Historic Royal Arsenal, Thames View, Unique Family Home, Fab Transport
Apartment • Greater London United Kingdom
7 Guests
2 Bedrooms
5 Beds
2 Bathrooms
1 Car space
Secondary home
Exchange types accepted
Simultaneous
Non-Simultaneous
Non-Reciprocal & Globe
Statistics
Listed October 2022
Views 3511
General overview
Our spacious, light and quiet duplex apartment combines the best charm of London: the juxtaposition of old and new. Located in the gated Heritage Quarter which forms the heart of the Royal Arsenal, with a Thames River view, it offers contemporary comfort with period features, WiFi and easy transport to all London destinations & beyond, by the new High Speed Elizabeth Line (direct journey to Oxford Street - Heathrow), Uber Boat/Thames Clipper, Train & DLR.
Our building originally held stores for the Royal Navy.
The space
A welcome respite after a day sight-seeing in London come 'home' to this unique apartment with many original architectural features set within the exclusive gated area of the prestigious, award-winning Royal Arsenal Riverside. This split-level, well-appointed, corner apartment, 1066 sq. ft. of living space, is on the top floor with views of historic Arsenal buildings and the Thames River. The first level consists of open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen areas. Off the entry hallway is a tiled, walk-in shower and WC with heated towel rail. A spiral staircase leads to two bedrooms, one with king bed (American queen) and en suite bathroom, the other with three single beds. Our flat comfortably sleeps 5 with two more possible using the pull out sofa in the lounge nook.
There’s plenty of space to spread out should you spend the day in as everyone can retreat to their own corner or room. We love to sit in the morning sun, read the paper and drink coffee at the dining table while enjoying the view of the historic buildings that surround us, or stay in bed and watch the birds and clouds drift by the skylights. The kids love to play games, watch TV/movies or hide out in their room on their electronic devices before we take off for our London adventures.
Our home is decorated and appointed to reflect its London location, historic & royal roots.
Guest access
Because of the historic nature of our home which is in the gated Heritage Area and surrounded by Grade II Listed Buildings we do not have a lift. We are on the second floor--the top floor of the building so you will have to climb stairs but they are wide and not steep. We look at it as free exercise with our light, bright and quiet corner oasis as the reward. ;)
There is also a short spiral staircase between the two levels of our home.
Notes
Although considered a second or holiday home—it is actually our family’s permanent home. We have hosted and prepared many holiday meals with all the trimmings for family and friends so we are confident you will find everything you need for a comfortable stay, as you would in your own home.
As you have access to a London train station you can also take advantage of 2 for 1 tickets to London attractions that are only available with Travelcards/tickets purchased from Train stations NOT Tube stations. The 2 for 1 offers are designed to help Brits/locals make the most of London--their Capital City, but are also available to visitors and guests alike.
Features
Washer
Dishwasher
Clothes dryer
Oven
Microwave
Coffee machine
Fridge
Iron
Hair dryer
Heating
Air conditioning
TV
WiFi
High Speed Internet
Bathtub
First aid kit
Wheelchair accessible
Smoke alarms
Fire extinguisher
Bed sheets
Towels
Workspace
Fireplace
Home cinema
Toys
Gym
Sauna
BBQ
Pool
Hot tub
Balcony
Garden / yard
Deck / patio / courtyard / terrace
Covered porch / verandah
Kosher home
Meat-free kitchen
Gated community
EV Home Charger
Bikes
Camping gear
Kayak
Tennis court
Standup paddleboard
Travel Styles
Weekend
Adventure
Budget
Family
Romantic
Foodie
Relaxing
Eco
City
Culture
Good public transport
Golf
House rules
Suitable for infants under 2
Suitable for children ages 2-12
Pets not allowed
No smoking
Allergens
Cat free
Dog free
Carpet free
Smoke free
Fragrance free
Low allergen
Hypoallergenic
Dates of Availability
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Neighbourhood
Located in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, according to English Heritage's, Survey of London, 'the Royal Arsenal is among Britain's most important historic sites.'
The development is a mix of historic structures dating back to the 18th Century and award winning new buildings. Art and artifacts are sprinkled throughout, and a river walk runs the length of the development in parallel with the Thames. Our home overlooks many of the Grade II Listed buildings in the gated Heritage Quarter and the Thames. Our building was used to store military provisions for the Royal Navy and was built in the 19th century. Over the centuries, the Royal Arsenal has influenced the unfolding of world history. For Americans, "the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air," came from the Royal Arsenal. It very much feels like the set of a BBC Period Drama as you walk around and relax in our home. But of course, both our home and the area offers all of the modern conveniences of the 21st Century!
Although, a London neighbourhood, the Arsenal feels like a village, and you will generally find the people you interact with much friendlier than many in London--especially where our home is located. It's that famous East End welcome! and the fact that many of us moved to the Arsenal because of the community feeling it fosters and expects of all of us.
Has all that history made you hungry? There are 3 supermarkets & 6 restaurants, cafes and pubs plus food trucks within minutes of our door, and within the Royal Arsenal. Many more shopping and eating opportunities reside just across the road in Woolwich Centre.
