London's Historic 1673 Bowman House Listed for £4.6 Million
One of London's most venerable residences, a Grade II-listed mansion constructed in 1673, has entered the property market with a price tag of £4.6 million. Known as Bowman House, this four-storey terraced home boasts a remarkable history, predating iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament.
A Glimpse into the Past
Built 353 years ago by Matthew Bowman on a newly-laid road originally called Duke Street, the property occupies land that once belonged to York House, a riverside estate with gardens extending behind the Strand. Before the construction of the Embankment in the 19th century, Duke Street formed the bank of the River Thames.
The street's name changed in the 1760s when architect brothers John, Robert, James, and William Adams developed the residential Adelphi Scheme, derived from the Greek word for 'brothers'. Over the centuries, Bowman House underwent modernisation during the Regency period and suffered extensive damage to its rear from Second World War bombs, necessitating a rebuild.
Features and Restoration
This freehold property offers four bedrooms, three bathrooms, four reception rooms, and a generous, eat-in kitchen. Recently renovated and converted back to its former glory, the home includes a newly-restored wooden staircase that runs through its core.
In 1984, it was sold to the current owner's father, who used it as an accountancy office until his death in 2010. The current owner acquired Bowman House in 2021 and, after securing planning permission in 2022, transformed it from an office back into a residential dwelling.
The redesign featured:
- A modern kitchen on the lower ground floor
- A wood-panelled dining room
- Three living spaces on the ground and first floors
- Four bedrooms across the upper two floors
Prime Location and Sale
Located a short walk from Trafalgar Square—a battle that occurred 125 years after the house was built—Charing Cross Station, and Embankment Pier, Bowman House is believed to be one of London's ten oldest homes, according to estate agents Tavistock Bow.
After completing the restoration last year, the owner rented the property as a holiday let but has now decided to sell. The owner, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed mixed emotions about the sale.
'My family has cherished this building since being lucky enough to acquire it in the mid-1980s. Letting it go is not easy,' they told the Standard. 'It's a wonderful house—generous in scale, full of historic character, and so beautifully positioned. But it feels like the right moment for the house to begin a new chapter with new owners, as our family begins new chapters of our own.'
This sale represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of London's architectural heritage, meticulously restored for modern living while preserving its historic essence.
