London’s wealthiest residents are taking their lavish lifestyles underground. A new study has revealed the hidden depths of luxury residing beneath some of the capital’s most affluent neighborhoods. The study, “Mapping Subterranean London: the Hidden Geography of Residential Basement Developments,” analyzed planning permissions for over 4,650 basements granted in seven London boroughs between 2008 and 2017. The findings paint a fascinating picture of opulence, revealing an astonishing amount of underground space dedicated to leisure and luxury amenities.
A World Below: Unveiling the Hidden Depths
The study uncovered an impressive array of subterranean amenities nestled within these basements. Almost 1,000 gyms, 376 swimming pools, 456 cinemas, 381 wine cellars, and 115 staff rooms (including bedrooms for nannies and au pairs) were all included in the approved plans. The sheer volume of these amenities, including two basements with more than one pool, including one with an artificial beach, highlights the extravagant nature of these underground developments.
These basements are not just limited to standard “one-story” additions. The study also identified 785 large basements, spanning at least two storeys under the main house, or extending deep into the garden. These expansive spaces often housed impressive features like swimming pools. An additional 112 mega-basements, reaching depths of three or more storeys, further underscored the scale of these subterranean projects. Some of these mega-basements even surpassed the size of the property above ground, earning the nickname “iceberg homes.”
From Luxurious Amenities to “Iceberg Homes”
The researchers categorized these basements into three size categories: standard, large, and mega. The majority of the basements were classified as standard, typically single-storey additions providing additional living or utility space. However, it was the large and mega basements that truly captured the imagination, showcasing the sheer scale of luxury and extravagance embraced by London’s elite.
One particularly opulent example is a three-storey basement in Holland Park, complete with a swimming pool, plunge pool, beach, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, media room, gym, and staff quarters. Another three-storey basement in Mayfair boasts a swimming pool, cinema, car park, sauna, steam room, and dance floor. A single-storey basement in Primrose Hill takes opulence to a new level, featuring a Turkish bath, Roman bath, cigar room, swimming pool, plunge pool, sauna, massage room, cinema, games room, bar, wine store, pilates room, gym, and banquet hall.
The Rise of Underground Living
The research also shed light on the factors driving the surge in basement development. Professor Roger Burrows of Newcastle University explained that strict planning restrictions in “super prime” London areas often limit lateral extensions or upward additions. This has fueled a marked increase in residential basement developments among the city’s wealthiest residents.
Becky Fatemi, managing director of Rokstone estate agents, confirmed this trend, noting that 34% of the 140 properties they sold in the past five years included basements, with the most expensive exceeding £20 million in Kensington. The demand for staff accommodation, particularly for nannies, has also significantly grown.
Uneven Distribution of Opulence: A Tale of Two Cities
The study highlighted a significant disparity in basement development across the seven boroughs. Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster, the wealthiest boroughs studied, boasted the highest number of swimming pools in their basements. In contrast, the researchers found only three mega-basements in Hammersmith and Fulham, and none in Haringey, Islington, or Wandsworth.
This disparity sparked concerns from local officials. Emma Dent Coad, the Kensington and Chelsea MP, expressed her skepticism about the rationale behind building “a beach under your mansion” while people struggle with homelessness. She emphasized the need for responsible planning to address this imbalance.
The Shadow of Underground Development
While many residents embrace the luxury and expansion offered by basement developments, others face the negative consequences. The study revealed that the sheer volume of basement construction has created significant disruption and noise pollution for nearby residents. Sir Hugh Cortazzi, a former British ambassador to Japan, described the “huge dumper trucks” and constant construction work as a blight on their lives. Karen Buck, the MP for Westminster North, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the opulence and disruptive nature of these underground projects.
A Balancing Act: Planning for the Future
The study found that council policies aimed at limiting the size of basement developments have led to a decline in applications in recent years. However, the researchers cautioned that the number of approvals in the past two years remains similar to those from 2008-12, with a shift towards smaller mega-basements.
The future of London’s underground developments remains uncertain. While the study highlights the growing trend of subterranean luxury, it also underscores the need for balanced planning to mitigate the negative consequences for residents and ensure sustainable development. The city’s future will likely be shaped by its ability to find a harmonious balance between luxury and responsible planning.
