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" A superb Grade II* listed Georgian house with a fascinating history, situated in one of the best positions on Pelham Place. This wonderful house was home to the late Lady Jane Abdy and previously the London residence of world renowned photographer, Sir Cecil Beaton.

Arranged over four floors, the house has a stunning ground floor double reception room/dining room and a first floor drawing room with a charming balcony overlooking the garden. The kitchen and second bedroom are on the lower ground floor and the master bedroom and bathroom are arranged over the top floor. The property is approached via a pretty front garden with a cherry tree and there is a secluded 35ft east facing garden.

Lady Abdy bought 8 Pelham Place in 1993 and as one of the most original and respected art dealers of her generation, the property was unsurprisingly a treasure chest of stunning paintings and furniture. In 1962 she married the art connoisseur and dealer, the fifth Baronet, Sir Robert Abdy and it was through her husband she gained her deep knowledge of French 18th Century art. On the ferry taking them to France on their honeymoon, Bertie calmly asked his young wife to bring her suitcase up on deck. To her horror, he threw it overboard, saying: "You won't be needing these any more." The next day he took her to Dior to buy an entirely new wardrobe.

The property had been previously owned from 1940 to 1980 by Sir Cecil Beaton, the English fashion, portrait and war photographer who had it boldly decorated; blending antiquities with paintings by Salvador Dali, Picasso and Graham Sutherland. He had the house remodelled with the assistance of interior designer Felix Harbord, who installed the parquet floor in the dining room which was salvaged from a French chateau and dates from 1860.   

Cecil Beaton moved seamlessly between the worlds of fashion, cinema and art to royalty and high society and his sitters encompassed all these worlds. The house was the backdrop to several of his iconic photographs including a shoot with Twiggy, who was photographed there in 1967. 8 Pelham Place was renowned for memorable parties and as a sign that he was 'in town' Beaton would throw a hat on the Frank Dobson sculpture, which was positioned in a front window. To this day the parquet floor bears stiletto heel marks, the legacy of many famous guests, including Greta Garbo and Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent.

Situation
Built by George Basevi circa 1830, Pelham Place is a most desirable collection of late Georgian, Grade II* listed houses. Number 8 is particularly well positioned being situated on the west side of the street, towards the junction with Pelham Crescent. This sought-after and secluded location is ideally situated between a world class selection of shops, restaurants and amenities both in Knightsbridge and South Kensington. South Kensington Underground station (District, Circle and Piccadilly lines) is situated close by.

Additional Information
Local Authority: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Council Tax: Band H
Tenure: Freehold "