Striking architecture meets luscious landscape in Hampstead’s elegant new development
The Oren is an ultra-luxurious retirement community set amidst lush grounds on West Heath Road
Elysian Residences have unveiled the first show apartment at their premier development, The Oren, in Hampstead London. The £150 million (GDV) purpose-built retirement community conceived, developed and operated by Elysian Residences, has been designed by RIBA Stirling prize-winning architectural practice Stanton Williams, working closely with renowned landscape architect and Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winner Christopher Bradley-Hole, of Bradley–Hole Schoenaich Landscape.
The Oren provides 44 two- and three-bedroom apartments, including four penthouses, all set in stunning grounds, and delivers a new concept in luxury retirement living, combining exceptional services with premium amenities.
The Oren is located on West Heath Road, one of Hampstead’s most sought-after addresses, directly fronting Golders Hill Park, within Hampstead Heath. The gently sloping site, surrounded by mature trees, has enabled Stanton Williams to design a scheme that resonates with its wider setting, while creating a flexible environment that responds to the evolving needs of homeowners and how they wish to live.
Alan Stanton OBE, Principal Director of Stanton Williams comments, “It’s in a wonderful setting with some spectacular trees, literally on the edge of Golders Hill Park. The landscaping and architecture work together beautifully. The result is something which is very special.”
Both building and landscape architectural teams were conscious of the project’s legacy and through a close working relationship have created a development whose façade and setting gently reflect the rhythm of the wider landscape.
Christopher Bradley-Hole of Bradley–Hole Schoenaich Landscape comments, “The setting is remarkable. It’s unique, actually. It’s a magical setting, and that’s the first thing that strikes us when we look at a project. It has the local park, which extends to the historic Hill Garden, which is a registered landscape, and through to Hampstead Heath. So this is very, very special. And of course, within easy walking distance is Hampstead Village.
“I think Alan Stanton is an artist; he’s placed a building, as if a sculpture, within these mature, parkside grounds”.
Accessed via a circular entrance driveway bordered by mature trees The Oren is set in grounds that have been enhanced by strategic planting, that includes the addition of new mature specimen trees (Yew, Hornbeam and Holy), shrubs (Camelia, Osmanthus, Rhodendrons, Hydraingers) and the planting of over 30,000 seasonal bulbs (Aliums, Crocus, Hyacinths, Narcisissus, Tulips). Planned to create a sense of harmony, working with established trees, the undulation of the site and the buildings, gently blending each key element with its counterparts, Christopher Bradley-Hole has created a unique and calm environment that complements The Oren.
The striking contemporary architecture led by Alan Stanton has been inspired by the rich history of modernist buildings in the local area such as Highpoint in Highgate. The four buildings of The Oren are designed with angled bays, with facades and balconies that are oriented towards the views of the gardens. Every apartment has the benefit of its own unique orientation and outlook, allowing homeowners privacy and independence.
Olive, the first show apartment at The Oren, draws on its stunning surroundings, both manmade and natural, blending elements from both, to create a calm, welcoming, contemporary home that is luxurious, while remaining at one with its surroundings.
Influenced by colour, texture and tone, the interior design team at Elysian Residences were inspired to create a sensory environment that reflects both the natural and built environments. Soft, natural tones have been contrasted with earthy reds and bold greens, inspired by the trees and planting within the grounds of The Oren. Contrasting tones and textures of the buildings provided further inspiration, with wood, velvet, leather and metallics being drawn in. Sitting perfectly against this backdrop home furnishings and lighting inspired by iconic designs of the 20th century, themselves evolved from a desire to be well designed, ergonomic and comfortable, provide excitement and flair.
From the blossom inspired velvet headboard in the master bedroom to a mustard textured fabric chair, the materials create a sense of harmony, both within the apartment and the wider setting. The textured metal-topped dining table with elegant leather upholstered dining chairs provide a focal point, while the sumptuous velvet covered sofa hand tufted New Zealand Wool rug, invite you to relax, get comfortable and stay a little longer.
