Redchurch Street, London, E2

As the location of Tracey Emin and Sarah Lucas' art shop in the 1990s, this four-storey freehold home and workspace is a real slice of Shoreditch art history.

It's rare that people stay put for long in London these days, let alone live in the same place for nearly thirty years. But that's exactly what Brian Gurtler did, and you could say he's the original Mr Shoreditch.

28 years ago, the scene on the doorstep of his freehold building on Redchurch Street was VERY different. The vacant lots with market traders going about their business have been replaced with glittering towers, creative startups and a fiercely independent scene of boundary-pushing retailers, coffee shops, bars and restaurants.

Where did it all start? Well, there's a strong argument for saying the Shoreditch renaissance began in this very building. 103 Redchurch Street was formerly The Shop, the 1993 retail home of Tracey Emin and Sarah Lucas from where they sold their early work. It's a moment in time that gives the address a permanent place in local art history.

Today, just as Shoreditch has moved on, a new pace of life now beckons for Brian. And we're delighted to have the distinguished task of finding a new custodian for his home. Fusing living and working for any potential suitor, it just happens to sit in what's noted as one of London's coolest streets.

Topping out at just under 1500 sq ft and spread over four floors, the shape and form of the interior has changed over the years to accommodate a growing family, as well as a place to work.

Starting at the bottom, the layout includes a lower ground floor that could easily become a self-contained studio apartment, while the original shop on the ground floor is now a workspace with a shower room.

The first floor has two rooms: a recently fitted kitchen and another room that's currently used as a bedroom, but is equally suitable as a living room. Above this on the top floor are two more bedrooms, and both of the upper floors have their own private balcony area.

The thing about this building is what it offers in terms of practicality and usability. More work space required? Just change it around. Prefer extra living space? Well, you get the picture.
While Shoreditch has always been a short walk from the City, something you wouldn't have raved about thirty years ago was its connection to the rest of London. But now, the Overground at Shoreditch High Street and the newly opened Elizabeth Line at Liverpool Street have transformed travel times, with the West End, Canary Wharf and Heathrow now all on a direct route.

You can also hop on the Northern Line at Old Street, or the Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan Lines at Liverpool Street along with the Stansted Express and multiple bus routes.

Of course, you never really need to leave. When it's time to unwind and socialise, you'll never be bored in this part of town. Dining, drinking, theatre, cinema, music, markets and galleries abound in new and historic venues. In short, there's something for absolutely everyone.


Council Tax Band: D (1,519.98) (London Borough of Tower Hamlets)
Tenure: Freehold
Approx monthly utility & council tax costs £225
Annual council tax £1519.98