Palace Gate

Framed by soaring ceilings and two private outdoor areas, this Kensington duplex for rent brings expressive design to a period blueprint.

Set within a period townhouse on one of Kensington’s most storied streets, this two-bedroom duplex has an unmistakable artistic sensibility. Original proportions offer grandeur; contemporary design brings the soul. Across two light-filled floors, find bold artworks, sculptural forms and quiet moments made for retreat.

The reception and dining room makes a striking first impression. A double-height volume framed by decorative columns and ornate cornicing nods to the home’s classical heritage, while dual-aspect windows keep things bright and buoyant. One side is a setting for unwinding – think fireside evenings, Vitsoe shelves lined with books and a grand piano waiting to be played. On the other, a dining area is styled with simplicity: a glass table set beneath a design-led pendant.

Tucked away to the rear of this floor, the Boffi-designed kitchen leans into calm. Whitewashed cabinetry and marble worktops form a clean-lined backdrop, complete with thoughtfully integrated Miele and Gaggenau appliances. Considered lighting contributes to the ambiance – a space for unhurried mornings and casual meals.

For fresh air, two private outdoor areas offer a rare sense of openness. A roof terrace grounded with monochrome tiling invites long summer lunches, while the ground floor guest bedroom opens to a leafy patio garden.

Maintaining the home’s calming character, two bedrooms have been crafted with neutral hues and sleek design. In the principal bedroom suite, pared-back tones and warm wood floors create a meditative mood. Semi-mirrored wardrobes amplify light, while the en suite bathroom leans spa-like in feel, complete with marble floors and a freestanding tub designed by Piero Lissoni. The guest bedroom is equally well-considered, with French windows, twin wardrobes and a sleek en suite hidden behind a sliding pocket door.