For those who wish for a property with a past, the mews house offers layers of history. However, these magical streets are found in only a few areas of the capital, making homes there very sought after.
Dating back to the 18th Century, the mews were originally humble accommodation for the horses and staff who served the large houses of wealthy London residents. Often adjoining the gardens of grand residences, the mews buildings usually possessed no windows at the back. The echoes of a bygone age are revealed in their cobbled streets which provided a hard-wearing surface to withstand the clatter of hooves.
Rare gems
These properties are in short supply as James Staite, Director of Dexters Marylebone, explains, “Desirability is strong and consistent for mews homes because there are not many in existence outside certain parts of prime central London. You will find them in Marylebone, Mayfair, parts of Westminster and also in Kensington and Chelsea – the areas of old central London where you have big houses.”
During World War II the aristocracy began to get used to the idea of needing less staff and, after the war, with the rise of the motor car, there wasn’t the same necessity for horses. As staff and animals gradually vacated the mews, many of the buildings fell into disrepair and somewere bought or rented by car mechanics and taxi firms.
Swinging sixties
In the sixties, when London became the place to be, a mews property was an affordable way for the movers and shakers in fashion and music to live in the best parts of the capital. The typical mews building incorporated a stables and coach house on the ground floor with a hayloft and accommodation above, and now the disused structures could be purchased for reasonable sums and converted into private homes. It was during this time that Michael Caine moved into a mews near Hyde Park and made his most iconic films, Alfie and The Italian Job. Scenes from the latter were filmed in another mews, Denbigh Close in Notting Hill. More recently Kynance Mews in South Kensington had a starring role in the Netflix series You.
Heavenly haven
Today, these properties have been beautifully updated for modern living while retaining genuine kerbside appeal. James says, “Mews properties are attractive to people looking for a central location that’s quiet. They offer privacy and we receive enquiries from high-profile individuals who are looking to tuck themselves away.”
“It is worth noting that most mews are situated in designated conservation areas so there will be building restrictions." James continues, “It is very rare that you can change much externally but internally many have engaged creative architects to reconfigure the layout. A few years ago, I saw one where they had dug down into the basement and built a swimming pool. These days I think people are more focused on creating as much living accommodation as possible. The garage space can be transformed to make an extra bedroom or another reception room.”
Up on the roof
Most mews houses don’t usually come with gardens, James explains: “It may be that you have a small seating area at the front where you can have attractive flower pots. That said, if you can gain consent for a roof terrace you can create a lovely outside area.”
According to James, prospective buyers and tenants range from well-known individuals who are after the privacy offered by mews homes, to families who want to live in a central location and be close to good schools. “Some people use a mews as their main residence while others might use it as a second home. For instance, they drive back to London on a Sunday night, park and live there for the week and then go back to the country for the weekend.”
From humble staff accommodation to highly desirable luxury homes, mews properties are constantly in demand as buyers and tenants are keen to secure a slice of London history.
If you are thinking of selling or letting or would like an update on the local market, contact James and his trusted team at Dexters Marylebone on 020 7224 5544.
