London’s evolving skyline features some of the world’s most iconic and city defining skyscrapers, many of them crowned by the most amazing penthouses.
A capital city that’s as famous for its distinct roofscapes as for its parks, London perhaps 50 years ago was relatively low-rise. However, since the turn of the millennium, new-builds have becomie increasingly high-rise. The Heron, The Gherkin and The Shard are to London as Bank of China Tower is to Hong Kong and as the World Trade Centre Tower III and Fortune Plaza are to Beijing. Gary Hersham of Beauchamp Estates observes that as cities have evolved so have the interests of property buyers.
“Previously buyers have tended to have greater interest in established or historical properties, now there is a growing market for new build homes that can more easily offer the very latest innovations and ultimate luxury and convenience. Penthouses are increasingly an important part of this mix. While London has no shortage of new developments, the availability of penthouses in the market remains limited and hence exclusive.”
A new report has revealed that there are an additional 119 new buildings of 20 floors or more planned for London since March last year. This takes the total number of tall buildings in the London development pipeline to 436. While the rapidly expanding and filling London skyline may bring a few more penthouses to the market, they will be scant in number, ensuring that the room at the top retains its cache. Mr Hersham says,
“A great many people dream of living in a luxury high-rise penthouse in a super city: but only a fortunate few will ever be able to call such amazing locations home, and in the most part they are homes, used either as a permanent or second residence.”
Richard Bernstone, director of Aston Chase, believes that penthouses have always spelled glamour and excitement to would-be buyers as the term signals the ‘flagship’ or the best that is on offer within a new development. He explains,
“By virtue of being on the top floor, if lateral, the space will dominate and be far greater than the apartments below; if duplex, the design will allow for flair and style more than other apartments in the building.
“In recent years volume has become a feature in penthouse apartments whereby low ceilinged modern blocks have disappeared being replaced by greater ceiling heights, which are often even higher in the exclusive homes including floor to ceiling windows and doors on to roof terraces.”
Mr Bernstone advises that, to be a true penthouse, outside terracing is a must and generally the specification is amplified for these exclusive units providing luxury on a par with any individual multi-million pound home.
“Often, they can be the first units to sell,”
he says,
“and I have known buyers to track the development for over two years before the development was finally released for sale. The price of the penthouse can often set a positive benchmark for the other apartments in a building.”
A number of Redrow Homes’ developments including the Tower Apartments at Northway House and the properties at Blake Tower are within tall buildings. Tina Dedman, the company’s divisional sales and marketing director, says,
“They are often located in former office blocks or under-utilised sites which we transform into beautiful homes. There are a number of benefits to this approach – we are able to meet London’s growing housing demand by offering a high number of properties within a concentrated space and secondly, we are able to regenerate and bring buildings back into use rather than start from scratch.
“In a city such as London, where space is at a premium, there is always demand for properties located within towers. They also maximise views of its iconic skyline, ensuring properties in tall buildings stand out and are suited to today’s discerning buyers. We expect to see the demand for such homes continue to rise, as the skyline changes and a higher premium is put on space.”
South Bank Tower (Above)
Acclaimed designer Dara Huang of Design Haus Liberty has created the vision for this spacious duplex apartment spanning the 39th and 40th floors. Its contemporary design features a spectacular double height living space which is flooded with natural light from a glass curtain wall. Highlights include a levitating, blackened steel dining table, an organically formed bath tub and an inside-outside water feature extending into the private garden terrace. Residents benefit from a range of five-star facilities including a 20-metre pool, sauna and steam room, state-of-the-art gymnasium and private cinema, as well as one of the capital’s largest private roof gardens with residents’ lounge and business suite.
£25m / €29.8m / $33.3m CIT
www.southbanktower.com
The Henson, Camden
This former Victorian warehouse overlooking the Regent Canal was the workshop for Jim Henson, creator of The Muppets, before being renovated beautifully. Its exceptional 334m2 penthouse apartment has been finished to a high standard throughout and features spacious accommodation comprising substantial entertaining space, four bedrooms, four bathrooms and wraparound terraces of over 2,000 square feet, accessed from all rooms. The apartment also has the use of designated parking for two cars and a 24-hour concierge service.
£6.5m / €7.75m / $8.66m
www.astonchase.com
Riverside Quarter, Three Eastfields, Wandsworth
Four-bedroom, 3,057 square foot duplex penthouse looking out on to Hurlingham Park, with stunning views to the west and across the city to the east. The entrance to this 12th floor property is adjacent to the lift and opens out to a beautiful foyer. Its main living space is at the front while the guest accommodation is to the back. The master suite on its own private floor is accessed via a grand flight of stairs. The penthouse has distinctive features including a large winter garden off the main living space. Originating from Asia and Australia, winter gardens are a skilful fusion of conservatories and balconies with louvered glass walls which enable residents to control the indoor temperature by pivoting the panes. Riverside Quarter contains secure underground parking, 24-hour estate management including concierge and porterage service plus video door entry system. Residents benefit from a range of private leisure facilities including a gym, jacuzzi and indoor swimming pool.
£3.41m / €4.06m / $4.54m
www.riversidequarter.com
Kestrel House, St George Wharf, Vauxhall
Four-bedroom triplex penthouse spanning 5,464 square feet. This 15th floor property has 360-degree views across London and the River Thames and includes eight outside terraces. The apartment is accessed via a private lift-foyer entrance and guests are met by a double-height entrance hall with sweeping architectural glass staircase and floor-to-ceiling French windows leading to a large terrace. One side of the 15th floor is given over to a reception room which is over 49 feet long, while the other side provides a dining room and large family kitchen. Each side of the 16th floor is a bedroom suite, each with a north-facing terrace and a further east or west-facing terrace. Separate staircases from the 16th floor gallery lead up to the 17th floor bedroom suites. The riverfront development provides a full concierge service and 24-hour security for its residents and has reportedly attracted a great number of notable residents including former Prime Minister John Major.
£8.5m / €10.1m / $11.3m
Harrods Estates
www.harrodsestates.com
South Kensington, SW7
Three-bedroom penthouse apartment in a sought-after central location with superb living space and a contemporary design. It features a wonderfully bright dual-aspect reception room with space for dining and a full length decked terrace, also with a dining area. The master bedroom has an en suite bathroom, while the roof terrace includes a gym and Jacuzzi.
£10m / €11.9m / $13.3m Foxtons
www.foxtons.co.uk
St Edmunds Terrace, Primrose Hill
Located immediately next to Primrose Hill, above Regents Park, this penthouse offers uninterrupted views across the Hill and beyond. Its open plan living space offers stunning views and terraces, while a feature fire provides a natural focal point between dining and living areas. Services include a 24-hour porter, underground parking, onsite pool and treatment rooms.
£18m / €21.45m / $23.97m
Beauchamp Estates
www.beauchamp.com
