London is hardly short of spectacular penthouses, but every so often a property arrives on the market that makes even the capital’s super-prime apartments look relatively ordinary. Sitting at the top of one of Chelsea’s most discreet residential addresses, this extraordinary Manresa Road penthouse offers more than 8,000 sq ft of accommodation, a vast west-facing roof terrace, private gym, two additional studio apartments and some serious entertaining space. The price for all this Chelsea luxury? A rather substantial £38 million.



Occupying the top floor of 21 Manresa Road, the principal penthouse extends to approximately 7,000 sq ft, while two self-contained studio apartments on the lower-ground floor take the total accommodation to 8,155 sq ft. Recently refurbished, this is lateral London living on a scale that is exceptionally difficult to find, particularly in Chelsea, where space is one of the greatest luxuries of all. Better still, rather than being divided into endless smaller rooms, the apartment has been designed to make the most of its extraordinary proportions.

Nowhere is that more apparent than in the main open-plan reception, dining and kitchen area, which stretches to almost 60ft. Full-height glazing floods the space with natural light before opening directly onto a west-facing roof terrace that runs the length of the apartment. There is enough space outside for proper dining and seating areas, as well as a barbecue, all accompanied by long views across the rooftops of Chelsea. For summer evenings in London, it is difficult to imagine many better places to entertain.

The accommodation has also been cleverly separated from the main entertaining spaces, providing some welcome privacy. A generous principal suite incorporates an impressive bathroom and extensive dressing space, while further bedrooms and bathrooms continue the penthouse’s luxurious finish. A library, games room, private office and gym offer yet more flexibility, with some of these spaces capable of being transformed into additional bedroom suites should the next owner require them. Air conditioning, underfloor heating and lift access directly into the apartment complete the modern comforts expected at this end of the property market.



Then there are the two self-contained studio apartments on the lower-ground floor. Suitable for guests, staff or even independent working accommodation, they allow the penthouse itself to remain entirely private. The property also comes with two lock-up garages, additional private parking and access to landscaped communal gardens, while residents of 21 Manresa Road benefit from 24-hour concierge and security together with a full-time building manager. It is an impressive combination of the scale and privacy of a substantial London house with the convenience and security of a high-end apartment.

The building itself has an equally interesting story. The historic Manresa Road property began life as the South-West London Polytechnic in 1895, later becoming associated with the Chelsea School of Art before being used by King’s College London. The Victorian building was eventually redeveloped into an exclusive collection of luxury residences, retaining its historic exterior while creating enormous contemporary apartments behind it. The redevelopment was completed in 2005, turning what was once an educational building into one of Chelsea’s most exclusive residential addresses.

Location is another sizeable part of the appeal. Positioned just off the King’s Road, the penthouse places its owner within easy reach of Chelsea’s restaurants, galleries and boutiques, while Pavilion Road, Sloane Square and South Kensington are all close by. Yet 21 Manresa Road manages to feel remarkably removed from the bustle outside — precisely the sort of discretion that matters when purchasing a £38 million London home.



There are penthouses that offer views, others that deliver location, and some that impress simply through their interiors. This one somehow manages to bring all three together while adding the sort of square footage normally associated with a sizeable country house. At £38 million it is unquestionably aimed at an extremely rarefied buyer, but then again, apartments of this scale in Chelsea are hardly everyday propositions.

The Manresa Road penthouse is currently marketed by United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty for £38 million.  Further information, photography and the complete property listing can be viewed through UK Sotheby’s International Realty here: https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/properties/buy/penthouse-for-sale-london-chelsea-manresa-road-07678/