9fi5th London Spring/Summer 2015 by 9fi5th

LUXURY

REAL

ESTATE

TOURING THE BATTERSEA POWER STATION DEVELOPMENT WITH ROBERT TINCKNELL

Redevelopment project secures iconic Battersea Power Station as part of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s luxury property skyline

EAST LONDON IN THE HANDS OF BERKELEY HOMES

Piers Clanford talks 250 City Road alongside the transformation of the surrounding neighbourhood

ON TOP OF WHAT BUYERS WANT

Working with developers, international and local powerhouse firm Knight Frank advises on schemes that will succeed

CULINARY DELECTABLE

Michelin-starred Kai Mayfair keeps traditional Chinese roots while introducing a modern gourmet twist

FLYING THE MIGHTY SKIES

LEA talks flights, perks, and other skyward ventures

LONDON

• 4,000 new homes • Over 250 shops, bars and restaurants •3 hotels • Ofﬁce space for 10,000 people •2,000 capacity event venue

The personal information which you provide will be passed to Battersea Power Station Development Company, which keeps it on file in order that you can be kept up to date with future developments.

We believe there is a better way to build a new neighbourhood

BATTERSEA POWER STATION

•Fashion hub •New Zone 1 London Underground station •Riverbus service •18 acres of curated parks and open space •The world’s best architects

For more information go to batterseapowerstation.co.uk

DON’T DO ORDINARY

THE PENTHOUSE COLLECTION NOW L AUNC H E D

P R I C E S F R O M £ 1 ,9 9 9,9 9 0

· L O C AT E D O N F E T T E R L A N E , I N T H E H E A R T O F T H E C I T Y · B E A U T I F U L V I E W S OV E R T H E L O N D O N S K Y L I N E · 24 HOUR CONCIERGE · G E N E R O U S P R I VAT E T E R R A C E S , A N D R O O F T E R R A C E S T O S O M E P E N T H O U S E S · H I G H S P EC I F I C AT I O N F R O M L E AD I N G B R A N D S · U N D E R F L O O R H E AT I N G · OV E R LO O K I N G T H E S T U N N I N G MAUG H A N L I B R A R Y

S E L L I N G AG E N T S

C O N TA C T J L L O N 0 2 0 3 6 7 5 0 6 7 7 O R V I S I T S T D U N S TA N S C O U R T. C O M F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N

250 City Road: ideally placed for work or leisure Show Apartment now open – arrange a viewing today Located just five minutes’ walk from Old Street, 250 City Road is a landmark development designed by world renowned Architects Foster + Partners. These spectacular apartments and penthouses offer stunning City views as well as a host of residents’ facilities including a rooftop gym and terrace, luxurious 20-metre swimming pool and spa; concierge facilities and residents’ lounge. Two acres of landscaping at the heart of the scheme plays host to cafes, restaurants, retail outlets, creative workspaces and a 4* hotel. Public areas are fully Wifi enabled. The development is located between Old Street and Angel, with the City and Shoreditch on your doorstep.

1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses available starting price from ÂŁ850,000 Call: 020 3553 8197 or email: 250cityroad@berkeleygroup.co.uk In the last ten years, the Berkeley Group has created 436 acres of public space

250 City Road Marketing Suite Goodmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fields, 39 Leman Street, London, E1 8EY Open 7 days a week 10am - 6pm (Until 8pm on Wednesdays and 4pm on Sundays)

Here at 250 City Road there will be just under 2 acres of public realm

For Your Future

Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Prices correct at time of press and subject to availability. Computer Generated Image of 250 City Road is indicative only.

www.250cityroad.co.uk

Beautifully boutique The best, curated for you

Aldwych Chambers, WC2 Prices from £1,025,000

The Pathé Building, W1 Prices from £1,175,000

Maddox Street, W1 Prices from £1,300,000

Hop House, WC2 Prices from £1,495,000

Hollen Street, W1 Prices from £1,500,000

Buckingham Street, WC2 Prices from £2,200,000

The Palladio, WC2 Prices from £3,650,000

Bedford Street, WC2 Price £4,500,000

Betterton Street WC2 Price £8,000,000

To find out more about some of London’s best developments call 020 7420 3050 or visit cbre.co.uk/londonhomes Prices correct at time of going to print. Images are computer generated except for Betterton Street and Buckingham Street.

CONTENTS lONDON sPRinG/sUmmER 2015

12 PLots & PLAns 14 ADDitions 16

Robert tincknell - Battersea Power station Development company Battersea Power Station

Piers clanford - Berkeley homes 250 City road

charlie Baxter, Laura marino Alchemi Group leinster Square

Paul Eden, simon De friend - Regal homes St Pancras Place, Banyan Wharf

simon silver - Derwent London Queens

ingrid skinner - taylor Wimpey central London Westminster Quarter, Music Box

tim Pettman - st. Edward homes 375 Kensington high Street, 190 Strand

harry handelsman - manhattan Loft corporation Manhattan loft Gardens

Jeff Duggan - Groveworld Canaletto

David Phillips - Glebe The Mellier

Killian hurley - mount Anvil lexicon, Queen’s Wharf

chris Lanitis - Amazon Property The Park Crescent, The Pall Mall Collection

King’s Cross

christopher Penna Penna Property Partners Gatti house

The Mellier

Robert Evans - Argent

Rick de Blaby - United house

66 At homE 67 70

Robert soning - Londonewcastle Queen’s Park Place

nicholas & Benjamin Wilson -

72 74 76

Additions index

9fi5th.com

Lisa hollands - cBRE Knight frank market Report Penny mosgrove Quintessentially Estates

Residence one

ian marris Knight frank Residential Development

City North

Aston chase - Exclusive Property

cBRE market Report

The reD BriCK hOuSe

FameeD KhaLIque

93 TOOLS OF THE TRADE 94 96

Will Alsop - aLL Design Barry Burrows Bartholomew Landscaping

98 100 102

Fameed Khalique Jago Anderson - Element7 Sian Baxter Lighting Design

103 AROUND TOWN 104 106 108 110

McLaren Kai Mayfair Dean Main - Rhodium Patrick Margetson-Rushmore London Executive Aviation

112

Anthony Lassman - Nota Bene

114 PILLOW TALK 115 117 118

The Dorchester The Hospital Club The Milestone Hotel

78 INSIDE 79

120 OFF THE WALL

Martin Goddard, Jo Littlefair Goddard Littlefair

81 84 86 88 90 92

121 122

Tony Nicholas - Nicholas Anthony Staffan Tollg책rd

Londonewcastle Project Space Hauser & Wirth

Katharine Pooley Heather Naylor - B&B Italia

124 BEYOND

Aaron & Laura Hammett - Laura Hammett Lisa Ronson - Lisa Ronson Home

B&B ItaLIa

125

Spain - The Golden Triangle

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

dear 9fi5th readers, followers, and new discoverers,

Published by

Photogra Phy

Sea Level Publishing FZ LLC

JAB Anstoetz Flooring

Fujairah - Creative Tower

Richard Gooding

England. We have been very honoured to meet with some of the industry’s biggest names

P.O. Box 4422 Fujairah

Kilian O’Sullivan

(think Battersea, Berkeley, and Knight Frank) over the past few months and have compiled

United Arab Emirates

Tony Murray Photography

what we believe to be one brilliant list of properties.

info@9fi5th.com

Lee Mawdsley

www.9fi5th.com

James harris

Here I am, welcoming you to our first international edition right here in London,

For those of you who call London home and those of you who come to visit every once in a while, we can say that we’ve loved every grey minute of living in this magnificent Capital. But more than just tell you about how much we’ve adored London, let me take a

Jules Selmes e d i to r i a l

Editor-in-Chief

John Sturrock

Mina Kavcar

Tony Murray

mina.kavcar@9fi5th.com

Daniel Sachon

Editorial Manager

Darren Chung

Scarlette Tidy

Richard Waite

Alchemi Group’s stunning Leinster Square. If London means white stucco to you, then this

scarlette.tidy@9fi5th.com

Ray Main

Addition is the one you should be calling home. We dug deep and laid bare East London at

Editorial Content

Richard Booth

its best - take a peek at 250 City Road, Canaletto, and Lexicon, to learn more.

Lars Larsson

Andrew Grainger

Pronto Publishing Services

Alex Delfanne

minute and walk you through what we have in store for you in this inaugural 9fi5th London Spring/Summer 2015 edition. As you may have gathered from the cover of the book, we have one very big Battersea project to tell you about, namely the Battersea Power Station development that will truly blow your mind when it comes to forward thinking development as well as community initiatives. Our journalistic endeavours also took us into popular Notting Hill, where we toured

And while we were sitting down with developers and architects, we also picked the brains of Knight Frank’s Ian Marris and CBRE’s Lisa Hollands - Crossrail and other

Nick Augusteijn

indicators shining light on the change in London neighbourhoods in our At Home chapter. Inside will have you mentally redecorating your every space. Notable interviews include

Computer generated image of a rt & d e s i g n

250 City Road

Staffan Tollgård and Katharine Pooley. Flip a few pages onward and you’ll also find out

Creative Director

McLaren Automotive

about fabrics you never knew could exist as Fameed Khalique, the fabrics guru, finds the

Sarah Rusin

Taylor Wimpey Central London

most interesting combinations to wrap your head around.

Designer

Amazon Property

Nuno Caldeira

CBRE

Designer

Courtesy of Alchemi Group

Iulii Didovets

Courtesy of Manhattan

Having had the pleasure of spending these months in Europe’s arguably most amazing city (we may be somewhat biased here), we clearly made sure to pick a few lifestyle aspects (there were so many to choose from!) to accompany our curated list of real estate. Culinary tastings at Kai Mayfair were superb and London Executive Aviation had us dreaming of taking flight. McLaren’s newest automotive launch - the 570S had our 9fi5th New York team take pen and paper right to the auto show to learn more. But dear reader, I’ll leave you to it. Keep flipping, you’ll find out about all kinds of exciting places …

Loft Corporation a dv e rt i s i n g & s a l e s

Native Land & Grosvenor

Please contact our sales team at

Tapestry, by Argent

advertising@9fi5th.com

Riverwalk, by Ronson Capital Partners Royal Wharf, Ballymore & Oxley

Oh - and in other exhilarating news, 9fi5th Arabia is set to launch in just a few short months! Things are moving quickly, and we’re glad you’re here for the ride.

Printed by Thames Print

Cover Imagery courtesy of Battersea

www.thames-print.co.uk

Power Station Development Company

Mina Kavcar Editor-in-Chief

9FI5Th.COM

WEstMinstEr QuartEr taylor WiMpEy CEntral lonDon

LONDON W2

SEE BAYSWATER DIFFERENTLY

A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF 20 SOPHISTICATED NEW BUILD APARTMENTS ON WESTBOURNE GROVE COMPLETING IN EARLY SUMMER 2015 PRICES STARTING FROM £1,360,000

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

TEL: 0207 499 3881 sales@alchemigroup.com westbournehousew2.com

P LOTS & PLANS

LoNDoN 12

9fi5th.com

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

ADDITIONS

16 THE PERFECT COCKTAIL

22 THE TOTAL PACKAGE

34 PAST AND PRESENT

Battersea Power Station is transforming Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s south of the river into something rather special with a unique mix of old world charm and modern convenience.

Big town developer Berkeley homes brings taste of luxury to swiftly changing east London enclave.

Boutique Queensway building has 1930s flair.

9fi5th.com

Mount Anvil lEXiCon

Queen’s Wharf

A collection of riverside apartments all featuring balconies, many with expansive views of the River Thames and Hammersmith Bridge. All studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments feature quintessentially British interiors. Prices from £580,000*

TEL : 020 7205 4217

CGI of Queen’s Wharf and Hammersmith Bridge

HAMMERSMITH

A joint venture between between FABRICA by A2Dominion and Mount Anvil

London homes, the Mount Anvil way Mount Anvil is Central London’s specialist multi award winning residential-led developer. Creating homes people love since 1991, adding to London’s world-class reputation.

Dollar Bay

ISLINGTON

FULHAM

ISLE OF DOGS

A world class 36-storey tower on City Basin by Squire & Partners and SOM architects for the Burj Khalifa, Dubai. Prices from £695,000*

A boutique collection of 89 residences in stylish Fulham. Prices from £895,000*

A sleek tower overlooking Canary Wharf, designed by internationally acclaimed SimpsonHaugh & Partners. Prices from £500,000*

TEL: 020 7205 4295 Another joint venture between Mount Anvil and Affinity Sutton.

TEL: 020 7205 4489 Another joint venture between Mount Anvil and Affinity Sutton.

TEL: 020 7293 0537 A joint venture between Mount Anvil and City Style Homes.

CGI of view from Dollar Bay

The Landau

CGI of The Landau pocket gardens

Lexicon

CGI of Lexicon

*Prices correct at time of going to press. Computer Generated Images are indicative only.

mountanvil.com

A D DITIONS

the Perfect cocKtAiL Battersea Power Station is transforming Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s south of the river into something rather special with a unique mix of old world charm and modern convenience.

9fi5th.com

Battersea Power station DeveloPment aerial

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

A D DITIONS

“We don’t do ordinary,” boasted

now turning it into a luxury accom-

Robert Tincknell, CEO of Bat-

modation and mixed-use commer-

tersea Power Station Development

cial development.

