Central London has always been a popular place to live, and it is easy to see why. Johnny Turner examines the choice of high-quality homes to be found in the heart of the capital.
Central London is a whole world in a few square miles. World class entertainment, big business, fantastic shops, fascinating history and the winding River Thames are just a few of the things that make so many choose to make the centre of the capital their home. And the current selection of newly built homes gives today’s busy Londoner instant access to a high-energy, low-maintenance lifestyle.
Charles Church has the ideal answer for those who are looking for a stylish new apartment in the heart of London, but don’t want to live in a broom cupboard or pay exorbitant service charges as many of the capital’s residents famously do. The Pimlico Apartments, located on Vauxhall Bridge Road, near the Thames in popular SW1, is a contemporary development of 77 apartments offering extraordinary value for money.
This scheme offers unashamedly modern design, outside and within. Specifically designed for permanent residents rather than the investor market, these generously proportioned one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments offer a high standard of finish and outstanding levels of internal specification. As typified by the show apartment, properties at the Pimlico Apartments incorporate the current ‘must-haves’ in interior design, including pale ash veneer internal doors with satin chrome fittings, kitchen with sleek black granite worktops and a full range of stainless steel and integrated appliances. Many apartments have private terraces and balconies for al fresco entertaining.
There is linked CCTV surveillance, video entryphones, on-site concierge and, for each apartment, a secure allocated parking space included in the purchase price. Prices range from £410,000 to £820,000. Call 020 7630 5785.
Moving eastward, the very chic EC1 area is home to Persimmon Homes’ Clerkenwell Central, a development of 32 modern warehouse-style properties. The range of accommodation includes one- and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses, maisonettes and three-storey mews houses with roof terraces.
The location is fantastic; this hip urban village is home to many media and high-tech workplaces, offers some of London’s best bars and restaurants and is also steeped in history. Just on the border of the City of London, Clerkenwell is a great starting place for London walks, which can take in anything from a stroll to the West End or the Thames to an educational meander through the lanes of the City. And the Barbican Centre is very nearby, offering a broad range of cultural pursuits every night of the week.
The development is gated and private, providing a quiet escape right in the middle of town. Parking is available by separate negotiation. Prices currently range from £300,000 to £597,500. For further information on Clerkenwell Central contact agent Hurford Salvi Carr on 0845 676 0183 or request a brochure online at persimmonhomes.com.
Furlong Homes has just released the two penthouses at its landmark Fusion development near Canary Wharf, the newest member of the ‘central London club’. This centre of commerce is expected to see 100,000 employees by the end of the decade, and this is the latest – and one of the most impressive – of many developments that have provided homes for London’s new professionals.
All the other apartments in this stunning contemporary building have now been snapped up, and only these two penthouses remain. Each of the homes is set over two levels with private terraces leading from the living/dining area on the lower level and the master bedroom on the upper level.
Fusion offers the best London has to offer – not only wonderful amenities in the immediate area but extremely easy connections to the rest of the capital via the nearby Docklands Light Railway.
Prices start at £499,995. To make an appointment to view contact Furlong Homes on 01992 782222.
One central London area that is set to see a complete transformation is Elephant and Castle, previously known for its garish shopping centre and roundabout but soon to be seen as a smart Zone 1 location that is great for transport – and home.
Oakmayne Properties is spearheading the regeneration plans for the Elephant and Castle with South Central, a flagship urban scheme that will boast stylish architecture by Piers Gough. Behind the remarkable tiered façade will be stylish apartments and penthouses with full-length terraces and floor-to-ceiling glazed doors. South Central West, given planning permission in February, is Oakmayne’s second phase and will complement the existing residential buildings on Crampton Street.
There are approximately 40 apartments remaining in South Central East, priced from £269,000 to £475,000; secure underground parking spaces are priced at £15,000. The premier collection, encompassing apartments from the fifth floor upwards, will be launched this month at prices from £265,000. Completion is expected in November. Call 020 7403 6644.
Back to SW1, where LCR Developments and FairBriar are working together to transform the historic Grade II listed Westminster Police Station and Magistrates Court, built in 1901, into a scheme of 49 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments including duplexes and penthouses, overlooking the capital’s largest green square.
68 Vincent Square will have apartments designed around two private gardens, complete with balconies, terraces, concierge facilities, a rotunda, lift access and secure underground parking. All have a spacious sitting room, some dual-aspect. Around 80 per cent of the homes will overlook the ten-acre Vincent Square, and a selection of the sitting rooms have dramatic circular drawing rooms, following the contours of the existing period police station building.
Fully fitted designer kitchens are either traditional or open-plan, incorporating a breakfast/dining area in the larger apartments. Around 70 per cent of the homes will benefit from additional outside living space in the form of private balconies or terraces. All master bedroom suites and some principal guest suites will have luxurious en suite facilities.
Scheduled for completion next year, these apartments are priced from £340,000, £460,000 and £650,000 for one-, two- and three-bedrooms respectively. Penthouses are priced from £1.1 million to £1.4 million. Contact DTZ Residential on 020 7630 9333.