At Residential Land, we set out last year to calculate our carbon footprint, reduce it and offset it. It seemed the correct thing to do not just because of the move towards social governance but for our children and the planet they will live on.

Our new team produced endless amounts of data before the figures were analysed. Just at the point where clarity was reachable, our head of sustainability left the firm to carry out a six-month project counting orangutans in the rainforest. Her guidance was hugely valuable as she passionately believed in the cause.

In the end, 82% of our carbon footprint was removable not by planting trees or seagrass or carbon sequestration but by moving to renewable energy suppliers and changing our vehicle fleet to electric.

He added that amid current market uncertainty, it was the right time to offload mature assets. “As conversations continue around Brexit and new tax laws are set to come to fruition, now is a good time to sell stabilised non-core assets and reinvest in our value-add portfolio,” he said. We are not fully there yet, but we encourage any business to carry out a similar exercise and to maintain high standards of openness in so doing. The costs are minimal and the advantages priceless

As we all work towards EPC targets and ESG goals, there are other benefits. Compliant funding is a good example of reduced rate debt and equity if the badge and the calculations justify. This will become more important in 2022 and beyond.

Inflation is here to stay. In particular this limited resource of renewable energy needs massive investment to meet its potential demand, which will affect energy pricing sooner rather than later as will our isolationist position with Europe.

French connection

For many years, we have believed the French way of life is something very special; how we have managed to tear up the entente cordiale is a red mark in the PM’s copybook.

We can see justification in the prediction that Boris Johnson will not last, not because forces are against him for their own purposes but because he decides to move on from a thankless job (mostly driven by those with their own agenda), which will only get worse as this pandemic continues to wreak havoc.

True Conservative values do not require dictatorships. The calibre of a person can normally be measured by the people around them and what they say in regard to their friendships.

The standard of comment around and about the PM is at a concerning low, unfairly for sure, particularly as no good deeds go unpunished. Politicians should be able to manage their own image better if they are to hold the highest office in the land.

WFH will gain momentum and become a political ping-pong ball at election time. It will represent the single-largest fall in productivity the UK has seen in many years, although all of our lives may be more enjoyable. This year, we are going to focus on staff unity; disconnection is poison for a business and WFH creates that.

London will boom as the global demand for its lifestyle supports its economy and the level-headed Michael Gove gets to grips with his job even if for a short time before another change.

For those who got away before the fresh restriction chaos, we congratulate your logistical skills.

For those who had to adapt to a stay-at-home Christmas and New Year, we hope you had a well-deserved break.

Read the Property Week article here

Read more about our ESG values here

Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station are now home to two sleek, airy and modern stations. Coming in at £1.1bn and taking several years to complete, this constitutes a large endeavour by anyone’s standards. Excitement ran high and on the very first day, 150 enthusiastic passengers queued from 5am to experience the first-ever Battersea Tube journey.

Greater connectivity

The extension of the Northern Line brings greater connectivity for local residents and workers, who will now be able to travel swiftly into the centre of London with parts of the West End being accessible within 15 minutes. Both Bond Street and Euston stations will be reachable within 25 minutes, and King’s Cross within 30 minutes. Six trains will run per hour during peak time, rising to 12 by mid-2022. During off-peak times five will run per hour, rising to 10 in 2022.

The regeneration of nearby areas

Importantly, the Northern line extension plays a vital role in the regeneration of the Vauxhall, Nine Elms and Battersea areas. Battersea is on the road to becoming a particularly prominent and attractive neighbourhood for families and professionals alike, and Transport for London has estimated that the new stops will support 25,000 new jobs and 20,000 new homes. Moreover, the former power station will reopen next summer in the form of a new retail, office, entertainment and residential complex. Retail brands including but not limited to Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, The Body Shop, Aesop, Watches of Switzerland will be opening their doors, alongside BXR boxing gym and The Cinema at The Power Station. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a 25,000 sq. ft Food Hall, offering an all-day dining experience.

