Property investor and developer Bentry Capital has acquired Branch Hill House, an Edwardian mansion in Hampstead Village, in a £16.4m deal that paves the way for a high-end residential redevelopment in one of London’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.
The freehold site, which benefits from lapsed planning consent originally granted in 2021, will be redeveloped into a gated scheme of premium apartments known as No.1 Hampstead, set within 1.7 acres of landscaped gardens.
The transaction was agreed within 13 working days, shortly before the Autumn 2025 Budget.
The acquisition forms part of Bentry Capital’s £500m gross development value pipeline across London and regional cities and will sit within a new collection branded Bentry Heritage, focused on converting historic buildings into residential developments.
RICH PICKINGS
Branch Hill House, located off Branch Hill Road behind a sweeping private driveway, provides 23,456 sq ft of accommodation across a grand Edwardian Baroque mansion built in 1901.
The house was commissioned by banking tycoon John Nivison, 1st Baron Glendyne, and designed by architect Henry Flitcroft, with architectural features said to echo those of Sandringham House, remodelled around the same period. A modern wing added in the late 1960s will be replaced as part of the redevelopment.
The site has a long and varied history, with the first manor house dating back to 1741. Over the centuries it has been home to several prominent figures before being acquired by Camden council in 1964, when it was converted into a care home that operated until 2015.
PREFERRED AGENT
Subject to planning, the scheme will deliver around 50 lateral one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, combining converted space within the restored mansion with new-build accommodation designed to reflect the original Edwardian architecture.
Image credit: Bentry Capital:Stanhope Gate
A standalone townhouse, concierge foyer and landscaped gardens will complete the development. The sales launch is expected in the first quarter of 2028, with Savills appointed as preferred agent.
The original redevelopment masterplan was designed by heritage specialist Stanhope Gate Architecture, which will work with Bentry Capital to revive the lapsed consent and refine the unit mix. Construction will be undertaken by Mellior Group, Bentry Capital’s in-house delivery arm, with a build programme expected to last three years.
SANDRINGHAM-STYLE
David Ronson, National Director of Sales & Marketing at Bentry Capital, says: “Bentry Capital are pleased to have acquired Branch Hill House, a site that garnered strong interest from competing bidders.
“Working closely with our legal partners at Pinsent Masons – particularly Timm Webb and Emma Maher – enabled us to complete the transaction in a swift fashion.
“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.”
PRIME LOCATION
Amarveer Singh Pannu, Co-Founder and Director of Bentry Capital, adds: “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.”
HONESTY AND CONSISTENCY
Darren Arnold, Director in the development land team at Savills, says: “Branch Hill House has been a site of considerable interest for many years, with planning previously secured for the redevelopment of the Edwardian mansion into residential apartments.
“Bentry Capital distinguished themselves not only through their speed and clarity in a competitive bidding process, but also through their honesty and consistency throughout the transaction.
“The local community is eager to see this landmark restored, and demand for high-quality homes in this part of Hampstead remains exceptionally strong.”
