Wharfedale Street, Chelsea, SW15

This Chelsea townhouse has been completely rebuilt under the direction of Italian architect Fabrizio Sabbatini of Valor Architects.

Behind its Victorian façade, the house was stripped back and reconstructed over a two year programme, completed in 2021. The brief was clear. Retain and restore the original architecture, while rebuilding the structure properly. What followed was a comprehensive programme of works, including reinforced foundations, new roofing and the complete replacement of all core systems throughout the house.

The architectural approach is consistent. Original elements such as the staircase, fireplaces and brickwork have been restored by hand, while the rest of the house has been rebuilt to a standard rarely seen in properties of this type.

At lower ground level, the space has been opened and reworked to form a practical kitchen and dining area, centred around a Poggenpohl kitchen with Gaggenau appliances. This level is supported by a properly designed plant room, created through excavation and structural works to house the house’s technical systems in a dedicated and serviceable way.

Italian marble is featured in the bathrooms, with underfloor heating throughout, and the house is tied together by oak parquet flooring and consistent, well executed joinery, much of which has been designed and manufactured in Italy.

To the rear, a conservatory extends the footprint, built around a custom mosaic floor replicated from an original Victorian design in Chelsea. Beyond this, the garden has been reworked with reclaimed brick planters, stone paving and integrated lighting, creating a space that sits comfortably with the house.

Planning permission has been secured for a mansard roof extension of approximately 40 square metres, following a detailed design process. The consent allows for further accommodation to be added without the need to revisit planning.

Houses completed in this way, and to this standard, rarely come to market.