Pier Head, London E1W

Built in the early 19th century for London Docks officials, this exquisite Grade II-listed house sits in a superb location on the banks of the River Thames. Over 3,700 sq ft of space extends across the main house and the former port office, the latter a voluminous living space especially suitable for entertaining. A private garden to the rear has views across the river, and residents have access to impressive communal gardens on the riverbank.



Setting the Scene



Built in 1811, Pier Head was designed by architect Daniel Asher Alexander as housing for the London Dock masters and customs officers. The two elegant Georgian terraces once flanked the entrance to the London Docks, transformed into a communal riverside garden after the closure of the docks in 1969.



Connected to this house by an internal walkway, a versatile space with spectacular riverside views was once a port office. The house retains many of its period features, including magnificent arched sash windows with shutters, cast-iron fireplaces and original floorboards. The sale is being managed by GRETTON FOX BERGIUS.



The Grand Tour



A smart red front door with an arched fanlight opens onto a grand reception room. An arched sash window with original shutters suffuses the space with light, while a marble fireplace is flanked by full-height bookshelves. Across the hall, a voluminous double bedroom is illuminated by a large 12-pane sash window, with an en suite shower room.



The kitchen is found on the lower ground floor. It has a timber-topped breakfast bar, while neat grey cabinetry has stainless-steel work surfaces. In the dining room, arched French doors unfold onto a tranquil courtyard garden.



To one side, a glass internal walkway leads to the attached former port office, which can also be accessed from the side of the house. Its lower level is home to a bright lounge with an arched sash window and an original staircase with built-in shelving underneath.



Occupying the floor above is a magnificent double-height reception room, it's ceiling interspersed with timber beams. Tall arched windows capture views of the Thames, while a door opens onto a private riverside terrace with communal gardens beyond.



The principal bedroom suite lies on the second floor of the main house. Sash windows capture views of the communal gardens and the river, and a vast private bathroom has a bathtub, a walk-in shower and dual washbasins.



There are two further double bedrooms on the first floor. One is currently used as an office, its tall sash windows framing treetop views, while the other has a Burlington sink and a walk-in shower room.



The Great Outdoors



A private terrace garden overlooking the River Thames sits to the rear of the house, and is perfect for outdoor dining and entertaining. An internal courtyard, accessed from the dining room, is home to a pretty camellia tree.



Residents also have shared verdant, thoughtfully planted, communal gardens; a home to various mature trees, plants and flowers.



Out and About



Pier Head is brilliantly positioned on the banks of the River Thames, just a short walk from St Katharine Docks and Tower Bridge. Several historic ships are docked nearby, while the surrounding area is filled with excellent pubs, restaurants and green spaces.



Wapping Woods is a favourite local spot for dog-walkers, while King Edward VI Park has tennis courts, children’s play areas and is adjacent to the banks of the Thames. Hermitage Riverside Gardens in a short walk along the river from Pier Head, and has incredible views of Tower Bridge and the riverboats, and is next to the popular seafood restaurant, Smith's of Wapping. The open spaces of Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre are also nearby. The Thames Path winds east through Wapping, passing converted dock warehouses and pubs, including the local Prospect of Whitby, a firm neighbourhood favourite.



Wapping High Street is lined with warehouses that once served the docks, as well as a 14th-century pub, the Town of Ramsgate, just around the corner from the house. The neighbourhood retains much of its industrial-era charm, including cobbled streets, elegant residential squares and parks, and of course, uninterrupted views of the River Thames towards central London and Tower Bridge.



Cinnamon Coffee, on the way to Wapping station, is an excellent stop-off, while Il Bordello is a staple neighbourhood restaurant with old-fashioned Italian charm. Wapping Docklands Market occurs every Saturday and sells a range of fresh produce, crafts and street food. Bistro Bardot (formally the Turks Head), is a local wine bar and gastro-cafe. There is a brilliant local theatre, Bridge Theatre, whilst Wilton's Music Hall is also a short walk away.



There are good transport links to the rest of the city. Wapping Overground station is a seven-minute walk away, with Windrush services to Shoreditch High Street (in two stops) and Canada Water. Tower Hill Underground station is a 20-minute walk away, and runs Circle and District line services.



Council Tax Band: H