Chepstow Villas: Nice Homes on a Quiet Street in London

Chepstow Villas is a calm street in London. It sits in Notting Hill. This area is in the west part of the city. The street has pretty homes. Many people like it for its peace. It is near busy spots but feels quiet.

I have looked at many nice places in London. As an expert in travel and luxury homes, I see why this street stands out. It mixes old charm with modern life. Readers often ask about spots like this. They want to know the story behind the homes.

This guide tells you all about Chepstow Villas. We cover its past. We look at the buildings. We talk about famous people who lived there. We share what life is like now. We point out nearby fun spots. All info comes from real facts. No sales talk here.

The street runs from Pembridge Villas to Kensington Park Road. Trees line both sides. Cars move slow. People walk dogs. Kids play in gardens. It feels safe and friendly.

Notting Hill is known for its market. But Chepstow Villas stays away from the crowds. It gives a break from the noise. Yet you can reach shops and trains fast.

In 2025, homes here cost a lot. But many dream of living on this street. Let’s start with how it began.

The History of Chepstow Villas

Chepstow Villas started as farm land. This was true until the 1840s. London grew fast then. People needed more homes. The Ladbroke family owned the land. They sold parts to builders.

James Weller Ladbroke kept the east end. This covers numbers 1 to 15 on the odd side. And 2 to 32 on the even side. Robert Hall got the middle part. Up to Portobello Road. After James died in 1847, his heir sold the west end. A man named Rev. Brooke Edward Bridges bought it. He sold it to Thomas Pocock.

Builders made houses from the late 1840s to early 1850s. They signed deals with land owners. Each builder made a set number of homes. Some were pros. Others were rich men who liked land deals.

Once built, owners gave long leases. These were for 99 years. Builders paid ground rent each year. They rented out homes to get money back.

William Henry Jenkins was a key builder. He was a civil engineer. He named streets after spots near his home in Herefordshire. Chepstow is one such name. It comes from a town there.

First people to live here were middle class. They had jobs like lawyers or doctors. Or they traded goods. Many had servants. Two or three per home.

Census notes show some lived on money from land or funds. No job needed. They called them fundholders.

One famous man was Louis Kossuth. He came from Hungary. He fought for freedom from Austria. He fled to Britain in 1851. He stayed at number 39 from 1852 to 1859. He tried to start fights back home. But it did not work. He left for Italy.

In the late 1800s, the street changed. It got less fancy. Trades people moved in. Homes split into rooms. Small schools ran at numbers 31 and 37 in 1881.

By early 1900s, it was rough. Monica Dickens wrote about it. Her folks bought number 52 in 1912. She said it was shabby. Full of odd people. Like boxers who drank too much. A bad house across the street. Strange groups met there.

World War Two hit the street. Bombs fell in 1940. One hurt number 46’s top floor. Another got numbers 19 and 20. No one died. But people left for a bit.

After the war, it stayed low. Then in the 1960s, it got better. Rich folks came back. Julian Critchley moved to number 50. He was in government. Michael Heseltine lived there too. His house had squatters in the 1970s. They fought to stay. But police made them leave in 1976.

Now the street is top again. Homes sell for millions. It keeps its old look. But inside they are new.

Part of the street is in a safe zone. The Ladbroke Conservation Area covers numbers 35 to 41 odd. And 54 to 62 even. The rest is in Norland Conservation Area. This keeps buildings safe from big changes.

Chepstow Villas has seen ups and downs. From farms to fancy homes. Then rough times. Now peace again. Its story shows how London changes.

The Buildings on Chepstow Villas

Homes here look nice. Most come from the Victorian time. That means 1800s. They have white stucco on the front. Stucco is like smooth plaster.

The street has parts. Each part looks a bit different. Builders made them at different times.

From Pembridge Villas to Ledbury Road. This is numbers 1 to 11 odd. And 2 to 24 even.

South side has a row. Numbers 1 to 11. George Passmore built them in 1847 to 1849. They are half stucco. Plain doors with posts. Ends have fancy tops. Like Corinthian style.

Even side starts with numbers 2 to 8. William Reynolds made them in 1846. Semi-detached. Half stucco. Fancy edges on top. Columns like Corinthian.

Numbers 10 to 16 even. John Wadge in 1850. Full stucco. Plainer. Rough lines at bottom.

Numbers 18 to 20 by William Judd in 1846. Semi-detached.

Numbers 22 to 24. William Jenkins with others in 1846. Also semi-detached. Number 24 got bay windows later.

Next part. Ledbury Road to Denbigh Road. Numbers 13 to 23 odd. 26 to 40 even.

Numbers 13 to 15 odd. And 24 to 32 even on Ladbroke land. Rest on Hall land. Jenkins leased most. William Cullingford built many.

Number 13 sticks to 15. Both full stucco. Number 13 has round windows on all floors.

Numbers 17 to 23 by Cullingford in 1849 to 1850. Some alone like 17 and 19. Number 19 has old rail on top. Numbers 21 and 23 pair up.

Numbers 26 to 32 even. 1847 to 1848. Fancy bands on top. Some got bay windows later.

Numbers 34 to 40 even. By Judd in 1847. Semi-detached. Full stucco. Fancy doors. Columns like Ionic.

Last part. Denbigh Road to Portobello Road. Numbers 25 to 33 odd. 42 to 52 even.

On Hall land. Jenkins leased. Cullingford built.

Numbers 25 to 27 odd. Semi-detached. Full stucco. Fancy edges.

Number 29 alone. Like a villa.

Numbers 31 to 33 odd. Semi-detached. Number 31 has extra floor now.

Even side. Numbers 42 to 44 pair. 46 alone. 48 to 50 pair. 52 alone.

