BRICKWORKS SAYS

Beautifully modern, this first-floor apartment is situated in one of London’s 20th Century architectural treasures. It is a testament to the architects’ forward-thinking principles that it remains a beautiful and remarkably practical, contemporary home.

The south facing living room, with its glazed wall and sliding doors, overlooks a canopy of green and the Thomas More private residents’ garden below. At the other end, two double bedrooms are calming sanctuaries with ample built-in storage, keeping clutter at bay. Underfloor heating keeps an ambient temperature, and the palette of calming white creates a cohesive flow and makes a sensitive backdrop to the views outside every window.

The Barbican Estate is internationally renowned, an ode to hammered concrete and exposed brick. But the significance of its design goes beyond the aesthetic. The complex encompasses theatres, art galleries, a library, cinemas, cultural centre, vast conservatory, schools, nursery, restaurants, cafes, gardens and the central Barbican Lake with its waterfall and fountains. Meanwhile, beyond the estate, the thrills and delights of Shoreditch, the City and Clerkenwell await. Walk in any direction, and you’ll find a neighbourhood steeped in history and culture and bursting with gastronomic possibilities.

THE OWNER SAYS

Living in the Barbican Estate has been an absolute joy. Where else can you have London on your doorstep with the convenience of a world-class arts centre mere seconds away? You wouldn’t think that city living is particularly quiet, but Defoe House is arguably one of the most peaceful properties in the Barbican, nestled away from roads. A quirk of living near the Barbican Lake is that you’ll occasionally see ducks happily quacking as they fly past your window.

There is a wonderful community spirit in the Barbican and amongst our neighbours we have made some good friends. We’ve had many happy occasions enjoying an impromptu picnic in one of the gardens, sharing a bottle of wine and listening to the tranquil sounds of the waterfalls by the lake.

There is so much more we could talk about – the amazing local restaurants, the public transport choices, and being within walking distance of everything London has to offer. Our time in the Barbican has been so special, and we’re sad to be leaving, but we will be taking with us memories to treasure forever.

POINTS TO CONSIDER

Energy Efficiency Rating:

Barbican properties are exempt.

Council Tax:

In the borough of the City of London, the flat falls into Band E (£1313 in 2022/23).

Tenure:

Extended in 2019, there are approx. 174 years left on the lease.

Service charge & ground rent:

Ground rent is £10 per year & service charge is £1,211 per quarter, including underfloor heating and estate and garden maintenance.

Utilities:

Current monthly costs are approx. Electricity £198, Water £43.

Recent work:

The owners have installed a Thomson Brothers kitchen, new appliances and a boiler. They have also replaced the flooring throughout the property, fitted wardrobes and repainted throughout.

Getting around:

Being this central, walking or cycling to your destination is often a pleasure. However, when you need to get further afield, or time dictates, there are multiple public transport links on your proverbial doorstep. Here is a summary: the Barbican has a station in its name, connecting you to the Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines. If you’re looking for access to the Northern line, Moorgate is a stroll down the road. St Paul’s for the Central Line is not much further. Better still, the newly opened Elizabeth Line flanks The Barbican Estate with the Barbican/Farringdon entrance at one end and the Moorgate/Liverpool Street Station entrance at the other. The Elizabeth Line gets you to Soho in only 3mins via Tottenham Court Road.