Where one Chelsea mayor made his home

Carlyle Square is one of the best-located addresses in Chelsea. Moments away from the King’s Road, it is separated from the street by a dense border of trees, creating a wonderful sense of privacy. What’s more, the secluded garden contains a beautiful mix of lawns, paths and planting

Most of the square’s semi-detached villas are Victorian. However, its oldest properties are the Grade II listed houses that lie at the southern end. These were built in the Regency Era, with the graceful classical lines that made the period famous.

One of these houses is currently for sale with Russell Simpson. A beautifully proportioned townhouse on the eastern side of the square, it retains many of its original features.

This elegant property reflects the refined tastes of its owners for almost 60 years: John Corbet-Singleton and his wife. Born into a privileged family, John’s ancestors included Miles Corbet, the last signatory on the death warrant of Charles I.

Educated at Cambridge and Harvard Business School, he worked in shipping and entered local politics as a young man. He also married his wife while still a student – she was almost sent down as a result – and moved to Chelsea soon after graduating.

Living first in Cheyne Walk, from the mid-Sixties onwards, John was a resident of Carlyle Square. He spent many decades volunteering his time and effort to the neighbourhood, and was eventually awarded a CBE for his services to the borough. In total, he served the local council for 42 years, becoming Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea in 1996-7, as well as an honorary alderman.

John was also a central figure in Chelsea’s social and cultural life. For many years, he was director of the Chelsea Festival, a celebration of the arts that included concerts at the Cadogan Hall and talks with eminent authors. He was involved with many of the local cultural institutions: Opera Holland Park, the Royal College of Art, the Royal Hospital (where ancestors were buried) and the Chelsea Arts Club, where he was a regular visitor until the very end of his life.

During this period, John had a lasting impact on the neighbourhood. As well as chairing various local committees, he was instrumental in introducing the lights that decorate the trees of Sloane Square. He was also chairman of the Carlyle Square committee and appreciated the rich sense of history surrounding his home.

For example, in the 1920s, the property next door to John’s was occupied by two members of the Sitwell family, one of Britain’s most celebrated literary dynasties. In addition, the actress Sybil Thorndike, the spy Kim Philby, the writer Edna O’Brien and the broadcaster David Frost have all been residents of the square over the years.

John also played a part in closing off access to the square from the King’s Road. Though Carlyle Square lies besides the road, it can only be reached from Old Church Street. As well as giving a welcome sense of privacy, this keeps the address free from through-traffic.

‘He loved the house and there was no question of him ever moving,’ John’s daughter explains. She grew up in the property, lives there now and shares his deep love for the neighbourhood. ‘Because my father knew so many local residents, Chelsea had the genuine feel of a village. Walking near Carlyle Square, he would regularly be greeted by friends, and over the years he became a much-loved local figure.’

In later years, when John’s mobility was reduced, he would nonetheless take a daily stroll around the garden. He was determined to remain in this special address for as long as possible, becoming another chapter in the unique history of the square.