A palatial Parisian-esque penthouse in the heart of Kensington and Chelsea. Romantically situated on the uppermost levels of an historic building of artists studios in Bedford gardens, the property has far-reaching, picturesque views of West London. 

Originally called Bedford Place, the street was designed by William Hall the elder and William Hall the younger in 1824. Marie Rambert, an influential ballet dancer and teacher, had a ballet school in Bedford Gardens in the 1920s. In the 1950s ‘The two Roberts’, life-long lovers and Modern artists, lived in the property and used it as their studio as well as hosting many raucous parties for fellow artists and writers. Other former artist residents include John Minton and Arthur Berry. 

The penthouse is in a five-storey brick building of eleven artist’s studios set around a central public staircase toplit by a large roof lantern. The street facade has large north-facing windows and in its residential setting, the building stands out as unusual. 

The entrance hall has a cantilevered staircase, with white iron railings and wooden steps worn by the enthusiastic tread of the many artist occupants over the years. Inside the penthouse, the interior style is bohemian, with industrial architecture meeting classical art and decadent decorative features, as well as irreverently styled soft furnishings. 

The large reception room has an asymmetrical pitched ceiling with roof lights, creating a light-filled room. Double doors open out onto a balcony, which looks out over the rooftops and spires of Kensington. Wooden floorboards have been fitted, as well as a classical style marble surround for the open fireplace. Reminiscent of the past, the owner’s art collection is set against white painted wall. 

Conveniently off the reception room, a shower room with WC has an overhead rain shower set in a spacious enclosure, which is clad in asymmetric teal tiles. An old-fashioned toilet cistern sits on antique brackets and adds to the vintage charm of the penthouse. The dark green marble design flooring ties in with the kitchen decor. 

The kitchen has stainless steel cabinets and work surfaces and a marbled upstand. The bohemian touches continue in this room, where a sweet gingham curtain covers a set of shelves under the worktop. Through curving, wooden framed glazed doors, there is a Rapunzel-esque dining room. The room, set with dining table and upholstered chairs, is lit by the slanting artists’ roof lights, and a classical gilt-framed oil painting hangs over an ornate fireplace. 

A cast iron spiral staircase continues up another level to a fairy-tale boudoir, neutrally carpeted for cosiness and comfort.  A whimsically carved wooden box-bed, popular with the Swedish, sits high above useful drawers and overlooks a wide window with views over the rooftops. An elegant en-suite accompanies the bedroom; it has a deep luxurious bath, marbled tile walls and is extensively mirrored for a glamorous ambience. On the ground level of the building is a characterful and useful under-cover space, lit by soft outdoor lighting, where residents can store their bikes. 

Bedford Gardens is just off Kensington Church Street, traditionally known for its art and antique shops, often described as ‘eccentrically posh’. It is home to such delights as the artisanal Sally Clarke Shop, the Chegworth Farm Shop and The Blue Stoops, a local pub with a difference. Just around the corner is Kuro Bakery Notting Hill, serving exceptional patisserie. High Street Kensington and Notting Hill are close by, as well as the pleasant green spaces of Kensington Gardens and Holland Park. There are fantastic transport links at Kensington High Street underground station.