Originally created to provide wealthy Victorians with a toehold in the most fashionable central London districts, mansion blocks continue to have a timeless appeal.
In late 19th Century London, there were only a handful of locations the wealthy would consider living in. When demand outstripped the supply of houses in the most desirable central areas, the scene was set for the rise of the capital’s impressive and imposing mansion blocks.
“Mansion blocks are a familiar sight in London, the most typical blocks having been built during the late Victorian and early Edwardian era – think of Albert Hall Mansions or the blocks on Prince of Wales Drive overlooking Battersea Park as prime examples,” says Russell Ball, Sales Director at Dexters Mayfair.
Albert Hall Mansions, designed by Richard Norman Shaw in 1880-1887, is the development widely credited for heralding the era of the characteristic London mansion block. These redbrick apartments, with their detailed stone frontage and delicate iron balcony railings, were designed in the ‘Queen Anne Revival’ or ‘Kensington Style’ which was based on the English and Dutch architecture of the early 18th Century. This grandiose design soon became the template for blocks firmly targeted at upper class buyers in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries.
While initially there was some resistance among the well-heeled to apartment living, Albert Hall Mansions proved a great success and paved the way for further popular mansion block developments across Kensington, Mayfair, Regent’s Park and Marylebone.
COMPACT LUXURY
Because they had to persuade the wealthy to live in city apartments for the first time, mansion blocks are often characterised by a sense of scale and spaciousness, "The appeal of mansion flats tends to be the lateral space, the size of rooms and height of the ceilings, which is consistent from ground floor to the penultimate floor,” says Russell.
The exteriors of these blocks often include dramatic architectural features. Albert Hall Mansions, for example, boasts three giant Dutch gables. Such attributes sent a message to London’s new kind of flat dweller that these were no ordinary rooms. The same applied once inside, with many mansion block interiors featuring marble floors and other highend materials and detailing that would have provided the earliest residents with a reassuring sense of luxury.
MANSIONS IN THE MODERN AGE
The generous layouts of many mansion block apartments have not been changed over the decades. The lateral space and considered floorplans mean today’s buyers can avoid some of the potential pitfalls of buying Victorian conversions where rooms have been less well-planned, or new build properties which may include less than generous proportions in some rooms. Russell says, “Mansion blocks are mid-rise buildings, which are not too dominant on the landscape, offering floor layouts and space not often found in conversions or new properties. There is also a sense of community.”
HISTORY OF CONVENIENCE
In addition to the community spirit, many blocks offer a range of services and facilities to residents, including security, porters and concierge services and taking care of ongoing maintenance. These benefits appeal to residents working away from London regularly, or with residences elsewhere. Blocks may also offer communal gardens and gyms.
Russell says, “Mansion blocks tend to be in central, and therefore convenient, locations and offer a higher degree of security which can include resident porters and gated gardens. A good block management company will offer owners regular maintenance, whilst keeping an eye on the fabric of the building over the long-term.”
NEW KIDS OF THE BLOCK
In terms of the modern mansion block resident, Russell says that larger flats tend to attract families, while smaller flats are often kept as a pied-à-terre or as a long-term investment.
As well as the convenience, style, space and the superb locations of many mansion blocks make purchasing apartments in these buildings a safe investment. Mansion block apartments remain in high demand. Sellers can boost their chances of finding the right buyer by instructing an agent known for specialising in prime central London, such as Dexters.
DEXTERS MANSION BLOCK COLLECTION
Our featured properties on the market in London mansion blocks
MARYLEBONE ROAD, MARYLEBONE, NW1
£3,500 pw/£15,167 pcm
Located close to the open space of Regent’s Park, a four bedroom apartment within an imposing Edwardian mansion block with lift, secure parking and a 24-hour porter. There are two living rooms, a dining room and a separate kitchen.
KENSINGTON GORE, SOUTH KENSINGTON, SW7
£3,850,000
This apartment is located within a prestigious mansion block situated adjacent to the Royal Albert Hall and close to Kensington Palace. There is a grand feeling to the living room that has a high ceiling and opens out onto the full width balcony.
CABBELL STREET, MARYLEBONE, NW1
£2,600,000
An impressive four bedroom apartment in this imposing Marylebone mansion block close to the station. There are connecting balcony living rooms and the open spaces of both Hyde Park and Regent's Park are equidistant.
