Belgravia

Built in the early 19th century by property developer Thomas Cubitt for the aristocracy, Belgravia remains one of the wealthiest addresses in the world, its cream-coloured stucco terraces arranged around Belgrave Square and a network of smaller garden squares. Many of the grand houses are now embassies or the London bases of the very rich, which keeps the streets notably hushed compared to almost anywhere else in central London. Eaton Square and Chester Square continue the pattern of manicured private gardens behind black iron railings. Mews streets tucked behind the main terraces, once stables, now hold some of the area's most charming cottages.