The exclusive area of Knightsbridge in London is set to become the location of a truly astonishing basement excavation.

Multi-millionaire David Graham bought a property in Knightsbridge in 2000 before converting it into a house featuring a pool and a single basement level. He now wishes to further extend the property, adding an extra three levels which will extend beneath the house and garden.

Knightsbridge, once a tiny hamlet between Kensington and Chelsea, is one of inner London's leafiest areas and is the location of many well-known luxury stores such as Prada, Harrod's and Harvey Nichol's. Alongside these stores are many of London's best-known bars, restaurants and nightclubs, which share space with antiques dealers, boutiques and beauty salons. Obviously, land in this area can be hugely expensive; the world's most costly apartment was built here and sold for £100 million in February of 2007. By consequence, many of the properties in the Knightsbridge area utilise basement conversion as a cost-effective method for creating new space. Swimming pools, private nightclubs and gymnasia are all to be found beneath the pavements.


After unsuccessfully trying to find a larger property in the area, David Graham decided that excavating a huge basement area would be the best solution. The four-storey mansion will be almost tripled in size once the work, estimated to take around four years, is completed. With three new basement levels being created, the excavation will extend downwards for over fifty feet, deeper than the height of the surrounding properties.

The sheer scale of the project is astounding. Once the excavation, structural work and basement waterproofing is completed, work will begin on creating the rooms. As well as fifteen bedrooms, seven bathrooms and twenty toilets, the new basement area will feature a 14-metre swimming pool, covered courtyards, grand ballroom and a bar. There will also be accommodation for staff, parking facilities including a car lift, a library, wine cellar and an art storage room. A spa area with hot tub, sauna and massage room will add the luxurious finishing touch to the property, which estate agents believe will be worth up to £90million once completed.

Of course, most people are not multi-millionaires and a property such as the one described is out of reach. However, many people are now seeing the benefits of basement conversion; rent and rates are at an all-time high and extending downwards can prove to be a surprisingly cost-effective solution. Basement Living Group specialise in facilitating cellar conversion and have a strong grasp of the complex processes involved. For information, support and advice about basement construction or basement remodelling, please contact a member of our expertly-trained team.

For more information then please call us today on (0)845 4006666 or email: info@basement-living.co.uk