giving local residents the opportunity to immerse themselves in art, science, history and music whenever they choose.
4. Schools and Universities in South Kensington
South Kensington is home to some of London’s most prestigious educational institutions, including Imperial College London and the Royal College of Music. Families are also well served by a number of highly regarded schools. Among the state sector, Bousfield Primary School and Ashburnham Community School have both been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, while Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School is widely recognised for its excellent secondary and sixth-form education. The area also offers an exceptional choice of independent schools, including Glendower Prep School, Falkner House, Brighton College Prep Kensington and the highly regarded Queen’s Gate School.
5. Green spaces, garden squares and Royal Parks
South Kensington offers an abundance of green spaces where residents can enjoy peaceful walks and moments of quiet away from the bustle of the city. The neighbourhood is particularly renowned for its elegant residential garden squares, many of which are private, gated communal gardens reserved exclusively for residents of the surrounding properties.
One of the most historic is Kensington Square, whose central garden dates back to the 1680s. Although access is restricted to resident key holders, the square can still be admired from the surrounding streets, where magnificent Georgian townhouses frame this tranquil green oasis. Each June, London Open Gardens offers a rare opportunity to step inside Kensington Square and many other private garden squares across prime central London.
For those without access to a private garden square, Kensington Gardens is just a short stroll away. Covering 265 acres, this magnificent Royal Park forms the neighbourhood’s western boundary and is home to some of London’s best-loved landmarks, including the Albert Memorial and the Peter Pan statue.
Renting a mews house in South Kensington
There is a distinctly international feel to South Kensington, with residents from across the globe contributing to the area’s cultural richness. The neighbourhood appeals to a wide range of tenants seeking luxury homes, particularly mews houses. These include downsizers and those looking for a pied-Ã -terre, as well as families drawn by the excellent choice of schools, many of which are within walking distance of the surrounding mews streets.
Young professionals are also attracted to the discreet nature of mews living, with many properties benefiting from private parking or garaging, as well as flexible live/work or studio space. Some also feature balconies, roof terraces, courtyards or private gardens.
At the time this blog was published, Lurot Brand has two beautiful properties to rent in Petersham Place, SW7, close to the amenities of both Gloucester Road and High Street Kensington. Please email lettings@lurotbrand.co.uk for more details or click here to search through our Lettings listings.
