The grandeur of the townhouse dates back to the 18th and 19th Centuries when the landed gentry brought their children up from the country estates to enjoy the London season and launch their daughters into society. Entertaining was all-important and having a magnificent house with high ceilings and impressive staircases provided the perfect backdrop for the dinners and balls attended by debutantes and their prospective suitors.
Those days may be long gone, but the splendid Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian terraces remain, their ample proportions giving a new generation the opportunity to live a comfortable life in the capital. A love of grand architectural styling, an appreciation for artistic details and a fondness for a central location continue to be essential for buyers and tenants wanting to live in a historic London townhouse.
Next level
Harry Laflin, Director of Dexters Westminster, says, “The traditional period home has four or five storeys and as many original features as possible. If you are buying a piece of history you want it to come with everything – cornicing, fireplaces, sweeping staircases and floor-to ceiling windows.”
Harry continues, “A typical London townhouse is often larger than it looks from the outside. Usually, there is an open plan kitchen and living area on the lower floors, the first floor will have generous reception rooms, and the bedrooms are situated on the upper floors.”
Such properties remain popular with those looking for plenty of space in central London. “There is no set buyer or tenant profile for a townhouse. They receive interest from families, professionals and investors alike,” says Harry, adding, “Investors will ensure a high-end specification which will attract corporate tenants. They know the importance of maintaining the period aspects of the property as well as enhancing them. For example, they will install a bespoke kitchen in a traditional style with granite worktops and ensure that the fireplaces are in keeping with the era of the house.”
Making the grade
Prospective owners should be aware that historic London townhouses are likely to be Grade I or II Listed. Harry explains, “If you are buying this type of property there are going to be certain requirements that you have to adhere to however these have not deterred buyers, as demand remains high for these traditional homes.” For example, Harry recently sold a property in Stafford Place in Westminster with a sub-basement, as he explains, “This additional level housed a media room, a bedroom and a further bathroom which not only maximised the living space but added to the value of the property.”
For those wanting to live in central London, a substantial garden is probably not a top priority, but most townhouses will have some outside space where you can have garden furniture. Harry adds, “Many have access to garden squares. In Pimlico, for example, you have Eccleston Square and Warwick Square, where residents can enjoy private communal gardens which also have tennis courts.”
Areas of interest
The central locations where you can find quality townhouses include Westminster, Chelsea, Belgravia, Marylebone and Mayfair. “My favourites are those in Westminster,” says Harry, adding, “Often, neighbouring townhouses have been designed by different architects, so you find properties that range in heights and depths, and may be double-fronted. There’s a complete variety which only adds to their appeal.”
The elegant proportions of a townhouse designed in Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian times can offer the space for stylish modern living, as well as the chance to walk in the steps of those from a bygone age. Dexters specialise in selling and letting listed and historic homes and are in contact with buyers and tenants from around the world who aspire to live in properties that are a part of London's architectural history.
