Wesley Square V, London W11

This magnificent one-bedroom apartment lies within Wesley Square, a development designed by celebrated architects Sir Terry Farrell and Sir Nicholas Grimshaw in 1976. Wonderfully bright, it takes a two-storey layout and overlooks the verdant communal gardens that unfold from the house's front door.



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 development comprises six three-storey townhouses, 22 two-storey maisonettes and 22 duplex apartments. The square has an unusual plan; each residence has front-door access from the central shared garden. It is managed by a committee of owners, creating a wonderful sense of community. For more information, please see the History section below.



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 lies in a central position on the square. A door opens into a smart communal stairwell, shared with one other apartment. The Velux window in the communal area is weather sensitive and will close if it rains. Situated on the first floor, this apartment's front door opens to a hallway with two generous storage cupboards.



A smart crimson and white galley-style kitchen sits to the rear of the plan. The main living space in front is open and light and has walls finished in a combination of 'Cornforth White' and 'Charleston Grey' by Farrow and Ball. California-style shutters on the windows cast mesmerising shadows across the double-height walls. There is engineered oak flooring throughout the apartment except for the mezzanine, where the original floorboards have been painted grey.



The mezzanine level is reached by an impressive timber open-tread staircase. At the top, a large Velux window fitted with a shade drenches the area with a diffused light. Currently configured as a study and additional living room, this space has many flexible uses including a second bedroom. Bespoke shelving creates plenty of display space, while a crawl space at the rear provides discreet eaves-set storage.



At the back of the apartment, the main bedroom overlooks quiet communal gardens. The windows are cleverly placed at a higher level for ultimate privacy and have been fitted with bespoke black-out blinds. Generous storage space is provided by full-height, wall-to-wall wardrobes along one aspect.



The bathroom extends from the hallway and has a bath with an overhead shower and a neat glass screen. Additional storage lies in a mirrored unit and there is a heated towel rail on one side.



Outdoor Space



Wesley Square itself is arranged around a beautiful 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 allocated parking to the rear of Wesley Square also 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 along the road.



Wesley Square was originally conceived as a centre for artists and creatives, and it retains that spirit to this day. It offers a very 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 900 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £3000 per year / Ground Rent: Approx. £100 per annum / Council Tax Band: D