Poet’s Muse

21.05.22

Abode2 visits the spectacular modernised Kensington apartment next to the home of acclaimed author, poet and playwright T.S. Elliot

Located on the raised ground floor of a grand red brick mansion block in Kensington, is 4 Kensington Court Gardens, a recently renovated ground floor four-bedroom apartment, available through Russell Simpson for a guide price of £5.95 million. The home, which lay empty for over 60 years before being brought back to life and up to modern standards by the current owners, is directly next door to the home where influential poet T.S. Elliot spent his final years.

During his time at Kensington Court Place, T.S. Elliot was inspired to write his ground-breaking play in verse The Elder Statesman. He also dedicated three afternoons per week to work as an editor at Faber and Faber in Russell Square. It was here that he introduced the work of many up-and-coming poets of the time, including Ted Hughes, later Poet Laureate, who unveiled the blue plaque commemorating Elliot’s time at Kensington Court Place, which is still present today.

The spacious apartment at 4 Kensington Court Gardens has been designed to retain a period feel, with modern features that create bright and spacious living spaces. Upon entering the property, visitors are welcomed by a wider-than-average entrance hallway, with recessed ceilings and natural light flooding in from the connecting rooms.

Well-configured, the home provides over 2,600 square foot of accommodation across four spacious bedrooms, three bathrooms, large reception room and a dining room.

Dorin & Coppel, the leading architecture practice appointed to transform the dilapidated space into a modern marvel, wanted to keep as much of the original blueprint of the property whilst opening the rooms up to highlight the space available.

The master bedroom undertook a large amount of renovation, as this was originally a living room. The bed is now placed in the middle of the room with a wall division behind it and a walk-in wardrobe. The space has been utilised and includes an ensuite bathroom with a double vanity unit.

Commenting on the renovation project, Christian Dorin the lead architect at Dorin & Coppel said: “This was an exciting project for us as the property had been left derelict for the past 60-70 years and was in poor condition. One of the first things we did was to allow the natural light to come in from all the windows. This instantly made the area feel more inviting. We created a property that would appeal to a young professional family with open plan living spaces with modern day comforts.’

Bertie Russell, Director at Russell Simpson, said: “The renovation of this apartment is truly spectacular and is an apartment that is the size and quality of a family home. Completely turn-key, a buyer could move in tomorrow and be completely at home here. Well-located to a number of good schools, boutique shops and just moments from Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, this would be perfect for a family looking for a central London home in a location that has a community feel.”

Steeped in history, Kensington Court Place is built on the grounds of the former Kensington Lawn Tennis Club, which closed In 1886 when Albert James Barker, a local surveyor, bought the land for development and is responsible for much of the street layout that is present today.

Kensington Court Place has had many high-profile residents over the years. Others include Archibald Primrose, 5^th Earl of Rosebery who was born in his father house on Kensington Court Place and served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from March 1894 to June 1895.

4 Kensington Court Gardens is located within a 5-minute walk of Kensington Palace and Gardens, whilst Kensington High Street is just a 5-minute walk away. High Street Kensington Underground (District and Circle lines) can reach the centre of London in under 10 minutes. Perfect for families Kensington Court Place is located next to excellent schools, such as the highly sought-after Thomas Kensington London Day School.