West London living in the 21st century is a beautiful mixture of modern amenities built on the foundations of fascinating history. For centuries, this area has been the home to royalty, the aristocracy and the elite of the capital, creating a community supported by refinement and luxury with the architecture and housing to suitably reflect it. Amongst the redevelopments, reimagining and repurposing of such valuable land, there are occasionally a few surprises too.
When the Ministry of Defence sold the 12.8-acre plot of land that was Chelsea Barracks in 2007, it signalled the end of almost 200 years of military presence here. It also offered the rare opportunity to build a project relatively unencumbered by the restrictions so usually enforced in this postcode. Although the chapel on site was listed and to be preserved, a blank canvas of sorts was available to the developers to create something magnificently modern in the heart of Chelsea and Belgravia.
Prioritising Public Space
The design aesthetic was simple and civic from the very beginning. A design team of architects and planners wanted to start with the creation of public spaces such as gardens, paths and open squares to then build the residential structures around them. This was very much in the grand garden-square tradition of 18th-century London estates, where nature was valued at a premium and the landscape and light were seen as materials to build with. Of course, in the modern day, this chimes perfectly with the wellness-driven lifestyles that all of us are encouraged to connect with and eager to explore. The result at Chelsea Barracks was seven new garden squares that cover approximately 40% of the entire footprint, making nature the chief resident here.
Valuing the Vision
This blend of celebrating heritage while supporting modernity is evident all across the architecture and infrastructure. Eventually, there will be a total of 448 residential units across the whole site in a tapestry of low-rise apartments, duplexes, London-style townhouses and penthouses. In essence, a whole new part of the city was to be created, but everybody involved wanted it to feel ‘discovered’ with a sense of wonder and attraction. The architectural language of Chelsea Barracks is a suitable study of urban traditions in London realised through modern methods and a mix of legacy building materials. The Portland stone on the facades, with recessed bays and the wonderful projected terraces and balconies, speaks to Regency period details. And the bespoke botanical motifs on the metal work and railings are a lovely nod to Victoriana and later Modernist influences. All of which are softened and held by the immaculate green spaces that the buildings sit upon.
Neighbourhood Knowledge
Living in Chelsea Barracks offers something truly unique. It offers a village-like charm right on the doorstep of one of the most impressive entertainment and retail districts anywhere in the world. Everything one could need to support a modern lifestyle with a great balance of work, family and free time is just a stroll away in West London.
However, so much work and dedication have been applied to create a brand new community rich with its own amenities here. That does mean that it might prove difficult to want to leave for the wider city when there is so much to do at home.
World-Class Wellness
The Garrison Club holds Chelsea Barracks’ own full suite of fitness and wellness facilities that are sure to be the envy of West London. A full spa with steam rooms, saunas, a tepidarium and hydrotherapy pools delivers an oasis for restoration, relaxation and recovery. With an accompanying state-of-the-art gym and 25-metre swimming pool, there are plenty of opportunities to train at your own pace and one can even benefit from the on-site classes and consultations.
A Private Members Paradise
All residents at Chelsea Barracks are eligible to become members at The Garrison Club. It is designed to feel like an extension of the homes there to create an impressive ‘third place’ away from the house or work locations. It has two locations on the estate that provide leisure opportunities alongside the fitness facilities in fine style.
A private cinema and screening room is the perfect spot for movie nights with friends and family. The Children’s Playroom is a space to engage and entertain younger minds with private offices and boardrooms always available for when duty inevitably calls. And the 24-hour concierge and residential support allows for expert assistance at a moment’s notice that can attend to anything from theatre tickets to securing that all-important table for dinner at the weekend.
Safe & Secure
Chelsea Barracks works on an understanding that modern lifestyles are often extremely busy, with changes having to be accommodated at the drop of a hat. The level of security for residents at the estate means that they can ‘lock up and leave’ safe in the knowledge that everything is taken care of. Access is fully managed centrally with video entry and fob key technology that has privacy, security and discretion in mind at all times. Secure underground parking with valet capability operates on a controlled entry and exit, with all vehicles under CCTV observation for that crucial peace of mind too.
Chelsea Barracks is more than merely a collection of homes. It represents the blueprint for a modern and refined London community built around the beauty of nature, with future-proofed amenities as a supporting network. What was once a parade ground for the English military is now proudly displaying exactly what is possible for luxury lifestyles in the capital.
