A former military base doesn’t exactly sound like the most luxurious spot to set up home, but Chelsea Barracks in central London’s preeminent enclave of Belgravia will change your mind in an instant.
If you haven’t already heard of it, let us introduce you to this superlative-inducing collection of residences. Not only is it officially the most sustainable development in Europe, but it was also built on the most expensive piece of British real estate ever sold, in London’s most exclusive borough.
Occupying 12.8 acres between the upmarket boutiques of Sloane Square and the River Thames, the former British army site has been transformed beyond any recognition into one of the planet’s most desirable neighborhoods within the highly-prized SW1W postcode.
The 9,947-sq-ft 3 Mulberry Square is one of the development’s most significant properties and has recently come on to the market / ©Chelsea Barracks
All four bedrooms on the upper floors feature ensuites / ©Chelsea Barracks
Set amongst five acres of gardens are the Chelsea Barracks Townhouses – a collection of new homes, architecturally styled on the iconic London Georgian Townhouse (think The Banks’ family home in Mary Poppins) sensitively adapted for today’s living. The 9,947-sq-ft 3 Mulberry Square is one of the development’s most significant properties and has recently come on the market.
Designed by award-winning international architects PDP London, it is one of just 13 of its kind. “The townhouses are, at their core, homes for families,” says Marion Baeli, partner at PDP London. “[Though] based on traditional Georgian layouts and proportions, they are resolutely contemporary in their design and in the wealth of amenities they offer.
For the balustrades that line the property’s grand staircase, designers 1508 drew inspiration from the sabre of a sword / ©Chelsea Barracks
The roof terrace offers views of the London Eye and the Shard / ©Chelsea Barracks
“The front facade speaks the same language as the surrounding Belgravia locale, and the townhouses sit within a re-interpretation of the historic London green square – which is so typical of the area – justifying their place in this quintessentially British, urban landscape,” she says.
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With an emphasis on heritage and craftsmanship, the townhouse’s interior is also a fresh interpretation of timeless British design, with nods to both the area’s Georgian history and the site’s military past. A clever example of this is the balustrades that line the property’s grand staircase, for which London design studio 1508 drew inspiration from the saber of a sword.
Exquisite English herringbone and marble flooring can be found throughout and London design firm Albion Nord dressed the townhouse in an elegant neutral color palette and touches of walnut and oak, to create a beautifully sophisticated space that works hand in hand with the property’s architecture.
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The kitchen opens onto a multi-level private garden designed by landscape architect Randle Siddeley / ©Chelsea Barracks
The space has been designed for socializing / ©Chelsea Barracks
“We took inspiration from the British heritage of Chelsea Barracks and the nature of Georgian house,” says Camilla Clarke, creative director at Albion Nord. “The house uses traditional heritage colors such as earthy greens, china whites and dusky blues. Our aim was to bring the house to life through collected and curated objects, antiques and artworks that were carefully sourced throughout the UK. In doing so, the spaces feel timeless and inherited and have become part of the Chelsea Barracks legacy in themselves.”
The upper three levels of 3 Mulberry Square house four en-suite bedrooms, including a master suite with two dressing rooms and far-reaching views of Belgravia and beyond. To maximize the views, formal and informal reception and dining rooms also grace the upper levels of the property.
[See also: The Hari Review: A Stylish Getaway in Belgravia, London]
The best vistas of all are granted from the property’s private roof terrace which takes in both the London Eye and the Shard. The terrace is surrounded by green biodiverse roofing and bird boxes to attract and protect existing wildlife – two of the many eco-conscious design facets that have resulted in Chelsea Barracks being the only development in Europe to be awarded Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.
The owner of 3 Mulberry Square will be able to amass an impressive wine collection / ©Chelsea Barracks
The lower three levels – two of which are subterranean – have been thoughtfully arranged for carefree living. On the ground floor is a study along with a full-width dine-in kitchen featuring elongated ceilings and Sub-Zero & Wolf and Gaggenau appliances.
The kitchen opens onto a multi-level private garden designed by landscape architect Randle Siddeley. “The different layers and character of the vegetation were carefully selected to appeal to all the senses and create a unique and forever changing experience in the gardens throughout the years to come,” says Siddeley.
The townhouse boasts its own underground pool / ©Chelsea Barracks
Enjoy the classics in the home cinema / ©Chelsea Barracks
Across the two lower floors you will find a host of amenities including a gym, private swimming pool, cinema room and wine store, as well as underground secure parking and staff accommodation with back of house services. With the property spanning so many floors, it also boasts a lift allowing for instant access to all levels.
The new owner of 3 Mulberry Square will also gain membership of The Garrison Club, a carefully curated suite of lifestyle amenities reserved for the use of Chelsea Barracks residents.
3 Mulberry Square at Chelsea Barracks is on the market for $51.2m, knightfrank.co.uk
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