Take the train to Chelsea’s smart river developments
THINK of Chelsea and you probably think of the King’s Road, and the streets crammed with attractive townhouses between Sloane Square and Battersea Bridge. Travel further west along the river, and you reach an area that used to be something of a West London oddity –?around Sands End and Chelsea Harbour – but is now on the up. Chelsea Harbour, a former industrial area known as Chelsea Basin that was redeveloped in the 80s, introduced luxury apartments, offices and a smart hotel, plus a marina for the gliterrati to park their boats.
The problem, however, was accessibility – it’s quite a trek to the nearest Tube station, Fulham Broadway. However, the continued development of the area has finally brought a brand new overground train link. Imperial Wharf station, which sits beside the latest construction (also called Imperial Wharf) from specialist riverside developer St George, has trains running to Clapham Junction and Olympia. It opened back in September. As well as the modern developments, surrounding residential streets will also see the benefit.
“Historically this part of Chelsea has been very isolated, so this makes a huge impact,” says Charlie Parkin of estate agent Aylesford International, whose offices are nearby. “Suddenly it’s linked up to the rest of London, it really completes the area.”
Being off the beaten tracks has been part of this tranquil, self-contained district’s appeal, but it has many more practical plus points too. Special attractions include the Chelsea Design Centre – a futuristic emporium of luxury design boutiques – the famous antiques shops of Lot’s Road, and the five-star Wyndhams Hotel (which gains a new spa this spring). Stamford Bridge football ground is also nearby. You can reach the King’s Road boutiques in a few minutes, and now the rest of London is just a quick train ride away.
OCTAVIA HOUSE, IMPERIAL WHARF
£899,950
Premier apartment in the Imperial Wharf development, with two bedrooms and a large balcony.
Call Imperial Wharf on 020 7610 9693 or visit www.imperialwharf.com.
STADIUM STREET
£1.6m
An end of terrace house with four bedrooms, a garden and two terraces.
Call Aylesford International on 020 7351 2383 or visit www.aylesford.com.
CHELSEA CRESCENT
£1.5m
Sixth floor apartment in stylish contemporary development, with three bedrooms and roof terrace.
Call Hamptons Chelsea on 020 7835 1444 or visit www.hamptons.co.uk
REDCLIFFE PLACE
£950,000
Three bedroom flat arranged over two floors in a period conversion, with a large decked terrace.
Call Foxtons on 020 7590 1000 or visit
www.foxtons.co.uk.