Company (BPSDC), owned by a

The whole scheme is extraordi-

Malaysian consortium, whose £8

nary and will be carried out in nu-

billion regeneration of the Battersea

merous phases (three of which have

Power Station will see the 42-acre

been launched so far) to include

site become a highly sought-after

4,000 apartments, three hotels,

riverside location.

more than 250 shops and restau-

Far from ordinary, the 1930s

rants, ofﬁces, leisure facilities, and

Phase 1 Penthouse study

of it and don’t want to leave.” These days there are so many

between Battersea Power Station and other projects is that our team

listed building, with its quartet of

19 acres of open space. The site will

urban regeneration projects in

chimneys, famously featured on the

also have its own Tube station (part

London one is hard to ﬁnd one

balance, a cocktail of different uses

cover of Pink

of the Northern Line) to be opened

that does more than just create

on site.” It is rare, he explained, to

Floyd’s 1977

in 2020. Properties range from

units. This is where Tincknell’s

build really thought-out mixed-use

Animals album.

studios to penthouse ﬂats with price-

speciality of, “place-making” –

environments in London.

It stood derelict

less river views and the namesake

making a place special, comes

by the River

bragging rights to match. Can’t wait

in handy. (Passionate about the

planning the site, they wanted to

Thames for de-

to move in? The ﬁrst homes will be

subject, he’s written a 250-page

establish The Power Station as the

ready in 2016.

book on it.) “The Power Station

focal point of the project,” he said.

gives a level of authenticity to cre-

In the process, great architecture leads to

lIke to see thIngs from above?

cades until the aforementioned

Head to the Battersea Heliport for The London Helicopter

“It is very special,” agreed Tinck-

Malaysian

nell. “I strongly believe that when

consortium of

people live in such special places,

ﬂock to, whether they are living

place-making and

investors bought

they develop a strong connection

here, working here or just visit-

community building.

the site and is

with where they live. They feel proud

ing. The fundamental difference

“A deep understanding

Battersea 4,000 Residences, 42-acre mixed-use project including 3 Hotels, 250 shops, 1.6 million square feet of office space

Plans PrIce £ PerIod Perks

807 - 7,287 square feet £1.328 million - £21 million Completion of first three phases in 2020 Historic significance of listed Battersea Power Station, 19 acres of open space, 450m of river frontage, social network for residents and neighbouring residents, proximity to Chelsea and Knightsbridge, gym, spa, vegetable garden, rooftop gardens, outdoor kitchen and gathering spaces, barbecue areas, the Village Hall residence clubs, library

9fi5th.com

“When the team was master-

ate a real, proper place people will

PARticULARS Battersea Power station Place ProPerty

has come up with a very careful

London • Battersea • LeasehoLd

of community is what has propelled

Different architects have designed

ample where the team has thought

the project,” Tincknell elaborated.

each phase of the development. And

“You have to think about how

if you get in quick, penthouses de-

people are going to live here.”

signed by Frank Gehry and Norman

one of the apartments that were

Foster, may still be up for grabs.

launched off-plan last year. Other

He has written a Community Charter that includes a bespoke

Phase one, Circus West, will have

hard about what buyers want.” Signiﬁcantly, Tincknell has bought

buyers and Battersea Power Station

community network specific to

a village feel with its 866 units, set

followers have been entertained at

Battersea Power Station. A host of

on a podium of ofﬁces and retail,

lavish events serenaded by big names

details to help folks connect. Nice

which will wrap around The Power

like Elton John. (The New York

touches like barbecue areas with

Station. Unbelievably (or perhaps

launch got Sting for the gig, who in-

tables that seat 60 or so guests will

quite believably), all units designed

cidentally also bought in part of the

be on the roof and community

by architect Ian Simpson sold in

project.) But there are only a handful

gardens (proper gardens, not a sea

three weeks. “The average two-bed-

of homes left for sale in phases one

of granite), with allotments for

room compared to any other in the

and two. “People are recognising that

vegetable growing should you wish

area is about 15 percent larger,” said

coming south of the river is great

to make a truly home-grown salad.

Tincknell. Phase-two apartments

value,” said Tincknell.

(We love that peregrine falcons have

are about 45 percent larger than the

set up home on site too.)

average in London. “This is one ex-

The second phase will be The Power Station itself. “There will be three ﬂoors of retail and a huge ﬂoor of leisure and entertainment,

Up for a rUn BUt can’t find a rUnning mate?

Use Battersea Power Station’s community network to find like-minded enthusiasts

with a venue for 2,000 people. Then there will be six floors of offices and finally really high-end residential on the roof.” They chose Wilkin-

Phase 1 PeNthOuse rOOf terrace LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

A D DITIONS

BATTerSeA POwer STATION’S celeBrITy fOllOwINg

Robert Tincknell, Kate Beckinsale

Foster apartment with power station view

Luke Evans, Jeremy Renner, Chris Evans

Foster apartment terrace

sonEyre as the architects. So, why didn’t they just ﬁll in all that space with residential units as it’s such prime square footage? Tincknell laughed. “If you make a cocktail, you can’t just ﬁddle with the ingredients. Otherwise it is not going to taste Elton John

right. The team really does feel to have achieved the right mix.” The third stage will have a really strong commercial

Hungry for some sHopping?

Sting

9fi5th.com

Cross the bridge and make use of Kensington and Chelsea’s ample store fronts

front of the kitchen, industrial fea-

high street, the aptly named Electric Boulevard, link-

tures like toggle switches… You see,

ing the Tube station to the new Malaysian Square and

the ﬁnal key ingredient is “emotion-

the Power Station. The heart of the scheme, Prospect

al,” as Tincknell put it. “Just think of

Place, will be Frank Gehry’s Flower building, a striking

how many artists have painted this

structure that looks like – no prizes for guessing – a

iconic building,” he reminded us.

ﬂower, and will offer residents a community centre,

“The King’s Speech was ﬁlmed in the

library, a large chef ’s table dining room, yoga studio,

Control Room. Batman was ﬁlmed

and treatment rooms.

here. There are cufﬂinks with The

In every phase there is a nod to The Power Station –

Power Station shape. There is a lot

things like parquet ﬂooring, aged cracked panels on the

of love for this place.” Right he is.

Frank Gehryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Flower buildinG

THE TOTAL PACKAGE

A D DITIONS

9fi5th.com

250 City Road at dusk

London • IsLIngton • LeasehoLd

Big town developer Berkeley Homes brings taste of luxury to swiftly changing east London enclave.

“We want the site to be very vibrant so that you can live there, work there, and play there,” Managing Director Piers Clanford told us during a recent sit-down. He pointed to unique features that make the development both enticing and livable: its on-site 4-star hotel, its planned cafés, bars, and retail, and its landscaped gardens that will all be equipped with Wi-Fi so that residents and the public can, “enjoy some sunshine, which we do get occasionally in the UK.” Clanford stressed the ﬁrm’s desire to 3 DiffereNt DesigN OptiONs

With a planned 920 residential units,

maximise the potential of the giant

a 190-room 4-star hotel, and exten-

ﬁve-acre plot, while also meshing

sive commercial and retail space,

with the area’s urban fabric. “250

has proved itself master of the large

to getting planning consent, and go-

all nestled in nearly five acres of

will act as a landmark between Angel

scale. But details by no means escape

ing through the detailed design phase

landscaped gardens, 250 City Road

and Old Street stations at the center

the developer. That’s in part because

we oversee all functions,” Clanford

is one of Central London’s most

of the City Road area,” he said,

all aspects of Berkeley Homes’ busi-

explained. “We have our own project

ambitious projects, to say the least.

“It will add to the cluster of towers

ness are han-

management

Good thing leading UK developer

being built nearby, but also blend

dled in-house.

teams that

Berkeley Homes is on the job. With

pleasingly with its surroundings.”

“From acquir-

build what the

unmatched experience, attention to

That’s the big picture. With sever-

ing the land, to

al impressive London developments

appointing an

Berkeley’s new destination at City

completed (including One Tower

architect and

Road is certain to be as beautiful as it

Bridge, Goodman’s Fields, and

getting the de-

Woodberry Down) Berkeley Homes

sign conceived,

detail, and a penchant for innovation,

will be bold.

haVe a thIng FoR KnICKKnaCKs and CoLLeCtIBLes? Camden Passage is perfect for vintage shopping

architects have designed and our own sales and marketing team to meet with

beDrOOms at 250 City rOaD

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

A D DITIONS

the pool area

customers.” For the City Road proj-

looking for quality,” he said. It’s

ect, Berkeley has joined forces with

also clear that he and Berkeley are

renowned firm Foster + Partners. A

ﬁxated on their customers’ point of

key innovative feature of the design

view. In fact, Berkeley determines

is its angled structures that will allow

the specifications of its projects

for stunning views of the city from

through a series of focus groups.

the lobby and the residences through

“We sit down with a selection of

floor-to-ceiling windows and from

our customers to understand their

the landscaped gardens. Not to shy

preferences,” Clanford explained.

away from sticking around, the group

“What works or doesn't work in

also maintains its properties for two

their current homes. Then we

years after completion—now that’s

feature their suggestions in our

what we call service!

designs.” So, what’s on London

anymore, so in 250’s ensuite bathrooms we have large showers,” he continued.

buyers’ must-have list this season?

“The bath goes in the secondary, occasional bathroom.”

Clanford himself comes from

outdoor wi-fi

Concerns about too many cooks in the kitchen have been traded for com-

a construction background and is

Though customers love the conve-

something of a stickler, he admit-

nience of apartment living (the con-

munal attitudes with regards to pivotal rooms. “People like an open, functional

ted. “I walk around developments,

cierge, the upkeep), Clanford found

kitchen where they can dine and entertain,” said Clanford. But that also de-

that they also need storage. “An international traveller needs storage to put suitcases. A golfer needs to tuck away his clubs. This is

and one-bedrooms that appeal to younger buyers and professionals, kitchens will be sleek and compact. “They’ll have the look of a ﬁne piece of furniture.” Berkeley’s eye for detail extends to its interiors, which at 250, it goes without saying, are designed with diverse buyers—from families, to the tech industry, to the pied-à-terre market, to lucky foreign students with wealthy mums and

have factored

dads—in mind. Three different interior designers are providing designs, so

in at 250 City

buyers have some tough decisions ahead. Scott Brownrigg’s designs, “give the

Road,” he

apartments a real homey feel,” said Clanford, Darling Associates is known for

said. Where

its elegant, impeccably detailed designs, and those who want something really

baths are con-

slick, may choose a design by Goddard Littlefair, who work primarily with

cerned, today’s

boutique hotels. Apartments will come ﬁnished with ﬂoors, carpets, blinds,

living is a factor. “People do not have the time for long baths

9fi5th.com

that are inviting and eminently usable—good for families. In its smaller studios

something we

fast pace of

pends on the buyer. 250’s more spacious apartments will feature large kitchens

wall ﬁnishes, and some optional features like the “musical bath,” a Bluetooth speaker system for the above mentioned tub. “We never stop thinking about our residents’ activities in their homes,” Clanford reiterated, and that includes, of course, singing while they scrub.

Gold A D DITIONS

RESIDENTIAL Buying well is key in real estate, but Alchemi Group knows how to finish well to get that extra oomph.

bedroom at leinster square

9fi5th.com

Alchemi Group can sure spin real estate gold. Pioneers in convert-

caught up with husband and wife

go into with more than one person

team Charlie Baxter (Managing

at a time. The floors were like

Director) and Laura Marino (Cre-

something out of a Harry Potter

ative Director), it was trendy West

book.” We’re talking more Fawlty

London’s Leinster Square they were

Towers than five-star. “I went back

talking up. Not content with just

and said, ‘you have to be kidding.

(beautifully) restoring and convert-

We are ambitious – but are you

ing two shabby hotels into high-end

serious?’” Absolutely. “I don’t waste

townhouses and lateral flats, they

my time,” said Baxter. “Every-

decided to redo the whole square.

thing is step-by-step. With all these

Take the video tour on their website

complicated projects, you have to

and you’ll be converted too.

have a clear order and not be over-

Funnily enough, when Marino

ing offices to very swish residential

ﬁrst set foot in the stucco-fronted,

developments, they have that Midas

terraced properties, she spun on

touch and in London’s buoyant

her heels and headed straight out.

property market you need to move

“Charlie told me I had to go see it.

fast to snaffle up one of their gems.

I felt so overwhelmed I thought I

AG currently have a few develop-

might cry,” she laughed. “I looked

ments on the boil in Victoria and

at the square and the state of the

Westbourne Grove, but when we

building, which you couldn’t even

whelmed by it.” So, with Baxter’s big-picture vision and Marino’s eye

FavoUrite restaUrants? Beach Blanket Babylon The Ledbury

London • notting HiLL • LEASEHoLd

OpuLeNt DiNiNg

juggle two investors and a landscape designer, a garden committee, and all the residents on the square,” said Marino. It was all about keeping it subtle and retaining the formal shape of its Victorian era. “We’re redoing all the gates and all the traditional pathways.” One end will boast a wild flower garden; the other a woodland aspect. Oh, and the lawn will stay where it is, as the residents like to lay out when London’s omnipresent clouds let the sun shine through (every now and then)… “We had to do something that is very practical, to prove to the existing residents that the ongoing

OpeN pLaN LiviNg with styLe - the kitcheN

maintenance is going to be easy and Tom won’t be overworked.” Tom? Tom’s the gardener.

for detail, they are a marriage made

II listed Umi Hotel will morph into

society, so Marino wanted to bring

in real estate heaven.

