Wesley Square, London W11

This bright one-bedroom apartment sits within Wesley Square, a development designed by celebrated architects Sir Terry Farrell and Sir Nicholas Grimshaw in 1976. It takes a flexible two-storey layout and, as is crucial to the development's design, is accessed via beautifully planted communal grounds. The square is in Ladbroke Grove, a short walk from Notting Hill and Portobello Road and close to a wealth of transport options.



The Square



Designed in 1976 by the multi-award-winning architects Sir Terry Farrell and Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, Wesley Square was one of the partnership’s very first projects. The scheme was designed for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council and aimed to providing affordable housing for young families and professionals. The development consists of six three-storey townhouses, 22 two-storey maisonettes and 22 duplex apartments. The square has an unusual plan in that each residence is accessed via the central shared garden.



Sir Terry Farrell and Sir Nicholas Grimshaw are now acclaimed worldwide. Farrell found fame with the Post-Modern TV-AM studios, Embankment Place and the Vauxhall Cross HQ of MI5. Grimshaw designed the Eden Project, the Berlin Stock Exchange, the British Pavilion at Expo 92 in Seville, and Waterloo International.



The Tour



Wesley Square is accessed through small gates on either side of the square, discreetly hidden amid mature plants and bushes surrounding a manicured lawn. Paved walkways run around the perimeter of the square. Pin-sharp brickwork is punctuated with distinctive pillar-box red double-glazed window frames and doorways.



This apartment occupies an off-centre position on the square. A door opens into a smart communal stairwell, shared with one other apartment. Positioned on the first floor, this apartment's front door opens into a generous hallway with space for hanging coats and built in display shelves.



The space retains many original features including polished floorboards, internal doors and a magnificent open-tread staircase with a stainless-steel banister and string balustrades.



On entry to the open-plan kitchen and living area, attention is drawn to a large casement window at the rear. It draws in plenty of light, and casts playful shadows across the crisp white walls. In the living area there is space for a seating as well as a large dining table.



The kitchen has been designed in a simple U-shape with grey cabinetry and a white worktop with a stainless-steel double sink unit and drainer. Integrated appliances include a Hisense oven and gas hob with a Bosch freestanding dishwasher. A freestanding fridge is placed beneath the stairs.



The staircase ascends to a bright and spacious mezzanine. Currently arranged as a sleeping space, this flexible area is often also used as a living room. A large Velux window scatters light across the grey-painted original floorboards. There is a deep storage area here, within the depths of the eaves.



Downstairs, on the lower level, is the garden-facing primary bedroom. Raised windows along one wall allow for privacy and invite light to pass through a panel of glass bricks on the opposite wall.



The bathroom sits just off the hallway and borrows light from the bedroom via the glass bricks. It takes a grey decorative scheme and has a bath with an overhead shower and a heated towel rail.



Outdoor Space



Wesley Square is arranged around a communal lawn dotted with benches, trees and verdant bushes. The peaceful communal gardens have won the ‘Brighter Kensington and Chelsea Gardens Award’ several times. There are vegetable and edible herb plots, which are carefully looked after; the weekly maintenance of the gardens is included in the service charge.



Bike sheds within the development are available by separate rent. There is also allocated parking to the rear of Wesley Square available to rent.



The Area



Wesley Square is located in the centre of Ladbroke Grove, within easy reach of the shops, restaurants and markets of Portobello Road, Golborne Road and Westbourne Grove. The Electric Cinema, The Gate Theatre and Electric House are within walking distance. The Museum of Brands is just along the road.



Wesley Square was originally conceived as a centre for artists and creatives, and it retains that spirit to this day. It is a child-friendly community, with good local schools nearby, including Kensington Aldridge Academy designed by Studio E Architects.



The Underground stations of Ladbroke Grove (Hammersmith & City Line), Holland Park (Central Line) and Notting Hill Gate (Central, Circle and District Lines) are all close at hand. There is also good road access to the M4, A4 and A40, providing quick routes to Heathrow Airport (approximately 40 minutes). Paddington station is also nearby for the Heathrow Express, and services to the west of England.



Tenure: Share of Freehold / Lease Length: Approx 950 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £3,000 per year (includes: Buildings insurance, Freeholders' administration or management charges, Repairs to shared areas and the outside of the building, Cleaning services, Sinking fund, Bike store, Communal garden and CCTV) / Ground Rent: Approx. £100 per annum / Council Tax Band: D