The Barbican Estate At 50

2019 marks a very special birthday for one of London’s truly iconic, if underappreciated, works of architecture. We are, of course, talking about the stunning Barbican Estate. While Britain had been victorious in the Second World War, in the capital, London, you would have struggled to tell. Much of the original City of London had been razed to the ground during repeated aerial bombardments and was desperately in need of reconstruction.

In 1957 the decision to build a brand new estate on the former ward of Cripplegate was taken. 35 acres (the eventual project would actually use 40) were given to the project which took 11 years (1965 to 1976) to complete. The architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon were tasked with creating the estate after their groundbreaking work on the nearby Golden Lane Estate. Their utopian, brutalist design was not without criticism; the design was ahead of its time and divides opinion to this day. The estate officially opened in 1969, though building work and improvements continued for years.

As well as being aesthetically pleasing with its wide-open spaces, stunning water features and intriguing architecture, the estate was also designed with its inhabitants in mind. Features such as a launderette, a nursery, one of London’s largest libraries and even a supermarket meant that the estate’s inhabitants had a great range of amenities on their doorstep which allowed them to have a better quality of life than was available in much of the rest of the city. Indeed the addition of a nursery encouraged the possibility of both parents going out to work, which was the dawn of a new world indeed, and somewhat rare before this point.

Fast Forward To Today

Due to its relatively high cost of rent (set by the City of London), the estate had always been inhabited by the city’s high earners. Today, the estate features many privately owned properties (the Right To Buy Act of 1980 meant that many former council-owned properties were sold) and is no longer under rent controls. This means that the Barbican Estate, as one of London’s iconic pieces of architecture, is priced at the higher end of the capital’s property market, but there are added benefits such as built-in heating that is free for the residents. There is also its location – being so close to the City of London means that many of its residents have very short commutes, saving them money.

The estate has been home to many who work in the city’s financial district and even some MPs. Today, the diverse nature of London is reflected in the estate’s inhabitants. Though priced at the upper end of the market, the estate is home to inhabitants from across the globe and has families of all shapes and sizes living there due to the close proximity of nurseries and schools. Also, somewhat out of keeping with the rest of London, there is a palpable sense of community that can only be fostered by people living in such close proximity and in such a beautiful setting.

The amazing thing about the Barbican Estate is that as the world changes around it, it has kept its appeal. This really is a testament to the quality and ingenuity of the original design. With the design being so far ahead of its time, it has taken the rest of London 50 years to catch up! The estate now sits within one of London’s most desirable areas, this certainly wasn’t the case when it was built. This, you have to say, is an incredible testament, as the development of the estate certainly appears to have positively affected the development of the area around it. 

The estate still has some fantastic amenities to this day including its own school, a church, a launderette, a nursery and the iconic Barbican cultural centre. All of this, as well as the incredibly well-kept gardens, a children’s playground and of course the iconic lake, means that to this day, the Barbican Estate is still one of London’s best places to live.

So, here at AW Childs, we salute the Barbican Estate on its half-century. With the estate based on our doorstep, we have years of experience helping people to move into this iconic piece of London’s architectural heritage, and hope that it will continue to grow in popularity as more and more people appreciate the quality and unique living experience that the Barbican Estate provides, 50 years after its groundbreaking inception.

Willoughby House, Barbican

Sometimes a very rare property comes onto the market. A place that has a real wow factor, and could have only been completed by someone who had the vision to create something totally different. Here at AW Childs, we have been tasked with selling a property that fits this description perfectly. Based on our doorstep here in the Barbican, this extremely rare and very unique two bedroom penthouse apartment is the ideal home for those who want space, views and an ideal location in the City of London.

Based over three floors (the fifth, sixth and seventh) of Willoughby House, part of the brutalist masterpiece which is the Barbican Estate, the property benefits from not only amazing amounts of internal space (1,023 sq ft) but also benefits from a rooftop terrace that affords a stunning vista of the City of London – including many of its architectural masterpieces such as The Gherkin. Of course, you do not have to look outside of the Barbican Estate for amazing views, the estate itself is a stunning piece of architecture that you can enjoy from the property.

The home really is stunning and is an ideal example of what can be achieved when there is a spirit to create perfection. This home is not only stunning because of what it is, but it is also stunning because of the high specification of the finish.

The home is ideal for professionals, couples, growing families or even as an investment property. We have previously facilitated the letting on this property so know it, and the vendor, well. Get in touch if you wish to talk about the investment possibility that comes with this property and we can give you a detailed breakdown of rental costs and potential yields.