15 spacious, contemporary homes,

back a bit of class to the old gal. The

albeit with some swanky rooftop and

prize, we reckon, is the square itself,

was to be sympathetic to the build-

the residences will be contemporary

basement space (we hear of media

the epitome of the area’s elegant

ing’s history, offering up unique

and tasteful, with amenities like a

rooms, game rooms, steam rooms,

charms. Imagine a private garden

takes on historic finishes but with a

gym, 24-hour Harrods concierge

and of course aptly positioned base-

with your very own key to while

contemporary flourish.

and a Zipcar membership.

ment gyms). AG’s design will get rid

away hours on your park bench,

Restored to their former glory,

For the interiors, Marino’s aim

As they always do, Alchemi

of the intrusive partitions installed

read under the trees, commune with

took into consideration the loca-

Leinster Square (Leinster I) and are

during the hotel conversion and

the birds…

tion. “Notting Hill was funky, very

starting on the adjoining property at

reinstate lots of the original form

13-19 Leinster Square (Leinster II),

and features. After all, it was built for

In fact, the square’s design has

quite a few celebrities living there,”

which means the dilapidated, Grade

the wealthier elements of Victorian

been a tad political. “We’ve had to

noted Marino. “Then obviously we

AG have just completed 7-12

But it hasn’t always been tranquil.

boutique, with excellent schools, and

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

A D DITIONS

classic yet modern chevron parquet floors

shoPs you have to vIsIt: Wolf & Badger, Melt, Books for Cooks, Aimé

kitchens are all slightly different and the bathrooms are beautifully marbled incorporating elements and ornate patterns from the Victorian era. Marino likes to liven things up, so has thrown punches of colour in the palette of soft greens and duckegg blues. It’s a subtle mix of staying true to your instincts and being commer-

leinster square’s beautiful garden

cially savvy. “In each of our develop-

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Perks

Access to residents-only garden square with separate private key card, gated access and lift, gym, 24-hour Harrods concierge, Zipcar club membership

9fi5th.com

ourselves as quite demographic, quite typical of people who want to live in the area. We also think: ‘What would

Notting Hill (Leinster II) 5 Townhouses, 11 lateral apartments

Plans

ments,” said Baxter, “we think of

we actually want in these flats?’” had to figure out how to work the

“The funny thing is, if you

conditions put forth by conservation

start looking at the buyers, you are

requirements… and then fit what is

actually producing a product that is

required today with modern needs.”

completely different from everyone

So? Open plan living — a no-brain-

else and there is a premium to that.”

er for family life.

It’s worth noting that everything

“We looked at the wood flooring

Alchemi Group has ever done sells

and thought it needed to be some

at a higher price (including the cur-

kind of parquet. We went with chev-

rent stock) than anything else within

ron herringbone with a more tradi-

a mile of it. “It comes down to the

tional colour. But we had it angled

design and layout,” said Baxter.

to make it a bit more modern.” The

We’d be inclined to agree.

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A D DITIONS

DE FRIEND AND EDEN

ARE LONDON’S FRIENDS INDEED R e g a l H o m e s ’ S i m o n D e F r i e n d a n d P a u l E d e n a re delivering superior homes and sound investments with an indie edge.

Regal Homes’ Paul eden and simon de FRiend

9Fi5tH.com

London • King’s Cross • LeasehoLd London • shoreditCh • LeasehoLd

As a London-only real estate devel-

with Druce & Co in 1991. During

50 modern buildings and 2,000

ﬂashy and contemporary German

oper that serves up future-proofed

the second half of the decade, De

homes just a stone’s throw from the

kitchen units equipped with white

investment options, Regal Homes

Friend further honed his muscles

station. For those of you conjuring

quartz worktops and Neff appli-

has brought a lot of style to London

at Hirshﬁelds until he teamed up

up images of the dingy bars of the

ances. Hallways and reception

over the past decade and a half.

with Paul Eden in 1998 to co-found

King’s Cross of days past, think

rooms will feature oak engineered

Co-Founders Simon De Friend and

Regal Homes. By that point, Eden

again because St Pancras is about to

ﬂoors, white skirting, and archi-

Paul Eden have been in the business

had already had the concept for Re-

play an ace in this game of rummy

traves. Throw in bathrooms with

for over 20 years, which is hard to

gal worked out for six years and was

by bringing in Material Architects to

natural stone walls and ﬂooring

fathom given that neither looks past

ready to unleash it upon London.

deliver 60 truly regal homes. “King’s

and you have got a combination

30. It turns out they both began

Fast-forward to today and the duo

Cross is coming back,” said De

not just for aesthetic beauty but

very young; De Friend started work-

have over 1,500 residential units

Friend. “We have seen prices climb

an attractive investment for units

ing his business biceps in the family

under their belts and their boyish

over the past four years and contin-

that start at £1,500 per square

diamond company and then went

waistlines intact, not to mention St

ue to rise.” Eden and De Friend spe-

foot. Beauty is not skin deep

Pancras Place and Banyan Wharf

cialise in bringing out a property’s

here though with those creamy,

on the way.

full potential but most importantly,

smooth interiors designed by Kelly

on to cut his teeth in real estate as a residen-

retaining decision-making control

Hoppens, whose skill and ﬁnesse

with these two about St Pancras

over it so they can ﬁnesse things to

were applied in the super prime

Place, with which Regal is poised to

everyone’s delight.

residences but clearly rubbed off

tial agent

We were lucky enough to chat

play an integral role in the largest

You should know that Regal is

redevelopment project in Europe.

both loved by buyers and feared by

Regal has a whole lot on the

You know, the one at King’s Cross

competitors for its choice of ingre-

horizon and for those looking for

dients. “We set ourselves apart by

unique design, Banyan Wharf

using the best materials we can ﬁnd,

is slated to be nothing short of

even in the least expensive units and

groundbreaking. Set to become

that is one element of control that

the tallest cross-laminated

we can maintain by staying indepen-

timber building in Europe

that will eventually see

dent,” vowed Eden. The renderings offer

on the rest of the units.

and designed as a sustainable and environmentally efﬁcient community for residents, this beautiful structure will be largely the design of Hawkins/Brown Architects. The

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LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

A D DITIONS PARticULARS Banyan Wharf Place ProPerty Plans PrIce £ PerIod Perks

Shoreditch 50 Residences 538 - 992 square feet £498,576 - £1,256,957 Mid-2017 Minutes away from Old Street station, dual aspect apartments, concierge service

firm will bring in moves like 90 degree twisted floor plates, which will increase the amount of light to apartments and heighten ventilation. The timber-clad façade will render an organic feel and be accented by the enhanced insulation of the green roof and the ecologically designed canal garden. “Banyan Wharf is something that we are proud of as it represents a beautiful and responsible design with a flare for innovation,” enthused Eden. You are wondering when these indie stars are going to sell out, right? “Our greatest strengths are our ability to call the shots and to work exclusively in London - and we do both with meticulous care,” proclaimed De Friend. With an office in Hong Kong that is bringing an increasing number of the region’s high-end investors to London, Regal sounds like they are just getting their indie cool fired up for a friendly

Banyan Wharf

Banyan Wharf Living area

9fi5th.com

future in, well Eden.

Bedroom

BOUTIQUE LIVING O N C H AR LOT T E ST REET Elegant, light, 2 and 3 bed apartments designed by leading architects DSDHA. These unique, well crafted spaces will be available soon.

Register your interest at: cornerhousew1.com Hudsons Property 020 7323 2277 Hurford Salvi Carr 020 7250 4950 Other Derwent London apartments still available at queensbuilding.co.uk

A D DITIONS

PAST and PRESENT Boutique Queensway building has 1930s flair.

9fi5th.com

Take a peek aT Queens

London • Paddington • LEaSEHoLd

arriviNg at QueeNs

It took some digging, but amidst the

exceptional portrait you need an art-

imposing behemoths of London’s

ist who is better than the rest.”

residential market we’ve uncovered

Since a 2007 merger with London

a real hidden treasure. At 16 units

Merchant Securities (“a glorious

spread out over five stories, Queens

seven years,” said Silver), Derwent

is a jewel of a place. Its landmark

has acquired an enviable portfolio

façade is that of a 1930s cinema,

across London’s best neighbour-

with illuminated sign, stained-glass windows, silver awning, and all. The whole place is stylishly inspired by the Art Deco cinema, but not old-

WHErE to go for your aftErnoon Pint?

fashioned in the least. Its interiors are sparkling new and although every

The Porchester

detail about the building has been designed right down to its lift numbering, that doesn’t translate to price.

hoods. Expect to see more of them,

Derwent London Director Simon

both in office and residential, includ-

Silver told us: “It’s a myth that great

NeighbOurhOOD views

design always costs a lot.” The self-described “fussy” de-

ing the flagship Fitzrovia mixed-use project, 80 Charlotte Street, slated

namely great architecture. In his 30 years in the biz, Silver and CEO John

for completion in 2018. “We have all

veloper would know—he has built

Burns have been something of talent scouts, finding today’s top architects—

the raw product now, and through

his business on design, down to his

Michael Squire, John McAslan, and Simon Allford, to name just a few—back

good architecture and planning, are

buildings’ door handles and hinges.

when they were bright young things. “We are always looking to young architects

ready to improve it,” said Silver.

“Our attention to detail,” Silver

for what is around the corner,” the Director said. Today, offices are Derwent’s

explained, “means we’re passionate

bread and butter, but with Queens, their first new-build residential project, they

apartment building with style to

about what we do.” They’re also

are in it to beat the residential guys at their own game. In this, Silver told us,

spare. First, the London location.

passionate about the bigger picture,

architects Stiff + Trevillion play a key role. “Architects are like artists. For an

The apartments are a few minutes

But back to Queens, the little

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

A D DITIONS

A quick mAssAge? Aveda

from the West End on a site close to Hyde Park. “I hardly have to sell the area,” said Silver. Queens sits on its own little island site. “It has good scale. There’s space around it, so it really can be admired.” And admire it we did! Its stunning ceramic fluted decoration is from Germany, a subtle take on Art Deco in deep blue— very fetching against a snowy white façade. “We’re travellers,” said Silver, “and we’re sold on natural materials. London is made of brick and stone, and that is what’s beautiful about it.” Residents and guests will enter

in the heart of town

Queens under a gorgeous silver canopy and marquee signage that-

oak herringbone

which, starting

lights up. The developer handpicked

parquet, wool

at £1,515 per

the reception desk, furnishings, and

carpeting, and

marble-inlay floors. “It sounds im-

Carrara marble

modest,” he said, “but it’s pretty, to

for the baths;

say the least.”

high-end ap-

As for the flats’ interiors, they

ReAdy foR A weekend AwAy? Paddington Station is just a stone’s throw away

pliances are by

square foot, is, “not crazy expensive,” as Silver put it. “We did Queens

are supremely liveable and luxuri-

Siemens and Miele and balconies are

as something that we wanted to do,

ous, with nods to their landmark

standard for each unit. Derwent went

rather than to make an enormous

façade. Exhibit A: Art Deco-inspired

back and forth with Westminster over

return.”

entrance door mouldings, done in

the cinema’s original stained glass—

sleek black lacquer. “There’s a bit

pretty, but not great for residents

are selling quickly

of decoration,” Silver said, “but it

because they let in no light. Borough

and despite

isn’t over the top.” Its fine finishes

and developer quickly compro-

himself, this do-

include oiled

mised, though. “We found a group

gooder developer

of artisans who’d replace the orange glass with clear glass. We were happy and Westminster was happy.” He forgot Queens’ residents

is bound to turn a profit. In terms of buyers he is on the picky side. “We didn’t want to sell off-plan and we didn't want to sell to investors. We

“He went to the cinema 35 years ago

gorgeous

told our agents to interrogate the

and saw Flash Gordon with his wife,”

antique

buyers and sell to people who would

said Silver. Other buyers are a mix,

details and

actually be living in the flats.” It’s

including a number of Londoners

light-filled

a noble goal and for Silver’s ideal

who, according to Silver, “really want

flats, are sure

client Queens’ cultivated, nostalgic

to be a part of the local community.”

to be happiest

charm is a strong selling point. So

Does this sound like you? If so, better

far, half of the flats are spoken for,

get to Queens fast. This little gem

including the penthouse, purchased

sparkles far too brilliantly to stay

by a former patron of the cinema.

hidden long.

fortunate element here is the price,

9fi5th.com

But the flats

who, with

of all. Another

art Deco touches

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A D DITIONS

W ith slickness and stealth , Ta ylor Wimpey Central Lo n d o n h as cornered the market fo r b outique urban developm e n t s a t the best addresses.

Established in 2010, Taylor Wimpey

to the business. Working her way up

Central London was created to focus

through the ranks, taking notes from

on boutique residential develop-

everywhere (even donning a hard hat

ments in highly sought-after London

on a construction site) she took the

locations. And it’s doing very nicely,

reins in 2010 to focus on London’s

thank you very much.

boutique market. “Great teamwork,”

With her super-efﬁcient hands at the helm, Managing Director Ingrid Skinner leads a slick opera-

she said, “is what makes it all work.” Her grand vision helps too. With a host of luxurious projects

tion. When she joined the group on

on their way, all bespoke in terms

a graduate scheme fresh from an

of site and product, there are two

Oxbridge degree, she eagerly took

we thought we would hone in on:

G i G e h c i N 38

9fi5Th.Com

Westminster Quarter’s outdoor living space

London • Westminster • LeasehoLd London • southWark • LeasehoLd Westminster Quarter and The Music Box. Starting with the former, right in the heart of

Fancy a micheLin star For your evening’s dinner and drinks? Galvin at Windows at the Hilton Park Lane

Westminster, it

scheme.)

minutes from everything you could

garden, “which was something the

sociates has taken

in the world. (Whoever said that if

planning authority was also inter-

charge of the de-

you are bored with London, you are

ested in,” Skinner explained. “In

sign of the studio

bored with life, knew a thing or two.)

summer you can open the windows

to three-bedroom

Regarding the elegant façade, “we

homes, all of

spent a lot of time on the bricks,” said

offers history left, right, and centre.

which feature open-plan layouts, ﬂoor-

Skinner, who appreciates the details

The development comprises 103

to-ceiling windows and access to the

of a project. “Bricks are in keeping

units within three low-rise buildings:

roof garden. Open any window and

with the area, and buyers love the tra-

Chadwick House, Ash-

get sensory overload as a sweep of his-

ditional elevation of the façade,” she

ley House, and Liberty

tory ﬂashes before your eyes. Head up

stressed. Complementing the exterior,

House. (The scheme

to the roof and there are even better

the tone and feel inside is understated

snugly adjourns 73

vistas of the Houses of Parliament,

luxury accentuated with warm tones.

