Dukes House, Lawrence Street, Chelsea SW3 - For Sale
Dukes House is an outstanding Grade II Listed house in Old Chelsea dating from the early 18th Century, being of historical importance as its name is derived from the former Monmouth House which stood a few doors away at the north end of the street (demolished 1835 to create Upper Cheyne Row). Monmouth House was the London home of the Duchess of Buccleuch and Monmouth, the widow of James Scott, the 1st Duke of Monmouth, the eldest illegitimate son of King Charles II. The Duke had led the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685 in an attempt to take the throne from his uncle James II. The rebellion ended with his defeat at the Battle of Sedgemoor and he was beheaded on Tower Hill for treason.
Lawrence Street is also historic as the location of the Chelsea Porcelain factory, established in 1745 and amongst the first and most significant in England after the European discovery of soft-paste porcelain. Made for wealthy clients by craftsmen of mostly French or Flemish origin, it produced decorative ornaments and tableware influenced by Meissen and Sèvres on the continent. Chelsea operated independently until 1770, when it was merged with Derby porcelain, with the factory closing in 1784. Chelsea porcelain is very collectable with 137 Chelsea pieces in The Royal Collection.
Dukes House has elegance and presence being set over 5 floors with sash windows and views facing west down the cobbled Justice Walk. The interior presents a wonderful opportunity for a purchaser to create a home to their exacting specifications. The accommodation extends to over 3,200 sq. ft and currently comprises 8 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms and a kitchen/breakfast room. A courtyard garden includes a separate studio room. Interior details of note include fireplaces, panelling, cornicing and a central staircase with attractive wood balusters.
Dukes House is located within easy reach of the world-class amenities of The King’s Road and all that Chelsea has to offer.
Jamie Hope of Maskells comments “It’s not often we get to write ‘beheaded’ in our property descriptions, but this highlights the historic location of Dukes House, nestled as it is in the heart of desirable Old Chelsea. I anticipate both local and international interest in the house from those wishing to create a very comfortable base in a truly fabulous location.”
Available through joint sole agents Maskells and Russell Simpson with a guide price of £4,900,000 for the Freehold.