The new Zone 1 Nine Elms Station is less than 3-minutes’ walking distance from the stunning Thornes House, a self-contained block of apartments within The Residence. Notably, The Battersea Power Station Station is also just a 12-minute walk away from the building. This sleek, Manhattan loft-style development features a collection of 1,2, and 3-bedroom interior designed apartments which boast beautiful views from their private balconies. There is also an abundance of tree lined footpaths, dedicated cycle lanes, and local bus services alongside the Clipper river service and Pimlico Bridge.

Interested in renting?

If you are looking for a new London apartment in exciting Nine Elms, call us today on +44 (0)20 7408 5155 or email our lettings team at lettings@residentialland.com to find out more about the stunning rental apartments we have available in the area.

A great place to call “home”. The building staff are professionals and always friendly and quick to respond to our needs. The atmosphere is amazing starting from the entrance with lovely setting to a coffee room with a nice hall for entertainment indoor and outdoor for the tenants to use and beautifully furnished. The apartment is elegantly furnished and spacious with all what you may think of is available starting from the kitchen stuff to the bedrooms. The location is great and safe area near shopping, restaurants, and transportations. I will highly recommend this place to others.

E.A

With autumn in full swing, October is set to be an action-packed month in London. Read on to explore the enticing activities and events taking place across the capital.

Art, Film & Literature

The London Literature Festival is taking place from the 21^st-31^st October, across town at the Southbank Centre. This year, the festival is inspired by the topic of friendship. Keynote speakers and participants include neuroscientist Anil Seth, artist Grayson Perry and authors Clarice Bean, Tahmima Anam, Roisin Kiberd and others. The walking tour company Footprints of London has also created a programme of literature-inspired events, where participants can follow in the footprints of Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens, Dorothy L Sayers, Virginia Woold and many others on tours around areas of London.

October is also the dedicated month in the UK where institutions, cultures and citizens have the chance to learn more about Black History through exhibitions, theatres and performances. Head to the Zari Gallery in Fitzrovia and explore the “Honour, Remember, Inspire” exhibition, featuring pieces from artists such as Charmaine Chanakira, Lola Okunola and Ohso Fabone.

If classical art is what you enjoy, head to the Cannon Factory to enjoy the immersive and fascinating Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Exhibition through the digital technology of SEE Global Entertainment. The exhibition has been all around the world from Shanghai to Chicago, Phoenix, Berlin and Vienna, and offers a life-size and unprecedented perspective of Michelangelo’s masterpieces.

Food & Drink

This October, the London Restaurant Festival will be returning for its 13^th year. The festival features over 40 different experiences such as Restaurant-Hopping Tours, Top Ten Cuisines, Tastings and Masterclasses across the city. Restaurant-Hopping Tours will take place in Notting Hill, St Katharine Docks, Devonshire Square and Regent Street & St James’s.

For those who love cocktails, there is also good news: the largest cocktail festival in the world will be taking place in London from the 1st-31^st October. The famous London Cocktail Week – now often referred to as London Cocktail Month – has been recommended by Esquire, Conde Nast Traveller, Elle, GQ and numerous other publications, and is supported by some of the most famous and esteemed beverage brands from across the globe. When you purchase a £15 wristband, you can access £7 cocktails in more than 250 of London’s top bars for the entire month. Signature Cocktails and immersive experiences await in hundreds of the best bars across the city. In Marylebone head to 108 Bar & Brasserie, or to the Cuban-themed party bar Burlock. Whilst in Mayfair, the Mekan Bar at Ruya, Aqua Kyoto or The Aviator at Hush are great to explore. On the other hand, if you find yourself in Canary Wharf, explore The Plateau or The Sipping Room for the best views and delicious cocktails. If events are more your thing, check out the Tequila Cocktail Masterclass with Patron Tequila (19^th October) in Southbank. If Brunch Cocktails with Belvedere Organic Infusions sounds good to you, head across to Covent Garden on the 17^th of October. Just remember to book your ticket in advance!

