Earls Court Area Guide
Nestled between Kensington, Fulham and Chelsea, Earls Court is often a much-understated area of West London, however, there is much beauty and charm to be discovered and should not be overshadowed by its exclusive Kensington and Chelsea neighbours.
Originally farmland, Earl’s Court’s development took place in the mid-1800s after the arrival of the railway line in 1869. It’s believed that the name Earls Court was derived from a farm situated in the area, according to Greenwood’s map of London dated 1827. The area officially became part of London in 1889 when the London County Council was formed and the city’s boundaries extended.
Earls Court possesses its fair share of fine period architecture and beautiful period conversions, including noble terraces and squares and tall, red-brick Victorian homes. Properties on garden squares are typically the most desired. Some of the most prestigious in the area include, The Little Boltons, The Boltons, Nevern Square, Collingham Gardens, Braham Gardens and Drayton Gardens. These are also some impressive examples of early- to mid-Victorian architecture in the Earls Court ward and are beautiful traditional residential squares with many imposing properties fronting onto them and in the case of Courtfield Gardens, traditional cast iron railings around the enclosed gardens have just been restored creating a more authentic Victorian ambience. A lot of these houses hold an abundance of historical value- Blue plaques mark the spots where Agatha Christie, Alfred Hitchcock and William Yeats once lived.
As expected, these houses on the prestigious garden squares attract many international buyers, however, there’s also another side of the housing market in Earls Court. Estate agent Dan Carrington, head of sales at Savills in Earl’s Court says the area is popular with young professionals, families and downsizers. “Once here buyers tend to stay, particularly families due to the number of highly-rated schools”.
At Interlet, we hold great housing options for young professionals and students at 23 Courtfield Gardens. Here we have a selection of modern, recently renovated studios and one bedroom apartments, boasting up-to-date modern appliances, and opposite the beautiful Courtfield Gardens. These studios are great for students at Imperial College, just a short walking distance away. These studios range from £1600.00pcm, all bills included.
In recent years, there have been various new developments sprouting up in Earls Court. One of the most recent being Lily Square located just off Lilly Road. A compound containing luxury one-three bedroom apartments, townhouses and penthouses boasting a cinema room, spa, gym and 24-hour concierge. One-bedroom flats start at £820,000 with two-bedroom flats at £1.3 million.
But what draws so many people to move to Earls Court? Earls Court has its fair share of charming garden squares, many of which host regular events for residents during the summer, adding to the real sense of community in the area.
One of the most famous, and historic green spaces in Earls Court is West Brompton Cemetery which opened in 1840, an architectural restoration, and among one of the oldest cemeteries in Britain. Not only does the cemetery hold great significant value, West Brompton Cemetery has also been the backdrop to many TV shows including David Attenborough and Sherlock Holmes.
If you’re looking to quench your cultural thirst, then Earls Court is the place to be as it has a whole host of theatres and museums to explore. The Finborough Theatre hosts thought-provoking plays and musical theatre, whilst the Barons Court Theatre is an intimate fringe theatre situated underneath the Curtains up Pub. The Finborough Theatre in Finborough Road is a leading fringe theatre, showcasing new writing. The Earl’s Court Film Festival of short films takes place in various venues across the neighbourhood. The Troubadour is an iconic music venue on Old Brompton Road. Many giants of the Sixties music scene including Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Jimi Hendrix played there.
The Earl’s Court dining scene is abuzz with exciting options, putting global cuisine on your doorstep. Choose from chic cafés, quick snack spots and fine dining to perk up a mid-week evening or treat yourself over an indulgent weekend. Cambio De Tercio- Established in 1995, this small Spanish eatery has really dazzled Old Brompton Road with wonderful places to enjoy authentic Spanish food and grown to include a taperia, sherry bar and gin bar. Hollywood Arms- Bar, restaurant and pub, it doubles as a place for after-work drinks and an essential venue for a Sunday roast. The Hollywood Arms also makes a welcoming nook to enjoy a quiet drink after a day exploring the local sights. Lilly Langtry- A west London boozer spread across the first two floors of a lemon yellow, three-storey Georgian townhouse. When you first walk in, the decor is homely and inviting, with artwork and books on the walls, while upstairs is a Victorian-style cocktail lounge with plush, plump seating and dangling chandeliers.
