The Courthouse, an Overview

Completed in the summer of 2014, The Courthouse is a modern residential building described as an ‘elegant re-imaging of Edwardian aesthetics’. Housing 129 apartments, The Courthouse offers a number of configurations to suit everyone in a cornerstone location of SW1. In close proximity to the Home Office, Department of Transport and other key Parliamentary buildings, The Courthouse is the perfect investment for those in political circles, or for those who truly appreciate the Central London location.

Being within such a short distance of all of London’s prime destinations whether it is London’s cultural attractions, the financial districts of the City or Canary Wharf or the refined hedge fund offices of Mayfair, The Courthouse makes commuting almost a pleasure.

Agents across London are desperately trying to get their hands on the selling or letting rights to this prime London address but we feel that as Garton Jones is in fact The Courthouse’s nearest neighbour, then only Garton Jones is best placed to offer clients an unparalleled sales, letting and management service.

A History of The Courthouse

Built upon the site of the former City of Westminster Magistrates Court, the original building was the scene for many a famous criminal trial to pass through before going onto the crown courts.

Admittedly it must be said that Westminster Magistrates Court never quite lived up to the notoriety of Bow Street Magistrates which featured a number of times in the (fictitious) adventures of the English gentleman Bertie Wooster, who was constantly having his collar felt by the long arm of the law due to his inebriated misdemeanours.

On the final day of operational duty, however, Westminster Magistrates had the last laugh when they fooled journalists into reporting that a Mr Bunbury was a defendant in the last case at the courts, Bunbury being another famous literary character created by Oscar Wilde. (The courts seemed to pass over the fact that Oscar Wilde suffered somewhat at the hands of the English Justice System!)

However, it is the English sense of fair play and indeed the notion that we are all innocent until proven guilty that has been the backbone of English civility and one must remember that our police system is built upon the ideology of ‘Policing by consent.

The modern police force was established in 1829 by Sir Robert Peel, then Home Secretary. The Metropolitan Police were one of the first professionally recognised constabularies and its foundation is based on nine guiding principles, now known as the Peelian Principles.

Nonetheless, when the police were first seen on the streets of London in 1829, Historical reports suggest that; ‘the public, we’re suspicious of the idea of a large police force, possibly armed. They feared that it could be used to suppress protest or support unpopular rule.’ An outdated sentiment in 2014…

Living & Investing In The Courthouse

In 1974 the actual City of Westminster Magistrates Court was unveiled and promptly described by architectural historian Nicholas Pevsner as being: ‘of minimal personality and minimal expression of function and purpose’.

Given its grave function perhaps its austere exterior was for the best. Now, however, The Courthouse is a grand Edwardian-style mansion block that is both sympathetic to its historical surroundings and yet modern enough to appeal to the demands of its 21st-century residents.

The Portland Stone and bronzed aluminium building sits majestically amongst some of London’s most important government buildings and has immediately established itself as part of the environment. Like a bespoke suit, The Courthouse instantly feels comfortable, the double-height lobby being less an imposing grandiose gesture and more of a warm embrace.

The development is built around a welcoming private courtyard with a ‘living wall’ and a bronze tree art installation.

Inside, every apartment is finished to a high and fastidious specification. Evidenced in the German-made kitchens, bespoke designed vanity units in the bathrooms, solid core lacquered doors and sumptuous, pure-wool carpets in the bedrooms.

Layouts include studio apartments and one-bedroom flats for single occupancy or couples seeking a pied-a-terre, while substantial 3 bedroom homes and 5 duplex penthouses exist for those looking for significantly larger residences.

The generous proportions of all the flats would appeal to a cross-section of buyers; from Bertie Wooster wannabes and those looking to do a bit of Bunburying. As well as Families and investors for whom only the best postcodes will suffice.

The Courthouse & Beyond

Admirers of Bertie Wooster, the English Upper Classes or just people with discerning taste will very much appreciate The Courthouse and its SW1 location. It is within this postal district that some of London’s most famous landmarks are situated. Not least the seat of both Political power and Monarchical power. The Houses of Parliament are a mere stroll along Millbank and Buckingham Place is a short walk in the opposite direction.

Residents of the Courthouse are the type of occupants who work hard and expect to be rewarded with the best that London has to offer and that will quite often mean bespoke suits, custom made shoes and specially commissioned jewellery.

Savile Row, Jermyn Street and Bond Street are just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Courthouse offering some of the finest tailors such as Eade and Ravenscroft and Kilgour. Beautiful hand-made shoes can be found at John Lobb and similarly divine shirts at Emma Willis. New Bond Street boasts a selection of the most internationally renowned designers with the flagship Stores of Louis Vuitton and Chanel both located here. Old Bond Street has oodles of sparkles and dozens of diamonds at Boodles and Asprey’s.

However, Courthouse residents are not easily swayed by the estate agent’s rhetoric and so we would ask you to weigh up the evidence and take a look at what SW1 has to offer before making a judgement. We confess we may be found guilty of selling you pure luxury!