1. Ownership and management
There are 49 flats in Cholmeley Lodge, each owned by a leaseholder. Most leaseholders own a share of the Freehold: Cholmeley Lodge Residents Ltd. A Board of Directors, chosen from among the shareholders, runs the Freehold Company. The Board is responsible for overall policies and financial decisions, and reports to leaseholders at an Annual General Meeting. Leaseholders pay an annual service charge, which covers both the day to day running of the building (including hot water and central heating), and contributes to a reserve capital to cover special expenditure, such as decorating and major repairs. This means that owners pay a regular sum each year, and that no significant sums have to be raised unexpectedly.
The Board appoints Managing Agents (see contacts) to collect the service charge, liaise with leaseholders and manage any work that needs to be done. They act as contact point for lessees, although Board Directors can always be approached for special issues.
The House Manager, who lives on the premises and is available throughout the day during the week, undertakes the daily maintenance and cleaning of the premises. In addition a gardener comes in weekly to attend to the front and roof gardens.
A Handbook for residents sets out the details of their rights and obligations. It outlines lease obligations as well as additional policy decisions made from time to time.
2. Living at Cholmeley Lodge
The Flats
Most flats are occupied by leaseholders, and only a small handful of flats are sub-let to tenants. The block attracts a mix of age groups. In 2016 we lost our oldest resident, who died at the age of 104. Many of the young people who move in, stay on even after having children. Many couples and single people looking to downsize, are attracted to the block, not only for its unique position and views, but for the size of the flats with their spacious lounges and good size (two or three) bedrooms. See section on Background for more details on the architecture of Cholmeley Lodge.
Cholmeley Lodge living room interior
The upper floor flats offer panoramic views over London to the south, and many flats have lovely views towards the north of Highgate.
Just under half the flats include a garage. For those with no garage, one space in the yard can be occupied on a first come first served basis. This means that occasionally residents may have to park on the street. A limited number of locked up spaces are available for bicycles, currently covering the demand.
Communal facilities and social life
Heating and hot water are provided from our central boiler, funded out of the service charge. The House Manager and gardener between them keep the internal and external communal areas clean and beautiful. The roof offers all residents the opportunity to enjoy the views of London and beyond, and to sit in the garden spaces developed in the last few years.
Cholmeley Lodge roof terrace
We think that Cholmeley Lodge offers a pleasant, well-maintained, peaceful and friendly environment. Residents are considerate and help each other, and the House Manager is to hand to help out and deal with queries and emergencies. Residents can, if they so wish, take part in the social life, get involved in special projects, and help with the gardening. A Liaison Group of residents produces a regular newsletter, helps maintain the roof garden and organise social events. The roof garden was developed a few years ago by the Liaison Group and now offers some lovely peaceful areas full of plants and flowers, where residents can relax and meet each other….and of course enjoy the most magnificent views of London.
Cholmeley Lodge roof view
For more photographs, visit the picture gallery here.