It’s a rare thing these days to learn about sellers of London properties who’ve happily been in residence for long periods of time rather than feeling the need to move on every few years, but when you meet people who’ve been living in the same place for nearly 40 years, well, that’s almost unheard of. Mind you, if you’ve been to Lant House, a completely reworked top floor flat in Borough, SE1, you start to understand why you’d not want to live anywhere else.
But inevitably, times change and I caught up with Charles and James, the owners, to discuss how they found it, why they stayed and what’s finally pulling them out of London….
Simon: Thanks for taking the time to chat, Charles, James. Let’s start with the obvious, how did you arrive at living in such a unique home?
C&J: We needed more space but the idea of moving to a standard two-bedroom flat further out just didn’t appeal. We loved the area so extending upwards into the roof void was the perfect solution for us. Southwark Council’s own building contractors did all the structural alterations alongside the major works they were undertaking on the block. We were left with a shell which we fitted out using bespoke architectural elements to emphasise the uniqueness of the space.
Simon: What’s your favourite memory associated with this home?
C&J: We have lots of wonderful memories either when we’ve entertained lots of friends with the large sliding windows thrown wide open, enjoyed sundowners on the balcony, or just a romantic dinner for two with the lit-up cityscape as the perfect backdrop.
Simon: That balcony certainly fits the bill! When you head out, what are your favourite local spots for dining, shopping, or entertainment?
C&J: Borough Market has everything but we also love the practicality and neighbourliness of the parade of independent shops and services just around the corner on Great Suffolk Street. A particular favourite here is the retro-styled Terry’s Cafe serving all-day breakfasts. We like dropping into Mercato Metropolitano and a new favourite is the Union Viet Café on Union St. If we want to splurge there’s a great choice of more upmarket restaurants nearby. We like the intimate Everyman Cinema in Borough Yards and favourite local pubs are The Lord Clyde (a traditional pub) and The Rising, an independent queer-focused pub with live music and regular Drag shows.
Simon: What inspired your home’s unique features or design elements?
C&J: Our architect friend Ian Hay who designed the space (ianhay.co.uk) is known for his creative designs in optimising space and light. He introduced the idea of the space-saving overhanging staircase treads and velux windows above the stairwell to bring in light. The extra-height doors are a device we’d seen used in the home of the architect trained artist Brian Reinker (brianreinker.com). We like visiting architectural salvage places like LASSCO where we discovered the large engraved mirror of Neptune. The blue led concealed wash-lighting in the hallway and bathroom was probably inspired by too many nights spent in Soho bars!
Simon: Have you ever experienced any unusual or unexpected events while living here?
C&J: Our home once exhibited an immodest thirst for publicity. Curtis Calls was a late night ITV cookery show in the 90’s where Dennis Curtis knocks unannounced (supposedly) on someone’s front door and cooks a meal using whatever’s in the fridge. Curtis Calls knocked on our front door during its previous incarnation as a one-bedroom flat with a Brighton Pavilion inspired hallway and the episode might still be lurking on YouTube. Before that, in 1987 it featured in The London Evening Standard’s ‘A Life In The Home Of…’ property series written by Elizabeth Hilliard under the headline Baroque ’n’ Roll (inspired by the decor and James’ singing career).
Simon: What do you love most about living in this area?
C&J: We know Londoner’s claiming their neighbourhood’s like a village is a cliché but this part of Borough isn’t far off with its little shopping parade, local pubs and Mint Street park. Given its location the surrounding streets are surprisingly quiet and traffic-free. However, just a short walk away and any village-ideas soon evaporate. There’s world-famous sights and it’s an easy walk to a job in the City. Also the bend in the river means it’s only a 45min walk to Covent Garden. The walk along the South Bank of the Thames takes in riverside views, majestic cityscapes and cultural sites. Everything is on your doorstep.
Simon: What are your plans for the future, and how does selling this home fit into those plans?
C&J: We’ve been French resident since 2020 while renovating an 18th century presbytery in Northern France between regular visits to London. We’re both now retired and have spent most of our lives in London and now’s the time for a life change and to settle in one place. We’re looking to buy a house in the Provence-Cote-d’Azur region and run the old Presbytery as a gîte. Selling our London home will help finance these plans.
Simon: What do you think would be the most appealing feature of this home to a potential buyer?
C&J: Definitely the upstairs space with its abundant light and cityscape views. It’s only on the 5th floor but there’s no tall buildings directly opposite, nor will there ever be as it’s a conservation area so that’s a big plus. It’s the only one with a loft extension and Southwark Council no longer sell-off their roof voids so you enjoy complete privacy up there, it’s like your own tower or eyrie. Indeed, when people come up the stairs they all say “Wow!” which must mean it has the wow-factor. Two other things are the interior lighting, specifically designed to create dramatic effect at night and the Utility Room (sounds boring but city apartments look better when drying clothes can be hidden away).
Simon: If you could give one piece of advice to a potential buyer, what would it be?
C&J: To spend time exploring the local area, discovering all the little off-the-tourist-trail hidden gems but also make the best of the big things like TATE MODERN. Annual membership is great value and afterwards, if the tide is low go down onto the Thames foreshore and see London from a completely different angle.
Simon: A curve ball question now, if you were housing minister for a month, what strategies would you put in place to help improve the market?
C&J: We’d look to reduce the overall cost burden, for example by controlling Service Charges and Ground Rent increases. Fortunately, our unique home doesn’t have a private management agent and it’s in the interests of Southwark Council to control their own services charges and the ground rent is nil.
Lant House is for sale. If you’d like to learn more, please click here.
And if you’re thinking about selling or rent a unique London home, why not get in touch, [email protected] or call the office, 020 3987 1739.
