Wendover Studio has transformed a former Victorian police station in St John’s Wood into nine boutique rental apartments arranged around a cobblestone courtyard. The design preserves the original brick façade while adding a sympathetic extension that matches the building’s proportions and materials. Inside, the apartments are finished with oak floors, terrazzo, and soft off-white tones that emphasize light and openness. Ribbed glazing and Edwardian-style fittings nod to the site’s history, layering old character with new comfort.
The courtyard is more than circulation, serving as a shared anchor with spaces for cycle storage, a library, and co-working. This adaptive reuse marks Wendover’s first step into the rental market, completed in 2025, and elevates apartment living with thoughtful communal features. The project demonstrates how heritage buildings can be reimagined into contemporary housing while retaining architectural presence and creating a strong sense of community.
Courtyard Rental Conversions
An Old Police Station Becomes Nine Boutique Apartments by Wendover
Trend Themes
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Adaptive Reuse Housing — Transforming underutilized historical buildings into modern housing units opens new avenues for preserving architectural heritage while addressing urban residential demands.
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Boutique Apartment Living — The rise of niche, design-forward apartments showcases a shift towards personalized and intimate residential experiences in urban settings.
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Communal Living Spaces — Increasingly integrated shared amenities create a sense of community and collaboration, reflecting changing lifestyles and work environments.
Industry Implications
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Real Estate Development — Innovative conversions of historical sites into rental properties drive opportunities for sustainable urban growth and architectural preservation.
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Architecture and Design — The blending of historical aesthetics with modern functionality presents new creative challenges and opportunities for architectural firms.
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Property Management — Boutique apartments with communal features shift the focus towards high-touch, community-focused property management services.