Healthy living, high-rise style

Living in a high-rise apartment block is quickly emerging as a sought-after lifestyle in London.  Across the Capital, the dilapidated tower blocks and council estates of the seventies have been replaced with swanky skyscrapers offering discerning residents their very own oasis in the sky.  Alongside spectacular views across London, 24 hour concierges and five star amenities, these towers are providing residents with real health and wellness benefits in addition.

Researchers at the University of Bern in Switzerland studied 1.5 million people living in high-rise buildings and the results were quite fascinating. Less exposure to air pollution and traffic noise, a tendency to use the stairs and excellent on-site facilities has meant residents living above the eighth floor are 40% less at risk of developing lung disease, and 35% less likely to die from heart disease. The fact that prices tend to rise exponentially as you look to live on a higher floor (it is estimated that the value of an apartment in London increases by 1.5% per floor), would suggest that wealthy owners of apartments on higher floors also have better resources at their disposal to take care of their health.

In recent years London has witnessed a staggering number of new property developments appearing in some of its most popular postcodes. Last year, there were applications for construction of over 17,400 new units including 111 towers (buildings over 20 storeys); a 27% increase on 2013.  The trend to build upwards is also emerging as a means of alleviating London’s chronic housing shortage.

Set behind the gleaming glass facades, these property developments offer self-contained communities with state-of-the-art amenities and generous communal spaces. By creating a sense of community, developers also look to cater to families who have traditionally been wary of high-rises. The garden has always been a vital aspect of the traditional English home, and for those yearning for a bit of outside space, these homes in the sky feature balconies and wraparound winter gardens. The exclusive penthouses, often synonymous with affluence and luxury, is highly sought-after for the views, better exposure to sunlight and also as a status symbol.

The prestigious Pan Peninsula development in the South Quay area of Canary Wharf is popular with professionals and offers health-conscious residents a suite of on-site amenities including the option to keep fit by using the five-star health club with swimming pool, steam room, sauna, hydro massage pool, yoga terrace, aerobics and dance studio. With physical wellness taken care of, residents can relax and soak in the unrivalled views at the penthouse cocktail bar. If you would like to live in this London landmark, we have this contemporary two bedroom apartment for rent on the 16th floor of the Pan Peninsula West Tower listed with our Canary Wharf branch.

These high-rise apartments bring with them a lifestyle that caters to the residents’ every need without them even having to step outside. In stark contrast to the earlier social and cultural stigma associated with high rise dwellings, these developments can actually foster a greater sense of social interaction. Usually located in premium neighbourhoods, they present themselves as highly desirable addresses providing convenient access to local amenities and transport links.

The City of London has several distinctive skyscrapers dotting its skyline including the Heron, the tallest residential building in the City. Residents enjoy access to a fitness suite, landscaped roof terrace and private residents’ club and lounge. This spacious three bedroom apartment situated on the 25th floor at The Heron affords sweeping uninterrupted City views. With professionals increasingly looking at renting in the City or seeking a convenient pied-à-terre, high-rise living in the City is fast emerging as the number one lifestyle choice.

Moving south of the river, St George Wharf in Vauxhall features ‘The Tower’, Britain’s tallest residential skyscraper. Residents can work out at its fully-equipped fitness centre, or relax at the end of a tiring day at the exclusive spa with pool, massage and wellness rooms offering expansive views.

Keen to cater to a whole new breed of health-conscious young professionals and students seeking more affordable high-rise living, Beaufort Park in Colindale features an on-site fitness suite comprising gym, swimming pool, spa and Jacuzzi with free fitness classes for residents. There is also a doctor’s surgery, on-site shops and restaurants creating a self-contained community. Similarly, residents of Fulham Reach in Hammersmith have plenty of ways to adopt a healthy lifestyle from enjoying leisurely strolls by the river, access to the residents’ gym, swimming pool, golf simulator, snooker room and spa.

Our branches across London have a portfolio of high-rise apartments to rent. Do contact us to find out more, and for more property updates, why not subscribe to our newsletter?