Real Estate Blog

There are stylish homes to be found the world over, but when the laidback ease of marina living converges with the international flair of a luxury London apartment, you know you’ve truly found something special. Below, a stunning four-bedroom, four-bathroom penthouse in England’s powerhouse capital.

Located in the Ivory House building, St Katharine’s Docks, this bespoke apartment has been meticulously outfitted by leading design firm Morpheus London. From a luxury ski chalet in Courchevel 1850 to a private members club in Monte Carlo, Morpheus has designed some of the globe’s most luxury venues, and the firm brought its timeless aesthetic to this unique project, a stone’s throw from everything London has to offer.

London, England | Shereen Malik, United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty 

When it comes to design, every corner of the penthouse is considered. A muted palette of soothing neutrals allows the fixtures to shine, while textural elements ground the home: the details include original flagstone flooring underfoot, glass balustrades leading up to the mezzanine level, and clay-toned exposed brick bookending the apartment’s main living areas. Overhead, intricate metal ceiling trusses complement and contrast with the home’s Industrial Revolution-era arched windows.

With four bedrooms and four bathrooms split across two levels, the home’s versatile floor plan suits a variety of lifestyles. For the consummate host, two guest rooms have been configured with ensuite bathrooms, while the open kitchen and dining area makes an inviting place for guests to congregate. For the academic, rooms on the upper level can be repurposed as additional lounging and study areas.

In order to take advantage of the home’s prime waterside location, the exterior design makes clever work of expanding into the outdoors. A stately arched window and Juliet balcony flanked by French doors in the living room overlooks the peaceful marina setting, while outside, two intimate terraces offer separate retreats: the first a cozy seating area boasting picture-perfect views of London’s storied rooftops, the second a private hot tub ideal for an afternoon escape.

Situated just east of the Tower of London, Ivory House is only a tube ride away from Central London, offering a welcome reprieve from the thick of city life. With two underground parking spaces and public transportation nearby, the penthouse also provides convenience for commuters wishing to be close to work.

With an idyllic location in the Wapping district, the storied surroundings are full of character. Positioned on the north bank of the Thames, the area was once inhabited by sailors and boatmakers, resulting in the surrounding hamlets taking on a distinct seaside feel. The neighborhood’s historical roots can still be seen, the cobblestone streets now lined with trendy restaurants and the old warehouses converted into modern apartments. Further afield, the neighborhoods and boroughs of East London, including Shoreditch and Hackney, offer plenty to see on weekend jaunts, with art galleries, markets, and some of the capital’s most innovative clothing shops all within striking distance.

Few places have more eclectic charm than London, a city long known for raising the bar on design. In a sea of style, it can be challenging for properties within the M25 to truly stand out. But a home that manages to pair the relaxed ease of marina living with all of the international flair of the English capital? That’s truly impressive—even by London standards.

Looking for another dose of English style? Find your home from among the top listings in London.