The Barbican in London

[zimma]

Anyone lived there?

We have seen a gorgeous flat to rent there and think we’d love it. Would rent before buying.

No but I know someone who does and loves it

Give it a go, why not

My dream London location!

I've never lived there, but did one of their architecture tours once (would highly recommend to anyone) led by a resident- they are VERY strict about who they let live there, you can't do much in terms of decorating/building work, and apparently it's an absolute nightmare to get a takeaway delivered 😂

I'd still do it in a heartbeat though if I could afford it!

I went to Uni near there and used to walk around the complex thinking how amazing it would be to live there.

Friend of a friend lived there. Seemed to suit him well.
To rent, nice. To buy, I couldn’t justify the service charges. I just checked and a 2 bed service charge is over £8,000pa.

I’ve lived there and hated my flat with a passion. Living in the Barbican itself is lovely of course. But the flat: communal heating so was constantly boiling (depends on flat position so some are freezing); 80% of the floor space seemed to be stairs; you are very overlooked; the balconies aren’t balconies so you can’t use them; the weird waste disposal unit; overly nosy neighbours. But then you have theatre/art/cinema/lovely public spaces/cafes right on your doorstep. Would not do it again though!

Understand this is a sensitive question, but what’s the resident group like?

We were very close to putting in an offer on a similar style flat on a 1960s estate until we spoke to some neighbours who advised us against it. The jist of the matter was an upstairs neighbour who sadly had significant problems that led to anti social behaviour, defecating outside of front doors… you get the idea. Completely understand that can happen anywhere!

Thanks @MizzMarple I see your point about the balconies!

I think a large proportion of people there (the ones that own, certainly) are older/retired. Certainly the resident who did my tour, and the other residents we bumped into on the way.

I also used to get my hair cut at a hairdressers round the corner, they had a lot of regular clientele who all lived there and had for decades- all retired well off people.

Yes, knew somebody who loved living there. Quite well-off though.
Said lots of residents there broke rules (e.g. brought in pets etc.).

I one went out with someone who lived there - I can honestly say the relationship lasted longer than it should have because he lived high up in Shakespeare Tower. His view from the balcony was incredible, especially at night. Very clever use of space and the flat still had the original Barbican bathrooms and kitchen.

I'd love to live there but the pet ban ruins it for me. Love it though and have a very nice print of it in my living room. There's a really good forum to hang about on called "Barbican Talk" where there are very long running threads about the heating...
https://www.barbicantalk.com/forum/

Love Nigel Dunnet's planting there.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/138141512#/?channel=RES_BUY

massive, wow

and expensive

My dream retirement location.

Beautiful!

It's an iconic place to live that I sadly could not ever afford

And soon to be more. The Barbican is in dire need of renovation.A friend of DH has been warned her service charges next year will be £24k!!!

I hate the place.It is a wind tunnel that looks like some giant dog cocked his leg over it.

But if you like it, definitely rent first. No service charge.

I know a couple who live there. He's a quant which is why they can afford it. They love it so if you can rent to try it out while you're on the waiting list, you should!

The not being able to change your kitchen or bathroom thing would put me off. Like living in a museum.

I think I would aim for the estate over the road instead. Lots of charm etc, proximity to amenities, but fewer of the downsides. I forget the name, possibly Golden something.

@zimma i’ve got friends who live there and my DD went to school there so i know it well. Some blocks are very convenient (Cromwell tower) whereby you can get takeaways delivered/food shop etc but good luck with any of that in some less desirable blocks. There is no denying it is a fab location with everything on your doorstep. The most off-putting thing for me however, is the inability to change the property to suit modern living. The properties are listed inside and out - you may only replace the kitchen and bathroom fittings with the originals which are like hen’s teeth. That, and the eye-watering service charges.

Definitely rent first in all of the seasons.

My godmother lives there and we've stayed a few times, it's amazing...she has no children, I try not to get excited by a possible inheritance!

My parents lived there for about 15 years after I left for uni.
They absolutely loved it and made some very nice neighbours. In the late 90s/ naughties many of the residents were I would describe as liberal, arty, interested and interesting. Love London culture. Not many families (there were a few) but older couples or single people. It costs a lot of money to live there (service charges are high) so those who do live there are wealthy and they've made a lifestyle choice to be close to central London in a strong community.
There were part of a very active gardening group and were constantly at the Barbican centre watching a movie or seeing a production.
They think of that time very fondly and love telling people they lived there (they see it as very 'rad').
Assuming it's similar now I wouldn't live there if you're a Tory as most the neighbours will think you're scum! Other than that it will be a wonderful community to live in.
However I don't know what it would be like if you lived there with kids.

I have a good friend who lives in one of the towers. They absolutely love it. The flat is beautifully laid out inside, great space. They use their balcony, which wraps around two sides so great views.

I’ve been there a lot, working on projects with friend, never heard of or experienced any problems with the heating.

I love visiting.

ETA they are people as @OffToBedforshire describes: work in the arts, philanthropic, neighbourly, community minded, highly social, responsible citizens.

This is beautiful, but its not in the Barbican.

Have you looked at the Brunswick Centre?

Love the Brunswick too! - but feel it’s missing the gardens and cultural hub of the barbican. Plus I’d still need to get on the tube to get to work. At least I wouldn’t have to go very far with my groceries..

Would love to live there. Out of my budget for a London flat unfortunately.

If I had the money I'd have this in a heartbeat: www.themodernhouse.com/sales-list/lauderdale-tower/

Relative to the RightMove post above, shows just what a premium flats in the Barbican command.