This three-bedroom house occupies an enviable corner position in Wesley Square, an award-winning private garden square in Ladbroke Grove designed by celebrated architects Sir Terry Farrell and Sir Nicholas Grimshaw in 1976. The house is one of only six on the square, and not only has access to the wonderful communal gardens directly from the front door, but also a secluded rear garden that is bursting with mature planting. There is an allocated off-street parking space behind the private rear garden, which is also ideal for charging electric cars.

The Square

Designed in 1976 by the multi-award-winning architects Sir Terry Farrell and Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, Wesley Square was one of the partnership’s very first projects. The scheme was designed for the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council, and aimed to provide affordable housing for young families and professionals. The development consists of six three-storey townhouses, 22 two-storey maisonettes and 22 duplex apartments. The Square has an unusual plan in that each residence has front-door access from the central shared garden. It is managed by a committee of owners, creating a wonderful sense of community. For more information, please see the History section below.

The Tour

Wesley Square is accessed through small gates on either side of the square, discreetly hidden amid mature plants and bushes that create a verdant welcome. Paved walkways extend around the perimeter of the square, leading along the row of houses with distinctive pillarbox-red-painted window frames and doorways. This house lies at the southern corner of the square, positioned behind a front garden with space for a bijous seating area.

The striking red front door opens directly into the main living spaces, where an atmosphere with touches of European design permeates. The interiors have been sensitively reconfigured by Italian architect Mario Pignatelli, making clever use of the plan to create spaces that are thoroughly suited to contemporary living.

The plan is oriented towards the living room at the rear, with the focus on a wall of glazing that opens directly to the private garden. The design has been executed in such a way so as to ensure a cool, peaceful environment, yet one which simultaneously capitalises on the natural light available. Diagonal oak floorboards extend underfoot, creating a dynamic sense of movement and flow, again leading towards the garden at the rear. A dining area is positioned in the middle of the plan — the perfect spot for entertaining.

Situated at the front of the plan, the Kreider kitchen has been cleverly delineated by a diagonal wall with a sliding door to separate the space when required. Glossy cabinetry in a deep red contributes to the European aesthetic, with black Neolith ceramic workbenches creating a sharp contrast, and a stainless steel extractor fan adding a touch of the industrial. There is an AEG microwave, oven and induction hob, as well as a built-in fridge/freezer. A magnetic section of the wall is currently used to hang spices, and a large window above the Rieber ‘Cubic’ sink looks onto the square beyond.

Stairs with a seagrass carpet ascend to the first floor, where the main bedroom lies at the front of the plan. A wall of windows frames views onto Wesley Square and allows natural light in; high ceilings with white-painted beams frame the roof’s pitch, adding structure to the space. There is a built-in desk, as well as a walk-in wardrobe with plenty of built-in cupboards and shelving. An en suite bathroom lies beyond, clad in a combination of neutral tiles with differing finishes.

The second bedroom on this floor is supremely peaceful, positioned above the no-through road below. A dappled light is cast around the space, filtered through the leaves of mature trees outside. There is further storage space and a bathroom in the hallway, with a built-in bath surrounded by blue tiles that add a touch of colour.

Positioned on the top floor of the house is a versatile space, currently used as an office and a bedroom separated by a partition wall. The pitch of the roof extends high above, punctuated by a skylight and large windows. The same diagonal floorboards as downstairs run underfoot, creating a sense of continuity throughout. There is ample storage on this level, from the built-in cupboards to the eaves storage; light fittings and speakers have been seamlessly built into the beams of the roof.

Outdoor Space

The private rear garden is accessed directly from the living room, creating a wonderful sense of flow between inside and out. Mature plants are bursting from the borders, while clambering vines make their way up and down the trellised walls, and camellias and roses dot the boundaries. The paved space feels utterly secluded, shielded from the no-through road behind by a selection of leafy mature trees. An outdoor garden socket ensures easy charging for electric cars in the parking space behind.

Wesley Square itself is arranged around a beautiful communal lawn, dotted with benches, trees and verdant bushes. The peaceful communal gardens have won the ‘Brighter Kensington & Chelsea Gardens Award’ several times. There are vegetable and edible herb plots, which are carefully looked after; the maintenance of the gardens is included in the service charge.

The Area

Wesley Square is located in the centre of Ladbroke Grove, within easy reach of the shops, restaurants and markets of Portobello Road, Golborne Road and Westbourne Grove. The Electric Cinema, The Gate Theatre and Electric House are within walking distance. The new home of The Museum of Brands, opened in March 2016, is along the road.

Wesley Square was originally conceived as a centre for artists and creatives, and it retains that spirit to this day. It offers a very child-friendly community, with good local schools nearby, including the new Kensington Aldridge Academy designed by Studio E Architects.  

The Underground stations of Ladbroke Grove (Hammersmith & City Line), Holland Park (Central Line) and Notting Hill Gate (Central, Circle and District Lines) are all close at hand. There is also good road access to the M4, A4 and A40, providing quick routes to Heathrow Airport (approximately 40 minutes). Paddington Station is also nearby for the Heathrow Express, services to the west of England, and the new Crossrail.

Tenure: Leasehold with Share of Freehold
Underlying Lease Length: approx. 956 years remaining
Service Charge: approx. £2,400 per annum
Ground Rent: approx. £100 per annum
Council Tax Band: F

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.