Dockmaster’s House – A historic landmark on the waterfront by Tower Bridge

A unique London property: Built in 1827 by the renowned architect Philip Hardwick and later merged with the former Dock Office (‘Toll House’), this listed townhouse stands as a masterful homage to Georgian England – with an interior design inspired by the style of Sir John Soane. Surrounded on two sides by the River Thames, the house offers spectacular views of Tower Bridge and The Shard. Stately salons, a central atrium with a domed ceiling and formal gardens make this residence an extremely rare find in the heart of this global metropolis.

The house makes a striking impression the moment you enter, with its symmetrical, classical composition. The focal point is a light-filled atrium that opens up to an artistically decorated domed ceiling. The main staircase rises in a gently curving line – a majestic prelude to the spacious reception rooms.

The drawing room on the first floor spans the river with a curved window stretching the full width of the façade – an architectural masterstroke by Hardwick that seamlessly blends the exterior and interior. Directly below lies the dining room on the mezzanine level; windows on either side frame Tower Bridge and The Shard like paintings. The sequence of rooms, the proportions and the details deliberately evoke the atmosphere of a Georgian country house in the city.

Both practical and stylish: the historic vaulted cellar has been converted into a climate-controlled wine cellar and functionally linked to the reception rooms via a dumbwaiter. A second staircase on the south side facilitates discreet day-to-day operations and hospitality functions.

The outdoor area opens southwards onto a formally landscaped garden, enclosed on three sides, designed in collaboration with Todd Longstaffe-Gowan. Parterre beds and old roses give structure to the greenery; a raised terrace offers sweeping views across the branch of the Thames. An open rotunda and a folly situated on the riverbank create atmospheric spots to linger, whilst an ornamental koi pond serves as a tranquil focal point. High perimeter walls ensure privacy; a level open space allows for the erection of a marquee for social occasions when required. Overall, the ensemble combines a metropolitan riverside setting with a discreet retreat and a rare gardening experience.