We chat to the owner and find out what it’s like to live in one of London’s most desirable developments.
Parliament View Apartments certainly live up to their namesake; presenting spectacular views of an array of famous London landmarks, including, of course, the internationally renowned Houses of Parliament.
We thought there would be no-one better to give an insider’s perspective on living with a view than the current owner, so we asked Evert a few questions to see what it’s like living in Parliament View Apartments.
What’s the appeal of living in the London Bridge area and this specific development?
“I wanted something in central London with a typical London feel, where I could relax, work from home, and would not feel closed in,” Evert confides. “It also needed to have secure parking and I needed to be able to leave it behind safely when travelling. And I love views, I find beautiful views very inspiring.”
An on-site concierge and underground parking present the security and convenience that is essential in a centrally located property, whereas the ‘London feel’ and views are more than taken care of by the floor-to-ceiling windows that look out from the chic reception room over the very heart of London.
“I love views, I find beautiful views very inspiring.”
The contemporary interiors continue throughout the two bedroom, two bathroom apartment, with large windows throughout maintaining an airy feel.
“I looked at many flats; some in the same building, but also in buildings with views of Tower Bridge and St Paul's. This particular apartment had by far the best views. Everyone is amazed when they walk in for the first time. It looks out over Lambeth as well as Westminster Bridge, with the river in between and all the iconic buildings around them.”
What are the best sights to spot?
Other than the clear view of the Palace of Westminster, there are plenty of other appealing sights to take in from this apartment.
“You see Members of Parliament passing, the Prime Minister, royalty… I also saw the Pope a few years ago"
“You have the head of the Church opposite in Lambeth Palace, you can see the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, hear Big Ben…”
And the views aren’t confined to buildings. Some of the most important people in England are walking back and forth right under the nose of the development.
“You see Members of Parliament passing, the Prime Minister, royalty, people going in and out of Lambeth Palace. I also saw the Pope a few years ago,” says Evert, “while also securing 'first row seats' for the Queen’s Jubilee and the spectacular London fireworks on New Year's Eve.”
What’s it like working from this apartment?
With Evert’s desk positioned directly by the window, the view is an unmatchable backdrop to his work.
“I usually work from home and when behind my desk I tend to work on strategic plans or new ideas and concepts. The desk in that position works great for me.”
With such a lot going on it would be easy to think that the view might be a tad distracting, but not for Evert.
“I find it truly relaxing and inspirational and have had some great ideas when sitting there.”
It’s clear that the backdrop isn’t just perfect for working, but also for entertaining guests, with the generous proportions of this room and the stylish décor presenting an attractive setting to take in the views.
Elsewhere in the apartment, the modern setting continues, with bright and airy rooms and high-quality fixtures and fittings in both the sleek separate monochrome kitchen and the two crisp white bathrooms.
So with all this on offer, why sell?
"a property with this view is only going to increase in value over time.”
“We are selling it because we work and live abroad these days and sadly only get to come to London a couple of times a year.
But we’ll certainly miss this apartment. It has been a solid investment during all the uncertainty we had in the past years, and we feel confident that a property with this view is only going to increase in value over time.”
Well it seems now’s the time to pass on the torch, or rather the keys, so if you are looking for a new home like this flat in Parliament Views Apartments, then take a look at the rest of this two bedroom apartment - including the incredible night views on offer.
Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, SE1
For more properties in the London Bridge area, contact our local office, or if you have your sights set on the perfect perspective, check out the 'Great View' section on our home inspiration page.
