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# London mews, mansion blocks and townhouse apartments

London's older building types offer different ways to stay: a converted mews, a mansion-block flat or rooms within a Georgian townhouse. Their layouts and access can vary as much as their appearance.

## From former stables to apartment blocks

Mews began as stables and coach houses behind larger terraces. Converted houses may have cobbled approaches, compact stairs and lower rooms with limited light. The floor plan helps explain how the conversion works.

Victorian red-brick mansion blocks and later Art Deco buildings brought apartment living to Kensington, Marylebone and Chelsea. Nell Gwynn House is a Sloane Avenue example. Lift provision varies between buildings.

## Townhouse floors and industrial conversions

Townhouse apartments may retain sash windows, shutters and fireplaces, with changes constrained by listing or conservation rules. Ask how heating and cooling work in the particular flat.

Former warehouses appear in Covent Garden, Shad Thames and Clerkenwell. Exposed brick, columns and larger windows can survive conversion, depending on the individual building.

## Views and outdoor access

A river-view claim needs a little detail. Find out which room looks towards the Thames and whether the outlook is direct or partial.

Some apartments include access to a private garden square. Request garden keys and the rules for children and other activities.

For an unusual conversion, request the photographs and plan of the apartment actually offered. Variations within one building can be substantial.

## More guides

- [Where to stay in London: areas, transport and apartment prices](https://londonresidency.com/best-places-to-stay-in-london/)

- [Things to do in Mayfair: Shepherd Market, galleries and gardens](https://londonresidency.com/what-to-do-in-mayfair/)

- [Things to do in Kensington: museums, gardens and the High Street](https://londonresidency.com/what-to-do-in-kensington/)

- [A Chelsea walk from Sloane Square to the King’s Road](https://londonresidency.com/what-to-do-in-chelsea/)