5 of the best features in London developments

As more and more Londoners seek access to standout facilities onsite, developers are taking note. From swish residents’ lounges to retro-style games rooms, there are more amenities to take advantage of than ever before on the new-build property scene. This week, we’ve rounded up some spectacular features we think deserve special mention…

The Sky Pool at Embassy Gardens, SW8

Big names are behind this super-stylish development in the Nine Elms neighbourhood – we’re talking Ballymore, EcoWorld, HAL Architects and Sir Terry Farrell CBE. So naturally, the onsite offering was going to be top-notch. Aside from a rooftop bar, yoga studio and plush cinema, Embassy Gardens will actually offer the world’s first Sky Pool – a 25-metre ‘floating’ swimming pool suspended between two 10-storey buildings. It’s got a clear bottom, so one to avoid if you’re not good with heights. The hotly anticipated feature will be open later this year.

“The architecture and design is so well thought out – small details like the lifts are pretty! Balconies are designed to share light – so lovely in the summer and protected in the winter. It is all the amenities that also made this development stand out for us – whilst we don’t use them all (gym!) – it is wonderful to make use of the communal places and invite friends over to pretend you are having a spa day! Excited about the skypool..!” – Helen, resident at Embassy Gardens

The house Bentley at The Mansion, W1

Forget conveniences like car parking and bicycle storage, residents at Clivedale’s The Mansion are transported around town in their very own chauffeur-driven Bentley. And the first-class service doesn’t stop there. The concierge team is provided by esteemed lifestyle brand, Quintessentially, Maid of London looks after apartment housekeeping, and Jeeves of Belgravia is on-hand for dry cleaning. If all that’s not enough, there’s a sumptuous spa, too.

“There’s a deliberate hotel vibe about this development with an on-call chauffered Bentley, Fortnums prepared to deliver and Bamford providing their smart products ‘throughout the building’ as well as therapists for the spa. Definitely one for those with homes elsewhere in the world who want to drop their cases in a convenient West End base and go.” – HomeViews Property Pro on The Mansion

The tropical gardens at Wardian London, E14

Another luxury development masterminded by Ballymore and EcoWorld, Wardian London is more tropical haven than new-build residence. The property was named after the famous botanist, Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward, and it’s been completely decked out with tropical foliage. The greenery weaves its way through the entire place, but it really flourishes in the indoor gardens inside the sky-piercing Wardian Club. You’ll also find state-of-the-art leisure facilities and the Sky Lounge and Bar up here.

The House Gym by Soho House at Television Centre, W12

Stanhope’s Television Centre is one of the most talked-about developments in recent years, amalgamating TV studios (look out for Holly and Phil) new homes, restaurants and gardens. One of its most celebrated concepts is the House Gym by Soho House, an exclusive, ultra-chic hub that you’d readily associate with the SH brand. Inside, there’s a fitness centre pairing state-of-the-art equipment with impeccable décor – think dark woods, cool greys and contemporary lighting. Residents can also look forward to an 18-and-a-half-metre swimming pool, a sauna and steam room, dedicated yoga studios and a spa.

“The gym is arguably London’s best – I haven’t seen better. Operated by Soho House’s brand ‘The Cow Shed’ it’s refreshing to see a resident’s gym with a genuine buzz about it. Members of Soho House Group can use the facilities, but I don’t see this as a problem. What would you rather, an empty gym with just your next door neighbour for company, or a busy gym atmosphere with lots of people and energy? It’s a no brainer.” – HomeViews Property Pro on Television Centre

“It’s been a year since we moved into our apartment in the Helios building and we love it more than ever. The vibrancy and eclectic mix of the development is fantastic. It always feels like there is something exciting going on and the variety of people is fantastic. The community within the building is really developing and people are extremely neighbourly and Stanhope really looks after the whole estate which is spotlessly clean and well cared for. The front of house team / concierge are wonderful – hugely accommodating and always pleasant.” – SRC, verified resident at Television Centre

The roof terrace at River Heights, E15

For a bird’s-eye view of London, River Heights offers one of the best rooftop terraces around. It looks out over landmarks like the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Old River Lea and the City Mill River, not to mention the iconic Canary Wharf skyline in the distance. It’s also beautifully landscaped, so it’s perfect for an evening drink as the sun sets over the city. Also on offer at River Heights? Box-fresh apartments and a convenient Stratford locale.

“River Heights apartments share the same contemporary look and feel as lots of other developments in this burgeoning area. Think crisp white walls, sleek wood flooring and LED lighting. Bathrooms are nicely tiled, and kitchens done out with high-gloss furniture and integrated mod-cons. The most noticeable feature, though, is the full-height windows that offer sweeping views across the capital. Some units come with not one, but two balconies to make the most of the vistas.” – HomeViews Property Pro on River Heights

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