Wotton Road

Formerly part of an historic aircraft factory, this five-bedroom split-level penthouse for rent retains a sense of its industrial heritage.

Remodelled with architectural ingenuity by Caireen O’Hagan and Base Associates in 2018, this duplex penthouse apartment pays tribute to its trailblazing history. Once occupied by Handley Page, one of the UK’s aviation powerhouses, its expansive footprint is emphasised by urban materials and a mass of glazing.

Accessed by a 30-metre-long driveway, an arresting triple-height courtyard space sets a punchy industrial aesthetic in motion. Expect Crittall windows, exposed steel beams, poured concrete and raw brickwork. Inspiring eco credentials are also threaded into the building’s framework – note the 162 rooftop solar panels.

An impressive sense of volume and natural light define the main living space. Tailor-made for entertaining, the kitchen sits beneath a soaring pitched wooden ceiling. A concrete island provides a central focal point, while a second culinary station is finished with stainless steel surfaces, Gaggenau appliances and an Alpes Inox hob with smokeless indoor grill.

Light floods into the space from a central terrace with full height sliding windows that blur the boundaries between inside and out. Beyond, two reception areas – one larger, one more intimate – also enjoy access to the outdoors.

Upstairs, the entire second floor can be configured as a palatial principal bedroom suite, spanning a study, dressing room and bathroom, together with a bright day room and open shower that lead directly onto a second south-facing terrace.

Three further bedrooms, interlinked by two Jack and Jill bathrooms, are located on the first floor, finished in neutral tones that contribute to a calming feel.