Property Of The Week

RECORD SALE IN KENSINGTON’S OBSERVATORY GARDENS

Luxury prime London developer One Point Six ended 2017 on a high, exchanging on a magnificent three-bedroom apartment in Observatory Gardens. Acquired by The Collection in post-Brexit summer 2016 for £1.98m, the property was skilfully developed by One Point Six into a sophisticated Kensington home, before exchanging at £2.89m, a record price for the development at over £2,500 per square foot.

Located within 2 Observatory Gardens, this recently sold apartment features seamless and bespoke design, two balconies, 24-hour concierge, underground parking and one year’s full property management by luxury concierge provider Quintessentially. Observatory Gardens itself takes its name from Observatory House, a property owned by renowned astronomer Sir James South. South was president of the Astronomical Society of London during the 1800’s, and it was under his name that the society became The Royal Astronomical Society after obtaining a royal charter in 1831. South was the owner of the world’s largest telescope during the 1800s, having to instruct celebrated engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel to construct an observatory dome in his garden to accommodate it.

Designed in homage to South and his profession, One Point Six incorporated shining brass detailing, spherical chandeliers by Gallotti & Rice and grand sash windows help reflect light and space; whilst the use of dusky pink fabrics, Carrara marble and smooth chevron oak flooring helped to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Co-Founder and Director of One Point Six, Caroline Takla, commented: “As with all our projects, Observatory Gardens was completely unique in its layout and design, and we commissioned bespoke artwork, furniture and soft furnishings that can’t be found anywhere else. We played on the area’s astronomy background, by maximising natural light and including interior detailing, such as spherical and lens-style lamps and chandeliers which create a focal point within each room.

“The successful sale of the property highlights the workmanship of One Point Six, the sound advice and development consultancy of our partners at The Collection and the outstanding salesmanship of the Chestertons Kensington team. It also demonstrates that the market is there for quality developments, despite the current climate.

“This project was my highlight of 2017. By no means our most expensive sale, it was our most notable; with the whole process, from acquiring it for our client, to development, to exchanging at nearly £1m more than we bought it for, taking just over one year. When the development process comes together so smoothly with a new buyer, it makes for a truly magical transaction! It was the cherry on the top of a great year and bodes well for 2018.”

 The elegant apartment in Observatory Gardens features an impressive reception and dining space, with interior design notes including intricate cornicing, powder pink velvet armchairs, a classic stone fireplace, bespoke-commissioned artwork. There is a stunning, south-facing portico terrace and contemporary kitchen with hand-made Hacker German handle-less cabinets, Siemens appliances and a Villerory & Boch sink with an on-trend brass Olif tap.

On the upper level lies the master bedroom, designed with luxurious textured wallpaper, low hanging pendant side lamps and a back-lit headboard. There is an adjoining dressing room and en-suite bathroom; marble clad vanity, polished chrome and built-in shelving; maximising the use of space. On the lower floors there are two double guest bedrooms, both with bespoke-commissioned artwork, pendant side lamps and silk bed linen. These bedrooms share direct access to a private balcony, which is surrounded by painted iron railings, a masonry wall surround and two outdoor down lights.

For further information, contact One Point Six on 020 7493 9202 or visit www.onepointsixlondon.com

Similar property can be found here: www.abode2.com/property-of-the-week-9/