The Thames forms part of the longest river in England, starting as a gentle trickle in the Cotswolds it travels for approximately 210 miles. During this journey it passes through three areas of outstanding natural beauty and the centre of London before eventually running into the North Sea. Few people realise that the Thames is also the only river in Europe to have a national trail following its entire length. Those who own a property along its banks are in a fortunate position in more ways than one. John Fisher, Head of Country Office, United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty explains,
“Riverside properties, particularly those on the Thames, have long commanded a premium, due to the picturesque surroundings and spectacular views offered by a prestigious waterfront location. Not only do these properties offer a fantastic lifestyle, but they also provide a lucrative investment opportunity; demand will always be high as riverside homes very rarely return to the market.”
Louis Aldred, sales and marketing director at Berkeley Homes (South East London), reports that, when looking for a new apartment in London, views are one of the most important aspects that buyers look out for.
“None are more spectacular than those that include the River Thames and some of London’s most iconic landmarks,”
he says. Taking all these facts into account, it comes as no surprise that Thames-side properties command premium rental prices. Foxton’s Pimlico & Westminster office lettings manager, Gareth Mawdsley, explains.
“Waterside developments like Riverwalk are in high demand – we usually let one-bedroom apartments in these kinds of developments even before they go live on our website. Especially popular with Middle Eastern and Asian students and professionals, such developments offer bright accommodation with incredible views of the River Thames and other famous London landmarks.
“A waterside location is also known to help encourage a sense of relaxation and inner piece, which is particularly sought-after in the busy capital city. Despite their central location, riverside developments are very safe, benefiting from concierge services and secure underground parking, which is of major importance for professionals and corporate tenants using these apartments as pied-a-terres when visiting London.
“Waterside developments are also rare, which increases their desirability even further. In fact, Riverwalk is the last new riverside development north of the river from Westminster to Chelsea Harbour – there is no more scope to build a development scheme within this stretch of the river front.”
Ten Trinity Square, EC3N
This Grade II* listed building in the heart of the city, is being transformed into an exclusive residential address. Formerly the Port of London Authority, Ten Trinity Square is in an unparalleled riverside location, only a stone’s throw away from the Tower of London. It includes 41 fully-serviced residences, all with access to a dedicated concierge service, private members’ club, spa including two pools and a gym and the Four Seasons Hotel at Ten Trinity Square. Here, world-famous three Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic will open her restaurant, La Dame de Pic.
From £5m / €5.82m / $6.25m
Ten Trinity Square
www.tentrinitysquare.com
The Chalet, Hampton Court, Surrey
Surrounded by acres of parkland protected by English Heritage, this historic five floor, four-bedroom listed building is ideal for entertaining. The property includes 185 metres of mooring for up to 25 boats, the largest being around 50 metres, and parking for around 20 cars. It also has three large reception rooms, including an indoor party-room with 21 metre manmade beach, two kitchens, what will be the first floating swimming pool on the Thames, an indoor spa complex and a wine cellar for up to 1,600 bottles. Balconies look over Hampton Court Palace and King Henry VIII’s old hunting grounds.
£13m / €15.12m / $16.26m
United Kingdom
Sotheby’s International Realty
www.sothebysrealty.co.uk
Abell and Cleland, Westminster SW1P
Comprising two and three-bedroom apartments and three and four-bedroom duplex penthouses, this new development is sited amongst the UK’s historic corridors of power. All residents’ facilities are within easy reach of each apartment and include a gym, pool, sauna and business suite. The penthouses, such as the example featured here, provide the height of London living with extensive entertaining space and private terraces offering views across Westminster and the city.
£8.34m / €9.7m / $10.44m
Berkeley Group
www.berkeleygroup.co.uk
One Tower Bridge, SE1
At the foot of Tower Bridge, across from the Tower of London and the neighbouring London Bridge Quarter, this new development comprises eight iconic buildings. The latest phase, Cambridge House, is a six-storey building, where each four-bedroom duplex penthouse spans approximately 5,000 square feet in addition to an expansive roof terrace. Also available are three-bedroom premium apartments.
£5.35m / €6.27m / $6.73m for the three-bed show apartment
One Tower Bridge
www.onetowerbridge.co.uk
Riverwalk, Westminster, SW1
A collection of 116 apartments and penthouses spread across two buildings on the banks of the River Thames, directly facing the headquarters of MI6. Its most exclusive penthouse is a 6,000 square feet, five en suite bedroom duplex. Spanning the 16th and 17th floors of the development, it is accessed directly by lift. The penthouse comes with a 2,500 square feet, south-facing roof terrace and floor to ceiling glass throughout, ensuring 360-degree panoramic views across the river, the Shard, Gherkin, London Eye and St Paul’s Cathedral. Interiors feature specially commissioned art – inspired by its close proximity to Tate Britain and Chelsea College of Arts. Riverwalk’s amenities include a concierge service provided by Harrods Estates, fitness suite with pilates and yoga studio, underground parking and 24-hour security.
£25m / €29.1m / $31.3m Riverwalk
www.riverwalk.co.uk
Embassy Gardens, Nine Elms
Three-bedroom penthouse with spectacular views right along the river from its spacious roof terrace. Inspired by the attractive residential and commercial estates in cities such as New York and Boston, the project will feature 3.3 acres of linear gardens linking Vauxhall with Battersea designed to replicate the Manhattan highline. The development also consists of a variety of rooftop spaces, a leisure and spa complex, private cinema, valet parking, 24-hour concierge and security.
£3.99m / €4.65m / $5m
Johns & Co
www.johnsandco.co.uk
The Corniche, Albert Embankment, SE1
Designed by the internationally acclaimed architectural practice, Foster + Partners, the flow of the balconies at The Corniche echoes that of the river below. This stunning ninth floor apartment has views of the river from its private balcony. The property includes a grand dining room, master bedroom suite with en suite bathroom and walk in wardrobes and a second en suite bedroom. Amenities include an infinity pool, spa, private screening room, club lounge with terrace and secure underground parking.
£2.5m / €2.94m / $3.16m Fine & Country Fulham www.fineandcountry.com
Riverwalk, Westminster, SW1
Three-bedroom rental apartment on the sixth floor of Central London’s only north bank development. With spectacular river views and swift access to the heart of the capital, it features a generous reception room with ample space dining space, bespoke designed kitchen by Boffi with Miele appliances, independently controlled comfort cooling, high-speed lift and concierge services.
£2,500 / €2,900 / $3,130 per week Foxtons
www.foxtons.co.uk
