Victoria’s heritage shall not be forgotten as Oakvest restores 18th century mansion house in Central London
But it won’t all be glass frontages, miles of steel girders and cutting edge design, the rich heritage of Belgravia shall also be preserved with luxury developer Oakvest submitting planning to restore Grosvenor Gardens House, an 18th century mansion located just a few steps from London Victoria station, to its former glory.
Reputedly the house where the Queen Mother was born, Grosvenor Gardens House (or Belgrave Mansions as it was previously known) is a landmark building located on the prestigious Grosvenor Estate. Based on the Continental idea of ‘Hôtel meublés’ (furnished hotel), the iconic mansion was built in the late 18th century, with the frontage designed by Thomas Cundy III.
Recently acquired by one of the UK’s leading private equity property investment companies, Oakvest Ltd, the development of Grosvenor Gardens House in intended to be sympathetic, returning the building from its current serviced office use to a first class serviced apartment mansion block.
Commenting on the intended restoration, a spokesman from Oakvest said:
“We identified the Victoria area some years ago now as ripe for regeneration and have already invested in a number of properties in Grosvenor Gardens. This exclusive area, just moments from London Victoria station, is an oasis of tranquillity amongst the hustle and bustle of London and Grosvenor Gardens House itself, the jewel in the crown.
“Respectful of the building’s heritage, extensive research has been undertaken and a responsible planning application submitted to restore the mansion block to its former 18th century glory. We have committed significant funds to the restoration of Grosvenor Gardens House, £7 million alone for the façade, and are working with specialist architects to ensure that the project is completed to the highest standards possible.”
Appointed architect Leon Kalkwarf of Belgravia based Kalkwarf Architects, explains some of the works which will be undertaken,
“We have proposed to reinstate significant parts of the roof and in particular the central pavilion which was destroyed and unsympathetically replaced in the 1970’s. We also propose to replace the unattractive, adhoc modern shop fronts with shop fronts replicating the original design. Many of the stone details to the front facades have also been lost over time as has much of the iron cresting to the roof ridges, all of which our client is also keen to see reinstated.
“The roof, windows and facades are in dire need of care with significant amounts of the roof fabric exposed to the elements and therefore becoming severely damaged. Overall, once we have completed the works, the ornate front facades will be beautifully restored and the building will once again stand proudly on Grosvenor Gardens.”
Currently comprising 70,000 sq ft of serviced office and commercial space, Grosvenor Garden House will be transformed into c.42 freehold luxury apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms.
In addition to the high specification apartments, the prestigious development will offer a wellness centre and spa, concierge, business meeting areas, a cinema room and underground parking. The scheme will also provide for 11,294 sq ft of retail & restaurant space at ground level overlooking Grosvenor Garden which will be carefully redeveloped for the local community to enjoy.
For more information on Oakvest’s planned restoration of this iconic building in London Victoria, call today on 0207 811 3855 or visit http://www.oakvest.co.uk/.