In its 1990s peak, the glamorous Hempel Hotel was a favourite haunt of celebrities such as Michael Jackson and the Beckhams. The building has since been transformed into 18 apartments, with interior touches that follow in the footsteps of the minimalist flair of Anouska Hempel's original design. Despite its central London location the residences are surrounded by green space, from the private garden to Hyde Park, which is less than 300m away.
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Music buffs will find much appeal in a building that hosted the likes of Oasis and Jeff Buckley, and stands on the grounds where composer George Frederick Handel performed in 1750. In the 18th century the address was originally home to Marylebone Gardens, a pleasure garden featuring a concert hall that attracted some of the biggest names of the day. The site was destined for a life in entertainment, more than 200 years later housing the Radio Times and followed by BBC Radio London in 1970, which remained there until moving to Portland Place in 2009. Today, behind the original 1930s façade lies a collection of 19 apartments and five townhouses, with available residences including an impressive two-bedroom flat offering enviable views across the capital.
From £4.1 million for two-bedroom apartment; thew1london.com
Built for physician John Harley in the early 1900s, the grand four-story building was converted into flats towards the end of the 20th century. This two/three-bedroom example benefits from period features, which have been carefully preserved as part of a recent extensive restoration and refurbishment programme, including elegant full-height mullioned windows that offer beautiful views of the surrounding picturesque countryside.
From £995,000 for two/three-bedroom apartment; knightfrank.com
The Mansion, Ottershaw Park, Surrey
This private residential estate was first established in 1761 by Sir Thomas Sewell, Master of the Rolls. The imposing mansion that stands on its grounds was used as an auxiliary hospital by the British Red Cross during World War I and later as a school, until it closed in 1980 and underwent conversion into apartments. As well as a recreation room and wine cellar, residents can also benefit from the swimming pool, manicured gardens and two tennis courts found on the 13-acre site.
This Grade II-listed Jacobean-style mansion was built in 1872 by local media mogul Joseph Leech, editor and owner of the Bristol Times, and offers one of the best views of the city's most defining landmark - Brunel's famous Clifton Suspension Bridge. The building was requisitioned during World War II as a war office before being bought by Bristol University and used as student accommodation. Most recently it's found new life as an assortment of high-end homes, of which two apartments are currently on the market.
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