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.

“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.

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:

Photo credit - 1

Photo Credit - 2

Oakmayne Bespoke