Not every London buyer with £20 million to spend wants to live in a glass and steel postmodern new build, kitted out to look like an Oxford Street nightclub, wherever the location. However, the chance to enjoy classic architecture with the best of 21st century technology rarely arises. Fifteen Grade II listed houses, dating from the mid-19th century and facing Hyde Park on the Northside of Bayswater Road – and there probably aren’t many better addresses in London – have recently come on the market.

 The original fifteen have been remodelled into 77 homes, designed around the grandeur of the original architecture and interior features of the building. The Lancasters, by Northacre and Minerva, is a ‘revival’ building, its stucco façade having been retained, but with a completely new internal structure. 

Minerva is a large commercial developer and The Lancasters is its first residential project, whilst Northacre, on the other hand, has a history of reviving and restoring ‘period’ buildings in London, some £1.5 billion worth, into luxury living spaces. The architect, Nillson Achitects, spent almost a year retaining the existing façade, a huge undertaking which involved underpinning the site with some 500 tonnes of steel supports, before the remaining internal structure could be demolished.

The interior design firm, Intarya, has been responsible for the individual bespoke interiors, has worked on private commissions all over the world and is currently designing the Dubai World Trade Centre penthouses and a Royal Palace in Saudi Arabia. The opulent apartments are themed around the Grand Tour – referencing exotic influences, materials and techniques from around the world to appeal to the well-travelled. Handpainted wall-coverings; bespoke furniture; textures ranging from silk to leather, and hand-embroidered fabrics; antique mirrors, maps and suitcases; marble, zinc and oaks, all, naturally, of the highest-quality, feature throughout each residence.

If such sumptuous stylings were not enough, residents will also benefit from 24-hour concierge, providing such services as housekeeping, personal shopping and catering. The development also boasts a communal garden, valet parking in the underground car park, and a fully equipped gym with a 15 metre by 4 metre swimming pool.

 The Lancasters launched on 24 June this year and has already sold over 50% of the apartments. Prices for those remaining  range from £2 million to £20 million. The first phase of two-to-four bedroom apartments are on sale through Hamptons International or Savills.