Historic five-storey Lenin townhouse to rent for £12.5K per month
A rare five-storey 1830s townhouse on Percy Circus in Clerkenwell, providing 2,728 sq. ft of accommodation, including four generous bedrooms, three bathrooms, and four formal and informal reception rooms, with an 80ft south west facing garden is available to rent for £2,877 per week (£12,500 per month) via DEXTERS.
Nestled on the slopes between Islington and Clerkenwell, Percy Circus takes its name from Robert Percy Smith, a governor of the New River Company from 1827-45. The Grade II Listed crescent is one of central London’s most distinctive and historically rich architectural developments. Built circa 1839 as part of the New River Company’s ambitious estate expansion, the Circus represents a bold departure from the rigid grid patterns of period districts such as Mayfair and Marylebone.
Designed by architect-surveyor William Chadwick Milne, Percy Circus is notable for its circular form, rare in central London, and draws inspiration from neoclassical planning seen in cities like Bath and Edinburgh. Built along a steep hillside, the terrace descends a full storey as it moves west toward the valley of the River Fleet, creating a striking and unusual layout.
Prior to its development, the area consisted of open fields occupied by farms and brickmakers. By the early 20th century, it had become a densely populated and cosmopolitan urban quarter within the historic borough of Finsbury. Among its notable residents was Vladimir Lenin, who briefly resided at number 16 in 1905, while in political exile. A blue plaque now commemorates his time in the area. Few homes in London can claim such a direct connection to world history, making this a unique residence for both heritage and architecture enthusiasts. Lenin used the residence as a base for revolutionary planning while evading the Russian authorities and spent time editing the radical newspaper Iskra, at the nearby Crown Tavern pub (then known as the Crown and Anchor), where he allegedly met Joseph Stalin.
Park-facing and fronted with elegant sash windows, the light-filled, extensively refurbished home offers green views throughout. The design blends classical features, including chandeliers and gilded mirrors, with modern artwork and neutral tones, creating a space that is both grand and contemporary.
The ground floor features high ceilings and two spacious reception rooms – each with a fireplace, and bespoke shutters – along with a guest washroom. The lower ground floor includes a bedroom and bathroom, as well as a fully fitted kitchen and family dining area, crowned with a skylight and bi-folding doors that open out onto a decked patio and landscaped walled garden, offering modern indoor/outdoor living. A separate vault provides additional storage and benefits from its own entrance.
The first floor comprises two magnificent interconnecting living rooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Circus, complemented by matching fireplaces with marble mantelpieces. A utility room on this floor could also function as a secondary kitchen. The second floor hosts the principal bedroom, complete with a walk-in wardrobe, en suite bathroom – with a bathtub overlooking the garden – a separate shower, his-and-hers sinks and a private terrace. The first and second floor feature 10ft ceilings. The third floor provides two further bedrooms and a bathroom with fantastic views towards the picturesque King’s Cross area.
Percy Circus connects to Great Percy Street and features five irregularly spaced entrance points, a layout influenced by pre-existing water pipe junctions installed in the 1820s. Despite its asymmetry and steep terrain, Percy Circus has long been celebrated for its architectural charm.
Originally comprising 27 houses, only 15 survive today. The northern sections suffered significant damage during the Blitz, alongside neighbouring Holford Square. In the post-war period, the New River Company chose to preserve Percy Circus, ensuring the survival of this rare and characterful urban form.
Olivia Menzies, Director at DEXTERS Clerkenwell says: “Today, Percy Circus remains a testament to innovative 19th-century design, layered history, and the enduring character of London’s built environment. This remarkable and beautifully presented home offers a rare opportunity to live in one of central London’s most distinctive historic settings.”
Percy Circus is exceptionally well connected, located within walking distance of Angel Station (0.42 miles, Northern Line), King’s Cross Station (0.46 miles), St. Pancras International (0.52 miles), Russell Square Station (0.57 miles, Piccadilly Line), and Farringdon Station (0.73 miles, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, and Elizabeth Lines)
Percy Circus is available to rent £2,877 per week (£12,500 per month) for further information or to arrange a viewing please contact DEXTERS Clerkenwell on Tel: 02074836370, or visit www.dexters.co.uk
