The most exclusive property in London?

by Mark Knowles on April 29, 2008

A residence fit for a King – or a Queen. Possibly the most expensive, most exclusive, most desirable, most spectacular, most………. When they talk of ultra-luxury, this is what the word was coined for.

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“Oakmayne bespoke,” will soon be launching what has to be the most (see above) properties in London – 6 double-fronted ambassadorial residences, and 3 apartments in 20-21, Cornwall Terrace Mews, Regent’s Park London, NW1. I hesitate to use the words home, or house. These are residences.

This is probably the most prestigious address in London. (Found another superlative) and it is unlikely another property such as this will ever come on the market again.

This particular stretch of the Terrace was leased to British Land as their headquarters, and when the lease ran out, Oakmayne jumped at the chance to buy it. I spoke to Beth Dean, the director of sales and marketing at Oakmayne, and she was a little “coy,” about the price paid. Translation – she wasn’t saying and is not going to.

Cornwall Terrace is part of the Crown Estate, and as such, you can honestly say that you live in one of the Queen’s houses should you choose to buy one. Cornwall Terrace is also a grade one listed building, and must therefore be restored in a way that remains true to the original features and styling.

Restoration work is underway at the moment and there is no expense being spared. Apparently, the previous tenant had covered all the beautiful crown moldings and ceilings with a suspended ceilings and hidden the original fireplaces with plasterboard. Most of this is still intact and where it was missing, new moldings have been created using casts. Each floor has a different molding, presumably to remind the servants when they were in a forbidden area.

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What little I have seen is nothing less than perfect. Their brochure states:

The conversion has been designed to ensure that each reception room and bedroom maximize space and allow light to stream through to every corner.

From floor finishes hand crafted from beautiful Italian marble and oiled and polished elegant hard wood, to the carefully restored fireplaces and corniching, every element is designed to appeal to a sensory awareness of exquisite quality and the promise of an unparalleled finish.

Prices have not been decided yet, but a starting point of £4,000 per square foot was mentioned ($8,000 psf). Residences will vary in size from 8,000 to 14,000 sf ft. So, prices will range from $64 million to $112 million, depending of the level of finish required. These properties make One Hyde Park look cheap and tacky.

The launch will be mid-June. By invitation only. But don’t be too disappointed if your invitation gets lost in the post. It is estimated that there are only 300 Europeans likely to be wealthy enough to afford one of these. Although, if you feel you have been left off the mailing list by mistake, feel free to send me a copy of your bank statement and I will pass along your details for a small fee

Cornwall Terrace was designed by the prolific British architect, John Nash, after he was forced to return to work following a bankruptcy. This is what they looked like back in the day:

cornwall terrace.jpg

Photo credit – 1

Photo Credit – 2

Oakmayne Bespoke

 

{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }

online estate agent April 30, 2008 at 2:07 am

very interesting post

me May 5, 2008 at 3:32 pm

As a London resident I’d argue that this area doesn’t even come close to being the most prestigious – not even. The prices are tiny compared to $200M apartments at One Hyde Park, a recent $160M sale of a house on Upper Phillimore Gardens Kensington & a recent sale of an apartment in St James’s for $230M … Then this past week a London realtor [Jon Hunt] has been offered £200M/$400M for his property on Kensington Palace Gardens. These properties above are a dime a dozen in London & there are many similar terraces surrounding Regents Park – This is nothing special. We’ve seen it all before.

Mark Knowles May 10, 2008 at 12:18 am

More expensive, possibly, but more prestigious. I’m not sure. Having seen the position and what they are doing with these, I stick with it. I guess it’s the difference between quality and “bling,” but I take your point.

Guy McLaren September 27, 2008 at 1:47 am

Looks like an awesome property, When I was in London I used to look at those properties and wonder how many of the people that own them actually worked for a living.

Guy McLarens last blog post..Get a free advert on South Africa’s hot new private house sale website.

London Estate Agent May 2, 2009 at 6:50 pm

What a great place to live and a challenge to maintain

London Estate Agents last blog post..West Hampstead Property Investment

property in london June 2, 2010 at 3:56 pm

during my college days I saw too many beautiful places and was thinking I haven’t missed anything but yes, I did the one shown above.

Louise May November 25, 2010 at 3:46 am

I would love to love here! I really would, but property in London is so expensive its hard for normal Joes to purchase a house. This does look like a fantastic place to live. It will no doubt end up getting rented out to very wealthy companies.

Taxi To Heathrow Airport December 14, 2010 at 8:44 pm

Then this past week a London realtor [Jon Hunt] has been offered £200M/$400M for his property on Kensington Palace Gardens. These properties above are a dime a dozen in London & there are many similar terraces surrounding Regents Park – This is nothing special. We’ve seen it all before.
This is the good site
wow!!! amazing

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