Property of the Week: Crime queen PD James’ house in Holland Park is on the market for £4.95m
If you’re finding inspiration hard to come by, you could do worse than take up residence in the home of one of the most famous crime writers in the world.
Holland Park Avenue, Holland Park, £4.95m
“Appointed OBE in 1983 and Baroness James of Holland Park nine years later, PD James lived at the address for nearly 30 years, where it’s said she enjoyed taking in the views towards Holland Park,” says Johnny Fuller, head of Savills Kensington, the agent handling the sale.This five bedroom, semi-detached Victorian villa in Holland Park was the home of author PD James between 1984 and 2012. She wrote her most famous novels in the property, including The Children of Men, Death Comes to Pemberley and eight books in her Adam Dalgliesh series.
Situated in a family neighbourhood with excellent transport links via Holland Park and Notting Hill Gate, the house has been meticulously modernised. There’s a remote-controlled working fireplace and an open plan kitchen/dining/family room leading to the back garden. There’s also a garden at the front of the house, providing coveted privacy, and Holland Park is a three minute walk away.
Some period grandeur still remains, including French windows and a raised high-ceilinged drawing room on the ground floor.
Fuller from Savills says the home is likely to go to a family looking for a convenient commute. “We also expect interest from buyers who are captivated by the opportunity to live in the home where one of the nation’s most celebrated writers once resided.”
Call Savills Kensington on 020 7535 3300