Now that the government has lifted the curbs placed on estate agency at the start of lockdown, our fantasies can wander yet further. In response to the easing of restrictions, Jonathan Hopper, chief executive of real estate consultants Garrington Property Finders, told the BBC: ‘Few things are more likely to make people want to move than being cooped up in the same four walls for weeks on end, and property portals have seen traffic increase by up to a fifth.’
Here are some of the finest London properties on the market now.
Bentinck Mews, London W1
The Modern House£3,150,000
A mews house on a cobbled no-through road in Marylebone? You had us at hello. The architects – Studio Mackereth – have designed this three-bedroom house to the highest specifications. Flooded with light from both aspects, its highlights include bespoke Italian joinery, plenty of luxurious marble, light European oak flooring and a concealed stainless steel kitchen of dreams.
Whites Row, London E1
TBAPOA
Chris Dyson Architects designed this stunning five-bedroom townhouse in Spitalfields. It stands as proudly today in this charming pocket of London as it did when it was the residence of a shipping merchant. The original façade, panelling inside and wrought iron railings outside are among the few traditional features that remain. With its living wall, retractable roof and terrace that overlooks the City, the property is a tardis of modern convenience and good taste.
Holbein Mews, London SW1
Dexters£3,500,000
Lengthy articles could be written on the appeal of the mews. Why do we love them so? Tucked away, private and on an enchanting miniature scale, they are endlessly seductive. They are usually in excellent locations, too, because they were built close to the smartest townhouses. This mews house in Chelsea, moments from Sloane Square and the Kings Road, is no exception. Light and airy, it has three bedrooms and has been granted planning permission to build a lower ground floor. It is in good, but not snazzy, condition and is crying out for the right person to put their stamp on it.
Hornsey Road, London N19
The Modern House£700,000
Here is a quirky one for you. Back in 1890, this maisonette housed A. Hancock Butchers (whose signage remains above the door). Now, retaining many original features, it makes for an extremely cool two-bedroom home and/or workspace. The kitchen (in what used to be the butcher’s shop floor) and the study (made out of what was the original paying kiosk) have to be seen to be believed. You might think the clean modern bathroom, with its metro tiles and new sanitary ware, out of place – or you might applaud its refreshing contrast to the rest of the property.
Great James Street, London WC1N
Savills£5,500,000
This handsome Grade II-listed house in Bloomsbury looks as though it wants creative inhabitants to sit for hours around a beautiful dining-room table having lofty conversations fuelled by delicious red wine. But it’s also perfectly set up for family life. With four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a gym, wine cellar, bespoke kitchen, wonderful panelling and gorgeous Georgian windows, it truly offers something for everyone.
St Quintin Avenue, London W10
The Modern House£2,500,000
There is little scope at this three-bedroom maisonette for making your own mark – because the mark made by the vendors and their architect is so stunning. With the added bonus of a private south-facing garden, the property occupies the upper and lower ground floors of a Victorian villa near Ladbroke Grove. The recent refurbishment was carried out keeping light and volume in mind at all times. Bold paint colours, handsome cornicing and sleek fittings make for a smart and covetable home.
Opal Mews, London NW6
The Modern House£1,895,000
Here we go again with our inadvertent mews theme. But, unlike the period ones we lust after all over London, this mews was only built in 2014. As such, every detail – designed by the fair hand of architect Min Hitchcox – blissfully combines form with function. Beyond its gated entrance lies a thoughtfully conceived industrial vibe involving exposed RSJs, Crittal windows and exposed brickwork. With off-street parking, a secure bike store, communal garden and excellent living space, this really is a house of dreams.
By Becky Ladenburg
May 2020
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