Albany apartments

The Albany Apartments, located near the Royal Academy in London, are a historic example of unique domestic design. It is a three-storey mansion, seven bays wide, with a pair of service wings flanking a front courtyard. Originally built between 1771-1776 by Sir William Chambers as Melbourne House for the 1st Viscount Melbourne, the building was later converted in 1802 by Henry Holland into 69 bachelor apartments, known as “sets.” While the apartments have undergone alterations over time, the original layout remains intact.

The proposed refurbishment was supported by a heritage assessment, which identified elements of historical significance to preserve. The assessment also identified opportunities to reintroduce missing architectural elements, enhancing both the character and integrity of the spaces. This careful balance of preservation and modernisation ensured that the apartments retain their historic charm while meeting contemporary needs.