Kensington Palace Gardens, one of the most prestigious [...]]]> One of our recent projects has been the restoration of a number of fine oriental rugs at 14 Kensington Palace Gardens. This house has been the official residence of the Finnish Ambassador since 1952 and this is a welcome new client for Designcare in 2009.

Kensington Palace Gardens, one of the most prestigious residential streets in the world. It is home to many embassies and diplomatic residences as well as Kensington Palace, where several members of the British Royal Family live.

Brief History

This beautiful house was designed and built by Thomas Cubitt in 1850 and by June 1851, the house became occupied. The lease, for 100 ft of frontage at an annual rent of £75, was granted to Edmund Antrobus in January 1852, and he lived here until his death in 1886. The ground lease was subsequently sold at auction for £8,100 to Henry Solomon of Inverness Terrace, Bayswater.

In 2007 the historic building was sympathetically renovated, drawing inspiration from the Nordic ideals of light and space, giving it a fresh, elegant look.

The residence provides a gracious setting for the Finnish diplomatic representation in the United Kingdom. Decoration of the building, including its various beautiful details, highlights the culture of Finland.