The Property

While the location is ideal, the finish of the property is even better. While it could be easy to lose the feel of a home when it is based over three floors, the care and attention that has been paid here help to ensure a seamless transition from one floor to the next. So, where do we start? Well, you enter the property on the fifth floor and are greeted by the entrance hall which has a coat cupboard and a set of stairs leading you to the main living area. The main living area consists of a west-facing, spacious living room (plenty of room to entertain) with stunning views of the Barbican Estate and its stunning lake (the view is directly above the lake), and also a modern, spacious kitchen featuring gloss worktops and cupboards. The kitchen also features integrated appliances to keep visual clutter to a minimum and maintain the sleek, modern look. A Bosch oven and separate microwave are integrated into the kitchen to ensure maximal usage of space. There is also an electric hob that ensures efficient and easy to clean cooking for the chef of the household.

Between the fifth and sixth floor is a half-landing that houses the large, updated bathroom. The room has been tastefully updated and provides a shower, bath and separate WC. The room is easily big enough to cater to the needs of a growing family if required.

Moving to the sixth floor, there is the second of the double bedrooms, which is spacious and comfortable. Ideal for a growing family, the second bedroom offers plenty of options for guests and family members.

Now onto arguably the best feature of the property: the seventh floor. On this floor are the master bedroom and the rooftop terrace. The master bedroom is extremely spacious and features huge windows that allow in huge amounts of natural light. Being behind the terrace, the room is also well hidden for those who love natural light but also value privacy. The bedroom leads directly out onto the terrace which, due to its size, will comfortably allow several adults to sit outside and enjoy those summer evenings spent just enjoying the amazing views of the cityscape around them.

The Area

One of the major attractions of this property is the area in which it is based: the Barbican. Housed inside the Grade II listed Barbican Estate, this home benefits from not only the amazing architecture of the Chamberlin, Powell & Bon designed estate that features a lake and gardens, but also the wider attractions of this most vibrant area of the City of London. There are amazing bars, cafes, shops and even world-renowned cultural hubs such as the Barbican Centre on your doorstep. You are also walking distance from the buzzing neighbourhood of Clerkenwell and the incredible Smithfield Market. For those who love city living, this property really is second to none.

For those who live in the city, transport is vital. This property is also ideal for those who need to travel into the city for work or perhaps even further afield. The following stations are all within easy reach of the property: Barbican (Hammersmith & City, Circle and Metropolitan Lines) and Moorgate (Northern, Hammersmith & City, Circle and Metropolitan Lines). Crossrail will also be connected to Farringdon once completed and will allow for quick fuss-free travel across London. There will be excellent links to both Berkshire and Essex, and there will also be direct trains to Heathrow, allowing an easy way to jet off for business or leisure. Due to its location, getting around the city could not be easier.

Get In Touch

Properties such as these do not come onto the market very often. This property, in particular, is an incredibly rare gem in an ideal location. If you wish to know more then call AW Childs estate agents today on 0203 693 9444 for more information. We have looked after this home as a rental property for many years and are very well placed to help. So call today or email us at [email protected] and a member of our team will be happy to help you with your query.

New Four-Bedroom For Sale On Farringdon Road

Are you looking for a stunning, spacious property based in the heart of the City of London? Well if so, this newly listed four-bedroom upper maisonette based on our doorstep – the highly desirable Farringdon Road – is ideal. The property boasts a stunning interior and fabulous location making it an ideal, spacious family home, or alternatively it could make for an attractive investment property with a proven rental yield (4% on an income of £1,000 per week with current corporate tenants).

Another option for those looking for potential development opportunities is buying both this and the property below it. We currently have both properties for sale and if combined, they could be converted into an attractive and incredibly spacious property that would offer a multitude of options for owner-occupiers or investors.

The Property

This four-bedroom property is simply stunning. Not only is it stunning it is also extremely generously sized – a real rarity in the heart of the city. Its size comes from it being arranged over the first and second floors of this character filled Victorian townhouse. Nowhere is this space more felt than in the wonderful 18’ south-facing reception room. The space afforded in the property offers incredible options for many different types of owner.

