Stirling Ackroyd: Buyers Still Heading East For Warehouse Conversions

In 2013 London warehouse conversions remain one of the most sought after properties to buy according to estate agents Stirling Ackroyd. Those looking to buy or rent in London are still drawn by the allure of the famous loft living lifestyle. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) July 16, 2013 - The ideal of loft living is one that you might associate more with Manhattan than Great Eastern Street. The movement itself began in New York, as something of a far cry from the inspiring Shoreditch property on the market today. It was during the 1940s and 50s that New York's artists famously first occupied large industrial spaces. Although they offered a lot of artistic freedom to artists like Andy Warhol Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning, they were not typically homely at all. For example, many lacked basics like hot water. The legend goes that as the artists flourished, galleries often rented out the same enormous light spaces to exhibit and sell their work. These shows were attended by wealthy art aficionados, who in turn grew increasingly enchanted by the spaces they were seeing. They began to buy, convert and raise both prices and expectations beyond the wildest dreams of the original bohemian neighbour occupants.

Across the water, Shoreditch property arguably represents the start of the loft living era in the UK. The early days followed the New York trends for converting the massive space and light afforded by underused industrial spaces into luxurious executive homes. The East London take on it caught the imagination with their enormous window views, stripped floorboards and features like exposed original brickwork. Although prices are now considerably higher than when artists were using them as studio spaces, conversions are often very affordable for the space granted, and because there are multiple homes in one building it keeps the maintenance costs down. This allows individual householders to enjoy the stunning elegance afforded by life within one of these older buildings. For businesses the attraction of these conversions are the generous office spaces, and Shoreditch and Hackney have seen a growth of tech and media companies, notably 'Tech City' and 'Silicon Roundabout'.

Today, you can find property in this and many more London neighbourhoods which perfectly conjure up the New York feel. The areas such as Shoreditch and Hackney that initially attracted buyers due to the large open living spaces and low costs, have now grown phenomenally in terms of affluence and culture. One example is the stunning warehouse conversions found around Spitalfields. They lie close to the area's famous colourful undercover market, and those it rubs shoulders with in Brick Lane. As well as designer and vintage shopping at the markets, there are plenty of amazing restaurants and bars. Moving in means gaining a slightly bohemian edge to life with a plethora of unique shopping and lifestyle opportunities on your doorstep. Yet like your New York contemporaries, you too still return home on excellent transport routes, turning the key to a calm, comforting and luxurious sanctuary. You can easily find wonderfully spacious, light properties with original features like exposed brickwork and beams, all set within striking period buildings close to public transport.

To find out more about London estate agents Stirling Ackroyd's converted property including period Shoreditch property conversions and in other London areas please call 020 7749 3838.

http://www.stirlingackroyd.com

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