Raw Penthouse Renovation Project In Historic Smithfield

Immersed in the historic heart of Clerkenwell and its celebrated design scene, this former 2,000 sq ft creative atelier office space offers consent for those with the vision to redevelop and convert a characterful duplex into a stylish penthouse loft on the city fringe.
Architecture & History
The Hayloft sits around an original courtyard and forms part of the conversion of a former Victorian bacon-smoking factory, constructed around 1878. The exteriors of this small cluster of period warehouses are a fine example of London’s industrial heritage, and perhaps have a connection with Smithfield Market, which itself holds more than a thousand years of history.
Currently extending to just over 2,000 sq. ft across two open-plan levels (second and third) the space retains much of its original warehouse character. Whitewashed brickwork and warehouse windows define the expansive second floor, while adjoining it are a former staff kitchen, lavatory and storage or communications room.
Above, the top floor (the third) is reached by a sturdy spiral staircase. Equally generous in scale, this mansard level continues the warehouse aesthetic, with an entire wall of distressed brickwork, timber flooring and a central Crittall-style internal window dividing the space. To the rear lie a shower room and WC, together with a former separate bedroom/office. At the centre of the floor, a large hatch provides convenient access for moving substantial items of furniture between the two floors.
A modest balcony, accessed through a set of double doors at the far end of the living room, offers a small sanctuary above the city. Its tranquillity is matched by the views: a sweeping panorama of the London skyline, telling a story of centuries of architectural history.
Local Area & Transport
All that the city fringe has to offer is within a short walk of this highly prized side of town. There is a film-set quality to the stroll through Smithfield Market as you head towards the Square Mile, taking in some of London’s most fascinating historic landmarks, with the journey culminating at St Paul’s Cathedral. The area is awash with the capital’s most storied pubs and restaurants, which sit comfortably alongside newer culinary destinations.
This central location means much of your travel time will be spent walking or cycling by Lime bike. Should the need to venture further afield arise, however, this pocket of town is a highly connected transport hub. Farringdon station is just around the corner, offering Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan line services, as well as the Elizabeth line. St Paul’s station provides Central line connections to Bank, where you can pick up the DLR. City Thameslink is around ten minutes on foot, with train services running through south-east London and beyond to the South Coast.