Great Peter Street,

Big Ben, and the London Eye.

Beiges and creams, “the more tradi-

their previous sellout

The location is unbeatable –

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Each apartment will have a winter

possibly yearn for in the greatest city

Darling As-

tional hues,” as Skinner noted.

of the garden and in winter you can close them and still use the space.” Notably, the Westminster Council

A D DITIONS

used to be very pro office-to-

there will be a mix of commercial

newer vibe is Southwark, which

— another quote we thought of.

residential conversion. But recently

use. Think cafés and retail.

is, “fantastic for going out,” said

And it is ﬁtting that this musically

Skinner, and The Music Box is,

inspired development shares its low-

“deliberately a bit more funky.”

er levels with the London Centre of

they have altered their view, and

Interestingly, the council is

the likelihood of continued resi-

encouraging local enterprise in the

dential development has dimin-

area. “They can inﬂuence the ten-

The development has a certain

Contemporary Music – hence the

ished. “The opportunity to buy

ants and have a mixed bag… Not

New York edge, situated next to a

name. Architect Trevor Morris at

in that particular area is likely to

your classic high street, but little

railway with arches. “There are pop-

Spparc Architecture has designed

niche places to discover.”

ups in the back of the arches and an

the aesthetics of the building with

At the other end

underground theatre. Over the road

the LCCM in mind. Explore the

you have Gordon Ramsay’s. Around

exterior and you will see the series

the back there’s a little wine bar.

of delicate white textured spines

like to include that wherever

Then on the corner is Baltic… Then

are reminiscent of the strings of a

we can to get a communal

you have niche theatres,” Skinner

piano or harp with, “hints of music

space. Particularly if there

enthused. It’s also just by the

decrease,” she said. The communal sky garden is now par for the course with these kinds of schemes. “We

is a view, it’s nice to be able to enjoy it.” On the ground

of the scale with a

Southbank, an arts hub. Music is the purest art

ﬂoor

form

PARticULARS THE MUSIC BOX

notes running along the base,” as Skinner lyrically described it. Echoing the theme, the interiors are white, all fresh, and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing natural light to reflect off the oak timber flooring that perfectly matches the polished, modern ambiance. The angles of the property give

Place ProPerty Plans PrIce £ PerIod Perks

Southwark

you privacy from the outside world,

55 Residences

but offer uninterrupted views when

521 - 1,089 square feet

you feel like expanding your horizons.

£900,000 - £3 million

But actually, the best perk is

End of 2016

downstairs, which will feature a

Impressive residents lobby and communal

soundproofed room for concerts.

areas, secure cycle storage, close

So, if music be the food of love, we

proximity to Southwark Underground

declare: Play on!

station, property situated atop space used by London Centre of Contemporary Music

9fi5th.com

The Music Box

A collection of new houses and apartments in the heart of Kings Cross

regal-homes.co.uk 020 7328 7171 9fi5thSPPad.indd 1

27/03/2015 11:08:30

A D DITIONS

At Home WITH ST. EDWARD

Two new under takings for London’s premier “Place Makers.”

Like its illustrious partner company

key features of its impressive new

the Berkeley Group, luxury devel-

1,000+ unit undertaking called

opment ﬁrm St. Edward is a “place

375 Kensington High Street. On

of the Warwick Road master plan),

architects Squire and Partners who

maker,” specialising not only in the

a smaller scale, at 190 Strand, St.

is a substantial project to move new

have designed the whole master plan.

gorgeous new structures it raises,

Edward is doing the same, with

residential buildings and amenities

but in the particular amenities

thoughtful, innovative architecture

to the Royal Borough of Kensington

many attractive features, including a

that make empty square footage a

and fun extras. These carefully

and Chelsea. The developers have

wide network of green spaces, based

home and create community within

researched and considered projects

been busy bees and their part in the

on the quintessentially British notion

blank acres. Green parks, a private

far surpass other sets of nameless

plan is well underway: completions

of the garden square. Three garden

cinema, a primary school, and care

buildings, to be real places to which

on St. Edward’s ﬁrst building began

squares will punctuate the Warwick

facilities for the elderly are some

residents love coming home. As St.

in 2013. Those ﬁrst ﬂats are 100

Road Master Plan, including one at

Edward Director Tim Pettman put

percent sold, but there are more to

the heart of 375 Kensington High

come. In Autumn 2015, St. Edward

Street, an open verdant area where

will deliver Lord Kensington House,

residents or community members

to be followed by the venerable Ben-

can sit quietly under a tree, with the

it, “we are providing a product

these buildings, as well as any others

that customers want.” 375 Kensington High Street (part

son and Edward. The look of

that go up, will be cohesive, thanks to

The master plan will include

soothing sound of running water. “This is a tranquil place away from the roads and noise,” Pettman told us. Another green feature will be the linear park that will run alongside the buildings. “It will provide far-reaching greenery, residents and the public will be able to enjoy.” 375 Kensington High Street will have luxurious interiors by CID with great storage options and a variety of finishes. Amenities-wise, they’ll have the requisite gyms, saunas, and steam rooms for residents, as well as a cinema, an amenity that “residents really use,” according to Pettman—St. Edward

Kensington Row

London • RoyaL BoRough of Kensington and CheLsea • LeasehoLd London • WestminsteR • LeasehoLd but for their grandparents, perhaps. These

“extra care” units, part of Kensington Row, will have the same luxury and high-end speciﬁcations of the others, as well as builtin services—more assistance

has

and “future-proofed” layouts

done the research. Another

designed to suit an older age group.

very particular perk is the planned

“There is a certain symmetry to

primary school and nursery for

what we are doing,” said Pettman,

residents of its new community, and

“providing for residents at both ends

the area at large. “Speaking with

of the age spectrum.”

375 KeNsiNgtON HigH street iNteriOr

St. Edward’s 190 Strand is a dif-

the local authorities, they were keen that we cater to the overall popula-

ferent sort of property, of which the

ties in with the mansard roofs all

tion,” said Pettman. So, beginning

area is one major draw, and the ﬁne,

around: a detailed ﬁligree pattern

in autumn of next year, Kensington

thoughtful architecture is another. It

that will look like grey slate from the

Primary Academy will start enrol-

is located in the picturesque, historic

ground but will actually let through

ment. “This is something new for us

borough of Westminster on the

light and air.

PLay tennis oR squash?

and something

scenic banks of the River Thames.

that we think is

Beauty surrounds it on all sides

quite exciting

and, best of all, it will be supremely

for London

convenient for City of London pro-

developers to

fessionals, with Theatreland, Covent

slouch. In all of its developments,

amenities. Its 3- and 4-bedroom

be involved

Garden, the Royal Courts of Justice,

St. Edward takes pride in its tasteful

penthouses will feature wrap-

and the ﬁnancial district just minutes

blending of past and present, and

around terraces and a few aptly-

Queen’s Club with. It is

190 Strand will be luxurious to 375 KeNsiNgtON HigH street exteriOr

the extreme with a ﬁve-star, hotelstyle concierge, sparkling Swarovski crystal light ﬁxtures, and all the

away. “You could walk to work,” said

this development is no exception.

named townhouse units will even

infrastructure project—providing the

Pettman. It’s about to be even more

“We wanted to do something that

have their own street entrances

area with something it really needs,”

convenient, with the nearby addition

was very much in keeping with the

(unique to the area)! And though

said Pettman.

of the Garden Bridge, a gorgeous

locale,” said Pettman. The property’s

there may not be a school planned

almost like an

park and pedestrian walkway in the

façade will be constructed of stately

as part of this development, St.

vided for its more mature future

sky. Planted with river-edge trees,

Portland stone, a popular build-

Edward has still provided for the

residents with a set of homes not

shrubs, and wildﬂowers, the Garden

ing material in Westminster. There

kid inside: In the common areas of

for the kids at the primary school,

Bridge will add ambiance and

will be a lovely roof detail, too, that

190 Strand, residents will be able

Likewise, St. Edward has pro-

PARTICULARS 190 Strand PLaCe PRoPeRty PLans PRiCe £ PeRiod PeRKs

walkability, connecting 190 Strand

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tual golf.

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190 straND

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

A D DITIONS

INTELLIGENT DESIGN

Manhattan Loft Corporation brings the cool, fresh taste of American lateral living to London flats.

Manhattan Loft Gardens

9fi5th.com

London • Stratford City • LeaSehoLd

“Going beyond what you think you need without overdoing it,” is best when it comes to design, according to Harry Handelsman, CEO of Manhattan Loft Corporation. “Manhattan Loft Corporation came about as a result of me looking to build in Clerkenwell. At the time, wanting to build at the height of the recession, I needed a new concept and thought of loft living.” Back when loft meant attic (not a particularly sexy term), he pushed the design-envelope by introducing an, “American feel,” and lifting the English out of their comfort zone.

pLeNty Of Light iN this mODerN buiLD

“Traditionally, residential developers undertook their developments

Grappling with issues of space and

know, is the hot-

in established residential locations.

how to entertain 12 people in a one-

spot in London

I pioneered the concept that great

bedroom apartment, Handelsman

geographic locations and suitable

opted for practical conveniences. “It’s

infrastructure, such as commute,

about trying to be as generous as

restaurants, markets, and retail

you can,” he said. “By introducing a

could equally be exciting.” (The

sofa that can easily accommodate 10

leafy Stratford City was an ignored

people, it gives the purchaser a sense

part of London.) “Even if there is

of the possibility.”

no established residential element,

Monday nights are comedy nights at the Theatre Royal Stratford East

at the moment.) Naturally, the penthouses up the ante in cool. “On the upper level we have created doubleheight spaces.

it does not make it illogical that

fresh. Meaning? Style and comfort.

people would want to live there,”

“When people come to my build-

said Handelsman. “If you offer

ings, the style might be different

people the right product in the right

and sometimes surprising.” Not

environment,” he stressed, “you can

marble, then? No, no, it's not about

engineering arm. The fact that

be successful.”

materials. “It's the various elements

the building is cantilevered means

coming together… I’m very fond

it is an engineering challenge and

cares deeply about design. “People

of clutter in Victorian homes where

expensive to build.” Not to mention

are interested in how they look, their

things can be all over the place, but

dramatic. “Each time you look at

clothes, etc.,” he noted, “yet when

when it comes to my buildings, it is

it there is an element of surprise,

it comes to development, very often

all about contemporary living.”

sometimes solid, sometimes translu-

Rare in developers, Handelsman

the criteria of the developer is how easy it is to sell the product. Being passionate about

An avid collector, art is a passion he carries over to his developments

The architects we work with [SOM] also have a strong

cent — never homogenised.” The lobby will serve both the on-

where he is constantly trying to make

site hotel and its 145 rooms as well

our developments and

sure that there is at least one wall to

as the residents. Residents will have

having a continu-

put a very large piece of art. Even if

access to the hotel facilities, such as

that artwork measures 7.5 feet across.

24-hour room service, restaurants,

ous dialogue with the architects affords me the

Handelsman also looks for what’s

need a Laugh to kiCkStart your week?

The apartments at Manhat-

and gardens (with rainwater col-

tan Loft Gardens are open-plan

lected for watering). The key here

opportunity to

so nothing feels crowded. A lovely

was to create a vertical community.

make spaces

spaciousness prevails, with floor-

better.”

Quality of design is sure to entice

to-ceiling windows and oak floors

owner-occupiers. Handelsman goes

Design

and paneling. With well-established

as far as to say that he is convinced

works when it

priorities and thoughtful amenities,

that when this glass-clad tower is

is linked to func-

the kitchens boast a grand Siemens

built, it will be the best in Europe.

double-door fridge. (Interestingly, the

And the secret’s already out: from

interior designers also did the Chil-

word of mouth alone, they have sold

tern Firehouse, which, as you may

over 20 percent.

tionality, especially here at Manhattan Loft Gardens.

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

A D DITIONS

In Style

TICKET TO LONDON – Canaletto Residential Tower offers location, luxury, and liveability in Islington. to Oxford Circus, and 20 minutes to

lective homes unite the interiors with

Knightsbridge. Dutch master Ben

the wider skyscape. Natural stone

van Berkel of UNStudio Amsterdam,

and timber combine with superior

as well as interior architect Johnson

appliances and advanced level home

Naylor and interior designer Martin

automation services. In the kitchen

Goddard designed the luxury tower,

alone you will find brands such as

with responsibility for delivering

Gaggenau, Miele, and Bulthaup,

the ﬁnished product in the hands of

while in the bathroom designs by

Project Managers Groveworld.

