Like a duck to water
The idyllic serenity of Holland Park, with its squirrels, coy carp and pigeons, feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of neighbouring Kensington, and this two story family home is just as refreshing. Homely yet intellectual, au fait yet intimate. From the garden, to the electric blue shell-shaped lighting, the calming influence of Mother Nature can be felt throughout Royal Crescent. With all the historic peace of the park on its doorstep, and the shops, bars and restaurants of Kensington just a walk away, this three bedroom, three bathroom home offers a beautifully different reality.
Birds of a feather
From the shelves that creak under the weight of countless books, to the playful paintings that adorn the walls, it’s clear that your hosts have both academic backgrounds, and a sense of humour. Your host, a French professor of Philosophy, is a culinary whizz and a great lover of tennis, while his wife, a college advisor from New York, enjoys yoga and the theatre. In the 18 years since they moved to London, they’ve spent their time creating a Zen retreat for themselves and their two daughters.
Graceful as a swan
The eclectic yet homely sitting room, with rare paintings and colourful décor, entices you in to take a perch. Dotted about are all manner of curios, from stuffed animals to taxidermy insects and butterflies. Further on, the dining room conservatory is flooded with light from the semi-circular windows, and will comfortably seat eight. After supper, retreat to the ensuite master bedroom, in soothing regatta blue, or if music be the food of love, satiate your appetite on the piano in the children’s room. The TV room with its three sweeping windows set in curved walls, also has a sofabed and can double up as a third bedroom. Check out the funky shell-shaped lighting units in the bathroom and upstairs en suite steam shower though, before swooping through the French windows of the final bedroom, back out to explore the garden.
Spread your wings
With Notting Hill to the east and Kensington to the south, Holland Park has it all. The world famous Portobello Market is just around the corner, so bag a retro bargain before tucking into something hearty yet trendy at one of Westbourne Park’s cool gastropubs. If you feel the need to buy something sparkly from somewhere shiny, the stunning Westfield shopping mall is only a ten minute walk away. And for those looking to soar off into the West End, fifteen minutes on the tube will have you popping up in Oxford Circus.
