Take 5… Homes near the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Exquisite plants and flowers are in plentiful supply this week as the RHS Chelsea flower show returns. Known as the most prestigious event of its kind on the calendar, this year it returns to its usual springtime spot in May, with thousands of horticulture enthusiasts set to attend. The event showcases some spectacular gardeners and truly unique floral displays, as well as an abundance of gardening related shopping to keep you entertained. This year’s theme is wild plants and naturalistic spaces so those on display will be embracing the woodlands, wildflowers and hedgerows into their designs.
So, what can you expect if you’re attending this year?
The event has a rich history. It has been held in the grounds of Royal Hospital Chelsea every year of since 1913, apart from the two World Wars and during Covid-19. It has also always had longstanding relationship with the royal family and the Queen is no exception. Therefore, this year, the event will be particularly special as there will be a tribute to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. This is to demonstrate the appreciation of her continued support of the charity and her widely known love of blooms. Renowned florist Simon Lycett has designed a silhouette of Her Majesty in the royal shade of purple, and, to welcome guests, the iconic gate at the entrance will feature royal emblems in its archway – both are not to be missed.
Running alongside the event, the royal borough will also be filled with floral displays for ‘Chelsea in Bloom’. Chelsea’s best retailers, hotels and restaurants, all the way from Sloane Street to the infamous King’s road, will decorate their shop fronts with impressive floral works of art. This year will see a nod to all things quintessentially British as, inspired by the Jubilee, the theme will be ‘British icons’. As you’re walking the pavements of Chelsea taking in all the bright colours and unique designs, there are some not to be missed. A Royal coat of arms will be on Sloane Street, an Alice in Wonderland themed installation has gone up in the Duke of York square, and a Vivienne Westwood inspired installation can be seen on the King’s Road.
So if you’re planning a trip to the royal borough while it is in full bloom once more, we’ve picked five houses you can check out in between floral displays:
King’s Road will be the biggest explosion of floral creations for Chelsea in Bloom so it has to be top of list when exploring all the event has to offer this week. While you’re there, take a look at Bywater Street, a very well presented three bedroom freehold house with roof terrace, just off King's Road.
This outstanding townhouse is another one to explore while you’re down the King’s Road checking out the Vivienne Westwood installation. Built circa 1760, the property has magnificent reception rooms overlooking the river Thames, set behind a gated front garden and further protected by the Chelsea Embankment communal gardens.
Smith Terrace is located in a very quiet residential address, only 800m from Sloane Square which is hosting one of the central installations of Chelsea in Bloom. Be sure you don’t miss the Queen’s Head while you’re there.
If you’ve got a ticket to the event, this lovely family house is worth the 5 minute walk to check it out. No.1 Tite Street has unusual architecture that delivers a great balance of width and volume, in a quiet residential street close to Sloane Square.
Chelsea Manor Studios can be found at the top of Flood Street just yards from the famous King's Road and all the shops, restaurants and bars. Retailers, Jigsaw and Jam Industries, have got floral displays prepared right next to Flood Street so be sure to take a peak while you’re here.
