Lowndes Place, London
Lowndes Place is a short, elegant one-way street in the prestigious neighbourhood of Belgravia, London. It connects Eaton Place at its southwestern end to Chesham Place in the northeast. Despite its modest length, the street reflects the grand architectural style and refined atmosphere that characterise much of Belgravia.
Street Layout and Traffic Direction
Lowndes Place measures approximately 131 metres (430 feet) in length. It is a one-way street with vehicular traffic permitted to travel only from Eaton Place towards Chesham Place. The road is lined on both sides by elegant stucco-fronted terraces, many of which have been converted into luxury apartments or embassies.
Roads connected to Lowdnes Place
- Chesham Place
- Eaton Place
- Lowndes Close
Historical Background
Lowndes Place was developed as part of the broader 19th-century expansion of Belgravia, an area conceived and built by the Grosvenor Estate under the direction of master builder Thomas Cubitt. The street likely came into being in the 1830s or early 1840s, during a time when Belgravia was transforming into one of London’s most desirable residential quarters.
Origin and Pronunciation of the Name
The street takes its name from the Lowndes family, prominent landowners in the Chelsea and Belgravia areas during the 18th century. The family’s legacy is commemorated in other local street names as well, including Lowndes Square and Lowndes Street. The name Lowndes is typically pronounced "Lowns" (/laʊndz/ 
in the International Phonetic Alphabet).
Character and Ambience
Lowndes Place retains the distinct character of Belgravia: quiet, dignified, and grand. The street is almost exclusively residential and favoured for its central location combined with a sense of seclusion. Mature trees line the pavement, and many buildings feature classic white stucco facades with black wrought iron railings and columned entrances, evoking the opulence of Regency and Victorian architecture.
Nearby Sights and Points of Interest
Though Lowndes Place itself is peaceful and low in foot traffic, it sits within easy reach of several notable attractions:
- Belgrave Square – one of London’s grandest garden squares, a minute’s walk to the north.
- Cadogan Place Gardens – a private green space visible from Chesham Place, ideal for tranquil moments.
- Embassies and diplomatic residences – several diplomatic missions are located along Chesham Place and nearby squares.
- Luxury shopping – Knightsbridge’s world-famous stores, including Harrods and Harvey Nichols, are within a 10-minute walk.
Property Prices and Real Estate
Properties on Lowndes Place are among the most exclusive in central London. As of May 2025, a typical 2-bedroom flat measuring around 1,300 sq ft (121 sq m) on this street is listed in the region of £3.5 to £4.5 million. Larger townhouses, ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 sq ft (278 to 465 sq m), can exceed £10 million, depending on condition and historical provenance. These prices reflect Belgravia’s status as one of the capital’s most sought-after and expensive districts.
Public Transport Access
Nearest Underground Stations
- Knightsbridge Station – on the Piccadilly Line, located approximately 7 minutes’ walk to the north via Sloane Street.
- Hyde Park Corner Station – also on the Piccadilly Line, roughly 8 minutes’ walk to the northwest via Grosvenor Crescent.
- Victoria Station – a major transport hub with access to the Victoria, Circle, and District Lines, and National Rail services. It's about 12 minutes’ walk to the southeast.
Nearby Bus Stops
Bus stops are located nearby along Grosvenor Place and Sloane Street, with frequent services including:
- Bus 137 – linking Streatham and Marble Arch via Sloane Square and Knightsbridge.
- Bus 452 – running between Kensal Rise and Vauxhall.
- Bus C1 – connecting Victoria Station and White City.
Fun Fact
While Lowndes Place is primarily residential today, the area was once a fashionable destination for London’s aristocracy. During the Victorian period, its proximity to Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace made it an ideal address for the upper echelons of society. A number of the buildings still retain their original detailing and blue plaques commemorating past residents of note, although these are fewer here than in nearby streets like Eaton Place and Belgrave Square.
Quick Facts
- Location: Belgravia, City of Westminster, London
- Length: Approx. 131 metres (430 feet)
- Traffic Direction: One-way from Eaton Place to Chesham Place
- Built: Likely in the 1830s–1840s as part of Belgravia's development
- Name Origin: Named after the Lowndes family; pronounced "Lowns" (/laʊndz/)
- Character: Quiet, residential, with classic stucco architecture
- Nearby Attractions: Belgrave Square, Knightsbridge shopping, embassies
- Property Prices (as of May 2025): £3.5M+ for flats, £10M+ for houses
- Nearest Tube Stations: Knightsbridge, Hyde Park Corner, Victoria
- Bus Routes: 137, 452, C1
- Fun Fact: Historic links to Victorian aristocracy and discreet diplomatic presence
Map of Lowndes Place, London
Painting of Lowndes Place, London (View image in full size)