This neighbourhood covers a large area of the affluent west London suburb of Holland Park. Nestled between trendy Notting Hill and Kensington, the area is popular amongst families as well as young professionals. The leafy streets are lined with quaint Georgian terraced homes as well as larger blocks of post-war flats. Well serviced by the Holland Park and Notting Hill Gate tube stations, residents can easily commute to central London during the week. However, on the weekends, locals find plenty in the neighbourhood to keep them occupied. Whether they’re enjoying a pint at one of the many local pubs, like The Ladbroke Arms, or catching up over eggs benedict at popular café, Farm Girl, there are more than enough reasons to stick around the area. For families looking to relax with their children, there are multiple pockets of green space – like the Ladbroke Square Garden. With all that it has to offer, it’s no wonder tourists love to visit the neighbourhood as well.

This neighbourhood dates back to the 17th century when chancellor Sir Walter Cope built his mansion nearby. Other extravagant homes for the wealthy followed shortly after. However, by the 1800s, the chancellor’s original property, then referred to as Holland House, began to decline, forcing the current owner to build smaller terraced houses and cottages throughout the area to fund repairs. This led to the residential growth of the neighbourhood. Today, it’s location between upscale Kensington and fashionable Notting Hill has made it a desirable place to live in London.

The late scientist, Sir William Crookes, lived in this neighbourhood. He invented the 100% UV blocking sunglass lenses that so many people rely on today.

The Embassy for the Ukraine is located here as well. It wasn’t until 1991 that the UK recognised the country’s independence though – nearly 80 years after they had brought their diplomatic mission to London.

Unfortunately, the crime rates in the neighbourhood are slightly higher than London’s average. The majority of crimes reported over the past few months were categorised as residential burglary. Still, residents report feeling extremely safe in the area and are comfortable walking home from the tube stations late at night.

Even though the neighbourhood is already quite developed and gentrified, builders are continuing to invest in the area. New housing complexes are going up in the area, like the new West Village development, which was completed in 2018 and comprised of nine new mews houses divided into three bedroom flats or larger. Nearer to Holland Park, developer Christian Candy recently completed a collection of 25 super-prime residences named 80 Holland Park, ranging in size from one- to five-bedroom apartments, penthouses and townhouses. Prospective residents would benefit from a number of modern luxury comforts such as the presence of a 24-hour concierge, a private cinema, an abundance of outdoor space and a world-class gym and wellness center. These luxury homes are likely to continue to build up the neighbourhood’s already posh status; homes at 80 Holland Park, for example, are priced at over £6.5 million!