Property in Belgravia - London's Centre of Architectural Splendour

Article Written By: Ben J White

Situated between Mayfair and South Kensington, Belgravia is at the heart of London's wealthiest districts. With street after street of architectural masterpieces, property in Belgravia commands high prices and even greater respect - and not without good reason.

Much of the property here was originally developed by Thomas Cubbit, London's leading master builder in the nineteenth century. Cubbit's other building achievements include Buckingham Palace's east front and the former London Institution building in Finbury Circus. Cubbit's name is just one of many that have bestowed Belgravia with its distinguished history, and today much of the property in Belgravia still bears the peerless mark of architectural genius that gave the area its excellent reputation.

Seaford House, which stands on the corner of Belgrave Square, exemplifies this reputation perfectly. A grand detached mansion, it was designed by Philip Hardwick, the leading nineteenth century architect.

The building was completed in 1842 and was originally known as Sefton House. Extensive remodelling followed in the early 1900s when Lord Howard de Walden took over the property and installed some grand new interior features.

Standing proudly in the heart of the district, Seaford House is amongst the most magnificent examples of property in Belgravia, although it is no longer occupied by private residents.

Lowndes Square is home to some of the best examples of the large white stucco houses that make up much of the residential property in Belgravia. With grand Romanesque columns and immaculately crafted details, these houses stand as monuments to the architectural splendour of thriving London and perfectly compliment the elegant, understated greenery in the centre of Lowndes square.

Pimlico Road, with its famous statue of Mozart, is now one of London's most exclusive shopping districts. Many of what were once fine examples of property in Belgravia have now been converted into shops and restaurants. It's still a great place to take a stroll and soak in some of the finery of modern-day Belgravia - proof enough that its reputation as the centre of London style continues unabated.

Moving away from residential architecture, St. Paul's Church, Knightsbridge is one of the finest examples of Victorian churches in London. From its consecration in 1843 it soon became an integral part of the local community, and it continues to be a popular place of worship today.

Poised watchfully over the local streets, the church is an architectural tour de force. The focus is on grandeur and elaborate decoration, and its style is heavily indebted to the principles of the Oxford Movement of High Church Anglicans. Amongst its beautiful interior features, it boasts a screen designed by church architect G F Bodley.

The German Embassy displays a modern example of Belgravia's excellent architectural prowess. Whilst the ambassador's residence in Belgrave Square is pure late-Georgian Belgravia, the Chesham Place extension - linked to the Belgrave Square building by a road bridge - is an outstanding example of contemporary architecture.

It does have its share of detractors however, with the Queen memorably declaring that the Chesham Place building was an 'eyesore'. Completed in 1978, the building triumphed over its competitors to win the Westminster City Council's architectural prize - proving once and for all that, although property in Belgravia has a long and proud history, its continuing development is very much an ongoing concern.

About the Author

Ben J White - restaurants in Belgravia and Mayfair.

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