There are few properties in London which one can really entertain at the highest possible level. The Conrad is the exception. Built between 1927-1929 in a neoclassical style by Sir Frank Baines and known originally as ‘Imperial Chemical House’, it was the headquarters of ICI, one of Britain’s largest industrial companies that employed tens of thousands - or did until a series of disastrous mergers and acquisitions in the 1990s saw it sell off the likes of vaccine pioneers AstraZeneca.
The location is second to none: on the boundaries of a world heritage site, with an impressive 30m Portland stone colonnade terrace right on to the Thames, there’s a reception room on the sixth floor with four metre tall windows overlooking the river. The former Directors offices have been reimagined by design Portuguese/London studio Goddard Littlefair and one can clearly see the potential - grandiose 20ft high metal doors that weight five tons, huge high ceiling boardrooms and the directors dining halls has become grand entertaining spaces, while secretaries officers and mailrooms have become bedrooms and bathrooms.
Throw in a hand-carved spiral staircase, a hideaway games room, a gym, swimming pool with spa, 24 hour concierge, cinema screening room, underground parking, stone busts of pioneering chemists, Charles Sargeant Jagger sculptures and you are left in no doubt: this is a one-of-a-kind house for celebrating life together.
Offers from £27.5m. 9millbank.co.uk
