Spring blooms with promise at United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty, as the agency launches its new flagship office on Kensington Church Street. It opened its doors for business on 9th May 2025 and will primarily service Kensington, Notting Hill, Holland Park and Bayswater.
This office marks a fresh chapter for the super-prime brokerage firm, strengthening its presence in Central West London while expanding its reach beyond its Prime Central London stronghold. Further, it follows as a direct response to a growing demand from a new generation of discerning clients, particularly families drawn to West London’s most coveted postcodes.
The Central West London Market
Kensington, Notting Hill, Holland Park and Bayswater continue to enjoy a surge in popularity and transactions with UHNWIs as wealthy families gravitate towards these locales. The appeal is reflective of a 'need-based' sentiment that’s driving the market, as buyers look for homes that resonate with their lifestyles. These neighbourhoods offer everything they value most: outstanding schools, expansive green spaces and exceptional connectivity. Affluent buyers – particularly from North America and Europe – have shown a marked preference for the area.
While the cultural landmarks, period townhouses, and reputable schools of Kensington are drawing in families from around the globe, Notting Hill has long been a magnet for high-profile musicians, actors and media executives. In a similar vein, Holland Park, an affluent and leafy enclave in West London, is thronged by members of the British aristocracy, high-profile media personalities and celebrities.
On the other hand, Bayswater has experienced a period of renewal with the £3B Queensway Regeneration project, which elevated the area with prestigious new developments, enhancing its appeal to both investors and residents alike. At present, its proximity to Hyde Park and Notting Hill has made it a favourable haunt for families and young professionals.
While each of these neighbourhoods possesses a distinct identity, they represent a mosaic that’s unique to London: a welcoming sense of stability paired with timeless elegance, access, and a quiet confidence.
An Esteemed Team of Agents
A handpicked team of sales and lettings agents will be at the helm of the new office, operating under a bespoke brokerage model that blends decades of experience with in-depth local knowledge and a steadfast, client-first philosophy. The team combines the best minds in the industry, with their expertise spanning Kensington, Notting Hill, Holland Park, Bayswater and Queensway – neighbourhoods they know not only by postcode but also by personality.
Senior Sales Directors Mark Redfern and Gareth Jones are trusted names in London’s prime property market, with over 45 years of combined experience. Mark has orchestrated lucrative sales in Prime Central London for two decades, specialising in Kensington and Notting Hill, while Gareth brings 25 years of expertise, focusing on Kensington, Holland Park, and Notting Hill.
Senior Sales Director Alister Sherwood, bringing expansive market intelligence across both Prime Central and West London, specialises in Notting Hill, Holland Park, Kensington, and Queensway. Born and raised in the area, Nick Crayson, Senior Sales Director (Consultant), is a trusted Notting Hill and Holland Park specialist with an instinctive understanding of the local market.
Senior Sales Director (Consultant) Maria Oliveros and Senior Sales Director Josh Ratcliffe, with over a decade of experience respectively, mainly focus on Notting Hill, Kensington, Holland Park and Bayswater. Meanwhile, Sales Director Charles Hamshar offers additional strength in Notting Hill and Holland Park.
Tacita Rolls, Lettings Director, and Minnie Stainrod, Director of Sports Desk and Lettings, with more than two decades of combined experience, will oversee rental transactions across Kensington, Holland Park and Notting Hill – leveraging a seasoned instinct for the expectations of high-value tenants in London’s most desirable postcodes.
Exceptional Listings
United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty offers a distinguished residential portfolio in these postcodes.
A prime example is the £19.9M semi-detached family home on Phillimore Gardens, exquisitely appointed throughout and complete with a trove of enviable amenities, including a security-coded wine cellar, premium mod cons, and a tree-lined courtyard. Unsurprisingly, this property was bestowed the ‘London’s Best Single Residence’ title at the UK Property Awards in 2018.
Another impressive property is a majestic stucco-fronted house on Argyll Road, listed at £9.5M. It is characterised by lofty proportions, intricate period detailing, and abundant natural light. Meticulously curated interiors feature sumptuous finishes and top-of-the-line fittings throughout, while the state-of-the-art Boffi kitchen and home cinema ensure refined family living.
The £27M villa on Abbotsbury Road is another gem in the trove. A masterclass in contemporary finesse, it is one of the few properties that backs directly onto Holland Park. No detail has been overlooked in this impeccably designed property, which also offers fabulous leisure amenities, such as an indoor pool, a home cinema, and a gym.
On the rental market, a magnificent five-storey home is available for £10,000 per week. A former residence of novelist Ford Madox Ford, it has been refurbished beautifully with rich finishes and smart amenities. Myriad open spaces are a further benefit, offering charming outdoor settings for quietly unwinding in the sun.
Final Thoughts
The Kensington office, marking the fifth flagship opening in just two years, reflects the remarkable growth and enduring prestige of the brand and its reputation, as the firm continues to build on its success.
George Azar, Chairman & CEO of Dubai, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia Sotheby’s International Realty, commented, “When we relaunched two years ago, we set out to disrupt the UK’s super-prime property market and have achieved many milestones since. Our new office in Kensington reaffirms this mission, as we continue to drive growth, innovate, and establish new standards for exceptional, luxury living. We are committed to redefining the client experience and take pride in delivering the world-class service expected from the Sotheby’s brand.”
