Owning a slice of history: it’s easier than you think

London’s attraction to many buyers is the sheer number of buildings which have survived these thousands of years. Devastating fires and wartime bombing are amongst the issues which have befallen the capital, yet the city still boasts hundreds – if not thousands – of original buildings, each with their own history. In recent years, some of these historical gems have been converted to residential properties, giving cultured property hunters their very own slice of London’s past. These conversions range from the fascinating – to the landmarks of London’s storied past, such as the stunning apartment that hides inside St Pancras Station’s famous clock tower.

Famous historical building conversions in London

Those with their eye on luxe living space might look to No 1 Palace Street, formerly the prestigious Palace Hotel which housed guests of the Royal Family. Built in 1860, it now houses 72 apartments that blend the timeless facade of this slice of London history with elegant, modern design: and lovers of history will be delighted to know that, during renovation, the developers found a secret underground passage to neighbouring Buckingham Palace!

If Art Deco is more your style, look no further than Battersea Power Station’s distinct 1930s silhouette sitting on the banks of the Thames. Designed by renowned architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, it is one of the world’s largest brick buildings and the site is Grade II listed – and thanks to a sympathetic renovation of the power station’s Turbine Hall, buyers of its newly-available apartments will be able to live, shop and dine within this true London landmark.

Another irresistible piece of British history is the BBC – or British Broadcasting Corporation. Luckily for fans of eye-catching architecture that is imbued with the weight of broadcast royalty, its former home, Television Centre, was transformed into homes by prize-winning architect Paul Monaghan. Lucky homeowners who snap up one of the many beautifully-designed apartments in this unusual curved complex will be surrounded by British history, as well as being surrounded by a thriving and growing community.

For those looking for links even further into the past, Brigade Court is a charming conversion of the old London Fire Brigade headquarters which retains its distinctive red brick frontage. Now a thriving residential complex, the Grade II listed buildings have been thoughtfully combined with contemporary architecture. The result is a community centred around the existing courtyard, creating a friendly neighbourhood feel to this very special snippet of London history.

London properties to suit your budget