Landmark new developments have redefined not only where you can live in central London, but also what facilities these buildings offer.
Gone are the days when having a porter was all that mattered, today security is an important factor but the vast range of facilities available are the big draw for many. These include a swimming pool, gym, squash court, cinema, business lounge, games room and efficient, hotel-style housekeeping.
LIFESTYLE GOALS
Leon Bell, Director at Dexters Fitzrovia says, “We are selling and letting wonderful apartments across the West End from Strand and Covent Garden to Soho and Fitzrovia, competing with our colleagues in nearby offices, Mayfair and Marylebone.
Pearson Square and Rathbone Place are particularly popular, they tick every box from transport to entertainment. They have a full range of on-site sports and leisure activities too.
At 190 Strand, a luxurious development of suites, apartments and penthouses, residents enjoy a fully-equipped fitness studio, swimming and vitality pools, sauna and steam rooms, cinema, business lounge with desk space and meeting facilities, and even a virtual golf suite. Savoy Court doesn’t have such attractions, but residents can use the 5-star facilities of the adjacent Savoy hotel which include the fitness centre and room service.”
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
Bell’s clients are a mix of professionals wanting a pied-à-terre and parents acquiring accommodation for student offspring. “We deal with tenants from Hong Kong, Singapore and China who attend top universities such as University College London and SOAS University of London in Bloomsbury. Parents will spend a vast amount to make sure their son or daughter is in a block where there is good security. Also, as everyone does online shopping, the fact that the 24-hour concierge will take deliveries is of massive appeal.”
RESIDENTS APPRECIATE A PORTER, BUT NOW EXPECT AN ENTIRE LIFESTYLE
Just as prospective residents are eschewing blocks with period features, so too are some porters swapping their traditional uniform and hat for more casual attire. Bell says, “Fitzrovia is cool and trendy so that is reflected in concierge dress.
In Pearson Square they wear open shirts and slick suits; rather like Richard Madden in the television series Bodyguard!”
ACCESS ALL AREAS
Entry to Pearson Square is gained with a card which is also used to record what residents consume in the club lounge bar. Bell says, “Although access to communal parts tends to be by card, flats will still have a traditional lock and key. But new developments are always upping their game; in an upcoming new build block in Leicester Square residents will be able to use their mobile phone as their key.”
As demand for the purchase and rental of luxury accommodation in London continues to rise, fashionable blocks with all the trimmings are springing up in areas of regeneration. “Landmark Pinnacle, a new development currently under construction in Canary Wharf, will have all the bells and whistles; and The Plimsoll Building in King’s Cross has a communal roof garden and lounge area with piano. Our New Homes team are also instructed to sell apartments in King’s Cross Quarter, a new development close to the popular Coal Drops Yard, London’s newest shopping and dining district.” This is a great example of where previously unloved areas are developing into trendy and popular places to live.
As demand for the purchase and rental of luxury accommodation in London continues to rise, fashionable blocks with all the trimmings are springing up in areas of regeneration. “Landmark Pinnacle, a new development currently under construction in Canary Wharf, will have all the bells and whistles; and The Plimsoll Building in King’s Cross has a communal roof garden and lounge area with piano. Our New Homes team are also instructed to sell apartments in King's Cross Quarter, a new development close to the popular Coal Drops Yard, London’s newest shopping and dining district.” This is a great example of where previously unloved areas are developing into trendy and popular places to live.
Back in Victorian and Edwardian times when mansion blocks were first built, apartment dwellers were satisfied with a uniformed attendant tipping his hat in an elegant entrance hall. In the 21st Century residents appreciate a porter, but now expect an entire lifestyle all under one roof.
Dexters Developments
Properties on the market in London developments offering residents a range of facilities for a balanced lifestyle
RATHBONE PLACE, FITZROVIA, W1T
£3,150,000
A spacious apartment in this landmark development. An oasis of calm in the heart of the West End, finished with particular attention to detail on fixtures and fittings.
KING'S CROSS QUARTER, N1
£1,599,000 to £2,680,000
A stylish new development of apartments in a great new district, with easy access to the City and West End. An outstanding location coupled with superb facilities.
PEARSON SQUARE, FITZROVIA, W1T
£1,950,000
Set within a luxury development in Fitzrovia, is this two bedroom apartment with balcony. Residents have access to a cinema, swimming pool and games room.
