By Mark McConville
SHINE BRIGHT like a diamond in this stunning eight-bed industrial conversion that was once a Ratner Group jewellery workshop and could be yours for less than £4m.
Incredible images show the unremarkable looking exterior of the building which gives no clue to the amazing interior inside.
Other striking shots show a modern kitchen, cosy bedrooms and spacious living areas as well as sleek bathrooms and large study space.
The Long House is located on Goldhawk Road, London and is currently listed by Unique Property Company for £3.95m.
“The Long House is a complete one-off and located on London’s West Side,” states the listing.
“Whilst its appearance may have that of a railway siding, it is in fact an incredibly warm and inviting home, fit for families, couples or singles and owned for the last quarter century by its current occupants who took a semi-derelict shell of a building and carved out a huge space to live and work.
“The history is also unique. Prior to their ownership, it was once in the hands of the Ratner Group used as a workshop and office and a hive of activity until the notorious, “total crap”, comment. The decline of the business quickly ensued.”
The Ratners Group consisted of Ratners, H. Samuel, Ernest Jones, Leslie Davis, Watches of Switzerland and over 1000 shops in the US including Kays. Ratners was one of the few British retailers to succeed in the US.
Although widely regarded as “tacky”, the shops and their wares were nevertheless extremely popular with the public, until Ratner made a speech addressing a conference of the Institute of Directors at the Royal Albert Hall on 23 April 1991.
During the speech, he commented: “ We also do cut-glass sherry decanters complete with six glasses on a silver-plated tray that your butler can serve you drinks on, all for £4.95. People say, “How can you sell this for such a low price?”, I say, “because it’s total crap.”
“At its core is the spacious living area,” continues the listing.
“Arranged with vast open plan dining, living and kitchen area which is all seamlessly connected. Upstairs are a series of bedrooms, one of which enjoys dressing area and en-suit.
“To the front of the main building, a converted self-contained studio apartment, (that’s currently arranged as in income-producing asset), could be brought back in to use and extra accommodation to the main house.
“To the rear, a bright and spacious collection of artists studios and office space are offered, most of which make full use of double height vaulted ceilings.
“The title also comes complete with a four bedroom period house which fronts Goldhawk Road. This is another income producing investment for the owner but as with the studio apartment, could easily be used for additional accommodation.
“A terraced area wraps around one half of the building with an extremely private and tranquil courtyard at the other end. It’s a great place to sit and unwind with that morning coffee or evening glass of wine.”
Position wise, it’s well placed for access into central London. Goldhawk Road tube is just a few moments on foot, (Central Line). Shepherds Bush Green and excellent shopping facilities at Westfield are also within easy reach.
For more information see https://uniquepropertycompany.co.uk/properties/the-long-house-194-goldhawk-road-london-w12-9ns/
