St John Street, EC1V

An outstanding Clerkenwell loft apartment “a brilliant celebration of space.”

Regarded by many as the most significant residential building in Clerkenwell, The Paramount Building was built in the mid 1930’s by the builders John Laing, then occupied for manufacturing and warehousing by a variety of companies including the Scholl footwear company.

In the mid 1990’s the building was converted into the most spectacular loft apartments by Warner Lofts, with designs by John Randle of circus architects with the façade glamorized with white render paint and balconies. It remains one of the most iconic and desired building in Clerkenwell and exemplifies loft living at its finest.

Stripped back to its concrete shell a new apartment has been created to the designs of William Matthews Associates architecture and Builders by Design, where possible retaining the building’s authentic character.

Both architect and designer are celebrated in the industry.
William Matthews worked with Renzo Piano of The Shard before starting his own practice which in 2021 was shortlisted for the Stirling Prize. Builders by Design is a bespoke joinery and versatile construction company and has worked on some of the finest projects in London. The result is an exquisite apartment finished to exacting standards creating the most comfortable home and one of the most beautiful loft apartments I have seen in quite a while.

Lateral in layout, the design of the space is flawless with superb storage hidden behind Querkus Hungarian oak veneer floor to ceiling panelling by Decospan, clay plastered walls, wide board Oak flooring from Havwoods and Micro cement flooring in both bathrooms.

The accommodation comprises a huge reception space sensibly divided into living, dining and kitchen zones with direct access onto a terrace. The principal bedroom suite has ample storage cupboards, study area and ensuite shower room. The second bedroom is another good double room with further built in cupboards and there is a guest bathroom. With its perfect Clerkenwell location the apartment benefits from lift access, a secure underground parking space and a wonderful terrace.

St John Street houses some of the most outstanding loft apartments found in Clerkenwell and this loft will not disappoint. Clerkenwell’s industrial and commercial history is quite striking with its current prosperity indebted to its past, dating as far back to its monastic roots. In this respect Clerkenwell has been progressive, with brewers, waterworks, distilleries, ironmongers, gemmologists, watchmakers and print workers all having used these wonderful loft buildings as their workplace.

The Elizabeth Line, so much discussed is finally opened with Farringdon Station now home to one of the largest terminuses in London with Underground, Mainline and Thameslink giving easy access to four of London’s International Airports, with Heathrow a direct 50-minute journey away, whilst Canary Wharf in the East and Bond Street in London’s West End both within 9 minutes.

The London Museum’s relocation to the Southern end of the abandoned Smithfield Market is underway, receiving £180m by the City and London Mayor and planned to open in 2028 creating new gallery space as well as options for larger events and exhibitions.

Clerkenwell is renowned for the quality and variety of its bars and restaurants, fantastic range of artisan food and wine purveyors as well as Waitrose just steps from the apartment. Exmouth Market, Cowcross Street, St Paul’s and the City are a short walk away.