Running through the heart of some of England’s most picturesque towns, the River Thames starts its 210 mile journey as a mere trickle in the Cotswolds. It then winds its way right through the centre of London and eventually flows out into the North Sea. As the only river in Europe to have a national trail follow its entire length, the Thames’ riverbanks prove a popular place to live. Michelle van Vuuren, managing director of United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty, says,
“Properties along the Thames can claim to be some of the most desired homes in London and consistently come with a premium, no matter where they sit on the river. One of the obvious advantages is the waterside views which present a calming alternative to the bustling capital and have been proven to help de-stress after a long day. Waterfront homes also usually benefit from brighter living spaces as large buildings don’t have a chance to obstruct the flow of natural light. Types of properties range from classic warehouse conversions and period homes to brand new developments, which receive heavy interest from international buyers.”
According to Savills’ London’s Waterfront 2016 Report, sales by the river in central London are 33% owner-occupier, 33% investors and 34% second home-owners. Within this report, Sophie Chick, associate director of Savills Residential Research, notes that the residential property on offer along the river varies significantly.
“In the east, new schemes are interwoven with repurposed and renovated industrial buildings,”
“In central London most period properties were built set back from the embankment allowing new development schemes to be built right on the water’s edge on both the north and south banks. This differs from the south-west waterfront where there is a high proportion of period stock, and a high number of properties fronting the river are large houses with gardens stretching to the water’s edge.
“All over the world people will pay a premium for living next to water and London is no exception. Analysis of the 27-mile stretch of river between Teddington Lock and the Royal Docks shows an average premium of 13.5% is commanded by secondhand waterfront flats within 100m of the river compared to those that sold in the surrounding area, up to 1km away. River views, private jetties, luxury facilities, penthouses and large outside space all enable properties to command higher but more variable premiums that can be very location specific.”
Grove Park, Chiswick, W4
The Wheelhouse is a recently built, five-bedroom, mid-terrace home, forming part of a stunning development of three riverside homes. The four-storey house includes a gigantic kitchen/breakfast room on the lower ground floor measuring circa 700 square feet leading on to its riverside garden with shared pier. On the ground floor there is an open-plan reception room and riverside sitting room. The first floor has a master suite with balcony with direct river views, dressing room and en suite and a further bedroom with en suite shower room, whilst on the top floor there is a bedroom with en suite shower room, Juliet balcony, direct river views, two further bedrooms and a bathroom.
£2.75m / €3.53 m / $3.93m
River Homes +44 (0)20 8995 0500
Riverside One, Battersea, London SW11
A very spacious three-bedroom apartment on the seventh floor of this sought-after building. The property has exceptional river views towards Chelsea embankment taking in Albert Bridge and the city beyond. The development has a 24-hour concierge service and is being sold with two secure, underground parking spaces.
£4.5m / €5.77m / $6.43m Marsh & Parsons +44 (0)20 7591 5570
Albion Riverside, Battersea, SW11 This magnificent apartment features a large, wraparound, river front balcony with fabulous views. A combination of four flats, the impressive lateral space of 6,000 square feet includes an imposing entrance hall, vast reception room, six en suite bedrooms, a self-contained guest flat with its own entrance, staff quarters with two bedrooms and a bathroom and an acclimatised wine room. The building’s amenities provide 24-hour security, a concierge service, residents’ gym and swimming pool.
£12m / €15.41m / $17.16m H Barnes & Co +44 ()020 7499 3434
The Panoramic, Pimlico, SW1V
An exceptional five to eight-bedroom property incorporating the entire 18th floor of The Panoramic, a boutique riverside building. It features wonderful views in all directions taking in many of London’s iconic buildings. Ideal for a large family or for someone who does regular entertaining on a lavish scale, there is an impressive amount of reception space. This size lateral apartment is extremely rare on the north side of the river so close to Chelsea, Knightsbridge and the West End. The building has a 24-hour concierge service as well as a gym.
£10m / €12.84m / $14.3m
Knight Frank +44 (0)20 3597 7670
Tower Walk, St Katharine’s Way, E1W
Stunning townhouse in a gated development in the heart of one of London’s most exclusive waterfront locations, St Katharine’s Dock. Over three floors, the property has stunning waterside views and has been extensively refurbished by the current owners. Five bedrooms and well-proportioned living areas provide flexible accommodation while large windows fill the home with natural light. It also includes a number of Juliette balconies, a large terrace overlooking the marina and an additional south facing terrace which overlooks the river and Tower Bridge.
£5.25m / €6.73 m / $7.5m
United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty +44 (0)20 7495 9580
The Triplex at Parliament House, Albert Embankment, SE1
Offering breathtaking 360-degree views across the capital, The Triplex penthouse is both sumptuous and elegant. It occupies the top three floors and features a substantial private terrace with outdoor barbecue and cedar wood hot tub. Access to each floor is via a bespoke helical wooden staircase leading to a fully automated glass roof light that when opened provides access to the secondary roof terrace with uninterrupted views up the River Thames towards The Houses of Parliament and The City and south towards Battersea. All residents have access to Parliament House’s concierge service and private gym.
£6m / €7.7m / $8.58m Telford Homes +44 (0)20 3538 9273
