Knightsbridge is one of the most desirable residential locations in Central London. It attracts many wealthy international dignitaries and representatives to its exclusive properties, enhancing its already prestigious reputation. However, there is much more to this sparkling jewel in London’s crown than high-wealth, Harrods and Hyde Park, which we explore in this guide to Knightsbridge.

For those thinking of moving to Knightsbridge, there are plenty of factors to take into account. The cost of property is certainly one consideration; residents pay a premium to live in this desirable location.

Knightsbridge road itself, which runs from the corner of Sloane Street to Hyde Park Corner, has topped a recent property rich list. It is the most expensive residential street in the whole of London, with an average sold price in 2018 of £15.6 million – more than 33 times the cost of an average London home.

It is the property itself that is often a main draw to the area for prospective residents. The listed Victorian buildings and attractive garden squares are enviable. Each area of the neighbourhood stands out for its own distinctive look. For example, in the Cadogan Estate, it’s hard to miss the red-brick, Queen Anne Revival homes. While the Grosvenor Estate showcases Thomas Cubitt’s Stucco-fronted white townhouses.

While these large family homes garner the most interest in those wishing to invest in the area, there are modern developments springing up to cater for a different market. New residential apartment blocks that offer a high-level of service akin to the most opulent of hotels are gaining popularity with the super-wealthy. One Hyde Park, for example, with its round-the-clock concierge, swimming pool and leisure facilities provided by the Mandarin Oriental next door, is highly desirable.

Living in Knightsbridge

For those who call Knightsbridge home, it’s worth every penny. This high-end residential area is unique in its layout with meticulous planning in every area. Its character and charm is something that its current residents are keen to protect, which prospective tenants and homeowners should be equally aware of.

The Knightsbridge Neighbourhood Forum (established in 2015) brings together those who work, live and study in the Knightsbridge area. It offers the chance to help develop and influence planning policy and neighbourhood management. One of its main aims is to preserve and improve the character and appearance of the area, as well as reinforce its sense of community. In its Knightsbridge Neighbourhood Plan 2018-2037 its wish is to, “Make Knightsbridge the best residential and cultural place in London in which to live, work, study and visit.”

This plan helps to guide and limit new developments in the area, and gives sage advice to redevelopers or those modernising existing listed buildings. Building height, frontage, traditional features, green space and more are all covered by the neighbourhood plan. There is also a strong focus on environmental impact, with Knightsbridge hoping to become an example of sustainable living. Part of opting to relocate to a conservation area is accepting the ethos and aims for the existing tight-knit community.

Who lives in Knightsbridge?

The demographic of Knightsbridge has an international flair. For foreign dignitaries and wealthy international families, it is a destination of choice for a permanent or seasonal London base.
However, its population is more diverse than you might at first expect. There is a lot of old money in the area, with traditional, high-society families who have inhabited some of the most prestigious homes for generations. It is often said that once you move to Knightsbridge, you are unlikely to move away. The area is set up for its wealthy residents, with banks and other financial services for high-net-worth individuals centred close by.

Alongside these long-term established residents is a growing tide of younger inhabitants. The residential area is in close proximity to world-class educational establishments, including Imperial College London, the Royal College of Music and the Royal College of Art, among others. With the development of modern, trendy apartments in the neighbourhood, there are a growing number of students living here.

Affluent professionals and their children are also reaping the benefits of living in this cultural hub, which is family friendly and relatively safe. There are also some excellent schools for all ages in the nearby area, including a five-star OFTSED-rated state primary school. Some of the most prestigious pre-prep and prep schools are close by, including the highly acclaimed The Knightsbridge School, Francis Holland School and Garden House. For older children, nearby secondary schools include The Westminster, St Paul’s School, The Godolphin and Latymer School.

It makes for an ideal central location for the City too, with no less than four Tube stations concentrated in the small area and a short drive into central London.

Attractions and tourism

For residents of Knightsbridge, there is certainly no shortage of things to do (see Top 10 things to do in Knightsbridge on our blog). It is one of the most exclusive shopping destinations in the world. Harrods and Harvey Nichols are both synonymous with Knightsbridge, such is their appeal. At one end, Knightsbridge joins with Sloane Street, where many designer boutiques, including the likes of Prada and Dior, are clustered together.

Similarly, Knightsbridge is a gastronomic hub of epic proportions. There are three Michelin-starred restaurants in the neighbourhood, offering some of the best food experiences in London. The vibrant nightlife is centred around high-class bars and eateries, rather than nightclubs and theatres. For those living in the area, an evening drink at Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor Bar, the Mandarin Bar at the Mandarin Oriental or The Blue Bar at The Berkeley offer the chance to unwind in opulent surroundings.

There is also no shortage of cultural hotspots. Royal Hospital is based close to here in neighbouring Chelsea, home to the Chelsea Flower Show. Close by you can find The Royal Court Theatre, Cadogan Hall and the Saatchi Gallery. Living among such cultural and historical gems inevitably means an influx of tourism in the busy summer months. With the top hotels in London based here too, it’s the destination of choice for wealthy tourists to stay and indulge in some retail therapy.

However, people will also travel here from every corner of London to marvel at the area’s architectural wonders, browse the iconic floors of Harrods and enjoy the open facilities at the leafy green space of Hyde Park. This can seem overwhelming for residents of the neighbourhood, many of whom will time their summer travels with the busiest tourist seasons.

Practical moving concerns

As with any move to a London Borough, there are practicalities to consider around your relocation. Many families in Knightsbridge rely on the use of long-term storage facilities to help curate the items in their grand homes, so the interior design reflects the luxurious exterior. Items that are only used seasonally or occasionally can be securely stored, to maximise space in your new home. High-end and technically advanced storage facilities can also give you a safe place to store collections of art, or furniture that is not currently required for display in your new home.

Street access to the most describe properties in Knightsbridge can be limited, therefore moving vans and any specialist moving equipment, for example lifting cranes, will require the appropriate permits and permissions. It is certainly worth engaging the services of a London removals company to help plan and procure the required paperwork and to help minimise disruption to your new neighbours.

If you are looking for Knightsbridge removals services, do get in touch with our friendly team today to find out how we can help you with the logistics and practical concerns surrounding your relocation.