Discover Kynance Mews
Stepping through a small stone archway—the only clue that something special lies beyond—and onto Kynance Mews, visitors immediately discover a cobblestone street filled with trailing wisteria and brightly coloured doors. The quaint, vintage village feel of the street—helped by warm welcomes from residents—makes it easy to forget you’re just off Cromwell Road, in the heart of London.
The homes on Kynance Mews are kitted out with bespoke fixtures and fittings, including Missoni interiors, modern plumbing, and underfloor heating, which blend with more historical features such as hardwood floors and period fireplaces. The high ceilings and double aspect design allow natural light to flood the homes, making them bright and airy. The mews’ landscape changes with the season from the purple spring wisteria to the golden lens of autumn, which make it a year round destination.
The History of Kynance Mews
Kynance Mews was originally known as Cornwall Mews and was constructed between 1862 and 1879. Built as stabling for the Cornwall Gardens development to the south, the project was undertaken by the builders Welchman and Gale. The mews was the setting for the grand houses of Cornwall Gardens, providing essential facilities for horse-drawn carriages and housing for stable hands. The houses in the mews are two or three storeys high.
In 1924, Cornwall Mews was renamed Kynance Mews. The name change retained a Cornish connection, inspired by Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall. Despite the renaming, the mews has retained its original character and integrity.
The mews has three distinctive arches that frame its entrances. These arches, constructed around 1860, are Grade II listed and described by Historic England as "simple stucco arches with rusticated piers and vermiculated architrave, cornice over." Remarkably, Kynance Mews escaped the devastation of the Blitz during World War II, while much of the surrounding area required rebuilding.
By the 1960s, the mews were being converted into residential homes. Today, there are 33 residential properties in Kynance Mews, which are highly sought after. A typical terrace house sold for £975,000 in 2001 and fetched £2,175,000 in 2020.
Kynance Mews: A Filming Location
The British charm of Kynance Mews has long appealed to filmmakers with its cobblestone streets and historical architecture. Consequently, it has been featured in numerous films and television shows.
Early Cinematic Appearances
The cinematic journey of Kynance Mews began in the 1960s. One of the earliest notable appearances was in the 1962 comedy Crooks Anonymous, where No. 4 Kynance Mews served as the home of characters played by Leslie Phillips and Julie Christie. Although the night scenes were recreated in a studio, the mews' charm set the tone for the film.
In 1968, Star! featured Bell Cottage at No. 13 as the home of Julie Andrews's character. The mews continued to be a popular filming location into the late 1960s, with Susan George cycling from No. 21 during the opening credits of Twinky (1969).
Thrilling and Dramatic Scenes
Kynance Mews' cinematic presence extended into the 1970s and 1980s with its involvement in more intense and dramatic scenes. Janet Suzman was seen running down the mews in the 1974 thriller The Black Windmill. In the 1978 adaptation of The Big Sleep, Robert Mitchum and Derek Deadman emerged from the western end of the mews.
The 1982 action film Who Dares Wins used No. 25 Kynance Mews as a critical location for a hostage-taking scene. Similarly, the 1984 comedy Scandalous featured Pamela Stephenson living at No. 23, while No. 10 was home to Juliette Binoche’s character in the 1992 romantic drama Damage.
Modern Appearances
Kynance Mews has continued to attract filmmakers into the 21st century. Most recently, it became a key location in the fourth season of the popular Netflix series You, where the mews acted as the residence of the protagonist Joe.
Visiting Kynance Mews
Best Time to Visit
The residents have created a lush environment where trees, bushes, and flowers, including fruit-bearing lemon trees, thrive and delight throughout the year. But during the following seasons, the mews transform into a photographer’s dream:
- Spring: In late April and early May, the wisteria blooms, draping the west end of Kynance Mews in a beautiful purple hue.
- Autumn: In Autumn, the Virginia creeper vines hanging over the archway at the east end turn a rich, deep red, creating a stunning contrast with the cobblestone streets.
- Summer: Summer is also a wonderful time to visit, as most things are better enjoyed when the sun’s out and the weather is warm. The west end’s wisteria is in full bloom, painting the mews with its iconic purple flowers.
The mews is a residential area so its important to always remain respectful when visiting.
Getting There
The mews is part of the De Vere Conservation Area and is bisected by Launceston Place. The eastern end of the mews adjoins Gloucester Road, while the western end backs onto the grounds of Christ Church, accessible via steps from the mews.
The closest tube stations to Kynance Mews are Gloucester Road and South Kensington. For the most scenic approach, start from South Kensington station. This route allows you to combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Natural History Museum. From the Natural History Museum, head west along Cromwell Road. Turn right onto Gloucester Road and walk a few hundred metres. Soon, you’ll spot the distinctive grey archway of Kynance Mews.
Local Attractions
Visitors to Kynance Mews can enjoy its proximity to Hyde Park, just a ten-minute walk away. A leisurely stroll through the mews reveals quaint details and hidden treasures, such as a tiny staircase leading to Christ Church and a nearby lavender garden—perfect for a peaceful picnic or a quiet reading spot.
One of our carefully curated destinations will take you through South Kensington. Check it out here: Mysterious Mews.
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