Historic Celebrity Property in Mayfair
Mayfair – one of the most fashionable parts of London – draws many celebrity residents thanks to its stylish, prestigious atmosphere. Nowadays, the district is home to a large number of leading lights from the worlds of fashion, film and music. And it isn’t just a modern phenomenon – ever since Mayfair was first developed, it has attracted famous names of the day. Let’s take a look at some of the prominent figures who have chosen to make property in Mayfair their home over the years:
Lord Beaconsfield – Otherwise known as Benjamin Disraeli, the future British Prime Minister was born in Holborn, central London. However, he moved to property in Mayfair before his death in 1881 – he lived at 19 Curzon Street, to be precise. Apart from his tenure as Prime Minister of Britain, Disraeli was also an author, best known for works such as Vivian Grey and Lothair.
Beau Brummell – Brummell is considered by many to be the father of modern men’s fashion. He was famous for his understated dress sense, fastidious attention to detail and extravagant lifestyle – once claiming that it would cost ?800 to keep a man in clothes, when the average wage was just ?1 a week. He squandered away his modest fortune whilst living at property in Mayfair. 4 Chesterfield Street now bears a blue plaque announcing his residency.
Sir Francis Chantrey – The eminent sculptor was born in the north east of England, near Sheffield, but moved to property in Mayfair as his career picked up. He first lived at 24 Curzon Street, before moving to Chantrey House at the corner of Lower Belgrave Place and Eccleston Street, on the edge of Belgravia. He lived here from 1814 till his death in 1841.
Earl of Chesterfield – The Earl built himself a great mansion in South Audley Street and, in true aristocratic style, named the property in Mayfair after himself.
Lord Lytton – The strikingly-monikered Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton is still well-known today for his novels, poems and plays. He was born at 31 Baker Street in Marylebone, but lived for a time at property in Mayfair – the building that is now 35a Hertford Street (but which was then number 36), provided a roof and a bed for Lord Lytton whilst he wrote The Last Days of Pompeii. Afterwards, Lytton lived in Charles Street, and then moved to 1 Park Lane. It was during his residence at 1 Park Lane that he wrote Zanoni, one of his best-known works.
Percy Shelley – It appears that the famous romantic poet didn’t actually live in property in Mayfair for any extended period of time. It is said, however, that he stopped off at 23 Aldford Street – if only for a day or two – before taking up quarters at Cooke’s Hotel in Albermarle Street. Shelley is one of the most respected lyric poets writing in English, best known for anthology works such as To a Skylark, Music, Ozymandias, Ode to the West Wind, When Soft Voices Dies and The Cloud. Shelley died in 1822, in Italy.
Find the perfect property in Mayfair to rent. From houses to apartments, find a style that suits you and your lifestyle.
Processing your request, Please wait....
