Empire House, South Kensington: Historic Elegance Meets Modern Luxury
Historic Edwardian landmark in South Kensington offering luxurious apartments near London’s premier cultural and shopping districts.
Empire House is a distinguished Grade II listed building located at 220 Brompton Road in South Kensington, London. Built between 1909 and 1916 for the Continental Tyre Company, this historic landmark blends Edwardian architectural grandeur with contemporary luxury apartments. Situated on the border of South Kensington and Knightsbridge, it offers residents elegant living spaces, proximity to iconic cultural sites, and access to upscale shopping and dining.
A brief summary to Empire House
- 220 Brompton Rd, London, South Kensington, SW3 2BB, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Explore the nearby Victoria and Albert Museum for a rich cultural experience just minutes from Empire House.
- Enjoy upscale shopping at Harrods and the boutiques on Sloane Street within easy walking distance.
- Take advantage of the 24-hour porter service for added convenience and security.
- Visit during weekdays for a quieter atmosphere around Brompton Road and South Kensington.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
South Kensington station is approximately a 5-minute walk from Empire House, served by the District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines. Trains run frequently with fares starting at £2.50 using contactless payment. Note that the station can be busy during peak hours.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Brompton Road near Empire House, including routes 14, 74, and 414. Buses run every 10-15 minutes with a single fare of £1.65 using an Oyster card or contactless payment. Service frequency may reduce late evenings and Sundays.
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Taxi / Ride-Hailing
Black cabs and ride-hailing services like Uber are readily available in South Kensington. Typical journey times from central London range from 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic, with fares starting around £10-£20.
Empire House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Empire House
Architectural Heritage and Historical Significance
Empire House stands as a testament to early 20th-century industrial architecture, designed by Paul Hoffmann and constructed between 1909 and 1916 for the Continental Tyre Company. Its Grade II listing underscores its architectural and historic importance within London’s urban fabric. The building’s stone façade and period detailing reflect Edwardian design sensibilities, contributing to the distinguished character of the Brompton Road area.Residential Elegance and Interior Features
Today, Empire House is renowned for its luxurious residential apartments, featuring high-end finishes such as bespoke joinery, Swarovski crystal chandeliers, and unique marble countertops. Apartments typically include multiple bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, spacious reception rooms with triple aspects, and fully fitted kitchens. The interiors combine classic elegance with modern comforts, appealing to professional couples, small families, and mature individuals seeking refined urban living.Location and Cultural Context
Situated on the border of South Kensington and Knightsbridge, Empire House benefits from its proximity to some of London’s most prestigious cultural landmarks, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum. Residents enjoy easy access to luxury retail destinations like Harrods and Harvey Nichols, as well as the designer boutiques of Sloane Street. The South Kensington Underground station is within a short walking distance, linking the area efficiently to the rest of London.Community and Lifestyle Amenities
Empire House offers a secure and well-managed living environment with 24-hour porter services. The building’s location provides a vibrant yet sophisticated lifestyle, with numerous fine dining options, cafes, and green spaces nearby. The surrounding neighborhood combines the tranquility of residential streets with the energy of a world-class shopping and cultural district.Architectural and Urban Significance
As a landmark on Brompton Road, Empire House contributes to the heritage streetscape of South Kensington. Its scale and design harmonize with adjacent historic buildings, preserving the area's visual cohesion. The building’s adaptive reuse as luxury apartments exemplifies successful conservation paired with contemporary urban living.Living Experience and Visitor Impressions
Empire House encapsulates the essence of refined London living, offering residents a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. The building’s elegant apartments, combined with its prime location, create an exclusive yet accessible lifestyle. Whether admired from the street or experienced from within, Empire House remains a distinguished feature of South Kensington’s architectural and cultural landscape.For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
