Kensington: Traditional Elegance and Prestige
Kensington has a timeless appeal, attracting affluent professionals, diplomats and international buyers drawn to its grand townhouses, mansion blocks and elegant garden squares. The area boasts world-renowned cultural landmarks such as the Royal Albert Hall, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and the Design Museum, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate the arts and history.
Image credit: APeriamPhotography
Stratford Village, falling within the Edwardes Square, Scarsdale and Abingdon Conservation Area, is a lovely little pocket of Georgian and Victoria terraced houses and shops within Kensington. With its butcher, Miller of Kensington, Italian delicatessen La Piccola, and popular Italian restaurant San Pietro (currently closed until mid-March 2025 for renovations), it has a real village feel.
Kensington is a vibrant shopping and transport hub, with High Street Kensington tube station providing convenient access to the rest of London. Its mix of designer boutiques, high-street stores, gourmet food shops, restaurants, and charming florists makes it a true destination. Two personal favourites of mine are Daku, a standout café known for its exceptional coffee and in-house art gallery featuring works by local artists and charities, and Il Portico, believed to be the oldest family run Italian restaurant in London, which has served regional specialities to hungry locals since 1967.
Meanwhile, the beautifully manicured, historic Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park with the Serpentine lake and Galleries at its centre offer breathing space from the busy city.
Notting Hill: Bohemian Spirit and Vibrant Community
Image Credit: Chunyip Wong
Notting Hill, by contrast, has a more relaxed, artistic charm. Famous for its pastel-coloured townhouses and grand stucco-fronted homes, the area is a favourite among creative professionals, families and those looking for a community-driven lifestyle. My favourite streets are found in Hillgate Village which has prime location between Notting Hill Gate and Kensington Church Street, offering easy access to both areas.
The lively Portobello Road Market is a major draw, with its antique stalls, independent shops, cafés and restaurants. The three-Michelin star The Ledbury restaurant, led by chef Brett Graham, is considered one of London’s finest. For something more relaxed, The Princess Royal on Hereford Road is a beautifully refurbished pub and restaurant with rooms. Its two sunny terraces designed by award-winning landscape gardener Jinny Blom are the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of something cold on a summer’s day.
Image credit: Cubitt House London Pubs
Held every August, the Notting Hill Carnival is Europe’s largest street festival, celebrating the area’s rich cultural heritage with music, dance, and vibrant parades. Despite its lively energy, Notting Hill also offers a sense of serenity, thanks to its exclusive, residents-only garden squares that add a surprising touch of greenery to the neighbourhood.
Property Styles: Classic vs. Colourful
Both Kensington and Notting Hill offer impressive architecture, but with distinct differences:
- Kensington features grand Georgian and Victorian townhouses, mansion flats and elegant period conversions, often set around private garden squares. The area has a more traditional, stately feel.
- Notting Hill offers a mix of pastel-coloured townhouses, stylish mews houses and modern apartments. Some properties back onto hidden communal gardens – a major selling point for families.
Schools: Excellent Choices in Both Neighbourhoods
For families considering school options, both areas provide top-tier choices in both the private and state sectors.
In Kensington, prestigious independent schools include Thomas’s Kensington, and Norland Place School in Holland Park, and Southbank International School, while sought-after state schools include Fox Primary School.
Notting Hill also boasts exceptional schools, such as Wetherby School, Pembridge Hall, alongside outstanding state options like Colville Primary School.
Lifestyle Considerations: What Suits You Best?
If you’re looking for a quieter, more refined neighbourhood with an emphasis on culture and proximity to open green spaces, Kensington is likely the best fit. It offers a sophisticated lifestyle with a strong international community.
If you prefer bustling, creative and community-driven neighbourhoods, Notting Hill is the place to be. The area is rich in independent cafés and shops and has a more relaxed, bohemian feel.
Ultimately, both Kensington and Notting Hill are highly desirable locations offering excellent amenities, strong transport links and a variety of housing options. For buyers, the choice comes down to personal preference – do you want the prestige of Kensington or the vibrancy of Notting Hill? Whichever you choose, both neighbourhoods promise a prime London experience.
If you are considering a move to Kensington or Notting Hill, get in touch with the team at our Kensington office here.
