Branded Residences · March 4, 2025 · Laurence Rapp
Raffles London Residences at The OWO: A Living Landmark in Whitehall
The former Old War Office building on Whitehall has been transformed by the Hinduja Group into Raffles London Residences at The OWO — 85 private homes within one of London's most historically significant addresses.
Few branded residences anywhere in the world can claim a history as rich as Raffles London Residences at The OWO. Housed within the former Old War Office — a building that served as the nerve centre of the British Empire's military command for over a century — the development pairs one of hospitality's most storied names with one of London's most significant historic addresses.
Raffles: Heritage Since 1887
Raffles Hotels & Resorts traces its lineage to 1887, when the original Raffles Hotel opened in Singapore, named after Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of modern Singapore. Since then, the brand has become synonymous with colonial-era grandeur reinterpreted for contemporary luxury travellers, with the Raffles London Residences marking the brand's first residential venture in the United Kingdom.
The Old War Office: A Building of National Significance
Completed in 1906, the Old War Office building served as the administrative heart of the British Army through both World Wars, hosting figures including Winston Churchill and T.E. Lawrence within its walls. Its transformation into a mixed-use hotel and residential scheme represents one of the most significant heritage conversions undertaken in central London in recent decades.
The Hinduja Group Development
The redevelopment has been led by the Hinduja Group, one of the world's largest privately held conglomerates, which acquired the 250-year leasehold on the building in 2014 for a reported £350 million before embarking on an extensive, carefully managed restoration in partnership with heritage bodies including Historic England.
85 Private Residences
The scheme comprises 85 private residences arranged around the building's original courtyards and grand internal spaces, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to expansive penthouses that command views across Whitehall, the Thames, and toward Westminster. Every residence benefits from full access to the hotel's five-star facilities, including its collection of restaurants, bars, and wellness spaces.
Pricing in the Ultra-Prime London Market
Prices at Raffles London Residences range from approximately £4.5 million for entry-level apartments to over £35 million for the development's signature penthouses, positioning the scheme firmly within London's ultra-prime tier alongside comparable developments in Mayfair and Knightsbridge. This pricing reflects not only the building's irreplaceable heritage but Raffles' global brand cachet within the hospitality-led residential segment.
- 85 residences within a Grade II* listed former government building
- Full access to Raffles London's hotel amenities and services
- Restaurants and dining concepts including collaborations with acclaimed chefs
- Prices ranging from approximately £4.5 million to over £35 million
- A 250-year leasehold securing extraordinarily long-term tenure
Amenities: Spas, Restaurants, and More
The development's amenity offering is exceptional even by ultra-prime London standards, including an extensive spa and wellness facility, multiple restaurant and bar concepts featuring internationally acclaimed culinary talent, and a series of preserved historic function rooms available for private residents' use — a genuinely rare amenity combination within London's residential market.
The Investment Case for Prime Central London
Prime central London has long been regarded as one of the world's most resilient stores of wealth for international buyers, offering currency diversification, political and legal stability, and a well-established legal framework for foreign ownership. Raffles London's combination of unrepeatable heritage architecture, a scarce total unit count, and a globally recognised hospitality brand supports a strong long-term case for both capital preservation and appreciation.
Buyers interested in London's ultra-prime segment can browse our selection of branded residences for sale in the capital, and our guide to branded residences in London offers a comparative view across Raffles, Peninsula, Four Seasons, and other leading schemes. To discuss your requirements and arrange a private viewing, contact our specialist advisors.
Conclusion
Raffles London Residences at The OWO stands apart even within London's crowded ultra-prime market — a genuinely unrepeatable building, restored with extraordinary care, and paired with one of hospitality's most storied global names. For buyers seeking a true living landmark, few developments anywhere in the world can compete.