Buying in Battersea with no regrets

Having lived in Hammersmith for many years, entrepreneur, Clare Gradidge, wanted a new home in Central London that would offer the same light and space as her former Victorian terrace house.

Drawn to Battersea by friends already living in the area, the co-owner of Scarlett Willow - a web based Tablewear Company - discovered ‘Kingsway Square' on Battersea Park Road by St James Homes.

Kingsway Square is the award-winning conversion of the Grade II Listed former Kingsway College into a collection of over 153 refurbished and new-build apartments. Now Clare has the convenience of being nearer to her friends and her office in Chelsea, as well as the wide-open spaces of Battersea Park and a variety of bars and restaurants in the local area.

A self-confessed north of the river snob, Clare was hesitant about moving south of the river: “For years, I had a psychological barrier to living in Battersea despite my friends repeatedly assuring me it was the place to be! I had only ever lived north of the Thames before but now that I have been living in Battersea for six months, I'm annoyed I didn't make the move sooner.

There are a lot of people saying “I told you so”! It feels much more central than Hammersmith was and my commute to work by bicycle is just over 10 minutes! I also love that the park is on my doorstep where I have regular sessions with my personal trainer.”

Clare's top floor duplex apartment appealed to her for many reasons, she comments: “I was attracted to the development because it's such an old, beautiful building. Buying into a converted college, all the flats are individual and have a lot of character.

 No two flats are the same, which makes it very unique, and a good long-term investment. My property in Hammersmith was really light with big windows, so I wanted something similar. The main living area has a very high ceiling which is unusual in London, unless you're living in areas like Mayfair or Belgravia.”

Security was an important consideration for Clare: “It gives me peace of mind to know that there is 12-hour concierge. The secure entry system gives the feeling of living in a hotel, which is kind of nice.” There is also a tail-guard access system to the underground car park and ample free bicycle parking.
A limited number of properties remain at Kingsway Square, with prices starting from £320,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.

For availability and floor plans, please visit www.kingswaysquare.co.uk. For further information, please call 0870 850 7674 or email kingswaysquare@berkeleygroup.co.uk. The Marketing Suite and show apartment are open from 10am - 5pm from Thursdays to Mondays (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays).