The Knightsbridge Estate’s long-term owner, The Olayan Group, has launched Knightsbridge Gardens, the UK’s first super prime residences-to-rent development, representing a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of one of the most prestigious sites in London.

The 33 one- to four-bedroom residences have been designed by London architecture practice Fletcher Priest, with interiors by international interior design studio Taylor Howes.

Each has been finished to turn-key standard, ready for the first tenants to move in immediately. Situated a five-minute walk from Hyde Park, overlooking Sloane Street and Brompton Road, the development is a tranquil sanctuary in the bustling heart of Knightsbridge.

Jonathan Shelton, MD of Real Estate Europe at The Olayan Group, said: “Much of our work on The Knightsbridge Estate, from improvements to the public realm to careful building restoration, has sought to add value to the existing community of residents and businesses. We knew we wanted to approach the residential element with that same attitude. Making a thoughtful, long-lasting contribution to the neighbourhood was very important to us.

“We’re proud to have delivered high quality, beautifully designed homes befitting the iconic Knightsbridge area, and are looking forward to welcoming our new residents to make the most of what Knightsbridge Gardens has to offer.”

Residents of Knightsbridge Gardens can expect five-star concierge service provided by a leading luxury management firm and bespoke partnerships with Knightsbridge’s iconic local establishments. In addition, residents will have exclusive access to the development’s bespoke club room, Orangery, and private courtyard gardens.

Each of the 33 apartments has been designed to reflect the design movements of the Edwardian Belle Epoque, when the Knightsbridge Estate was built. The apartments are designed according to a quartet of discrete but complementary concepts, with unifying notes of green throughout the development reinforcing the sense of calm.

Karen Howes, Founder of Taylor Howes, said: “Knightsbridge Gardens brings a unique design to the high-end London rental market through four beautiful schemes: The Tailored, The Eclectic, The Modernist and The Crafted. Taking inspiration from existing stained glass windows and the fashionable surroundings of Knightsbridge and Hyde Park, it showcases unique furnishings with nods to the architectural heritage of the development. We have used many of our favourite British craftspeople to represent the iconic Knightsbridge location. This has truly been a collaborative team effort and represents one of the highlights of our 30th year.”

Pero Maticevic, Partner at Fletcher Priest Architects, said: “The nine buildings that form this site are part of the remarkable heritage of the Knightsbridge Estate extending all the way to Harrods. The buildings we restored have been a key characteristic of the Knightsbridge area for a century. By reimagining the interiors of the buildings, whilst keeping the alignment with the precious facades, we have created a collection of decidedly individual homes evolved from the site’s rich history, connected by a tranquil communal courtyard at the heart of the city block.”

The development’s completion comes as super prime lettings in London are surging post-pandemic, with strong domestic and overseas interest. Knightsbridge Gardens is the UK’s first apartment development in the super prime letting space, designed with the intention of being a fully ‘lights-on’ development in the centre of Knightsbridge, with tenants signing up for two-year leases at a minimum. To this end, Knightsbridge Gardens includes a mix of apartment sizes able to cater to a variety of possible tenants wanting to put down roots in London, from young families to professionals.

Nina McDowall, Director at Strutt & Parker Sloane Street, said: “Knightsbridge Gardens is beautifully furnished, carefully and thoughtfully developed with no expense spared when it comes to design, functionality and specification.

“The main reasons that influence decisions to rent in Knightsbridge include the five-star location, shopping and connectivity, as well as the security and discretion afforded by homes here. Knightsbridge Gardens is set to be a real destination in SW3 and a development this part of the capital has been crying out for. Tenants here will be living the turnkey lifestyle, unencumbered by the hassle of home ownership, and able to turn up with their suitcase at one of the most exclusive addresses in the world.”

Arya Salari, Head of lettings in Knight Frank’s Knightsbridge office, commented: “At these upper levels of the market, tenants are renting as a lifestyle choice. Renting gives them flexibility and freedom - freedom from running costs and service charges that contribute to facilities like residents’ spas, gyms and 24hr concierge. Plus, it provides flexibility to relocate whenever suits them, a factor that has become incredibly important to globally mobile HNW individuals. Renting means they don’t need to worry about assessing a volatile sales market or how their asset may have performed. Naturally, the higher level of stamp duty alongside tax for non-residents also means renting is a more straightforward decision and much quicker.

“For many families, the move to London is also driven by the desire to educate their children in the UK. Popular schooling options in Knightsbridge are Miss Daisy on Milner Street, Garden House on Turks Row, Hill House on Cadogan Square and Knightsbridge school on Lennox Gardens,” Salari said.