Category Scores
4.54
Facilities
4.31
Design
3.77
Location
3.77
Value
4.2
Management
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Fulham Reach is a mixed-use development from St George (part of the Berkeley Group), constructed with the support of architect, John Thompson and Partners, and interior designer, Jestico + Whiles. It’s situated in West London’s Hammersmith, close to Hammersmith Broadway and Hammersmith station, and adjacent to the River Thames. There are currently 744 apartments and penthouses here, which range from one to four bedrooms. A multi-phase project, Fulham Reach is set to reach completion in 2022.
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Write a ReviewUpload PhotosBringing a little bit of luxury to Hammersmith
We bought a 2-bedroom apartment off plan and were one of the first residents in Distillery Wharf.
The apartments are of good quality overall with impressive design features (particularly the marble bathrooms, leather wardrobes). Other add-ons include air conditioning which was great in the summer (we never had to use the heating in the winter as the building is so well insulated), built in speakers and Lutron lighting all controlled by the control4 system (although I should add that this system froze a lot and did not function properly after one year of use). A handy video screen also allows you to see who is ringing your door bell at the main entrance (although again we had a few issues with this functioning after one year). The kitchen has high specs and everything worked well for us and the double glazed windows made it virtually impossible to hear anything outside which was great. We liked the pre-payment system for heating/water as we could control our costs and it was easy to monitor (much more transparent than other providers out there).
The facilities were the prime draw for us in this development and are second to none. Having doorstop access to the gym, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and cinema room was fantastic. We used the swimming pool in particular very often (having a swim pre and post the office to classical music was rather nice) and it often felt like we were in a hotel. We did notice however that it got increasingly busy at peak times as other buildings in the development completed so it will be interesting to see how they control this. We used the wine room, billiards room and virtual golf room for entertaining which went down well with friends and family \” particularly as our flat could not host large numbers. The development is also very pram and young children friendly with wide doors and lifts.
In terms of service, the professionalism and attitudes from the staff was great and it did feel like entering a hotel with the ambiance and their attentiveness. The 24/7 Concierge service is very convenient for residents and Angus in particular does a great job at running the show. The service charge in my opinion however is high and not justifiable.
In terms of the location, we have really seen the transformation of this area over the past few years and enjoyed having Harris and Hoole, Tescos Express, the Blue Boat pub and Café Plum nearby. We also enjoyed being a 5 minute walk to our favourite restaurant, the River Cafe. To add to this, the development is a 10 minute walk to Hammersmith station which offers four tube lines and is conveniently located for the A4/M4 if getting out of London. The river path has also been significantly improved over the past two years with beautiful pedestrian routes down to Putney making this neighbourhood a desirable place to live.
Overall, we enjoyed living here and have many fond memories!
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
The service charge pricing and breakdown was not very transparent – this should be clearer.
5
Facilities
4
Design
3
Location
3
Value
5
Management
Tenants beware hidden charges for air cooling
There is an issue in Fulham Reach which is that the service charge – payable by the owners/landlords – includes the air cooling/heating. It does so on a fixed basis, so regardless of usage, each flat pays a share based on square footage. This charge is not just for the use, but also the maintenance of the system – and it is not metered. If you leave the flat empty, or run it on full blast for 12 months, your charge will be the same. As a tenant of Fulham Reach, you will unwittingly sign a lease drafted by an agency (in my case JLL) which binds you into paying this charge for the landlord – which I think is unfair, especially as the landlord will have paid it in advance and could be transparent with you at the beginning as to what this charge is. My landlord waited until a few weeks after my lease had ended, having never mentioned or disclosed this charge, and then deducted it from my deposit. I took them to the tribunal, but of course JLL’s drafting was very friendly for their client, the landlord, and so I lost. So, two pieces of advice: 1. Either cross out the air cooling clause in your tenancy before you sign it, or agree the charge up front with the landlord (remember, they have paid it in advance); and/or 2. Bear this in mind when you would otherwise be sensibly trying to conserve costs in running the system – you can’t save yourself any cost – it is a fixed charge.
5
Facilities
5
Design
3
Location
3
Value
3
Management
Moving in the opposite direction!
