Gabriel Square, St Albans, Hertfordshire

This beautiful four-bedroom house sits in a corner position on Gabriel Square, a quiet, modernist-inspired garden square in central St Albans. Wonderfully considered, the refined internal spaces were designed by Conran and Partners with multiple terraces, balconies and a glorious rooftop. The building has impressive eco credentials and has secure underground off-street parking. Gabriel Square is a five-minute walk from St Albans station, where fast train services run to St Pancras four times an hour, with a journey time of approximately 18 minutes.



The Architect



The architects Gordon Benson and Alan Forsyth joined the Camden Architects’ Department in 1968 and were an integral part of the golden age of architects at a time when Neave Brown was designing his exemplary schemes. They established their own practice, Benson & Forsyth, in 1978. They have since designed a host of large-scale public buildings, including the Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin.



The Square



Completed in 2018, Gabriel Square comprises 80 homes, including townhouses, duplexes, apartments and two penthouses. A rare oasis in the heart of the city, the square is a modern evocation of traditional Georgian and Regency garden squares, set over three acres of beautifully landscaped communal grounds. Benson & Forsyth drew inspiration from modernist architecture, creating a contemporary and sophisticated housing scheme that promotes wellness and relaxation linked to the connection to green communal spaces and the outdoors.



The Tour



This house is in a terrace of townhouses designed to look out onto the manicured grounds of Gabriel Square and its magnificent mirrored Torus sculpture. A walled footpath leads to the front door. Railings run in front, above the underground parking and private integrated garage below. The front door opens into the first of two reception rooms, with a large picture window framing views of the square.



Executed with exemplary care, designers Conran and Partners have used refined, sleek materials and colour palettes throughout. The result is a well-considered neutral backdrop that maximises the natural daylight that pours in through glazed aspects spanning the length of the perimeter walls. Simple detailing like hidden curtain tracks throughout adds an understated sense of refinement.



To the rear of the plan is the second reception room. A glazed door opens to a balcony terrace, with a spiral staircase to the garden below. Inside, a floor-to-ceiling glazed panel looks out to the communal garden. A large shutter can be opened for additional ventilation.



A central staircase runs between the four floors. The kitchen is on the lower-ground floor, towards the rear of the plan. The kitchen is by Poggenpohl with a Corian worktop. Integrated appliances include twin ovens (one with a microwave function), a Neff hob, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. An engineered oak floor runs underfoot. A door next to a glass screen opens directly to the garden. There is also a downstairs cloakroom at this level and internal access to a full-sized garage.



Back upstairs on the first floor lie two of the four bedrooms. All bedrooms are doubles and softly carpeted. The principal bedroom has ample storage in the form of a wall of floor-to-ceiling wardrobes and an immaculately executed en suite bathroom with a walk-in shower. The second bedroom has a door to a mini balcony overlooking the garden with floor-to-ceiling glazing and a shuttered air vent.



The top two bedrooms on the second floor both have outdoor terraces. This floor is also shared with the primary bathroom.



Additional cupboards house utilities, and the apartment has Control 4 smart home technology, meaning all home technology can be controlled from one device.



Outdoor Space



Terraces and balconies are an integral part of the overall experience of this terrific townhouse, providing additional private spots to sit outside.



From the uppermost level, stairs continue to the spectacular rooftop terrace. Here, 180-degree elevated views are captured, encompassing much of St Albans and the spire of its cathedral. The space is a wonderful extension to the primary plan in the warmer months.



The rear garden has built-in limestone bench seating with plenty of space for outside entertaining. From here, the garden leads out to a wonderful communal garden area, shared only with the neighbouring residents along the south terrace. Here, there are sculptures by artist David Harber, along with ornamental trees and planting.



The central plaza is designed for both formal and informal relaxation. A tapestry of open lawn, evergreens and semi-mature trees offers places to gather, socialise and play.



The Area



St Albans is a highly sought-after Hertfordshire city renowned for its excellent private and state schooling. It is characterised by its historic architecture and its many listed buildings, museums and heritage sites, including St Albans Cathedral, Roman Verulamium Park and Museum and the River Ver. The development is very close to the city centre, which has a choice of thriving local shopping hubs offering a selection of boutique and popular high street shops, coffee shops and cafés.



The city has numerous green spaces, including the lovely Clarence Park, and there is an access point for the Albans Way, a popular foot and cycle path, a short distance from the square. A short distance from the city centre is Jersey Farm Woodland Park, an area of woodland and meadows, bridleways and footpaths. These are ideal for ramblers and dog walkers looking for a peaceful atmosphere and countryside views. In the nearby village of Sandridge is beautiful Heartwood, the site of England’s largest new native forest.



The city hosts many popular places to eat: The Ivy, Côte, Bills, Lussmanns, and the Michelin guide-listed Thompson. There is a popular independent cinema, the Odyssey, directly opposite Gabriel Square, and a choice of locally renowned restaurants lie within walking distance.



St Albans' proximity to London allows for easy commuting from its mainline station; regular and direct services run to St Pancras International in around 18 minutes. The M25 and M1 motorway networks are also within easy reach, both just less than 3 miles away. Luton Airport is slightly over 11 miles away, and London Heathrow Airport is 27.5 miles. Trains run directly to both Luton Airport and Gatwick Airport from the City centre station.



Tenure: Share of Freehold / Lease Length: Approx. 993 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £6,500 per annum (including buildings' insurance, management charge, caretaker, mechanical services, repairs to shared areas and the outside of the building, cleaning services, concierge and maintenance of communal gardens) / Council Tax Band: G