CHELSEA

Once described as ‘a village of palaces’, for many centuries, Chelsea has

been associated with the wealthy due to its quiet backwater nature

and riverside qualities. As one of London’s most a� uent areas, it acts as

a retreat from the busy city, as well as allowing its locals to enjoy Central

London life. Royal Avenue is located just o� the popular King’s Road with

local amenities and attractions on its doorstep. Immediately recognised by

its tree lined street and gravelled path, it remains a truly unique part of

London with many historical Royal connections. Royal Avenue is

indeed one of Chelsea’s most famous addresses.

OriginsIn the Middle Ages Chelsea was just a small village.

However, when Henry VIII acquired the Manor of

Chelsea in 1536, it became particularly fashionable

with the wealthy. By the end of the 1600s it was

a � ourishing part of London with a population

of 3,000.

The Royal Avenue was built in 1682 by

Christopher Wren, one of Britain’s most

distinguished architects, best known for the

design of the Royal Hospital and many London

churches, including St Paul’s Cathedral. The

Avenue was laid out as a direct route to connect

the Royal Hospital to Kensington Palace but the

full scheme never materialised. When King Charles II,

the sponsor of the scheme died in 1685, only the � rst

section as far as the King’s Road was completed. With its

original plans at a standstill, the Avenue became known as

White Stile Walk from the ladder stiles located at each end.

...Henry VIII acquired the Manor of Chelsea in 1536,

it became particularly fashionable with the

wealthy. By the end of the 1600s it was a � ourishing

part of London with a population of

3,000.

Royal Avenue is one of London’s

most distinguished addresses, situated on

the King’s Road in the heart of Chelsea. Close to the

banks of the River Thames and various green spaces

such as Hyde Park and Battersea

Park.

In the 19th Century substantial Victorian terraced houses with a hint of

English Baroque were built on either side of the street, beginning with

the right hand side in 1810. The name Royal Avenue was soon adopted

and it swiftly became associated with the upper middle class. Several

notable people in history have lived here, including the Pre-Raphaelite

artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti who rented number 36 for his mistress

Fanny Cornforth.

When the Chelsea Drugstore opened on the street corner in 1968,

the glass and aluminium frontage, its clientele, and the ‘� ying squad’

delivery service in their purple cat suits, appalled the local residents

and lead to protest. The store � nally closed in 1971 and Royal Avenue

regained its prestigious status, which still stands strong today.

Prime Central Location, Tranquil LivingRoyal Avenue is one of London’s most recognised addresses, situated

on the King’s Road in the heart of Chelsea. Close to the banks of the

River Thames and various green spaces such as Hyde

Park and Battersea Park, it o� ers residents

luxurious surroundings and beautiful

views of the Royal Hospital, with

all the amenities, culture and

entertainment of the King’s Road

on its doorstep.

The Grade II listed properties,

a mixture of both houses

and apartments provide

residents with spacious and

bright living conditions

and although just o� one

of London’s most popular

shopping streets, it remains

a peaceful and well kept

residential location.

The two terraces consist of tall

Victorian stucco and brick town houses,

with wrought iron balconies, long windows

and white gables. All properties are almost

identical in layout, built over four � oors (some with an

extra � oor) with a garden at the back, perfect for a family home, or

a quiet city retreat. Each property also has a coal bunker which

in many households has been converted into a wine cellar

or basement extension; providing additional space in

these already sizeable properties.

At � rst glance, the street’s symmetry and

uniformity appears simple and classic, yet the

eye is drawn slowly towards the gravelled path

and imposing gates of the Royal Hospital. This

path is in fact a public road, maintained by the

council and owned by the hospital, making Royal

Avenue the only public space in London of its kind

and a particularly strong long term investment,

commanding high prices for both sales and lettings.

Resident AdvantageRoyal Avenue consists of around 80 households, all of whom

automatically become members of the Resident’s Association which

holds meetings annually. The association acts as a communication

vehicle providing residents with the information they need and

gives them the opportunity to voice their opinions on the amenities

a� ecting them. Their achievements so far include imposing a � ne for

dog owners who do not clean up after their dogs, introducing double

yellow lines and speed bumps in the surrounding roads, and ensuring

the area remains litter free. They strive to maintain the quiet nature of

the street and protect its in� uential reputation.

As freeholders and leaseholders, there are very few restrictions in place

for the residents of Royal Avenue as there is no managing

agent. The only restriction, set by the council, is the

protection of the traditional architecture

of these Grade II listed buildings

which contribute greatly to the

desirability of this residential

location. In many cases

planning permission is not

granted for extensions

as the council intends to

preserve the harmonious

design of the terraces but

residents are able to appeal if

they disagree.

Meet the NeighboursThe Royal Avenue neighbours are

somewhat di� erent from the norm. ‘The

Men in Scarlet,’ the Chelsea Pensioners, with

their three centuries of unbroken service are truly the most

unique and honourable nearby residents. Residents of Royal Avenue

regularly see the Chelsea Pensioners in the neighbourhood or walking

in the Hospital’s grounds.