Halloween Celebrations

In the lead up to Halloween, London offers many opportunities to get in the mood. Why not try and head to a fancy-dress Halloween Boat Party on the Thames, or book tickets for the 1920’s themed The Candlelight Club’s Halloween Party with a Great Gatsby atmosphere. If you would like to learn more about the history of London Bridge and its chilling past, book in for a guided evening tour starting at The Bunch of Grapes, hosted by an expert.

Residential Land’s Head of Investment, Emma Whitby-Smith discusses her experience in the property industry and celebrates the 10th anniversary of Freehold.

Whitby-Smith told Property Week: “My experience as a gay woman in the property industry has been mixed. I was in the closet until I met my now wife of 23 years. Since 2000, I have worked at Residential Land, whose founder and CEO, Bruce Ritchie, a straight ally, has co-hosted Freehold networking events with me. The Residential Land ethos is that we all have something to contribute and differences are embraced and championed.”

Emma looks forward to organising future events with women members within real estate and references that:  “The industry has come a long way in the past 10 years, but let’s keep up the progress over the next 10.”

Here you can read the full article on Property Week 

Residential Land continue to support the Variety Club Children’s Charity who have been raising money for sick, disabled, and disadvantaged children for over 60 years.

Each year we are pleased to be asked to host a table at their annual Showbiz Award Ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Park Lane. This annual prestigious Award Ceremony supports the Variety Club Children’s Charity and is attended by the UK’s top entertainment personalities. This year The PROPS Awards 2021 Lunch, has raised a fantastic £250,000 net for Variety, the Children’s Charity.

Click the following link for more information about The Variety Club and and how you can help support the charity

With the rising popularity of furry companions, pet-friendly rentals are in hot demand. Over 51 million pets live in the UK, but according to recent statistics only 10% of landlords currently allow pets to stay in rental apartments.

At Residential Land we are happy to consider pets and understand that they are an important part of your family. Read on to explore the stunning pet-friendly rental properties, which you and your furry friend can call home.

Pet ownership and rehoming

Pet purchases or rehoming has been one of the few growth stories to emerge over the last 12 months, with more than 10% of households getting a new pet since the pandemic began. Consumer Intelligence’s research found that more than a quarter of Brits who bought pets said they were desperate to entertain children at home and got them for the kids, with 30% saying they’d always wanted one, and the long months at home was simply their chance to do it.

If you love living in central London and being close to green open spaces is a must, our apartments at Strathmore Court may be ideal for you. Strathmore Court is an elegant Art Deco mansion block located on a tree-lined street in the prestigious and family-friendly area of St John’s Wood. In addition to being pet-friendly, Strathmore Court also benefits from a lift and porterage, and is within walking distance of the many shops and eateries of St John’s Wood, as well at Regent’s Park. Several of the one-and five-bedroom apartments at Strathmore Court have beautiful panoramic views over Regent’s Park.

Photo by Shannon Richards on Unsplash

A Royal Park on your doorstep

The Regent’s Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and covers over 395 acres. With its large open spaces, tree-lined pathways and running routes and sporting facilities, the park is the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful outdoors by yourself, with friends, or in the company of your furry companion. Dogs are allowed off lead in a large area of the Park though are required to be on lead near the water an in marked areas.

In addition to its serene lake, Regent’s Park is also graced by numerous fountains, ponds and memorials. For example, to the northeast of the Inner Circle you can peacefully admire Hylas and the Nymph, a Grade II listed bronze statue of a boy and a mermaid in a stone-rimmed pond.

The Regent’s Park

Arguably one of the most unforgettable features of the park is the world-famous Queen Mary’s Garden, which is named after the wife of King George V. Home to 12,000 roses, 9,000 begonias and both Delphinium and Mediterranean borders, this garden is truly unmissable.

