London rooms with a special view – and the queen as a neighbour

A "unique" duplex, the Penthouse of Trafalgar One, is situated on one of London's top tourist attractions and on sale for Dh100 million.

Situated on the fifth and sixth floors, the penthouse has views from two terraces that bring Central London’s history, culture and heritage to your doorstep. Courtesy Knight Frank

“Unique” is a word that can get overused, especially where the property market is concerned.

However, once in a while, a property comes to your attention that not only lives up to the ”unique” moniker but surpasses it. One such property on sale now for the price of Dh100 million is a one-off, a one and only, a residence that not only has the Queen of England as its neighbour but sits overlooking one of the most famous tourist attractions on the planet, Trafalgar Square.

The Penthouse of Trafalgar One occupies two floors and really is unique because it is the only residential address on the square and its balconies overlook St James’s Park, Buckingham Palace and Admiralty Arch.

Situated on the fifth and sixth floors, the space has views from two terraces that bring Central London’s history, culture and heritage to your doorstep.

The penthouse plays its part in the capital’s fabric – its finishing having being woven into the heart and soul of the square: the bathroom’s shower room has as its “window” the back of the clock that oversees the square built in to its external wall.

It has all the appointments one would expect of a global prime property – direct lift access, parking for 12 cars (which in Central London is a selling point in itself) and four bedrooms spread over 349.78 square metres.

There is also Italian marble in the bathrooms, remote security, porterage, underfloor heating and a bespoke spiral staircase.

London has become many things since the Romans settled there as Londinium – centre of the world’s largest empire, world’s largest city until 1925 and the leader in popular culture through the 1960s as swinging London. Its history is as important as its future, and this apartment is in the crossroads of both.

q&a no argument with this location

Henry Faun, a surveyor at Knight Frank, the estate agent marketing the property, reveals more about Penthouse of Trafalgar One.

The property has been on sale for nearly six months. Is this a long time for such a residence?

Quite the opposite, with properties over Dh60 million the sales duration can stretch inordinately. It is not because of the property or the location but the fact that the pool of people with that much disposable income is that much smaller and therefore one has to be very lucky to move it quickly if a buyer wants it at the time one is selling. Generally a property is available before a buyer is, and therefore the property waits.

IP Global states that 30 per cent of its investors in London are from the GCC. Is this the case for Knight Frank too?

We have buyers from all over the world who are interested in London. This particular property will be interesting internationally because of its unique position and wonderful vistas. If it is to be used as a primary residence then I would assume it will attract an English buyer. If it is to be used as a secondary residence then it will appeal to the international investor who does business in London and probably has a property portfolio across the world.

Apart from the location, why would I buy this property?

It is a very discreet and private residence for such a central apartment. The natural light in the duplex is incredible; it is as much a wow factor as the location, lots of light and incredible views across London whichever way you look.

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