Two adjoining freehold Georgian townhouses on one of Mayfair’s most prestigious streets have come to market, offering a rare opportunity to create a grand London residence alongside a private family office domain.
The properties at 13 and 14 South Audley Street, both Grade II listed, together provide 15,993 sq ft (1,479.63 sq m) of mixed residential and commercial space.
The pair are currently owned and occupied by a private family office and are being offered for sale at a guide price of £35 million, through joint sole agents Savills and Wetherell.
Subject to the necessary consents, the larger of the two, No.14, could be remodelled into a single five- or six-bedroom residence. It currently benefits from a passenger lift from the lower ground to the third floor, and agents suggest the interior could be reconfigured to include up to five grand reception rooms, a family kitchen and breakfast area, leisure facilities and staff accommodation. The upper floors could accommodate a principal suite and four further bedrooms, each with en suite bathrooms.
FAMILY LODGE
Next door, No.13 could serve as a separate family lodge or office, providing six or seven bedrooms across five storeys, with guest and staff accommodation and direct access to the private South Street communal gardens.
Photo Credit: Wetherell – Casa E Progetti.
According to Savills and Wetherell, the combined properties could command values of up to £65 million if refurbished to an immaculate standard.
Alternatively, buyers could retain their current configuration and continue their use as a private family office.
DISTINGUISHED HISTORY
The two townhouses have been under single ownership since 1928 and share a long and distinguished history. Both were built in 1736–37 in the Palladian style by Mayfair builder Roger Blagrave, with interiors by noted craftsman William Singleton.
No.14 was originally constructed for Lord Galway, MP and Surveyor General of the Crown Estate, and later became home to Admiral Edward Boscawen, a friend of Prime Minister William Pitt, and later to the Victorian sculptor Sir Richard Westmacott, whose residency earned the property its Blue Plaque.
Photo Credit: Wetherell – Casa E Progetti.
In 1923, Lord Donald Howard, 3rd Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal, purchased No.14 and later acquired No.13, employing architect Sydney Ernest Castle to modernise both buildings.
Photo Credit: Wetherell – Casa E Progetti.
The couple hosted leading figures of the day, including Prime Ministers Stanley Baldwin and Neville Chamberlain, Foreign Secretary Lord Halifax, and the Duke and Duchess of Kent.
INTERNATIONAL MUSIC ASSOCIATION
Post-war, the properties became home to the International Music Association, whose concerts were broadcast by the BBC, and later served as headquarters for the Royal Photographic Society until 1979. Since then, the buildings have continued to serve as business premises.
James Donger, Director of Central London Development Land at Savills, says: “The existing mixed-use commercial and residential profile, with private communal gardens, makes this an exceptional redevelopment opportunity.
“We also anticipate serious interest from continued Private Family Office use, given the rarity of adjoining freehold buildings on South Audley Street.”
Peter Wetherell, Founder & Chairman of Wetherell says: “Both properties have an illustrious history that includes aristocrats, Prime Ministers and cultural use.
“The pair could be remodeled and refurbished to provide a grand single residence at No.14 and a lodge for the Private Family Office and staff quarters at No.13.
“There is the potential for sensitive restoration and modernisation whilst retaining the historic interiors, which could create one of the finest private residences with adjoining family office in Mayfair.”
