Holland Park
Strictly speaking part of the borough of Kensington, Holland Park certainly sees itself as so much more than an outlier for its illustrious and perhaps better known neighbour.
In fact Holland Park can offer just as much as ‘Ken’ can – with the history of its development (it was formerly the grounds of a Jacobean mansion) meaning it boasts tree-lined streets with ample townhouses, tourist attractions and cultural facilities.
Many countries choose to have their embassy in this district, meaning there is a fine mix of restaurants and eateries to serve the many nationalities concentrated in an area which might be described as West London’s best kept secret.
What a Property Finder Can Purchase
£1m buys: A three-bedroom mews house in a gated development.
£3m buys: A four-bedroom apartment in a Victorian Grade II listed building.
£5m buys: A four-bedroom apartment on Kensington High Street.
Best Hotels in Holland Park
The Laslett (https://www.living-rooms.co.uk) is a fashionable and popular hotel which stretches across five converted Victorian townhouses. A little further afield, try The Baglioni (http://www.baglionihotels.com/london), offering chic rooms and suites, some with butler service, in a five-star location. At the quirky end of the scale, try the Safestay (https://www.safestay.com/london-kensington-holland-park) which offers an intriguing mix of colourful, funky rooms and a lively atmosphere.
Best Restaurants in Holland Park
The Belvedere (http://www.belvedererestaurant.co.uk) offers modern dining in a grand 17th century summer ballroom location. The Jones Family Kitchen (https://jonesfamilykitchen.co.uk) is a tucked away eaterie which is as quirky and interesting as its name suggests, boasting a fun and different menu in a lively setting. Edera (https://edera.co.uk) is a classic Italian restaurant which specialises in Sardinian dishes, truffles foremost among them.
Best Schools in Holland Park
St James Senior Girls' School (https://www.stjamesschools.co.uk/seniorgirls) is an independent school for girls aged 11 to 18, offering a superb education, with a good pastoral regime and excellent exam results. St Paul’s Girls’ School (http://www.spgs.org) offers girls aged 11 to 18 a wide-ranging and extensive curriculum which draws popular praise from parents. Ashbourne Independent School (https://www.ashbournecollege.co.uk) educates boys and girls aged 15 to 19 and draws plaudits for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, with high standards of teaching.
Buying Agents Fact
The Design Museum (https://designmuseum.org) is perhaps Holland Park’s best tourist attraction but also has many changing exhibitions to keep regular local visitors interested too. It won the award for European Museum of the Year in 2018.
How to Get to Holland Park from Central London
Train: 20 mins on a tube to central London
Car: 25 mins to central London