Top address: Victorian mansion conversion in Bayswater hides six flats behind its classical façade

For most of the 20th century, Bayswater was stigmatised as the “wrong” side of Hyde Park by snooty central London estate agents.

Perceptions started to change when the Blairs bought a house in Connaught Square, while Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman is among other local celebs these days.

Niche developers snapped up run-down townhouses and backpacker hotels for refurbishment into large lateral flats.

Then came The Lancasters, the revamp of a former Thistle Hotel fronting on to Hyde Park into 76 sumptuous homes.

Area values have jumped but the north side of the park is still quite a bit cheaper than Knightsbridge or Mayfair to the south, and buyers are hunting “best-in-class” properties, says Emily Ramsay of Knight Frank.

Falling into this category is Number One Palace Court, the tasteful conversion of a Victorian mansion in Bayswater Road facing across to Kensington Gardens.

Six smart flats lie behind the classical façade, midway between Notting Hill Gate and Queensway Tube stations.

From £1.45 million for a two-bedroom home. Visit Knight Frank for more details.