A townhouse designed by the architect behind Buckingham Palace in a terrace overlooking a royal park is on the market for £11.25 million. The Grade I listed townhouse is part of a cluster of houses that make up one of London's most exclusive addresses, Cumberland Terrace, which overlooks Regent's Park.
Buckingham Palace architect John Nash designed the building back in 1826. The famous architect is responsible for designing many iconic buildings across London, including Marble Arch and Clarence House. He built Cumberland Terrace for family and friends of the Royal Family, but over the years it has hosted a number of other A-list residents and guests, including Barack Obama, Stefano Gabbana, Damien Hirst, Tom Ford, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.
The house up for sale covers 4,600sqft and is spread across five floors. There are five bedrooms, five bathrooms and not one but two reception areas. One is described by the selling agents as being "great for informal evenings, while the other is set up perfectly for formal entertaining".
The house has undergone a three-year renovation which embraces the features of the traditional property, while making way for 21st Century living through the latest technologies and a colour palette of grey, white and cream. The current owner has ensured that its Victorian features remain at the heart of the property, the agents said. The house also features ornate cornicing with ceiling roses, chandeliers and panelled bi-folding doors, which are typical of the Victorian era.
Rachael Scarr-Hall, the owner of the house, said: "Our property in Regent’s Park is a prominent architect designed house by John Nash. It is of grand stature and hence has a Grade I listing.
"Therefore, the importance of protecting this listing whilst bringing the property into the 21st Century fit for family needs was important. For example, creating large living spaces with grand openings whilst still maintaining the original style covings and architraves shows an example of this concept."
Among its many luxurious features there is a vaulted wine cellar, integrated sound system, lift, and a terrace that overlooks the royal park. Outside there is a communal garden, tennis courts, garage, off-street parking and a children’s play area. The basement level of the property could be a house in itself. There is a bedroom, snug, en-suite, open plan kitchen and two patios.
Charlie Gibson, of estate agents Oliver Bernard Private, said: “This is a truly exceptional residence offering an ideal home for a family, with flexible accommodation. The basement could be lived in by a nanny, carer or a teenager needing their own space given it has an en-suite bedroom, snug and outdoor space, or residents could enjoy it as a more informal area.”
While the house itself is enough of a temptation, it is its location that makes it such a gem, being just a stone’s throw away from Marylebone High Street, Regent Street and Bond Street.
Mr Gibson added: “The owner has renovated the house beautifully in an elegant classic style, which is a triumph of great difficulty given its historic preservation listing, and with the views on offer, this home really is the stuff of dreams. Since its launch, we have received interest from buyers all over the world due to its rarity, passenger lift, location and architectural splendour.”
Ms Scarr-Hall added: "Its location on the east side of Regent’s Park within an architectural protected environment showcasing John Nash’s signature design demonstrates the grandeur of his London urban plan. The scale of the property albeit semi-detached enables a family to live there comfortably along with necessary staff.
"The entertaining space and living space with the double floor to ceiling height is quite unique with views overlooking Regent’s Park, and to have a lift accessing principle floors makes circulation easy and simple."
