The final collection of penthouses have been unveiled to the market at central London development, Rathbone Square by Great Portland Estates plc (“GPE”), its largest development scheme to date, and a leader in the transformation of Fitzrovia. Situated 150 metres from the new Crossrail hub at Tottenham Court Road Station, these remarkable properties present a rare opportunity to experience living in one of the capital’s most connected and vibrant neighbourhoods and includes a residence by visionary design studio, Echlin. The properties are being marketed through JLL and Savills.
Bringing together the best in design, award-winning developer and architects GPE and Make have now completed the exceptional transformation of the former Royal Mail Sorting Office into a landmark mixed-use address featuring one of the first public squares to be opened up in central London for more than 100 years.
Following strong sales success since 2014, and now 99 per cent sold, the penthouse collection at Rathbone Square is the final opportunity to experience innermost London life. Comprising two, unique duplexes located on the seventh and eighth floor, each light-filled home has been meticulously crafted and features double height ceilings, floor to ceiling windows with far-reaching panoramas and rare outdoor space.
"Over the past month we have welcomed the first residents into the 140 private apartments at Rathbone Square. The gates to the garden square officially opened in December and Facebook moved it’s new European HQ into the commercial space. The final two penthouses at Rathbone Square offer buyers something really special: the unique chance to call one of the capital’s most exciting and evolving neighbourhoods home and enjoy remarkably designed living inside and out. The penthouse apartments both benefit from wonderful views across the London skyline and generous outside terraces."
Echlin, a member of the British luxury organization, Walpole, and known for its exceptional commitment to British luxury craftsmanship and thoughtful innovative design, has created the interior for a four-bedroom penthouse spanning approximately 2,900 sq. ft.
An elegantly crafted spiral staircase which is flooded with natural light from the skylight above, leads upstairs to the main living and entertaining space with an adjoining kitchen, and access to southerly and northern facing terraces. Completing this floor is a spacious master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in dressing room and two further bedrooms, one of which could be used as a study. On the lower floor, there are two spacious double bedrooms, one ensuite, and both bedrooms open onto a sizeable balcony. There is also a separate family bathroom. Generous wardrobes and storage can be found throughout, approximately 100 sq. ft. of hanging space, far more than the average London apartment.
The interiors focus on British craft and are influenced by the building’s central, cosmopolitan location and its rich heritage. The serene colour palette of blues, greens, nudes and chalky-whites along with materials such as linen, velvet and leather come together to create a sanctuary in the city; tranquil yet seamlessly connected to the bustling, fast-changing neighbourhood. Further serenity is aided by scents from London chandlers Rachel Vosper and True Grace.
"It’s a privilege to be asked to work on such a well-designed landmark project, and it’s a challenge we have relished. We feel our response explores the best in our approach to warm contemporary interiors anchored in our experience working on exceptional spaces for discerning clients from the UK and around the world. Our design for the penthouse draws on the creative heritage of the area, the Bloomsbury Group for example, and the contemporary innovative businesses that now call the area home, as well as the various international influxes that have added to the culturally rich local DNA. Further inspired by the incredible local food scene, we’ve given special attention to the cooking and eating spaces, after all, former resident Virginia Woolf famously said – ‘one cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well’."
Modern, classic and vintage pieces adorn the penthouse from Julian Chichester, Ochre and The New Craftsmen. There are a number of British made bespoke items such as furniture designed by Echlin and a striking hanging mobile by Corrie Williamson. A selection of accessories, including books by the area’s famous literary figures, art from local artists and a ceramic sculpture by London-based Lauren Nauman also bring character to the space. For the kitchen, Echlin have partnered with British ceramicist John Julian to showcase a curated selection of his work.
The second penthouse spans approximately 2,500 sq. ft. and incorporates a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and living space with an impressive double height ceiling and access to a terrace totalling almost 100 sq. ft. Of particular note is the master bedroom on the upper floor which features his and hers dressing rooms and a sumptuous bathroom with freestanding bath and book-matched marble. There are two further bedrooms with dressing rooms and en suite bathrooms and an optional fourth bedroom or study.
The properties come complete with contemporary custom designed kitchens featuring state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances and Calacatta marble worktop, walk-in wardrobes, ambient integrated lighting, comfort cooling and under floor heating. Purchasers can also take advantage of the carefully considered lifestyle touches which provide the ultimate in premium living including cosmetic fridges and car call points: once outside your front door you can swipe your fob and by the time you reach the automated car stacker system on the ground floor your car will be waiting for you.
"The residential properties are a crucial part of Rathbone Square. It is the vibrant mix of uses around the beautiful square that give Rathbone its character and make it such a great new addition to Fitzrovia. These penthouses, both completely individual, are grounded into the architectural language of the development, which flows inside and out and gives the scheme its unique identity. They will make amazing homes."
Residents can also benefit from an expansive choice of stylishly appointed residents’ amenities, designed by Make Architects, which bring a sense of inner calm to the building. State-of-the-art wellbeing facilities include an 18-metre swimming pool with skylight and adjacent garden space, sauna, steam room and gymnasium. There is also a 16-seater screening room, wine cellar and tasting room, residents’ lounge, private residents’ garden and a 24-hour concierge.
Fitzrovia is one of the London’s finest destination neighbourhoods boasting a number of acclaimed restaurants, independent art galleries, shops and artisan cafés. According to Savills and JLL, values in the area are predicted to rise over the next few years due to limited supply and the arrival of Crossrail in late 2018.