London has never been particularly thin on the ground when it comes to iconic inhabitants. But very few of the capital’s residents come more beloved than the mini national treasure that is Paddington Bear. With doting fans flocking to the city from across the globe to get up close and personal with the spots in which that loveable little bear has wandered; we thought we’d ought to let you know that one of those exact spots is now up for sale. And you can get your hands paws on it for just £4.5 million. Because everybody has that amount burning a hole in their pocket, right?
The Notting Hill antiques shop that was used as the backdrop for ‘Gruber’s Antiques’ in the Paddington movies has just hit the property market. Perched on the corner of one of the city’s most sought-after streets (Portobello Roadof course); the eclectic emporium’s real name is actually Alice’s Antiques. And upon entering, instead of finding Jim Broadbent sat there, providing Paddington with words of wisdom and warm cups of cocoa; you’ll actually be met by owner, Douglas Carterand – of course – an abundance of antiques.
Listed with London-based estate agency, Knight Frank, the recognisable red-fronted ground-floor shop, and the two-storey maisonette above it, offer 2,349 square-feet of mixed-use space in total. Having been owned by the same family since 1952; Alice’s is packed full of character and curiosities – and is one of just three remaining antiques shops on Portobello Road.
Despite the plethora of knick-knacks currently found inside the store not being included in the price; the property itself still has plenty to offer. A spacious retail space (complete with a large basement for storage), a stylish living space with huge windows and plenty of natural light, a very desirable rooftop terraceand – possibly my favourite thing about the property – a picture-perfect pink bathroom that honestly looks like its been plucked straight out of Barbie’s Dreamhouse.
Alice’s Antiques features in some capacity in all three of the Paddington movies. During the filming process, the shop’s sign was replaced by the ‘Gruber’s Antiques’ one for the exterior shots. But the shop’s interior seen-on-screen is, in fact, a recreation of Alice’s, as the indoor scenes were actually shot at Elstree Studios to minimise disruption to the store. The store is part of many Paddington-based walking tours in the city and often has film fanatics paying it a visit. Paddington isn’t Alice’s only claim to fame, however. It also has a cameo in the original Italian Job movie back in 1969. Quite the impressive acting CV, hey?
You can have a browse of the full property listing here.
