LONdON SALES
Martin’s understated yet striking Ebury Square will be one of only a
style is instantly recognisable handful of new developments in the area,
for those familiar with his work which reflects just how prized a location
on the acclaimed Corinthia Hotel Belgravia is – the development will even
on London’s Whitehall Place. The clean lines, share a postcode with Buckingham Palace.
flawless symmetry and bespoke materials Residents of Belgravia benefit from
make it the epitome of sophisticated modern an abundance of theatres, hotels, bars and
luxury – a theme that carries through to the fine restaurants nearby. The redevelopment
apartments. of both Elizabeth Street and Motcomb Street
The focal point of each property is a has also created a village atmosphere and
generously proportioned living space with a hotbed of Michelin-starred restaurants,
plenty of natural light and traditional features independent boutiques, jewellers and
such as central chimney breasts, fireplaces, delicatessens.
solid wood panelling and parquet flooring, The area’s cosmopolitan vibe attracts
all with a contemporary edge. an international crowd. In the past 12 months
The highest specifications will feature 56% of Knight Frank’s buyers in Belgravia
throughout, from the spacious dressing were from overseas and demand is high for
rooms with hand-crafted wardrobes, to the ‘turnkey’, newly refurbished properties, as
bespoke marble finishes, subdued lighting, buyers new to London generally prefer not to
Eglomise feature mirrors and Dornbracht have to work on their new home.
brassware in the bathrooms. The kitchens According to Rupert Dawes,
have been designed with entertaining in mind Knight Frank’s Head of New Homes, this
and feature professional-standard Gaggenau level of international interest is likely to be
ovens and hobs, Miele washers and dryers, mirrored at Ebury Square. “We expect to
wine coolers and built-in coffee machines. sell to buyers from the UK and all over the Computer generated image
Martin’s aim was to provide a canvas world, from the Middle East, Russia and CIS for illustrative purposes only
for the eventual owner without limiting their countries, to the Asia-Pacific region.”
creativity. Passionate about the finer details This reflects activity in the wider
of his craft, he travelled extensively to source prime central London market, where prices
materials. “I have developed an unashamed are at record-high levels, 13% up on their
obsession with the best natural materials, previous peak of March 2008 and 48.4%
especially stone,” he says. “I go directly to the above the post-credit-crunch low of March
supplier and visit the quarries personally to 2009. This growth has been driven by the
select each individual piece, from Calacatta ever-rising demand from international buyers
marble in northern Italy to native English oak. who see London’s prime property market as a
Crafting these by hand using traditional tools sound investment and a safe haven from geo-
gives the best finish I know.” political uprisings and economic turmoil.
With just 71 apartments, six of which London appeals on many other
are penthouses, the development is boutique levels too, notably its culture and lifestyle
in scale but has all the facilities of a larger offering and status as one of the world’s key
building. The 24 hour concierge service, for financial centres. In a recent survey* it was
example, will be on a par with that of a five- voted the most important city in the world,
star hotel, albeit more personal and tailored and Noel Flint, Head of Knight Frank’s London
to suit the needs of each resident. Residential Division, does not foresee this
Designed by world-renowned changing any time soon.
architect Squire and Partners, Ebury Square “London continues to attract buyers
has a commanding presence while embracing from around the world due to its unique mix
the character of its surroundings, its light of culture, economic opportunity, political
stone working in harmony with the many stability and educational establishments.
grand terraced buildings in the area. With the addition of world-class
The development sits alongside a developments such as Ebury Square, its
garden square which was once owned by appeal can only grow in the eyes of those
Henry VIII. This space will feature picturesque looking to buy a new luxury home.”
gravel walkways and a fountain centrepiece.
Residents will also have access to a private
landscaped courtyard garden with topiary and
plants carefully selected for their subtle colour
changes with the seasons.
6 PRIVATE VIEW KnightFrank.com