Anyone house hunting around Canary Wharf wont find many, well, houses. Residences within walking distance of the financial district tend to be sky-high apartments nestled in shiny glass towers.

Thats what makes this detached, Grade II Listed house in Coldharbour such a rarity. With its own gardens backing on to the Thames, its closer to the sort of family house found on Chiswicks winding banks.

“In terms of period stuff in Canary Wharf, this is it,” says Andrew Groocock, head of selling agent Knight Franks Canary Wharf team. “Otherwise you have to go into Poplar or Limehouse to find something similar. Ive been working in this area for 13 years and this is far and away the grandest period home Ive ever had on the market.”

Built in 1824, it was originally the house of a dock master of the West India Dock Company. It was designed by engineer and architect Sir John Rennie, who is best known for his and his fathers work on London Bridge.

Isle House, Isle of Dogs, £3.5m

Eventually it fell into disrepair until a surveyor and interior designer couple bought it in 1996. Extensive renovation works have been carried out, completely transforming the property into a four bedroom, three bathroom, three living room modern house with unobstructed views of the river.

The current owners have even built a separate coach house on the side. The ground level can be used as a garage or studio, while the upper level is a self-contained one bedroom apartment, ideal for live-in staff or renting out for a profit.

As Isle House is a 20 minute walk into Canary Wharf, with Blackwall and South Quay DLRs nearby, Groocock says its likely to go to someone within financial services.

Call Knight Frank on 020 3813 9149

Original Article