From Regent’s Park you can also access Primrose Hill where you can also walk pets off lead. A great green space to stretch your legs and take in the views of London from some fantastic vantage points.

Here is a link to a downloadable PDF of Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill provided by Royalparks.org.uk

An Apartment living room at Strathmore Court

Interested in renting?

Living at Strathmore Court will give you and your pet the chance to enjoy the very best of a central London location whilst having an abundance of nature and greenery directly on your doorstep. If Strathmore Court sounds like the perfect place for you and your pet, call us today on +44 (0)20 7408 5155 or email our lettings team at lettings@residentialland.com to find out more about the stunning rental apartments we have available. Alternatively, visit our pet-friendly London apartments page here.

A bustling city atmosphere, luscious green parks and world-class entertainment on your doorstep – these are just a handful of the benefits of living in Paddington. This area is home to an international community of families, students and professionals who take delight in all the experiences the neighbourhood has to offer.

Read on to discover more about life in this cosmopolitan and vibrant area of London.

A glimpse of Paddington’s history

The neighbourhood of Paddington is located in the London borough of Westminster. The name of the area dates back to the 10th century when it was originally written as “Padintune”, and a number of historians claim that it was an Anglo-Saxon settlement. In the 16th century, the settlement at Paddington Green began to develop and later in 1790 St Mary’s church was built. Notably, Paddington station opened in its first and temporary form in 1838. Further development also took place in the surrounding area, such as the construction of Georgian terraced houses and the famous St Mary’s hospital in 1845. The station was later extended and in 1850 permission was granted for a new permanent station to be built. Extensions and refurbishments of the station continued in 1904 and the 1930s, 1990s and early 2000s.

In contemporary times, a number of modern residential developments have been constructed as well as hotels and office buildings. Hence the area features a blend of modern and traditional buildings side by side.

What are the local attractions?

Paddington is close to a number of enticing attractions. For those who enjoy culture and history, an ample selection of museums await. The iconic Alexander Fleming Museum and Madame Tussauds wax museum are nearby, and simply cannot be missed. In nearby Marylebone, The Everyman Cinema on Baker Street offers a charming experience with its café, cocktail bar and lounge. On evenings when you are in the mood to explore Little Venice, nip across to the Canal Café Theatre. There you can enjoy drinks and traditional pub food before watching excellent cabarets, plays and stand-up comedy nights. Moreover, every summer open-air concerts are held just a short stroll away in beautiful Hyde Park, where friends and families meet for picnics and leisurely strolls. In November and December, the enchanting Winter Wonderland opens at the very same park with its rides, amusements and seasonal eateries.

Retail therapy at its very best

Paddington is perfectly positioned for the glorious retail delights of central London. Less than a ten-minute walk away the world-renowned Oxford Street and Regent Street beckon with a vast array of high street and high-end brands, as well as the exclusive department store of Selfridges which sells luxury fashion, accessories, cosmetics, jewellery and home furnishings. For those who wish to take a slightly longer stroll, Marylebone High Street is an excellent option with its quaint fashion boutiques, bookstores and accessory shops.

Where to go for a great meal

For the foodies of this world, living in Paddington is a delight. This neighborhood offers the chance to explore a colourful spectrum of culinary adventures. If a classy Italian is what you are craving, the elegant Michelin-starred Locanda Locatelli serves up picture-perfect dishes.

To enjoy an authentic brunch spot head to the highly rated Lockhouse in Paddington basin. If you feel like venturing a little bit further, try Café Laville where you can enjoy beautiful views out towards the Little Venice canal.

When planning a romantic date night dinner, book a table at Bel Canto on Bayswater Road where classically trained singing waiters will swoon you with their live opera performances.

If an indulgent late-night Lebanese meal is what you are craving, the renowned Maroush on Edgware Road is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants to visit.

Drinks, anyone?

