Garden Lodge

Overview

Garden Lodge is a large mansion in Kensington, West London. Originally built in the early 1900s for artists Cecil Rea and Constance Halford, it is now best known for being the home of legendary performer Freddie Mercury during the 1980s.

Over the years, the house has become a London landmark and a pilgrimage site for fans of the singer. The high stone wall that surrounds it is full of graffiti messages paying tribute to him. No official burial site for Freddie has ever been made public, so this is a place where fans can pay their respects.

Although Garden Lodge remains a private home, so you visit inside, Freddie Mercury fans, Queen fans, and fans of music in general will find it’s a cool place to stop and take a picture during their explorations of London. It’s free to see the house from the outside.

Garden Lodge and Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury was the frontman of the rock band Queen, which released their first single in the early 1970s. He was also their chief songwriter and was known for his flamboyant performances and effervescent personality.

Freddie Mercury moved into Garden Lodge in 1980, at the height of his fame, having released We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions just months earlier. During his time in the house, he hosted notorious parties and recorded music well into the night. His home also offered him a sanctuary away from the pressures of fame.

How much did Freddie Mercury pay for Garden Lodge?

It is thought that Freddie Mercury bought Garden Lodge for £500,000 and paid in cash. The house itself is a detached building and, at the time, had seven bedrooms and its own music studio.

It’s said that he bought the property on the spot during his first viewing.

Where is Garden Lodge in London?

Garden Lodge is on Logan’s Place, just off Earl’s Court Road in South Kensington, West London. Logan’s Place is a quiet residential street.

Who owns Garden Lodge now?

Garden Lodge is now owned by Mary Austin, Freddie Mercury’s former lover and friend. After Freddie was diagnosed with AIDS in 1987, Mary cared for him until he passed away on 24th November 1991. Freddie left Garden Lodge to Mary in his will. Garden Lodge is now up for sale.

Does anyone live in Garden Lodge?

Mary Austin and her family still live in Garden Lodge. A lot of the interior décor was exactly as Freddie had left it, until around 1,500 items from the house went up for sale at auction in 2023. He had an eclectic taste, and many of these items came from his extensive travels.

History of Garden Lodge

This Edwardian house was initially the home of painter Cecil Rea and sculptor Constance Halford. It has also seen other notable residents, including Peter Wilson, a former chairman of Sotheby’s, the world-famous auction house.

Music tour of London

You could include Garden Lodge on a self-guided music tour of London. After all, some of the most notable musicians in the world have lived and recorded in the city. Other stops to add include:

Abbey Road – where The Beatles recorded and where the famous album cover was shot (free to visit the zebra crossing and take a photo)
Handel Hendrix House – a Brook Street museum where composer Handel and musician Jimi Hendrix both lived
Berwick Street - where Oasis shot the album cover for (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? The street is home to many independent record shops (free to visit)
Denmark Street in Soho - where you’ll find a collection of musical instrument shops (free to visit)
34 Montagu Square – former home of Beatle John Lennon and Yoko Ono

How to get to Garden Lodge from YHA London Earl’s Court

Garden Lodge is less than a mile from YHA London Earl’s Court. The easiest ways to get there are by walking or cycling.

On foot: It’s a pleasant stroll from YHA London Earl’s Court to Garden Lodge, down Earl’s Court Road. The walk should take about 13 minutes.

Cycling: It takes around six minutes to cycle from the Youth Hostel to Garden Lodge.

By public transport: You can catch the C1 bus from Redcliffe Gardens, just a three-minute walk from YHA London Earl’s Court. Alight at Pembroke Road and from here, it’s a four-minute walk to Garden Lodge. The whole journey should take approximately 14 minutes. If you’re travelling from elsewhere in London, the nearest tube stop to Garden Lodge is Earl’s Court.

By car: It’s about an eight-minute drive from the hostel to Garden Lodge. However, the nearest car parks are around a 15-minute walk away, so you’re better off leaving the car at home if you can. If you are a Blue Badge holder, you may be able to park outside, as long as there are no loading restrictions in place. Be sure to check when you arrive.

If you don’t have your car in London, you could use a ridesharing app like Uber.