| 26 November 2008 |
 
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52 Bedford Square, WC1 is a restored, Grade 1 listed Georgian townhouse situated on the only architecturally intact Georgian Square in London. Currently this eight bedroom property is for sale through Knight Frank Marylebone for £15,000,000.
Situated on the South side of the square, the property has been painstakingly restored from offices in to a graceful freehold townhouse. The house is the only complete residential property on the square and is leading the way for conversions back from commercial to residential use in the local area. The square is also one of the only examples of near symmetry to exist in Britain today.
The original Coade stone doorway at No.52 is probably one of the earliest of its type. The barbarous bearded head on the keystone represents ‘a race not destroyed by the Greeks’ and means that the owner of this home is a “free man.”
The main house is approximately 9500 sq. ft and has a well proportioned 48 ft drawing room with original Georgian fireplace and sash windows. There are three further reception rooms which have all been restored with originally sourced fireplaces, a modern bespoke kitchen and four bedroom suites. The master bedroom suite is designed with a large dressing room and large hi-spec bathroom.
A mews house is connected to the main house by two original walkways; there is a more contemporary feel in this part of the property, with a glass staircase leading to a large open plan family room. The mews house also contains two individual flats which would be perfect for staff or older children in need of their own space. Both flats have two bedrooms, bathroom and an open plan living/kitchen area.
While the house has been returned to all its former glory, a touch of the modern day luxury has also been added, there is a lift, security system, fully integrated audio visual system including Creston home automation system, Lutron lighting and also an indoor swimming pool, spa and steam room.
Christian Lock-Necrews, Knight Frank Marylebone, commented: “Bedford Square is a rather special Grade I listed house in this beautiful Georgian Square. They have created a family home where classic proportions are married with high specification contemporary finishes and the addition of a swimming pool. It provides some extremely comfortable seclusion in the centre of town."
Bedford Square has a colourful history with many interesting residents. No. 52 was once the home of Robert Seymour Bridges, a Poet Laureate, and John Francis Holcombe, a stockbroker who made his fortune from the railways. Henry Cavendish, a scientist and grandson on the 2nd Duke of Devonshire lived at No.11 while Lord Eldon, the Lord Chancellor lived in No. 6. Many other interesting characters have lived in this Bloomsbury square, from Peers of the Realm to architects, doctors, writers and publishers.
Bedford Square was constructed between 1775 -1783 and formed part of the Bedford Estate. It takes its name from the title of the Russell family, the Dukes of Bedford who were the main landlords in Bloomsbury at the time. Indications show that the square was designed by the respected builder and architect Thomas Leverton.
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