Philippe Starck and Dornbracht

Few residential centres have a

finish as well as a heated wall for

ette than Canaletto’s. In addition to

warming gowns and towels.

a wide variety of high-end amenities

The BeaumonT ColleCTion living room

were here,” said Jeff Duggan, Direc-

residents will have access to a restau-

tor of Groveworld. homes stick to a modern yet comfort-

panoramic views of the city, a private

able aesthetic that prioritises inter-

cinema and screening room, a swim-

national brands for custom-ﬁtted

ming pool and gymnasium, as well as

appliances, double-glazed sliding

a 24-hour concierge team.

doors, large private balconies, and

9fI5Th.Com

state-of-the-art integrated heating

passing glance inside one of the

and cooling systems with individual

homes will make you weak in the

room control from local controllers.

knees. With brands from around the

The bathrooms are also clean-chic

world and a devotion to sharp and

and homely, combining the modern

sleek but comfortable elegance, the

and the natural with steel enamel

homes are designed around satisfying

baths surrounded by natural stone

residents’ taste for style and liveabil-

and black painted glass, as well as

ity—an ambitious goal since the line

under-floor heating. (These are the

between the two is often razor thin.

details that pamper). Residents have

But they’ve not only mastered the

the option of selecting the wood

Sitting at the crossroads of one of

tightrope, they’re schooling London’s

colours for

London’s most exciting and diverse

residential scene.

their wide-

districts, the 32-storey Canaletto

The BeaumonT ColleCTion BaTh

Throughout the rest of the tower,

Club Canaletto with sky terrace and

And if that weren’t enough, a

“This is where I would live if I

within their own homes, Canaletto rant, the stunning 24th-ﬂoor private

The BeaumonT ColleCTion sTudy

impress with a white Italian marble

broader and more sophisticated pal-

The cherry on top of the Ca-

Residential Tower will offer a col-

naletto project is the penthouse,

lection of apartments that can’t be

about which you’ll soon get more

missed. Providing residents with

nifty details. Stay tuned. But until

truly exceptional and rare levels of

then you can gorge on the Beaumont

service and amenities, Canaletto

Collection. Sitting right above the

will be steps away from Islington,

24th floor Canaletto Club, the Beau-

Shoreditch, and Clerkenwell, in the

mont Collection takes full advantage

swiftly growing area around City

of its high-rise position. With floor-

Road and Tech City—only ﬁve

to-ceiling windows, private terraces,

minutes to King’s Cross, 15 minutes

and exquisite detailing, these ten se-

board timber

Fresh produce For tonight’s dinner?

Islington Farmer’s market (open on Sundays)

flooring and bedroom wardrobes, from American white oak to fumed oak veneer. Impressively, each home manages to

London • IsLIngton • LeasehoLd

pull off so much style while proudly

a sophisticated yet relaxed atmo-

landscaped terrace and breathtaking

manicures, as well as an array of

wearing a level-4 grade sustainable-

sphere that will combine the energy

panoramic views across London.

holistic treatments, will be avail-

homes certificate.

of New York with the elegance of

While the long list of features cre-

The spa will include an exclusive

able in the therapy rooms or in the

Paris, all-day service and deliveries

indoor, residents-only swimming

comfort of apartments upon request.

ates an immediate impression that

to each flat. The exclusive, residents-

pool, a gymnasium equipped with

Overlooking the pool will be the en-

both you and your guests will admire

only Club Canaletto, located on

the latest exercise facilities and

tertainment lounge that will lead into

(and even envy) as soon as you cross

the 24th floor, will be open all day

personal trainers, a sauna, and a

the private cinema and screening

the threshold, the idea at Canaletto

and provide snacks until late, as well

steam room. Essential pampering

room made to fit 20 guests.

is to not only pamper residents with

as visually wow with a beautifully

a luxury base, but to also provide

indulgences, from massages to

Canaletto also has security under absolute control. All homes

a place where they can create and

will come with a home automated

develop their own style.

system with wall mounted touch

And what really sets Canaletto

screens, as well as a video

apart from other residential

entry system linked to the 24-

buildings in London and the

hour concierge.

immediate vicinity

With all this to offer, it’s

is the variety of at-

no surprise that people from

tractions within the

around the world (from the

building itself. The

Continent and even from

ground-floor café

across the pond) are thinking

and restaurant at

about making a permanent

Canaletto, for ex-

move, and buying their ticket

ample, will provide

to East London.

PARTICULARS CANALETTO RESIDENTIAL TOWER Place ProPerty Plans PrIce £ PerIod Perks

Islington 189 Residences + 1PH 388 - 3,600 square feet (excluding PH) £870,000 - £3.5 million (excluding PH) Early 2016 Upper-level Club, premier restaurant and café, spa, health, and fitness centre, entertainment centre, 24-hour concierge, car and bike parking onsite

CaNaLettO ResiDeNtiaL tOweR

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

A D DITIONS

THE WISH LIST

and then some

overlooking Mayfair

Super-exclusive mayfair flats tick London buyers’ boxes. 48

9fi5th.com

Antique is nice—we like it!—but

They’re forward thinking, let’s just

that, with ﬂexible layouts, gorgeous

today’s London house hunters are

say, so though they may appreciate

vibrant design, and natural light

different from the blue-blooded buy-

the past, they have no desire to live

galore, are perfectly suited to this

ers of yore. New luxury buyers may

in it. That’s why developer Glebe has

century and the next.

be fresh from university, they may be

hidden a stunning surprise behind

app designers, social media luminar-

the Beaux-Arts façade of its new

the The Mellier ﬂats, has never been

ies, or green technology newcomers.

Mayfair project—ﬁve exclusive ﬂats

one to follow. In 1994 his previous

David Phillips, the man behind

London • Mayfair • LEaSEHoLd

TiME for afTErnoon TEa?

Try The Connaught company made history building out the apartments at Chesham Place. “It was a whole block,” Phillips recounted, “the first really highend speculative development in London. We broke every record by doing things beautifully.” Over the last decade he’s kept his finger on London’s pulse. He clued us in to a list of must-haves for London’s new, young-money market. First off, today’s buyers want flexible spaces in their homes, rather than stuffy formal rooms with stated purposes such as the “dining room” or “the sitting room.” This isn’t a Clue board, guys! That’s why, with great light and adaptable design throughout, The Mellier’s rooms are whatever buyers want them to be. “You can live, entertain, and work in these flats,” Phillips said. “No matter how you live in them, they are great.” In the penthouse there’s a fantastic skylit atelier with a view over the London skyline - a creative space in which to read, paint, or just be free. The five flats also have highly accommodating indoor/ outdoor spaces and ample winter gardens and terraces that you can leave open or close off—whatever suits your mood. “It would be great to smoke a cigar out here,” Phillips said of the penthouse winter garden

The ATeLier

square footage ranging from 3,600

acoustically lined windows provide

Mackareth, go on sale in early

- 5,250, not including generous

an absolute barrier against noise

2015. Phillips is seeking a particular

outdoor space. The building has

from the street.

groups of buyers. “People who really

a 25-metre frontage and though

Lastly and critically, Phillips told

appreciate what they are getting —

ceilings aren’t cathedral-height, at

us, London’s homebuyers want to

great architecture, design, and fine

3.2 metres, you’ll hardly scrape your

live in a vibrant place. In Mayfair,

art, who want something bespoke

head on them. And don’t worry, the

there are nightclubs and dining,

and discreet, who love beautiful

German, kiln-baked oak floors are

groceries and boutiques—opportu-

things but don’t need to shout about

just as good. They’re veritably silky

nities, “to live at any level,” as the

it.” Nor does Phillips feel the need

underfoot, to use the developer’s

developer put it, whether it’s high-

to shout about

words, “like songs on your feet.”

tea at Brown’s or a quick bite at Pret

Glebe’s ﬂats in

A Manger buyers are after, “there’s

Mayfair. As a,

London buyers’ third must-have is privacy, and peace and quiet. This

an eclectic mix of things to do and

is hard to come by in the Swing-

places to go, all within walking dis-

ing City, but somehow Glebe has

tance,” Phillips mused. “Even very

accomplished it. For this project they

wealthy people want that.”

restaurant you HavE to try: Umu

“very successful man,” on an airplane once told him, buy-

worked with award winning global

Buyers will have to be rather

architect Eric Parry whose, “vision

afﬂuent to get the keys at The Mel-

ing something

for the project was light and space,”

lier though. Currently, the penthouse

a good investment. “Scarce things

as Phillips recounted. The Mellier’s

is priced at £30 million, with the

create their own value,” the devel-

bounteous ﬂoor-to-ceiling windows

smaller ﬂats going for £18 million.

oper explained. “At The Mellier you

are certainly one of its best assets,

These flats, which can come unfur-

can buy the best. It has scarcity and

but the ﬂats are also quiet, to say the

nished or furnished, with colourful,

quality and that is what is special

least. Specially designed glass and

contemporary interiors by Studio

about it.”

scarce is always

during our walk-through. “You get sun in the afternoon and beautiful

PARTICULARS The Mellier

sunsets in the evening. It’s relatively quiet. It doesn’t feel like you’re in the city at all.” Second on buyers’ list, as Phillips told us, is lateral space, which at The Mellier is plentiful and beautiful. “So much of London is 5-6 storey buildings with tall ceilings, and it is just not a good way to live. People end up spending time on different floors. Life doesn’t flow,” Phillips explained. But flow it will at The Mellier. Glebe has made each of the five apartments a full floor, with

Place ProPerty Plans PrIce £ PerIod Perks

Mayfair Five Residences 3,600 - 5,250 square feet £18 million - £30 million Spring 2014 Indoor-outdoor spaces, floor-toceiling noise-proof windows, BeauxArts exterior and contemporary interiors, available furnished or unfurnished

PLeNTy Of gALLery wALLs AT The MeLLier

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

A D DITIONS

WORTH GOING

BACK FOR London homes so nice, you’ll buy them twice.

and, “embrace all markets,” touring

extreme 165-residence Hammer-

places like China, South East Asia,

smith development on eight stories,

and the UAE. Still, Central London

with a unique silver screen pedigree.

is their focus. They’ve built 5,000

Located on the scenic Surrey bend

homes in the city thus far, with ambi-

of the River Thames, the apartments

tious plans to add half that number

have plentiful amenities: a 24-hour

again by 2018. In development are

dedicated concierge, a gorgeous

the stylish, Art Deco Eagle on City

rooftop terrace, landscaped podium

Road, the Landau in Fulham, and,

gardens, and upscale eateries/bars

for something with a stunning water

on site. And, with balconies in all

view, the Dollar Bay apartments in

homes and a new riverside walkway,

Canary Wharf. It’s so hard to choose

Queen’s Wharf will have no shortage

between them, but Mount Anvil’s

of magniﬁcent views. As for its inte-

head honchos do play favourites - Jon

riors, Mount Anvil is all about, “up-

Hall, Mount Anvil’s Head of Market-

specking.” Every one of its develop-

ing and Sales, loves Queen’s Wharf in Hammersmith. He calls it,

coming back to purchase their third

“a quintessentially English

and fourth homes from us,” Killian

development.” As for

Hurley, Mount Anvil’s CEO, told

Hurley, Lexicon is

us in a recent sit-down. Luckily for

his darling. “It’s the

them and for all of you potential

tallest apartment

buyers out there, the ﬁrm has plenty

tower we’ve

to choose from, in all ﬂavours and

done,” he said.

London’s Mount Anvil is the il-

in all locales—with travel spanning

We get it—go

lustrious international development

80,000 miles worldwide, they really

big and go home!

ﬁrm whose every project has that

are everywhere you want to be!

ﬁve-star feel. But buyers beware,

Cosmopolitanism is a way of life

But we’ll

for these savvy contractors-turned-

Queen’s Wharf,

be habit forming. “We have people

developers, who look for inspiration

an elegant-to-the-

9fi5th.com

this one,

start with

Mount Anvil’s luxurious homes may

ments, including

QueeN’s WHARF ROOFTOp TeRRACe

London • HammersmitH • LeaseHoLd London • isLington • LeaseHoLd she had! And for Lexicon residents

gone, and to a Londoner no less!

inspired to do more than soak at

What’s the secret to Mount Anvil’s

home, there will be a gorgeous

staggering success, you may be

pool and spa on-site, with heavenly

wondering. Well, the warm and

heated loungers and a steam room

fuzzy answer is… You! “We keep

and sauna.

a continuous relationship with all

Apartments at Lexicon and

of our agents and past purchasers

at Queen’s Wharf are on sale

and always take their feedback into

now and moving quickly. Lexi-

account,” the company’s Chief Ex-

con’s sky-high penthouse is going, going,

ecutive revealed. “We rely on them to grow and get better.”

£ features wine coolers, high-end coffee

cale and

makers, and resident-only gyms. “We

look.

have a hunger and desire to be the

It’s super

best,” said Hurley.

slick: think

Nestled amidst parks, pretty

glass, contem-

Thames-side villages, and a hop and

porary, smooth

a skip from bustling Chelsea and

surfaces, and veneered

Knightsbridge, Queen’s Wharf ’s

walls—36 storeys of them, in fact,

location is scenic, social, and a trans-

rising high into the East-Central

portation hub too. “Queens Wharf,”

London sky! Slated for 2016 com-

quipped Hall, “is like a Sunday after-

pletion, this canal side tower will

noon, with the sophistication of the

be Islington’s tallest. And in case

London market but the relaxation of

you feel unsteady at those heights,

the River Thames.”

take heart—to handle this big job,

So, Queen’s Wharf is luxuri-

Mount Anvil has brought in the

ous and well-located, and speaking

pros: SOM architects for Lexicon

of sophistication, this waterside

delivered none other than the Burj

development will be a great place

Khalifa, the world’s tallest build-

to soak up culture! The iconic

ing in Dubai. “For all those who

Riverside Studios, onetime ﬁlming

worked on the project, the interview

site of Dr. Who and other notable

process was heavy,” Hurley told us.

programmes, occupy its ground

“We asked if they are the best at

floor, and alongside the apartments

their jobs, not just if they are good

project, are getting seriously made

enough.” It goes without saying

over. We’re talking three new stu-

that Lexicon’s 1, 2, and 3-bedroom

dios, a cinema and screening room,

apartments will be as deliciously

a rehearsal area, and stunning new

slick and modern as the structure

public entertainment facilities, to

itself. Their features will include

showcase a mixed programme of

ﬂoor-to-ceiling windows, high-end

the arts—all right below residents’

Siemens appliances, and lots of

feet! Swoop in now, culture vultures

little touches that will complete the

because these artsy apartments are

feeling of luxury. Speaking of little

sure to go quickly.

touches of luxury, be sure to check

As for Lexicon, Hurley’s pick, it

out the sumptuous Renaissance Al-

has all of Queen’s Wharf ’s inner

vus tub in the bathroom—this is the

beauty, with a strikingly urbane lo-

bath that Queen Elizabeth I wished

LexicON exteriOr shOt

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

SMALL-SCALE LUXURY

A D DITIONS

ElEgancE at thE Park crEscEnt

Amazon Proper ty’s boutique buildings overwhelm with elegance.

