Pretty Houses of London

“Charming” may be overused but it is an entirely appropriate word to describe the pretty houses of London, as are “winsome,” “whimsical,” “captivating,” “sweet,” and “enchanting.” Through years of wandering dozens of neighborhoods, I have become familiar with hundreds of these architectural confections that delight and beguile with their cheeky colors, elegant railings and stately multi-paned windows. Strolling by, one would be absolutely justified in expecting Mary Poppins or Paddington Bear to pop out the door, hurrying on their way to their latest magical adventure. The famous house on Trevor Place (above) perfectly embodies that spirit of joy and abandon. (Print available here.)

This is the former home of essayist and poet Leigh Hunt, who lived here between 1784 and 1859. Hunt has been credited with introducing John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Robert Browning and Alfred Lord Tennyson to the public (print available here).

One has to wonder if the residents of this beautifully color-coordinated street get together to decide on paint shades! (Print available here)

Purple and lavender in Notting Hill (above). (Print available here.)

This pair on Bywater Street in Chelsea (above) is the picture of harmony. (Print available here.)

Chalcot Crescent (above), home of Paddington Bear in the recent films. Bicycles seem to be a required adornment. (Print available here.)

This beauty on Notting Hill features a unique, umbrella-like awning in cherry gold. (Print available here.)

Every time I walk past this mews house near Paddington, I check to see if the giraffes are still in the window. They alway are!

Another Notting Hill delight in blue.

More pastels in Notting Hill, including an interesting curved building (below).

In Knightsbridge, the owners of this darling façade (above) maintain decorative topiary urns in all season. A few doors down, the “Pink House” (below) is exactly that, crowned with a little cherub above the window. (Print available here.)

Also on the same street, this neutral duo (below) is offset by one of the lovely lamp posts found in the area.

In Covent Garden, stunning buildings on Henrietta Street present the ultimate in sophisticated symmetry. (Print available here.)

I hope you’ve enjoyed the tour! The pretty houses of London also feature in my latest book, London in Bloom, releasing on March 17th and available for pre-order now, with special bonuses for everyone who pre-orders before March 17th. I can’t wait for you to see it!

With love,

G