Branch Hill House will become 50 super-prime flats set in 1.7 acres – and will change its name to No.1 Hampstead after the deal went through just days before the Budget.
The house takes its name from a hill on Hampstead Heath that was a favourite view painted by John Constable, and has a rich history dating back to 1741 as a manor house built for then Master of the Rolls Sir Thomas Clark.
The property was later the London home of Fitton Gerard, the 3rd Earl of Macclesfield, and wealthy Hampstead merchant Sir Thomas Neave.
The current house was built in 1901 for banking tycoon John Nivison, 1st Baron Glendyne and boasts a 1960s extension from when it was used as a Camden Council care home.
Developer Bentry Capital plans to pull down the 60s block and restore the elegant Edwardian mansion designed by Ernest Flint and architect Henry Flitcroft.
A new wing will echo the Edwardian architecture and create an exclusive ‘One Hyde Park’ style development with 23,456sq ft of accommodation.
The care home closed in 2015 and Camden Council granted planning permission for a residential development in 2021, which has since lapsed.
Fresh plans will now be submitted to transform the Baroque-style mansion into one, two and three bed apartments – alongside a standalone town house.
Landscaped gardens and a foyer with concierge will be part of the plan drawn up by architects Stanhope Gate Architecture. If all goes well, the first residents could move into No.1 Hampstead in three years’ time.
David Ronson, national director of sales and marketing at Bentry Capital, said: “Once fully restored and extended, Branch Hill House will bring a grand Sandringham-style residence offering premium apartments to the Hampstead market. This will be one of the most exclusive residential schemes in the area, and we anticipate significant interest.”
Amarveer Singh Pannu, co-founder and director of Bentry Capital, added: “We are delighted to have acquired Branch Hill House, a magnificent Edwardian manor house, with a vision to transform it into Hampstead’s finest premium residential development.
“The site is in a prime location in sought-after Hampstead Village, and the existing building has a rich heritage and beautiful architecture. We know that local buyers are seeking luxurious homes in gated communities without onerous service charges, and we look forward to bringing No.1 Hampstead to life.”
The new homes, boasting high ceilings, cornicing, and large bays and windows, will be sold through Savills. Darren Arnold from Savills, said: “The local community is eager to see this landmark restored, and demand for high-quality homes in this part of Hampstead remains exceptionally strong.”
