Water Street, the second Build-to-Rent development by Vertus at Canary Wharf welcomed its first residents at the start of November 2020 ...
Editorial Team | 6th January, 2021
The first to move in were Ted Grunberg, 51 and Tod Stewart, 53, along with their much-loved terrier, Scotch. The couple recently relocated from Chicago and opted for a one-bedroom apartment which will act as their base to get to know London.
Discussing how the couple came to rent at the pet-friendly building in Wood Wharf, Ted, a Technology Relationship Manager, commented: “We spent around a year deciding where we wanted to live in London before making the jump across the pond. Surprisingly, when we put the pet filter on, we were dismayed at just how many flats were knocked out of the running.
“We debated comprising on quality so our dog Scotch could live with us, but we chose not to settle. We kept looking and came across 8 Water Street and were blown away by the quality compared to other pet-friendly developments. Now we have a beautiful flat meeting all of our requirements and we didn’t have to give anything up.”
The pair opted to lease a one-bedroom apartment, designed in an open-plan layout to accentuate natural light, with floor to ceiling windows and a balcony looking out onto the boardwalks and docks below. Apartments are furnished by Accouter Group of Companies and feature high spec appliances and first-class finishes throughout.
Tod, a consultant for a technology company said: “The kitchen is beautiful; it caught our eye right away. It is so different to American homes where they take up a lot of room. The extra living space is fantastic and much more practical for our needs. Our balcony is huge and lets in lots of light through the windows. It has been a big hit with Scotch, he’s been out there sunbathing the odd moment the British winter weather lets up.”
Discussing what life has been like getting used to their new home during the second lockdown Tod added: “We have had no issues so far. The internet speeds here are lightning quick, which was a huge factor for us given our jobs and the amazing Canary Wharf Waitrose store is so close, everything we need is very convenient.
“Scotch has settled in very quickly too. He much prefers the weather here and being close to some of London’s best green spaces, such as Greenwich Park and the green spaces in Canary Wharf. He’s already made friends with the fab team at concierge and met some new dog friends in the neighbourhood.”
In the long-term the couple intend to buy but decided to initially rent with Vertus after looking at the background of the Company and outstanding quality of the rental homes on offer.
Tod commented: “Vertus is part of the Canary Wharf Group so we were confident in the brand, their work and the quality offered impressed both of us. Vertus’ high-end offering and flexible tenancies were exactly what we were looking for. They’re specialist in their field and we prefer the experience of renting from a company, rather than a private individual.”
Previously living in Chicago, the pair are big architecture and urban planning fans and loved the ambition behind Wood Wharf, Canary Wharf’s new district. Ted said: “One thing that we appreciated about Chicago was watching the evolution of the city and the buildings. Wood Wharf really impressed us, you can see the neighbourhood growing and just how well everything is coming together.”
Once the second lockdown ends, Ted and Tod are looking forward to the amenity spaces opening back up, including the substantial roof terrace.
Ted remarked: “We did actually get a chance to use the amenity spaces before the lockdown came in. We were using the coffee machine every day down in the lounge, it is some of the best we have ever had. When things begin to open up again and we are allowed to socialise we cannot wait to use the parlour for a party with our friends and relax in the gardens.”
Designed by Stanton Williams, 8 Water Street will form one of the major residential developments in Wood Wharf. This neighbourhood will welcome a new community of residents occupying up to 3,600 new homes planned for the area, as well as up to 350,000 sq.ft. of retail space, over nine acres of public spaces, gardens and parks. Amongst this will sit a lively high street, boutique stores and restaurants, public art, a fitness trail, doctor’s surgery and a brand new two-form entry primary school.
8 Water Street is a five-star pet-friendly collection of 174 apartments ranging from studios to three-bedrooms. Show apartments at 8 Water Street will be available for prospective residents to view from £1,950. For more information about Vertus or 8 Water Street visit
www.thisisvertus.com or contact leasing@thisisvertus.com
