Chesterfield Street, London
Chesterfield Street is a short but historically rich street located in the heart of Mayfair, part of the City of Westminster in central London. It runs one way from Charles Street in the north to Curzon Street in the south, quietly nestled among some of the most prestigious real estate in the capital. Known for its elegant Georgian townhouses, the street offers a rare glimpse into Mayfair's aristocratic past, all while remaining a private, residential enclave.
Location and Access
Chesterfield Street is situated in an enviable pocket of Mayfair, with Berkeley Square to the west and Park Lane just a short stroll away. It is surrounded by key roads including Charles Street, Queen Street, South Audley Street, and Curzon Street. Despite its centrality, the street remains tranquil and lightly trafficked, in large part due to its one-way traffic system and residential zoning.
Historical Background
Chesterfield Street dates back to the early 18th century and forms part of the original Mayfair development initiated by the Grosvenor family. It is named after Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield, an influential statesman and man of letters in the 18th century. The name likely entered common use by the 1740s, when building on the street was largely complete.
The street became known for housing aristocrats, writers, and prominent professionals. Its timeless Georgian façades remain largely intact, providing a rare architectural consistency not often found in other parts of central London. Number 6 Chesterfield Street is famously linked with British Prime Minister Anthony Eden, who once resided here.
Architectural Character
The street is lined with traditional Georgian brick townhouses, many of which are listed buildings due to their historical and architectural significance. These homes typically rise four or five storeys above ground and feature understated facades with wrought iron balconies and sash windows. Most buildings include private basements and generous rear gardens or terraces.
The architectural charm is enhanced by the uniformity of building heights and materials, which provide a strong sense of place. The atmosphere is serene and exclusive, contrasting with the busier commercial parts of Mayfair nearby.
Local Sights and Points of Interest
While Chesterfield Street itself is primarily residential, it lies in close proximity to a wealth of attractions. Berkeley Square is nearby, offering green space and a famous collection of mature London plane trees. Curzon Street features private clubs such as the Naval and Military Club and the Curzon Mayfair Cinema, one of the oldest independent cinemas in London.
- Shepherd Market – A charming historic enclave with boutique shops and restaurants.
- Royal Academy of Arts – A short walk east on Piccadilly.
- Green Park – Ideal for a relaxing stroll or access to Buckingham Palace.
Real Estate and Property Values
As of 2025, real estate on Chesterfield Street is among the most exclusive in London. Homes here often exceed £15 million for freehold properties, with flats and smaller residences ranging from £4 million to £10 million, depending on amenities and condition. A typical townhouse may encompass 5,000 to 7,000 square feet (465 to 650 sq metres), while flats may range between 1,200 and 2,500 square feet (111 to 232 sq metres). Prices on this street are significantly higher than London's average, reflecting its location, heritage, and architectural integrity.
Local Character and Lifestyle
Chesterfield Street retains an old-world elegance that is rare even in Mayfair. It's a quiet, highly private residential street where notable figures and high-net-worth individuals prefer discretion. The mood is stately and reserved, with few visible commercial elements and a focus on domestic comfort and security. Due to its low footfall and one-way system, it also has less vehicle noise than most central London streets.
Nearest Transport Links
The street is well-connected via public transport. The nearest London Underground station is Green Park Station, less than a 10-minute walk away. This key interchange station is served by the Jubilee Line, Piccadilly Line, and Victoria Line. Also nearby are Bond Street Station (Central and Jubilee lines) and Piccadilly Circus Station (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines). Buses serving Curzon Street and Park Lane offer easy connections to other parts of Westminster and beyond.
Fun Fact
Chesterfield Street has a literary link—British author W. Somerset Maugham was born at Number 6 in 1874. His works, such as Of Human Bondage and The Razor's Edge, became classics of English literature, and his birthplace is marked by a commemorative plaque.
Quick Facts
- Location: Mayfair, City of Westminster, London
- Nearest Underground Stations: Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria), Bond Street, Piccadilly Circus
- Bus Access: Bus stops nearby on Curzon Street and Park Lane
- Architectural Style: Georgian townhouses
- Real Estate: £4M–£15M+ (2025); homes range from 1,200 to 7,000 sq ft (111 to 650 sq metres)
- Historical Note: Named after Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
- Notable Residents: Anthony Eden, W. Somerset Maugham
- Nearby Attractions: Berkeley Square, Shepherd Market, Green Park, Royal Academy of Arts
References
- Historic England – Listed Buildings Database
- Rightmove – Property Listings in Mayfair (Accessed 2025)
- English Heritage – Blue Plaques Guide
Map of Chesterfield Street, London
Painting of Chesterfield Street, London
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This page was created on 2 June 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.Moving to London?
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