Dating back to the early 18th century, London’s 18 Old Church Street is a striking four-bedroom home that was once positioned directly behind the famous Chelsea Porcelain Works – the first and most significant established factory in England, following the European discovery of soft-paste porcelain.
Set across five floors this newly refurbished Georgian townhouse is on the market for £6.59 million through family-run prime London agents Russell Simpson.
One of the oldest homes on the road, 18 Old Church Street provides an impressive amount of space (c.2,896 sq. ft.) which has been achieved through a considerable extension to the rear of the property, as well as into the basement.
During the extensive refurbishment works to modernise the home, a vast amount of pottery and porcelain pieces were excavated and submitted to the British Museum for analysis, which were sourced back to the original Chelsea Porcelain Works.
Operating between 1745-69 the Chelsea Porcelain Works produced bespoke collections for the wealthiest clients. Notable creations that still exist today include the ‘Mecklenburg Service’ commissioned by King George III and the extensive botanical tableware acquired by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, which still remain in Royal ownership.
Retaining its original Georgian exterior, 18 Old Church Street is accessed via a stepped entrance from the street front onto the ground floor. The entrance hall leads onto a double aspect drawing room and reception room, which leads onto the spacious rear garden through full-size bi-fold doors.
The basement provides spacious guest/staff accommodation to include a large sleeping area, private study, shower room and utility.
The upper floors are the main living quarters, with the principal bedroom suite and separate cloakroom occupying the entire first floor. Two guest bedrooms and a guest bathroom are present on the second floor.
Accessed through the secluded rear patio garden is a two-storey converted studio, which is currently used as a private office/media gym room, however it could easily act as private staff quarters or space for an elderly relative or mature dependent.
Giles Cook, sales negotiator at Russell Simpson, said: “18 Old Church is one of the oldest houses in Chelsea, however, following a recent modernisation it now offers the perfect balance of modern luxury living coupled with traditional period charm steeped in rich history. A key feature of the property is the excellent and highly flexible entertaining space, which makes it highly desirable to a family or professional with commitments that require ample private living space.”
Dating back to 1566, Old Church Street is the oldest recorded street in Chelsea and has had many high-profile residents over the years. One of the most notable was Judy Campbell, who lived directly across the road at 21 Old Church Street (recently sold by Russell Simpson) between 1974-2004, which is recognised by a blue plaque. She was a successful film and theatre star over a near 70-year career, as well as being widely known as Noel Coward’s muse.
One of London’s most historic patches, just along from 18 Old Church Street is the former Wesleyan Chapel, which once counted regular attendees such as Queen Victoria, retail magnate Peter Jones and Thomas Carlyle. On the corner of Old Church Street is Chelsea Old Church that was first built by Sir Thomas More and bears his statue at the front of the building.
18 Old Church Street is on the market for £6.59 million with viewings strictly by appointment only. For further information, contact Russell Simpson on 020 7225 0277 or visit russellsimpson.co.uk.
