Heritage Character Homes with a Contemporary Twist

At a glance

The 1840, St George’s Gardens, is a Grade II-listed heritage conversion in Tooting, SW London, offering a multi-award-winning collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses.

* Prices start from £425,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and go up to £915,000 for a three-bedroom apartment.

* The development sits in Zone 3, a short walk from Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway underground stations on the Northern line, with Earlsfield and Wandsworth Common rail stations also nearby.

* Originally built in 1840 as Surrey County Asylum and later used as a military hospital in both World Wars, the building’s Victorian red-brick façade and period features have been carefully restored by City & Country.

* Set within eight acres of private landscaped gardens bordering a 32-acre public park, each home pairs its historic structure with a contemporary specification.

Much of London’s housing stock comprises Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian terraces with a renovation project attached, or new builds that are a completely blank slate. But another option exists: a heritage conversion that blends the best of both.

The 1840, St George’s Gardens, is exactly that. This Grade II-listed conversion development in Tooting is a multi-award-winning collection of London apartments blending period features with a contemporary specification designed for luxurious city living.

Why choose a historic home with heritage character?

Historic England’s Heritage Works for Housing research shows demand for homes in historic buildings is rising because of their rarity and ability to offer unique, characterful living spaces. So much so, the research also found that enquiries for conversion properties outnumber new builds by four to one.

The 1840 sits in a category of homes that are few and far between: new-build converted apartments in London. The development is a rare gem where heritage character meets modern design.

What makes The 1840 different from other homes for sale in London?

Buying a home at The 1840 means having the period property conversion you’ve always dreamed of without taking on a costly and time-consuming renovation project, as City & Country has done the hard work for you, bringing our more than six decades of restoration expertise to this historic place.

We’ve sympathetically restored the structure, celebrating its architectural heritage, and handled all the compliance for renovating a listed building. Our specialist in-house team has designed each home individually, with a contemporary specification, premium finish and warranties for your peace of mind. All you have to do is move in.

That’s exactly what drew Conor and Siobhan, homeowners at The 1840, to buy a two-bedroom apartment here. “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,” Conor commented.

Furthermore, each luxury apartment is tied to the story of The 1840’s past – a history spanning two centuries.

What’s the history behind The 1840?

The 1840 was originally built as Surrey County Asylum at Springfield, a pioneering mental health facility carefully planned to reflect the Victorian belief in the therapeutic power of nature, with areas designed to maximise fresh air and rural views amidst a serene parkland setting.

During the First World War, the asylum transformed into Springfield War Hospital, treating soldiers experiencing neurological conditions, such as what was called ‘shell shock’ at the time. It again served as a military hospital throughout the Second World War, when patients would shelter in the basement at the sound of the air raid sirens.

You can delve further into the building’s history in our blog post, The 1840, St George's Gardens: A Legacy Restored.

How does The 1840 balance heritage with modern living?

The elegant grandeur of The 1840’s Victorian red-brick façade, designed in the Tudor style, anchors the development’s character. Former hospital wings now house an exceptional collection of new-build luxury apartments in London, where the old and new coexist in harmony.

Period features retained in the building:

o   Original brick façade

o   Triple-height lobby

o   Galleried staircase in the entrance hall

o   Stone mullioned windows

All of these features were structurally part of the original hospital, restored by City & Country to their former glory, and can’t be replicated in a standard new build.

Contemporary specification inside homes:

o   Villeroy & Boch bathroom ceramics

o   Crosswater and Hansgrobe bathroom fittings

o   Integrated Siemens and Neff kitchen appliances

o   Amtico herringbone flooring

o   100% wool carpets

o   Underfloor heating in bathrooms and the open-plan kitchen/living/dining areas

This contemporary specification, sitting inside a Grade II-listed structure, proves that choosing a heritage home needn’t mean compromising on modern comforts. At The 1840, you can have both.

Where is The 1840?

The 1840 is in Tooting, with Wandsworth Common, Earlsfield and Tooting High Street all a short stroll away. The development is set within eight acres of landscaped private gardens and benefits from a 32-acre park extending directly beyond, offering an oasis to enjoy year-round. If you’re looking for Tooting apartments with exceptional green space and connectivity, The 1840 offers a rare combination in the heart of Zone 3.

FAQs about The 1840

Is The1840 a listed building?

Yes, The 1840 is a Grade II-listed building, meaning it’s recognised as “being of special architectural or historic interest.”

What types of homes are available at The 1840?

The 1840 features one, two and three-bedroom conversion apartments, duplexes and penthouses, each bearing its own unique character.

How well connected is The 1840 to Central London?

The 1840 is in TfL Zone 3, just a short stroll from Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway underground stations, served by the Northern line. Earlsfield and Wandsworth Common railway stations are also within easy reach and offer direct trains to Waterloo and Victoria respectively. The development is also close to major road networks, with easy access to the M25 via the A24 or A3.

What is the price range at The 1840?

Prices at The 1840 start from £425,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and go up to £915,000 for a three-bedroom apartment.

Can I visit The1840?

Yes, the marketing suite and show home are open Thursday to Monday from 10 am to 5 pm. Call us on 0203 9616 802 or email the1840@cityandcountry.co.uk to book your appointment.

A heritage postcode in the heart of South West London

The 1840 is a truly unique London address unlike any other home in the capital. It beautifully balances heritage character with a contemporary, high-end specification.

Visit our dedicated The 1840 development page to explore the available apartments, download brochures and enquire about homes.