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3 December 2002
When Lawyer, Russell Jacobs, decided to find a Pied-a-Terre for the working week close to his offices at Liverpool Street, he knew that it might prove difficult to find exactly what he wanted.
Russell, and his wife, Carolyn, who also works in the legal profession, wanted an alternative to their principal home in Surrey, which would be located within easy reach of work, but also have character and individuality, and would allow them to bring their German Shepherd dog, Sasha, with them from time to time:
“We knew it wouldn’t be easy to find the right place, but it was actually much quicker than we had anticipated,” explained Russell. “I saw an advert for Copthorn Homes’ refurbished development, The Hoffmann Building, which was on the site of the former City and Islington College at Pitfield Street and was intrigued to discover that it included a two-bedroom lodge house, set in the grounds of the main development.”
Copthorn Homes has a reputation for creating developments that turn utility features into true design statements, and the Grade II listed Hoffmann Building, originally constructed in 1825, was no exception. The imaginative development, centred on the regeneration of the former City and Islington College, was launched in 2000 and quickly became a sell-out success. The scheme fully illustrated the Company’s commitment to brownfield development.
Russell and Carolyn knew instantly that it was what they had been searching for, but there was one surprise to come:
“I also discovered that the building had been the original home for the Haberdashers Aske School, the very same one I attended myself, although I had been based in Hertfordshire,” continued Russell. “That rather romantic connection to my past certainly clinched it!”
The Jacobs’ have used their second home for several months now:
“It’s great to be able to stroll into work, it is so much more relaxing than commuting, and there are plenty of lovely places nearby so we often spend weekends here too, particularly as we can bring Sasha with us,” enthused Russell.
Russell is equally enthusiastic about Copthorn Homes: “The Company has been very professional and helpful to deal with,” he affirmed. “The speed of the transaction was very impressive – we bought our home within three or four weeks, and everyone we were in contact with was always keen to ensure we were satisfied. I was particularly impressed that the Company was very pro-active, always writing in advance to confirm anything that was going to happen. This way, we always had an excellent point of reference to refer back to.”
The Hoffmann Building has now completely sold out, however, Copthorn Homes is currently building homes at a variety of other developments throughout London, including The Academy, the atmospheric regeneration of another period educational establishment on Lawn Lane, overlooking Vauxhall Park, and West Five Studios, a sleek and contemporary selection of apartments created from a 1950s building in Ealing, W5.
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Information correct as at 03/12/2002