Mansion block apartments are usually imposing, impressive red brick Victorian and Edwardian blocks that nestle comfortably within the most prestigious neighbourhoods of West London including Mayfair, Holland Park and Kensington. First built in the late 19th century, land acceptable to the wealthy was scarce, with demand for a “pied-a-terre” in London high, mansion block apartments were the answer to living in London’s most fashionable areas without the need to keep staff to maintain a vast property.
The need to build upwards was obvious, investing in the early mansion blocks was risky because those properties, no matter how superior, were tainted with two unpalatable associations. They were usually seen as cheap accommodation for the aspiring middle classes who wanted to live next door to those that had made it. Anyone buying one would often find themselves living in uncomfortable proximity not only to their neighbours, but also to their domestic staff and those of the truly wealthy. However after the first blocks were built (which were commercially very successful) all of a sudden these myths disappeared and some beautiful mansion block apartments were built to accommodate the rising affluence of Victorian society.
Mansion block apartments are typically built in one or two ways, and when refurbished, property owners are able to enjoy the beautiful exteriors as well as a stunning home that is much more wonderful than originally intended. Modern technology and design techniques allow residential architects to raise ceiling heights, create open space and reconfigure interiors for modern day living. There is usually a significant gap between ceilings and the floor above invisible to the naked eye. These create opportunity to raise ceilings and harness the grandeur of the mansion block and the apartment itself.
Buro Architects have carried out the renovation and refurbishment of approximately 80 mansion block apartments over the last 20 years. Our design experience and period property refurbishment expertise in dealing with managing agents, neighbours and local planning authorities is without equal.
Considering a project? Contact our friendly, expert residential architects and get your refurbishment started.
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