9fi5th.com

Modern-classic aesthetic, subtle

dences are also exclusive—available

art deco details—Amazon Prop-

only to the upper echelon of Lon-

erty’s boutique properties declare

don society—and, most importantly,

themselves unmistakably to the

expertly engineered to fulﬁl their

London market, where the brand is

buyers’ needs and desires.

synonymous with

Amazon Prop-

impeccable, time-

erty, an award-

less style. “Walk

winning premier

into any one of our schemes and you’ll recognise it immediately,” Amazon Property Director Chris Lanitis told us. “It is like buying

Want to take the little ones on a bit of nature exploration? The London Zoo is in your backyard

residential developer, has been busy developing over 70 schemes in prime, central London over the past two decades.

a Rolls-Royce or Bentley. There

The company has been exceptionally

are certain things that draw you to

acquisitive since 2009, predominant-

those brands.” Style is a big part

ly buying old ofﬁce buildings and

of it, of course, but, like a luxury

crafting them into stylish, opulent

automobile, Amazon Property resi-

new residences, with not a dropped

London • Regent’s PaRk • CRown estate owns FReehoLd London • st. James's • LeasehoLd mount House in SoHo, Buckingham House in Covent Garden, and The Portland Collection in Marylebone. Add to this

list, two stunning new buildings-inprogress: The Park Crescent nestled in Regent’s Park and artsy, exclusive The Pall Mall Collection in St. James’s. At 20 units, The Park Crescent is the larger of these new boutique properties, and, readers, it’s a doozy. The 1812 building was designed by John Nash, world-renowned architect of a little old place called Buckingham Palace—now that’s what we call name recognition. “It is

The PaLL MaLL COLLeCTiON

so unique - the history, the interiors you can’t recreate that,” said Lanitis.

makes this proj-

contemporary and modern, with

Nash is known for having pioneered

ect special.”

those Art Deco details that Amazon

the picturesque in architecture, and we can’t think of anything prettier than The Park Crescent. Situated on the emerald border of Regent’s Park, its curved façade and window apertures bring in maximum light and its sweeping front terrace is a most-elegant place to bask. In addition to one-of-a-kind architecture and supreme bragging rights, The Park Crescent residents will enjoy

Bit oF aRt in the aFteRnoon? The National Portrait Gallery and The National Gallery are right around the corner

The resi-

Property is known for, plus the build-

dences start at

ing’s own exquisite original façade.

1,250 square

“This is particularly nice on an

feet and some

historic street,” said Lanitis.

have a special

The Pall Mall Collection will

feature—their

have a porter from Monday to

own front door

Saturday and will offer boutique

so that buyers

concierge services. “We offer a select

used to a house

service and many add-ons can be

will feel right

made available,” Lanitis said. So,

at home. “The

theatre tickets or dinner reservations

exceptional park views through their

typical residents are coming from

will be easily accomplished for The

ceiling or ﬂuorescent bulb in sight.

gorgeous bay windows and 5-metre

a home with many ﬂoors, and The

Pall Mall Collection residents. And

A few of their properties have been

ﬂoor-to-ceiling heights.

Park Crescent is a natural trade

for a cultural ﬁx, they won’t have to

new builds, but most are renovationconversions. They’ve done Para-

And here’s the best part: The Park

down,” Lanitis said. “It offers conve-

go far - a ﬂagship art gallery will oc-

Crescent residents will have exclusive

nience with no loss of luxury, as well

cupy the building’s ground ﬂoor.

access to 8 acres of private gardens

as proximity to town.”

plus the open areas of Regent’s Park. We are talking gorgeous

A real testament to Amazon Property is its large UK following.

comparison, is a smaller property,

Domestic buyers appreciate the

landscaped areas, outdoor

but no less splendid. The St. James’s

ﬁnishes and locations; they like the

tennis courts, and plen-

building comprises three lateral units

privacy and exclusivity of a boutique

of 1,575 square feet (£6 million+)

building and may not want to buy

tiful children’s play areas, all private and

The Pall Mall Collection, by

and, on the fourth and ﬁfth ﬂoors, a

in a more common 50- or 100-unit

accessible with a

grand 2,575 square-foot penthouse

scheme. So, keep an eye on Amazon

key fob, 365 days

(£12 million), all on the market at

Property, which, in its own subtle

a year. Other fea-

the time of print. Interior details

ways, is always raising the bar. “In

tures will include

include Carrara marble, oak ﬂoors,

our next project we may use a dif-

concierge services

and bespoke kitchens that Amazon

ferent kind of marble, a new ﬂoor

and parking. “These

Property designs in-house. “We do

ﬁnish, the veneers in the bathrooms

not buy brand kitchens,” said Lanitis.

and kitchens may be different.” And

“You won’t see these in any other

at their level of luxury, these little

development.” The overall look is

things make all the difference.

are very elegant addons,” said Lanitis. “The grandeur of this building

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

A D DITIONS You won't get a sharper combination of contemporary design and heritage in an urban setting than the Gasholders.

INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH K

King’s Cross used to be an address you’d avoid. Now this central city location has it all: canal-side setting, parks and squares, shopping, eating, and schools. Even its own postcode: N1C. Director Robert Evans joined developer Argent with King’s Cross in mind back in 2001. “I remember thinking, if you can’t jump for that, what would you jump for?” From a planning point of view, “it’s amazing this site was still here,” he said. “Look where you are: the epicentre of

a world city. There are 67 acres of what was derelict land in the heart of this most amazing, eclectic place, and it hadn’t been used. And the reason had to do with my former profession, the planning system.” Well, good thing Argent stepped in. “This is probably the most remarkable thing we’re going to do in our professional lives,” Evans continued.

9fi5th.com

Granary Square, KinG’S CroSS

London • King’s Cross • LeasehoLd

eclectic

holdup

nary thing to do. You have to start

slightly irreverent and counter-culture,

hurly-

was,

the new buildings ﬁrst and re-erect

so tone and character were important.

burly

the gas

the frames as you go, then push

Evans likens the area to what is hap-

of a city

holder

the new façade for the building out

pening in New York’s Hudson Yards.

is what

“Something that is a 24-hour culture:

we’re try-

credible, authentic, but also something

ing to create.

you can believe in.” And close the

People want to

King’s Cross has always been

was taken down from its site outside St Pancras and

door behind

live somewhere that

it. “Residents

has that spark and edge.”

want to be

King’s Cross stations

Argent’s best-known project so far

from the inside.” They turned to the architects with the most experience in large industrial architecture in the UK: “Wilkinson Eyre are up there like gods.” The Gasholders are sure going to

and schlepped up to Yorkshire for restoration before being

be something else. “We’ve hired inte-

rebuilt back in London.

rior designer Jonathan Tuckey, who

able to dip

is a scheme in Birmingham called

in, dip out,

Brindleyplace. “We did – shock,

and shut the

horror – restaurants in ofﬁce build-

and Evans happily wears the badge.

house commissions, so we thought

world behind

ings!” Maybe not so brave today, but

He tells us why the gas holders are

it was perfect to give him 144 apart-

them in their

in 1999, that was like, oh my God!

so important to the scheme and de-

ments. We want each one to feel like

sanctuary,”

“We did residential on the same site

scribes how the interlocking lattice

a private home commission. These

he explained.

as ofﬁces. We put the public realm

of the Gasholders is to be converted

feel like a home, but with a qual-

“We do apart-

in ﬁrst. Nobody else had done those

into swish – he hates the word

ity that chimes with the industrial

ments you can

things,” explained Evans. “Brindley-

luxury (too blingy) – apartments in

aesthetic.” It’s pretty striking.

actually live

place got that whole urban revival

a new position on the north edge

in. We try to

going. It was a totemic example of

of Regent’s Canal. “This is the

that, “the place is better than the

get a different

good practice.” The ﬁrm earned its

only listed linked triplet gas holder

vision and it keeps getting better,”

personality in each building ... For ex-

spurs and skills on Brindleyplace.

structure in the world, and you’ll be

he said. “People come along and

ample, the townhouses in Tapestry are

“Those skills have been really impor-

living inside it.” So, if you have any

add something to it: whether it’s a

a unique product, clustered around a

tant at King’s Cross.”

connection with a sense of history, a

Waitrose, a preschool, or the pond

sense of place, and you can afford it

club.” Oh, yeah, you can go swim-

...Then you better get on it.

ming, too. “People like this sense of

hanKering for some Literature and history?

The British Library - the world’s largest with over 14 million books

garden at level 8 - similar to a London

And it’s been a long and winding

It’s the stuff of loving obsessives,

had mostly done one-off private

The thing about King’s Cross is

square but 8 floors up, The Plimsoll

process – we’re talking more than

building has these amazing terraces,

ﬁve years for design and construc-

and Gasholders is going to have ex-

tion just for a new park housed

triplet next to Gasholder 8 for a

setting. And you can’t get a sharper

traordinary industrial aesthetics.”

within a 19th-century gas holder.

long time. But doing it, with three

combination of that than the Gas-

new buildings on

holders. It’s a very modern building

The idea is that each building has a different

(No gas, of course.) If you’re wondering what the

“We had the idea to re-erect the

contemporary design and industrial

the inside, is

inside this jaw-dropping

an extraordi-

heritage.” So, if you’re into that sort of thing,

character, which

you’re going to

is what makes cit-

love it.

ies. “That

PARTICULARS Gasholders PLaCe ProPerty PLans PriCe £ Period PerKs

King’s Cross 144 Residences To be released Starting price £1 million+ Late 2017 Living in a 67-acre diverse estate, communal garden, gym, spa, business lounge, new primary school in

TapesTry King’s Cross

The Plimsoll building

A D DITIONS

PERIOD WITH Personality Featuring interiors with an eclectic twist on modern meets classic, Gatti House is like entering a private members club or a beautiful hotel.

Covent Garden, the former fruit and veg market and perennial tourist hub, has seen a number of plush developments spring up in the past couple of years in the lovely cobbled streets surrounding the famous piazza. Standing out from the crowd is the just-completed Gatti House, a joint development by Enstar Capital, Penna Property Partners, and Pacific Investments, who seem to have their hands on all the best luxury residential in the area. Niche and boutique is the name of the game and Christopher Penna of Penna Property Partners has the pulse of the place. This vibrant area sits on a huge chunk of history and is one great address at the centre of a thriving restaurant and theatre scene. So, these days when buyers buy with both head and heart, Gatti House can appeal to both.

Gatti House

London • Westminster • LeasehoLd

And yes, our hearts sure flipped over as soon as we set eyes on the

of the world’s best restaurants and theatres is a huge attraction.”

in a classical, historical environment. Known for his great eye for

of state-of-the-art gadgetry thrown into the mix. “The general feedback

interiors, Penna explained, his vision

has been that it is really refreshing

The four bespoke apartments are

family, entrepreneurs and found-

behind the design: “The key was

to see apartments with so much

truly something else. All are up for

ers of many historical businesses

to do something distinctive and to

character. Each one has its own

grabs in mid-May and at a cool

on the Strand, the building was

challenge the status quo. With this

individual style.”

£2.95 million for the smallest rang-

originally the private dining rooms

scheme we tried to do something a

Think of an exclusive private

ing upwards to £5.5 million for the

for the Adelphi Theatre next door.

bit more fresh.” He opted for per-

members club or a beautiful hotel,

penthouse, they will be snatched up

As developers, they saw the im-

sonality-plus. Each unit is uniquely

but one that feels (and is) homey.

quickly according to Penna. “Within

portance of bringing the building

designed, covering the gamut from

The Royal Opera House is a hop,

the Covent Garden area, a major-

back to life and have stayed true to

classical to industrial with all sorts

skip, and jump away, along with an

ity of buyers are based in the UK.

its original bones. Great care was

enticing array of

Many have main family homes on

taken to resurrect and replicate

West End fare. But

the outskirts of London and will

original features.

for our money, the

majestic Grade II listed building.

use this boutique development as a

Taking its name from the Gatti

best show in town

The apartments boast original

luxury base two to three times per

plasterwork, magnificent ceiling

is the one you get

week. The grand style and size of

heights on the first and second

from the triple-storey

these apartments will also appeal to

floors, and huge French windows.

penthouse, boasting

the overseas market; being within

At the rear of the building there is

a large terrace with

walking distance

less original detailing. Here you see

magnificent views of

to some

the Strand below.

modern touches like reclaimed wood on the walls. With comfort cooling and underfloor heating throughout, direct lift access to the penthouse, and a secure video

entry system, all apartments offer modern apartment living

...OrNate OrigiNaL DetaiLs...

… Or a mODerN twist LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

A D DITIONS

NEW GEMS

IN THE

TAPESTRY United house projects join community and place.

