Renting property in Mayfair, W1
Residential Land has hundreds of flats in London for rent. If you are looking to rent property in Mayfair, W1, please contact us here.
Why rent in Mayfair?
Mayfair is centrally located in the City of Westminster and, like its reputation on the Monopoly board, is one of the most expensive locations in London.
The area has an astounding quantity of residential property as well as exclusive shops, world class restaurants and London's largest concentration of luxury hotels.
Property in Mayfair
Originally urbanised in the 18th century many of the properties in Mayfair date from the Georgian period, although the famous terracotta buildings in and around Mount Street arrived in the 19th century when the second extensive building programme was carried out. Many of these properties are still available to rent now, for example, Residential Land's Grosvenor Hill which offers a variety of rental property in Mayfair.
The area also offers an abundance of town houses from both periods, some of which remain intact, like Shepherd Street, whilst others have been divided into apartments. You will also find a number of purpose-built apartment buildings dating from the end of the 19th century to the present day. Today, the Mayfair district is primarily commercial with many of the mansion houses having being converted into offices, for example, Lees Place commercial units which has a number of commercial spaces on the ground floor. However, the upper floors of Lees Place have kept their residential heritage. Mayfair is also home to some of the most luxurious and famous hotels in the country.
Famous buildings in Mayfair include the United States embassy in Grosvenor Square, the Royal Academy of Arts, The Handel House Museum, the Grosvenor House Hotel, Claridge's and The Dorchester.
Transport links in Mayfair
Mayfair is centrally located with a choice of public transport allowing for easy access to any part of the city. London underground stations in Mayfair include Bond Street which is served by the Jubilee and Central lines, and Green Park served by the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines.
Regular bus services run from Park Lane, Piccadilly, Oxford Street and Regent Street connecting Mayfair with the rest of the City.
History of Mayfair
Every year between 1686 and 1764 a May fair was held in an area now known as Shepherd Market. This is where the name Mayfair comes from. The land now known as the Grosvenor Estate of Mayfair and which occupies the northern part of modern day Mayfair came into the hands of the Grosvenor family in 1677 as the dowry of Mary Davies when she married Sir Thomas Grosvenor. After the development of the estate's land in the 1720s the site became known as the Grosvenor Estate as it is still known today, whilst the south of the district, including Berkeley Square, is known as the Berkeley Estate.
Prior to the Second World War, Mayfair was London’s premier residential address; however heavy bombing in the City forced a large number of businesses to relocate to Mayfair and convert these residential properties into commercial premises and they remained this way until the mid 1990s when many of them were converted back to residential use and once again Mayfair has become London's most exclusive address.
Attractions in Mayfair
Animals at War Memorial
A moving tribute to the millions of animals who have been killed in war, this memorial depicting life-size bronze statues of two pack mules, a horse and a dog walking through a curved Portland stone wall, was unveiled in November 2004. The wall shows bas relief images of all the animals that have served in war, everything from glow worms to elephants and was designed by David Backhouse and funded by voluntary donations.
Berkeley Square
In 1636, Lord Berkeley of Stratton sold his house in Piccadilly to the Duke of Devonshire and in doing so agreed that the northward view would remain protected from any future building development. This agreement lead to the creation of a garden square, now Berkeley Square, in the first part of the 18th Century. Although the design of the square has now changed, it continues to be a quiet and restful place away from the bustle of the surrounding area.
Jimi Hendrix Apartment
Between 1968 and 1969, the upper floors of 23 Brook Street were occupied by the American musician Jimi Hendrix. Now identified by the blue plaque that commemorates when Jimi and his girlfriend Kathy Etchingham resided in the house, the apartment has since been integrated into the Handel House Museum which is located next door and is currently used as a changing exhibitions and events space.
Savile Row
The buildings on Savile Row were constructed in the early 1700s when the decision was taken to create the Burlington Estate which encompasses the street and surrounding area. Today, Savile Row is world famous for the very best in bespoke traditional English men's tailoring which is on offer in the many shops located on the street. The tailors have developed their reputations since the late 18th century and it is possible for them to produce almost any item of clothing in virtually any type of material.
Shopping in Mayfair
Think of shopping in Mayfair and people invariably think of Bond Street which is home to the most elegant and expensive shops in London. Designer clothing stores such as Gucci and Armani, and perfume, art and antiques shops are in abundance. There are more Royal Warrant holders (suppliers to the royal family) on Bond Street than anywhere else in London. New Bond Street is a few minutes walk along South Molton Street to Bond Street tube station. Old Bond Street is the short section at the Southern end which joins with Piccadilly.
Restaurants in Mayfair
Nobu
This Michilin star restaurant owned by Academy Award winner, Robert de Niro, is a Japanese restaurant located on the first floor of the Metropolitan Hotel. Both its cuisine and decor are chic and it attracts many famous clientele. Nobu has an extensive wine list and service is formal yet friendly.
Scotts
A glamorous fish and seafood restaurant Scotts in Mount Street, Mayfair, offers a Martin Brudnizki interior that is as outstanding as the broad menu on offer which features the very best seasonal, responsibly sourced fish and crustacea, as well as game when in season. Oysters are a specialty and feature heavily on Scotts elegant Oyster and Champagne Bar.
Gordon Ramsay at Claridges
This Michelin star restaurant is one of the jewels in Gordon Ramsay's crown. It maintains its reputation for seamless service by having CCTV cameras in the dining room whilst the famous chef and excellent French food mean you will have to book well in advance.
Kai of Mayfair
Serving a lunch and dinner menu of Chinese dishes, Kai Of Mayfair offers a dining experience to remember in its exclusive and opulent Oriental restaurant. In 2009, Kai of Mayfair was the only Chinese restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star.