33 portland place marylebone
All images: Ben Pipe and Julian Abrams for United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty

Property of the Month: West Ham chairman David Sullivan’s historic Marylebone home

12 Feb 2025 | | By Kari Colmans

Built in 1775, at 33 Portland Place centuries-old charm combines with unrivalled contemporary flourishes at one of the largest Georgian mansions in central London

Strategically positioned in the sought-after West End village of Marylebone, 33 Portland Place, which currently belongs to West Ham United Football Club chairman David Sullivan, has recently been transformed into a jaw-dropping trophy home – and is now on the market for £65 million.

Originally built in 1775 by renowned British architect Robert Adam, the home boasts a rich and colourful history. The magnificent 10-bedroom property has played host to an array of socialites, royals and celebrities over the years, as well as a long list of notable former residents.

Instrumental in designing and curating a number of magnificent developments including Clarges Mayfair, 20 Grosvenor Square, and Holland Park Villas, the project’s development manager, (coincidentally named) Robert Adams, has reinvented the Grade II-listed property with his unique combination of expertise and exposure. Managing director of property consultancy firm RBA Consultancy, he has worked in London’s super prime market for the past decade, trading homes up to £100m.

Adams, speaking exclusively to Luxury London, envisioned the property as an ideal combination of old and new: a state-of-the-art, brand new home within a period building. “33 Portland Place is an historically important house that represents the best of London architecture; originally designed by one of the most famous architects of his time, it has been protected for this reason. To be able to completely modernise the interior without affecting its original design was a challenge – and we have achieved this.”

For Adams, standout features include a retractable wall and sky lounge. “The retractable wall is incredible,” he enthuses. “I have been in the high-end property industry for over 30 years and have not seen anything like this. It is fun, imposing and impressive – it separates two amazing rooms and is a massive talking point. If you are holding a party, what better way than to be dropped off at the front, welcomed into the reception room, piano being played, champagne being served, only for the wall to be dropped and the dining room revealed for the banquet? Incredible and unique.”

33 portland place bedroom

When it comes to the stunning sky lounge, which boasts a glazed dome for stargazing, he is equally enthusiastic about the view. “If you are buying the best homes across the globe, you want to be reminded of what city you are in. From here you can see the BT Tower, an iconic building that really reflects London’s culture.”

On the ground floor, the dining room has been cleverly arranged as an ambassadorial entrance, with feature rooms on the lower floor including a wine room, cinema, gym, sauna, and indoor swimming pool, as well as the aforementioned sky lounge.

“[The architect] Robert Adam was all about forward thinking, hence, the mechanical wall he designed and installed. I believe he would love what we have done now, without negatively impacting the integrity of his design. The house has everything: garaging, commercial kitchen, staff accommodation, gym, cinema, swimming pool, exceptional reception rooms, high ceilings throughout – the list is endless.”

The wine cellar, nestled in the vaults under this famous London street, elegantly combines new and old with its curved ceiling, original brickwork, and high-tech storage facilities. For Adams, however, his favourite room has to be the first-floor drawing room, which stretches the width of the house, boasting spectacular ceiling heights and beautiful windows overlooking Portland Place. “To have a central reservation splitting the road with beautiful trees gives an almost Parisian feel to the location,” he explains.

33 portland place dining room

Original features, from the cornicing to the fireplaces, add an unquantifiable charm and character, with the project calling for the meticulous blending of intricate restoration and
creative development. Reimagined for 21st century living by MSMR Architects and celebrated interior and architecture studio 1508 London, who were briefed to provide a new benchmark of quality and classic contemporary style, 33 Portland Place represents a truly rare opportunity to own a piece of London’s past, present and future.

33 Portland Place is listed for £65 million, visit sothebysrealty.co.uk

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