Kensington Mall, London W8£695,000 Leasehold

Mall Chambers

Once home to George Orwell, this mansion block exemplifies the more romantic and creative architecture that became popular in the latter half of the Victorian era

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This beautifully finished apartment is located just next to Kensington Church Street in the Grade II-listed Victorian mansion block, Mall Chambers. The home’s south-east and west-facing fenestration results in an exceptional quality of light throughout. A rich and sumptuous colour palette defines the space, complemented by a wealth of tactile, thoughtfully employed materials including luminous marble countertops, tongue-and-groove panelling and handprinted wallpapers. The energetic and eclectic delights of Notting Hill and Portobello Road are a short walk away and the apartment is serviced by great transport links to central London.

Setting the Scene

Built by the revered Victorian architect John Murray between 1865-68, Mall Chambers is an early example of the many expressive mansion blocks that began to proliferate in this part of London during the late 19th century. With the increasing scarcity of land and the capital’s ever-growing population, these blocks were designed, as described by a contemporary journalist, to be “improved dwellings intended for a class somewhere above ordinary mechanics and labourers.” The building became home predominantly to artisans and clerks; one resident of note was George Orwell, who lived in Mall Chambers during the first decades of the 20th century.

The Grand Tour

Unfolding across an entire corner plot, the building’s charming façade is of sunny yellow London stock brick with refined stone dressings. The striking arcaded stairwell central to the building is complemented by the elaborate cornice on the consoles above. Entry to the building is via a secure, communal front door at street level with an entryphone system. The apartment sits on the fourth floor, affording a sense of remove from city life below.

The apartment’s forest green-painted front door opens directly into the sitting room. Immediately, the attention to detail taken during recent renovations is apparent: beautiful oak parquet flooring is a contemporary addition, but one that reflects the types of materials that would have been favoured at the time of the building’s inception.

Fitted joinery and storage solutions in the sitting room are also sympathetic to the block’s Victorian heritage. A fine fire surround and mantlepiece form a natural focal point within the room. The space has been ideally laid out for entertaining and enjoys a wash of golden light in the latter half of the day.

The kitchen lies adjacent; designed by Neptune, it comprises dark cabinetry offset by a mottled Greek marble countertop and has appliances by Liebherr and Smeg. At one end, neatly integrated banquette seating for up to six sits beneath a sash window. Additional kitchen storage for pots and crockery is offered up by a bespoke dresser, presented in the same enveloping peachy hue from Zoffany that covers the walls.

Throughout the apartment, lighting solutions have been integrated to allow for atmospheric illumination once the sun has gone down. Gallery-style spotlights are paired with wall-mounted lamps; both are dimmable, offering a variety of lighting options that offer a particularly cosy feel in the colder months. A Nest intelligent home system has been fitted for ease, and the windows have been recently triple-glazed.

The bedroom suite has extensive fitted cabinetry and wall lamps by Pooky. A sweet bookshelf above the bed provides a spot to display trinkets and/or house night-time reads. There is a brilliant amount of storage for clothing in an adjoining dressing room, where an internal window borrows natural from the bedroom.

In the bathroom, an illustrative, architectural-themed wallpaper, again from Zoffany, wraps one wall. Edwardian-inspired fixtures and fittings are by Lefroy Brooks and fine marble tiles run underfoot, warmed by underfloor heating. The current owners have also installed a Crittall door here, complete with reeded glass for privacy.

The Great Outdoors

To the rear of Mall Chambers is a gated residents’ garden, a particularly verdant spot complete with various mature trees, a well-tended lawn and flowering shrubs. Keys are provided to residents on application for a small annual fee.

Out and About

Mall Chambers is brilliantly located in one of London’s most desirable areas, a 10-minute walk from the boutiques and restaurants of Westbourne Grove, Portobello Road Market and High Street Kensington.

The immediate area is bursting with celebrated eateries such as Farmacy, Granger & Co., Daylesford Organic and Ottolenghi. Nearby are the popular Electric Cinema and Notting Hill Arts Club.

Holland Park and Kensington Gardens are both within a 10-minute walk. Hyde Park lies just beyond Kensington Gardens and plays host to The Serpentine Gallery and a lido.

Notting Hill Gate (Central Line, Circle and District Lines) is the nearest Underground station and is under a 10-minute walk away. The Westway provides an easy route out of the city by road, for swift access to Heathrow Airport and the South West.

Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: 999 years remaining
Service Charge: Approx £3,500 per annum
Ground Rent: £0 per annum
Council Tax Band: D

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. Inigo 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.