Chris Ford, a 35-year-old HR professional working in London’s banking world, is living the lifestyle he always dreamed of thanks to his brand new one-bedroom apartment in Leon House. The recently transformed, iconic former office block in Croydon is a building he’s been familiar with since childhood, making the move even more special.
Local buyer Chris stumbled across the redevelopment taking place at Leon House on Facebook back in 2018. He explained: “Leon House is a well-known building here and certainly one of the most recognised buildings in our local landscape - I actually used to walk by Leon House every day on my way to school!
“I viewed the apartment in 2018 while it was still being renovated and was blown away. I started saving right away for my deposit because, for me, it was the dream place to live. Not only could I stay in my hometown, close to family and friends, but I would also feel like I’m living in a New York hotel. I thought an apartment like this would be impossible if I stayed in Croydon. Never in my wildest dreams would my childhood self have imagined living in a luxury apartment in Leon House. I think the redevelopment is fantastic.”
All apartments at Leon House are available through Help to Buy, which Chris believes made his investment possible: “I absolutely wouldn’t have been able to afford this property without the scheme. I still pinch myself sometimes that I actually own this! When you consider that I only needed my 5% deposit of £10,000 it’s incredible really.”
While few modernist buildings remain in Croydon from the 1960s modernist boom, Leon House stands as an iconic reminder of that time period. Chris feels that this fact only adds to the charm of the building and its value: “Before putting down my deposit I did some further research on the building. Essentially, other modernist buildings have been torn down or covered up but Leon House has been allowed to shine. I was already sold from this respect but then I learnt about the William Mitchell artwork which truly sealed the deal for me.”
Before the redevelopment of Leon House, an extensive piece of 1960s artwork by renowned post-war sculptor and artist William Mitchell had been hidden within the building for over a decade. Chris added: “The developers and interior designers did such a good job and I really appreciate how they’ve been true to the building. Others would have hidden the 60s architecture with cladding or covered the Mitchell as previous occupants did. I feel a lot of pride about living here – particularly as a Croydon local.”
Having moved into his 16th floor apartment just a few days before lockdown, Chris also believes his new home has made the last year more bearable: “The view from my apartment and the roof garden absolutely made my lockdown. I’m not being dramatic when I say that having so much light, a view to look out on, and access to fresh air with the garden, has preserved my mental health. I really don’t know how I would have coped had I not moved in beforehand. I would absolutely recommend the Leon lifestyle to other people!”
Prices at Leon House start at £463,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.
To arrange a viewing, the team can be reached via the Leon House website or on 020 8686 9434.
