Summers Street Lofts,
Clerkenwell EC1

This five-storey building with its soaring white facades interspersed with contrasting Crittall windows is a wonderful example of period industrial architecture, originally designed in the 1930's as an Art Deco printworks by renowned architect Stanley Peach, who's notable work includes Wimbledon's Centre Court.

Re-developed in 1992 by the then fledgling Manhattan Loft Corporation, visionary developer Harry Handelsman commissioned award-winning architect Piers Gough of CZWG to design a residential scheme like nothing else in London, whilst maintaining the architectural integrity and industrial heritage of the original building.

The result set the template for London Loft living and Manhattan's profile as the pre-eminent industrial living specialist for the next three decades, with Summers Street Lofts still regarded as one of the finest developments of its kind to this day.

Each apartment was sold in shell form, allowing incoming owners to complete their homes to their own unique layout and specification. No two apartments are the same, each created from a blank canvas against a backdrop of rich architectural and industrial heritage.

Apartments are flooded with beautiful natural light from the vast steel Crittall windows that wrap around the building. Interiors feature open living spaces and soaring ceilings creating an awe-inspiring sense of space and volume typical of loft living, but almost impossible to replicate in today's modern developments.

A backdrop of exposed concrete ceilings, natural brickwork and handsome steel Crittall windows with their aged patina contrasts with modern finishes such as clean white plastered walls, pale timber floors and natural stone to create bright living spaces with beautiful and ever-changing light and shade throughout the day.

Today, the building is entered via a secluded courtyard to a large communal entrance hall with bold red signage and towering glass brick walls a nod to the building's industrial past, with passenger lifts to all floors and a car lift down to the secure underground car park.

Accessed via the welcoming entrance hall with its exposed brick, high ceiling and steel framed windows, a private terrace area is an urban suntrap complete with citrus trees and a commanding view over the neighbouring streets and buildings. The open plan principal living space is thoughtfully arranged with a clever use of level changes in the floor to delineate separate spaces, creating a thoroughly modern environment perfect for contemporary living and entertaining. The newly fitted contemporary kitchen is by Minotti, finished with beautiful natural granite surfaces and high specification fixtures and appliances from Gaggenau, V-Zug and Bora.

The double bedroom also opens onto the terrace and features bespoke built-in wardrobes. There is a generous separate shower room designed as a wet room, finished in neutral materials with high-quality contemporary fittings from Kohler.

Located on the borders of Clerkenwell to the East, Farringdon to the South and Bloomsbury to the West, Summers Street is perfectly positioned in a quiet enclave accessible to the hustle and bustle of London's West End, numerous learning institutions and the more relaxed city fringes. Farringdon is now one of London's best-connected neighbourhoods being served by the City Thameslink, National Rail and Elizabeth Line as well as Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City tube lines.

Clerkenwell was recently voted London's best place to live by the Sunday Times, with its laid-back lower Manhattan vibe, café culture, wealth of pubs, restaurants and cultural attractions, ease of access and excellent transport facilities. Nearby Bloomsbury offers the beautiful village vibes of Lamb's Conduit Street in contrast to nearby Leather Lane with its popular daily street food market.

Covent Garden is a mere 15 minute walk or quick bus ride to the West, perfect for culture vultures with its plethora of retail, restaurants and London's top theatres including the Royal Opera House.