United House Developments celebrated half a century last year and for its birthday, it unwrapped a shiny new CEO! Rick de Blaby is gifted alright, and he’s chock-full of plans and ideas for the company. But the giving doesn’t stop there—United House may have something for you as well. Good things come in small packages, de Blaby wants you to know, but sometimes in big ones too. Project-wise, his company does complicated regeneration work in London — large complexes, often with a mixed-use commercial and residential component, as well as much smaller schemes of 15-40 units. The latter are often characterised by being quite,

PARticULARS CITY NORTH

“different and ﬁddly,” and very interesting for it. “The things we do are deﬁnitely not formulaic,” de Blaby said. The company’s

Place ProPerty Plans PrIce £ PerIod Perks

very different activities, huge projects and little itty bitty ones, may seem unusual, but don’t worry, it’s all part of the plan. “The small schemes churn the capital and keep oil in the machine to fuel the larger, more longwinded, and ultimately more reward-

Finsbury Park 308 Residences in 3 buildings 380 - 2,400 square feet £325,000 - £1.5 million Autumn 2016 Private terraces, resident-only curated spaces, 20,000 square

ing business,” de Blaby explained. And though it may work in extremes,

feet of commercial space to

as a company United House is neither a

include a cinema, gym, and

behemoth nor a mom and pop. “We’re between the family-ofﬁce private compa-

9fi5th.com

supermarket City North

London • Finsbury Park • LeasehoLd

PLaNNeD retaiL at City NOrth

nies without our kind of cheque-

to knowing his city, he is not just

book and the big-volume public

talk. “When I was being scouted

companies such as Berkeley, Crest,

for this job, I jumped on the back

Bellway, and the like,” de Blaby

of a motorcycle and spent a day

said. In a phrase: just right!

going around to every single United

Up ahead for United House lie

House project,” he revealed. “In my

more rental properties and more

interview, I’d seen it all; I had the

commercial projects, a natural with

geography of the whole portfolio. It

the company’s mixed-use credentials.

was just a bloody cold day!”

Where the style of its residences are

For an example of United House’s

concerned, mum, dad, and baby may

thoughtful, place-specific work, look

be making a comeback. “Price rises

no further than City North, an ambi-

in central London have driven a lot

tious Finsbury Park redevelopment

of families out and there comes a

project expected in 2016. Though, at

time when you want them to come

308 units (that’s two 21-storey towers,

back,” said de Blaby. “The return of

connected by another 11-storey lin-

families could deﬁne how our new

ear building), it’s not exactly diminu-

designs look.”

tive, the project will by no means

But let’s get to the good stuff:

outsize its surroundings. Rather, it

What can United House offer you?

will enliven the already artistic and

Bigger homes for one thing, and

diverse neighbourhood of boutiques,

homier buildings, for another. “Our

old-school pubs, and cozy restau-

ﬂoor plans are a little larger than

rants. City North’s combined 20,000

those of the mainstream and a little

square feet of retail space to include

more highly speciﬁed.” With United

a supermarket, a ﬁtness club and spa,

House’s smaller projects in particular,

and a multi-screen cinema, will be

buyers gain something distinctive:

a resource for the whole community

“buildings that are quite bespoke,

to share. “With this project we really

quite unique, and quite intimate. Not

have the opportunity to redeﬁne

everyone wants to live in a great, big

a place. It’s sure to catalyse other

building,” de Blaby noted.

gentriﬁcation and regeneration in the

Most important to the CEO and

area surrounding it,” said de Blaby.

his company, though, are the proj-

Add to that, that environment is at

ects’ sense of place — the environ-

the forefront.

ments they create for buyers that

All sizes of apartments will be

make the homes their own. “People

available, from studios (£325,000) to

have to feel like they are joining

penthouses (£1.5m), and regardless

something that is a community or

of asking price, each unit will have a

place, rather than just living in a

terrace, some with park views!

two-bed ﬂat with a nice kitchen. It

So far, all kinds of people are buy-

is a very emotional thing.” London,

ing at City North, the CEO told us.

he told us, “is a rich tapestry of

“A lot from Asia, many from London,

neighbourhoods. With every project

a lot of owner-occupiers, and some

we are adding another gem into

investors—domestic buyers who are

the tapestry, and you have to be

buying to let. It’s a good, healthy

empathetic to the character of the

mix.” The owner proﬁle will be as

area.” And though de Blaby may

diverse as the neighbourhood—and

be good with words, when it comes

we know de Blaby likes that!

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

A D DITIONS

URBAN COOL the art of selling living environments to like-minded people.

9fi5th.com

Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park Place

London • Queen’s Park • LeasehoLd

What’s more,

Robert Soning is a hard man to pin

they have really

down. When we ﬁnally sat down with the über-busy Chief Operations

Looking to restock on your favourite wines?

Officer of luxury residential development firm Londonewcastle, he spilled the beans - figurative ones, thankfully - on his hottest little development for the cool crowd. Construction is

The Salisbury Winestore

underway on 117 new ﬂats, including six penthouses, spread out over three south-facing buildings, a few minutes from Queen’s Park Station.

interesting architecture going in there. “Simpson wanted to bring something different into the area,” said Soning. “He had a modernist approach but at the

same time was very sensitive to the

Back in the day, Soning and Co-Founder David Barnett were too

area. The building was designed on

cool for school and found a gap for

a really modern warehouse building,

boutique residences, so set up Lon-

so we tried to replicate what was

caLm iNteriOrs

there many years ago.”

donewcastle in 1998 with not much dosh but a healthy dollop of attitude.

took advantage of that and started buying these buildings and getting planning

We’re talking niche developments

to convert to residential,” said Soning. “Then we really got involved with the

Far East – and that went really well.

that were design-led and appealed to

design. We started bringing in artists, interior designers, and furniture makers to

“Before that, we had a friends and

create small intimate developments.”

their trendy young mates – moneyed

At the risk of sounding cheesy, said

creative types. “We worked out that we were operating in quite a non-creative industry and that gave us an opportunity to change things and create a brand in London that was quite anarchistic

afternoon stroLL under the trees? Queen’s Park is right there

compared to our competitors,” said

They released phase one in the

family release in the UK.” Soning believes most sales are going to come

Soning, “we were selling living environ-

from local buyers. “These may be

ments to like-minded people.” This meant

locals who have been living at home

the buildings were alive 24/7. There was

in the likes of Hampstead or north-

always something going on in them.

western London and are looking to

They started winning a bunch of awards and attracting big investment. “We

make their ﬁrst move. We do sell a lot to young people who are ﬁnancially

Soning. “Our target market was

gained a reputation for being a really on-the-edge Central London residential

helped by their parents. Then there

those who did not necessarily want

developer,” said Soning.

are young creative people and others

to live in the larger housing devel-

Londonewcastle is successful, he said, because they are not afraid to do

opments because they were young,

stuff that is, “ballsy.” And with their small team of 20, Soning and Barnett are

transient, and single, and were earn-

personally involved in every step of every development. Right now, they have

ing good money.”

about 15 schemes on the go, which brings us to Queens Park Place.

In the late 90s there was an ofﬁce

Located in what Soning calls, “yummy mummy territory,” it has all the things

in the area who are looking to downgrade in terms of size.” Security is also really important. “A car park and 24-hour concierge are something that is really attractive

recession and newly constructed

Londonewcastle promotes. “By the station there was a big piece of land owned by

to a lot of people,” noted Soning.

ofﬁce buildings were ripe for the

the council and we went through a process to develop it. It was the ﬁrst opportu-

“That goes back to people’s expecta-

picking. “We

nity to create a large new block of ﬂats in Queens Park where we could promote a different way of living, i.e, 24-hour concierge and apartments

quickly

with balconies and terraces in a modern building, which you just couldn’t get in Queens Park.”

You expect a certain level of service. I think this has massively changed over the last ﬁve years. People here

They hired renowned architect Ian Simpson and in-

are earning big money, they have

terior designer Tamzin Greenhill, who has done most

very little time on their hands, and

of her work in New York. “The units are quite far

tions of how they live in London.

when they part with their money

along. We are looking at silver birch wooden ﬂoors

they have expectations. We have to

and all modern appliances. On the higher units

deliver that. That is one of the great

we will be upgrading with state-of-the-art media. We will put speakers in most of the rooms and in

things about living in London.” Yes, he’d move into this building

general we are going for that modern clean look.”

in a heartbeat. “There is nothing I

So, what makes this development stand out?

would develop that I wouldn’t like

“Number one — the location.” Not only is it situated right in family-central but is also home to quite a few celebrities, making it the “Hollywood” of London. “Also, it is parked right by the station so transport links are brilliant.”

to do for myself. That is actually the basis of how I started the business with David. If it wasn’t good enough for us to live in, we wouldn’t be developing it.”

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

A D DITIONS

The Wilson brothers, Nick and Ben, set up Residence One - a, “developer of elegant residences in London’s finest addresses,” in 2013 and have not looked back since. “We had some experience renovating houses in advance of setting up Residence One,” said Ben. “So, we took the plunge and gave up our corporate jobs to do it full time.” Every aspect of the Wilsons’ bespoke interiors is unique. The brothers pride themselves on their, “fanatical attention to the beauty and quality of the smallest detail.” Ben added that they, “work with a fairly large number of companies, all of whom make individual aspects of our designs based on our needs and requirements. Everything is custommade, apart from the light ﬁttings. But at the same time, we always try to preserve original features and refurbish the properties according to the original plans.” And that’s what sets the brothers apart, with clear blue sky between them and the rest. “All our clients own numerous houses. You need to have something to say with your design,” Nick emphasised. “When we look at other properties, we begin to see a lot of replication. We’ve tried to avoid that completely.” Surely the Wilsons’ clients are

The Wilson BroThers

UNCUSTOMARY

DETAiL Residence One’s custom-made designs.

delighted by the attention to detail

Ben wanted something more. “Our

- and lavish detail at that - that goes

careers weren’t really fulﬁlling us and

into the designs? “Our clients are

I had really enjoyed renovating my

very discerning people,” said Nick.

house,” said Nick. “We were doing

“These are globally prominent

very well, so we went for it full time.”

people who are buying properties in

The brothers saw an opportunity

prime London locations. One of our

when the market was weak, and their

clients asked us to convert a bedroom

ﬁrst property at Eccleston Mews,

into a dressing room. And of course

in Belgravia (including a seven-foot

we made the change.” Residence

chandelier) sold at a record price for

One caters to a truly global spectrum

the area. After completing four prop-

of customers, meaning that needs

erties, they founded Residence One.

can differ. “One family found the

“It deﬁnitely feels very empowering

dining room in their prospective

to take something from nothing and

because the world - or at least its up-

snowboarding!” Nothing seems to be

home too small,” said one brother.

make it amazing,” said Ben. “This is

per crust - comes to them in London.

stopping these two from redeﬁning

“We were happy to knock down the

everything to us.”

wall separating it from the study.”

“We wouldn’t have been content to

luxury property, and nothing will tear

The Wilsons are London-based

give up our jobs to work in anything

them from what they love doing. “It’s

And what brought the brothers

and locally source all their materials,

less than super-prime London,” said

important to have work you really

into the business? Despite high-flying

but don’t let that give you the impres-

Ben. “We’d love to go multi-unit,

enjoy,” Nick added. “When you focus

corporate careers in sales and project

sion that they’re parochial; their

and maybe develop a spa and ski

on the things which give you joy, you

management, respectively, Nick and

ambitions are global, and not just

chalet. And not just because we love

can excel.”

9fi5Th.COM

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Guide prices from: £2,330,000** *Only available for 2 and 3 bedroom apartments on request. **Price correct at time of going to press. Computer generated image of One Blackfriars is indicative only. Interior photography of the Hepworth show apartment with indicative views from the 39th floor.

KnightFrank.co.uk alex.carr@knightfrank.com +44 20 7861 5444

A D DITIONS

INDEX Name

Battersea

Place

ProPerty

PlaNs

Price

Period

Battersea

4,000 residences, 42-acre mixed-use project including 3 hotels, 250 shops, 1.6 million square feet of office space

807 - 7,287 square feet

£1.328 million £21 million

Completion of first three phases in 2020

Power station

Perks

historic significance of listed Battersea Power sta-

Page

tion, 19 acres of open space, 450m of river frontage, social network for residents and neighbouring residents, proximity to Chelsea and Knightsbridge, gym, spa, vegetable garden, rooftop gardens, outdoor kitchen and gathering spaces, barbecue areas, the Village hall residence clubs, library

250 CitY roaD

islington

920 residences and 190-room hotel

500 - 2,500 square feet

£595,000 £4 million

2017-2020

Large selection of designer finishes, landscaped

wi-fi gardens, 8th floor gym and spa with yoga/ pilates terrace and views, restaurants, cafés, hotel, retail, office space, underground parking

Leinster sQUare

notting hill

(Leinster i) 5 townhouses, 6 lateral apartments; (Leinster ii) 5 townhouses, 11 lateral apartments

st PanCras PLaCe

King’s Cross

60 residences

(Leinster i) 2,690 - 3,769 square feet;

(Leinster i) £4 million £9 million;

(Leinster ii) 3,800 - 4,200 square feet

(Leinster ii) £5.2 £10 million

538 - 1,215 square feet

£635,000 £1,957,567

(Leinster i) summer 2015;

access to residents-only garden square with

(Leinster ii) summer 2016

gym, 24-hour harrods concierge, Zipcar club

mid-2017

separate private key card, gated access and lift, membership

Landscaped space, concierge service, three minute

walk from King’s Cross and st Pancras stations, tree lined pedestrian avenue walkways

BanYan wharf

QUeens

shoreditch

Paddington

50 residences

16 residences and ground-floor retail

538 - 992 square feet

£498,576 £1,256,957

mid-2017

1,250 - 1,700 square feet

starting at £1,515 per square foot

2014

minutes away from old street station, dual aspect

apartments, concierge service

Landmark, art Deco façade and art Deco-inspired

lobby with concierge; oiled oak herringbone parquet flooring and wool carpeting in units, artDeco-inspired moulding, upscale ground-floor retail and café

westminster

103 residences

QUarter

500 - 1,582 square feet

starting at £990,000

Dec 2016

state of the art gym, secure underground park-

ing and electric car charging points, 24-hour concierge, landscaped courtyard and landscaped roof terrace

the mUsiC Box

southwark

55 residences

521 - 1,089 square feet

£900,000 £3 million

end of 2016

impressive residents lobby and communal

areas, secure cycle storage, close proximity to southwark Underground station, property situated atop space used by London Centre of Contemporary music