Behind the gates of the Royal Hospital lies Burton Court, a large green

space giving an unrestricted view of the Wren masterpiece adding

to the imposing nature of the site. Burton Court, although part of the

Hospital, o� ers the Chelsea residents an opportunity to buy exclusive

passes to access its impressive grounds which include tennis courts, a

children’s tennis academy, dog walking and a cricket pitch. The grounds

are also home to a Post O� ce, open to the public, which nearby

residents � nd particularly useful.

Royal Avenue is one of London’s

most distinguished addresses, situated on

the King’s Road in the heart of Chelsea. Close to the

banks of the River Thames and various green spaces

such as Hyde Park and Battersea

Park.

The walled Physic Garden, Britain’s second oldest botanical garden is situated on the east side of the Hospital, south of the burial ground. Due to its location in this prominent area, it is considered by many as the perfect venue for special events such as weddings and birthday celebrations, and it is also a popular day out for families with its onsite café and shop.

The Hospital’s beautiful views and Royal Patronage has had a striking e�ect on Chelsea’s development provoking interest amongst the elite. As a result, this area of Chelsea is indeed one of the most respectable and sought after postcodes in London.

The surrounding streets are also home to many enviable properties with an equally surprising background.

The nearby Wellington Square, with its grand stucco facades and wrought iron balconies, acquired its name from when the Duke of Wellington’s body was brought to the Royal Hospital for his lying-in-state. The Square’s association with the Hospital and the Waterloo hero makes it a highly sought after Chelsea street today, and similarly to Royal Avenue, the properties here prove their weight as solid investments.

Chelsea’s modern reputation as a centre of innovation and in�uence originated in the 19th century when many Victorian artists �ocked to the area. Tite Street was an especially favoured location for many artists and writers due to its vicinity to the Royal Hospital and the banks of the river. Originally created to give access to the Chelsea Embankment, it remains a particularly desirable address with its grand red brick terraces and its position between the King’s Road and the River Thames.

The King’s Road TodayThe King’s Road was named speci�cally for Charles II originally serving as a private road from St James’s Palace to Fulham. Reserved for the monarch, a special token was needed to access it until 1830.

Today, with its royal history and connections, it remains a particularly prestigious area of London, home to many high-end boutiques, top restaurants and bars as well as some of the country’s most sought after properties.

The Duke of York’s Square is the largest new public space created in London in the last 20 years and is perceived by many as an oasis of calm and elegance with its variety of dining and shopping experiences. Alongside the iconic Saatchi Gallery, is the popular Italian restaurant Manicomo and the contemporary cocktail bar Gallery Mess which are both favourites amongst locals and visitors.

The Royal Court Theatre adds a contemporary and artistic feel to the area. In the last decade it has placed an emphasis on international work attracting visitors and artists from around the world.

Just over the bridge is Battersea Park which is considered by many to be the capital’s most interesting park with its abundance of trees and wildlife. Although on the opposite side of the river, it is a popular spot for Chelsea locals and is the perfect setting for bird watching, a tennis match, a game of football or walking in its beautiful gardens.

Map Illustration by Rebecca Lea Williams

Contact List

020 7589 66771 Cadogan Street London SW3 2PPwww.bectivelesliemarsh.co.ukchelsea@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

Bective Leslie Marsh Established in 1881, Bective Leslie Marsh has an excellent reputation for selling and letting quality property in Central London. The Chelsea office is situated on Cadogan Street, a stone’s throw from Sloane Square. If you are thinking of selling or letting your property, or would simply like some independent advice, please do not hesitate to contact our Chelsea office on 020 7589 6677.

Shops:Waitrose (King’s Road) 020 7351 2775

Partridges 020 7730 0651

Peter Jones 020 7730 3434

Harvey Nichols 020 7235 5000

Harrods 020 7730 1234

Pubs:The Admiral Codrington 020 7581 0005

The Enterprise 020 7584 3148

The Surprise 020 7351 6954

The Phene 020 7352 9898

Builders Arms 020 7349 9040

Schools:Sussex House School 020 7584 1741

Hill House International Junior School 020 7584 1331

Garden House School 020 7730 1652

Cameron House School 020 7352 4040

Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle 020 7584 6322

Entertainment:Curzon Cinema 0330 500 1331

Cineworld 0871 200 2000

Saatchi Gallery 020 7811 3070

Natural History Museum 020 7942 5000

Science Museum 0870 870 4868

Victoria & Albert Museum 020 7942 2000

The Royal Court 020 7565 5000

Cadogan Hall 020 7730 4500

Sports & Fitness:KX Gym 020 7584 5333

LA Fitness 020 7838 0500

Virgin Active 020 7352 9452

The Chelsea Club 0845 485 7250

Library:Chelsea Library 020 7361 3010

Florist:Moyses Stevens 020 8772 0094

Amanda Austin Flowers 020 7351 3151

Vets:Brompton Veterinary Clinic 020 7225 2915

Elizabeth Street Veterinary Clinic 020 7730 9102

Police Station:2 Lucan Place, Chelsea, SW3 3PB 0300 123 1212

Chelsea Fire Station:264 Kings Road, London SW3 5UF

Contact your local fire safety centre: 020 8555 1200 ext 54811

RBKC Planning & Conservation:020 7361 3012

Fun Fact!The infamous Chelsea Drugstore

caused such an uproar, it has even beenmentioned in songs including the

Rolling Stones song ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’: “So I went to

the Chelsea Drugstore to get your prescription filled.”