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London property market: So you think you know Chelsea?
Everyone thinks they know Chelsea. Even if you don’t live there, you have an idea of it. The term Sloane Ranger was used in the 80s to describe a certain breed of socialite that lingered around the King’s Road, and reality TV show Made in Chelsea has brought the stereotype back into the public eye. But estate agent Russell Simpson, which has specialised in buying and selling in the area for 35 years, has released a report that says there are actually six Chelseas you need to know if you’re going to buy there.
“Chelsea is an area that’s talked about globally – it’s iconic,” says founder Alan Russell. “People from Britain and abroad aspire to live here. But, in reality, they don’t know very much about it at all. Chelsea has always had areas with specific identities, but those have changed enormously over the years.”
The latest figures from property data analysts Lonres also suggest that Chelsea outsold neighbouring Kensington in the last 12 months, with 57 properties selling for over £5m. Here is a guide to the real Chelsea in 2014.
The Boltons, £POA
The Boltons
Step inside magnificent regal reception rooms, redolent with crystal chandeliers, upon entering 9 The Boltons. The four storey, white house has eight bedrooms and staff quarters on the lower ground floor. Behind is a five-bedroom mews house called Cresswell Place which has planning permission to extend to another 3,000sqft.
- Who buys? Families and young professionals
- Why buy? Strong transport links to the west of England, big garden terraces and family homes
- Best addresses: The Boltons, Gilston Road, Tregunter Road,
- Harley Gardens
- Flats: £1m – £10m
- Houses: £5m – £80m
17 Chelsea Park Gardens, £8.95m
West Chelsea
This typical, double-fronted freehold home was much loved by the family that previously owned it for just over 20 years. It is now on the market freehold offering six bedrooms, a cellar, study, terrace and a garden arranged over three floors. It also enjoys direct access tot he communal landscape of Chelsea Park Gardens.
- Who buys? First time buyers and young families
- Why buy? Good transport links via Earl’s Court, galleries, close to “Chelsea beach”, competitive prices
- Best addresses: Chelsea Park Gardens, Netherton Grove, Gertrude Street,
- Park Walk
- Flats: £500,000 – £4m
- Houses: £2m – £10m
The Clock House, £5.85m
Chelsea Town
This three-storey house is well known in the local area as The Clock House because of the timepiece which is mounted on the outside of the building. Situated on the corner of Old Church Street and Elm Park Road, the unusually wide house has off-street parking, six bedrooms, a study and a south west facing garden.
- Who buys? Families, investors, international purchasers (Saudi Arabians, Africans and Russians)
- Why buy? Family homes, large lateral flats, good restaurants, close to South Kensington
- Best addresses: Manresa Road, Chelsea Square
- Flats: £750,000 – £35m
- Houses: £5m – £25m
18 Upper Cheyne Row, £POA
Old Chelsea
Built for The Duchess of Hamilton in 1714, this Grade II listed house is described as “a country home in London.” This double-fronted house is in one of the most historic streets in Chelsea. It boasts a roof terrace, a wine cellar, and four bedrooms, but the pièce de resistance is the beautifully planted garden with a heated oval pool.
- Who buys? International buyers (Russians, Americans and continental Europeans), high net worth couples, families
- Why buy? Historic ambience and waterfront
- Best addresses: Old Church Street, Cheyne Walk, Upper Cheyne Row, Lawrence Street
- Flats: £2m – £5m
- Houses: £3m – £50m
9 Ranelagh House, £1.85m
Chelsea Green
Live in a popular portered building in a leafy part of North Chelsea called Elystan Place, just off the King’s Road with all of its boutiques and restaurants. This first and second floor maisonette has two double bedrooms and is available with a 152-year leasehold. Underground parking is also available through negotiation.
- Who buys? Chelsea locals, young European continentals, investors
- Why buy? Village ambience, independent shops, good community atmosphere, close to top language schools
- Best addresses: Markham Street, Jubilee Place
- Flats: £1m – £4m
- Houses: £2m – £12m
32 Raynor Walk, £POA
Burton Court
Be in the centre of it all in this four-bedroom family home in a residential street adjacent to the King’s Road. 32 Radnor Walk also boasts a secluded west-facing garden, a private terrace on the first floor and a media room for watching films together on a big screen. The property is freehold and it’s only a short walk from Sloane Square.
- Who buys? Downsizers for the lateral flats and pied à terres, socialites, families, investors
- Why buy? Close to sporting facilities, museums and RHS Chelsea Flower Show
- Best addresses: Franklins Row, St Leonard’s Terrace, Smith Terrace
- Flats: £1m – £6m
- Houses: £4m – £15m