_Own a piece of british history as homes at The OWO (the former old war office) come to market
June 15th marked a pivotal moment in the history of one of London’s most iconic buildings as sales of The OWO Residences by Raffles, Europe’s first Raffles branded residences, were launched. Offering a rare opportunity to purchase a piece of Winston Churchill’s legacy, 85 homes are available in the impressive Grade II* listed former Old War Office building, which has been closed to the public for over a century. Having undergone a monumental and painstaking transformation over the last five years, the London landmark is set to complete in 2022 and will also comprise the capital’s first Raffles hotel with 125-rooms and suites, a collection of nine restaurants and bars, and an immersive spa.
Situated at one of London’s most historically important and powerful addresses, the Old War Office, originally completed in 1906 and designed by British architect William Young, is steeped in history. Formerly the site of the original Palace of Whitehall, home to Henry VIII and other monarchs, the building has witnessed world-shaping events whilst influential political and military leaders including Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George held office. It was John Profumo’s base when he was Secretary of State and inspired Ian Fleming to write the infamous James Bond series after working for Britain’s Naval Intelligence Service. Its grand architecture has made the building a dramatic location in Bond films, and more recently The Crown drama series.
Garnering respect on a global stage, the iconic building was created as a mark of empirical British power. Grand in both size and stature, with ceiling heights in residences that reach up to 4.4m and full-length windows to match, the interior proportions reflect classic Edwardian architecture that has been adapted for modern living. The residences feature interiors created by design studio 1508 London with bespoke handcrafted kitchens from British brand Smallbone of Devizes, Waterworks brass ironmongery and Onyx marble. Many incorporate original heritage features such as oak panelling and mosaic flooring. The unwavering attention to detail in each residence demonstrates the years of craftmanship that have been applied to every aspect of the majestic building.
Each residence is unique and specifically tailored to suit its location in the building; duplex, lateral and penthouse residences range in size from studios to five-beds. In addition, two spectacular turret residences, elevated above the London skyline, offer a home like no other. In this unparalleled residential offering, homeowners will benefit from having all the facilities of a world-renowned hotel on their doorstep without having to compromise on the highest levels of privacy and seclusion within their home. This complex balance has been achieved thanks to the building’s majestic original architecture which lends itself perfectly to a mixed-use development of this stature.
At the helm of The OWO project is the Hinduja Group, an international multi-billion turnover group founded in 1914 and passionately committed to the building since its acquisition in 2014. It has worked with a team of experts including Historic England and Museum of London Archaeology, and appointed EPR Architects to oversee the intricate redevelopment. The hotel interiors are being designed by New York-based designer Thierry Despont.
Gopichand P Hinduja, Co-Chairman, Hinduja Group: "Launching sales of these extraordinary residences is a significant milestone for us as a family and for the project team at The OWO - it’s one step closer to opening the storied building to the public for the first time where branded residences will sit alongside a flagship Raffles hotel. London is one of the best cities in the world, steeped in history and tradition, and has been our home for over forty years. With our knowledge and experience in restoration of historic buildings, everything we do, and every decision made on The OWO is underscored by our passion and respect for the heritage of the building and long-term commitment to London.”
The Hinduja Group has partnered with world-renowned Raffles Hotels & Resorts, who will be operating the 125- room and suite flagship hotel at The OWO, as well as the 85 branded residences. The service synonymous with the prestigious Raffles brand - gracious and intuitive staff, personalised attention and a timeless ambience - will be delivered seamlessly to the residents of The OWO and will set a new benchmark in London.
Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO at Accor: “We are proud to be working alongside the Hinduja Group to deliver this most exceptional new Raffles destination in London. It is a remarkable building that lends itself perfectly to a masterpiece such as The OWO. The inherent majesty and grandeur of this site is entirely in keeping with the Raffles brand and, to have unearthed an opportunity within such historic walls to deliver a flagship hotel and the first Raffles branded residences in Europe, marks a significant moment for the Accor group. Raffles is a pioneering brand with British roots, named after the British statesman and founder of Singapore, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, so it is very fitting that Raffles is coming home to the UK. We are tremendously excited to introduce Raffles and its world-renowned service to London next year and look forward to meeting our residents and guests.”
The OWO directly faces Horse Guards and is adjacent to the stunning 57-acres of St. James’s Park. Residents, hotel guests and visitors will be a short stroll from Buckingham Palace, The National Gallery, The Tate and The Royal Academy, as well as the sought-after shopping streets of Regents Street, Bond Street and Jermyn Street. Sales are via Knight Frank and Strutt & Parker. Prices for a two-bedroom residence start from £5.8million. Media tours of the newly opened Marketing Gallery Suite at 5 St James’s Square can be arranged on request.
For more information, to speak to an agent or book a viewing: