Home from home: Perfect pieds-à-terre for sale in London
Just because you're based outside of the capital, doesn't mean you have to give up London life entirely
Believe it or not, there are many reasons why one might choose to move out of London. More space, less noise, and there’s no denying that you get more for your money outside the M25. What we’re trying to say is, if you’ve got your sights set on the Home Counties, we won’t hold it against you (much).
But moving away from the capital raises its own set of challenges. If you work in the city, commuting can be a real pain – even if it’s only a couple of times a week as per new hybrid systems. Plus, as well as most of the big banks, firms, and FTSE companies, many social events and activities are headquartered in London. If only there was some kind of compromise that could be struck. Like, I don’t know, having bases in both town and country.
This is, of course, possible – with a little thing called a pied-à-terre: a part-time bolthole for business, pleasure, or anything else that might require a temporary city stay. And if you’re going to be spending time in London, you may as well do it in style. Here are some of the best London flats and pieds-à-terre currently on the market: smaller places with convenient locations, plus that extra je ne sais quoi to make you wonder why you ever left…
Embassy Gardens, SW11
Where better to base yourself in London than ‘that cool Nine Elms development with the Sky Pool’? You’ve seen the images – the glass-bottomed swimming pool suspended between two rooftops. It certainly has wow factor, but this is only the start of the offering at Embassy Gardens.
Apartments are bold and edgy, inspired by the colours of nearby New Covent Garden Flower Market. Plus, when you step outside your home, you’re privy to an entire district of communal amenities. There are two options for living here: Modern (two-beds plus a penthouse) and Legacy (one-, two- and three-bed) apartments. Whether you’re the more contemporary type or prefer to opt for classical design, you won’t find many London boltholes more impressive than this.
Prices start at £1,015,000, embassygardens.com
101 on Cleveland, W1T
101 on Cleveland is a boutique collection of 88 apartments in fashionable Fitzrovia. It has everything you’d want from a pied-à-terre: a central location convenient for work, play, or whatever else you may need a base in the capital for, and an interior that strikes the perfect balance between size and style. The two-bedroom show apartment, designed by No.12 Studio, incorporates off-whites, rich timbers and luxurious marbles. Stand-out pieces include a triangulated coffee table and a diptych of arched mirrors, positioned to reflect light from the private balcony.
Prices start at £1,980,000, 101oncleveland.com
The OWO, SW1A
The OWO has been hot property since it was announced that Whitehall’s former Old War Office was being renovated six years ago. The building, where Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George held office, has undergone a monumental transformation and the Grade II-listed space is now welcoming public guests for the first time in its 115-year history. The development is managed by Raffles – making it one of the most eagerly-anticipated branded residences since the trend took off.
Prices start at £5,800,000, theowo.london
Garrett Mansions, W2
This south-west facing one-bed is small but stunning, and located in the prime neighbourhood of Bayswater – perfect pied-à-terre territory. Garrett Mansions boasts 543 sq ft of beautifully-appointed space, plus a balcony with views over the landscaped courtyard garden. Residents enjoy access to gym and sauna facilities, plus a cinema, and a swimming pool – not to mention the fact that Marylebone, Edgware Road and Paddington stations are all within walking distance. Finish work late, nip back to your cosy London flat, enjoy some R&R courtesy of the amenities, and head home the next day.
£995,000, harrodsestates.com
Rainville Road, W6
A pied-à-terre with a view of the Thames? It’s possible. This freehold townhouse is right on the river – as in, wake up, throw open the terrace doors, and enjoy southwestern views towards Barnes and the Wetland Centre. The Rainville Road property stands at 1,872 sq ft – compact enough for a part-time residence, yet large enough to host family or friends. Enjoy not one, but two, balconies and a roof terrace, plus spacious accommodation arranged over four floors.
£3,500,000, harrodsestates.com
The Broadway, SW1H
This is one of the most exciting new developments in Westminster – a collection of one- to five-bedroom apartments across six architecturally striking towers. The one-beds are prime pied-à-terre territory, possessing style in spades – The Broadway combines contemporary and classic as an homage to its historic location. Speaking of which, perhaps the development’s biggest draw is its enviable address: it lies within a new residential quarter right on the doorsteps of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.
Prices start at £1.75m, residential.jll.co.uk
Beaufort Street, SW3
This purpose-built home has been recently reconfigured and refurbished throughout, now comprising bespoke joinery, an open-plan reception room, and a kitchen with gorgeous parquet flooring. It’s sleek, chic and tasteful (and can be sold fully furnished if desired by an incoming owner), but what about the ever-important location of this pied-à-terre? Mulberry Place is in the heart of Chelsea, just a stone’s throw from the amenities of King’s Road. Perfect.
£895,000, knightfrank.com
Fulham Reach, W6
A pied-à-terre doesn’t have to be a one-bed – a guest room never hurt anyone, or perhaps you want to travel with the kids. In which case, consider the two-bedroom apartments in Holland House and Holland Court, which comprise open-plan spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows and sophisticated design – think marble finishes, Herringbone flooring and private balconies overlooking landscaped gardens. Fulham Reach residents also enjoy access to The Tamesis Club, plus a cinema room, snooker room, virtual golf simulator and wine cellar – so you can enjoy everything that you do at home, while away.
Prices start at £1,090,000, fulhamreach.com
Green Street, W1K
This one-bedroom duplex has recently been rebuilt with no expense spared. Stepping inside, you can tell – the rooms are bright and spacious, the walnut wood walk-in wardrobes seamless, and the Carrara marble in the bathroom immaculate. The Green Street property is situated in the heart of Mayfair, right next door to Selfridges and the restaurants of the neighbouring North Audley Street; the green spaces of Hyde Park are also mere moments away. What more could you want for a stay in the capital?
£1,635,000, carterjonas.co.uk
No. 8 Harbord Square, E14
Yes, this development is a fantastic bolthole for business people and city workers. However, don’t be too quick to pigeonhole it. The location is certainly convenient for meetings, but Canary Wharf, as of recent years, has also blossomed into a fantastic lifestyle destination. No. 8 Harbord Square is particularly well-placed for eating, shopping and socialising, sitting within the dynamic neighbourhood of Wood Wharf. This development comprises 82 apartments inspired by the history of the Docklands – and represents the next chapter of Canary Wharf’s transformation.
Launching in Spring 2023, residential.canarywharf.com
Pottery Lane, W11
It doesn’t get much cosier than this one-bedroom home, which is tucked away between Portland Road and Princedale Road. The charming Pottery Lane property is laid out over two floors, with an open-plan kitchen/reception room on the ground and a spacious bedroom suite with a large bathroom and dressing area situated on the first. Despite its compactness and cottage feel, this home is also sophisticated in its design, as well as being immaculately finished, and in that sense is quintessentially ‘Holland Park’.
Guide price: £1,050,000, struttandparker.com
