Two boutique buildings that sit on the original site of Otto Schiff’s historic mansion in Hampstead, in north London, launched sales on Tuesday, offering 14 luxury apartments with prices starting at £2.4 million (US$3.1 million).
Banking tycoon and philanthropist Otto Schiff acquired the mansion at 14 Netherhall Gardens, Hampstead, in the 1920s. Later he moved to Mayfair and the house became offices and shelter for families who escaped Nazi Germany, according to the developer Godfrey London. In the run-up to and during World War II, Schiff sheltered and assisted a number of Jewish and other refugees.
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The original house, built in 1888, was designed by renowned British architect Richard Norman Shaw in classic Victorian country and Gothic revival style.
After Schiff’s death in 1952, the house was operated as a care home for victims of Nazi persecution. Two years ago, developer Godfrey London procured the site and undertook careful restoration to its residential origins.
"Otto Schiff House is a historically significant building and it has been a privilege for us to restore and return the property to its residential origins," Paul Godfrey, managing director of Godfrey London said in a statement.
The two new buildings, known as Otto Schiff House and Otto Schiff Mansion, are designed by architect Squire and Partners.
The Otto Schiff House features a brick and tile facade, with large bay and stained glass windows, according to the developer. The interiors of the Victorian era-house, including the original entrance hall with its high ceiling, original fireplace and grand staircase, have been restored. Apartments in this building range from 1,443-square-foot two-bedrooms to a 3,068-square-foot duplex penthouse.
The new pavilion building, Otto Schiff Mansions, provides additional seven contemporary apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces.
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"Hampstead is a leafy neighborhood that is less than 30-minute commute by train to London’s financial district," said Neir Gigi, an agent with Goldschmidt & Howland, which is handling sales with Savills.
The twin apartment buildings have landscaped gardens, courtyards and a parking garage.