Prime Areas Archives | Page 3 of 4 | London Property Consultants

Simon Barnes: Prime Property Market Update

Contrary to what people predicted, the end of the world did not occur on the 23^rd June 2016. In London, life continued and the prime property market at the £10m and above level has been very active over the last six months and far from quiet.

We anticipate that this momentum will carry over and continue as 2017 begins. The market at £20m plus and ‘trophy homes’ has certainly been affected by oil prices and Russian sanctions, but for the rest of the prime property market it has been business as usual.

Buyers have been shocked at the way the market has continued to perform and those who have expected to be able to sit back and wait have been caught out, losing out on good houses. In some cases, asking prices have been exceeded and there have been bidding wars underlining the demand in the prime to super prime PCL market.

London Prime Property into 2017

As we head into 2017, the prime property market looks set to continue in the same vein and buyers will get caught out if they take things for granted because decent property at this prime level is not stagnating.

Sellers need to be realistic in terms of pricing and when they are buyers will come knocking. At this this time of year, it is unrealistic to contemplate either selling or buying, but come January we expect buyers and sellers to be more focused and for 2017 to be a positive year for the PCL property market.

by Simon Barnes

Mayfair is revelling in its transformation

Mayfair has always been one of London’s most sought after post codes, but over recent years the look and feel…and crucially the character has changed quite dramatically.

Mayfair has undergone a major cash injection with a comprehensive transformation, notably targeting the areas of Mount Street and Shepherd Market. These areas have been turned into chic modern enclaves boasting designer names, bespoke retailers and all things beautiful and luxurious with a village atmosphere away from the frenetic West End.

Richard Caring, no stranger to Mayfair, spent more than £15m on his latest restaurant venture, Sexy Fish, turning the former Natwest bank building on the corner of Berkeley Square into a feast for the eyes . The restaurant is certainly sufficiently ‘bling’ to attract a string of celebrities, Russian oligarchs and bankers’ wives who lunch. The extravagant interiors include a golden ceiling, an Iranian floor, works of art that include a sparkling crocodile by Frank Gehry and a Damien Hirst mermaid and one of the largest fish tanks lining the walls of the private dining room in the basement.

Across the square long established Annabel’s nightclub continues to attract devotees, as do the discerning Scotts and Harry’s Bar.

Property in Mayfair

Until recently property transactions in Mayfair would typically be very much ‘under the radar’ – individual units in mansion blocks or big house sales with no significant developments to speak of. That has changed with Finchatton’s high profile Grosvenor Square development , which is achieving as much as £6000 per square foot, and John Caudwell’s plans to transform the multi storey carpark in Audley Street into one of London’s most exciting residential developments.

by Simon Barnes

Belgravia low on bling – big on baronets

Belgravia lies in the City of Westminster and the Borough of Kensington & Chelsea with large swathes being owned by The Grosvenor Estate. It is one of the wealthiest districts in the world and hosts a variety of understated but expensive luxury property in Prime Central London.

Belgravia was developed back in the 1820’s when, in 1824, wealthy landowning aristocrat Richard Grosvenor, 2nd Marquess of Westminster commissioned building contractor Thomas Cubitt to develop the area. Norfolk born Cubitt designed and constructed grand terraces featuring fine stucco fronted houses leading to the focal points of Belgrave and Eaton Square.

Rather like Mayfair, following the Second World War the large residential houses became vacant and commercial organisations took them over, leading to embassies and charitable concerns occupying the properties and eroding the residential aristocratic character of the district. Gradually during the 21^st Century, there has been a return to converting more of these properties back to residential homes. Currently, the level of ‘super rich’ owners in Belgravia is at its highest since 1939. The likes of Charles Saatchi, the art collector, oligarch Roman Abramovich, former James Bond actors Sir Sean Connery and Sir Roger Moore, are all present day residents. [Read more…]

by Simon Barnes

Mayfair – home to bespoke design

Mayfair is a melting pot of all things luxury, bespoke and beautiful; its village feel reflected in the plethora of talented craftspeople, designers and expert makers who have chosen to base themselves in this exclusive part of Prime Central London. Whether you are in search of bespoke furniture for your property, or want to commission a piece of contemporary art, or have a period feature replicated, then a stroll around Mayfair will throw up a treasure trove of high end independent retailers, workshops and galleries.

Mayfair New Craftsmen

When a property needs a site-specific piece, or an architectural feature or solution, then head to The New Craftsmen in North Row. Set up in 2014, this innovative creative concept occupies some 2000 square feet of space in a former 19^th Century leather breeches workshop. The New Craftsmen showcases British artisans and makers, representing the very best in British craft skills and traditions. Their commissioning service allows anyone to have a bespoke piece made – whether it be sculpture, metal work, pottery, furniture or any other creative medium.

If bespoke with an Italian twist is your bag, visit Tisettanta in Grosvenor Street. The Italian designer furniture manufacturer creates quality contemporary pieces from walk-in wardrobes to ultra-modern kitchens. If you love leather, then Alma Leather Furniture on Vigo Street can offer bespoke handcrafted leather furniture, floors and wall coverings.

Halycon Days has a well-deserved reputation for bringing together exceptional gifts and one-off items. Walk into their shop in Brook Street and you will really feel in the lap of luxury goods – clocks, handmade leather goods, wonderful enamel boxes, and we defy you to leave without picking up something to show-off at home.

Property In Mayfair

Operating independently from our Mayfair base H.Barnes & Co is able to provide a personal level of service far beyond the average buying agent or property consultant. Owner Simon Barnes: “I would say that there are only ten streets you should be looking at in Mayfair; these include Charles Street, Upper Grosvenor Street, Mount Street and Green Street.”

READ H. BARNES & CO MAYFAIR PROPERTY GUIDE

by Simon Barnes

Savile Row in Mayfair – get suited and booted

Residents of Mayfair have no excuse for not being impeccably dressed with Savile Row on hand. Tailoring started here in 1803, in recent years it has reinvented itself as the epicentre for bespoke flawless design. Stalwart Saville Row tailors Gieves & Hawkes have been established here for more than two hundred years.

The epitome of English couture, Hardy Amies, the Queen’s couturier until 1989, is going strong, alongside long established Huntsman Savile Row – the masters of fine cloth. Richard Anderson has led the Row’s revival, with a reputation for elegance and classic styling, he is the go-to tailor for politicians, public figures and senior professionals. The newest addition is Gary Anderson creating sharp suits with distinctive indulgent coloured silk linings.

Suit sorted, hot foot it to the quintessential English shoemaker, Crockett & Jones in Burlington Arcade. They have been making handmade shoes since 1879, known for their elegance and durability. Over in The Royal Arcade is George Cleverley, the shop’s namesake was the master shoemaker in Mayfair for more than 50 years and today his bespoke craftsmanship continues alongside a high end ready to wear range.

[Read more…]

London Prime Property into 2017

Property in Mayfair

Mayfair New Craftsmen

Property In Mayfair

Contact H. Barnes & Co – Tel: 020 7499 3434