Property of the Week: Christie’s wine vaults have been turned into a bachelor pad in South Kensington
An art dealer looking for a pied a terre could do worse than living adjacent to Christie’s auction house. This two bedroom duplex is so close to the internationally famous business where fine art and jewellery is sold to the highest bidder that it used to be its wine vault.
For years, this space held some of the world’s most valuable vino, but it was snatched up by the son of a hedge funder and his city trader friend once Christie’s decided it was surplus to requirements in the 1990s.
Quite apart from the Christie’s connection, it’s just off of Old Brompton Road, just a three minute walk from South Kensington station, calling the V&A, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Royal Albert Hall neighbours.
Completely transformed, Barnaby Place has been on the market with estate agent Lurot Brand for the last six months. “It’s very much a bachelor pad, but we’ve had more couples viewing it who find South Kensington is within their price range once they’ve combined their earnings,” says Marlon Malcolm Lloyd at Lurot Brand.
The patio garden in snowier climes
“The incorporation of double height reception space makes it very light and airy, too. It suits a single person who’s incredibly successful and not thinking about children any time soon.”
For years, this space held some of the world’s most valuable vino
The 1,391sqft apartment is spread across the basement and first floor, gated from the main street and has 24 hour security arrangements. A skylight has been put into the first floor ceiling to beam natural light into the bedroom space below and generally lighten up the basement level. Designed in a contemporary mews style, there’s a mezzanine study area for days working from home, too, while the second reception room, separate dining room and west-facing garden also make it an ideal place to host parties.
Living room at Barnaby Place
“It’s great for entertaining as there’s ample space for a two bed, but it’s the garden space that makes it really special,” says Lloyd. “It isn’t something you’re going to find easily in South Kensington, so there’s a premium to be paid for that.”
Call Lurot Brand on 020 7590 9955 or email [email protected]