Words: Russell
London — tough city, tough citizens. But you know what’s tougher still? Trying to find a place to bloody live. Most rental properties on the market go within the first 40 seconds of listing, while getting on the housing ladder requires two dead grandparents and a board seat at Goldman Sachs. So once you’ve found somewhere, you better hope it’s up to scratch.
Lillie square, a new concrete and glass wonder in West London, is spotless in that regard. Sat just next to West Brompton station, it is a thing of beauty — and a real antidote to the thankless task of London living.
The development
Most gated communities are exclusive in the worst sense — only allowing the super rich in and adding nothing to the community around them. Not with Lillie Square. Based around an open garden square that gives everyone an opportunity for a breath of fresh air, it is a welcoming idyll near central London.
There is a mix of mansion blocks, townhouses and tower apartments to choose from here. (Our pick of the bunch are the penthouses on top of One Lillie Square — but more on that later.)
The aspect that excites most residents is the Clubhouse. Located at the bottom of the first tower, it has pretty much everything you’d need for rest and relaxation.
The Clubhouse
Possibly the shining star of the development, this is London’s largest private residents club with 18,000 sq ft of space to unwind. You’ll be able to enjoy the use of the swimming pool, sauna, gym and spa treatments from the expert team to help with all of your fitness and relaxation needs.
Alternatively, you can book out the private screening room to watch your favourite films in perfect privacy. And then there’s the bar and events space that you can book out for anything from wedding receptions to meetings. Lillie Square hosts a variety of open events there for all residents where they team up with some of their partners including Selfridges and Berry Bros & Rudd.
The Penthouse
When it comes to the pinnacle of city living there really is only one type of flat to call home. Found on the 14th floor of One Lillie Square are two penthouses, spread out over three floors with floor-to-ceiling windows everywhere and possibly the best rooftop terrace we’ve ever seen in West London.
The views that you get from here are unrivalled, with no building blocking your line of sight over the London skyline. You’ll even have a great view for pretty much every Chelsea home game with Stamford Bridge a mere football-throw away.
The views inside are just as breathtaking, with a distinct Asian influence led by United Design Studio. The open-plan kitchen and dining area flows fantastically through to the living area, with large open doorways that allow light to stream through the entire floor.
Head up to the 15th floor and you’ll find the master suite and junior rooms that come with a private balcony — just in case you haven’t had enough of the London skyline.
Don’t take our word for it. Here are some images of what has already been built. Phase one of the development is finished, and nearly all of the apartments have been sold. But Phase two is still under construction, giving you the chance to get a slice of Lillie Square in the not-too-distant future.
Lillie Square, Club House
If you prefer something a bit chillier check out these winter palaces…
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