Whenever Primelocation has been shopping in around Knightsbridge in recent years it’s been obvious that something big was cooking within the huge construction site on the junction where the Brompton Road, Sloane Street and Kensington Road converge, slowly replacing a drab office building.

Richly relaxed: The lounge of One Hyde Park's £140 million penthouse apartment

From its early days the name of designers Christian and Nick Candy were headlined as the stylists behind the project, which soon had a name, too – One Hyde Park – as well as the involvement of architect Richard Rogers, best known among other things as the designer of Channel 4’s striking HQ near the Houses of Parliament.

But what has really made this apartment development famous are the prices being demanded for its properties. As early as February 2008, when the site was still rubble and diggers, prices for the largest of the penthouse apartments were being reported as in excess of £100m and while the housing boom continued sales were healthy – Nick Candy claimed to have sold properties worth £767 million in the first phase and, after the lull that followed the near collapse of the world banking system, more last year pushing up the total to a billion.

High expectations: The front of One Hyde Park, from which residents have views of Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and Harrods,

So for the people who have already bought here, or those that may be considering it, what’s on offer? The 86 apartments within the site are best described as super prime and are within four blocks or ‘pavilions’ all with spectacular views over Hyde Park, Sloane Street, Harrods and the London skyline.

The complex, which is being operated by hotel chain Mandarin International, includes a private cinema, 21m swimming pool, saunas, steam rooms, squash court, gym – and at the less prosaic end of the luxury market, a golf simulator, wine cellars, library, 60 on-site staff and their own Rolex shop.

Million pound menu: the dining room

Such luxurious surroundings mean even the smallest, one-bedroom apartment starts at £6.5 million – as much as a five-bedroom detached house a couple of miles away in the richer suburbs of the capital – and rapidly rise to £140 million for the most expensive penthouse apartment, although this hasn’t stopped some of the world’s richest people buying, including the prime minister of Qatar.

Primelocation has come across a fascinating piece of architecture-cum-literary history for sale in Hertfordshire that will tug on the strings of any Jane Austen fan.

Balls Park, long regarded as the inspiration for Netherfield Park in Pride and Prejudice is being converted into apartments. For those not familiar with the book’s storyline, the house is rented by wealthy industrialist Charles Bingley and it is at one of his parties at Balls Park that Elisabeth Bennett (played by Keira Knightley in the 2005 film adaption) develops her relationship with Mr Darcy and their love affair takes off.

The Grade I listed mansion (picture now, above and below in the early 20th century ), was built between 1637 and 1640 during the reign of Charles I by Sir John Harrison outside Hertford but is now being slowly converted into apartments, as are its coach house and stables. Also, two detached houses on the 63-acre estate, Lime Cottage and and Red Lodge, are being refurbished and will be sold separately next year.

The main house is worthy of its Grade I listing. As well as hundreds of historical fixtures and fittings, Balls Park is famed for its plastered ceilings which are original and “some of the best from the 17th and 18th centuries” according to Ian Dieffenthaller, Conservation Architect at the estate’s developer, City & Country Group.

Balls Park is unusual because it has survived relatively unscathed for 340 years unlike many of Britain’s other great houses. This was possible because the three families to own it successfully navigated their way through Britain’s greatest period of wealth and global influence. Sir John Harrison was a rich financier and customs official but his son and grandson went on to make new fortunes overseas and the estate soon became one of Hertfordshire’s most opulent houses. After a spell in the hands of Norfolk-based Townshend family as their second home, it passed to local high fliers the Faudel-Phillips – notably Mayor of London Sir George Faudel-Phillips – who bought the property in 1889. 

The property carried on in Faudel-Phillips ownership until 1946 when it was bought by the county council and turned into a teacher training college, later becoming part of the University of Hertfordshire in 2002 before being sold to City & Country Group in 2004.

While the planning permission and then refurbishment stages have progressed the property has been a regular star on TV, appearing in films including The Young Victoria (pictured, above), The Golden Compass and TV series including Foyles War, The Inspector Linley Mysteries and Bleak House.

The first properties finished and for sale are within The Stables, built by the sons of Sir John Harrison in the early 1800s. Apartments within it start at £237,500 for a one bedroom apartment and rise to £365,000 for a two-bedroom unit, something that would have been within the reach of Charles Bingley, who Elisabeth Bennet marvels at in Pride and Prejudice for his £4,000-a-year salary which, in today’s money, would be £135,000 a year. The difference was, in his day that bought him the whole estate.

More information from City & Country Group, 01992 551777.

George Clarke is a busy man; TV’s pin up architect has just finished starring at this year’s Grand Designs Live at the NEC but our reporter Cheryl Markosky tracked him down before he went to get the low down on ‘Gorgeous George’ – who turns out to be much more than just a pretty face.

George has some interesting political views about the recession, the banking industry and the housing industry. Read our exclusive interview.

Imagine, a stunning huge penthouse flat, brilliant original walls and great huge spaces. The idea of open plan living seems appealing to most. Huge sweeping flats, stunning decor and a rather grand feeling are all things that you can get with a well designed open plan property. But is that all you have to think about? There are some pros and cons that you really should weigh up before you get carried away with finally having somewhere to play Wii tennis.

Pros:

1. Well, it looks pretty damn swanky for a start. One good thing about open plan flats is that they always look more modern. But you also get to make the most of the structure of the property as well. Original wall features and high ceilings really come into their own and you can make the most of them.
2. Being able to chat to people as you’re in another part of the house. This is very handy for cooking for friends. You can also keep an eye on kids while you get on with housework.
3. Perfect for entertaining. Parties are much nicer if everyone is in the same room. Otherwise you’ll end up missing all of the action if you get stuck in the kitchen.
4. Very easy to tidy.
5. Cheaper to keep lit – you can swap standard lights for more appealing mood lighting. Wall sconces and spotlights suit open plan flats much more than just one bright light, meaning you’ll save money.

Cons:

1. Not that easy to hide the mess! Let’s face it, if you have unexpected guests, the easiest way to tidy is to move junk from one room to another. You can’t do that if you have no rooms! Open plan suits tidy people.
2. They can feel cold if they’re all one colour. Try and separate different areas with different coloured accents. You’ll have a sense of space as well, which can be a good thing.
3. It can get noisy. If you’re trying to read a book, you don’t want someone blaring out music in the same space. Think about how much privacy you want.
4. Don’t underestimate the need to shut a door. Sounds strange, but being able to close a door can give you a feeling of safety and calm. You need your own space sometimes. Sweeping great rooms are great, but make sure you don’t mind not having a space of your own.

Open plan living might sound great, but have a think about it. If you’re not sure about it, think about how you live now. Do you stay in the biggest room in the house, or do you prefer to stay cosy in the tiniest spaces? Something like an open plan flat can really affect your mood, so it’s not just location and decor that’s a factor here.

Q. I live in a period Victorian detached home which has most of its original features including the sash windows intact. As I have never had to paint them before, I’m a little unsure of how to approach the task. Can you advise if there is an easy way?

A. Sash windows are among the trickiest of DIY painting jobs, purely and simply because the sliding panels make life difficult when it comes to reaching those awkward corners. Another reason is that the older the windows are, the more the layers of paint build up, which makes smooth operation extremely difficult.

I would advise taking out the staff beading around the window with a blunt chisel and then undoing the sash rope attached to the sliding window frame. This is usually held in place with staples or nails. After doing that, you can simply separate each individual frame which makes for easier decoration in the workshop or garage. Replace the frames exactly as you took them out and you should have no problems at all.