Old Aeroworks Penthouse
Hatton Street, London NW8

SOLD

Architect: Terry Farrell

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"The unique vision of Sir Terry Farrell, one of the founding fathers of Post Modernism."

One of London’s most remarkable living spaces, this completely individual penthouse apartment sits at the top of the Old Aeroworks, a former Art Deco aircraft factory that was redesigned for residential occupancy by architects Munkenbeck & Marshall. The apartment itself was designed by the world-renowned architect Sir Terry Farrell, for his own use, the interiors of which take inspiration from the iconic fighter planes – most notably the Spitfire – that were manufactured on the factory floors.

Measuring around 3,295 sqft internally, the apartment is principally arranged over one level with clever pockets of living space orientated around a striking central staircase, painted in a battleship grey, that climbs from the lower level entrance.

The living space is loosely divided into three areas beneath a corrugated-steel roof punctured with large skylights. Along one flank there is a 42ft living room that can be shuttered off using concertina doors, and a separate kitchen from which stairs lead to an upper-level study and access to the extraordinary roof terrace with impressive views of London across the surrounding rooftops.

Opposite the main living areas, across the central landing, is a large bedroom suite with en-suite bathroom and shower, and a further area containing a dressing room and second bathroom. Another staircase leads to the guest bedroom, a self-contained room fitted with an abundance of useful storage.

There is lift access to the third floor, opening to a short shared corridor that leads to the apartment’s entrance.

Built in 1920, The Old Aeroworks is one of the earliest all-concrete buildings in Britain. Originally owned by Bovis Homes, the factory was established to take advantage of the timber that was brought up the Thames to the nearby Paddington Basin, and manufacturing entire homes under one roof. The outbreak of WWII meant that many industrial buildings were repurposed to help with the war effort.

“Hitler began bombing the London docks, where the Palmer Tyre Company aeroworks were located” says Sir Terry Farrell. “The Government requisitioned this place and moved the aeroworks here”. It was occupied by The Palmer Tyre Company, which produced wheels, tyres, brakes and gun turrets for Spitfire, Hurricane, Wellington and Lancaster fighter and bomber aircraft.

The property is located close to the shops, cafés and restaurants of Edgware Road, Church Street Market and St John’s Wood High Street. Nearby Little Venice offers opportunities for walks along the canal, and green space is provided by Regents Park. The Underground station of Edgware Road is approximately ten minutes away on foot. Paddington National Rail station is also within easy reach, with direct services to Heathrow Airport, and there is quick road access to the West via the A40.

Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: approx. 976 years

Service Charge: £12,500 per annum

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.


History

Between 1920 and 1930, an “island block” of buildings was erected by housing company Bovis to accommodate their sizeable joinery and furniture operation as an adjunct to an existing housebuilding division. In 1940 the Bovis works were requisitioned by the government for the Palmer Aero Woks follwoing th destruction of their original factory during the Blitz.  Palmer Aero had made their name by patenting the Palmer Cord Aero tyre and wheel rim – the first pneumatic aircraft tyre not to burst on landing.

According to Sir Terry Farrell’s book Interiors and the Legacy of Post Modernism (published by Laurence King in 2011):

“In 1985, Terry Farrell raised a consortium to buy the freehold of the island block with the aim of transforming the site into a mixed-use complex. The conversion reflects an early shift in the concept of the workplace and the re-use of industrial space as studio offices for creative industries.

The Freehold was subdivided into several parts: number 9 became known as the Hatton Street Studios, a mix of small companies; number 11 was to house a textile company; number 15 became workshops and storage for an exhibition/events deigner; number 17 was transformed in Terry Farrell & Partners new studios and model workshop; and number 19 was taken over by Spitfire Productions’ TV company and video editing suite.”

The Hatton Street Building, originally constructed in 1921, was extended vertically to create a corner tower for Farrell’s own offices, and the whole building was rendered and painted. Farrell retained a part of the practice’s vacated offices and adapted the rooftop space into a 300 sqm studio penthouse. According to Farrell’s book, “The open volume of the top floor has been planned as a live/work space that stretches from the front to the rear. The design of the studio relies on a continuous creative process whereby new furniture, some which is designed by Farrell himself, sits next to modern classics, antiques, model aeroplanes and fish pools.”

The above picture shows Farrells staff in the building at the time of purchase in 1985.

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