While Notting Hill’s garden squares were made famous by the film of the same name, the only gardens most people know about in Mayfair are the public ones of Grosvenor and Berkeley.
‘Mayfair is different to other prime central areas such as Knighsbridge or Belgravia where residents have key access to garden squares,’ says managing director, Peter Wetherell. ‘In Mayfair, the two main squares – Grosvenor and Berkeley – are open to the public, but the area does have a few ‘secret gardens’ that people don’t even know exist.’
Wetherell, a Mayfair agency, has announced four properties on the market with direct access or views over Mayfair’s ‘Secret Gardens’.
‘The gardens on Green, South and South Audley Streets are surrounded by buildings and can only be accessed by owners of ground and lower ground floor properties, making this a very exclusive benefit. Private access to a garden in Mayfair generally adds 7% to 10% to the value of a property; however, owners must be aware of the shared maintenance charges which could be up to £1000 per year.’
‘There are very few families in Mayfair (due to the lack of local schools) and a high number of vacant second homes, so the gardens truly offer a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. People enjoy the ability to access the gardens for a walk or to read a book – or even to have drinks parties or picnics with friends in the summer. They have real ‘wow-factor’ when friends come to visit.’
These properties are in high demand by people who want to be in Mayfair but also want outside space. Unsurprisingly they rarely come onto the market, but we currently have three properties for sale and one for rent,’ concludes Mr Wetherell.
FOR SALE
Green Street, £3.95m (Direct access)
A ground and lower ground floor apartment, approximately 2,500 square feet
3 bedrooms, a large kitchen/family room and south facing reception room
Agent says: With direct access to the private gardens of Green Street this flat is a true Mayfair gem. Only 11 properties located on Green Street have access to the gardens
Lease: 120 years.
Green Street, £3.75m (Views only)
3 bedrooms with kitchen/family room, approximately 2,200 square feet
Southerly views over the Green Street gardens
Lease: 120 years
South Audley Street, £11m (Direct access)
Grade II listed 18th Century Georgian Townhouse
Approximately 4112 square feet
Access to private garden to the rear
For rent
South Street, £4,300 per week (Views only)
4th floor duplex apartment
4 bedroom suites, double reception room, newly fitted designer kitchen, approximately 2,700 square feet
Views overlooking Mount Street Gardens
