Argyll announces £3.5 million refurbishment
at Hudson House

Argyll has unveiled plans for a £3.5 million refurbishment of Hudson House - a significant new chapter for the historic Covent Garden address. The premium flexible office operator is set to revitalise the Lutyens-designed building with a scheme that carefully draws out its architectural character while introducing a sharper, more contemporary standard of workplace design.

Set to make its grand re-entry this June, the former HQ of publishing house Country Life, is being thoughtfully reimagined. Occupying seven floors and totalling 14,000 sq ft, this signature makeover will deliver 48 private offices while retaining the building’s Grade II listed features.

On the ground floor, marble floors, vaulted ceilings and subtle nods to its editorial past are being carefully preserved, while the upper levels - formerly the magazine’s printworks - adopt a refined industrial-modern aesthetic that pays homage to the building’s historic grandeur.

Under the stewardship of CEO Emily Smith, who stepped in following Argyll’s 2025 acquisition by Crosstree Real Estate Partners, the refurbishment heralds a decisive leap in the company’s expansion narrative. Coming off the heels of Argyll’s £11 million acquisition of 33 Chancery Lane – its first purchase in more than two decades – the move propels the firm at the forefront of Central London’s Grade A office market, pairing architectural pedigree with contemporary workspace ambition.

Every element of the space has been conceived to inspire and perform: private phone booths, state-of-the-art meeting rooms, adaptable seating and lighting, and communal kitchens rival the warmth and comfort of home. Sustainability runs quietly through the scheme. ESG-driven initiatives ensure vintage furniture finds a second life via Globechain, while sustainably sourced pieces from Walter Knoll and Bene punctuate the space.

Emily Smith, CEO of Argyll, reflects on the transformation: “We are delighted to be re-launching a newly refurbished Hudson House into the vibrant Covent Garden area.  The property has been part of Argyll since 2005 and sits perfectly within our portfolio of architecturally interesting buildings in prime Central London locations. We're curating a modern workspace experience that honours the building's heritage while meeting the evolving needs of today's workers, and we're excited to welcome customers into this transformed space.”

Meanwhile, Emma Turner, design custodian for the project, highlights the vision behind the refurbishment: “One of the guiding principles of our design approach for Hudson House was to create a calm, considered working environment – a sanctuary for Argyll customers coming in from the bustling Covent Garden. It is a real honour to be working so closely with an original Lutyens design and to be able to foreground his original features throughout the renovation.”

In Argyll’s hands, Hudson House will no doubt re-emerge as a modern workplace that stays true to its history. Brokers, viewings are available from the 9th March. 

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