Cheval Hyde Park Gate

About Us

The Cheval story began in the vibrant streets of Knightsbridge, to the west of central London and only a 20 minute walk from Cheval Gloucester Park. As an organisation we acquired our first property in 1981 in Cheval Place, a quiet street in the heart of Knightsbridge set back from the bustling Brompton Road, and home to some of London’s most iconic shopping destinations. This was to form the heart of our Cheval Knightsbridge Residence.

Knightsbridge itself is named after an ancient bridge spanning the Westbourne Stream, and as the first half of the word implies, was the gathering point of knights and their retainers. These knights would have required somewhere to stable their horses, suggesting that Cheval Place, from the French for horse, was aptly named.

Cheval Hyde Park Gate joined the portfolio in 1995 and is the smallest of our Residences, but by far the grandest. The stucco-fronted period structure dates from the mid-1840s, and was built by the renowned civil engineering firm of Grissell and Peto. The firm was also responsible for some of the building work at the Houses of Parliament, as well as some significant parts of the fast-expanding railway system of that era.

Much of the furniture and fittings found in the apartments are from the furniture firm Charles Barr, who set up a business in the 1860s. The company’s fortunes waned over time, but in the late 1940s a new workshop was established and production of the Regency and Edwardian styles began again, still bearing the original founder’s name. The exception to this style is two apartments on the lower ground floor of the building which are decorated and furnished in a fresh, contemporary style.

Our neighbourhood

Popular amongst tourists and even local Londoners, Kensington is an upscale district in London with stately Victorian buildings, galleries and embassies. Home to three of London’s largest and most famous museums, this area offers plenty to view and explore all-year round. As well as enjoying the serenity of the Royal gardens and world-renowned Hyde Park, Kensington hosts an eclectic shopping scene too- filled with gorgeous designer boutiques and brands.

Those with a taste for fine music can visit the famous Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington, a concert hall which has held the Prom concerts annually each summer since 1941. There are also plenty of exhibitions held at Olympia London, a venue that regularly hosts a range of international conferences and events.

Contrary to popular belief, many of the museums and sights in Kensington offer free entry for visitors, meaning that this affluent area is available for almost anyone to enjoy.