A disused underground network of tunnels, running a mile under central London, from Chancery Lane tube station, is for sale with Farebrother. It was built in the 40s as a bomb shelter, but came into its own during the Cold War, where it housed secure telephone communications.

Particulars (pdf), here.

If these walls could talk... Women in Love edition [October 6, 2008]

Technorati Tags: London, property, real estate

Past visitors include Casanova, Crippen, Abu Hamza, Pinochet and the Krays. Future visitors could include you. Bow Street Magistrates'
Court has been acquired by Edward Holdings, with permission to turn it into a hotel.

The historic façade will remain but that there will be an ‘interpretive centre’ inside incorporating the existing cell block at ground floor and basement levels.

Its Grade II listing doesn't even come close to representing the building's historical importance. Let's hope they don't screw this up.

Technorati Tags: architecture, London, property, real estate

A music website called Sound Generator reveals that London's famed Astoria, on the Charing Cross Road, has been sold by the Mean Fiddler organisation to property development company Derwent Valley for a reported £24 million. The building could be converted into shops, office space and some residential apartments. Pity. I wonder if there's a way Derwent can design and market the resulting property around the old venue and its history? Unlikely, since they already own significant property around the space they're probably planning something more radical.

Rock'n'roll rental [February 21]
Islington calling [November 3, 2004]

This is a rare one... a Betterton Street (off Drury Lane) town house with freehold, large rooms and a layout with loads of character. It comes with planning permission for a loft extension and terrace, too. It's with LDG, on the market at £1.25 million, and you'll find particulars here.

Ladies of West Hampstead [September 27]