Where to live next in London: Belgravia

This peaceful central London neighbourhood charms with its beautiful architecture and storied history 

Words / Ruth Bloomfield
Photography / Juan Trujillo Andrades
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The Grosvenor Estate, which owns much of the area, has quietly been at work shaping the neighbourhood of Belgravia for 300 years, beginning by building elegant homes fit for politicians and captains of industry in the days of Queen Victoria, and today introducing smarter shops, and more opportunities for eating and drinking. 

In 2019, it opened Eccleston Yards, a complex of shops, restaurants, gyms, and offices set in a former power station which has become a destination for locals and tourists alike. These upgrades, in turn, have changed the face of the local community, which is now more global – and more youthful. 

“In the past, people who lived in Belgravia were upper class British,” explains Natasha Efstathiou, Associate Manager of Knight Frank’s Belgravia office. “But there’s been a huge amount of modernisation and that’s brought a variety of new buyers from the Middle East, Eastern Europe and China.” 

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Left: Wild by Tart’s double-height dining space adds glamour to lunch
Right: Peggy Porschen’s cakes have global renown

What all buyers love is Belgravia’s characteristic white stucco architecture, its central location and the kudos of living in a storied neighbourhood which is also considered more peaceful and residential than other Prime Central London locations. The average price for a home in Belgravia stands at £2,007 per square foot, according to property analyst LonRes. Nevertheless, at the top end of the market, homes sell for far more. 

The five-star redevelopment of Chelsea Barracks brings new choices – in the form of contemporary townhouses and apartments – to Belgravia. With exceptional amenities including the Garrison Club fitness and wellness complex, a private members’ club and spa, these sell for around £5,000 per square foot. 

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The Thomas Cubitt (right) and The Grenadier (left) are two of the area’s best-loved pubs. Both offer cosy atmosphere in a classic setting

Natasha’s local gems: 

“Love a traditional British local? Even in the heart of London, Belgravia’s pubs have a cosy feel – try historic watering holes like The Grenadier on Wilton Row or The Thomas Cubitt on Elizabeth Street. 

“Wild by Tart, a modern European restaurant housed in a dramatic, double-height space, is a favourite at Eccleston Yards. 

“Surely the most Instagrammed bakery in London, Peggy Porschen, is a pastel pink paradise of patisserie, with an all-day brunch menu.” 

Discover more properties for sale in Belgravia with Knight Frank