Wellington House, an Overview

Named after the first Duke of Wellington this nine storey development of 59 apartments is a smart as the duke himself was.

Described by the architects, John McAslan & Partners, as a contemporary take on a traditional mansion block, Wellington House is both modern in its construction and design while also being sympathetic to the historical buildings around it, not least, Buckingham Palace.

While one does not require a title to live in Wellington House, one may certainly be entitled to experience the best that London has to offer.

A History of Wellington House

Being a new building Wellington House does not have any history as such. But in its namesake it has a lineage that very few names could surpass. Arthur Wellesley is one of England’s greatest military heroes. Most notable for his victory over Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo, Wellington was also twice British Prime Minister. Beethoven’s Opus 91 is a tribute to Wellington’s victory at The Battle of Vitoria.

More prosaically however it was Wellington’s style that left a lasting influence and he is only the second Prime Minister to have lent his name to an item of clothing, The Wellington Boot. (Anthony Eden gave his name to the Eden hat).

Despite his military success, Wellington proved to be a lacklustre and even unpopular Prime Minister, but the Wellington Boot has become an icon of the country dwelling aristocracy.

Story has it that Wellington commissioned a bespoke pair of military boots in soft, calfskin leather with a closer fit than the then standard Hessian boot, so called as it was made in Hessen in Germany.

However the rubber boot that we are familiar with today was actually developed in the mid 1800’s in France by Aigle and by the First World War had become the staple shoe of most armies whose soldiers had to spend weeks at a time in rain soaked trenches.

There is a perhaps a dark irony that the Wellington Boot, originated from a German design, reworked by the French and popularised by an English military hero should have become the boot that shod thousands of soldiers throughout the two World Wars!

During the two wars, In the UK it fell to the North British Rubber Company to manufacture the boots. The company changed its name to Hunter and now has a reputation among chic Londoners as being the boot of choice when ‘glamping’ – glamourously camping.

Living & Investing In Wellington House

Acquired and developed by Land Securities, one of the UK’s largest Commercial developers, one might be forgiven for thinking that Wellington House would be a sterile office development with beds in it. Far from it!

Wellington House shows an exceptional appreciation of both its environment and residential purpose. Architects, John McAslan & Partners have injected an intimate humanity into this new building in a number of ways.

The warm stone façade reinterprets and compliments the red brick mansion blocks that populate the surrounding area. The ninth floor is differentiated with zinc and glass cladding, registering as an attic storey against the skyline, the setback minimizing the building’s apparent height. Finally the whole exterior is given a touch of the artisan, the stonework surface being innovatively treated by Artist Georgia Russell.

Russell, best known for her delicate cut-paper masterpieces applies this lightness of touch to the buildings skin and is comparative to the decorative mouldings of Victorian Architecture.

The interiors are equally of impeccable quality being designed by renowned interior designer Helen Green. Again, surface finishes such as oak flooring, limestone bathrooms and wool carpets provide a warmth and intimacy to the apartments. The warm, champagne-neutrals used throughout the apartments provide an unfussy backdrop for the owners own works of art, perhaps some of Russell’s smaller pieces? Or some choice items of Helen Greens Bespoke furniture?

Wellington House & Beyond

Situated on the corner of Buckingham Gate & Petty France, Wellington House is only a stones throw from many of London’s key attractions. Or should that be no more than a well-wanged-welly?

Welly Wanging being one of those eccentric English traditions that one cannot actually believe is still happening but in fact goes from strength to strength with the world championships being held every year in Upperthong, North Yorkshire.

Should you wish to visit Upperthong, or other unusual parts of the UK, Wellington House is only minutes away from Victoria Station and a short cab ride to other key London transport hubs, including London’s major airports for those looking to escape the country for the weekend rather than to the country!

However for those looking to fit in with the country set, then a short walk to Farlows on Pall Mall should serve you well. Farlows stock a variety of Wellies from Hunter, Dunlop and Aigle as well as all the requisite attire for an invitation to the glorious 12^th.

Lovers of military history meanwhile may enjoy re-enacting alternate outcomes of Waterloo or Vitoria by visiting the Armoury of St James in the nearby Piccadilly Arcade who stocks a wonderful supply of toy soldiers and military antiquities.

More contemporary tastes, may find the redevelopment of Victoria itself quite a draw. With some of the world’s leading designers currently opening new flagship stores on the doorstep of Wellington House, there is no need to do battle against the crowds of shoppers elsewhere.

There are enough restaurants nearby to serve whole armies, from the traditional English haunts of St James to the more international restaurants found within the vicinity. Though it is the laid back (and late night opening hours) of Maroush and the Boisdale, both just a short cab ride that remain perennial favourites of this writer.