While there are the period features of the townhouse, there is also all of the modern design and function that many desire in city properties. A modern, contemporary kitchen and well-designed rooms populate this large home. Among these rooms are the three generous double bedrooms, as well as a smaller fourth that would be ideal for use as a study or a guest bedroom. As well as the extra bedrooms, there is also an extra bathroom. Both of the bathrooms are smart and stylish – exactly in keeping with the rest of this modern, spacious property.

For storage lovers, there is also a cloakroom that allows even more storage space in an already spacious home. For those looking for a large home with plenty of space, you will struggle to beat this one.

The Area

While the property itself is clearly stunning, the location is perhaps even more so. Based fewer than 50 metres from our door, this property is ideally located on the popular and highly-desirable Farringdon Road. With unbelievable amenities such as the amazing foodie paradise Exmouth Market on the doorstep and numerous bars and cafes, this home is ideal for those who need a large home, but love city life. There are endless options such as cafes, museums and even cultural icons such as the Barbican Centre that mean living here removes the option to ever be bored.

As well as the amenities, there are also magnificent transport options. With Farringdon underground station (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and overground options) only 0.5 miles away, you are ideally connected to get around the city in a hurry. There are also other local stations such as Angel (Northern Line – 0.8 miles away) and King’s Cross/St Pancras  (0.9 miles away) that offer transport locations that can even take you to mainland Europe if you so desire. If this isn’t quite enough transport, there is also a Crossrail station being added to Farringdon, offering an even larger number of options including direct links and fast access to London’s biggest airports.

Call Today

As you can see, this property offers an amazing array of options. Whether you want to slip out for a morning coffee in Exmouth Market (or why not have one in Paris by taking the Eurostar from St Pancras? Seems excessive, but it is an option) or just have easy access to all of London from your doorstep then this property is ideal. Opportunities to own such a unique and well-located property are rare, so if you would like to know more before it is snapped up, call today on 0203 693 9444 (or email [email protected]) and our team will be happy to help with any query that you may have. We can also let you view the property so that you can see for yourself this precious gem in the heart of the City of London.

Family Home For Sale In Stoke Newington

If you are looking for a stylish home close to the heart of the City of London then our new property may be just the ticket! Based in trendy Stoke Newington, this home is ideally based for those who live in the city but wish to live somewhere a little quieter, away from the hustle and bustle. A rare gem on the outskirts of the city, the property benefits from an excellent location while being finished to a high standard.

This carefully curated home is ideal for a professional couple or growing family, and has all the room that you need as your family continues to grow! The space is not only roomy, but it is also wonderfully decorated – clever use of natural light complements the light decor, and the transition to the stunning wood flooring that covers the living room and hallway (the bedrooms are carpeted) creates a stunning effect.

The property is located within easy reach of not only local schools, but also the vast array of amenities on offer on the fabulous Church Street – which has an amazing array of bars, cafes and independent shops that mean it’s the beating heart of the area, and is only 100 metres from the property! As well as the amazing Church Street, there are also excellent transport options – Canonbury overground and Highbury & Islington stations are close by for excellent links to various parts of the city. This home really does offer a complete package for city workers. For those who are looking to be close to the city but also enjoy some peace and quiet in a family home that is stylish and practical, this property is going to be hard to beat.

The Property

Upon entering the property you are treated instantly to one of its most charming features: its zigzag hallway. Many properties lack charm and character, but not this one! Every room is slightly different and has a charm and design all of its own. The hallway breaks up the home nicely into distinct areas that mean this property is very much one of a kind.

So, as you enter the property, you face the first of the two bedrooms. This guest/child’s bedroom is ideal for a couple with a child or as a space that can be used to put up guests in. Benefitting from being bathed in natural light and being decorated in light tones, the room has an airy feel. There is also a clear feeling of luxury – the plush carpets create a beautiful homely feel that can often be lost with wooden floors. The room also benefits from a built-in storage cupboard to help keep the room tidy.

Continuing into the property, you approach the open plan living room with newly refurbished kitchen. This intelligently designed room manages to pack a lot into its space – a well-proportioned living room and a stunning kitchen that has everything that you could possibly need all in one room. The room, like much of the property, benefits from being bathed in natural light. The kitchen features a gas hob, an inbuilt oven and integrated appliances that are hidden by the kitchen cabinets. The stylish look of the kitchen is topped off with under-cabinet lighting that can be used to create a soft light for those who prefer it on darker evenings.

The next stop in the home is the master bedroom. Much like the smaller bedroom, the room benefits from natural light and a plush carpet. This room is significantly larger than the smaller bedroom, and features built-in wardrobes that complement the room’s decor beautifully.

