Dunraven Street, London
Dunraven Street is a quietly distinguished residential street located in the heart of Mayfair, within the City of Westminster, London. It is a one-way street that begins at North Row to the north and runs southward, intersecting with Green Street near its midpoint, before concluding at Wood's Mews. The street has a discreet elegance, typical of Mayfair's quieter residential pockets, and is characterised by a mix of traditional townhouses and modern luxury developments.
Layout and Surroundings
Dunraven Street's one-way traffic flows from north to south, starting at the busy North Row, which runs parallel to the northern edge of Hyde Park. Midway down, it intersects with the charming Green Street, which in turn leads westward towards Park Lane. The southern exit of Dunraven Street connects with Wood's Mews, a cobbled mews street running behind several large Mayfair buildings.
The street is primarily residential, though it's within walking distance of many amenities and prestigious institutions. To the west lies Hyde Park, offering open green space and recreational opportunities. Eastward and southward are the luxury boutiques and fine restaurants of central Mayfair. This positioning makes Dunraven Street a desirable place to live—peaceful, yet highly central.
Historical Background
Dunraven Street was originally called Norfolk Street, a name it held into the late 19th century. It was later renamed after the title of the Earl of Dunraven and Mount-Earl, an Irish peerage held by the Wyndham-Quin family. The change reflected a common Victorian-era trend of honouring aristocratic titles and prominent landowners in street naming.
The buildings along the street reflect different architectural periods, though most exhibit a refined late Georgian or Victorian style. Some original façades remain, while others have been redeveloped into luxury flats and boutique residences, offering both historic charm and modern living standards.
Property and Real Estate
Real estate on Dunraven Street is highly sought after, with values reflecting its prime Mayfair location. As of mid-2025, the average price per square foot is approximately £2,200 (around £23,680 per sq metre), although prices can vary significantly depending on the building and specific layout. A two-bedroom flat of around 1,200 sq ft (111 sq metres) may fetch upwards of £2.5 million, while larger converted townhouses and penthouse apartments can exceed £5 million.
Compared to wider London, where the average property price is closer to £700 per sq ft (£7,535 per sq metre), Dunraven Street sits firmly in the capital's ultra-prime residential category1.
Transport Links
Nearest London Underground Stations
The closest London Underground stations are Marble Arch Station on the Central Line, located just a five-minute walk to the northwest, and Bond Street Station (serving the Central and Jubilee Lines), located about 10 minutes' walk to the east. These connections provide easy access to the West End, the City, and key interchange hubs such as Liverpool Street and Oxford Circus.
Bus Services
Several Transport for London (TfL) bus routes run along nearby Park Lane and Oxford Street. The nearest bus stops are on North Row (near Marble Arch) and Green Street. These stops are served by routes such as the 2, 16, 36, 73, and 148, which connect Mayfair to destinations across Central and West London.
Local Attractions and Points of Interest
Dunraven Street offers immediate access to some of the West End's most appealing attractions. Hyde Park is less than a five-minute walk away, providing a welcome contrast of nature and space amidst the dense urban fabric. Within walking distance are:
- Grosvenor Square – once the site of the American Embassy, now a peaceful garden square.
- Selfridges – the world-famous department store on Oxford Street.
- Mount Street Gardens – a serene and beautifully kept garden square nearby.
- Claridge's Hotel – an iconic London hotel known for afternoon tea and Art Deco interiors.
Notable Residents and Trivia
While not as famous as other Mayfair addresses, Dunraven Street has quietly housed a number of wealthy businesspeople, artists, and foreign diplomats over the decades. In the early 20th century, some of its residences were used as pied-à-terre for those attending Parliament or staying in London seasonally.
Fun fact: The discreet nature of the street has also made it attractive to figures seeking privacy. The street has featured in several historic London property registries and has occasionally appeared in literature as a fictional address due to its evocative name and exclusive feel.
Quick Facts
- Location: Mayfair, City of Westminster, London
- Street Layout: One-way southbound from North Row to Wood's Mews, intersecting Green Street
- Historical Name: Originally Norfolk Street, renamed after the Earl of Dunraven
- Architectural Style: Georgian and Victorian-era façades with modern redevelopments
- Average Property Price: ~£2,200 per sq ft (£23,680 per sq m) as of 2025
- Nearest Tube Stations: Marble Arch (Central Line), Bond Street (Central and Jubilee Lines)
- Nearby Bus Routes: Routes 2, 16, 36, 73, and 148 on North Row and Park Lane
- Nearby Attractions: Hyde Park, Selfridges, Grosvenor Square, Mount Street Gardens
References
Map of Dunraven Street, London
Painting of Dunraven Street, London
Page Details
This page was created on 6 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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