The home of Pan’s people

The story of Peter Pan has been a staple of many children’s early years for more than a century since JM Barrie’s novel was published in 1911. The 1953 Disney animated version, Hook (1991) and Peter Pan (2003) based on Barrie’s characters, remain firm favourites for many kids – and adults – while every year there are dozens of theatre versions staged across the world.

The story of a little boy who never wants to grow up was written by Barrie after he befriended the Llewellyn-Davies family while walking in London’s Kensington Gardens in 1897. This friendship also features in the movie Finding Neverland starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet.

After both parents later died Barrie became the guardian of their five sons and paid for their upbringing and education, always insisting that they were the inspiration for the ‘Lost Boys’ in the book.

But they had mixed fortunes in real life. The oldest, George, was killed in WWI while Michael drowned while studying at Cambridge University and Peter, who struggled with the fame of being the ‘real Peter Pan’, committed suicide in 1960.

In happier times, JM Barrie spent many hours with the boys and their parents at their home at 31 Kensington Gardens. The family moved out in 1904, and the house was later converted into apartments. One of these is now for sale. It is a two-bedroom flat with a combined lounge, kitchen and dining area as well as a large entrance hall. The property is on the market for £1.375 million through agent Strutt & Parker (020 7221 1111).