The vibrant, fluorescent pink house located on Lonsdale Road in Notting Hill, London, known colloquially as “The Pink House,” “The Bankrobber House,” or “The Love House,” is on the market for £1.25 million. Its current owner, property developer and reality star Malcolm Wood, expresses a bittersweet sentiment at the sale, acknowledging the house’s unique social media fame and the numerous photo opportunities it’s provided. Wood recounts a constant stream of influencers and tourists posing outside the property, some even offering to pay for the privilege of hosting parties there. His time residing in the house was marked by frequent gatherings, some so boisterous as to attract the attention of local police. While he laments parting with the property, he acknowledges the joyful memories and significant life events, like marriages and births, that have been associated with it.
The house itself is a compact 871 square feet, but its bright pink exterior makes it an undeniable eye-catcher in the upscale Notting Hill neighborhood. The property’s distinctiveness has led to its becoming a sought-after backdrop for photoshoots, with young entrepreneurs like Ava Reynolds, founder of the content creation service That’s So Social, using it as a location for her work with models. This constant photographic activity has become a normalized aspect of the area, with residents and owners becoming accustomed to the frequent presence of cameras and posers. Lonsdale Road, home to celebrities like Robbie Williams, Harry Styles, and Hugh Grant, is known for its grand properties, and The Pink House, with its unexpected hue, stands out even amongst these luxurious residences.
Internally, The Pink House is a multi-level structure with surprising depth. Beyond the three main floors, there are two concealed basement levels and a secret top floor. The interior design is as eccentric as its exterior, featuring a cozy living room with a fur rug and throw, a kitchen nestled at the back, and a spiral staircase leading to the lower levels. The bedroom features a glass-fronted en-suite bathroom, offering an unobstructed view of the bath and toilet, and a secret door allowing direct egress from the room. A rooftop terrace provides views of Lonsdale Street and the Raglan Art Gallery, adding to the property’s unique charm.
The house’s history adds another layer to its allure. Once an art exhibition space, it displayed works by prominent artists like Banksy, Russell Young, Pete Doherty, and Ronnie Kray, earning it the moniker “The Bankrobber House.” The now-iconic pink exterior resulted from a painting mishap in 2005 when Wood and his team, working late one Friday evening, accidentally used fluorescent pink paint. The unexpected result, initially a surprise, became the property’s defining feature. The current, slightly less vibrant hot pink exterior is a later modification, yet it retains the house’s eye-catching allure.
The Pink House’s vibrant character extends beyond its visual appeal. Its history is filled with stories of lively gatherings and celebrations, adding to the property’s reputation as a party hub. Wood hints at numerous memorable, though sometimes unruly, parties hosted within its walls, events that occasionally attracted the attention of local authorities. Neighbors, too, recall the frequent and sometimes late-night festivities, solidifying the house’s status as a locus of social activity in the neighborhood. Beyond the parties, the house has also been a place of romance, with Wood recounting the stories of several tenants finding love and starting families while residing there.
Currently listed with Foxtons and Knight Frank estate agents, The Pink House awaits a new owner who will appreciate its vibrant history, unique aesthetic, and prime location in one of London’s most desirable neighborhoods. The £1.25 million price tag reflects not just the property itself, but also the intangible value of its social media fame, its history as an art space, and its reputation as a hub for memorable gatherings. The house embodies a unique blend of eccentricity, luxury, and social significance, making it a truly one-of-a-kind property.
