'Sophisticated' borough where Dame Twiggy has lived for almost four decades and homes fetch an average £2.2million

Twiggy has lived in the borough of Kensington for almost four decades

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Solen Le Net

By Solen Le Net


Published: 02/04/2024

- 12:07

Twiggy has lived in the sought-after borough of Kensington for almost four decades

Twiggy’s first claim to fame came at 21, after starring in Ken Russell’s 1971 film The Boy Friend, for which she won two Golden Globes.

The star later received her damehood from the then-Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace for her services to charity, art and fashion.


Capturing the moment for her social media followers, Twiggy shared a picture after the event, captioned: “Brilliant day at #BuckinghamPalace getting damed!”

The A-lister, officially known as Lesley Lawson, put her cherished Barnham home (West Sussex) up for sale the following year, in 2020.

Twiggy in blue jacket

Twiggy has lived in the borough of Kensington for almost four decades

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When she wants to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Twiggy escapes to Suffolk’s Southwold, where she shares a home with her spouse of 36 years; Leigh Lawson.

Speaking to the Evening Standard in 2022, the star spoke briefly of her love for London’s sought-after borough of Kensington. She has called the area her home for almost 39 years.

She said her first flat in the city had been in the nearby area of Nottinghill, adding: “In the 60s, it was much funkier - it’s got quite posh now, hasn’t it? It was the top two floors of one of those big Victorian houses, with a boyfriend.”

Today, the TV star, actress, and former model is believed to spend most of her time at her Kensington abode.

South Kensington is home to several museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum and Natural History Museum.

The official tour guide Visit London says the neighbourhood "boasts an unbeatable range of free museums and beautiful open spaces alongside its more upmarket attractions".

It also is a hub for some of the city’s most beautiful parks, which attract thousands of city dwellers during the warmer months.

These include London’s most renowned Royal Parks; such as Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.

Real estate experts at Marsh and Parson’s describe the borough as one of the “most exclusive, sophisticated and sought-after districts".

“Regal connections, world-class museums, Royal Parks and the iconic Royal Albert Hall attract affluent buyers looking to invest in and around one of the UK's most expensive areas,” the property experts added.

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Kensington houses

Real estate experts describe Kensington as one of the city's most sophisticated areas

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The area's dining scene is a particular highlight, brimming with “Micheline-starred venues, gourmet spots for Sunday lunch and elegant bars providing residents with extensive options".

Properties in Kensington are notoriously expensive compared to nearby areas, however.

A report published by Rightmove in January stated that the average property in the area has fetched an average sum of £2,191,053 over the last year.

The property site said: "The majority of sales in Kensington during the last year were flats, selling for an average price of £1,448,177."

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