Paddington is not only famous for its fictional Bear, it's also famous for being a wonderful area, full of beautiful tree lined streets and beautiful canal walks with fantastic architecture and facilities. On a sunny day it's like living in a real-life oil painting by one of the grand masters.

This striking Grade 2 listed corner property, which is located on the corner of Southwick Street and Star Street, offers a wealth of local shops and restaurants nearby. It is also within close proximity to Connaught Village, the vast green open spaces of Hyde Park, Marylebone and the excellent transport links from Paddington station, which has an express service to Heathrow Airport in 15 minutes.

With in excess of 3,000 sq ft this superb property could be transformed into an enviable home for a potential buyer, whilst also offering many options as a multiple use investment opportunity.

It's current configuration is of three separate units:

A recently refurbished two bedroom lower ground floor apartment.

A ground floor former retail unit, previously house a Coffee Shop, Dental Surgery and prior to this was the office and a London headquarters for Bob Geldof's Live Aid operation.

The upper floors offer a four-bedroom maisonette with a private terrace.

“I never intended on moving here, I bought the house because I was looking for a property for my daughter to open a coffee shop and have her own independent flat, I never intended on moving, I was settled in my own home but I saw the building and literally fell in love with the corner aspect, the huge windows, the light this gave and the exceptionally high ceilings. What sealed the deal was the original rosette and cornices on the lounge ceiling and the original Georgian shutters sealed in the huge lounge windows. I wondered how many stories those walls could tell.” Says the current owner of why they originally bought the property.

Looking at the exterior you can tell the potential of this building, it has real presence.

Inside is just as impressive, and then some! The upper maisonette boasts high ceilings which are impressive, upon entering the building oozes the grandeur of its era, you know you are entering a piece of history, but one not just trapped in the past, there are fantastic elements of modernity here, seamlessly fitting in with the whole ambience and feel.

This upper section has three bedrooms, the master bedroom is generously proportioned, offering views of tree lined roads in this picture postcard location. It is high ceilinged, light and airy and offers a walk in wardrobe for added chic and luxury, talking of which, the en suite bathroom is one of the largest we have ever seen, with a jacuzzi, bidet, a two-person steam room, a shower and two hand basins as well as a toilet.

Being a corner property, it has many forward-facing windows, in this case to the south east facing, which let the light flood in! All have shutters to give you control of how bright the sunshine is!

The original fireplaces and features make you understand why this building has it's protected status, this is a work of art you can live in and cherish.

You can tell this has been a cherished family home, it is just waiting for a new occupier who would benefit from cash flow from the commercial unit and lower flat or some savvy home buyer who is willing to take on some work and very easily convert the building into a single dwelling.

The ground floor, formally retail unit is currently a large living room/diner, the kitchen is by the renowned designer Mark Wilkinson and features a fabulous mobile island and cleverly incorporates storage under the kitchen seats.

The two bedroom lower ground floor apartment has been recently renovated and follows the exemplary examples set by the other parts of the house.

Of the house and surrounding area, the current owner adds:” The combination of high ceilings and the many windows enhances the feeling of space when you look out. The area is also remarkably quiet.

You are two minutes from Paddington Station offering easy access to mainline trains, London Overground and nearby access to the: Bakerloo, District, Hammersmith and City and Circle tube lines. These transport links will soon be enhanced by the new Cross rail line, all in all providing direct transport to all corners of London and beyond.

We are within easy walking distance of Hyde Park, Kensington Park and Connaught Village to one side and Notting Hill and all its exclusive shops and street markets on the other.

On our immediate doorstep we have: The Frontline club/restaurant - the world-famous award-winning restaurant is less than a minute's walk away. Maroush and all the great Middle Eastern restaurants on the Edgware Road less than five minutes walk away

Plus, there are two rather handy (for me) Hilton Hotels nearby, which I like visiting for two reasons; one has a Casino the other a fabulous swimming pool.

I love it here, the only reason I am moving is because, at my time of life, 68, I would like to be living nearer my only daughter, my granddaughters and son-in-law.”

So, if you are looking for an amazing house boasting both amazing original features matched seamlessly with the addition of contemporary brilliance, with the option of two houses and a commercial dwelling, in a quiet, yet still in the centre of everything London can offer at its best location, we recommend an early viewing. Remember the current owners weren't even looking for a home for themselves when they viewed it, but somehow the house just caught them in its spell, we foresee this easily happening again!

Local Authority:

City of Westminster

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