Last autumn saw the unveiling of The Floral Court Collection, a boutique development in the heart of historic Covent Garden. As the latest chapter in the transformation of the neighbourhood, the 29 bespoke residences represent a rare opportunity to live in the heart of one of London’s great estates.
Blending new-build and heritage architecture, The Floral Court Collection forms a central element of Floral Court, a mixed-use development designed by leading architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF). Set around a tranquil new courtyard, homes range from studios to three-bedroom apartments, and one extraordinary penthouse. Residences celebrate the finest craftsmanship throughout, many incorporating a private urban oasis in the form of a terrace or balcony.
Covent Garden has a longstanding heritage as London’s centre of luxury residences, with the original houses surrounding the Piazza considered some of the most prized properties of the 17th century. Estate steward Capco is now re-establishing the neighbourhood’s status as a global residential destination, as part of its broader strategy to establish Covent Garden as a global destination for shopping, dining and culture.
Residents will not only enjoy the peace of mind, security and service that comes with Capco’s stewardship of Covent Garden, but also benefit from exclusive access to luxury brands and cultural experiences across the estate.
Seamlessly weaving into the fabric of Covent Garden
Floral Court truly blends the old and new, marrying modern architecture with the conservation and sympathetic restoration of heritage buildings. Known for its pioneering approach, KPF was the natural partner to create this rare collection of new build homes, which take inspiration from the warehouse architecture and Grade-II listed façades of the neighbouring streets.
Thoughtful architecture honours the historic setting of Covent Garden. Handmade brick, varying in colour and character, intricate steelwork and vertically proportioned windows pay homage to the area’s warehouse heritage, while expansive glazing and contemporary finishes bring the scheme firmly into the 21st century.
Offering a unique perspective from Floral Street, KPF has incorporated a bold architectural flourish in the form of a series of asymmetrical, stacked window bays, inspired by market crates – a modern take on the area’s heritage, and a new companion to the Royal Ballet School’s Bridge of Aspiration, created by Wilkinson Eyre Architects and located at the opposite end of the street.
At the heart of Floral Court is a green enclave, in the form of a public courtyard. Formerly a little-used service yard, the space has been transformed into a place for both residents and locals to enjoy and spend time in. Now home to Petersham Nurseries’ two al fresco restaurants, deli, shop and florist, the courtyard also serves as a new pedestrian route between King Street, Floral Street and Long Acre.
Bringing Covent Garden’s heritage into the 21st century
Interiors have been carefully considered and restored, in line with the heritage status of the building, with the retention and restoration of original features including Corinthian pilasters and columns, enriched friezes, and ornate cornices. Also uncovered were two previously boarded-up sash windows with leaded lights, which have been reinstated and restored to their former glory, alongside the striking heraldic crest of the Westminster Fire Office which sits proudly on the exterior façade on King Street.
Luxury interior design studio, BradyWilliams, has created the interior décor scheme for the communal spaces and amenities at Floral Court, including a grand entrance hall and concierge lobby located in the former boardroom of the Westminster Fire Office, which dates to 1717.
BradyWilliams’ interiors are thoughtfully designed to complement the original elements, including traditional Hague blue wall panels, antique mirrors and period pendant lamps, while an original fireplace in dark marble with gold veining provides a striking centrepiece.
Within the residents’ lounge, traditional cornices and plasterwork sit alongside mid-century modern materials, including a rock crystal chandelier, while a picture wall of Punch and Judy sketches provides a reference to the building’s Covent Garden location.
Effortless contemporary living
The 29 apartments within The Floral Court Collection encapsulate effortless modern living. Light-filled rooms feature the finest craftsmanship and high-specification finishes, including Italian Mobalco kitchens, Villeroy & Boch and Hansgrohe in the bathrooms, as well as engineered wood flooring and bespoke cabinetry. Muted tones reflect the exterior architecture of Floral Court, with materials such as natural stone and white oak selected to create a sense of calm above the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden.
Many apartments incorporate private terraces and balconies, providing a serene outdoor retreat above Covent Garden. Thoughtful planning means all showcase charming views of the new courtyard, stretching across the rooftops towards London’s iconic skyline beyond.
The scheme launches with two bespoke show apartments, also designed by BradyWilliams, each of which perfectly captures life in the heart of the Capital. The first, a three-bedroom apartment, is located within the new-build section of the scheme. Nods to its Covent Garden location feature throughout, from antique mirrors adorned with a patterned leaf design, to wooden furniture and natural planting on the roof terrace. Completing the apartment is a striking feature corner bay, home to an impressive study overlooking Floral Street.
The second apartment is located within the heritage section of Floral Court, where BradyWilliams has added a contemporary layer to the historic fabric of the building. Complementing its period features, the apartment incorporates a colour palette of deep jewel tones, blending old and new with rich textures and antique brass set against high lacquer and veneer finishes
Extraordinary experiences with extraordinary brands
Capco has restored Covent Garden as a world-class destination, a place internationally-renowned for the exceptional experiences it offers its visitors, and famed for its impressive range of global, British and independent brands across retail, dining and culture. Each brings something fresh to the historic estate, whether a new flagship store for London or an innovative, never-seen-before concept, from Tiffany’s Style Studio and Charlotte Tilbury’s first standalone makeup boudoir, to The Shop at Bluebird’s flagship store in Carriage Hall and the ultimate home and lifestyle emporium at The Shop at Petersham Nurseries.
Showcasing the best of the global restaurant scene, Covent Garden is also celebrated for its eclectic gastronomic offering, from five-star restaurants including Frenchie, Cora Pearl and Balthazar, through to exciting new additions including SUSHISAMBA, RedFarm and Petersham Nurseries’ two eateries within Floral Court: La Goccia and The Petersham.
Synonymous with creativity and rich with culture, the world-famous Royal Opera House and 40 West End theatres are on the doorstep, while the Piazza itself is host to a unique calendar of cultural events, art installations and seasonal pop-ups.
With its prime location in the heart of Covent Garden, residents have all this on their doorstep, and yet more. A host of exclusive partnerships, offers, and early previews and access to Covent Garden’s brands – from made-to-measure suiting at Hackett and personal shopping with Mulberry, through to bespoke make-up classes and men’s grooming services with Tom Ford – has been carefully curated to elevate each residents’ lifestyle.
Capco’s experience as custodian of the Covent Garden estate also provides an unmatched level of security, quality, and service, meaning residents will experience the best of Covent Garden. Every detail is taken care of, from each residents’ welcome home, to the beautiful flowers and floral arrangements on the streets of the estate, to the assurance of 24-hour security.
Prices start from £1.3million www.floralcourtcollection.com