Olive is located on the first floor and offers excellent westerly views over the grounds from the main reception and three bedrooms, flooding the apartment with natural light.
The principal bedroom suite includes a walk-in dressing area with custom fitted wardrobes leading through to a luxurious ensuite bathroom, with full bath, walk in shower with feature stone seat and vanity unit with basin. Fully tiled, with large format porcelain wall tiles and slip resistant natural finish porcelain tiles to the floor, the ambience is that of a tranquil spa.
The galley style kitchen, open plan to the reception room at the far end, also provides an enclosed utility/prep area with door through to the entrance hall. The contemporary style cabinetry is complemented with solid quartzite worktops and matching splashback, highlighted by concealed lighting, with solid oak plank flooring providing a contrasting texture that is both practical and chic, with integrated Miele appliances.
The large reception room opens onto the terrace, accessed via glass sliding doors, and is finished with decking and low level light fittings, that create the perfect evening ambiance, ideal for contemplation and admiring the view.
The apartment has been finished to the highest standards of craftsmanship with a bespoke specification that includes parquet-style Oak engineered timber flooring, comfort cooling and heating, deep woven wool bedroom carpets and bathrooms with bespoke cabinetry, fitted mirrors and underfloor heating. Attention to detail of finish includes colour matched switch and socket plates throughout, except in kitchen where metal has been used, and solid timber doors with brushed bronze ironmongery.
Gavin Stein, Chief Executive Officer, Elysian Residences, says: “Elysian Residences is delighted to announce the launch of the first show apartment at The Oren, a state-of-the-art luxury address which combines exceptional hospitality with hotel-style amenities and beautiful private residences, set in beautiful grounds.
“It has been an exciting journey working with both Stanton Williams and Bradley-Hole Schoenaich Landscape, who have helped us deliver our vision. We believe The Oren, completing this autumn, will represent one of the best retirement living developments in the world. We look forward to welcoming homeowners and visitors to The Oren and for them to experience the very best in retirement living, in one of the finest places to live in the United Kingdom.”
Homeowners at The Oren have access to extensive owner amenities, with the flexibility to live a private or highly active social lifestyle. This includes exclusive access to a fully-equipped spa and wellness centre, incorporating a gym, swimming pool, treatment rooms, private hair and beauty salon and a health consultation room, professionally curated library, seasonally inspired restaurant menus and a discrete team available 24 hours to cater to the every need of owners. There are also dog washing facilities and walking services for pets and valet parking with secure underground storage, including charging points for electric vehicles.
The ‘theatre’ style kitchen in The Oren’s restaurant encourages homeowners to be on first-name terms with the chef. Fresh food and the finest seasonal ingredients create ever-changing menus that ensure variety and new dining experiences. Owners will enjoy summer barbecues on the terrace, or for special occasions can book the private dining room with the concierge, or arrange a fully-catered and staffed event in their apartment. The cafe and bar offers barista made coffee, casual meals, post exercise smoothies and light meals daily.
Planned around the personal preferences of homeowners health classes might include yoga, pilates, hydrotherapy-exercise classes, cardio and strength training, with gardening, art, cooking demonstrations, talks from visiting lecturers, supper clubs, music recitals, travel opportunities and language lessons.
With Olive, a three-bed gem on the first floor, you get a space that’s all about blending in with nature and the surrounding scene. Inside, it’s a mix of calm neutrals, earthy reds, and bold greens, all inspired by the great outdoors. In the principal bedroom suite, colours and textures blend harmoniously to create a calming sanctuary, while in the living spaces, contrasting tones and textures of the buildings provide further inspiration, with wood, velvet, leather and metallics being drawn in.
The apartment boasts large, light-loving windows that drench the place in sunlight. And the details are all about the little luxuries: from the spa-like en suite in the main bedroom to the sleek galley kitchen with its solid quartzite worktops and Miele gadgets, while top-notch materials like oak floors and deep wool carpets mean every inch of the apartment screams quality. The commodious reception room spills out onto a decked terrace, perfect for some evening relaxation and garden gazing. Here, you may be settling down, but you’re guaranteed to be living it up in style.