When in search of an unbeatable and timeless atmosphere, The Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill is an ideal choice. The award-wining art deco cocktail bar and heated outdoor terrace offer the perfect space to relax and hide away from the bustle of the city with a well-deserved drink and cigar. Indoors you can explore the original photographs and love letters between Sir Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine, which makes for a memorable experience. Contrastingly, a quintessentially British pub experience awaits at The Pride of Paddington, the Victoria and The Beer House by the station.

Getting around – exceptionally good transport links

Arguably one of Paddington’s best features is its excellent transport links. The famous Paddington station offers transport on the Bakerloo, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines, as well as connections to a number of key UK cities via the National Rail network. A key benefit is also the Heathrow Express which takes you from Paddington station to Heathrow airport in only 15 minutes. This makes Paddington a perfect place to live for those who frequently travel and require easy access to an international airport.

Luxury Living – Garrett Mansions

Garrett Mansions is a brand-new and luxurious development in the center of Paddington, London. The development features fully furnished and interior designed 1,2, and 3-bedroom apartments ranging in size from 536 sq. ft. to 1024 sq. ft, all of which enjoy outside space. The beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows welcome ample natural light into the apartments and create a bright and welcoming ambience. Garrett Mansions furthermore offers its residents access to an exclusive selection of luxury amenities including a 24-hour concierge service, state-of-the-art gymnasium, cinema room, residents’ lounge and conference facilities. Additionally the development features a residents-only spa complete with a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and treatments.

Waterside Living – 4B Merchant Square

4B Merchant Square is located waterside, in the newly developed Paddington Basin. This contemporary block comprises 60 luxury 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments set over 15 storeys, many of them with canal views. This prestigious waterside building benefits from private underground parking spaces, concierge service and round the clock security, as well as penthouses and apartments refurbished in a chic, contemporary style with high specification amenities and furnishings. All the apartments benefit from comfort cooling.

Can you see yourself living in Paddington?

If the area of Paddington sounds interesting to you, perhaps this could be your next London neighbourhood. Call us today on +44 (0)20 7408 5155 or email our lettings team at lettings@residentialland.com to find out more about the stunning rental apartments we have available at Garrett Mansions and Merchant Square.

At Residential Land all of our properties are managed in-house so you will deal directly with the landlord. Furthermore, all of our tenants benefit from the service of dedicated building managers and 24-hour maintenance support. We have a 30+ year track record of success and are one of London’s largest landlords, so you can rest assured that renting with us will be a smooth and seamless process.

Indeed, 2020 has been a different year. Nevertheless, Christmas is just around the corner and a sense of merriment is still to be enjoyed. We think it’s time to cheer up your Christmas spirits and put a jingle in your step. If you’re lucky enough to be in central London and more specifically Mayfair this December, then you’re in for a treat. This elegant and quintessentially luxurious area is the perfect place to add a little sparkle and enjoy the festive lights.

Take a walk in the fresh air and enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights of Mayfair.

In addition to the glimmering Christmas tree outside the Connaught Hotel and its miniature replications on Mount street, Oxford Street has a unique Christmas display of LED light curtains featuring the poem “To London With Love”. The display is intended to spread gratitude for the heroes who helped people in need during the Covid-19 pandemic. Each week a new 2020 hero is recognized, whose name will shine bright in the Christmas lights. Contrastingly, the world-renowned shopping of Bond Street has opted for a shimmering light display in the contour of white peacock feathers, with many shops showcasing their own festive settings. Regent Street is decked with garlands of lights and magical golden angels, whilst South Molton Street’s traditional illuminated arches and enchanting colour-shifting trees are dazzling.

Close by to some of the Residential Land Mayfair apartments is the exterior of Claridge’s, where designer Basil Ionides legendary leaping deer prancing across the hotel canopy amongst the twinkling Christmas trees can be seen.

So if you’re in the area, why not go for a socially distant walk to admire the festive decorations and see what lights you can spot.

P.S. Please keep in mind safety and social distancing guidelines if going out to see the lights.