This week the first image of London’s latest and most prestigious residential address, Bentley Priory in Stanmore, has been officially revealed. The striking first illustration unveiled by new homes housebuilder Barratt Developments and restoration expert City & Country Group provides the first glimpses of the exciting and sensitive redevelopment of the former RAF Bentley Priory, once Headquarters to the Fighter Command during World War II.
Combining a rich historical setting with a modern twist, the beautifully converted apartments within the Grade II Listed Mansion House and sumptuous new houses, alongside a museum and education centre will sit in the 57 acres of prestigious grounds of Bentley Priory. The architectural gem was originally built in 1766 and has served as home to several notable figures including Dowager Queen Adelaide and Lord Dowding.
In its lifetime the historic building has served as a hotel, a girls school and most famously Headquarters Fighter Command during The Battle of Britain. The 18th century building was later redesigned by Sir John Soane when he extended the building in 1788 and has welcomed visitors such as Lord Nelson, Sir Walter Scott, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Winston Churchill and more recently Queen Elizabeth. Now, it opens its doors to allow residents to once again enjoy residing at this prestigious address.
Gary Ennis. Southern Regional Managing Director for Barratt Developments comments: “Following years of hard work, it is a very exciting time for us to be releasing the first images of Bentley Priory. We are immensely proud to be delivering this historically magnificent development and we will ensure that we honour and respect this superb British landmark in the way that it truly deserves.”
With such an important history and as an agreed part of the redevelopment of this internationally significant building, the developers have partly funded an educational museum to be run by the Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust, which will continue to commemorate and educate future generations about Bentley Priory’s illustrious past. Last week the museum received initial funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to the sum of £45,900 to help progress their plans. The Trust is seeking £1.8 million in total for the fit out of its exciting project which they hope to open in 2013.
The luxurious apartments and museum within the Grade II listed mansion house will be carefully converted by City & Country Group and 89 superb new houses designed by Robert Adam Architects and delivered by Barratt will sit proudly within the leafy grounds of Bentley Priory.
Helen Moore, Managing Director of City & Country Residential, commented: “Bentley Priory has vast historical importance and we are delighted to be using our skills and expertise to ensure its survival for future generations. Our team of dedicated specialists have the expertise, imaginative flair and sensitivity required to create homes that will augment this beautiful building and the environment in which it is set. We look forward to launching what we believe will be one of the most unique and prestigious addresses in London, in conjunction with our partner Barratt later this year.”
Internally all of the homes will offer the finest specification and finish, seeking to reflect the quality and prestige of the surroundings that they reside. Apartments within the Mansion House will blend with and enhance the original fabric of the building, boasting far reaching views across North London and the larger detached properties will provide the epitome of luxury with features such as indoor swimming pools.
A selection of converted one, two and three bedroom apartments and stylish duplex properties will be created in the historic mansion house; each of which will have access to the beautifully restored Grade II registered Italian Garden Terrace and the nineteenth century parterre to the south of the mansion. Within the new element of the development, exterior facades will incorporate an attractive variety of elevations and external finishes; a gatehouse will contain three-bedroom apartments, while four and five bedroom townhouses will centre on courtyards and crescents to create picturesque street scenes. Larger detached properties with indoor swimming pools will be available at a later stage in the development.
With prices at Bentley Priory ranging from £575,000 for a stunning apartment offering superb view across North London, around £1.75m for a four or five bedroom townhouse and up to as much as £5m for a five or six bedroom house with indoor swimming pools, the homes at Bentley Priory really will exude luxurious living in a unique and historic setting. With secure and gated access to the luxury homes, as well as a 24 hour concierge service, residents will feel the stature of Bentley Priory that has been enjoyed by so many notable residents in its lifetime.
Mr Ennis concludes: “Bentley Priory is set to once again become one of the most desirable new addresses in the South East. We are looking forward to seeing its progress and expect to see the first homes released for sale towards the end of this year.”
Benefitting from the London transport network at the end of the Jubilee line, Bentley Priory is expected to appeal to wealthy individuals who are looking to benefit from close proximity to the capital with international travel close by. With easy access to the M25 and Heathrow International Airport, the world is the limit for purchasers at Bentley Priory.