Beethoven’s Favourite Piano Factory Transformed Into Two Modern Homes

If you wanted a high-quality piano in the 19th century, you probably would’ve bought it from Chappell & Co. 

Beethoven himself was a fan of the brand, having hit up the famed instrument-makers for a bespoke piano on which he composed his final symphony, Symphony no. 9 – one of the last works he wrote before his death in 1827. And he wasn’t the only one, Richard Strauss and Jean Sibelius also purchased their pianos from the brand. 

Invented in 1700, as an ancestor of the earlier harpsichord, pianos were a Victorian status symbol of social and cultural refinement. And Camden was the epicentre of Britain’s piano manufacturing industry. Capitalising on its excellent rail, canal and road networks, the London district was a thriving industrial centre which made it an ideal base for companies producing pianos for homes and concert halls across Britain and beyond.

The most famous instrument-makers? Chappell & Co. Founded in 1811 by the eponymous Samuel Chappell, alongside Francis Tatton Latour and John Baptist Cramer (AKA the ‘Co.’), the company initially advised wealthy nobility on where to buy the finest instruments from and also established a world-renowned music publishing business. By the 1820s, the firm had been awarded the Royal Warrant and in 1840 started producing pianos of its own. Renowned for their responsive touch and sweetness of tone, Strauss described the company’s pianos as ‘a perfect instrument of English manufacture’.

Having established its reputation, in 1867 the esteemed firm moved into this purpose-built factory in Camden. For over 100 years the factory crafted the world’s finest pianos, and during World War Two produced canopies and propellers for the legendary Supermarine Spitfires. But only a century after its creation, as musical tastes and technology evolved in the 1970s, the once-flourishing British instrument-making industry was in decline and the factory abandoned. 

Now derelict, in the late 20th century the Belmont Street building briefly became the Chalk Farm Photographic Studios for artists, photographers and models – with renowned photographer and director David Bailey even housing his studio there. However, the characterful Victorian buildings, with their distinctive industrial architecture and generous proportions, continued to attract investors and the properties were eventually converted into a collection of contemporary loft-style apartments. 

Inside Two Piano Factories Turned Homes

Chappell Lofts Penthouse

The very same spot where Beethoven’s piano was crafted has now been transformed into a penthouse home. Spanning over 4,170 sqft, the four-bedroom apartment boasts two private balconies, a large terrace and far-reaching views of the London skyline.

Located in the Chappell Lofts development, the building and penthouse has retained its iconic Victorian industrial façade and period features, including expansive interiors, high ceilings and large sash windows. Designed to create a modern warehouse feel, the home features a wide living room and open-plan kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, as well as a principal bedroom with a walk-in dressing room wardrobe. Other benefits of the property include the building’s bespoke steel cantilevered staircase, concierge service, Manhattan-style passenger lift, and The Club Lounge: a unique private leisure facility with a swimming pool, spa facilities, and cocktail bar. 

The property is in the heart of Camden on Belmont Street, just off Chalk Farm road – a quiet residential street set back from the bustling Camden High Street, virtually opposite the Roundhouse venue. As well as the proximity to buzzy Camden, the area also offers up the quiet village-like charm of nearby Primrose Hill.

Available to rent for £6,500 per week or buy for £7.5m. Find out more at andersonrose.co.uk

Credit: Aston Chase/Knight Frank/Tony Murray

The Piano Studios

However, Chappell Lofts is not the only residential development of the old Chappell & Co. factories to hit the market in recent months. One of the other buildings from the former industrial complex has been transformed into the aptly named Piano Studios.

In 2017, Hallmark Property Group first completed its transformation of the main Chappell & Co former factory building into 10 Manhattan loft-style apartments, and now the group has turned its expertise to the Piano Studios, meticulously restoring heritage features while introducing modern innovations.

Credit: Aston Chase/Knight Frank/Tony Murray

Sat on the nearby Ferdinand Street in Chalk Farm, this development similarly retains many of its original Victorian features, including exposed wooden and steel beams and brickwork, high ceilings and sash widows, as well as contemporary industrial elements such as steel-framed windows, bespoke joinery made on site, natural marble and large open living spaces. The boutique development, with a façade of richly textured red brick is entered through a striking reception hall with a custom laser-cut sculptural steel staircase taking centre stage.

The Shaker-style kitchens by Diesel feature premium Bosch appliances, innovative Quooker taps, Bora stoves and food waste disposers, complemented by industrial style metal countertops. Elsewhere, the home boasts Carrara marble-adorned bathrooms, sculptural brass fittings and antique brass ironmongery, custom wardrobes by V Design Kitchen & Bedrooms Ltd, bespoke chevron solid oak flooring with underfloor heating, crafted panels and coving, and a custom-made steel front door with soundproofing to ensure privacy and security.  while the Carrara marble-adorned bathrooms feature sculptural brass fittings, and bedrooms custom-made wardrobes by V Design. 

Aston Chase/Knight Frank/Tony Murray

Offering up 19 loft-style apartments, the development spans the converted original building and a connected new build. The new build apartments are designed to complement the original structure, mirroring key design elements to ensure a harmonious flow throughout. Across the lift-access development, there are three one-bedroom apartments, twelve two-bedroom properties, plus a three-bedroom and four-bedroom penthouse, with most apartments also offering up private terraces and balconies. 

On the market for £650k – £1.95m. Find out more at astonchase.com and knightfrank.co.uk