Belgravia
The Town
A property search centred on Belgravia in Central London will reveal some of the most expensive real estate on Earth. Lowndes Square in particular has some of the most expensive residential homes in the world. Belgravia will appeal to those requiring easy access to Central London. It is especially popular with overseas property buyers.
While most of the area is in the City of Westminster, part of the western section comes under the jurisdiction of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Recoco property finders will confirm that the approximate boundaries are Knightsbridge in the north, with Pimlico Road to the south. Buckingham Palace Road and Grosvenor Place mark the eastern boundary, with Sloane Street to the west.
Many older buildings are now home to overseas embassies, but Recoco buying agents can reassure you that Belgravia remains a delightful and convenient residential Central London location.
The History
Belgravia has not always been so salubrious, however: In medieval times those who ventured into “five Fields” at night risked robbery and highwaymen. In the early 1800s, however, the second Marquess of Westminster, Richard Grosvenor and Thomas Cubitt began redeveloping the area, including Belgrave Square and Eaton Square.
The name “Belgravia” comes from the Cheshire village of Belgrave, two miles from Eaton Hall in Cheshire, the family’s main country seat. One of the subsidiary titles of the Duke of Westminster is Viscount Belgrave.
Travel
Belgravia is very well connected in more ways than one. Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge and Sloane Square are the nearest London Underground stations, with Victoria station to the east. Both Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge are on the Piccadilly Line, while Sloane Square and Victoria are on the Circle and District Line.
From Grosvenor Place frequent, regular buses run to all parts of Central London, including evening and 24 hour services. There are numerous taxi companies, and property buyers who prefer two-wheeled transport will find Santander Cycle docking stations are plentiful. The A4 and the London Inner Ring Road also run through Belgravia.
Leisure and Events
While shopaholics will delight in the exclusive department stores of nearby Knightsbridge, Recoco property finders will be happy to help you find details of other Belgravia entertainment, including classical music concerts. Grade II listed Cadogan Hall is one of the top concert venues in England, with weekly concerts also held in nearby St Paul’s Church, which is Grade II* listed.
For a diversion from your property search, and a ripping yarn along with your liquid refreshment, head to the military-themed Grenadier pub. Allegedly, it’s haunted by a soldier caught cheating at cards.
Belgravia also hosts several annual events, from summer Classic Car Shows and Christmas Markets to Belgravia in Bloom in late spring, as well as the Dog Show in summer. Dogs win awards for Dog With Waggiest Tail, and being Dogs That Look Like Their Owners, amongst others. Proceeds go to support the Dogs Trust.
Education
Belgravia schools are, typically, excellent, and your Recoco buying agent will be happy to help you locate the latest Ofsted assessments where appropriate. Choices range from kindergarten or nursery and independent schools to dedicated bilingual schools. Some nurseries include sensory rooms, soft play and small kitchen gardens, which the children help to tend. Check with your Recoco buying agent on the latest situation with state schools in the area, which are generally very good, and over-subscribed.
Celebrity Connections
Your Recoco property finder will be able to reel off a list of famous residents, including Neville Chamberlain, James Bond creator Ian Fleming, and Margaret Thatcher, as well as Chelsea FC owner Roman Abromovich, ex-England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson. The area has been popular with actors too, including Lilly Langtry, Joan Collins, Sir Michael Caine, Sir Lawrence Olivier, and Vivien Leigh. Other current residents include millionaire Charles Saatchi and his wife, celebrity chef Nigella Lawson.
In 2019, Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes was commissioned to write a six-part series called Belgravia, which is likely to focus the attention of potential property buyers on the area once again.
Foodies’ Corner
Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it: pizza, European, French, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, Lebanese, Thai, Middle Eastern, or Chinese. Take time out from your property search to savour oysters at Harvey Nichols or afternoon tea at the Berkeley Hotel; or indulge in a sushi or sake masterclass to give your next dinner party a personal touch.
Fun Facts
During the Second World War, Belgrave Square was used as a tank park.