Pied-à-terres can offer a slice of serenity and convenience for those seeking a second home in London.
What is a pied-à-terre?
The term pied-à-terre, the French translation of ‘foot on the ground’, denotes a small living unit, typically a flat or apartment, that is kept for temporary, occasional use. Not one’s primary residence, these homes are often utilised by individuals who reside elsewhere but require a convenient place to stay while in the city for work or leisure.
London’s pied-appeal
Pied-à-terres are particularly popular in London due to the city’s global stature as a hub for finance, culture, and education. They offer a practical solution for international business-people or those with long commutes, frequent travellers, and culture enthusiasts who desire a hassle-free, accessible home away from home.
5 ideal second homes to buy or rent in London
Searching for your perfect urban retreat? Our London teams have handpicked some of the finest homes currently available to buy or let, each chosen for its prime location, quality amenities, and the lifestyle it offers.
1 bedroom apartment to rent in Montagu Square, Marylebone W1H
£875 per week
This exceptionally large one bedroom first floor apartment is located on one of Marylebone’s sought after garden squares and within easy reach from the boutiques, amenities and shopping of Marylebone High Street, Selfridges, and the West End. The property offers a large reception room with floor to ceiling windows, open plan kitchen/dining area (ideal for entertaining), double bedroom with built in storage and bathroom with separate shower.
2 bedroom apartment on Elystan Street, Chelsea SW3
£1,500,000 (Share of freehold)
This excellent two-bedroom two-bathroom flat comes with parking, residents’ gym and pool and benefits from a full time porter. Set on the ground floor of a very well maintained portered mansion in Chelsea, the flat benefits from a spacious reception room, separate kitchen as well as a private patio. Elystan Street is ideally located off Chelsea Green on a tree lined street, close to the most popular restaurants and cafes in Chelsea as well as a short walk to Sloane Square and South Kensington underground.
2 bedroom apartment to rent on Queen Elizabeth Street, Shad Thames, SE1
£875 per week
This recently refurbished two-bedroom apartment makes for a fantastic pied-à-terre as its furnished, is located close to the city and is adjacent to numerous amenities and benefits from great transport links. Located in the heart of Shad Thames and set within a boutique development, the property is finished to an excellent standard throughout and enjoys high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows which flood the flat with light. There is an open-plan kitchen and reception room with access to a terrace, both the bedrooms are fitted with wardrobes and the master also benefits from an en-suite bathroom. It also benefits from inclusive gym membership in the boutique Dixon hotel!
2 bedroom flat for sale on Cloudesley Road, Barnsbury Conservation Area, N1
£950,000 (Leasehold)
This chain-free period maisonette with private garden is spit over two levels and benefits from period features to double bedrooms and a separate kitchen living room. Cloudesley Road is a popular, quiet tree lined street ideally located close to Upper Street and Camden Passage which offer a wide range of amenities. Local transport links include numerous bus routes and Angel Underground Station (Northern Line) which offers easy access to The City and Kings Cross.
3 bedroom apartment in Free Trade Wharf, London E1W
Guide Price £600,000 (Leasehold)
This three double bedroom apartment extends to 977 sq ft on the second floor of a popular riverside development benefitting from 24 hour concierge and leisure facilities. Residents additionally benefit from access to 24 hour concierge, leisure facilities including gym and swimming pool, allocated parking and communal riverside gardens. Free Trade Wharf is ideally located for those travelling to The City and Canary Wharf and within easy reach of Limehouse and Wapping stations, providing services via DLR and overground.
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