Barbican, London

“Full-height glazing frames a peaceful south-facing outlook across the Barbican Estate”

This beautifully presented one-bedroom apartment lies on the third floor of the iconic Barbican Estate’s Ben Jonson House. Extending to some 400 sq ft, its Type F2C plan celebrates bright, open-plan living, with clean lines and contemporary interiors that speak to the apartment’s mid-century origins. Full-width hardwood-framed glazing opens onto a spacious balcony, drawing in plenty of natural light and framing views of the pedestrianised Ben Jonson Place and balconies of Cromwell Tower.

The Estate

Chamberlin, Powell & Bon designed the Barbican Estate, now Grade II-listed and lauded as a masterpiece of brutalist architecture. Completed in 1973, Ben Jonson House is the longest terrace block in the Barbican, running east to west on the north podium. At the front, it faces south towards the Barbican Centre, while at the back, it looks down on Finsbury and a local school playground.

The Tour

Evocatively preserved, Ben Jonson House’s communal areas are largely in their original condition due to the estate’s Grade II*-listed status. Richly toned quarry tiles lie underfoot in the stairwells, while the corridors are laid with vivid blue carpet.

On the third floor, the apartment is reached by lift, and the entrance opens onto a small hall. Beyond is the living area: an open-plan kitchen has been sensitively redesigned, with clean white cabinetry and integrated appliances. Oak floorboards run throughout, and white walls are balanced with a teal blue accent wall. A beautifully lit seating area features Vitsoe shelving and glazed doors that open onto the balcony.

Adjacent, a spacious bedroom has ample storage with its original projecting wardrobe, and full-height, hardwood-framed windows draw in plenty of natural light.

The bathroom lies just off the entrance hall and has been thoughtfully updated with contemporary Duravit fittings, a shower over the bath and chrome fixtures.

Outdoor Space

The apartment has a spacious south-facing balcony that runs the full length of the plan, lined with raised flower beds.

One of the Barbican’s original intents was to provide an enclosed green residents’ sanctuary. As a result, residents have access to both private and public gardens. The private gardens extend to around two-and-a-half acres and comprise expansive lawns, various species of mature trees, and textured borders with native and exotic species. There are also dedicated areas for children’s play.

The Area

The Barbican Arts Centre is on this home's doorstep and has a theatre, an art gallery, a concert venue, cinemas, and several bars and cafes. The Guildhall School of Music & Drama (ranked in the world's top three for Performing Arts and top four for Music) is also close by.

The apartment is near an excellent selection of pubs, restaurants and bars, including the St. John, Luca, The Quality Chop House, and Exmouth Market. Whitecross Street also has a food market every weekday. Spitalfields and Borough Market are also easily reached on foot. St Paul’s, the River Thames, the South Bank and Tate Modern are all within walking distance.

Transport links are excellent. Moorgate (Northern, Hammersmith & City, Circle and Metropolitan lines) is approximately a 5-minute walk away, while Barbican (Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan Lines), and Farringdon Station provide a host of Underground lines (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and Elizabeth Lines) as well as Thameslink services to Gatwick Airport and easy links to Heathrow with the Elizabeth line. Liverpool Street station is a 10-minute walk away and services the East from Cambridge to Essex.

Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: approx XXX years remaining / Service Charge: approx £XXXX per annum / Council Tax Band: X