A Guide to Living in Camden

Please review your development:

Concierge team is friendly and helpful; Building’s exterior and interior both look reasonably nice and modern; Presentable seating area on the ground floor but not much facility other than that although probably not necessary as there are multiple gyms and cinemas within 5min walk.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The service charge is quite high given there are not much facilities provided within the property.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Concierge team is responsive and helpful but the management team that is not on site are slow on responses and do not find as helpful when there are issues.

Having lived here for eight years now, I’ve really seen the growth of new shops, in fashion, interior design, tech (Samsung’s London flagship is in Coal Drops Yard) – this reflects the artistic feel to the neighbourhood (the art school is a few yards away of course). It has a cinema, a leisure centre very nearby, and of course the combination of Kings Cross, St. Pancras, Eurostar and the tube make for an amazing set of public transport options.

Please review your development:

ArtHouse is a modern design both inside and out. It has an urban feel to it, neutral palette of external colours, mostly grey, which helps to keep it not looking too dated in years to come.
Inside, the apartments are a high quality build – fixtures and fittings like oak floors and really solid kitchen units. And many come with in-built air conditioning (useful as the apartments can get warm in summer and are very well insulated!
Car parking is available under the building, but it is quite expensive if you take it up.
Arthouse doesn’t have an onsite gym, which some developments offer. Personally, I’m more interested in the 24-hr on-site concierge, as I value security highly.
The building has had some design issues since it opened in 2014, although these have almost all been resolved now, mostly at the expense of the developer, so no real on-cost to the owners or tenants.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

For a new build in 2014, I expected the heating to state-of-the-art. It is underfloor and very effective, but I had expected the heating controls to be easier to understand!
The biggest positive surprise is how well managed the overall Kings Cross estate is – security staff are all around, friendly and visible. The neighbourhood has become very popular, and yet they keep it safe and clean – a great thing to see!

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The building management works through a management company, which has three residents as Directors on its board. This ensures that there is representation and that structure has worked well to keep a focus on everyday issues like lift repairs, waste management, redecorations and so on.

5

Facilities

4

Design

5

Location

4

Value

5

Management

Please review your development:

The cultural opportunities on-site and in the surrounding area are many, there is a fantastic market at weekends, a large Waitrose on site and many excellent eateries on-site and nearby. Add to this the outstanding transport links as well all that central London has to offer, making this a difficult to beat package

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The concierge service has surpassed our expectation with their helpfulness

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Building management have been helpful as have residents meetings with management

Bad:
– Next to busy and noisy main street
– City dust

Please review your development:

Good:
– Location
– Close walk to King’s Cross and St Pancras stations
– High grade appliances
– 24/7 concierge
– Basement car park
– In-built air cooler system
– 24/7 hot water
– Underfloor heating
– Maximises natural light

Bad:
– Lack of in-building facilities (gym, pool, etc.)
– High management fees
– Grey-green building theme (would prefer warmer colours)

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Building insulation is great during winter, but can get warm/stuffy during summer. Which bedrooms are colder/warmer throughout the seasons.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Building management are overall ok, but response times could be faster.