Courtfield Gardens stands on what was once, according to records from the 16th century, ‘a large, open meadow’, known as Great Courtfield. It is described as being surrounded by fertile land and small farms as part of the Earl's Court Manor.
The most dramatic and enduring change came to the area in 1865, when the rising cost of land for building houses could no longer be ignored by Robert Gunter and his brother James. They sold part of the family’s land for the laying of the railway line and the construction of the first Earl’s Court Station and Gloucester Road Station.
The development of the squares and gardens of Earl’s Court and South Kensington continued steadily between 1865 and 1896. These houses were intended for the use of the wealthy during the London Season. The construction of Courtfield Gardens began in 1873 with the south terrace together with the houses flanking Collingham Road. They were completed in 1875 – the same year that work began on the western and northern terraces. Building continued around the square until the eastern terrace (a noticeably more modern style) was completed in 1881.