We relocated and brought our business from the Hampshire countryside 18 months ago and have been very happy with all aspects of the St Georges Fulham Reach development. After 30 years in the sticks you suddenly realize what you have been missing, its a pleasure to live in a property where maintenance is not a full time occupation and despite the lack of a garden we still have amazing views. We love the multi-national diversity of the residents and have made some good friends. Visiting friends and family have been very impressed. We use all the available amenities and are looking forward to the opening of the new enterprises.
4
Facilities
4
Design
4
Location
4
Value
5
Management
Nice property. Some staff not so nice and not the best location.
Nice property and the vast majority of employees I have come in to contact with are nice and professional. However, there are a few people that work in places such as the concierge desk and the fitness center who are not adept at dealing with people. My wife, refuses to go to the fitness center when she thinks a certain person might be working.
That blows my mind that you have employed people like that. Also, I feel that I get less effort and support from the staff when they know I’m a tenant as opposed to an owner. Finally, not impressed with the support when calling the main number to open a trouble ticket. Angus is great, though. As well the vast majority of the concierge staff and others I’ve dealt with.
2
Facilities
4
Design
3
Location
4
Value
1
Management
This location has surprised us
This development has really surprised us. We lived in Kensington Green (W8) before, and for the same rent we are getting 50% more space, with fantastic facilities, and a brand new, high spec apartment with great views of the river. It makes for a compelling alternative to more central, condensed living. We were worried about the location, because the top of Fulham Palace Road is pretty grotty, but in fact weve been pleasantly surprised. The riverside offers easy access to Chiswick and Barnes, and of course Fulham is close. There are plenty of pubs and kids playgrounds within easy access, and the atmosphere at weekends around the river is good; mainly families, people rowing, and others on bikes or running. Hammersmith Broadway offers shopping essentials within 5-10 mins walk, and very good tube connectivity on the Piccadilly line. Waitrose and M&S are within a walk, and the new Tesco Express which has opened on site is helpful – although it doesn’t stock much fresh food. The Blue Boat pub on the river front is also a plus; solid food and a family atmosphere (most of the time).
5
Facilities
4
Design
4
Location
5
Value
5
Management
Amazing river views, like living in a hotel
I have lived in some other London developments and this is the best by miles. The interiors, facilities and services from the concierge are more like a hotel, just without the room service. We are lucky to have fantastic views of the Thames; which we didn’t really focus on until we moved in, as we are only renting. Everyone who visits comments on what a great view it is.
I like the gym a lot too; it’s got good equipment and is kept clean and tidy and the instructors are very friendly and helpful. All in all we love the lifestyle that renting here affords us. The only negative I would mention is that in previous developments we have been able to rent storage space in the basement, and we could really do with that here we have ended up using my daughter’s bathroom as storage space, which is a bit of a shame.
All in all though, it’s a fantastic rental option.
5
Facilities
5
Design
4
Location
4
Value
5
Management
Goldhurst House a bit disappointing
Goldhurst House is the new block at the front – that looks like a crash helmet. There are some flats available to rent, but they are asking high prices. Given how high the prices are, my issues with this development are three: 1. The curved design feels weird in the living space. A bit like a boat, and it feels to me like it will be hard to arrange the living space because of it. 2. Because of the curved design, and the fin on the front, you get a great river view but only in one direction (north or south). You don’t have any windows or space parallel to the river – so you can’t see both ways. This may seem fussy, but if you compare to the three beds in the next door block, it’s a big point. 3. The all glass design means you are either living behind curtains all the time – or in a goldfish bowl. This is maybe less of an issue higher up the building, but down near the ground I expect the new public areas to be popular and to have plenty of people hanging around in the summer who will be able to look straight in. Sorry this all sounds negative – I like the development a lot and the facilities etc are great, but I am not sure these new curved flats deserve the top prices.
4
Facilities
1
Design
3
Location
2
Value
Extremely attractive abode
Its a scenic and clean area to live with beautiful views and amenities. The estate is maintained consistently in terms of sanitation and decor . The flats contain classy, minimalist and high spec features .
