Operating in the London real estate market is slightly different from almost every other city thanks to the varied and storied past of the buildings. With the oldest house in London having been built in 1597 there are centuries of architecture built close together which adds to the allure, beauty and rarity of the London property scene.
The Old War Office, where one of our team members, senior property consultant Guy Bradshaw has just transacted a high-value sale on a £14.5 million apartment, is the perfect example of how people are looking to purchase property that embraces the rich and storied past of London. Nowhere is more steeped in history than The Old War Office which finally opened to the public having undergone an extensive redevelopment. The works were carried out over six years which saw some of the most talented architects, designers and craftsmen come together to create this incredible space and successfully honour the building’s heritage.
Guy, who carries a wealth of experience spanning 18 years operating in prime central London, oversaw the successful sale of the apartment. He stated “the buyer had initially exchanged contracts on a smaller, two-bedroom unit, but he loved the building so much, he switched to a bigger unit. He saw how rare and spectacular the development was and upgraded from an £8 million apartment to a £14.5million one”. Our expert agents at United Kingdom’s Sotheby’s International Realty understand the immense value resting in this development and are therefore extremely keen to showcase it to discerning clientele – as Guy notes: “ The OWO truly is the best of the best. It comes with all the Raffles amenities, hotel services and nine fantastic restaurants. Combine that with the building's location and history and you can see why this development is attracting people from all over the world”.
For over a century, 120 years to be precise, the imposing arched door of the opulent building, which is located in the very heart of London, over the road from 10 Downing Street, remained closed to the public. It was a place where some of the most important decisions that shaped British history took place, and a meeting point used for military leaders and undercover spies. Today, it has been rebranded The OWO and is a luxury hotel with world-class amenities and residences.
The work for what was known as the War Office (now called the Ministry of Defence) began on the site in 1899 and cost £1.2million (the equivalent of £123 million in today’s standards). Designed in an Edwardian Baroque style with extensive turrets, vast columns and expertly crafted statues adorn the spectacular Portland stone exterior.
Unlike office blocks today, from the beginning of its creation, regal interiors and exteriors were prominent design features including a grand marble staircase in the middle of the building. Parts of the inside of the building were as regal as the exteriors, with a flamboyant marble staircase at the centre of the building that led up to the offices of secretaries of state and military heads.
Geoff Hull, the director of EPR Architects who oversaw the restoration of the building has commented "When you first walk into the space, you feel as if it's almost like a Viennese opera house where you've got this kind of awe-inspiring detail and ornate work in terms of panelling and light".
Today, however, it is a completely different story having been transformed into an exceptionally luxurious space. The Grade II* listed building now houses 85 unique Raffles-branded residences. Much more than a residence, these properties are a living piece of history, reimagined for the discerning few who will call it home.
There are many features that attract people to this exceptional building, one of the key features is the incredible amenities and services on offer – the UK's first Raffles Hotel, a Guerlain spa, and a wellness centre. Nine restaurants including the celebrated three Michelin-starred Argentine-Italian chef Mauro Colagreco signature eatery take centre stage as part of the venue, followed by three bars, 30,000 square feet of exclusive resident facilities, and round-the-clock, five-star service.
The location is exceptional. Sitting on the edge of St James’s Park, with its beautiful verdant views, the building is also within walking distance to some of London’s finest landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, and the River Thames.
The appeals of The OWO are endless, living here means your home is in one of London’s most storied addresses. Positioned on Whitehall, the location is world-famous. The surrounding area is rich with heritage, featuring esteemed institutions like Christie’s and the Royal Academy, alongside more modern attractions like Dover Street Market.
