London is a city steeped in history, culture, and cinematic heritage, and now, a rare opportunity has emerged for buyers who seek a home with a story. A unique piece of film history has hit the real estate market—a luxurious penthouse located in a converted Victorian grain mill and warehouse. Priced at £1.85 million (US$2.3 million), this stunning two-bedroom duplex apartment sits atop New Concordia Wharf, a picturesque riverside location along the River Thames.

What sets this property apart is its Hollywood connection—it served as the filming location for the 1968 film adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” titled “Oliver!”. The once-dilapidated warehouse was transformed into Fagin’s hideout, one of the most recognizable sets in the Oscar-winning film. Decades later, the building has been restored and converted into luxury residences, offering buyers a blend of historical charm and contemporary comfort.

This article takes a closer look at the history, cinematic significance, and architectural evolution of this unique penthouse, exploring what makes it such an extraordinary property.

A Penthouse with a Cinematic Past: “Oliver!” and Fagin’s Hideout

The 1968 musical “Oliver!”, directed by Carol Reed, is one of the most beloved adaptations of Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist.” The film, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, brought the story of the orphaned Oliver and his misadventures in Victorian London to life with its stunning cinematography, set design, and performances.

One of the most memorable settings in the film was Fagin’s hideout, the grim and shadowy lair where the young protagonist meets the cunning criminal mastermind and his gang of child pickpockets. In the film, Ron Moody’s Fagin prowled around the darkened warehouse, scheming and singing songs such as “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two.”

This hideout was not a Hollywood set, but a real, decaying warehouse along the Thames—New Concordia Wharf. In 1968, the warehouse was abandoned, providing the perfect backdrop for Dickensian London. The film’s production designers made minimal alterations, using the existing aged architecture to heighten the film’s atmosphere.

Fans of “Oliver!” will recognize both the interior and exterior of the penthouse building. The warehouse’s red-brick façade, arched windows, and wooden beams were all prominently featured in the movie, adding an authentic sense of Victorian realism to the film’s setting.

From Abandoned Warehouse to Luxury Penthouse: The Building’s Restoration

The story of New Concordia Wharf mirrors that of many historic industrial buildings in London. Originally built as a Victorian grain mill and warehouse, the building was used for decades to store goods transported along the River Thames. However, like many such buildings, it fell into disuse and disrepair after London’s docklands declined in the mid-20th century.

By the 1930s, the warehouse had closed, leaving it abandoned and neglected—until it caught the attention of filmmakers in the 1960s. After its cinematic moment in “Oliver!”, the building remained untouched for years, blending into London’s forgotten industrial landscape.

Then, in the late 20th century, London underwent a wave of revitalization, and developers saw the potential in repurposing historic warehouses into residential spaces. New Concordia Wharf was restored and transformed into a luxury living space, offering breathtaking views of the River Thames and a perfect balance of historic architecture and modern design.

Inside the Penthouse: A Blend of History and Modern Luxury

Today, the penthouse apartment within New Concordia Wharf bears little resemblance to the dark, crumbling warehouse seen in “Oliver!”. The building’s transformation has resulted in a stunning, high-end living space that maintains its Victorian character while incorporating contemporary comforts.

Key Features of the Penthouse:

Duplex Layout – The penthouse is a two-bedroom duplex apartment, offering spacious living areas with ample natural light.

Historical Architecture – The apartment retains exposed wooden beams, original brickwork, and arched windows, preserving the industrial charm of the 19th-century warehouse.

Modern Interior Design – While the historic elements remain intact, the penthouse has been updated with sleek, modern furnishings, luxury finishes, and high-end appliances.

Open-Plan Living Space – The main living area features a double-height ceiling, creating a sense of openness and grandeur.

Private Terrace – A private rooftop terrace offers stunning panoramic views of the River Thames and the London skyline.

Master Suite – The master bedroom includes an en-suite bathroom and built-in wardrobes, providing a sophisticated yet cozy retreat.

Prime Location – Situated in Shad Thames, the penthouse is just minutes away from Tower Bridge, Borough Market, and The Shard.

A Coveted Address: Living in New Concordia Wharf

New Concordia Wharf is located in Shad Thames, an area known for its charming cobbled streets, converted warehouses, and vibrant cultural scene. This historic riverside district has become one of London’s most sought-after residential locations, attracting affluent buyers, artists, and professionals.

Why Buyers Are Drawn to This Area:

• Rich History – The area’s industrial heritage has been preserved, giving it a unique character unlike any other part of London.

• Luxury Living – Many of the converted warehouses now house high-end apartments with stunning architectural details.

• Proximity to Landmarks – Residents enjoy easy access to Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, The Shard, and Borough Market.

• Cultural Appeal – The area boasts galleries, boutique shops, gourmet restaurants, and lively bars, making it a hub for creatives and food enthusiasts.

• Riverside Views – Many apartments, including the “Oliver!” penthouse, offer breathtaking views of the River Thames.

A Dream Home for Film and History Enthusiasts

For fans of classic cinema, Dickensian London, or historical architecture, this penthouse is an extraordinary opportunity. The apartment is listed with Anderson Rose, a prime London real estate agency, and is expected to attract strong interest from film buffs, history lovers, and luxury home buyers alike.

Owning this property means more than just having a home—it means owning a piece of film history, a location that has played a role in bringing one of Charles Dickens’ most celebrated stories to life.

A Timeless Property with a Story to Tell

The New Concordia Wharf penthouse is a perfect example of how history, cinema, and modern living can come together in one exceptional property. While it may have once been a crumbling warehouse used as Fagin’s hideout in “Oliver!”, it is now a luxurious residence that offers elegance, comfort, and a connection to London’s cinematic and architectural past.

With its rich history, prime location, and stunning transformation, this £1.85 million property represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of London’s past, present, and future. Whether purchased as a luxury residence or a prestigious investment property, this penthouse is sure to be treasured for years to come.

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