I moved to London in my early 20s and have been here several decades, but I’ve always lived in Chelsea. I’ve been living on a kink in the river in Chelsea for 10 years now; it’s near the houseboats and we have a breathtaking view, which is why we live here.
It’s not huge but we’re surrounded by air and light. I love the movement of the river and watching the skill of the barges moving down it — they do a beautiful dance. There’s a lovely breeze that comes up with the tide and it feels like the air is clearer. There’s also a resident seal that comes and visits at a certain point in the tide. We’re also near the Battersea Helipad but it doesn’t bother me; I like the movement and activity.
There’s a real cross-section of people around here, as you have in any London neighbourhood. There are lots of studios in the area, from fashion to interiors, and we’re near the 606 Club, so there are musicians, too.
Eating and drinking
For a quick supper, we go to the Chelsea Ram on Lots Road. The pies at the Ram are amazing comfort eating and I often walk around the corner there with the dog. I also like the Fox and Pheasant on Billing Road, which is James Blunt’s pub. It does amazing food but I don’t have a favourite dish as I’m a mood eater, so it depends what I fancy on the day. For drinks, we go to the Chelsea Ram, but I also tend to have a good bottle of wine at home on the terrace. The view draws you to stay in.
Where I work out
For me, the gym is the park or the Peloton. I have Peloton at home, and I do that looking out at the view. I also have a very fit dog that needs walking five kilometres a day, so I walk to Battersea Park with her. The paths twist and turn, and you can get lost in them in a nanosecond. The parakeets there bring a smile to my face.
To commune with nature
I like to get out in nature early in the morning as it grounds me. As well as Battersea Park, I stand out on my terrace and watch the river. We’re on the seventh floor so it’s breezy and the seagulls hover nearby at about the same height. There’s also a little park I go to, Cremorne Gardens, that is part wilded. We’re so lucky in London with the parks — it’s the greatest free luxury we have. When you’re flying over the city in a plane, you realise how green it is.
Grocery shopping
We don’t have a Bayley & Sage on our doorstep, so I go to the one on King’s Road or Fulham Road. The Chelsea Waterfront is opening soon and I’m hoping that’s going to have a fab deli.
Culture fix
We’re close to Chelsea Physic Garden so that’s a little oasis for a natural culture fix. We also go to jazz at the 606 Club on Lots Road. There are some great musicians who play there. It’s not so nearby but I also like Tate Modern.
Getting around
Sorry Sadiq Khan, but I’m in my car. If I’m local I’m on my feet, but I tend to drive to the West End. If I go out to dinner there, my partner Hugh says I’m in touch with the parking fairies because generally I can park outside.
Dream street
I’m sort of in it. We’re river people and we’d find it tough not to have this place. We might not stay here forever but for now, it’s a brilliant bolthole. Otherwise Cheyne Walk has beautiful houses that I think are some of the best in London.
Something you only see in your area
Seals and the Chelsea Pensioners. I love the whole spirit of Chelsea and the Chelsea Pensioners. It reminds me of the good people in life, in a world with so much crime and theft. You can’t walk past a Chelsea Pensioner without engaging with them and you know they’ve made your day better and you’ve made theirs better, too.
What’s the catch?
Match night — the fans are jovial and aren’t unpleasant, but they jam up the traffic.
In three words
Riverside, airy, bustling.
Amanda Wakeley, British fashion designer and creative director, hosts the podcast Amanda Wakeley: Style DNA; @amandawakeley
Schools
Langford, Servite RC and Ashburnham Community School are Outstanding primary schools nearby. For secondaries, the Chelsea Academy is rated Good, while The London Oratory and Lady Margaret School are Outstanding. Nearby private schools include Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle, Kensington Prep School and Thomas’s Battersea.
What it costs
Buying in Chelsea
Average flat price: £1,321,410
Average house price: £4,193,630
Renting in Chelsea
Average flat price, pcm: £3,660
Average house price, pcm: £6,690
