Trellick Tower V, Golborne Road, London W10

This two double-bedroom apartment lies on the eighth and ninth floors of Trellick Tower, one of the most distinctive buildings in west London's skyline. Built in the late 1960s and designed by Erno Goldfinger, Trellick Tower has been Grade II*-listed in recognition of its architectural significance. The building is admired for its bold silhouette, with precast access bridges on every third floor linking the service tower and lift to the main block and its bush-hammered concrete frame. This apartment has been recently renovated in a tranquil, muted palette that capitalises on the excellent flow of natural light around the apartment. There is a south-facing balcony that spans the entire width of the flat. Unusual for the building, it also has a recently extended lease.

The Architect

Hungarian-born architect Ernö Goldfinger (1902-87) moved to Britain in the 1930s and was an important - if controversial - figure in the British Modern Movement. His strong conviction that Corbusian-influenced high-rise housing was the answer to Britain’s post-war housing problems won him many admirers. It also gained him his fair share of detractors, including the James Bond author Ian Fleming, who named his most notorious villain after the architect. Goldfinger’s most recognised social-housing project is Trellick Tower in London’s North Kensington, with its separate service tower creating a distinctive silhouette. For more information, please see the History section below.

The Building

Trellick Tower is a 31-storey block commissioned by the Greater London Council and completed in 1972. It remains a symbol of Goldfinger's brutalist legacy in West London, showcasing the best ideas from 50 years of tried-and-tested modernism. The building is split into the main block of flats and the imposing service tower. To maximise living space, Goldfinger moved all the logistical aspects of the design – lifts, stairs and even communal laundrettes – into the latter. The heating system and water tanks are housed here, too, in the plant room at the top, which allows water to run down to apartments using gravity, minimising piping. Similar spatial and salutary concerns are evident inside the apartments. Windows have been pushed to their largest dimensions for ample natural light; many doors slide rather than swing; extra space is ceded to a balcony.

The Tour

The entrance to the apartment is on the ninth floor, along one of Trellick Tower's distinctive tiled corridors. It unfolds across the eighth floor and encompasses two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a separate WC and a bathroom. The apartment retains its original structural layout as per Goldfinger's design, plus many original features such as the famous light switches embedded in the doorframes, internal bannisters and fanlights.

The main living spaces are all south-facing so are characterised by a fantastic flow of light, which streams across the pared-back spaces from three aspects. The living room, which also has space for a dining area, has been decorated in calming grey shades. The room retains its original sliding glass door, which opens directly to the balcony that spans the width of the apartment.

On the balcony is a stable door to the kitchen, creating a wonderful sense of flow across the plan. The kitchen itself has been executed in a simple palette of white cabinetry and countertops; the generous space has ample room for a dining area. A large window frames wonderful views across London and welcomes light into the room. There is a new washing machine, dishwasher and large fridge/freezer.

Both bedrooms have fantastic views over treetops and the canal below. One is currently used as an office; both retain their original built-in wardrobes. The rooms have been carpeted, softening the material palette, and painted a simple white that allows the architectural features to shine. There is a separate WC and bathroom, shared by the two bedrooms.

Outdoor Space

The balcony is accessed directly from the living room, functioning as a natural extension of the living spaces. It makes an excellent spot to sit with a morning coffee and enjoy far-reaching views across the city.

The Area

The ground floor of Trellick Tower houses The Goldfinger Factory, a social enterprise which offers a teaching academy for woodworking and craft alongside a sustainable design business. Next door is the much-loved local Sicilian restaurant, Panella. Lisboa, the Golborne Fisheries and the antique shops and markets of Golborne Road are all a stone’s throw from the front door alongside the restaurants, boutiques and bars of Portobello Road and Notting Hill. Canteen is an excellent new restaurant with ex-River Cafe chefs at the helm.

Meanwhile Gardens, a community garden established in 1976, lies at the foot of Trellick Tower, connecting with the canal. A short walk or cycle down the canal leads to Little Venice, Paddington and Hyde Park beyond.


Westbourne Park Underground station (Hammersmith & City line) is a seven-minute walk away. The area also has good bus links, and the A40 Westway offers a convenient road link to the West. Trellick Tower is in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, allowing residents to enjoy borough-wide parking.

Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx. 176 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £5,850 per annum / Ground Rent: Approx. £10 per annum / Council Tax Band: C