All full stucco. Fancy parts.

From Portobello to Kensington Park Road. Numbers 35 to 41 odd. 54 to 62 even.

This is in Ladbroke safe area.

On Pocock land. He leased to builders.

Numbers 35 to 41 odd. By John Brown in 1851 to 1853. Semi-detached. Half stucco. Plain.

Even side. Numbers 54 to 56 by William Hoof in 1851. Semi-detached. Half stucco.

Numbers 58 to 62 by William Chadwick in 1851 to 1853. Semi-detached. Like others.

Many homes have gardens. Some share big ones. Like Ladbroke Square. It has trees and paths. Even tennis spots.

Inside homes now mix old and new. High roofs. Big windows. Modern kitchens. Some have gyms or movie rooms.

But outside stays old. Rules keep it that way. No big changes allowed.

Chepstow Villas shows Victorian style. Grand but cozy. Each home tells a bit of the past.

Famous People Who Lived on Chepstow Villas

Many known folks called this street home.

Louis Kossuth at number 39. From 1852 to 1859. He led Hungary’s fight for freedom. A blue sign marks his spot now.

Prince Louis Clovis Bonaparte at 52. Early 1890s. He was kin to Napoleon. Born out of wedlock. But his dad married his mom later.

Monica Dickens’ family at 52. From 1912. She wrote books. Told of the street’s bad days.

Sir Steuart Wilson at 37. 1920s to 1930s. He sang and ran music groups.

Julian Critchley at 50. Mid-1960s. He worked in politics.

Michael Heseltine at 50. Also politics. His home had news in 1970s over squatters.

Other stars live near. But on the street, these stand out.

The convent at number 34. Our Lady of Sion. Built in 1892. Red brick. Tall tower. Now flats.

Number 18 had a theater club in 1940s. Threshold Theatre.

These people add spice to the street’s tale. They show its pull over years.

What It’s Like to Live on Chepstow Villas

Life here is calm. The street is quiet. Trees shade the paths. Birds sing.

Most people are pros. They work in city jobs. Many own homes. Some rent.

Folks come from all over. White mostly. But mixed. Educated. Not very religious.

Age is working years. Families with kids. Couples too.

Homes are big. Good for groups. Gardens help relax.

But costs are high. Tax on homes is big. Based on worth.

Parking can be hard. Spots fill fast. Some homes have drives.

Old homes need fixes. Roofs leak. Pipes old. But surveys help.

Neighbors know each other. They chat. Some share gardens.

Walk to shops. Westbourne Grove has cafes. Nice ones like Ottolenghi.

Portobello Road market is close. Fresh food. Old things.

Trains at Notting Hill Gate. Central line. District. Circle. Fast to center.

Buses run often. To other parts.

Schools near. Good ones. Like Fox Primary.

Parks too. Kensington Gardens. Big green space. Walks. Ponds.

Crime is low. Feels safe at night.

Weather is London style. Rain often. But trees help.

In summer, flowers bloom. Street looks bright.

Winter is cold. But homes warm well.

People here like the mix. Quiet home. Busy fun near.

As a travel writer, I see spots like this draw folks who want real London life. Not just tourist bits.

Chepstow Villas gives that. Peace in a fun area.

Nearby Places and Things to Do

Chepstow Villas sits in Notting Hill. Lots to do around.

Portobello Road is steps away. Famous market. On Saturdays, stalls sell old clothes. Art. Food from all lands.

Westbourne Grove has shops. Fashion spots like Joseph. Orlebar Brown for swim wear.

Eat at The Ledbury. It has stars for food. Fancy meals.

Or try Granger. Good coffee. Nice bites.

Kensington Park Road has parks. Green grass. Play areas.

Hyde Park is a short walk. Big lake. Boats. Paths for bikes.

Notting Hill Carnival in August. Music. Dance. Crowds. Fun but loud.

Museums near. Like the Design one in Holland Park.

Tube takes you to more. Oxford Street shops. Or theater in West End.

For kids, parks have swings. Or visit the carnival.

Night life on Portobello. Bars. Live tunes.

But Chepstow Villas stays calm. Come home to quiet.

This mix makes it great. Fun out. Rest in.

Homes and Properties on Chepstow Villas Today

Homes here vary. Big houses. Small flats.

Many are semi-detached. Or in rows. Victorian style. White fronts.

Inside, new stuff. Open kitchens. Smart lights. Air cool.

Some have pools. Gyms. Movie spots.

Flats in big blocks. Like Thornbury Court. Lifts. Door men.

Prices high. Average £7.9 million last year. Big homes £15 million. Flats £850,000.

Up 32% from year before. But down from 2010 peak.

Rent is £2,000 to £3,000 a month for small. More for big.

Buyers need big cash. Loans hard. Experts help. Like from Knight Frank.

Check home health. Old ones need work.

Market strong. People want Notting Hill.

New trends. Green things. Solar tops. Save energy.

Nearby builds. Like on Westbourne Grove. Adds value.

Chepstow Villas stays top. Nice homes. Good spot.

Compared to near streets. Ladbroke Gardens quieter. Lower price. Kensington Park Road busier. Same cost.

This street wins for peace and size.

In the End

Chepstow Villas is a gem. Quiet street. Nice homes. Rich past.

From farms to now. It changed but kept charm.

Buildings show old craft. People add stories.

Life here is good. Near fun. But calm.

If you seek real London, look here.

I hope this guide helps. It shares full facts. Easy to read.

For more on travel and homes, check my work.

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Disclaimer:
This guide about Chepstow Villas is for info only. It does not give advice to buy or sell a home. All facts come from trusted sources, but things can change. Please check with a local expert before making any big choices.