The Best Blue Plaque Homes on the Market Now

From grand Mayfair townhouses to country gems, all these properties have one thing in common – the much-coveted blue plaques, linking the people of the past to the buildings of the present. Here are the best blue plaque homes on the market right now…

The Best Blue Plaque Homes on the Market Right Now

1. Watergate House, Canterbury

A magical riverside property, Watergate House was originally the manor of Fordwich, famous for being England’s smallest town. The handsome house has  been home to a long list of notable families, including the Blaxlands, known for being the first non-convict settlers of Australia. With a Grade II* listing due to it’s historic and architectural significance, the house was also featured in the 1943 classic Powell & Pressburger film, “A Canterbury Tale, before undergoing a significant and high-end modernisation of its interiors and garden.” Available through Strutt & Parker for £2m

2. Holly Lodge, Putney

This elegant period property, enjoying a rare width of space for its time period, Holly Lodge was the recipient of the first ever Blue Plaque south of the river. And with good reason, too – the lovely home was the residence of Mary Ann Evans, aka George Eliot, while the author was writing her classic, autobiographical novel The Mill on the Floss. With high ceilings, plentiful period features and light-filled rooms, all arranged around the grand reception room, this is a property of significant style and fascinating history, sure to attract lovers of literature in particular. Available through Savills for £2,650,000

3. Captain Bligh’s House, Lambeth Road

Conveniently situated facing the gardens of the Imperial War Museum, this classic townhouse was the former home of Naval officer William Bligh, who survived a treacherous six-week journey of 3814 miles adrift in the Pacific after a mutiny on his ship, The Bounty. Benefitting from a comprehensive extension in the 1920s, the Grade II-listed house now offers flexible accommodation over six bedrooms, and includes a conservatory, rear garden and roof terrace. Available through Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward via OnTheMarket, offers over £2.5m

4. Chesterfield Street, Mayfair

A beautiful, honey-hued townhouse in the heart of fashionable Mayfair, this five-bedroom property is located moments from some of the best shopping and entertainment facilities in the capital, not to mention the open green spaces provided by nearby Hyde and Green Park. Gracefully proportioned throughout, the interiors are a blend of classic features befitting a London townhouse and more contemporary design elements. This property has not one but two blue plaques, having served as the home of both British Prime Minister Anthony Eden and notable Regency-era tastemaker Beau Brummell. Available through Knight Frank for £6,950,000

5. Downshire Hill, Hampstead

Hampstead is a favourite of property hunters in London, noted for village atmosphere and the vast green expanses of Hampstead Heath, which this lovely Georgian townhouse lies moments away from. Grade II-listed, the property has been fully refurbished and extended to create a stylish, contemporary family home, arranged over four floors. Leading off the open-plan kitchen and living room, the dining room is situated under a glass roof, with glass doors opening onto a delightful, spacious rear garden. The property’s blue plaque commemorates Peter Medawar, a pioneer of Transplantation Immunology; however, the property was also briefly the home of the Romantic painter John Constable. Available through Savills for £4,250,000

6. Oakley Street, Chelsea

In a quiet position conveniently located near the bustling King’s Road as well as the peaceful Chelsea Embankment, this one-bedroom flat enjoys the best of this corner of London. The well presented property features a bright, open-plan kitchen and dining room and a bedroom with capacious built-in storage, while the communal areas of property have been recently decorated, and include a lift. The blue plaque on the home nods to its previous occupier, the famous Antarctic explorer Robert Falcon Scott. Available through Marsh & Parsons for £700,000

7. Airys Cottage, Playford, Ipswich

Set at the edge of the popular village of Playford, this individual family home has undergone substantial modernisation, making it a unique property that nonetheless retains some stunning period features, including an exceedingly fine original fireplace in the master bedroom. Owing to its hillside position, the property’s lovely gardens can be accessed from both levels of the house. As its name suggests, Airy’s Cottage was once home to Sir George Biddell Airy, who served as Astronomer Royal and established the Prime Meridian at Greenwich. Available through Strutt & Parker for £1,295,000

8. Burnsall Street, Chelsea

A blonde bombshell actress and singer in the vein of Marilyn Monroe, Diana Dors was known as much for her raucous parties as her successful, decades-long film career. This lovely, baby blue double-fronted townhouse was one of her numerous homes, and today provides stunning, stylish living space in a much-loved part of Chelsea. Spread across five levels, the gorgeous house features well-proportioned rooms and an abundance of natural light, and is perfectly located for visiting the nearby boutiques of Chelsea Green. Available through Lurot Brand, POA

9. Fountain Street, Tooting

Contemporary yet cosy, this compact little house in Tooting is ideal for a couple or small family. The chic, clean interiors are set off by period touches, such as the late Victorian fireplaces and flooring, while the paved back garden provides a lovely outdoor dining space under the flourishing quince tree. The house was once home to performer Sadie Crawford, a British-American jazz singer who enjoyed international fame in the early years of jazz. Available through Carter Jonas for £630,000

10. The Old Vicarage, Barton-Upon-Humber, North Lincolnshire

A Grade II-listed family home of substantial size, the Old Vicarage comes with a number of period features, including fine marble and carved wood fireplaces. As well as dedicated living and dining rooms, the four-bedroom home also features a separate snug and family room. Outside, the sprawling enclosed lawns provide an ideal space for laying out landscaped gardens. The property is noted for being the birthplace of Chad Varah, who went on to found the Samaritans in 1953. Available through Fine & Country for £450,000

10 Colourful Homes on the Market Right Now