Balfour Place, London
Balfour Place is a short but distinguished residential street located in the heart of Mayfair, part of the City of Westminster, central London. It runs in a north-south direction, linking the affluent Mount Street in the north to the quieter Aldford Street in the south, just a stone’s throw from Hyde Park.
Character and Setting
Balfour Place exudes a discreet elegance typical of Mayfair’s quiet residential pockets. Though only a short street, it is lined with imposing, well-maintained mansion blocks and luxury residences, many of which boast ornate facades, decorative balconies, and grand entrances. The ambience is peaceful, shielded from the bustle of nearby thoroughfares such as Park Lane and Grosvenor Square. Trees and planters add to the residential charm, while 24-hour porterage and secure entryways reflect the exclusivity of the area.
Surrounding Streets
To the north lies Mount Street, one of Mayfair’s most iconic shopping streets, known for its high-end boutiques and restaurants. Southward, Balfour Place meets Aldford Street, which runs toward South Street and Curzon Street. The nearby roads form a neat grid and maintain a residential character, despite their centrality in London’s West End.
History of Balfour Place
Balfour Place was developed in the late 19th century as part of the broader expansion and gentrification of Mayfair, which saw large private estates subdivided into high-end residential streets. It first appears in records in the 1890s, coinciding with the Edwardian period’s architectural ambitions and luxury apartment living in inner London.
The street is named after the Balfour family, a prominent aristocratic lineage in British politics and society. Most likely, it honours Arthur James Balfour, a Conservative politician and Prime Minister from 1902 to 1905, who was a frequent figure in elite circles at the time.
Local Attractions and Landmarks
While Balfour Place itself is primarily residential, it lies within walking distance of several celebrated sights and green spaces:
- Grosvenor Square – Just a few minutes' walk away, this garden square is one of Mayfair’s most famous, formerly home to the American Embassy.
- Hyde Park – One of London’s grandest parks is accessible in under 10 minutes on foot, offering lakeside walks, cycle paths, and open green space.
- Mount Street Gardens – A hidden gem nearby, this peaceful garden space offers benches and flower beds amid historic townhouses.
- Royal Academy of Arts and Green Park are also easily reachable from the street.
Property and Real Estate
Balfour Place is regarded as one of the most exclusive addresses in Mayfair. As of mid-2025, prices for apartments on the street typically range between £4 million and £15 million, depending on size and specification. A three-bedroom flat measuring approximately 2,200 sq ft (204 sq m) recently sold for £7.9 million1. Rental values are similarly high, often starting from £2,000 per week for a luxury unit.
The street mostly features late Victorian mansion blocks and Edwardian conversions, with a mix of spacious flats and lateral apartments. Many buildings offer concierge services, lift access, and underground parking – all prized amenities in this central location.
Transport Connections
Despite its tranquil feel, Balfour Place benefits from superb public transport links. The nearest London Underground stations are:
- Hyde Park Corner Station – served by the Piccadilly Line, about 7 minutes away on foot.
- Green Park Station – served by the Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines, reachable in around 10 minutes.
- Marble Arch Station – on the Central Line, about 12 minutes away by foot.
Several bus routes run along Park Lane and nearby Piccadilly, offering direct access to Knightsbridge, Oxford Street, and Victoria. Local stops include the Hyde Park Corner and Dorchester Hotel bus stops, both within easy reach of Balfour Place.
Fun Fact
During the Second World War, several buildings in the Mayfair area, including near Balfour Place, were requisitioned by the government and foreign embassies. Some of the area’s elegant flats were temporarily turned into diplomatic residences or civil service offices, contributing discreetly to the war effort in London’s West End.
Quick Facts
- Location: Mayfair, City of Westminster, central London
- Nearby Streets: Mount Street (north), Aldford Street (south), Park Lane (west)
- History: Developed in the late 19th century; named after the Balfour family
- Character: Quiet, exclusive residential street with mansion blocks
- Nearby Attractions: Grosvenor Square, Hyde Park, Mount Street Gardens
- Property Prices (2025): £4–15 million; ~£3,500 per sq ft
- Nearest Tube Stations: Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly), Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria), Marble Arch (Central)
- Bus Stops: Hyde Park Corner, Dorchester Hotel
- Fun Fact: Nearby flats were repurposed for wartime use in WWII
References
Map of Balfour Place, London
Painting of Balfour Place, London