Romney House, an Overview

Romney House is a striking Grade II listed building located on Marsham Street in the political heart of Westminster. The development has approximately 170, one, two and three-bedroom apartments and benefits from a 24hr concierge, underground parking and a private resident’s gym.

Designed by the Austro-British architect, Michael Rosenauer and built in the 1930s, Romney House was originally a mixed-use development but redeveloped into sole residential use – except for the four commercial units at street level – in 2006.

Romney House attracts a mix of residents from owner-occupiers to long term tenants as well as those looking for a Central London pied-a-terre. Prices for the apartments have remained consistently strong and Romney Houses’ central location would indicate that this is set to continue.

There are many well-renowned restaurants in the area, while of course a short walk or cab ride would take you into the West End where many of London’s Theatres and flagship designer stores are situated.

A History of Romney House

With its red brick exterior, the Grade II listed, Romney House on Marsham Street has an understated elegance that is typical of its architect Michael Rosenauer.

Rosenauer was an Austro-British architect originally working in his native Vienna where he designed a number of social housing projects for the city between the wars during its socialist rule earning it the moniker ‘Red Vienna’. Rosenauer was asked by the then London County Council to advise on similar projects in the UK but he is perhaps more famously noted for his design of the Carlton Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge and also of the Time & Life Building on New Bond Street, featuring the integrated Sir Henry Moore Sculptures and a large Ben Nicholson painting embedded into the walls of the staircase.

Romney House itself was built in three stages throughout the 1930s, initially starting off as offices and retail spaces with residential apartments and a hotel being added as Britain grew out of The Depression after the First World War. Romney Houses’ multi-faceted history continued as during the Second World War it was requisitioned by the government and was allegedly used as a secret service headquarters. Post-war it then fulfilled the slightly more mundane task of the housing part of the Department of the Environment. Somewhat ironically it was then listed for demolition by the very department it housed. Saved from demolition at the last minute, it then became the temporary offices of the Greater London Authority and the newly elected Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone. Livingstone was more famously known as ‘Red Ken’ for his political beliefs and his work with the Greater London Council in the 1980s.

However, you will certainly not find any ‘reds under the bed’ now, as In 2006 Romney House was finally retired from political life and redeveloped to become the prestigious apartment block it now is.

Living & Investing In Romney House

Hosting approximately 170 apartments the building attracts a mix of long term owner-occupiers and well-heeled private tenants. Prices within the development have remained consistently high as flats rarely come onto the market. Its active resident’s association ensures that the surrounding changes and developments in Westminster do not impinge on the enjoyment of Romney Houses occupants and its vista as well as being consulted on how the area is best served by the local council. Indeed many of its residents are in politics while others hark from the creative and media industries or are involved in entrepreneurial activities. There is of course a 24hr concierge, underground parking and a private resident’s gym, facilities that are commensurate with such a development.

Internally the apartments have a variety of layouts thereby avoiding the ‘identi-kit’ footprint of so many modern developments. The mix of one, two and three-bedroom flats all have master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and all the apartments are finished to a high specification. Open-plan living rooms and kitchens make for sociable entertaining spaces and many flats boast views overlooking the parliamentary heart of Westminster. Others benefit from the seclusion of the internal courtyard garden.

Romney House & Beyond

Located on Marsham Street, in the centre of Westminster’s political hub, Romney House is close to many fine restaurants. Not least Osteria dell’Angolo, which is situated in one of the four commercial spaces at street level of Romney House and as such Romney House residents are always made to feel welcome and are entitled to a discount. Quirinale Restaurant also in the vicinity often plays host to political luminary lunches.

Marsham Street easily passes both the ‘pint of milk’ and ‘local pub’ test for day to day living with supermarkets, coffee shops and traditional pubs all being within a few minutes’ walking distance.

For more refined living the Goring Hotel in nearby Victoria is the perfect place to meet friends or clients for an aperitif with the surrounding theatres putting on some of the West Ends most popular plays and musicals. A short walk through St James Park to Jermyn Street provides everything that the Gentleman about town may need and a sidle up to London’s world-renowned Bond Street would sustain even the most ardent of shoppers.

Westminster is forever changing and living in the heart of London’s capital allows its’ inhabitants to be part of this exciting metropolis. However, rest assured with Romney House Residents Association

Key Amenities

Westminster is home to many good schools in both the state and private sector; these include the world-famous Westminster School and Hill House School. The Ofsted acclaimed ‘outstanding’ Pimlico Academy and the popular Greycoat School for girls are also both within the vicinity.

Romney House sits very squarely amongst the secure environs of London’s political centre, meaning that ‘bobbies on the beat’ are easily visible. However should one need to visit a police station, Savile Row and Buckingham Palace Road Police Station’s are both just a short cab ride away. Likewise, medical centres both public and private can be found locally, the GP surgery in nearby Vincent Square being particularly quiet and convenient. St Thomas’ hospital can be found immediately across the river, while Harley Street with its reputation for being home to private medical specialists is easily reached by public transport.