Chelsea Barracks provides the best of both worlds: a city home with an abundance of green space and the facilities of a country estate. The most prestigious 12.8 acres in the world, it represents a historic collaboration between world-renowned architects, best-in-the-business landscapers, top interior designers and exhibits the finest British craftsmanship. It’s the pinnacle of British luxury, made up of a rare collection of apartments, duplexes, penthouses and townhouses, set around strikingly beautiful garden squares.
Situated in the heart of Belgravia, Chelsea Barracks is not only the most significant development in Central London for decades, combining state-of-the-art contemporary living in an historic setting, but also the most sustainable development in Europe. Owned by Qatari Diar Europe, a global leader in sustainable real estate, the development has recently been awarded a LEED Platinum certification – the benchmark for green building certification. It is one of only 16 developments in the world to reach this status.
Every detail at Chelsea Barracks works to support this green approach – starting with a historic location where residents are able to meet most, if not all, of their needs within a short walk or bike ride from their home. Then there is the 40 per cent of the site which is dedicated to seven publicly-accessible garden squares for the local community to enjoy. Inspired by the evolution of London’s Great Estates and Belgravia’s formal Georgian squares, in addition to nearby Chelsea Physic Garden, they have been planted with native species, culinary and medicinal plants. This includes Mulberry Square, which has been re-imagined as a communal kitchen garden with colourful cut flowers, vegetables and herbs.
Emulating the rich heritage of the former Barracks, everything is built to stand the test of time while having a sleek sense of modernity. Each element of the classically-inspired townhouses represents the ‘Best of British’, with nods to Georgian design, Belgravia and the historical Barracks. A work of art, they gleam with white Portland stone, chevron flooring hewn from solid oak, and fireplaces crafted from black Port Laurent stone. It’s a celebration of British craftsmanship – handmade using quality materials with a particular focus on British oak, patinated steel/bronze and marble.
Such an impressive attitude is also identifiable in The Chelsea Barracks Collection, an exclusive collection of refined, British-made furniture and homeware, all designed by interior design specialists Albion Nord, and seeded throughout the two dressed townhouses at the development. Beautifully-crafted by British artisans, the bespoke heirlooms each convey a story or reference to the rich history of the development and local area.
Adding to the excellence is the Garrison Club, a carefully-conceived suite of lifestyle amenities, reserved for the exclusive use of residents. Complete with all the advantages of a private club, the offerings include a high-tech spa and gym, private cinema, billiards room, residents’ lounge and business suite with two boardrooms. There’s also the Garrison Chapel, which has been carefully restored to become an art gallery and community gathering place.
Designed to stand the test of time, Chelsea Barracks creates a new legacy for London. It’s a huge responsibility but it has succeeded and triumphed in doing justice to the prestigious surrounds of this iconic estate.
