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Remember the 1720s? The South Sea Bubble, piracy, smallpox, Bach and Handel, Peter the Great? Good times. It was then that this house was built in London’s Mayfair district, now possibly the most prestigious neighborhood in the city. But back then, the area was quite new, constructed on the site of the old May Fair.
Bricklayer John Barnes built the house for another builder, John Robinson. While architects were not involved, the expertise shown in the building’s construction is evident to this day, especially the fenestration. The largest windows are found on the first floor and second floors, the most important parts of the house, where guests were received, entertained and business done. The ceilings in the first three floors of the five-story home are higher than normal in a house of its age.
Three hundred years later, the dignified old house has been beautifully restored in accordance with its status as Grade II*, which indicates that this is a rare building that must be conserved. Much of the original woodwork and paneling remains, all created by hand; where it was missing, replacements match the originals. Now adhering to the best standards of both the 18th century and the 21st, the townhouse is available via Rokstone for the equivalent of about $11.37 million USD.
There are four bedrooms and four bathrooms in the 3,178-square-foot house. One enters via an elegant front door and stately wrought iron railings; notice the pretty flower boxes under the windows. The marble foyer leads to the breakfast room or a drawing room, which includes the original wooden paneling as well as an original fireplace. The room in front looks out onto the street and leads to the modern kitchen. The kitchen is equipped with Miele appliances, a Quooker boiling faucet and quartz counters.
Stairs lead up to the next floor with the major reception rooms. The large principal living room includes an internal balcony that looks out over the decorative chimneys of Mayfair. Part of the room is kitted out as a library, with built-in shelving and cabinetry and a cocktail bar with wine cooler.
Up to the next floor is the principal bedroom with a good-sized dressing room and en-suite with high-end Victoria & Albert fixtures. All the bathrooms in the house have under-floor heating and heated towel rails. Two more en-suite bedrooms are up the next floor. On the lower ground floor are a bar and TV room, another bedroom and bathroom and a utility room.
As with many old London townhouses, there isn’t much outdoor space, just a small patio. On the other hand, a resident will be a block away from gorgeous Hyde Park, so there is plenty of green space to enjoy with a little effort.
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