If you’ve ever heard of the phrase ‘a home away from home’, then you’re actually referring to what the French speakers introduced as ‘Pied-á-Terre’. English speakers adopted the term in the 1800s, and Mayfair is becoming an increasingly popular location of choice for internationals to call their second home.
The term literally means "foot to the ground" in French, and it was used for temporary lodging back in the 1700s. The demand for pied-à-terre properties has significantly increased in Mayfair, London, as buyers are seeking a luxurious and convenient place to stay while they conduct their business or enjoy London’s vibrant culture. Nothing offers lifestyle living like a central London Pied-á-Terre!
Raj Gill, managing director and founder of Knightsbridge Prime Property explains “A Pied-à-Terre can be misinterpreted as a smaller home. This is not the case in the prime property marketplace. We have larger families looking for homes in Belgravia, Hampstead, St Johns Wood and Knightsbridge… it is a great way to secure property ownership in a prime London location without requiring lease or hotel negotiations”
Gill also explains the benefit of Pied-á-Terre properties for the rental market “many of our Pied-à-Terre buyers also offer the properties out on short lets during a time out of the UK”
What does a Pied-a-Terre buyer look like?
Working overseas is often the reason for Pied-a-Terre buyers to purchase their second home. One of Knightsbridge Prime Property clients, a now-retired multimillionaire who previously owned a global pharmaceutical company which spanned across 25 countries purchased his Knightsbridge Pied-á-Terre home in the city. Over the years, in addition to his London pad, he acquired numerous properties in prime locations such as New York, the Bahamas and Paris.
Another Knightsbridge client purchased ‘Triple the Luxury”, where the company provided Three Exquisite Pied-à-Terre Units in an exclusive Mayfair Building!
With the emergence of new developments in Mayfair, the already highly sought-after Pied-a-Terre neighbourhood has only further increased its prestigious status with new developments reaching incredible price per square-foot prices.
For more information on Knightsbridge’s Pied-a-Terre properties visit www.knightsbridgeestate.com, or contact the people passionate about property at enquiries@knightsbridgeestate.com or on +44 (0)20 3691 6235.