Great Tower Street, London EC3

This spectacular two-bedroom apartment is on the first floor of what was once a building for the trustees of Christ's Hospital. Located in an incredible position within the City, the apartment stretches across over 1,600 sq ft has views straight over Byward Street to the Tower of London. The building itself is Grade II-listed and has many original features still in situ, including marble floors, ornate fireplace surrounds and wooden panelling.

We've written about life here in greater depth.

Setting the Scene

The building was constructed c.1914 to a design by architect Arthur Conran Blomfield (1863-1935), most renowned for his work on the Bank of England building. While half of the building has medieval roots, the wing in which this apartment is situated was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century. At this time, it served as offices for Christ's Hospital.

This apartment, which now comprises two bedrooms and an expansive sitting room, would once have housed the chairman's office and the board room. The building was subsequently home to a NatWest bank before being converted into flats; heavy bank vault doors can still be seen in the basement. The whole building is Grade II-listed, including the internal woodwork, which has ensured that the ornate panelling and incredible fireplace within have been preserved. For more information, please see the History section below.

The Grand Tour

Entry is into a wide hallway with marble floor tiles and an expanse of wooden-framed glazing, which frames views into the grand reception room. Within, large sash windows bathe the room in light, while exceptionally high ceilings and ensure the space can afford to be painted the atmospheric shade of 'Studio Green' by Farrow and Ball. Once the hospital's board room, it was intended as a display of its wealth and importance; as such, there is a variety of intricate detailing, from the refined cornicing which crowns the room to the engaged pilasters that form the window frames. A central fireplace provides a focal handsome point and is formed of green tiles, marble and beautifully carved wood.

A recently renovated kitchen is in the centre of the plan. Storage takes the form of smart white cabinetry and includes a row of useful wine storage. Granite countertops rest above, while a square-tiled floor unfolds below.

The principal bedroom - once the chairman's office - is a room of lovely proportions - this time painted in Farrow and Ball's 'Hopper Head'. The room is arranged around an elaborate marble fireplace; carved onto one side of its surround is a lamb, the symbol of Christ's Hospital. This room also has an en suite shower room.

A door leads straight into the second bedroom, which was once the secretary's office. The same wooden panelling and cornicing feature as in the main bedroom; there is a door here that opens back into the old boardroom. There is also a generous shared bathroom.

The Great Outdoors

Residents of the building have access to a spacious internal courtyard.

Out and About

Great Tower Street is situated in a wonderfully central position: it is mere minutes from the banks of the River Thames and lies directly opposite the historic Tower of London. Located in the City, it is also close to Spitalfields, Whitechapel and the Barbican.

There are some fantastic restaurants nearby. Ambala has excellent Indian sweets and snacks, Tayyabs is renowned for its Punjabi food, and Som Saa for its Thai cuisine. Much-loved St John Bread and Wine is on nearby Commercial Street and Ottolenghi is in Spitalfields. There are also plenty of great traditional pubs within the City, such as neighbouring The Hung, Drawn and Quartered,  Blackfriar and Counting House. The Whitechapel Gallery, Curzon, Rich Mix and Genesis cinemas are also close by.

The south side of the river is a short walk from the house, as are the Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, as well as Borough Market - all easily accessible on foot. Wonderful gallery Raven Row is a short distance away, as is the Whitechapel Gallery and its brilliant bookshop.

Great Tower Street has excellent transport links, including Tower Hill underground (Circle and District lines), Tower Gateway DLR, the Thames Clipper and the Elizabeth Line at nearby Liverpool Street Station.

Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: Approx. 98 years remaining
Service Charge: Approx. £7,765 per annum
Ground Rent: £300 per annum
Council Tax Band: H