5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
Modern living which is great for young kids
We have been living in this beautiful development for a year and a bit. The layout of our flat is great for young kids, because the kitchen is open plan, which has been really good for us, and it’s very safe, as it’s a lateral apartment. The walls are very solid and so we have never heard our neighbours, and they tell me they have never heard my kids screaming, which is pretty amazing. The whole flat has air cooling and heating; which works well and comes on very quickly. Therefore, no radiators for toddlers to burn themselves on. Also, the windows are very safe for kids, only opening a few inches (as we live a few floors up) and the terrace door are big and solid and our toddlers can’t open these. Also, my husband travels sometimes, and I feel very safe here with my kids. As well as the security doors and porters, we also have a control panel which allows you to talk to the concierge, which is very comforting. You can also put the system on do not disturb when the babies are sleeping. The pool is amazing, especially during week days when it is usually empty, and you can bring in a swimming instructor for your kids, but the only downside is the tiling is lethal; really slippery when wet. A lot of families book the cinema room for their kids and their friends, especially for birthday parties. Ours are a bit young but surprisingly this facility gets fully booked really quickly, as you book a week in advance and people hover on the website to book the slot they want. In terms of the immediate surroundings, there is a nice little park on Chancellor’s Road with a little playground, literally a few minutes walk, and there is a brand new nursery there too. The pub below, the Blue Boat, does a good Sunday roast, and it has a family atmosphere on weekends. I’ve also met other mums in the development with young kids, which is nice, and the kids can run around outside in the fountains and on the pedestrianised walkways very safely, with the biggest danger being cyclists whizzing about. The new Tesco under the building is open until 10pm and has been super handy for me – saving us on many occasions for a nappy or milk run. Overall I would really recommend Fulham Reach – especially if you have young kids.
5
Facilities
5
Design
4
Location
5
Value
4
Management
Hammersmith raises its profile with luxury riverside living at Fulham Reach
The Fulham Reach development may only be a few years old, but its already received plaudits in the form of the Gold Award for Best Mixed Use Development at the WhatHouse? Awards. Located on a much sought after stretch of the Thames with views across to Hammersmith Bridge and the Harrods Furniture Repository, if its London riverside living youre after, Fulham Reach is a good bet. These apartments were developed by St George part of the Berkeley Group with architectural firm, John Thompson and Partners, and interior designers, Jestico + Whiles, on the team. And the result is a stylish series of buildings that flaunt individual character, whilst remaining sympathetic to the setting. There are 744 apartments and penthouses in total one, two, three and four bedrooms with courtyard gardens, balconies and roof terraces giving Londoners that precious outdoor footprint.
When it comes to location, it really is a matter of opinion. Some maintain that Hammersmith is a mere hop skip and tube ride to the centre of town and beyond, others see it as the far reaches of the capital. Numbers wise, Fulham Reach is a five minute walk to Hammersmith station, where you can pick up the Hammersmith and City, Circle, District and Piccadilly lines. City and Canary Wharf workers may feel its a bit of a trek, but what youre losing in proximity, youre making up for in leafy west London.
The buildings themselves are a mixed bunch, with yellow brick and glazed balconies standing side by side with modern, rounded facades. Its a pleasant enough combination, with the rounded buildings reflecting the curves of the Thames and the more traditional brick structures blending in harmoniously with the neighbouring streets. The interiors are awash with west London preferred taupes and greys, and a few too many shiny fabrics. There are integrated Gaggenau or Miele appliances, washing machines and tumble dryers within the bespoke fitted kitchens, while in the bathrooms, Villeroy and Boch baths, WCs and basins, plus the requisite marble, provide a luxury finish. Living rooms are designed for relaxation and entertainment with generous square footage and wall mounted HD TVs.
Within the Fulham Reach development itself, residents have access to the Tamesis Club, which includes a relaxing swimming pool, state of the art gym, spa, virtual golf, and screening room. Theres even a wine cellar if required. A 24 hour concierge service is always on hand, while gated underground parking is a tick in the box for car owners. Outside, beautifully landscaped gardens set the mood for peace and tranquillity within a buzzing city, with manicured lawns, courtyards and tree lined boulevards surrounding the complex. A sense of community can be found at the award winning Harris + Hoole coffee shop right on your doorstep, and date nights can take place at eateries such as the Blue Boat bar and restaurant, or the Michelin starred River Cafe, a short walk away.
With apartments ranging from GBP2.25million to GBP5million, the price per square foot is around the double the average for W6. But its all about those views, which buyers are certainly willing to pay for. Also worth considering? Nearby Chelsea Creek or Battersea Reach.
4
Facilities
5
Design
3
Location
4
Value
