Stanley House, Chelsea

Stanley House at 550 Kings Road is a Grade II* listed house featuring seventeenth-century residential architecture characteristic of English homes from that period. The building retains its historic structure with design elements that reflect residential construction practices of that era.

The Stanley family built the house in 1691, and it later became the residence of Admiral Sir Charles Wager until his death in 1743. This succession shows how the property passed through the hands of notable figures over several generations.

The house served as a residence for the Principal of St Mark's College Chelsea during the 1800s, reflecting its role in the local educational community. This connection shows how private homes in Chelsea became tied to important institutional life.

The house is protected under heritage conservation laws, so any structural changes require approval from local authorities. Visitors should note that it is a private building, so access may be limited.

In the early 1800s, Sir William Hamilton assembled casts of the Elgin Marbles within the house, giving it artistic importance beyond its role as a residence. This collection elevated the building into a space of cultural and artistic interest.