Barbican, London, EC2Y

This impressive 750 sqft one-bedroom apartment in Willoughby House has been sympathetically modernised while retaining much of its Barbican character.

The spacious reception room is a real highlight, offering plenty of room for both relaxing and dining, with views from the private balcony towards the new Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

The semi-open plan kitchen is sleek and contemporary, fitted with white gloss cabinetry, integrated appliances and a Quooker boiling water tap. The apartment also benefits from the original separate cloakroom-now updated with a modern sink-as well as a large bathroom, stylishly refurbished with new tiling and a walk-in shower.

A particularly useful feature is the dressing area, positioned between the bathroom and bedroom. This versatile space adds both practicality and comfort, perfect for wardrobes, storage, or study.
Perfectly located, Willoughby House sits within easy reach of Moorgate and Barbican Underground stations, with Liverpool Street also close by. The Barbican Arts Centre, with its cinemas, theatre, concert hall, gallery, library, bars and restaurants, is just moments away along the iconic covered podium.

* EXTENDED Lease: 171
* Ground Rent: £10 per annum
* Local Authority: Corporation of London
* Service charge: TBC

Vendor's Comments

"I have loved living in Willoughby House. There have been so many unexpected aspects of living here that I have found so beneficial. Of course, life on the Barbican estate is a unique experience. Having everything the Barbican Centre has to offer (and it is a lot) at your fingertips makes life here a real joy. Having the luxury of deciding to attend a concert or play ten minutes before it starts is wonderful - and getting home in less than five minutes is a huge bonus. Every day becomes a weekend.

The Guildhall School of Music and Drama is opposite, and this wonderful space has a great programme, much of it free. Living in this corner of the estate has so many benefits. I feel like I live in a mini-Manhattan and I like the city views from my flat. It's a quiet corner of the estate, and being surrounded by tall buildings means it's sheltered from the weather. The plants on the balcony have thrived. It's a warm and cosy flat in the winter months, and in the summer it remains cool, even in the hottest weather.

Convenience is a major benefit here. It's one minute to Moorgate and its many underground routes including the Elizabeth line - just two stops to the West End, though I prefer the 30-minute walk. This part of the Barbican is so convenient for the shops of Liverpool Street, Cheapside and the beautiful area around St Paul's Cathedral. The gym is 70 yards away and Moorgate itself has all the essential shops needed. The local M&S department store and food hall is over the road, and Waitrose is a short walk away.

I have enjoyed popping down to the private residents' gardens with a blanket and a cushion, and I never tire of walking around the podium. The City of London is ever-changing and I have enjoyed watching new buildings quickly evolve, the pocket gardens come to life and the greening of the urban landscape. I also enjoy sitting amongst the wonderful planting in Finsbury Circus, which has had the most beautiful makeover.

Living here has been so much more than I expected. Convenience, culture and community mean it really is a great place to call home."