Leading investor-developer Bentry Capital has purchased Branch Hill House in Hampstead Village, an elegant Edwardian mansion, with plans to deliver No.1 Hampstead, a magnificent gated scheme of premium lateral apartments set in 1.7 acres of landscaped gardens.
The freehold site has lapsed planning consent (originally granted in 2021) for residential redevelopment, with the deal agreed in just 13 working days prior to the Autumn 2025 Budget. The prestigious development will form part of a new collection, Bentry Heritage, comprised of historic buildings converted into residential schemes, and part of Bentry Capital’s £500 million (GDV) development portfolio across London and regional cities.
Located off Branch Hill Road and set behind a sweeping driveway, Branch Hill House provides 23,456 sq.ft. of accommodation across a grand Edwardian Baroque mansion built in 1901 by Ernest Flint and architect Henry Flitcroft for banking tycoon John Nivison, 1st Baron Glendyne. The architecture is reminiscent of Sandringham House, which was remodelled around the same time (1900), and is complemented by a modern wing (c.1967) added by Camden London Borough Council.
Branch Hill House has an illustrious history, with the first manor house on the site built in 1741 for judge Sir Thomas Clark, Master of the Rolls. The property was later the London home of Fitton Gerard, the 3rd Earl of Macclesfield, and wealthy Hampstead merchant Sir Thomas Neave. In 1964 the council purchased the Edwardian mansion, and the house became a care home which operated until 2015.
Bentry Capital will now return Branch Hill House to its residential origins. No.1 Hampstead will carefully restore the original Edwardian mansion and its period features, with the 1960s extension replaced by a new-build wing that will echo the Edwardian architecture.
Subject to planning, the development will comprise around 50 exquisitely designed converted and new-build one-, two- and three-bedroom lateral apartments, complemented by a distinguished standalone townhouse. An elegant concierge foyer and landscaped gardens will complete the sense of refined, private living.
Award-winning architectural practice and heritage specialist Stanhope Gate Architecture, who designed the original redevelopment masterplan, will work with Bentry Capital to revive the lapsed planning consent and enhance the unit mix. Construction will be led by Bentry Capital’s in-house arm, Mellior Group, with an anticipated three-year build programme.
The new design-led homes will beautifully embrace the historic and grand Edwardian architecture, with high ceilings, detailed cornicing, and large bays and windows providing an abundance of natural light. Each home will be finished to a premium specification with state-of-the-art appliances. The sales launch for No.1 Hampstead is anticipated in Q1 2028, with Savills appointed as the preferred agent.
The site was listed for sale by Savills and received considerable interest from developers looking to progress the originally consented scheme. The Bentry Capital deal was led by National Director of Sales & Marketing, David Ronson, and follows several strategic site acquisitions in the last six months, with the Bentry Capital portfolio now comprising three key London sites and three in the north of England.
David Ronson, National Director of Sales & Marketing at Bentry Capital, says: “Bentry Capital are pleased to have acquired Branch Hill House, a site that garnered strong interest from competing bidders. Working closely with our legal partners at Pinsent Masons — particularly Timm Webb and Emma Maher — enabled us to complete the transaction in a swift fashion. Once fully restored and extended, Branch Hill House will bring a grand Sandringham-style residence offering premium apartments to the Hampstead market. This will be one of the most exclusive residential schemes in the area, and we anticipate significant interest.”
Amarveer Singh Pannu, Co-Founder and Director of Bentry Capital, says: “We are delighted to have acquired Branch Hill House, a magnificent Edwardian manor house, with a vision to transform it into Hampstead’s finest premium residential development. The site is in a prime location in sought-after Hampstead Village, and the existing building has a rich heritage and beautiful architecture. We know that local buyers are seeking luxurious homes in gated communities without onerous service charges, and we look forward to bringing No.1 Hampstead to life.”
Darren Arnold, Director in the development land team at Savills, said: “Branch Hill House has been a site of considerable interest for many years, with planning previously secured for the redevelopment of the Edwardian mansion into residential apartments. Bentry Capital distinguished themselves not only through their speed and clarity in a competitive bidding process, but also through their honesty and consistency throughout the transaction. The local community is eager to see this landmark restored, and demand for high-quality homes in this part of Hampstead remains exceptionally strong.”
Branch Hill House is less than 500 metres from Hampstead Heath and is perfectly positioned for exploring the area’s rich cultural offering, including an array of cafés, restaurants, boutique shops and sought-after schooling. Hampstead Underground Station is 500 metres to the southeast, providing easy access across London.
