Lees Place, London
Lees Place is a short, residential street in the heart of Mayfair, within the City of Westminster, London. It stretches from Park Street in the west to North Audley Street in the east and features a subtle sequence of bends that give it a distinctive, meandering layout compared to many other grid-aligned streets in the area.
Layout and Surroundings
Lees Place is a one-way street heading eastwards, nestled amidst the refined surroundings of Mayfair. Despite its centrality, the street remains relatively quiet, insulated from the more trafficked roads such as Oxford Street just a short walk north. The street is lined with a mix of period townhouses and later residential developments, some of which have been converted into luxury flats and offices.
The roads surrounding Lees Place contribute to its prestige. Park Street is a well-known Mayfair thoroughfare lined with upscale residences, while North Audley Street features boutique shops, trendy restaurants, and cafes, particularly near the northern end close to Oxford Street.
Historical Background
Lees Place dates back to the early 19th century, during a time of rapid development in the Mayfair area. The land was part of the Grosvenor Estate, a vast swathe of West End real estate owned and developed by the Dukes of Westminster. The name “Lees” likely originates from a landowning family or developer associated with the original leases, a common practice in naming streets in this part of London during that period.
Unlike some neighbouring roads that have undergone significant transformation, Lees Place has retained much of its residential character. Its buildings include elegant Georgian and Victorian-era terraces, many of which have been preserved or sensitively restored. The cobbled street surface, still visible in parts, hints at the area's historical charm.
Local Landmarks and Points of Interest
While Lees Place itself is residential, several notable attractions are just minutes away. These include:
- Grosvenor Square – One of London’s grandest garden squares, just two blocks south.
- Selfridges – The iconic department store on Oxford Street, accessible via North Audley Street.
- Hyde Park – One of the largest royal parks in London, a short walk west.
- The Connaught Hotel – A celebrated luxury hotel just off Carlos Place to the south.
Real Estate Overview
Property in Lees Place is among the most desirable in the West End, benefitting from the prestige of Mayfair and its proximity to key London attractions. As of May 2025, the average asking price for a two-bedroom flat on Lees Place is approximately £2.8 million, with larger units or freehold houses commanding between £4 million and £7 million, depending on size and finish.
Typical apartments range from around 1,000 sq ft (93 sq m) to 2,500 sq ft (232 sq m). Prices here significantly exceed the average for Greater London, reflecting the street’s location in one of the capital’s most exclusive neighbourhoods.
Transport Connections
Underground Stations
The closest London Underground Stations to Lees Place are:
- Marble Arch Station (Central Line) – about a 5-minute walk northwest.
- Bond Street Station (Central and Jubilee Lines, plus Elizabeth Line) – around 8 minutes’ walk east.
Bus Routes
Nearby bus stops are located on Oxford Street and Park Lane, offering numerous routes across central London. Key routes include:
- Bus 10 and 94 (via Oxford Street)
- Bus 2 and 16 (via Park Lane)
This excellent connectivity makes Lees Place an ideal base for professionals working in central London or for visitors seeking a high-end residential address within walking distance of major landmarks.
Fun Fact
Lees Place was once the temporary residence of several notable authors and artists in the early 20th century who preferred the quieter side streets of Mayfair over the more fashionable but busier squares. It’s said that the reclusive British novelist E.F. Benson, best known for his Mapp and Lucia series, spent a season here while writing in the 1920s.
Quick Facts
- Location: Mayfair, City of Westminster, London
- Connects: Park Street (west) to North Audley Street (east)
- Notable Features: Quiet residential street with historical charm
- Nearby Attractions: Grosvenor Square, Selfridges, Hyde Park, Connaught Hotel
- Property Prices (2025): £2.8M average for 2-bed flats; houses from £4M–£7M
- Typical Property Sizes: 1,000–2,500 sq ft (93–232 sq m)
- Nearest Tube Stations: Marble Arch (Central Line), Bond Street (Central, Jubilee, Elizabeth Line)
- Bus Stops: Oxford Street, Park Lane (routes 2, 10, 16, 94)
- History: Developed in the early 1800s on Grosvenor Estate land
- Fun Fact: Author E.F. Benson is believed to have lived here briefly in the 1920s
Map of Lees Place, London
Painting of Lees Place, London