Lord Richard Best OBE has formally opened Grace House, a new large-scale affordable housing development in London, built by Regal London in partnership with Central & Cecil (C&C), a housing provider specializing in homes for people aged over 55.
The 170-apartment scheme, located in St John’s Wood, north London, replaces Dora House – a later living scheme demolished in 2020. During the ceremony, held at Grace House on Thursday 20 October, and following a tour of the state-of-the-art building, Lord Best remarked upon how “collectively, people have done so brilliantly” to make the development a reality, and that the new scheme was a “triumph”.
The day’s invited guests included sitting Councillors from Westminster City Council, along with senior representatives from our partners on the project; C&C, Ryder Architecture and Motionspot. They were joined by new residents in the building who are already settling into their new homes, with the first residents moving in during August.
Approximately 60 former residents of Dora House have moved over to the new development, which houses 153 affordable living apartments and 17 for private rent. New applications to live in the remaining affordable living apartments are being processed by Westminster City Council.
Grace House was designed with sustainability in mind; complete with electric vehicle charging points, air source heat pumps to provide low carbon heating and hot water, and solar panels to generate renewable electricity.
The Dora Designers Group, made up of several Dora House residents, worked in collaboration with C&C and its partners to ensure that those creating the new building understood the needs and wants of its future residents. Seeing the results of their input first-hand, invited guests were shown the residents’ new communal lounge, gardens (including a roof garden and winter garden), flexible activity spaces and the gym, as well as the space reserved for a new café and salon.
We wanted to create a new affordable housing scheme for the over-55s that would change perceptions and challenge the assumptions that many make. It’s clear, opening the doors of Grace House, that we have truly delivered on this dream. The resulting superbly elegant building, designed with the residents of Dora House to create the best possible outcomes for future residents, embodies our principles at Regal London of design excellence and quality whilst providing accessible accommodation for those who need it.
Paul Eden
Co-Founder
Available properties
Fulton & Fifth
Manhattan style apartments – filling the gap between traditional studio flats and one bedroom apartments.
Open-plan spaces with floor-to-ceiling glass windows are a centre point of these Manhattan style apartments, allowing an abundance of natural light into your living space.
Fulton & Fifth
Three bedroom apartments that offer expansive living spaces, flooded with natural light and offering panoramic views of Wembley Park.
Entertain with ease in fully fitted kitchens featuring stone worktops and integrated appliances, and retreat. The bathrooms exude elegance with their satin brass fixtures and ceramic blue tiles, providing a tranquil retreat for relaxation.
Fulton & Fifth
Two bedroom apartments designed for modern living with each home offering spacious, open-plan living areas flooded with natural light and breathtaking views.
Fully fitted kitchens with stone worktops and integrated appliances overlook the bright and airy living spaces, while the bedrooms provide a tranquil sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation. Its elegant bathrooms feature clean lines, satin brass fixtures, and luxurious porcelain tiles.
Fulton & Fifth
One bedroom apartments designed to maximise comfort and convenience.
Featuring quality fittings and finishes, ample natural light, and stunning views across Wembley Park and beyond, these apartments have spacious, open-plan living areas ideal for entertaining or unwinding. Kitchens are fully fitted kitchens with stone worktops and integrated appliances. Bedrooms include fully integrated wardrobes for ample storage and a serene ambience.
The Haydon
Enjoy boutique city living in elegantly proportioned one bedroom apartments at The Haydon.
With impeccable attention to detail and stylish finishes throughout, each residence offers a unique blend of comfort and sophistication. Relax in the tranquil oasis of your own home, surrounded by landscaped gardens and an extensive residents’ terrace.
