A bridge between two worlds: Knightsbridge Gate
Old world elegance meets modern amenities, metropolitan living meets the quiet of neighbourhood life, and discretion meets meticulous design at Knightsbridge Gate
With the world-famous shops of Knightsbridge on one side, and the ‘villagey’ charms of Belgravia on the other, Knightsbridge Gate, one of prime central London’s newest luxury developments, is purpose-built for those who want to have their cake and eat it too.
It has taken almost a quarter of a century for this ambitious project to come together; 15 contemporary and newly-completed apartments built behind an Edwardian façade which runs 375 feet along Knightsbridge, from Wilton Place to William Street.
“In terms of the quality of the materials, and the finishes, we’re in the same ballpark as One Hyde Park or The Knightsbridge Apartments,” says Mike Sadler, a director of the estate. The difference here is in its boutique size. With fewer than 20 apartments in the development and more than one entrance, Knightsbridge Gate’s future residents won’t find themselves queuing for a lift or making unwelcome small talk.
“Smaller developments offer more privacy,” says Sadler. “You aren’t going to walk in and find loads of other people in the lobby. If you’re somebody who’s been living in a single residence and not used to sharing accommodation, it’s quite appealing.”
And, of course, when your corner shop is Harvey Nichols, your neighbourhood restaurant is Marcus Belgravia, and the green expanses of Hyde Park are across the road, the need for on-site amenities is considerably reduced.
Potential buyers to date have included an international line-up from North America, China, the Middle East, Europe and the UK. Some already own a property in the British capital but are hoping to downsize to something more low maintenance. Others are looking for a pied-à-terre to add to their portfolio, or an apartment for their children to use when in London.
It has taken almost a quarter of a century for this ambitious project of contemporary Knightsbridge apartments to come together
Attention to detail has been the watchword from the start. The original redbrick façade was built in 1904 to a design by the architect W.D. Caröe. Behind its unified Queen Anne frontage were 14 separate buildings which were bought by central London landowner the APML Estate in 1996.
The plan was always to redevelop this prime site, Sadler explains, but it was not until 2015, with planning permission in place and the buildings vacant, that it was ready to get to work.
Put simply, the project involved carefully propping up the Grade II* listed façade and then carefully removing and rebuilding everything behind it to create a boutique development of apartments, with shops along the ground floor facing Knightsbridge.
The architect responsible for this technically challenging task was Dixon Jones, whose practice has worked on London landmarks like Somerset House and the Royal Opera House. Knightsbridge Gate is all about discretion and low-key style. The elegant, pared down interiors are by MSMR Architects, which has styled private homes, new apartments and hotels throughout the capital.
“It’s not overly elaborate in terms of interior design,” says Sadler. “It is tasteful rather than oozing glitz and glamour – but it is very, very meticulous.”
But it’s the building’s dual-facing aspect which gives it a broad appeal. “I think the great thing about the location is that it has two sides,” he adds. “On one side you have Knightsbridge, but on the other you have quiet Belgravia.
“We’ve tried to orientate the apartments so that they take advantage of the quiet views at the back of the building, but if you walk the other way you’re in an international destination.”
