Barbican, London

This exceptional one-bedroom apartment lies on the fifth floor of Andrewes House, on the southern edge of the Barbican Estate. A sought-after Type 57 apartment, it retains many of its original features, including timber-framed windows with views of the cityscape and the estate’s renowned Water Gardens. Two balconies at each end of the apartment provide further opportunities for taking in the views.

The Estate

The Barbican Estate is the celebrated brutalist achievement of the architects Chamberlin, Powell & Bon. It was Grade II-listed in 2001 in recognition of its extraordinary contribution to London’s architectural landscape. Completed in 1969, Andrewes House was part of Phase III of the City’s building programme for the Barbican site.

The Barbican Estate was built with over 100 distinct apartment types; this is a coveted Type 57. Andrewes House runs along the southern side of the lake, from the bridge to the waterfall at its eastern end.

The Tour

The apartment is accessed via a set of stairs or a lift. Entry is to a bright hallway, opening onto a light-filled living area illuminated by original timber-framed windows that stretch from floor to ceiling, providing fantastic views of the cityscape that has risen around the Roman London Wall. Here and in the bedroom, cork flooring is laid underfoot.

The kitchen sits adjacent, joined to the living area by a hatch that allows natural light to flood through. Original cabinetry with sliding doors provides ample storage space, and the original hobs are set into stainless steel worktops. A vintage oven has been installed, complementing the kitchen’s period design, and there is marbled lino flooring.

A doorway with glazed panelling opens onto a generous bedroom at the rear of the plan. Timber-framed glazing captures magnificent views onto the peaceful Water Gardens, and the room opens onto a balcony. Floor-to-ceiling fitted storage lines the opposite wall.

A bathroom and separate WC complete the plan. The bathroom has retained its original design and has a large vanity area, while the WC is fitted with an original Barbican basin.

Outdoor Space

There is a full-width balcony at each end of the apartment, each with spectacular views of the surrounding architecture.

Barbican residents have access to numerous sprawling private gardens around the estate. Andrewes House forms the southern boundary of the Barbican’s Water Gardens with direct access to the sunken gardens and the raised podium, which overlooks the Lakeside Terrace. A waterside walkway joins Andrewes House to Speed Garden on the opposite side, complete with its own playground. Slightly further along the walkway is the larger Thomas More Garden.

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 nestled between the arts centre and Speed House, just opposite Andrewes House.

The apartment is near an excellent selection of pubs, restaurants and bars, including St. John, Luca, The Quality Chop House, and plenty more at 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. Liverpool Street station is a 10-minute walk away and services the East from Cambridge to Essex.

Tenure: Leasehold / Lease length: Approx. 169 remaining / Service charge: Approx. £7,500 per year / Ground rent: Approx. £10 per year / Council tax band: E