By: Shilpa Sharma
LUXURY flats in the refurbished Old War Office (OWO) in the heart of London went on sale on Tuesday (15).
Owned by the Indian conglomerate, the Hinduja Group, the 85 apartments retain many of the building’s original features and adjoin Raffles London, the British debut of the Singapore-based hotel group that covers the other half of the building.
“Launching sales of these extraordinary residences is a significant milestone for us as a family and for the project team at The OWO – it’s one step closer to opening the storied building to the public for the first time where branded residences will sit alongside a flagship Raffles hotel,” said Gopichand P Hinduja, co-chairman of the Hinduja Group.
The sale offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Winston Churchill’s legacy that was closed to the public for more than a century.
“London is one of the best cities in the world, steeped in history and tradition, and has been our home for over forty years. With our knowledge and experience in restoration of historic buildings, everything we do, and every decision made on the OWO is underscored by our passion and respect for the heritage of the building and long-term commitment to London,” he said.
War time leader Winston Churchill, TE Lawrence (of Arabia), and Lord Kitchener all worked in the building’s oak panelled rooms.
Churchill served as secretary of state for war from 1919-21. His old office in the building can be used by residents for meetings and private dinners.
A five-year project of renovation at the site will be completed in 2022.
The building will comprise the Raffles hotel with 125-rooms and suites, a collection of nine restaurants and bars, and an immersive spa.
The Hinduja Group, an international multi-billion turnover conglomerate founded in 1914, acquired the site in 2014.
It worked with a team of experts including Historic England and Museum of London Archaeology, and appointed EPR Architects to oversee the intricate redevelopment.
The hotel interiors have been designed by New York-based designer Thierry Despont.
“It is a remarkable building that lends itself perfectly to a masterpiece such as the OWO. The inherent majesty and grandeur of this site is entirely in keeping with the Raffles brand and, to have unearthed an opportunity within such historic walls to deliver a flagship hotel and the first Raffles branded residences in Europe, marks a significant moment for the Accor group,” said Sébastien Bazin, chairman and CEO at Accor.
The Old War Office faces Horse Guards and is adjacent to St James’s Park.
Residents, hotel guests and visitors will be a short stroll from Buckingham Palace, The National Gallery, The Tate and The Royal Academy, as well as Regents Street, Bond Street and Jermyn Street.
Sales are being conducted via Knight Frank and Strutt & Parker. Prices for a two-bedroom residence start from £5.8 million.
