Cover The exterior of Chelsea Barracks, London
If you're looking to invest in properties abroad, we're listing four meticulously-restored historical buildings and sites which have been transformed into luxury residences

Chelsea Barracks, London, UK

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Originally designed in 1855 by Architect George Morgan, Chelsea Barracks was the first army development not undertaken by the Royal Engineers in the UK. Over its lifetime, Chelsea Barracks housed four companies of guards until the early 21st century, when they were demolished, with the Barracks remaining operational until 2007 when the final troops vacated the site.

Developed by Qatari Diar Europe, the new luxury development has been built upon the historic site. The entirely new neighbourhood located in London's Belgravia, spans 12.8 acres from Pimlico Road to Ebury Bridge Road and across to Chelsea Bridge Road – 5 acres of which will be garden squares.

The development comprises a rare collection of residences, townhouses, penthouses and a mews house. Residents at Chelsea Barracks will have access to The Garrison Club, an amenity offering that rivals those of the world’s leading five-star hotels facilities. The space features a 12,768 square foot private spa, 20-metre swimming pool, fitness centre, steam room and sauna, tepidarium, business suite, cinema, resident lounge, board rooms, private function room and a games room, in addition to lifestyle services, facilitated by a 24-hour concierge.

Pricing: Prices for a two-bedroom residence at Chelsea Barracks start from £5.25 million; townhouses are available from £38 million; two and three bedroom duplex apartments start from £4.75 million. The penthouse is on the market for £42 million.

chelseabarracks.com

See also: Where To Invest: 6 Alternative Assets To Invest In Now

The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria, New York, US

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Opened on Park Avenue in 1931, the famed Towers of the Waldorf Astoria has been transformed into a hotel and luxury apartment building. The Towers was once the tallest in the world, featuring a radio in every one of its 2,200 suites, in-room dining and "manufactured weather" – the term used then for air-conditioning.

Along with its modern amenities, the elegance of the hotel's Art Deco decorations such as the stainless steel maidens adorning the elevator cabs in the lobby were unmatched at the time.

The full block property, which will include 375 condominium residences and the 375-key Waldorf Astoria New York hotel, will welcome residents and guests in 2022. 

The development of the property will offer, for the first time, a chance to own a home at one of the most celebrated addresses in the world, featuring best-in-class amenities and services emblematic of the legendary Waldorf Astoria.

Pricing: The Towers' residences starts at US$1.7M for a studio and goes upwards of US$18M for a four-bedroom residence.

waldorftowers.nyc

See also: Home Tour: A Designer's Colourfully Eclectic Apartment In London

One Wall Street, New York, US

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Once a famed commercial building, New York's One Wall Street has been restored into a luxury residence. Originally designed as "as a building to impress, and a centrepiece for the downtown community", the building was the most expensive lot in NYC at the time, with no expense spared in its creation.

The 56-storey Art Deco landmark was originally built in 1931 for the Irving Trust company and designed by architect Ralph Walker, and is now being transformed by Macklowe Properties into an apartment building in the largest office to residential conversion in the history of New York City. In its redevelopment, Macklowe Properties endeavoures to maintain the architectural integrity of One Wall Street, retaining the limestone façade and the “Red Room" – the history of which dates back to 1929.

One Wall Street offers unobstructed views of New York Harbour and the Statue of Liberty and upon completion will comprise of 566 studio to four-bedroom apartments and a penthouse, in addition to 174,000 square feet of retail space and 100,000 square feet of amenity space.

Pricing: Sales are set to launch later in 2020, starting price will be US$960,000.

onewallstreet.com

Westminster Fire Station, London, UK

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A quintessentially English Edwardian interpretation of eighteenth and nineteenth century Baroque architecture, Westminster Fire Station is in the midst of being meticulously restored into 17 residences.

The former Westminster Fire Station is being transformed by development manager Alchemi Group, in partnership with Far East Orchard Limited, to sensitively restore the Grade II listed Edwardian building into a neighbourhood address. Led by architecture practice Openstudio, the former Fire Station will, upon completion, will be home to a destination restaurant in the old engine bays, and six boutique apartments, whilst a new build Station House will house a further 11 apartments.

The 1906 red brick and Portland stone façade is a well-preserved example of an early 20th century London Fire Station building and remains largely unaltered from its original appearance, whilst the team have carefully selected the colours of the original paintwork to return the historical colour palette to the building. Internally, original elements of the Fire Station have been retained, including the fireman’s pole, watch room – which will be used as a private dining room in the restaurant – and the original carriage doors that will form the main entrance to the building and restaurant.

Pricing: Sales expected to launch in 2020, prices will start at £850,000

westminsterfirestation.com

See also: Mount Nicholson Road Is the Second-Most Expensive and Exclusive Residential Street in the World

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