Property of The Week

Albert Court: Home to Howard Carter, the great archaeologist and discoverer of King Tutankhamun

Directly adjacent to the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal College of Music, sits the prestigious Grade II listed building, Albert Court. One of London’s first purpose-built mansion blocks, this remarkable Victorian building boasts an array of distinguished residents including the world-famous British Archaeologist, Howard Carter. Set on the first and second floors of Albert Court lies a magnificent five-bedroom apartment spanning over 4,340 sq.ft. Originally two separate apartments, this imposing duplex boasts grand proportions, a south facing aspect and access to the building’s discrete concierge service. The property is on the market with leading prime London estate agents Russell Simpson for £9.75m.

Howard Carter, Albert Court’s most illustrious resident, was born and raised in Kensington before heading to Egypt at the tender age of 17. Carter found work as an artist for an archaeologist who needed someone to document his findings, and in 1891 he began working on the Egypt Exploration Fund's excavation of the tombs at Beni Hassan. In 1907, Carter was hired by English aristocrat Lord Carnarvon to lead an excavation of Egyptian nobles’ tombs. In 1914, he received the license to dig at the Valley of the Kings, which they believed to be the location of King Tutankhamun’s tomb.

In November 1922, Carter and his team uncovered a flight of steps leading down to a sealed door and a secret chamber. Three months later, Carter and Lord Carnarvon entered the innermost chamber and found the sarcophagus of King Tutankhamun, which up until then, lay undisturbed for over 3,000 years. “King Tut’s” burial chamber was filled with over 5,000 artefacts for his journey to the afterlife; oils, perfumes, previous jewellery and statues of gold and ebony. Described as the “archaeological triumph of the 20^th century”, Carter’s incredible discovery enthralled the world; a craze of “Tut-mania” taking over the west.

The clearance of King Tutankhamun’s took nearly 10 years. Many of the recovered artefacts went on tour to museums around the world, including The British Museum in 1972. This exhibition remains the most popular in the museum’s history. Upon his return from Egypt, Carter retired from archaeology, acting as an agent for many museums and private collectors around the globe. He lived in his flat, No.49 Albert Court until his death in 1939.

The construction of Albert Court started in 1890, but in 1892 with only built four floors, the project ground to a halt. Construction resumed in 1984, but a “bankruptcy line” became visible where the construction continued, with the lowest four levels boasting higher ceilings, more expensive detailing and larger floor plates than those above. Set within this lower section lies a duplex apartment, offering ideal family accommodation, stunning entertaining space and elegant interiors.

The apartment’s upper floor comprises a magnificent south-facing, double reception room, sleek adjoining kitchen and balcony overlooking the beautiful Royal College of Music. This unique entertaining space boasts 4-metre high ceilings, excellent natural light, intricate cornicing, fireplace and delicate chandeliers. From the balcony, residents can often enjoy the musical offerings of the Royal College of Music.

Albert Court is located next to the world famous Royal Albert Hall and moments away from the entrance to Kensington Gardens and the greenery of Hyde Park, as well as an abundance of shops, restaurants and art galleries.

The spectacular property is available at £9,750,000. For further information, contact Russell Simpson on 020 7225 0277 or visit www.russellsimpson.co.uk