Writers Paradise

06.09.21

Located in one of Marylebone’s most refined addresses, Wimpole Street is a chic duplex penthouse with bright interiors and bespoke shelving perfect for a book-lover, available with Beauchamp Estates.

Wimpole Street is today known for being a destination for leading private medicine in London. In the heart of Marylebone, the street is home to the Royal Society of Medicine and the headquarters of the British Dental Association, with many sought-after practices located at this address.

As well its association with medicine, the street has also been home to literary figures over the centuries. In the 1830s, Elizabeth Barrett Browning lived at No.50, a Victorian poet who wrote extensively and was a poet laureate candidate alongside Tennyson after the death of Wordsworth. Elizabeth lived at Wimpole Street with her family before eloping with Robert Browning, and a play called The Barretts of Wimpole Street was subsequently written and performed about their courtship.

Another literary resident, Wilkie Collins lived at No.82, a novelist and playwright, with his novel The Moonstone (1868) credited as the first English Detective novel. Edward James lived at No.35, a poet and passionate supporter of Surrealism and friend of Dalí and Magritte, hosting Magritte at his home in 1937.

In more modern times, musician Paul McCartney lived at No.57 during his relationship with Jane Asher 1964-66, and he penned I Want to Hold Your Hand and Yesterday whilst at the address. The Wimpole Street Writers programme, with members in London and Los Angeles, was founded to host workshops to help writers develop their ideas. Nearby Upper Wimpole Street also has a literary salon, hosting regular gatherings for women writers, critics and academics to discuss their works.

The elegant Wimpole Street duplex is situated on the third and fourth floor of a brown brick, purpose-built block. The 1,900 sq. ft. duplex benefits from direct life access and two private roof terraces, both sought after amenities. Entered on the third floor, the duplex has a large open-plan kitchen and reception room, filled with natural light. The sleek kitchen has handleless white cabinetry, integrated appliances and an island perfect for using as a breakfast bar. The other end of the open space is the reception area, where a beautiful bespoke bookshelf offers the perfect spot for a booklover to read and relax.

There is a guest bedroom suite, complete with modern bathroom. Separated by a curved wall, there is a further bedroom or study, currently styled as another reception room with further bespoke shelving and a dining table, with discrete doors leading to a shower room and storage space.

The fourth floor is accessed by a grand, sweeping curved staircase leading to a bright hallway. This entire floor is the Principal bedroom suite, with the bedroom, fitted wardrobes, and bathroom complete with freestanding bathtub. There is a balcony accessed from the bedroom, with a large roof terrace the other side of the hallway. The property also comes with three large storage cupboards in the basement of the building.

Rosy Khalastchy, Head of Beauchamp Estates St John’s Wood says: “Wimpole Street is a refined address in London, often associated with leading private medical and dental practices. However the street has also been home to notable literary figures over the years, with poets, playwrights and creatives finding inspiration around them. This duplex penthouse is filled with natural light, with the curves of the staircase and bespoke shelving making an interesting home, perfect for a book-lover to read and relax. It is very rare to have two private terraces of this size in the heart of Marylebone.”

Wimpole Street is close to the amenities and boutique shops of Marylebone High Street, the West End and the open green spaces of Regent’s Park. Residents benefit from the abundance of transport links that are within close proximity from Bond Street (Central Line and Jubilee Line), Oxford Circus (Bakerloo Line, Central Line and Victoria Line) and Regent’s Park (Bakerloo Line).

Wimpole Street is on sale for £5,495,000 with sole agent Beauchamp Estates.