It has been an exciting year in the world of property. We have been behind the scenes of many incredible homes. At the touch of a button, blinds opened and closed in one James Bond-style property. In another, the Grade-II* Listed building stood empty for years, waiting for a new owner to breathe life into the Georgian gem. And one property was transformed into a beautiful Belgravia bolthole.
Along the way, we have met interesting people, who have brought their homes to life with happy memories and inspirational stories of the past. Here the Henry & James team pick some of their favourite properties of 2017.
Modern masterpiece: Hamilton Terrace, London NW8- James Bailey (Chief Executive)
“My favourite property that we sold in 2017 was in Hamilton Terrace. The house offered modern design hidden behind a beautiful Georgian façade. It was one of St John’s Wood’s most important properties for us to bring to the market and sell this year.
“The eight-bedroom home was flooded with light and offered impressive entertaining space. In addition to this, the garden and terraces were designed by landscape architect and Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winner, Christopher Bradley-Hole.”
The high life: penthouse in Eaton Place, London SW1X – Harry Berry (Sales Manager)
“My top choice is a triple aspect penthouse on Eaton Place with an exceptional roof terrace and far-reaching views across London. The deal was so special for me as the flat had that elusive “wow factor”, but it was the people who made it special, too. Sometimes, you walk into a property and you know that you have the perfect buyer. This was one of those moments. Even more satisfyingly, the buyer was one of the most charming people that I have met.
She was someone who had been looking for three years, and we found her two places to rent while she searched for the perfect property to purchase.
“The sellers were no less charming. Well known in the area, their top priority was discretion and, secondly, that it sold to the right buyer. The fact that we were able to achieve this off-market sale so quickly and that they got on so well when they met the buyer, following exchange of contracts, made this not just the most memorable transaction of 2017 for me, but one of the most memorable ever.”
Regal views: Palace Gate, London W8 – Steve Cook (Head of Lettings & Management)
“My favourite new tenancy of the year was in Palace Gate. This lateral, top-floor apartment is impressive and has incredible views towards The Albert Memorial and of The Royal Albert Hall. We worked closely with the wonderful couple who rented the property and have stayed in touch with them throughout the tenancy, providing our bespoke management services.”
Belgravia Bolthole: Pont Street, London SW1X – Charles Sheldon (Senior Sales Negotiator)
“My favourite property sold by Henry & James in 2017 was originally a large one-bedroom flat on Pont Street with a balcony. It was converted into two bedrooms by a well-known developer in the area. The finished specification of the flat is tasteful and not the way most developers re-do properties. The property was bought by a rental investor from southeast Asia, who is now looking to invest in further properties in Knightsbridge and Belgravia through us.
“As I worked in the rental side at Henry & James for two years before moving across to the sales team, this buyer values my thoughts on achievable rental figures and we continue to work together.”
Urban chic: Sloane Gardens, London SW1W – Fiona Patty (Lettings Negotiator)
“My favourite property let this year was a first floor flat in Sloane Gardens. This is a quiet street tucked away behind Sloane Square, so it has all the advantages of a central location, without the hustle and bustle. The flat is part of a handsome red-brick terrace. It has very high ceilings, an interesting style, plenty of storage, plus a cute balcony.”
Kerb appeal: town house in Hans Place, London SW1X – Katherine Kay (Lettings Negotiator)
“My property of the year is an exceptional six-bedroom house on the beautiful garden square of Hans Place. The reason I love this house so much is because it has the most beautiful features, including a circular window in the master bedroom and an impressive first-floor sitting room, with a working fireplace overlooking the garden.”
Sunning studio: Jubilee Place, London SW3 – Rosie Szabo (Senior Administrator)
“My favourite lettings instruction since joining Henry & James in August, was in Windsor Court, Jubilee Place. This bright and sunny studio apartment was let in September to a charming couple. The flat was unique as it was refurbished to create a beach-house feel with wood flooring and plantation shutters. It also benefited from a fantastic terrace which is a real luxury for a studio flat. And being located just off Chelsea Green, it was in a perfect position near the shops and restaurants of SW3.”
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