Padel Prowess

Either indoor or outdoor, Padel courts are fast becoming the must-have residents’ amenity in new developments, Abode2 takes a look around some of UK's leading examples

Originating in Mexico, Padel has since become a firm favourite in countries such as Spain – and now, it has exploded onto the UK sporting scene too. It’s the pastime of choice for a range of A-list celebrities - from sportspeople like David Beckham and Leo Messi, and F1 drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, through to French President, Emmanuel Macron, so it’s no surprise that Padel is now the world’s fastest-growing sport. The hype is huge – in 2019 the Lawn Tennis Association integrated British Padel into its day-to-day operations and is now the governing body for the sport in the UK. In the UK, demand for the sport has boomed and there’s been a significant rise in players, with circa 90,000 regular players and plans from the LOTA are for up to 4000 courts nationwide by the end of this year.

First, Padel courts were introduced at exclusive private members’ clubs like the Hurlingham, Queen’s Club and The Club by Bamford (at Daylesford), and now, developers are picking up on this trend too and incorporating courts into private residential developments.

Six Senses Residences The Whiteley

Six Senses London will open with 110 guest rooms and suites, spa, unique wellness club experience, and 14 branded residences offering access to the hotel’s facilities. Owners will be able to tap into all the privileges that come with a Six Senses home, including bespoke interior design, concierge service, dining, housekeeping and wellness programming. The spa and the wellness club will play an integral part in the hotel’s offering. In a space reminiscent of an old-fashioned London underground station, highlights include 3,500 square feet dedicated to fitness, a 65-foot indoor swimming pool, the Alchemy Bar and a relaxation room with vaulted ceilings.

The original Grade II façade, central courtyard and dome will all be preserved, as will the majestic internal staircase (modelled on the La Scala opera house in Milan), which features as the centrepiece on the ground floor of the hotel. Drawing on the building’s heritage, the interiors of Six Senses Residences London are designed by internationally celebrated AvroKO in conjunction with executive architects EPR, and combine nostalgic nods to classical detailing and art deco along with modern influences. To add a touch of local culture, contemporary art from British artists will be showcased throughout the Hotel.

There will be a 20-metre swimming pool, indoor Padel court, fitness centre, steam room, sauna and Six Senses spa, alongside a bar and all-day dining restaurant with open kitchen and indoor and outdoor seating. Residents will also be able avail of childcare services, as well as a dedicated members’ club with wellness rooms, meeting spaces and a restaurant.

8 Harbord Square, Canary Wharf

This July, Padium, London’s first premium Padel club will be opening its 30,000 square foot site in the heart of Canary Wharf, situated in the centre of the city’s residential and business district offering enthusiasts and first timers an unrivalled London Padel experience.

With that said, launched just this week, 8 Harbord Square, is a collection of 82 loft-style open-plan apartments inspired by the history of the London Docklands and influenced by the warehouse districts of Lower Manhattan in New York. Designed by leading architecture practice Karakusevic Carson Architects, the homes at 8 Harbord Square are offered in two styles – the 809 square foot Prospect loft and 1,037 square foot Gramercy loft, all of which are completely open plan with no fixed walls, meaning  purchasers can enjoy lifelong autonomy to shape their homes to match their lifestyle. The only fixed elements within the apartments are the kitchens and bathrooms.

Having taken inspiration from the London Docklands, design elements include exposed interior features, large industrial-style windows and engineered timber flooring. Externally, the building’s red brick façade has been inspired by apartment buildings found throughout Manhattan in New York, creating a key visual point of interest that sets the building apart from its surroundings.

Internally, two show apartments have been dressed and furnished in two separate configurations to highlight the multifunctionality and flexibility of these open-plan homes. The first show apartment has been furnished with two-bedroom areas, with glass, metal and timber wardrobe systems and a separate study, living and dining space. The second show apartment has been dressed as a one bed, with four key zones comprising the kitchen, living, study and bedroom area – all of which are separated by cleverly orchestrated practical objects. The main intention in the furnishing of these homes is to establish ‘soft borders’ with furniture, creating a smooth transition between spaces whilst still clearly defining private zones without blocking natural light.

Oakhill

Oakhill is a new landscape-led neighbourhood in Hildenborough, Kent, which is set to come to the market later this year. Set within 30 acres of beautiful mature landscaping, it is incorporating an outdoor padel court as part of its extensive suite of residents’ amenities, which also includes a BBQ area, gym, cinema and co-working space. Oakhill is set to be a modern country estate, and includes the restoration and conversion of a stunning Grade II Listed building alongside an impressive collection of sensitively designed new apartments and houses, with charming views across the grounds. Residents are well connected too, with trains from nearby Hildenborough train station providing connections to London Bridge in 32 minutes.

www.oakhill-hildenborough.co.uk