The Mostyn Gardens Residence
Perks for the Parents
This architecturally-designed London home, owned by a photographer and interior designer, has everything you might need for young children and contains design that can’t fail to delight. It sleeps up to 4 + 2. The 3-bedroom Victorian terrace house has the option to convert the large study into a fourth bedroom for a nanny or an au pair. For meal time, the kitchen contains Le Creuset dishes and pots, a separate oven and microwave, an induction hob, a toaster and Nutribullet blender. The home is conveniently located, with easy access to public transport and a mere 10-minute stroll to the quintessentially-British and delightfully charming Queen’s Park.
Why Kids Love it
Children adore the sunlight and greenery in the kitchen and ground floor, which provides plenty of room for wheeled toys. A dedicated play area for babies and toddlers is at the rear of the kitchen, together with books, puzzles, toys and other items children will love on all 3 floors. The kitchen contains a high chair and children-friendly bowls, cups, plates and cutlery for all ages. The kids’ bedroom has a cot suitable for toddlers up to 3 years, and a changing table. For older children, there is superfast WiFi which spans the entire property. The soft beds and comfy linen mean that children sleep well at night, and are better equipped to take in the myriad sights of London the following day.
Things to Know
Minimum stay: 2 nights. While toddler gates have been installed at the top of each floor, the stairs themselves are rather steep so young children may require assistance going up and down floors. There is a wooden crib in the kids’ room and a travel crib available if needed. Smoking is not allowed, and the hosts ask that shoes are not worn beyond the reception area. Bicycles are at the house for guests to borrow. If you’re flying into London, the nearest international airport is Heathrow, approximately 40 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic. A car is not essential to stay here as public transport is plentiful.
About the Location
This residence is in Kensal Rise, in Zone 2, north-west London. The property is located 8 mins walk to Kensal Rise Underground station (Baker St, 10 mins; Oxford Circus, 16 mins) and 3 mins walk to Kensal Rise Overground (Hampstead Heath, 12 mins; Kew Gardens, 20 mins). Vibrant Portobello Road is a 20 min walk away. There are 2 well-stocked supermarkets within 3 mins walk, and several excellent bars and restaurants nearby. The local pizzeria and cafe are both child-friendly. Queen’s Park contains tennis courts and a popular children’s play area. The Moberly Centre is also a 5 min walk away, with a 25 m pool, basketball courts and full gym facilities.
Accommodation Details
This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house is arranged over 3 floors. The ground floor contains a generously proportioned and well-equipped kitchen which drifts seamlessly into an open and spacious living room. Upstairs there's a sizeable queensize guest bedroom with a wooden crib, a children’s bedroom (with a set of bunk beds), a study with a sofa and a laundry room (separate washer and dryer). The loft contains the master kingsize bedroom and a walk-in wardrobe. Bathrooms are located on all 3 floors, with a bath/shower on the first floor and an ensuite shower in the loft. The outside space comprises a private, enclosed garden with a lawn and a palm tree.
Style Notes
As one might expect from the owner of a Scandinavian interiors studio (David), and a fashion and beauty photographer (Billie), this husband and wife team have thoughtfully designed and furnished their recently rebuilt property to strike a balance between being essentially child-friendly and a space in which grown-ups can feel relaxed and comfortable throughout their stay. Crittal windows on the ground and first floors, gorgeous bay windows, and ceiling windows on each floor combine to bathe the property in natural light even during London’s gloomiest days. Each room is furnished with mid-century classics and handcrafted Danish furniture. The house also contains an abundance of plant life to encourage health and vitality.
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Air Conditioning
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Baby Bath
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Baby Monitor
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Babysitter / Nanny
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Backyard / Garden
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Balcony
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Bathtub
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Bed Rails
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Bicycles
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Cabinet Locks
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Changing Table
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Chef / Catering
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Children's Dinnerware
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Corner Guards
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DVD Library
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DVD Player
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Dishwasher
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Elevator
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Fireplace Guards
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Game Console
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High Chair
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Housekeeper
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Outlet Plugs
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Parking
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Pet-friendly
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Pool
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Pool Gate
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Stair Gates
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Television
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Toys / Children's Books
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Washer / Dryer
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Wifi
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Window Guards
Queen's Park & Kensal Rise, London
Classy streets and independent shops
Set beside a 12-hectare park of the same name, Queens Park in northwest London is known for its lovely high street, leafy streets and independent shops, just like its neighbor, Kensal Rise, which is linked by family-friendly residential streets. The journey into the city is easy - just 20 minutes by Tube - but you'll find lively eateries, cozy pubs and community events on your doorstep.