A walk in the park that changed everything for buyers at The 1840, St George's Gardens in South West London

Adding to the growing trend of cohabitation are second steppers, Conor Smith(59) and Siobhan Brown (59), who have just moved into their first home together at City & Country’s The 1840 St George’s Gardens development in Tooting.

When the couple met in early 2024, buying a home together was not an immediate priority. Both were content in their own homes – Conor owned a maisonette in Wokingham, Berkshire, and Siobhan, a two-bedroom apartment in Wimbledon. As their relationship developed, the idea of owning a home together felt like something for the distant future.

During one of Conor’s weekend visits to see Siobhan, the couple took a walk-in a nearby park, when they came across the impressive façade of The 1840, a restoration of the former Springfield Hospital in Tooting, SW17.

“We weren’t actively looking to buy together when we saw The 1840, but we both said, almost at the same time, that a building like this isn’t something you stumble across often. That’s when the conversation about living together started,” Conor commented.

The couple reserved a two-bedroom turret apartment overlooking The 1840’s landscaped communal gardens. They put down a joint 10% deposit of the value of the home.

Conor and Siobhan were both homeowners, with low mortgages on their respective properties. Keen to progress with their home purchase at The 1840, they put their homes on the market. Conor was able to sell within 3 months; however, Siobhan’s apartment sale took slightly longer. Although the timing was tight with selling and purchasing at the same time, it all worked out in the end and they happily moved in together the beginning of October 2025.

“I run a national membership organisation for healthcare providers, while Siobhan works as a technical architect so naturally we’re often very busy during the week with work, but we’re lucky to both have Fridays off so that allows us to spend long weekends in and around our new home, soaking it all in and enjoying the calmness that our new home brings us.” Conor added.

For a lot of couples buying later in life, the decision carries emotional depth, entwining established routines and leaving behind old memories, but for Conor and Siobhan, The 1840 has provided them with not only their dream home but also a shared vision for the future.

The 1840 at Springfield Village in Tooting is a Grade II listed Victorian hospital that has been sensitively converted into distinctive apartments. The development combines extraordinary heritage such as the vaulted ceilings and cast-iron spiral staircases with modern comfort and amenities.

Conor continues: “The exceptional heritage of the building appealed to us initially, but it was only when we viewed the homes, we understood what an outstanding job of restoration had been completed, ensuring the original features have been kept intact but includes modern specification. We’ve both always enjoyed history and exploring buildings with character and now we’re able to live in one without the worry of having to renovate it ourselves.”

Access to the landscaped communal gardens and the wider amenities planned for The 1840 was a major draw for Siobhan and Conor, who said: “The Gardens are one of the standout features for us. They’re already lovely, and once fully completed, they’ll be a real asset for us, as two people who love being outdoors. The shared spaces elevate the sense of community here and we’re looking forward to making them part of our everyday.”

Homes at The 1840, St George’s Gardens are priced from £465,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, and up to £975,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.

The 1840, St George’s Gardens Sales Suite is open seven days per week, between 10am to 5pm.  To find out more about the development call 01206 598 409 or visit www.cityandcountry.co.uk.