On a London house-hunting budget of up to £1 million, the very least Matthew Watts wanted in exchange for his hard-earned money was location, security and parking.
At Ashlar Court, in a quiet spot where Hammersmith rubs shoulders with Chiswick, he managed to achieve all this and secure a luxury address in a Grade II listed architectural treasure, which is being beautifully refurbished by award-wining housebuilder Linden Homes.
Mixing 1930s classic design with contemporary character, the collection of premium properties where Matthew (43) now owns a three-bedroom duplex apartment has the added advantage of being a conveniently short stroll from Stamford Brook Tube station.
It’s a happy and stylish ending to his search for a relaxing weekday retreat from where he could travel to work in Mayfair but which was also within walking distance of the Arts Educational Musical Theatre and Acting school in Chiswick attended by his talented 14-year-old daughter Ellie.
After working and learning in busy London during the week, father and daughter decamp for the weekend to their house in Henley-on-Thames to rejoin Matt’s wife, Sue, and their second daughter, Claudia (12).
“It’s an arrangement that works very well,” said Matthew, who runs his own project and facilities management consultancy. “They all love the apartment – my wife’s quite jealous!”
The thoughtfully laid-out home is on the first and second floors, and has three bedrooms and bathrooms, including one en-suite to the master bedroom, a spacious open-plan kitchen and diner, and a balcony with views across the capital.
It’s part of the meticulous refurbishment at Ashlar Court which has preserved Art Deco highlights and original features designed by the influential architect firm of Burnet, Tait and Lorne, which helped lead the way in 20th century British Modern building style.
The result is a stunning collection of sophisticated and spacious one, two and three-bedroom homes. Tall windows flood interior spaces with light, with French windows in some properties opening onto balconies, terraces or private rooftop gardens.
“I had had my eye on this development for a while,” said Mathew who, with Ellie, was among the first to move in. “It was important to be able to just lock up and go. I think the concierge will be a very nice added touch.
“Security – that was a big factor, especially if I am at work and my daughter is at home on her own. Parking was important too, and I wanted something that would be likely to go up in value.
“I like the idea of the Art Deco features and it’s pretty modern inside. It’s got a luxury hotel feel, that was an added bonus.
“I like the area too. It’s obviously cheaper than Chiswick but there’s a lot of work going on in Hammersmith at the moment so I think it’s definitely a good investment area.”
He added: “The sales office was very professional and the gardens at Ashlar Court are very impressive. Linden Homes’ service was very good; I’ve got no qualms recommending them.”
Decorative bronze lighting and iconic clocks have been preserved along with the stone staircases and their classically styled balustrades. Some of the listed features being retained include spectacular travertine and bronze fireplaces, walnut veneer panelling and woodblock floors.
New finishes include sleek fitted kitchens, superb quality bathrooms with top-of-the-range fittings, and en suite shower rooms off many of the master bedrooms, plus ample storage space.
Many of the homes have underground secure parking and all come with peace of mind thanks to a 10-year NHBC warranty and two-year Linden Homes customer care warranty as standard.
The attractions continue outside where beautifully landscaped private gardens feature the original fountain restored as its centrepiece. The site also now includes a pair of new one and two-bedroom detached houses.
The location is a commuter’s dream: nearby is Stamford Brook Station, within Zone 2, so central London is a 20-minute trip on the District Line. For drivers, the A4, A40 and M4 are all within easy reach, with journeys to Heathrow around 35 minutes.
With Chiswick High Road on one side and the spectacular Westfield on the other, there is quick access to luxury brands, fine dining and two of the capital’s major comedy and music venues: The Hammersmith Apollo and Shepherds Bush Empire.
Until 1994 Ashlar Court was where nurses once lived working at the neighbouring Royal Masonic Hospital, opened in 1933 by King George V. It won the RIBA Gold Medal for best building of the year in 1933 and is now to be reopened as a five-star private hospital.
To find out more or to book a viewing call 0844 644 1582.
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For further information, contact Claire McCowan or Claire Bradley at Remarkable Public Relations on 01962 893 893.