The Concierge, the Dial Arch Pub, Boulangerie Jade, SALT-Woolwich, Con Gusto, The Guard House, Tesco's Express Grocery, Marks & Spencer Food Hall, Sainsbury's Local and the ATM/Cash Till are just outside the gated courtyard on the way to the Liz Line/Tube, Train and DLR/Tube.
Most recently Woolwich Works -- a preforming arts complex has begun hosting performances and events in historic buildings around the development. The world-renowned Punchdrunk Theatre Company, known for its immersive theatre productions is based at the Arsenal and is currently preforming The Burnt City.
Eltham Palace, Henry VIII's childhood home and the Royal Blackheath Golf Club are a short bus ride or drive away. The latter is England's oldest golf club.
Greenwich--Park, Town Centre and the O2 are easily reachable by short Bus, Thames Clipper or Train ride.
Getting to my home
You can arrive into any London airport (train or ferry terminal) and then transfer by Train, High-speed Rail/Tube (Liz Line), DLR, Uber Thames Clipper or Car. Specific directions provided.
The Uber Thames Clipper is on the pier just outside the gate and across from our home. The high speed Elizabeth Underground station is a 5 minute walk within the Royal Arsenal providing a direct connection to Oxford Street, Heathrow, points in between, and beyond. London City Airport with direct flights to Ireland, Paris & Scotland is two stops away on the DLR. No other location in London has so many efficient and direct transport options to get anywhere in London, the British Isles & beyond.
Nearest airport
Heathrow is less than an hour by high speed Elizabeth Line. London City Airport is two stops on the DLR. Gatwick, Luton & Stansted are just over an hour away. All easily reached by public transport.
Getting around
Your transport choices are endless: The Uber River Bus/Thames Clipper is at the Woolwich Arsenal Pier just across from our home and will take you up the Thames all the way to the London Eye/Westminster and all stops in between including the new stop at Excel--Royal Wharf. The high-speed Elizabeth Line underground station is in the Arsenal and has a direct link to Oxford Street and Theatreland in 15 minutes. Heathrow Airport is less than an hour. The DLR and Train are a short stroll away just across the high street in the town centre. Buses also go everywhere, and the Thames River Walk is at your feet if you're bringing your bike or just want to explore the Thames. As you have access to a London train station you can also take advantage of 2 for 1 tickets to London attractions that are only available with Travelcards/tickets purchased from Train stations NOT Tube stations. The 2 for 1 offers are designed to help Brits/locals make the most of London--their Capital City, but are also available to visitors and guests alike.
We also have one assigned parking spot (for day trips outside of London) in our gated courtyard which can be viewed from our home.
Map of Approximate Location
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People Like Us Local Guide
I am happy to assist with Pre-Travel Advice, Planning & any Trouble-shooting. We also have close friends on the Arsenal and in London that would be happy to help or connect with our PLU guests to share community or assistance.
Feedback
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Premium
Andrea & Tim
Tim and I have three kids, now young adults, and these days we are traveling more on our own! Formerly, Tim worked for an international consumer products company and I for nonprofits, and in international education. We now own PUZZLES & Lewes Gourmet in historic, maritime Lewes, DE. (We discovered Lewes, changed careers and moved there after a home exchange!) We have lived as expats for most of our lives calling multiple European countries & America "home". We love to travel and experience new places, meet new people, learn new ways of doing things and new perspectives. Recognising all the while just how connected and interdependent our world really is. We so value the experiential opportunity to live life from another's perspective. In turn, we enjoy sharing our London home with guests from all over the world.
"We are beginning plans for a visit mid-February - March 2026"
People Like Us is the world's most trusted home exchange community. We believe in sharing, trust, generosity, respect, communication, equality, cooperation, honesty, hospitality, friendship, flexibility and adventure. We take pride in our homes and we care about the environment in which we live: our village, city, country and our planet. We care about the ethos of home exchange and we do it because we love the experience and the friendships that it generates.
The view of the Grand Store and Heritage Buildings from the dining area/kitchen & lounge
Lounge Nook w/ pull out couch behind screen.
EnSuite Bedroom with King (queen) Bed
En suite bathroom with towel warmer
Second bedroom now with one King Extra bed & one single
Second bedroom now with one King Extra bed & one single
Entrance hallway with spiral staircase leading to bedrooms
Shower room off the entrance hallway across from spiral staircase
View from the kitchen/dining area
View of the Thames out the lounge window
Your top corner home in London (2 windows)
Looking from the building front door towards the Thames
Our building -- our home is in the top right corner
Looking toward our building and the Grand Store from the Thames end of the courtyard
Memorial gate entrance to the Heritage Heart (and our home) of the Royal Arsenal when on foot
The Duke of Wellington keeping watch in Wellington Park just outside our gated Heritage Quarter
The Dial Arch Pub
The Dial Arch Pub
The Dial Arch Pub
The Guard House with the 2012 Olympics Statue of Nike outside. Our favourite pub, especially for a Sunday lunch.
Looking down No. 1 Street toward the Thames from the Foundry -- Dial Arch Pub on the right out of frame. The Guard House Pub behind on the left out of frame.
Greenwich Festival of Ships at the Royal Arsenal/Uber Thames Clipper Pier
On a Tall Sailing Ship the sky's the limit!
The Royal Arsenal is often said to be the best connected place in London and the easiest to travel anywhere from.