James Bond has impeccable taste in yachts, and we imagine he would have equally high demands for his London pad. It is hard therefore to think of a better fit for 007 than the South Turret Residence in the former Old War Office building. Not only is it set within a building steeped in intelligence history but it also incorporates a William Young-designed turret and comes with a level of five-star service that Bond is of course accustomed to.
The two-storey apartment is one of 85 residences being created as part of the OWO Residences by Raffles development. Due to be completed in 2022, the homes are at the heart of the transformation of the Grade II* listed former Old War Office, situated in the centre of Whitehall. The building will also be home to London’s first Raffles home, which will offer 125-rooms and suites designed by Thierry Despont.
The property has a natural connection to Bond as writer Ian Fleming was inspired to create the fictional M16 character following his time in Britain’s Naval Intelligence Service where he acted as key liaison with the War Office. This apartment, one of two Turret Residences, has a further link as the turrets famously feature at the end of Skyfall (2012) and in Spectre (2015).
“The North and South Turret Residences are the ultimate Bond-inspired homes,” says Jenny Naylor, head of marketing for The OWO. “Each includes a three-storey private turret with a birds’ eye view of the capital and a license to thrill. Extensive work has been carried out in converting the turrets into liveable spaces; including working with Historic England to replace windows and install staircases."
The South Turret Residence is spread across the fifth and sixth floor and the interiors have been created by interior design studio 1508 London. All four bedrooms can be found on the fifth floor, which includes a spacious terrace that leads to the turret. “There are no fewer than eleven double doors leading to the terraces from the principal rooms allowing plenty of natural light and the most unique views of London,” explains Naylor.
The living spaces are located on the sixth floor and include a kitchen, formal dining room, study and spacious reception room. The bespoke kitchen is made by Smallbone of Devizes and will feature state-of-the-art appliances from Gaggenau and Miele. There is also a further terrace with outdoor dining and living spaces, accessible through French doors from the kitchen, dining room, hall and study
“The design of this particular residence is oriented so that the living spaces have views across the terrace and towards the William-Young-designed turret,” adds Naylor. “And if you choose to have your private study on the third floor of your turret, you’ll catch a glimpse of the red and silver breastplates of the Horse Guards glinting in the sun as they change places.”
The residence also comes with butler service – so a Martini Shaken not Stirred will be available at the touch of the button – as well as access to the five-star amenities, including a state-of-the-art spa, that will be part of the Raffles hotel.
This level of service is becoming increasingly popular among UHNW purchasers. “Post-covid, many buyers are also drawn to the branded residences with an extensive amenity offering, especially those with work-from-home spaces and meeting rooms in addition to wellness and leisure facilities,’ adds Naylor.
The South Turret Residence is sale via Knight Frank and Strutt & Parker. POA. theowo.london