Notting Hill’s colourful houses to be painted black

Homeowners on the famous Lancaster Road have announced plans to repaint their brightly coloured facades black — a symbolic protest against unmanageable tourism. The vivid exteriors, known around the world thanks to postcards and films, have turned the street into a tourist hotspot. But for those who live there, the constant crowds, camera flashes, and noise have made everyday life increasingly difficult. Residents report struggles accessing their homes, as well as security concerns — including theft from nearby parked cars.

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As one resident put it, “While we all value the charm of our street, the unintended consequence has been a surge in disruptive tourism.” At times, hundreds of people gather on the street, hoping to snap the perfect photo. Signs like “quiet zone” has proven largely ineffective.

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Lancaster Road isn’t the only street in Notting Hill known for its colourful buildings — there are at least seven others in the neighbourhood with similarly photogenic facades. Interestingly, Notting Hill wasn’t always a prestigious area: after World War II, it fell into decline, and many of the homes were converted into flats. From the 1950s to the 1980s, it became home to immigrants from the Caribbean, India, Arab countries and South America. The legacy of this vibrant mix is the world-famous Notting Hill Carnival, which has been celebrating Caribbean culture every August since 1966.

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The area gained additional fame from film. Iconic romantic comedies like Love Actually — which includes a memorable scene on St. Luke’s Mews, where by a pink house Mark proclaims his love to Juliet — and Notting Hill, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, were shot here. These films helped cement the area’s colourful houses as one of London’s most recognisable visual signatures — now under threat.

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While painting the houses black may seem like a drastic step, the change could be temporary. Once the street becomes liveable again, the colours may return. In the meantime, visitors are encouraged to consider the people who live there and refrain from taking photos in front of private homes. If you want to keep enjoying Notting Hill’s rainbow charm, respect those who call it home.

Cover photo: Afisha.London

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