The fake houses just 6 inches deep on one of London’s poshest streets

London, with its rich architectural tapestry, offers a myriad of sights from the historic Tower of London to modern marvels like The Shard. Yet, some historical gems are hidden in plain sight, only to be discovered by the most observant or well-informed.

Managed by Transport for London (TfL), two ‘houses’ in Central London serve not as residences but as camouflage for a piece of the London Underground’s history. Nestled on Bayswater Road, a stone’s throw away from Hyde Park, is Leinster Gardens.

At first glance, it appears to be a row of ordinary terraced houses, but behind a mere six inches of wall, a unique slice of London’s past is concealed.

The street, lined with mid-Victorian era terraced houses, forms an elite enclave within the city. Many of these buildings are historically listed, adding to the area’s charm.

However, the middle section of this terrace holds a surprising secret – two false houses, reports MyLondon.

Under TfL’s management, houses number 23 and 24 are nothing more than facades. Behind their thin, deceptive exteriors lies an old Metropolitan line railway dating back to the 1860s.

These faux houses were constructed to conceal the spot where old steam trains vented hot air.

Before the advent of electric power, London’s tube line trains were equipped with condensers to minimise the smoke emitted by each vehicle. The accumulated smoke and condensation were then released in open-air sections of the track.

One such open-air section is concealed behind numbers 23 and 24 Leinster Gardens. To camouflage this stretch of the old Metropolitan Line railway, houses were constructed as a facade.

The walls are approximately 1.5m thick, and at certain points, these imitation homes are a mere six inches thin – particularly where the windows are located.

These faux residences have been meticulously designed to mirror their neighbouring properties. They boast identical features, including the renowned Corinthian columns that characterise the area, along with counterfeit windows and doors.

These houses have been granted Grade II listed status by the government, ensuring their architectural integrity remains untouched.

So, if you find yourself strolling around Hyde Park, why not take a moment to admire these unique Leinster Garden homes? 

Just remember not to knock – there won’t be anyone home to answer.