London duplex in building once home to Keira Knightley lists for £11.5m

Once home to Lord Randolph Churchill, Lady Myra Sackville and Keira Knightley, this prestigious Hyde Park Gardens residence in London underwent an extensive restoration over two years. The duplex, on the northern edge of Hyde Park, is now on the market for £11.5 million, according to a listing by Beauchamp Estates.

Spanning 4,071 square feet, the residence has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, with access to four acres of private communal gardens reserved exclusively for residents and owners. The gardens can be reached directly from the property’s private terrace via a gated staircase.

The building with a famous guest list

The terrace’s past is quite illustrious. Its former residents include several famous names. Winston Churchill’s father, Lord Randolph Churchill, moved into the terrace in the 1880s, as did socialite Lady Myra Sackville, whose life inspired the film White Mischief. Actress Keira Knightley, Queen Noor of Jordan and oil magnate Calouste Gulbenkian were also among the building’s former residents.

The listing does not place any of them in this particular duplex; however, their names give an indication of the calibre of people associated with the street.

A meticulous two-year restoration

The residence underwent an extensive ‘back-to-brick’ renovation, with a focus on craftsmanship, quality and detail throughout, according to the listing. The results are clearly visible. The ceilings reach about 14 feet, and the principal reception room measures almost 29 by 22 feet, with panelled walls, custom cabinetry and a triptych of French doors opening onto the south-facing terrace.

The principal suite has a Juliet balcony and an en-suite bathroom finished in marble, with floor-to-ceiling windows and working shutters.

Air conditioning is the one modern concession. The kitchen is equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a walk-in pantry and a separate drinks station. The listing describes the apartment as ‘beautifully restored and impeccably presented’.

Another highlight is the private south-facing terrace. ‘A particularly rare feature is the private south-facing terrace, offering wonderful views across Hyde Park together with direct access to approximately four acres of beautifully maintained communal gardens,’ Beauchamp Estates states.

The terrace extends for more than 30 feet, accommodates ten people at a dining table and includes a built-in barbecue kitchen.

A gated staircase leads from the terrace down into Hyde Park Gardens, roughly four acres of communal green space accessible only to residents and owners. Gravel paths, benches and mature trees separate the garden from the public park beyond.

Rosy Khalastchy of Beauchamp Estates St John’s Wood, who has listed the property, calls the residence a ‘hidden gem’. ‘Hyde Park Gardens is truly one of London’s hidden gems, and this home is a jewel. The rare setting and discreet, convenient location make it ideal for those seeking an exceptional central London home. The scale, ceiling heights, private terrace and communal gardens, combined with the standard to which the property has been renovated, rarely come to the market and should be viewed to be fully appreciated,’ the agent told Luxury London.

The tenure is a share of freehold, rather than the full freehold. Buyers will want this explained before proceeding further. The asking price is £11.5 million, or about $15.4 million. That is well below the £19.5 million sought for 27 Hyde Park Gate, a Grade II-listed house on a different street a short walk away. The listing describes this property as an ‘extraordinary opportunity to acquire a distinguished home’ in one of London’s most prestigious garden square addresses.

This is the ‘very best of prime central London living’, the listing states.

The access is another highlight buyers may want to look at. This residence is moments away from Connaught Village, known for its charming independent boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. It is also close to Marylebone and Mayfair, so you will have no difficulty finding world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment. Lancaster Gate and Paddington stations are within easy reach, offering convenient connections throughout London and beyond.