Status: Under Construction Local Authority: London, Central Westminster Size: 22,000sqft / 2000sqm+ Client: Private developer This Grade 2* Listed building is one of London’s most famous, most filmed and most photographed homes. Portland Place is the widest and grandest proportioned residential street in London, the home of embassies, Royal Institutes and the BBC. The original building, completed in 1776, was designed by the famous Architect brothers James and Robert Adam. During the late twentieth century the building was home to the Sierra Leone High Commission, suffering from years of institutional alterations and then further dilapidations due to its more recent use as a popular and notorious private party venue. Later internal modifications and rear extensions were added during the Victorian Era designed by the notable Architect W. D. Caroe. The property includes a late nineteenth century hydraulic wall separating the main ground floor reception spaces, it seems to be the only example of this technology that survives. The wall was previously powered by water pressure during the Victorian Era but is now powered by modern hydraulic systems. Many people of note have occupied the property including Knights, Lords and an Earl. The property has been used as the location for a number of films. Much of the multi Oscar winning film ‘The Kings Speech’ starring Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush was filmed within the building. The building has also been used for many music videos including; Amy Winehouse’s ‘Rehab’, Girls Aloud ‘Cant Speak French’, Coldplay’s ‘Lovers in Japan’, former Spice Girl Emma Buntons ‘Downtown’ and the BBC’s production of ‘La Traviata’. The property has been a popular photographers location, possibly the most prominent piece being Kate Moss’s famous Agent Provocateur photoshoot. We achieved a plethora of very significant planning gains through careful negotiations with Westminster Council and Historic England (formerly English Heritage). These include; Extensive internal remodelling The complete replacement of the mews house with a larger building, which includes a substantial roof terrace. Complete redesign and reconstruction of the top floor including a significant contemporary extension with large motorised opening jewel shaped rooflight and roof terrace Insertion of a passenger lift through the existing house The extension of the basement to include a swimming pool, a real rarity in this area External remodelling and reconstruction Sensitive introduction of air cooling systems throughout the building Replacement of dilapidated structures and restoration of historic features Complete modernisation of services with minimal intrusion into the historic fabric of the building