Property Of The Week: Historic Percy Circus Townhouse

Set upon the steep, leafy slopes between Islington and Clerkenwell, a rare five-storey townhouse on Percy Circus has entered the rental market, offering an exceptional blend of neoclassical elegance and profound world history.

This Grade II Listed residence, spanning 2,728 sq. ft., occupies a prominent position within one of London’s most architecturally significant developments.

Close by, is the 1905 residence of Vladimir Lenin, who utilised his home on Percy Circus crescent as a strategic base during his political exile. A blue plaque adorns the crescent, marking it as a destination of immense interest for both heritage enthusiasts and connoisseurs of fine architecture.

The townhouse is a masterclass in 19th-century design, originally conceived by architect-surveyor William Chadwick Milne. Completed circa 1839 as part of the New River Company’s ambitious expansion, Percy Circus was designed as a bold departure from the rigid grid patterns found in Mayfair and Marylebone. Drawing inspiration from the grand circular planning of Bath and Edinburgh, the terrace follows the dramatic natural terrain, descending a full storey as it moves toward the valley of the River Fleet. While the Blitz saw the loss of several neighboring structures, the survival of this particular home ensures that its unique character and historic soul remain intact for the modern tenant.

Inside, the residence has been extensively refurbished to meet the highest contemporary standards while honoring its classical proportions. The ground floor serves as a grand introduction with two spacious reception rooms featuring 10ft ceilings, bespoke shutters, and original fireplaces. Descending to the lower ground floor, the home transitions into a modern indoor-outdoor sanctuary. Here, a fully fitted kitchen and family dining area are crowned by a large skylight, while bi-folding doors dissolve the boundary between the interior and a landscaped, 80ft south-west facing walled garden. This level also provides an additional bedroom and bathroom, making it an ideal space for guests or extended family.

The upper levels of the home are dedicated to formal entertaining and private retreats. The first floor comprises two magnificent interconnecting living rooms with floor-to-ceiling sash windows that bathe the space in natural light and offer serene views of the Circus. The second floor is devoted entirely to the principal suite, a luxurious escape featuring a walk-in wardrobe and a private terrace. The ensuite bathroom is a particular highlight, offering a freestanding bathtub positioned to overlook the greenery of the garden below. Two further bedrooms occupy the third floor, providing elevated views toward the evolving skyline of King’s Cross.

Beyond the architectural charm of the home itself, the location offers unparalleled connectivity. Positioned within a short stroll of King’s Cross St. Pancras and Farringdon Station, residents enjoy immediate access to the Elizabeth Line, national rail, and international Eurostar links. This property represents a rare opportunity to reside in a light-filled urban sanctuary that is as rich in character as it is in convenience, providing a sophisticated lifestyle in one of London’s most distinctive historic settings.

Price: Available for rent at £2,877 per week.

Key features

- Historic Grade II Listed 1830s townhouse close to the home of Vladimir Lenin
- Five storeys of refined accommodation totaling 2,728 sq. ft.
- Four spacious bedrooms and three bathrooms including a dedicated principal floor
- Four grand reception rooms with original fireplaces and 10ft ceilings
- Sleek modern kitchen with skylight and bi-folding doors
- Expansive 80ft south-west facing landscaped walled garden and private terrace
- Light-filled interiors featuring elegant sash windows and park-facing views
- Prime Clerkenwell location moments from Farringdon and King’s Cross St. Pancras

Images: DEXTERS

Feature your property by contacting Alan Cox, Abode2, at alan@abode2.com today.