In our latest area guide, step into the effortlessly stylish world-famous postcode of Notting Hill, that continues to draw new generations of fans
With its relaxed vibe, large Victorian homes with oversized (by London standards) gardens, lively mix of independent boutiques and casual neighbourhood restaurants, Notting Hill offers the complete package when it comes to a London home. Its candy-coloured terraces and creamy stucco crescents are an Instagrammers dream. And local property agents have never been busier.
Notting Hill: First impressions
If you are a bookworm or ardent vintage shopper, Notting Hill is the perfect location to find hidden gems. The magic of its communal gardens, for the exclusive use of residents with homes on the borders, gained global fame when Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant vaulted their gates in Richard Curtis’s 1999 film, Notting Hill. Such properties come with a premium, pushing Notting Hill homes into super-prime territory.
‘We work in one of London’s most exciting areas, where families and young professionals alike enjoy ample green spaces in nearby Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park and Holland Park,” says Daniel Taylor, head of sales in Savills Notting Hill office. Firmly on the map for international buyers, Notting Hill delivers a more relaxed, fun-loving neighbourhood environment sought after by younger buyers and families.
‘Families settle here, put their children through the great schools on offer, and downsize in the same area, swapping big family homes for charming flats with roof terraces,” says Miles Meacock, head of the Notting Hill office at Strutt & Parker. “The residential roads are interspersed with cosmopolitan, not metropolitan, streets. Streets that are bursting with markets, fishmongers, grocers, antique dealers, cafes and restaurants rather than faceless chains – it’s these very businesses that make a neighbourhood all the more valuable.”
A day in Notting Hill
10AM
Notting Hill: Ask a local
Nikki Tibbles, owner of Wild at Heart says, ‘I adore Notting Hill. I’ve lived here for nearly 25 years, so it completely embodies that sense of familiarity and nostalgia for me, but it also happens to be one of London’s most iconic neighbourhoods. Just a stone’s throw away from Hyde Park, where I love to walk my dogs, it’s a treasure trove of incredible architecture and independent options. It’s never been more important to shop local and that’s not hard to do in Notting Hill. 202 is my go-to for breakfasts and brunch meetings. I also love the gastropub The Cow and for clothes and gifts, I love perusing The Cross. The Laslett is my favourite hotel if I fancy a night away from home, plus they run a brilliant tacos and turntables night!’
Notting Hill: Food and drink
CORE BY CLARE SMYTH
92 Kensington Park Road
The multi award-winning Core was founded by Clare Smyth. At its heart is elegant fine dining with an emphasis on natural and sustainable food that is beautifully crafted. Seeking the best of British and artisan food, diners can enjoy dishes such as Herdwick lamb or the tempting Core-teaser dessert. corebyclaresmyth.com
SUMI
157 Westbourne Grove
The bright interiors of neighbourhood favourite SUMI provides a sensory culinary experience in a relaxed, modern setting. SUMI is the little sister to sushi master Endo Kazutoshi’s Michelin-starred Endo at the Rotunda. Diners can expect a menu influenced by Japanese traditions, as well as the people and places Chef Endo has been inspired by. sushisumi.com
LAYLOW
10 Golborne Road
Executive chef Adam Rawson’s extensive travels across South America influence the dishes at Laylow. The exciting selection, served as sharing plates, includes the well-known classics ceviche, frito tacos and mole. The drinks list features an array of tequila reposado and anejo to pair with plates. laylow.co.uk
SUNDAY IN BROOKLYN
98 Westbourne Grove
The Williamsburg import became the first-ever international location for Sunday in Brooklyn. The New York-esque corner site is a haven for the very best of American food. SIB is famed for twists on American staples, playful cocktails, and friendly welcome. With new menu additions, created especially for the UK, diners can still look forward to generous American servings. sundayinbk.co.uk
FARMACY
74-76 Westbourne Grove
Every dish at Farmacy is a vivid and tasteful feast that illustrates founder, Camilla al-Fayed’s commitment to recipes that are good for health and sustainability. Farmacy’s menu is based on a holistic approach to agriculture, using food as medicine, with many ingredients handpicked in Kent. Enjoy biodynamic wines with classics such as pad Thai using brown rice noodles with roasted tofu and mac and cheese using rice pasta. farmacylondon.com
Notting Hill: Schools
Notting Hill is much loved by young families, on account of its wonderful pre-prep and pre options. The area is rich with schools promoting happy, diverse, and imaginative environments. Popular mixed choices are Bassett House (2-11) on Bassett Road and Notting Hill Prep on Lancaster Road for ages 4-13. The most sought-after state school in the area is co-ed Fox Primary on Kensington Place, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and rated one of the best state primaries in the country. For older girls, there’s the Ofsted Outstanding rated Cardinal Vaughan Memorial Catholic School on Addison Road, Notting Hill and Ealing High School on Cleveland Road, St Paul’s girls in Brook Green and Godolphin & Latymer in Hammersmith. Latymer Upper is a co-ed independent school – Old Latymerians include actor Hugh Grant of Notting Hill fame.
Notting Hill: Ask An Agent, Miles Meacock, Strutt & Parker
“Buying agents always ask me, ‘Miles, why do all my buyers want to be in Notting Hill?’… the gardens are why! The triple A* addresses, period family homes, and 16 enviable communal gardens make this area so attractive.
And the sweet spot is the £5-10m house market, which is ultimate Notting Hill family-home territory. This sector of the market is flying, and blue-chip family houses are selling off market incredibly quickly as a result of a severe lack of stock.
I recently sold a house on Lansdowne Road, with communal-garden access, for well in excess of the £8.25m guide price. The house hadn’t been touched for many years, but within a couple of days, there were multiple bids on the table. People who live in Notting Hill tend to stay there, meaning competition is rife for incoming buyers.”
Notting Hill: On the market
Hereford Road
This is what everyone is after in Notting Hill. A five-bedroom Victorian stucco family freehold home on a pretty tree-lined street with a large 31ft garden to the rear. Located near lively Westbourne Grove and near Kensington Gardens for walking the family pet. £4.95m.
Agent: savills.com
Highlever Road
An immaculate Edwardian home with a high-ceilinged ground-floor reception, four bedrooms, and a west-facing garden. £4.5m.
Agent: knightfrank.co.uk
Bulmer Mews
Fully refurbished, this five-bedroom, end-of-terrace, low-built double mews house offers lovely open-plan accommodation. £5.25m.
Agent: struttandparker.com
Read more:
Follow The London Magazine on Instagram to stay up to date with recent features and exciting announcements. For more London stories, click through to our London hub here
© 2024 