Combining rich history with contemporary design, this central London duplex taps into its Art Deco roots.

The 998 sq ft apartment is located inside Orwell Studios, a historic 1926 building designed by architect Herbert Austen Hall that forms the northeastern edge of Oxford Circus. Art Deco in style, the landmark building has giant, neoclassical stone pilasters along street level and decorative bronze adornments. In the 1940s, it was taken over by the BBC to house its wartime overseas broadcasting services, including programs by J.B. Priestley, Howard Marshall and George Orwell.

The building was renovated in 2006, with its upper levels converted into boutique residences named in honour of the Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four author.

This duplex is located on the fourth floor, beneath the penthouse. It makes the most of the building’s large floor spans and is mainly open-plan, with Crittall-style windows framing views across central London.

The kitchen, living room, and dining spaces were recently renovated, and they now feature black marble counters, wide-plank engineered oak flooring (with underfloor heating), and factory-style windows.
An oak staircase connects to the upper level, where the main bedroom peers over the open living spaces below. It, too, has a row of factory windows and a large adjoining en suite bathroom and walk-in dressing room.

The Modern House is listing the contemporary London apartment for $1.85m. The best of Soho, Fitzrovia, and Mayfair is all a short walk away.

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