A boutique collection of 19 one- to four-bedroom loft-style apartments in London, created from the Victorian former showroom of a piano-maker, is offered to investors as a rare opportunity.
Combining the careful restoration of magnificent 19th century industrial architecture with striking contemporary design features, the homes are now for sale with joint sole selling agents Aston Chase and Knight Frank.
The newly completed homes range in size between 543 sq.ft. and 1,865 sq.ft., many with their own private balconies or terraces, with five show apartments now open for viewings. They each showcase open-plan living spaces, exposed beams, sash and steel-framed windows, chevron wooden flooring, Italian kitchens and Carrara marble-adorned bathrooms, with bespoke joinery and ironmongery crafted on site.
Dating from 1866-67, the original structure of Piano Studios formed part of Chappell & Co’s piano factory complex in Chalk Farm, and is believed to have been used as a showroom to display the firm’s instruments, with famous clients including composers Strauss and Sibelius. It was a key player in Camden’s history as England’s piano manufacturing hub, these prized musical instruments a Victorian status symbol of social and cultural refinement.
Founded in 1811 by Samuel Chappell, Francis Tatton Latour and John Baptist Cramer, Chappell & Co initially advised the nobility and wealthy on choosing the finest instruments, while also establishing their world-renowned music publishing business, with Beethoven a famous client.
By the 1970s, the British instrument-making industry was in decline, and its industrial architecture increasingly sought-after for contemporary residential conversions. In 2017 Hallmark Property Group, specialists in historic conversions, new-build, luxury co-living and mixed-use developments, completed its transformation of the main Chappell & Co former factory building into 10 Manhattan loft-style apartments.
The group has now turned its expertise to Piano Studios, meticulously restoring heritage features while introducing complementary chords with modern innovations.
The 19 homes include three one-bedroom apartments, with 503 sq.ft. to 602 sq.ft. of living space; 14 two-bedroom apartments, with 650 sq.ft. to 1,596 sq.ft. of living space, seven of which have a private balcony or terrace; and two penthouses on the fourth floor, one with three bedrooms, 1,126 sq.ft. of living space plus 626 sq.ft. of private terracing, and a four-bedroom 1,865 sq.ft. penthouse, with 1,054 sq.ft. of terracing.
The Shaker-style kitchens by Diesel have industrially styled metal countertops, premium Bosch appliances, Bora stoves and brushed chrome Quooker taps, while the Carrara marble-adorned bathrooms feature sculptural brass fittings, and bedrooms custom-made wardrobes by V Design.
Mark Pollack, Co-Founding Director of Aston Chase, says: “Boutique Chalk Farm development Piano Studios, now complete and open for viewings, offers not only a slice of iconic North West London musical history, but the kind of unique, bespoke craftsmanship and detailing so sought-after by today’s buyers. Created out of the Victorian former showroom of legendary English piano-makers Chappell & Co and a newly built addition, the 19 loft-style apartments and penthouses blend wonderful industrial features with the best of contemporary design, juxtaposing characterful red brickwork and steel beams with open-plan living spaces, Diesel kitchens and joinery handcrafted on site. They are already drawing huge interest from style-conscious young tastemakers and downsizers alike.”
Raul Cimesa, Partner and Head of London New Homes at Knight Frank, adds: “With its architectural Victorian-era heritage and thoughtful contemporary design, Piano Studios is an exclusive collection of loft-style one- to four-bedroom homes that epitomise London’s world-renowned industrial heritage and uncompromising creative spirit. Sculptural staircases, soaring ceiling heights, sash windows, bespoke ironmongery and underfloor heating marry function with flair – not just a home, but a lifestyle statement.”
Prices at Piano Studios start at £695,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, and from £650,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. For more information about Piano Studios or to arrange viewings, please contact Aston Chase on Tel: +44 (0)20 7724 4724, E: [email protected], www.astonchase.com and Knight Frank New Homes on Tel: +44 (0) 203 826 0673, E: [email protected], knightfrank.co.uk