fbpx

Inventory Site Record

Lexham Gardens (Kensington & Chelsea)

Brief Description

The private communal gardens were provided for residents of surrounding houses of Lexham Gardens, which were gradually built from the 1870s, the garden probably laid out in 1869. The gardens have the distinction of being the first London square to be offered for sale in 1987 for underground rights (the opposite of air rights). The garden was refurbished in 1990 and among the facilities are a children's play area and ponds with fountains.

Practical Information
Site location:
Lexham Gardens
Postcode:
W8 5JA
What 3 Words:
homes.these.deny
Type of site:
Garden Square
Borough:
Kensington & Chelsea
Open to public?
Occasionally
Opening times:
Has opened for OGSW. Otherwise private, for keyholders only
Has taken part in Open Garden Squares Weekend 17 times, most recently in 2019.
Special conditions:
Facilities:
children's play area
Events:
Public transport:
Tube: Earl's Court (District, Piccadilly), Gloucester Road (District, Circle, Piccadilly). Bus: 74
Research updated:
01/10/2007
Last minor changes:
19/07/2023

Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news.

Full Site Description

Lexham Gardens properties were built gradually from the 1870s, the garden probably laid out in 1869. In 1928 it was owned by Lord Iveagh and available for use by lessees of houses that abutted it, who paid garden rents under their leases (which were due to expire in 1970-72). Maintenance was by the ground landlord and the Report of the Royal Commission on London Squares pointed out that 'the garden rents do not fully cover the present day expenses of maintenance'. At that time the garden was described as a 'narrow rectangular area laid out with lawns and flower-beds. Trees and small shrubs around the border'. The gardens have the distinction of being the first London square to be offered for sale in 1987 for underground rights (the opposite of air rights). The garden was refurbished in 1990 and has won the All-London Garden Square Best Garden a number of times and the Brighter Kensington & Chelsea Prize at least 8 times. Within the garden is a small pavilion, seats and arbours, and ornamental planting. Protected under 1851 Garden Square Act.

Sources consulted:

OGSW booklet 2004; RB Kensington Parks Archive; Report of the Royal Commission on London Square, 1928

Further Information (Planning and Conservation)
Grid ref:
TQ255789 (525716,179014)
Size in hectares:
0.2157
Site ownership:
private
Site management:
Lexham Gardens Garden Committee
Date(s):
1870
Designer(s):
Listed structures:
None
On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens:

No
Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965:

No
Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931:

Yes

Local Authority Data

The information below is taken from the relevant Local Authority's planning legislation, which was correct at the time of research but may have been amended in the interim. Please check with the Local Authority for latest planning information.

On Local List:
No
In Conservation Area:
Yes
Conservation Area name:
Lexham Gardens
Tree Preservation Order:
Not known
Nature Conservation Area:
No
Green Belt:
No
Metropolitan Open Land:
No
Special Policy Area:
No
Other LA designation:
None
Photos

Lexham Gardens

Lexham Gardens - Photo: Candy Blackham
Date taken: 18/06/16 15:26

Click a photo to enlarge.

More photos

Please note the Inventory and its content are provided for your general information only and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to check the accuracy.