Balfour Mews, London
Balfour Mews is a discreet and prestigious cul-de-sac located in the heart of Mayfair, within the City of Westminster, London. Running between Aldford Street in the north and South Street in the south, this charming mews street embodies quiet opulence, with a refined residential character tucked away from the busy pace of central London life.
Setting and Surroundings
The street itself is a narrow, cobbled mews lane lined with elegant converted coach houses and mews homes, many of which have been refurbished into multi-million-pound residences. It is bordered by the grand façades of Aldford Street to the north and the quietly luxurious South Street to the south, both well-known for their stately architecture and prime residential addresses.
Nearby streets include the prestigious Mount Street, South Audley Street, and Park Lane. A short stroll west leads you to Hyde Park Corner Station and the green expanses of Hyde Park, while a walk north-east brings you towards Green Park Station and Marble Arch Station.
History of Balfour Mews
Balfour Mews was developed in the 19th century as part of the wider Grosvenor Estate, which shaped much of Mayfair’s elegant layout. The mews originally served as service quarters and stables for the grand mansions lining Aldford Street and South Street. Over the 20th century, many of these utilitarian structures were converted into upscale residences, as mews homes across London became fashionable among the elite.
Origin of the Name
The mews is likely named after Arthur James Balfour (1848–1930), a British statesman who served as Prime Minister from 1902 to 1905. While there is no formal record confirming the exact dedication, it would have been in keeping with Mayfair’s tradition of naming streets after prominent figures of the era.
Character and Architecture
Balfour Mews retains the charm of classic London mews architecture—two and three-storey buildings with stucco fronts, archways, and modest façades that conceal luxurious interiors. Many of the properties now boast features like underfloor heating, private garages, roof terraces, and smart home technology, all behind tastefully restored exteriors.
Nearby Attractions and Amenities
Balfour Mews is within walking distance of several notable attractions and amenities, including:
- Grosvenor Square – A peaceful garden square with international embassies and historic significance.
- Hyde Park – One of London’s largest and most iconic parks, ideal for strolls, picnics, and seasonal events.
- Shepherd Market – A charming enclave filled with boutique shops, cafes, and traditional pubs.
- Mount Street Gardens – A serene green space popular with local residents for its peaceful atmosphere.
Property and Real Estate
As of mid-2025, real estate prices on Balfour Mews remain among the most exclusive in the Mayfair area. Recent sales and listings show prices in the range of £6 million to £9 million for three-bedroom mews houses ranging from 2,000 to 3,200 sq ft (185–297 sq metres)1. This places Balfour Mews well above the average price per square foot in Greater London, which hovers around £750 per sq ft.
Rental properties are rare, but when available, command rents of £10,000 to £15,000 per month depending on size and amenities. The scarcity of homes and the exclusivity of the location drive consistent demand among international buyers and long-term investors.
Transport Connections
London Underground
The nearest London Underground stations are:
- Green Park Station (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines) – approx. 10 minutes’ walk
- Hyde Park Corner Station (Piccadilly line) – approx. 8 minutes’ walk
- Marble Arch Station (Central line) – approx. 12 minutes’ walk
These stations provide convenient access to all corners of London and direct links to major hubs such as King’s Cross, Heathrow Airport, and the City of London. For more station details, visit London Underground Stations.
Bus Services
The closest bus stops are located along Park Lane, South Street, and South Audley Street. Regular buses serve routes toward Oxford Street, Victoria, and Kensington. Services include:
- Bus 2 – Victoria to Marylebone
- Bus 16 – Cricklewood to Victoria
- Bus 73 – Stoke Newington to Victoria
Fun Fact
Although quiet and tucked away, Balfour Mews has been used on occasion for discreet celebrity residences and diplomatic housing. Its secluded location and high walls make it ideal for those seeking privacy, including visiting dignitaries and notable businesspeople.
Quick Facts
- Location: Between Aldford Street and South Street, Mayfair, City of Westminster
- Type: Residential mews street
- Architectural style: 19th-century mews houses, many converted to luxury homes
- Named after: Possibly Arthur James Balfour, former British Prime Minister
- Transport: Nearest Underground stations: Green Park, Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch
- Bus routes: Bus 2, 16, 73 from nearby Park Lane and South Audley Street
- Property prices (2025): £6M–£9M for homes 2,000–3,200 sq ft (185–297 sq m)
- Nearby landmarks: Hyde Park, Grosvenor Square, Mount Street Gardens
- Fun fact: Sometimes used by visiting dignitaries for temporary private residences
References
Map of Balfour Mews, London
Painting of Balfour Mews, London