Opposite Kensington Gardens and Kensington Palace, The Milestone occupies one of London’s most evocative historic addresses. But its story begins long before anyone thought of turning it into a hotel.
In the 17th century, when Kensington was still a village, this was the home of the Colby family. The arrival of the royal court at Kensington Palace transformed the neighbourhood, and the Colbys responded by creating an even grander neighbouring mansion, Kensington House.
Over the decades the site became a boys’ academy, a French Jesuit school, a private psychiatric hospital and the extravagant mansion of a flamboyant Victorian financier. His spectacular financial collapse brought the mansion down too – quite literally – and opened the way for the development of Kensington Court.
From houses to hotel
The two red-brick houses that now form the heart of The Milestone were built for very different characters – an Italian widow and a wealthy bachelor whose initials can still be seen on the façade. In 1920 they were brought together by a pioneering woman to create a private hotel.
The hotel acquired its present name in the late 1930s, before taking on another unexpected role during the Second World War as the Milestone Club, a retreat for American servicemen on leave. After the war it returned to hotel life, surviving a devastating fire in 1986 before being meticulously restored.
Today, traces of its earlier lives remain throughout the building. A former library, oratory and stables have all found new roles within the hotel, allowing guests to experience the history rather than simply admire the architecture.
I am the official historian of The Milestone and have researched and written its official history, uncovering the people, buildings and events that shaped this remarkable corner of Kensington.
Tea, tales and a few surprises along the way
As part of the hotel’s Heritage Tour and Afternoon Tea, I take guests through the remarkable story of the building and its Kensington surroundings before they settle down to tea, sandwiches and scones in the original library.
It is history with a rather good ending.
Discover the Heritage Tour and Afternoon Tea →
The Milestone – one address, many stories
I have also written a short illustrated history of The Milestone, bringing together the stories of the people, buildings and changing fortunes behind the hotel.
The booklet is provided by the hotel to guests, visitors and others interested in its history. If you would like a copy, please get in touch.
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The Milestone is a remarkable example of how a building can accumulate stories over generations – and how those stories can still be part of the experience of staying in a hotel today.