Continuing down the distinctive hallway – past the two handy storage cupboards (one of which contains the washer/dryer – an excellent feature that allows for more storage space in the kitchen) – you finally reach the bathroom. The bathroom continues the modern, stylish look that is the signature of this home. With stunning large tiles and a fully-fitted bathroom suite, the room also benefits from natural light due to the large frosted windows. The room is cleverly designed to make the most its space ensuring both form and function.

Amenities

The home itself is all well and good, but what about where it is located? Well, luckily enough, the location for this particular family home is ideal. With a school and leisure centre practically on your doorstep and the transport options that being near to the A10 bring, this home is ideal for those who want to have the best of both worlds – you have a home in a quiet neighbourhood while still having access to fantastic amenities and having the whole of the city within easy reach. There is nightlife aplenty should that be your thing, there is also access to beautiful green spaces with Clissold Park close by for those weekend strolls in the fresh air. The park has excellent amenities including adventure playgrounds, lakes, a lido and even tennis courts. This property really does offer amazing options due to its location, and being surrounded by fantastic options such as Church Street and Clissold Park, it really is a fantastic place to live.

The location is also ideal for city workers. Being so close to a handful of stations and also the bus routes of the A10, this property offers easy access to transport for those who work in the city and can make your commute a quick and easy one into the city.

Call Us Today

With so much to offer this property will not be around for long. Call AW Childs estate agents today on 0203-693 9444 for more information about this fantastic property. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to discuss the property and arrange a viewing if you would like to see the property.

Clerkenwell Fire Station To Provide Shelter For Local Homeless

The UK’s oldest fire station is to be reopened as a temporary homeless shelter. The fire station, based in Clerkenwell, was closed in 2014 and has cost taxpayers an estimated £500,000 since closing its doors. City Hall has decided to put the listed building, built in 1917, to use after it was closed by the former mayor of London and current member of parliament Boris Johnson. A spokeswoman for London’s current mayor, Sadiq Khan, said: “City Hall is working with the London Fire Commissioner and Islington Council to bring the former Clerkenwell fire station, which is currently unused, to offer rough sleeping services in the meantime before the long-term development plans around the site are finalised and begin.” Based on our doorstep in Clerkenwell, it is good to see that such an important part of the area’s heritage and architecture is being put back into use. As a community-minded estate agent, it is vital for us here at AW Childs estate agents that our local areas of the Barbican, Clerkenwell, Farringdon and the wider Islington area are working hard to support the homeless.

Long Term Future

The long-term future of this iconic structure is somewhat unclear. Discussions are ongoing between Islington Council and City Hall as to the future of the fire station. Islington Council is hoping to turn the former fire station into social housing. Whatever happens, we hope that this iconic building is put to use and kept a part of our thriving local community.

Moving forward, the use of the property, at least in the short-term, as a homeless hub is a positive step. It has been reported by the Islington Gazette that the shelter is likely to include 20 beds and an advice centre. Advice centres are vital in helping homeless people to move forward with their lives. Often, homeless people are in desperate need of support. The right advice and support can help them to rebuild their lives.

Homelessness Is A Growing Problem

If the former Clerkenwell Fire Station is turned into a homeless refuge then this may help to reduce one of London’s biggest growing problems: homelessness. Homeless charity Crisis revealed in a 2018 report that London accounts for 25 pc of the UK’s homeless population. This means that at any one time there are around 6,000 people living without a home in the capital. So while 20 beds are helpful, there is significantly more work to be done to help the homeless in the capital.

While homelessness is a growing problem, there are numerous local projects that are helping to make life a little easier for those living on the streets. As we reported in March, the Exmouth Market project “Take one leave one” was helping the local homeless by providing a direct link between those who wanted to donate and those in need. It is projects such as these that means our local community is doing all that it can to make life just that bit better for those in need. Another local charity, Street Storage, is also pioneering efforts to help those on the streets by helping homeless people to store their most prized possessions. The charity, started by campaigner Rachel Woolf, gives a safe place for up to 20 homeless people to store possessions such as passports, to ensure that they are not lost. It is projects such as these, often started by local champions, that can help to make a huge difference to those who need it most.

A Community Spirit

It makes us extremely proud here at AW Childs estate agents to see the power of local charity work. It is for this reason that we dedicate so much of our time helping the community around us. We live and breathe our local area, and being part of the community helps us to develop a deeper level of understanding of our surroundings.