Listing of the Day
Location: Hyde Park, London
Price: £10.25 million (US$14.59 million)
This restored Georgian townhouse, built circa 1827, is a Grade II-listed property, meaning that its integrity as an authentic Georgian building is protected. During the course of its history, however, the five-bedroom property had been split into two separate dwellings, the main house facing the square and the mews house in Archery Close behind.
The current owners bought both properties, and restored them back to a single home, with a multi-million pound renovation overseen by a building consultant who has carried out conservation work at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and the Royal Library, among other high-profile buildings.
The restored home can be accessed from both Connaught Square and Archery Close, and its original historic details have been retained, such as the cornicing, architraves, doors and skirting.
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As well as benefiting from the charm of historical London, the home contains many modern features and conveniences, such as a pool and an elevator, underfloor heating and air conditioning.
According to the home’s Kay & Co. agent, Joe Le Beau, buyers are often seduced by old townhouses, before becoming disillusioned or overwhelmed by their "ancient" structures and amenities.
The sale will also include a Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid electric car, purchased for £100,000 (US$141,940) 15 months ago, for use with the charging pedestal installed in the garage.
Stats
This five story, 4,747-square-foot home has five bedrooms and six bathrooms, and includes staff accommodation and a guest kitchen.
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Amenities
The home’s modern conveniences include air conditioning and underfloor heating, Lutron & Crestron operated home systems, a media room and an elevator.
There are also some more unique amenities, such as an "endless" swimming pool, whose counter-current means that it is essentially a water treadmill. "You don’t need an Olympic-sized pool to get a good swimming workout," Mr. Le Beau said. It also contains an actual underwater treadmill.
Neighborhood Notes
Connaught Square is filled with mostly full-time homes, and "feels very much like a community," according to Mr. Le Beau. It is home to Tony Blair, former British prime minister, as well as the TV presenter Claudia Winkleman. The house lies on the Western, quieter side of the square—the same side as Tony Blair’s—affording peace and privacy as well as a proximity to the bustling, boutique-lined village of Connaught Street, and the heart of London city beyond.
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Just south of Connaught Square lie Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, two of the world’s great city parks. Oxford Street and Marylebone are nearby, with Mayfair and Knightsbridge a pleasant walk away.
Agent: Joe Le Beau, Kay & Co.
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