London W1£1,050,000 Leasehold

Meard Street

Given a Grade II* listing for its architectural integrity, the street is a rare survivor of its period

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This glorious one-bedroom apartment set just off Dean Street in Soho lies on the second floor of an early Georgian Grade II*-listed townhouse. Strong colours complement the cool, serene 18th-century proportions, accentuated by original panelling and stone fireplaces running throughout. Sitting in a Conservation Area, on a quiet, pedestrianised road in the heart of Soho, Meard Street is a short walk from both Piccadilly and Tottenham Court Road, right in the heart of the West End.

Setting the Scene

Meard Street takes its name from John Meard, a master carpenter who worked alongside Sir Christopher Wren. The street was developed in two stages, in the 1730s and 1740s; the apartment sits in the later Eastern part of the road, in one of the larger, south-facing townhouses. Finished in stock London brick, the house is part-stuccoed with a later 19th-century shopfront on the ground floor.

Soho is an amalgamation of Georgian, Victorian and 20th-century developments. Much of the area suffered bomb damage during WWII; however, Meard Street retains its early Georgian architecture and remains largely untouched. Given a Grade II* listing in 1958 for its architectural integrity, the street is a rare survivor of its original period. For more information, see the History section.

The Grand Tour

Entry to the apartment is via a dog-leg staircase with newels and Doric balusters. Occupying the entire second floor of the building, the apartment overlooks pretty, pedestrianised Meard Street at the front and a quiet internal courtyard to the rear.

At the front of the plan is an elegant and bright reception room, defined by three floor-to-ceiling sash windows with boxed window seats and original shutters. Original panelling lines the walls and has been painted in a lovely Verdigris blue, made especially for the current owner. An original limestone fireplace adds balance to the space, while parquet flooring adds warmth.

The pretty galley kitchen is fitted with bespoke wooden cabinetry, finished in a vibrant Elizabethan red and topped with a hardy cherry wood; useful open shelving above adds extra storage. A large, original sash window allows light to pour in, and wooden floorboards run underfoot.

At the rear of the apartment is the bedroom, accessed via the apartment’s bathroom, meaning it is tucked away and feels en suite. The bathroom is painted in a calming, neutral palette, with a roll-top bath, an original open fireplace and a bank of bespoke, mirrored wardrobes. The bedroom is clad in original panelling, painted in a typically Georgian pink. It has an unusual corner fireplace and a wide sash window with boxed seating, overlooking an internal courtyard.

Additionally, alongside a sizeable loft space, a separate, private utility room is accessed via the communal landing. The room has high ceilings, open shelving, and a window overlooking the courtyard to the rear.

Out and About

Meard Street is wonderfully located in the epicentre of Soho, an area bursting with cafes, galleries and boutiques. Right on the doorstep are Quo Vardis, Barrafina, and Bob Bob Ricard. The Groucho Club, Arts Club and Soho House offer a home for those with interests in the arts or media, and a plethora of cultural hubs are within reaching distance, such as The Wallace Collection, Photographers Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts and National Portrait Gallery.

Some of London’s biggest shopping districts are within walking distance, with stores such as Selfridges, Liberty and Fortnum & Mason sitting alongside the smaller boutiques of Carnaby, Soho and nearby Mayfair. Bond Street is a short stroll away, a hub of luxury shops, fine jewellers and specialist galleries.

Located a short walk from Tottenham Court Road, nearby underground stations offer regular services on the Central, Northern, Elizabeth, Bakerloo and Victoria lines. Both Heathrow Airport and the Eurostar are also within easy reach.

Tenure: Leasehold
Underlying Lease Length: approx. 155 years remaining
Service Charge: approx. £3,000 pa
Ground Rent: n/a
Council Tax Band: F

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. Inigo has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.

History

One of the few surviving Georgian streets in Soho, Meard Street was developed by John Meard Junior and his father of the same name. Largely regarded as the greatest period in English architecture, the Georgian period laid out the blueprint for a new classical order of architecture featuring refined proportions and classical decoration.

Owing to a prolonged recession, little was built throughout London in the early 18th century, making Meard Street (built throughout the 1720s-30s) an exceptionally rare example of its time. John Meard Junior was Master of the Worshipful Company of Carpenters in 1735 and worked with Sir Christopher Wren on St Paul’s Cathedral and architect John James on some of London’s greatest churches.

The immediate area of Soho has a fascinating early history of aristocracy, a later association with the entertainment business, and, most recently, as a creative hub of like-minded artists. Nearby Dean Street Townhouse (also built by Meard Junior) was previously home to the Gargoyle Club, with members including the Duke of Windsor, Fred Astaire, Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud.