Silicon Valley Couple Relocate To Nine Elms

Jade Arias and Ronny Cheng, a couple who met in Silicon Valley and own a digital marketing business, moved to London in May 2021 and originally settled into life in Kensington. One year later and ready to buy a forever home in the city, the entrepreneurs chose London’s newest riverside neighbourhood - Thames City in Nine Elms.

Jade notes: “We toured several apartments in the city. Everything, from the homes to the shared spaces, has been beautifully designed. It feels like living in a hotel.”

Jade and Ronny purchased their three-bedroom home in No 8 Thames City, one of London’s tallest residential buildings at 53 storeys and a new landmark in the London skyline. Commenting on the views from their apartment, Jade says: “We can see Westminster Palace, Big Ben, The Shard and The City. It’s one of the reasons we chose to live here.”

No 8 Thames City comprises a collection of 298 premium one- to five-bedroom apartments all with floor to ceiling windows to maximise the natural light and far-reaching views. Jade and Ronny were amongst the first residents to move into the building.

Jade explains: “One of the main draws of Thames City is the additional space it provides for us to relax, work and host friends and family.” 

Residents at Thames City have access to over 6,400 square metres of the city’s most unique, ultra-lux residents’ spaces including London’s tallest private sky lounge on the 39th floor, one of London’s largest private swimming pools, a bespoke wellness centre, a state-of-the-art fitness suite, an 18-person dining room curated by leading design studio AB Concept, a wine and cigar bar and snug library.

Providing fun for all ages, a selection of entertainment zones include an intimate cinema, karaoke room and an immersive, multi-sensory kids’ jungle gym which rivals the best play centres in London.

Ronny continues: “We wanted to make sure we found a home that would suit our lifestyle. We work remotely so having amenities like the conference room, library and gym make a massive difference to us. We also like to travel so having a concierge and building team that takes care of everything makes our lives a lot easier.”

Jade adds: “This is probably the best gym we’ve ever used, and we’ve had a lot of private memberships so that’s saying something!”

A major milestone for the development was the launch of the Northern Line Extension and opening of Zone 1 Nine Elms tube station in September 2021.

Jade continues: “Thames City is so well located. From Nine Elms station everywhere in London feels close by. It only takes a few minutes to get to the West End or City. We’re also close to major stations like Kings Cross and Paddington so can explore the rest of the UK. We also spend a lot of time in the local area. We visit Battersea Power Station almost every day and love nearby restaurants such as Oxeye Evernight and District. Everyone knows that London has a lot to offer but Nine Elms is a real gem.”

Nine Elms is home to chic riverside dining and bars, pop-up food markets and wide promenades along the River Thames as well as several global consumer brands including Penguin Roundhouse, Shark Ninja and Apple and the new American Embassy. The stalls at the wholesale New Covent Garden Market are piled high with the freshest fruit, vegetables and flowers while nearby Battersea Power Station is an excellent shopping and leisure destination. Thames City also has incomparable access to the Thames and is well located to enjoy all that the local area offers.

A dog friendly destination was also a must for the couple. Holding Gatsby, the couple’s puppy, Ronny commented: “There’s so much green space around Thames City, which is amazing given it is so central. Soon we’ll have the Linear Park and podium gardens on our doorstep, as well as Battersea Park and Vauxhall Park next door.”

The new 4.5 acre Linear Park is a significant green corridor from Lambeth Palace Gardens through Vauxhall and Thames City to Battersea Power Station, providing a landscaped and car-free pathway through Nine Elms and beyond.

Comprising a total of 12 buildings, Thames City offers more than 1,400 high-end homes, private luxury amenities, retail and dining experiences all connected by intimate green spaces including court yards and city squares.

Prices at Thames City start from: £1,010,000. For more information, visit thamescity.com.

Find retirement homes in the London Borough of Wandsworth
Find new homes in the London Borough of Wandsworth