A crumbling, one-bedroom wreck with an energy efficiency rating of 1 out of 100 has just sold for £2 million
It took seven years for someone to take on a complete wreck in Maida Vale — but now the new owner will be able to create a dream home in one of the most sought-after mews in London.

'Let's not sugar coat this,' when we wrote about Pindock Mews back in 2021. 'This house is in need of a serious renovation. Very serious. This is only the second time in the last five years that we've come across a property scoring just 1 point on the official energy rating scale.'
At the time it was on the market with Lurot Brand at £2.25 million, the price having been trimmed by a quarter of a million from its original £2.5 million listing back in 2017.
It's taken seven years, but now estate agent Harding Green have found a buyer will to look past the chipped plaster walls, patched ceiling tiles and that pretty shocking energy rating. The Evening Standard (or, we suppose, the plain old Standard, now that it's no longer an evening paper) reports that the sale closed at £2 million.
And despite everything, it's not hard to see. It's clear the potential that lies in this property.
The house sits in the middle of the mews, amongst neatly painted garage doors and balconies brimming with flowers. So while it is, ahem, somewhat 'tired', it's equally possible to see the quaint and characterfully rustic vibes that will make the house an amazing restoration project in Maida Vale's most popular mews — a street, apparently, where Boy George once lived.
Why did it take so long? 'There have always been offers,' says Noah Pearlman of Harding Green told The Standard, adding that Brexit, labour shortages and the soaring cost of materials have put off a string of buyers over the years.
'People do their research and realise it would be particularly difficult.'
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
The freehold property is currently configured as a one bedroom, 1,484 sq ft house with a large double garage and open-plan kitchen/living space and was home to the outgoing owner for 40 years.
With all the necessary planning and consents, the slightly shabby mews house has the potential to be transformed into accommodation that spans three-four floors with 2,700 sq ft of living space. Quite the upgrade.
The mews is located in the heart of the Maida Vale conservation area, connecting Warwick Avenue and Castellain Road, and a short walk from Little Venice and Regent's Canal.
As for how much it'll be worth when all the work is done? The agents estimate around £3 million, which — considering the size we're talking about — should actually leave plenty of room for someone to make a profit.
And if you're working with that sort of budget, looking at this area, and kicking yourself that even seven years didn't give you enough time to make an offer? You're in luck: a lovely-looking house, completely refurnished and finished, is for sale right now at the end of the road at £3.5 million.
Maida Vale: What you need to know
Location: Maida Vale is located in West London and is part of the City of Westminster. The three closest underground stations are Warwick Avenue, Maida Vale and Royal Oak and provide Bakerloo, Hammersmith & City and Circle line connections.
Atmosphere: Home to the BBC's Maida Vale studio and also many large Victorian and Edwardian mansion blocks, the area is a highly-sought after area to live with a thriving community feel and popular high street.
Things to do: The southern part of Maida Vale is known as 'Little Venice' and home to many house boats. Visit the Canal Cafe Theatre, the Warwick Castle Pub or catch the waterbus service from Little Venice eastwards around Regents Park towards Camden Town.
Schools: St Saviour's C of E Primary School and Ark Atwood Primary Academy both received outstanding ofsted reviews. Maida Vale Secondary School recently opened in 2020 and the Paddington Academy is also nearby.
See more property for sale in the area.
How Maida Vale turned from boudoir village to one of London's most vibrant neighbourhoods
Maida Vale took its name from a small Italian town and an even smaller pub, so it’s the perfect place
Toby Keel is Country Life's Digital Director, and has been running the website and social media channels since 2016. A former sports journalist, he writes about property, cars, lifestyle, travel, nature.
-
'The watch is Head Boy of men’s accessorising': Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey and Tom Chamberlin's Summer Season style secrets
When it comes to dressing for the Season, accessories will transform an outfit. Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey and Tom Chamberlin, both stylish summer-party veterans, offer some sage advice.
By Country Life Published
-
Lewis Hamilton, Claude Monet and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Country Life Quiz of the Day, April 29, 2025
Tuesday's Quiz of the Day looks back at Lewis Hamilton's first win and ponders on the meaning of greige.
By Toby Keel Published
-
About time: The fastest and slowest moving housing markets revealed
New research by Zoopla has shown where it's easy to sell and where it will take quite a while to find a buyer.
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
A wisteria clad hall built by one of the founders of the Bank of England
Come for the history of Old Hall. Stay for the interesting interiors.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A gorgeous Scottish cottage with contemporary interiors on the bonny banks of the River Tay
Carnliath on the edge of Strathtay is a delightful family home set in sensational scenery.
By James Fisher Published
-
Six rural properties with space, charm and endless views, as seen in Country Life
We take a look at some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life in the past week.
By Toby Keel Published
-
380 acres and 90 bedrooms on the £25m private island being sold by one of Britain's top music producers
Stormzy, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones are just a part of the story at Osea Island, a dot on the map in the seas off Essex.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
A home cinema, tasteful interiors and 65 acres of private parkland hidden in an unassuming lodge in Kent
North Lodge near Tonbridge may seem relatively simple, but there is a lot more than what meets the eye.
By James Fisher Published
-
A rare opportunity to own a family home on Vanbrugh Terrace, one of London's finest streets
This six-bedroom Victorian home sits right on the start line of the London Marathon, with easy access to Blackheath and Greenwich Park.
By James Fisher Published
-
A tale of everyday life as lived on Britain's most expensive street
Winnington Road in Hampstead has an average house price of £11.9 million. But what's it really like? Lotte Brundle went to find out.
By Lotte Brundle Last updated