The new classics

A new generation of stylish central London apartments are redefining city living by combining the beauty and intimacy of some of the city’s glorious period buildings with the luxury and convenience of a new-build

THE beauty of the countryside might enrich the soul, but the cultural riches of London stimulate the mind. A home in both offers the best of everything and a new generation of carefully considered, beautifully designed properties in the heart of the world’s most exciting city provides rare opportunities to enjoy galleries, theatrical productions and museums within a leisurely stroll of your front door, without the hassle of hotels, taxis, tubes or late-night trains.

For centuries, central London has been one of the world’s leading cultural hubs, but it’s only recently that it has become home to a growing number of apartments with the comfort and intimacy of a home from home. Combined with high-quality, 21st-century construction and technology, they offer peace and comfort in the middle of the city and are a far cry from the high-rise living so often associated with urban centres.

Many of the area’s historic buildings have been bought to life and transformed into stylish, supremely comfortable and blissfully low-maintenance, energy-efficient spaces that combine the luxury and convenience of a hotel with the familiarity of your own home. Others are new, but built in a style that is sympathetic to period surroundings. State-of-the art heating systems, windows, kitchens and bathrooms ensure that this new generation of apartments are not only wonderful, quiet places to spend time, but also an excellent, hassle-free investment.

Security is an important focus, ensuring peace of mind for owners, and many properties have the added benefit of a concierge, underground car parking, gyms and residents’ lounges for large gatherings. Lifts also transform the experience of apartment living. The result is the perfect base for many happy years of cultural discovery. Find your balance of modern and period London living at www.cbreresidential.com

The convenient, yet stylish new apartments are perfect places from which to enjoy London

Facing page: Victorian splendour in Holborn: homes in Pinks Mews, from £895,000 or from £995 per week. Clockwise from top left: Modern living in period buildings: the lobby and roof terrace of Floral Court in the old Westminster Fire Office, from £2.65m or £875 per week; the lobby of Chapter House in Covent Garden, £995,000; Grade Ii-listed Kingsway, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, from £1,600 per week; Concierge at Pinks Mews; the roof terrace of Brigade Court, an old Southwark fire station, from £640,000. Apartments can be found at www.cbreresidential.com