Eaton Place, London
Eaton Place is one of the most prestigious and visually striking roads in Belgravia, a highly affluent district in the City of Westminster, London. The street is best known for its Georgian architecture, historical significance, and high-end residences, making it a quintessential representation of London elegance.
Overview and Geography
Eaton Place runs in a gentle curve from Upper Belgrave Street in the northeast to Chesham Street and the western side of Eaton Square in the south. Located within one of London’s most affluent postcodes (SW1X), the road lies just south of Hyde Park Corner and borders the districts of Belgravia and Knightsbridge.
The road is approximately 400 metres (1,300 feet) long. Traffic is one-way southbound, flowing from Upper Belgrave Street down towards Eaton Square. Wide pavements, residential parking bays, and minimal commercial presence help preserve its peaceful and exclusive character.
Roads connected to Eaton Place
History and Development
Eaton Place was developed in the early to mid-19th century as part of the grand vision of Belgravia’s construction under the Grosvenor Estate. The area was laid out primarily by Thomas Cubitt, the celebrated master builder of the time, between the 1820s and 1850s.
The road and surrounding estate were named after Eaton Hall, the country seat of the Grosvenor family in Cheshire. The name "Eaton" is pronounced EE-tən / ˈiːtən. The Grosvenors, later elevated to the title of Duke of Westminster, commissioned large swathes of elegant white stucco-fronted terraces to form one of London's most exclusive residential areas.
Architecture and Character
Properties along Eaton Place are typically four to five storeys tall, many with basement and attic levels. Most homes retain their original Georgian and early Victorian architectural details such as:
- White stucco façades
- Sash windows and wrought-iron balconies
- Decorative porticos with columns
- Uniform cornice lines creating visual harmony
The street exudes an atmosphere of timeless elegance and is predominantly residential. While many properties have been converted into luxury flats, several homes remain as single-family townhouses. Foreign embassies, discreet consular offices, and high-end corporate residences are also discreetly housed here.
Real Estate and Property Values
Eaton Place is synonymous with wealth and exclusivity. As of 2025, real estate prices on the street remain among the highest in London. A typical two-bedroom flat here may cost around £3.5 to £5 million, while entire townhouses can exceed £15 million depending on size and condition.
Residential units range from 1,000 sq ft (93 sq m) for a compact luxury flat to 6,000+ sq ft (557+ sq m) for a restored townhouse. This dwarfs the average London home size, which stands around 750 sq ft (70 sq m), highlighting the opulence and scale of Eaton Place properties.
Points of Interest
While Eaton Place itself is quiet and residential, its surroundings are filled with notable landmarks and destinations:
- Eaton Square – One of London's grandest garden squares, accessible at the southern end.
- Belgrave Square – Just to the west, this elegant square features several embassies and statues.
- MOTCOMB Street – A charming shopping street to the north offering boutiques and fine dining.
- Hyde Park – A 10-minute walk away, offering green space and leisure opportunities.
Transport Connections
Nearest Underground Stations
- Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line) – about 10 minutes’ walk to the north.
- Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line) – also close, offering access to Piccadilly and Green Park.
- Victoria Station (Victoria, District, and Circle lines, plus National Rail) – around 12 minutes’ walk southeast.
- Sloane Square (District and Circle lines) – reachable in under 15 minutes on foot.
Bus Stops Nearby
Bus stops are located on Eaton Square, Grosvenor Place, and Belgrave Square, providing connections across central London. Routes include 11, 211, 360 and C1, covering areas such as Chelsea, Westminster, and Oxford Street.
Fun Fact
Eaton Place became a household name through the famous British television drama series “Upstairs, Downstairs” (1971–75), which was set at the fictional 165 Eaton Place. The series depicted the lives of both the aristocratic family living upstairs and their servants downstairs, offering viewers a glimpse into Edwardian and early 20th-century class life in London.
Quick Facts
- Location: Belgravia, City of Westminster, London SW1X
- Connects: Upper Belgrave Street to Eaton Square via Chesham Street
- Length: Approx. 400 metres (1,300 feet)
- Traffic Direction: One-way southbound
- Pronunciation: "EE-tən" / ˈiːtən
- Built: Early to mid-19th century, developed by Thomas Cubitt under the Grosvenor Estate
- Architectural Style: Georgian and early Victorian stucco-fronted terraces
- Property Sizes: 1,000–6,000+ sq ft (93–557+ sq m)
- Property Prices (2025): £3.5m–£15m+
- Nearby Tube Stations: Knightsbridge, Hyde Park Corner, Victoria, Sloane Square
- Nearby Bus Routes: 11, 211, 360, C1
- Notable Fact: Setting for the classic TV series "Upstairs, Downstairs"
Who Were the Grosvenors, and How Did They Acquire This Land?
If you're wondering why so many streets and squares in this area bear names like Grosvenor, Belgrave, Eaton, or Wilton, it's because much of this land once belonged to the powerful Grosvenor family. To find out how they came to own vast swathes of Mayfair, Belgravia, and Pimlico — and whether they had any ties to the government or the royal family — read our in-depth article here.
Map of Eaton Place, London
Painting of Eaton Place, London (View image in full size)