A new chapter in the life of Bentley Priory
Last week saw the official launch of London’s newest prestigious residential address and iconic building: Bentley Priory in Stanmore. An invitation-only event saw the opening of its doors for the first time since work on the exciting and sensitive redevelopment of the former RAF Bentley Priory began earlier this year.
Once Headquarters to the Fighter Command during World War II; a museum will open in 2012 and homes will be released for sale from next month, providing a unique opportunity for residents to enjoy living in these splendid surroundings.
To celebrate this historic occasion, new homes housebuilder Barratt Developments, restoration experts City & Country Group and The Battle of Britain Trust invited over 100 distinguished guests including WWII veterans to a one-off event held in a marquee on the nineteenth century parterre to the south of the mansion. Guests were greeted with a drinks and canapé reception with a 1940’s swing band providing entertainment, given exclusive tours of the landmark building, and experienced a flypast of the legendary spitfire to mark the opening of the development.
Brendon O’Neil, Managing Director for Barratt North London comments: “It was a very proud day for us to be opening the doors to Bentley Priory for the first time as it progresses towards its next chapter in its marvellous lifetime. It is fundamental to the success of the future of Bentley Priory, that we continue to commemorate its significant history which will be reflected in many aspects of its sensitive transformation.
“The evening was an enormous success for everyone concerned and the Spitfire Flypast was just spectacular. We are very excited to be launching a magnificent range of new homes here at Bentley Priory and look forward to future residents being able to once again enjoy living in this spectacular location.”
Combining a rich historical setting with a modern twist, beautifully converted apartments will be available within the Grade II Listed Mansion House and a sumptuous range of new houses and apartments, alongside a museum and education centre will be laid out within 57 acres of prestigious landscape. The architectural gem was originally built in 1766 and has served as home to several notable figures including Dowager Queen Adelaide and Lord Dowding.
Helen Moore, Managing Director of City & Country Residential, commented: “Through our commitment to the preservation and conservation of historic and listed buildings, we have ensured that this magnificent property of vast historical importance is being restored to its former glory. We are working carefully to augment this beautiful building and the environment in which it is set, to create stunning homes and a unique living experience for our purchasers. There really is nothing else like it.”
A selection of converted one, two and three bedroom apartments and stylish duplex properties will be created in the historic mansion house; each of which will have access to the beautifully restored Grade II registered Italian Garden Terrace and the nineteenth century parterre. Within the new element of the development, exterior facades will incorporate an attractive variety of elevations and external finishes; a gatehouse will contain three-bedroom apartments, while four and five bedroom townhouses will centre on courtyards and crescents to create picturesque street scenes. Larger detached properties with indoor swimming pools will be available at a later stage in the development.
Prices in the first phase at Bentley Priory will range from £575,000 for a stunning apartment offering superb view across North London, to around £1.75m for a four or five bedroom townhouse. Five or six bedroom detached houses with indoor swimming pools will be released at a later stage and prices for these properties will be released at a later date. All homes at Bentley Priory will exude luxurious living in a unique and historic setting.
With secure and gated access to Bentley Priory, as well as a 24 hour concierge service, residents will feel the stature of Bentley Priory that has been enjoyed by so many notable residents in its lifetime.
In order to assist future generations in acknowledging and recognising the sacrifices made, the museum, which is expected to open in 2012, will interpret the history of the site, guarantee public access to the most significant areas of the site and create a valued educational resource for visitors.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Brian Burridge Chairman of the Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust said: “For the Trust, it has taken five long years to reach this point but we are now delighted to be working alongside Barratt and City & Country to make our vision a reality. Bentley Priory is an iconic building in three respects: it is an architectural masterpiece; a symbol of the Nation’s social history; and, it was Dowding’s headquarters during the Battle of Britain. While victory at Trafalgar saved England, victory in the Battle of Britain saved the world. In partnership together, we can do real justice to Bentley Priory’s rich history for the benefit of future generations.”
Interested purchasers, looking to own a piece of history are invited to register their interest at: bentleypriorystanmore.com
