Stirling Ackroyd is delighted to announce this unique opportunity to acquire an imposing freehold home, located in the very heart of Soho. This property has undergone a meticulous and extensive program of works which been finished to a stunning specification.

This remarkable dwelling was understood to be built in 1735-1736 by William Bignell and has been used as a music recording studio in more recent times. The property now offers extensive luxurious accommodation, spans 5 floors with mezzanine and measures 2681sqft.

The versatile accommodation incorporates superb entertaining space to include a large open plan kitchen and media room on the lower ground floor with a drawing room, library, gallery and a quite amazing dining room with glass roof at ground level. 

There is also a relaxation zone, a perfect place to unwind after a long stressful day which incorporates spa, massage room and steam room in the lower ground. The first floor lends its self entirely to the impressive master suite with access to a large terrace.

The second bedroom with accompanying en suite commands the second floor with access to a small balcony with two further bedrooms and guest bathroom on the third floor. There is also a mezzanine level in Bedroom 4 which would make a perfect study and a large terrace which offers a peaceful place to enjoy a glass of wine at the end of the day.

Taking time out of his busy schedule, Timothy Tan, the architect behind the design of St Anne's Court, gives us insight into his work, and explains where his inspiration stems from.

Tell me a bit about yourself?

I did my first Architectural degree in Singapore, which then led to a year and a half internship at WOHA - a Singapore-based architecture practice which has since gone on to win international renown for their work. It was here that I really began to learn the importance of attention to detail, how to design and finish spaces. I then moved over to the UK to complete the second part of my  degree at the AA - The Architects Association. Upon graduating I started working at Make Architects, where I remain employed.

Is there an architectural building / structure you wish you would have designed?

One of the nicest buildings is St. Katherine's College in Oxford, designed by Arne Jacobsen. The attention to detail is amazing. Also, Peter Zumthor's Therme Vals, in Switzerland. That's just totally amazing! It's a bath complex which is a great brief! It is surrounded by breathtaking  landscape. It is literally set in a mountain of stone - so he just had the most amazing use of limestone and natural materials around him. What's important, is that when a good building comes together, there’s a lot of thought about all the design elements. For instance, even when choosing what to put on the manifestation of the glass panels on the ground floor. It's thinking about all these things. How do you make sure, for instance, the steps don't creak? That was something where the 'craft' within the building works became very important.

Tim shows me the two glass panels on the ground floor of the property, which have a scripture running down both.  I question him as to what this is, and how it came about:

At one point, because the panels were clear, people kept walking into them, so we thought 'let's make a design feature out of it'. We actually took a stanza from Alice in Wonderland - Through the Looking Glass. I felt that one has to bring it all the way down to the detail, that's the most important thing. So when people look at it, they think it's not just some random script, there's actually a story to it.

What kind of feel were you hoping to achieve throughout the house?

I wanted to create a hidden gem within the vibrant and creative community that is Soho. Personally I have spent many lazy weekends drifting between cafes and browsing the multitude eclectic shops in the area and I wanted the design of the house to capture the sense of delight and surprise I often experienced as I meandered through the quarter. In a similar way I saw the house as a series of spaces of discovery. Each floor was designed to have a very distinctive look whilst still maintaining the coherence that they are parts of a whole. I would hope that the visitor would be able to embark on a journey of delight and splendour the minute he or she steps past the threshold.

So what type of person do you envisage living here?

I see it as an abode for an incredibly stylish and well travelled gent or lady who loves to entertain. A gregarious person who enjoys living in the center of all the action and playing host! Someone who whilst outgoing also has the patience to appreciate the delicate and thoughtful touches throughout the house.

What is your favourite aspect of the property?

It would definitely be the master bedroom suite. I love the vertical finned feature wall paneling and how that theme carries through to the pattern on the sliding panels of the joinery and the balustrade pattern on the Juliet balcony. Finally the bathroom! Making sure that the  marble veins are continuous all the way through. It's one thing drawing it on paper but to actually realise it is another matter all together... Tim explained to me the technical difficulties that went into making sure each floor slab of marble lined up correctly with each other, and how the back panel on the bath was one huge slab. If any part were to break, all five slabs would have to be replaced. Apparently getting the weighty materials up to the bedroom was no easy feat!

Listening to Tim’s vision come alive, it’s apparent that detail is paramount, and that every aspect has a purpose - from the glass panels covering the radiator to provide a much sleeker appearance, the old cameras featuring on the shelves reflecting the building's past when it was once a film studio, to the ‘nature theme’ on the ground floor where you are greeted with a butterfly chandelier, then following through to a Marcel Wanders designer lampshade - effectively a plaster work of nature.

This iconic location is a short stroll from the green space of Soho Square, the area offers a fantastic bubbly vibe which is enviably close to London’s greatest boutiques, restaurants, bars and various other attractions.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to acquire a freehold home in the heart of Soho.

St Anne's Court, Soho, W1 is available for sale through Stirling Ackroyd.

Click here for more, or to arrange a viewing, please contact:

Alex Hensley
020 7256 3234
alexh@stirlingackroyd.com