The small neighborhoods of London are one of the many assets that make this city such a glorious strolling experience. It’s another reason, too, that I prefer to vary my hotel selections, rather than staying in just one favorite. On my December visit, I stayed in Knightsbridge; this coming spring I’ll be staying in Marylebone at the Dorset Square Hotel.
If you wonder why I’m smitten with Knightsbridge, just consider the street names…Ovington Crescent, Cadogan Gardens, Walton Street, Hans Place and Egerton Terrace.
Coupled with a selection of architectural gems (and some charming oddities)…
it proves well worth the time to enjoy winding among the narrow streets. This specific neighborhood is snugged up against Harrods and the chic shops of Brompton and Kensington Roads with Sloane Street to the west.
How is this for a veddy British scene? And look at those chimney pots! Pont Street Mews is quite the private and singular spot!
Since these are the first weeks of winter, when for years I’ve dedicated this time to posts on “Inspiring Garden Design,” I’m taking the oppoortunity to inlude some exceptional small gardens all on one short street. What really charmed me was the commitment to excellent taste in landscaping as well as meticulous maintenance. I was green with envy over the plant material that was thriving, thriving! in these December gardens….acanthus, bergenia, palm trees, ferns, geraniums, and cyclamen, to name a few. And look at this magnolia…how it has adjusted to this almost nonexistent hole of dirt is beyond me…plus the challenge posed by the cobblestones compressing its roots (granted, that is probably the reason thought was given to the small size of the cobblestones).
One short street in particular was its own study in small garden design; each elegant white joined townhouse, with balustrade, bringing their personal details to the same size and layout of the front entrance area.
Isn’t this green door yummy?
This one was my fave, with it’s little visitor…
Note to self…scoot over to Knightsbridge when I’m in town and photograph this wisteria in bloom early May. Won’t that be a knockout?
When I was there in the fall, I stayed at The Gore Hotel in Knightsbridge. It’s a wonderful hotel. Knightsbridge is fantastic. The container gardens alone are worth the visit! Thanks for this post, Bettie!
By jove, you discovered a treasure!! Keep it coming!! Thanks!! franki
I love this. I lived in Knightsbridge for three weeks in the ’70s. It was enchanting, You’ve
captured the charm!
LONDON, HERE I COME!!!!
The garden design and maintenance on that short street is perfection! CLASSIC
AS IT HAPPENED, SEVERAL YEARS AGO A DEAR COUPLE, LIVING IN LONDON – SUGGESTED I STAY WITH THEM FOR MY TWO WEEK ANTIQUES – FAIR AND FLEA
MARKET STINT. THEIR MOST SPACIOUS AND WELL LOCATED ABODE, BORE THE ADDRESS OF ‘MARYLEBORNE HOUSE’. UPON REFLECTION OF THOSE DAYS I MUST ADMIT, MY EARLY MORNING AND EVENING ‘STROLLS’ … BEHELD TRULY, THE MOST WONDERFUL COLLECTION OF HOUSING DESIGNS. LONDON NEVER FAILS.
THANK YOU FOR ‘REFRESHING’ THOSE MEMORIES.
You said it so well, Tom, “London never disappoints!” xB
My daughter wants me to go to London in May with her and her fiancé who needs to renew his work visa (they live in NYC) and now I am really considering it after seeing this post. Thanks as always for giving me inspiration to explore new places!
YOU ARE SO WELCOME, MELODY!SOMETIMES A LITTLE NUDGE IS ALL WE NEED. AND ADDITIONALLY IF YOUR DAUGHTER AND HER FIANCEE HAVE INVITED YOU!! XB
We stayed in a wonderful flat in Egerton Gardens for 3weeks in 1975. So long ago. It was wonderful. You brought back such fond memories. Brompton Oratory Harrods etc Many trips after but none like that first one. Thank you
That “first” experience, whatever it may be, is always the most memorable. I’m returning this spring, as part of a Covid-interrupted annual trip.
Perhaps it’s time for you to visit again? xB