Welcome to Chelsea

Congratulations, if you are house hunting in Chelsea you have already won. A home in this great area with all it offers, automatically makes you the envy of many. Now in order to make your transition as smooth and hassle free as possible Hamptons have put together this great guide which will help you choose the best schools, learn a little about planning and building control, read tips on where to shop, eat and lot’s more, all packed into one little guide with clickable links. Perhaps most importantly we have researched some of the leading local professionals and experts who can help you add value and personalise your soon to be new home. A big WELCOME and enjoy.

Chelsea was originally just one manor house, acquired by Henry VIII in 1536 who installed two of his six queens: Catherine Parr and Anne of Cleves. By the early 1700s the area was already popular with the wealthy and described as a ‘village of palaces’. Perhaps the most famous building is the Chelsea Royal Hospital for soldiers, which was built in 1682 at the request of Charles II by Christopher Wren. The Swinging Sixties era was defined on the King’s Road, while the Sloane Square area gave the term ‘Sloane Ranger’.

Chelsea is synonymous with opulence: high-end shops and fine dining are what the world-famous King’s Road is best known for. It’s a great place to visit, and it’s also a fantastic place to live. Just two-and-a-half miles south west of central London, Chelsea has South Ken to the north, Pimlico to the east, the Thames and Battersea to the south and Fulham to the west: there’s no better place to be for enjoying the cultural and historical sights of the capital. There are few places more sought-after in central London than Chelsea – the district oozes exclusivity, but it’s also a real melting pot of different cultures.

Located on the River Thames, the neighborhood of Chelsea is absolutely gorgeous. It’s got historical buildings throughout and several of its streets are known around the world for their great shopping. The Albert Bridge has been called one of the most romantic places in the world, offering up a beautiful view of London. And the streets of Chelsea were once walked by the greatest musical artists of all time, including the Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Today, this is an affluent enclave that is notable for having the largest community of Americans expats living in London. There are many housing options, ranging from stately mansions to l oft-style apartments. You’ll also find detached housing here, which is relatively unique in this city, but it comes at a premium. Shopping is a sport in Chelsea. From huge brands to small, independent stores, you can get just about anything. There are classic clothing boutiques, edgy clothing stores, and everything in between. For art buffs, there are a few galleries in Chelsea that highlight contemporary artists and events are held throughout the year that bring big names from the art world together. Some of the most “out there” artistic movements have originated in this neighborhood. Entertainment-wise, Chelsea is home to many annual events, including the famous Chelsea Flower Show and the Christmas Gift Fair. Several theaters in the area are great for seeing independent movies and live theater is available as well. There is, of course, the Chelsea Football Club, but they actually play in nearby Fulham. You’ve got great food options here. You’ll have your choice of dining ranging from cheap delis to 5-star restaurants. The Bluebird cafe here is just one of the local favorites. Everything you could possibly need to live happily falls in Chelsea, including hairdressers, doctors, dentists, tailors, butchers, and even a weekly farmers’ market that sells perfect little treats, organic produce, and international foods.

Chelsea and the surrounding area has been a home to rockstars, celebrities, athletes, academics, artists and common or garden members of the upper-crust for generations. Here are a few notable names you may or may not know..

Freddie Mercury David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon Anne of Cleves died Chelsea Manor 1557 Francis Bacon, 1st Viscount St Alban Honor Blackman (Markham Square)[1] Enid Blyton, Author Dirk Bogarde Phyllis Calvert, Actress Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (Wife of Prince William) Thomas Carlyle the “Sage of Chelsea” Dame Agatha Christie Eric Clapton, lived on King’s Road during the late 1960s Petula Clark Steve Coogan used to live in the area in the 90’s Mick Jagger and all the Rolling Stones