Flexible, open-plan living has become increasingly popular over the past few decades, born of the need for cheap accommodation and now in demand as the true mark of the funky, modern lifestyle, says Anna Bowden.
The concept of warehouse living is an offshoot of a change in the way we view living space – one that has taken place only in the past couple of decades. The practice of ‘loft living’ was established in cities such as New York, where artists found the space and light – and the cheap rent – they needed in disused warehouses. The basics of loft living were quickly established; large windows, open plan living areas and exposed brick were three ingredients which, when combined, acted as the template for a new wave of ultra-desirable apartments.
Of course, as more began to see the appeal of living in a space that had industrial origins, that space became limited, the cost went up and new structures with a similar aesthetic sense were created. By the beginning of the 1990s, the boomtime current had carried the idea of loft living to London, where the buzz was created largely by the Manhattan Loft Corporation.
Several high-profile developments down the line, MLC has joined forces with Marylebone Warwick Balfour Group Ltd to create No. 1 West India Quay. This hugely ambitious mixed-use development will consist of 152 apartments and penthouses, as well as an integral five-star hotel and a restaurant. Car parking and leisure facilities will also be part of the amazing complex. The currently available luxury apartments, which are located on levels 13 to 32, are currently for sale.
The specification is unbelievably high, with air conditioning to all rooms, solid natural wood floors and top-quality kitchens. Current availability at No. 1 West India Quay include two-bedroom apartments, which range from 979 to 2,128 sq ft and are priced between £570,000 and £1.49 million. There is also one three-bedroom apartment offering 2,267 sq ft, priced at £1.49 million. The six penthouses have yet to be released.
A show apartment is now open. For more information visit 1wiq.com or phone selling agent FPDSavills on 0870 770 0190.
St George has now launched Commodore House, the new phase of release at its highly successful Battersea Reach development in the London borough of Wandsworth. Commodore House is a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments as well as one magnificent penthouse.
Designed to meet the needs of modern living, with bright, contemporary interiors and an emphasis on sleek sophistication, the living accommodation maximises the use of space and light and all fittings are high specification. Custom-designed kitchens feature a range of integrated appliances, from an electric oven with brushed steel finish to a combination microwave and dishwasher. The majority of apartments will also benefit from a balcony or terrace with views of the Thames.
Stephen Embrey, managing director of St George South London, says, ‘The style and ethos that St George brings to developments seamlessly blends in with a culturally diverse borough like Wandsworth. The early release of Commodore House is due to the sales success that we have enjoyed and maintains our focus on delivering an exciting landmark designation on the River Thames.’
St George uses its flair and expertise to deliver a new mixed-use destination by incorporating a range of shops, restaurants, cafés, bars and a private health and fitness club. The development also provides extensive landscaped grounds, a riverside walk, piazza and pier, offering residents a superb living environment.
Prices start from £249,950. Call 020 7978 4141 to find out more.
Countryside Properties is currently developing one- and two-bedroom apartments at Urban Island – adjacent to the Three Mills Island in Bromley-By-Bow, London – characterised by space and a high standard of internal design. Each apartment has either a balcony or terrace overlooking the river and boasting views of Canary Wharf, and accommodation is designed for flexible, open-plan living.
The show apartment at Urban Island previews the quality of the apartments’ interiors, showcasing solid sliding partitions between the living areas and some bedrooms; hardwood oak timber flooring; recessed ceiling lights; simplistically styled bathrooms with Bocino wash basins, chrome accessories, walnut effect units and mosaic tiles; and fully fitted kitchens with integrated stainless steel appliances.
The communal areas are full of light, from the extensive use of glazing. Apartments benefit from lift access to all floors plus basement level parking, and there is a landscaped roof garden for communal use.
Prices for apartments at Urban Island range from £225,000 to £400,000. For further information contact the marketing suite, open daily between 10am and 5pm including Bank Holidays, on 020 8215 3377. Alternatively, visit the dedicated website at urbanisland.gb.com.
Berkeley Homes has unveiled its latest show home at Anchor Wharf, in Greenwich, London, where 60 per cent of the accommodation has already been sold – and mainly to local residents, testimony to the development’s quality. The development is situated in the heart of Greenwich, looking onto the Thames, and boasts several fantastic warehouse style features: apartments are large and open-plan and designed to maximise the use of space, and all reflect waterside living.
The two-bedroom show home duplex covers 924 sq ft of space and reflects the watery surroundings with a cream and navy colour scheme. The bedrooms are situated on the ground floor, with stairs rising to the entertainment and living area. A balcony, included in all the split-level apartments, provides a romantic vista of the river, and the open-plan fully fitted kitchen boasts ceramic flooring, stylish units and a comprehensive range of integrated appliances. The bathroom offers a Villeroy & Boch suite.
The homes at Anchor Iron Wharf are set within two six-storey apartment buildings designed by architects Hamilton Associates, on the site of a former corrugated iron structure. The development adjoins the Thames Footpath, which provides a five-minute walk past a rose garden into fashionable Greenwich town centre, with its cafés, bars, restaurants, cultural and leisure attractions and excellent transport connections.
Ian Plumley, sales and marketing director of Berkeley Homes South East London, says, ‘Locals have warmly welcomed the scheme, so much so that over 50 per cent of the purchasers to date have been local. What’s more is that over 70 per cent of purchasers are owner-occupiers, an unusual statistic in a market dominated by private and corporate investors.’
Prices at Anchor Iron Wharf start from £350,000 for a two-bedroom duplex apartment. Call 01732 227666 to find out more.