Inspiration beckons at white-stuccoed 21, Old Church Street, which, as its Blue Plaque attests, was once home to the actress Judy Campbell, famously muse to Noël Coward, mother of Jane Birkin and grandmother of Charlotte Gainsbourg.
Furthermore, this much-restored townhouse, once a pub, dates back to the 18th century, making it reputedly the oldest property on the oldest street in Chelsea (it was mentioned, as Church Lane, in 1566).
With five bedrooms, it has been boldly updated, with dark-oak floors, a glazed atrium, sumptuous cinema room and Carrera-marble kitchen island designed by Day True London with integrated Gaggenau appliances.
The well-sized west-facing stepped garden has a raised, lawned courtyard with a water feature and outdoor dining area, overlooked by a balcony.
21 Old Church Street is currently on the market via Russell Simpson for £8.95 million — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Old Chelsea: What you need to know
Location: The property is just set back from the Chelsea Embankment in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The nearest underground stations are South Kensington Underground (District, Piccadilly and Circle lines), Imperial Wharf overground services and Gloucester Road Underground (District, Piccadilly and Circle Lines).
Atmosphere: The popular and affluent neighbourhood has been home — and indeed still is home to a wide number of poets, painters and artists. The area is now known for its world-class shopping, and takes centre stage as the capitals most stylish shopping district.
Things to do: Art lovers can head to the Saatchi gallery and Gagliardi Gallery amongst others, whilst shoppers will enjoy the King's Road and Harrods. Theatre and music lovers head to Cadogan Hall (home of the Philharmonic Orchestra) and The Royal Theatre. There are also countless restaurants, bars, clubs, pubs plus a weekly food market in the Duke of York Square. Battersea Park can also be reached to the south of Chelsea Embankment.
Schools: Park Walk Primary School is rated 'good' by Ofsted, whilst Kingland Pre-Prep, The Hampshire School Chelsea and Cameron Vale School are all located within walking distance.
See more property for sale in the area.
-
‘City gents in bowler hats beat on our shop windows shouting “immoral!” and “disgusting!”’: The rise (and rise) of the mini skirtWhat the mini skirt lacked in length it more than made up for in meaning.
-
Five years, 10,400 miles and a boatload of stories: Mark Ashley-Miller on the Country Life PodcastMark Ashley-Miller, the man who sailed to every harbour in Britain and Ireland, joins the Country Life Podcast.
-
A 500-year-old cottage in West Sussex that's as beautiful as you could ever hope to see, with a pool ringed by flowers, stables and a croquet lawnJames Fisher was in need of some balm for the soul when he came across Woodshill House.
-
A Clarkson's Farm of one's own: Five properties with just enough farmland for you and your family, from under £1 millionMoving to the country is one thing; moving to the country and being able to grow and rear all your own food is another level entirely, and all these properties offer exactly that.
-
Six superb homes, from chocolate box cottages to grand Tudor mansions, as seen in Country LifeOur regular round-up includes charming home counties houses and superb grand country house in Ireland.
-
A billionaire's thatched cottage is for sale in Surrey, once owned by the oil magnate J. Paul GettyChestnut Cottage is a joyous little home — albeit one with the most unusual bedrooms to acreage to price balances we've ever seen. Toby Keel takes a look inside.
-
Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castleFrom hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
-
How to buy a house at auctionBuying at auction can mean you secure your dream property for a bargain price, but preparation is the key
-
The homes of two 1980s TV icons are both up for sale at the same timeThe houses where Bob Monkhouse and Sir Terry Wogan spent decades of their lives are currently on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
-
Living on the edge? A lighthouse for sale on a clifftop on one of the most remote islands in BritainBressay Lighthouse was built by the father and uncle of the 'Treasure Island' author.