375 Kensington high street

royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

514 residences in 7 buildings

575 - 2,281 square feet

£925,000 £7.7 million

2015-2016

24-hour harrods estates concierge, bespoke

swimming and vitality pool, private cinema, sauna, steam, and spa rooms, gymnasium, secure underground parking (by separate negotiation)

190 stranD

westminster

206 residences

560 - 4,456 square feet

£1.2 million £17.3 million

2016-2017

Proximity to planned garden Bridge, swimming pool and spa, virtual golf, 24-hour concierge, on-site business suite, cinema, allocated parking

9fi5th.com

Name

Manhattan

Place

ProPerty

PlaNs

stratford City

248 residences

Loft Gardens

Price

Period

386 - 1,630

£600,000 -

2018

square feet

£10 million +

Perks

24-hour hotel concierge and room service

Page

will extend to the private residences, two restaurants, 3 sky gardens, 145-room design hotel, 200-acre park, two dramatic cantilevers

CanaLetto

Islington

resIdentIaL

189 residences

388 - 3,600

£870,000 -

+ 1Ph

square feet

£3.5 million

(excluding Ph)

toWer

early 2016

upper-level Club, premier restaurant and café,

spa, health, and fitness centre, entertainment centre, 24-hour concierge, car and bike parking onsite

the MeLLIer

Mayfair

five residences

3,600 - 5,250

£18 million -

square feet

£30 million

spring 2014

Indoor-outdoor spaces, floor-to-ceiling noise-

proof windows, Beaux-arts exterior and contemporary interiors, available furnished or unfurnished

Queen’s

hammersmith

165 residences

Wharf

422 - 1,457

£580,000 -

square feet

£7.25 million

2017

24-hour dedicated concierge, rooftop terrace,

on-site restaurant, bar and café, easy access to riverside studios, redesigned film and performing arts centre

LexICon

Islington

200 residences

534 - 1,273

£725,000 -

square feet

£6 million

2016

residence lounge, luxury spa with pool,

steam room, sauna and heated loungers, fully equipped gym, secure cycle storage

the Park CresCent

regent’s Park/

20 residences

Marylebone

1,250 - 4,200

£3.15 million -

square feet

£16 million

autumn 2015

Private access to regent’s Park, concierge

service, one-of-a-kind historic architecture, bespoke kitchens with marble countertops, oak and marble flooring

the PaLL MaLL

st. James’s

CoLLeCtIon

GashoLders

king’s Cross

3 residences +

1,575 - 2,575

£6 million -

1 Ph

square feet

£12 million

144 residences

to be released

starting price

summer 2015

Concierge, ground-floor art gallery, porter,

marble finishes

Late 2017

Living in a 67-acre diverse estate, communal

garden, gym, spa, business lounge, new

£1 million+

primary school in the Plimsoll building

GattI house

the strand,

4 residences

Westminster

1,783 - 2325

£2.95 million -

square feet

£5.5 million

Completed

original ornate solid oak double entrance doors

original historic detailing to ceiling and walls, private terraces and balconies, decorative lighting, dumbwaiter for shopping and luggage, comfort cooling and underfloor heating

CItY north

finsbury Park

308 residences

380 - 2,400

£325,000 -

in 3 buildings

square feet

£1.5 million

autumn 2016

Private terraces, resident-only curated spaces,

20,000 square feet of commercial space to include a cinema, gym, and supermarket

Queen’s Park PLaCe

Queen’s Park

117 residences

628 - 1,510

£530,000 -

square feet

£2 million

autumn 2015

James andrew residential uniformed

24/7 concierge includes housekeeping, private catering, floristry, fitness offers, personal training, yoga, massage, and beauty treatments; virtual lifestyle management includes supply of tickets to sporting events, concerts, opera, gift service, personal travel, and reservations

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

AT HOME

67 FOLLOW THE RED BRICK ROAD

70 KNIGHT OF THE REALM

72 LONDON JUST GETS BETTER

With both an elegance and industrial feel, there is no place quite like this Little Venice home.

By creating real places where people want to live, Knight frank betters the chances of success for both developers and buyers, says ian marris.

the more boxes you can tick with what people actually want from life, the more people will gravitate toward those areas, says Lisa hollands.

9fi5th.com

Red BRick House in LittLe Venice

London • LittLe Venice • FreehoLd

FºLLOW THE RED BRICK ROAD With both an elegance and industrial feel, there is no place quite like this Little Venice home.

Hidden away off Randolph Avenue in lovely Little Venice, sits an exceptional Red Brick House discreet in nature, yet warm and welcoming to the touch. Built by the well-known and celebrated architect Charles Stanley Peach circa 1929, this low-built freehold detached house is the epitome of an elegant yet robust family home. Peach, who is best known for his stylish and industrial character, created this house with a perfect balance of privacy, leisure, and comfort that will have anyone who takes a look around feel peachy keen on making this home their own.

dining in LiTTLe Venice

Glistening with chandeliers and ornate ceiling cornices, you enter into the formal dining and drawing room, which brings forth an era of the past. Decorated in a minimal white and black palette, the room is complemented by tall industrial windowed doors, each opening toward the private landscaped garden in the rear. Perfect during a summer’s dinner party, this room also welcomes you to sit back and relax in front of the fireplace on a chilly afternoon. And for those times when the notorious English temperatures won’t make up their mind, this Red Brick House comes equipped with air conditionThe Red BRick house RecepTion Room

ing and underfloor heating.

AT HOME

Moving in along towards the kitchen, you will find a beautiful conservatory perfect for enjoying a more intimate meal. Overlooked by tall trees, this space is complete with a television to take in the morning news over breakfast and a chandelier to enjoy romantic dinners without the kids. The kitchen is designed with warmer tones of wood and stainless steel appliances, including a wine cooler. Big wine collector? We will let you in on a clue, there’s an additional wine cellar on the lower ground floor. qUaint breakfast area

CineMa rooM loreM iPsUM

Meandering your way downstairs, you will be pleased to find your new favourite hang-out spot. Along with a cinema-sized projector screen, there is a comfy set up for watching your all time favourite flicks and football matches. Fancy a cocktail or a pint with the boys, but can’t miss even a second of the game? Don’t worry, this family room comes with a full bar with storage, wine cellar, and additional seating. With delicate lighting, you can leave the bar aglow as your screen lights up and your friends cheer on their teams. Plenty of light in the Conservatory

As if this property couldn’t get any better… The ground floor holds its own indoor swimming pool, private gym, and steam room. With dark stone walls and ceilings, you are in the perfect environment to get fit and toned for that tropical holiday to St. Barts you have planned for next month. Does your post work-out high have you needing a lie down? Sit back and enjoy the calming sounds of the water wall feature as you give your muscles a break. For the times you are entertaining guests and don’t feel like bringing food up and down the stairs, the lower ground floor also has an industrial kitchen and utility room perfect for hired staff to prep and cook tasty treats and snacks.

9fi5th.com

swiMMing and fitness down below

Working your way back upstairs and through the dining room, you walk up the stairs holding on to the beautifully detailed iron railing. Once upstairs, you enter the principal bedroom with his and hers matching

PARTICULARS THE RED BRICK HOUSE Place ProPerty PrIce £ PerIod Perks

a principal ensuite complete with a large footed bath,

Little Venice

shower, and beautiful

6,033 square feet

marbling décor. With

£13.95 million

plenty of natural

Completed Rear landscaped garden, roof terrace, off street parking, garage, air conditioning,

ON yOur way tO the master beDrOOm

dressing rooms and

underfloor heating, complete smart system control package with audio visual systems

The principal bedroom also

another with its own

and lighting control with wireless

dressing room. There

networking and security, indoor pool,

has a private terrace

is a fifth bedroom

gym, and steam room

overlooking the

with private shower

garden. Decorated

room on the ground

with delicate lighting

floor, which can be

and furniture, we

made available as

guarantee this will

staff accommodation.

be your go-to place

Leaving the home,

in the morning to

you have the luxury

enjoy a cup of tea

of a separate garage

before anyone else is

and off street parking

awake. The first floor

as well, so you’ll never

has an additional

have to worry about

three bedrooms, one

coming in late and

with an ensuite and

waking everyone up.

light, this will be the best place to get ready for a night out on the town.

bathiNg iN eLegaNce

Property represented

This unique and magnificent family home is one of Little Venice’s best kept secrets.

by Aston Chase, on the market for

Located just moments away from the amenities of

£13.95 million

Clifton Gardens, the home is within walking distance of the Warwick Avenue Undergound Station. Oh,

Mark Pollack,

and how could we forget…The sale of this home

Director of Aston Chase +44 (0)20 7724 4724

also includes your very own canal boat perfect for afternoons exploring the picturesque Regent’s Canal.

LittLe veNice caNaL

www.astonchase.com

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

AT HOME

Knight Of

Native LaNd aNd GrosveNorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Neo BaNkside

The Realm 70

9fi5th.com

By creating real places where people want to live, Knight Frank betters the chances of success for both developers and buyers, says Ian Marris.

said Ian Marris, Head of

want the edginess of the

Residential Development.

up-and-coming location.

Just to rub it in, he contin-

That is why you see pockets

ued: “We have a 35 percent

of London emerging.” And

market share of the £10

that means fringe hubs such

million+ market in London.

as Hoxton, Shoreditch, Ken-

As you move up the scale to

sal Rise, Tottenham Hale:

£25 million, that probably

previously untapped realms

increases to 50 percent.”

of London’s wide geography.

Notably, they are the

“I think ‘realm’ is prob-

interface between the

ably the most underval-

market and the developer.

ued piece of thinking for

Native LaND aND GROsveNOR’s NeO BaNksiDe

Having clocked up years of

development,” said Marris.

The new hotspots mean

night Frank, one

experience advising on some

“You can’t create an oasis

the geography of London

of the largest

of the Capital’s most iconic

in the middle of nowhere.”

is a lot broader and as a

independent

and sought-after London

Developers have to look at

consequence a lot richer, in

property consultancies,

residential properties, their

retail, restaurants, schools,

all senses of the word. As he

boasts 300 pure brokers with

knowledge of buyers is

and social amenities - the

quipped, “London has cul-

27 offices in London. With

superb. The most success-

whole shebang. “Really,

tural osmosis on its streets.”

their mitts on 80-85 percent

ful schemes are ones that

the customer journey starts

of super prime property in

appeal emotionally to the

before the customer gets out

is an international address,

the city, you needn’t be a for-

buyer, Marris stressed. “The

of the car, as they’re walking

but it has always been a base

tuneteller to predict a bright

development industry has

down the street approaching

for creatives and thinkers.

future for the company. (For-

refined around the luxury

the development.”

tune being the operative

goods markets. That’s why

word, really.)

developers have come and

To be frank, they, “live and breathe property,”

"We have a 35 percent market share of the £10 million+ market in London. As you move up the scale to £25 million, that probably increases to 50 percent." - Ian Marris

One of the great dangers,

The reality is, London

“There is something about drive the value curve. Bed-

London, which fosters cre-

he reckons, is developers

rooms, kitchens and dressing-

ativity, and that allows Lon-

gone. Some get the customer

being far too generic about

rooms are just as vital as

don to constantly evolve.”

journey, some don’t.”

their thinking. The key thing

the location, and Knight

Finance executives

to remember, according to

Frank’s analysis of hotels has

eration means creating real

with hefty bonuses are a

Marris, is, “we’re not build-

proven invaluable. “The best

places where people want

relic from another time. The

ing a new city, what we’re

residential buildings are an

to live. As Marris warned,

financial crisis put an end

doing is bolting onto an

amalgam between residen-

“the tragedy is when identity

to all that carry-on; money

established city.”

tial buildings and hotels,”

gets removed because we

This manifests itself in

said Marris, admitting they

become so brand-centric.”

broader depth of industries.

the way most developers now

all borrow ideas from each

So, bring on the baker, the

The tech industry comes to

approach development, hav-

other. “We are piecing them

artisan sausage-maker, and

mind. With more creative

ing several layers of design

together in a way that allows

the fromagerie.

thinkers and hipsters digging

starting with the executive

each scheme to truly say it is

deep in their pockets, tastes

architect right down to the

best in class.”

have changed too. “They

interior designers, who really

is now being made in a far

“I think developers who are building big residential

In 2011 Knight Frank put

buildings should be thinking

out a report predicting large-

responsibly about having

scale transport projects,

some sort of affordable retail

such as the Crossrail link,

policy, subsidising the rents

would drive up property

of the retail units into non-

values in and around central

branded retailers and occu-

London. And boy, were they

piers,” suggested Marris.

on the money! Prices have

RONsON CapitaL paRtNeRs RiveRwaLk

But successful regen-

While hesitating at go-

continued to rise and a mix

ing down the route of the

of overseas and domestic

knitted-jumper wearing kin-

investors are attracted to

folk, he is adamant about

the economic and structural

the key to the whole picture

stability of the Capital. Last

- people. “Let’s reintroduce

year Knight Frank sold to

the human side back into

78 different nationalities.

our streets.”

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

AT HOME

Lisa HoLLands

The more boxes you can tick with what p e o p l e a c t u a lly w a n t f r o m l i f e, t h e m o r e p e o ple will gravitate toward those a r e a s , s a y s L isa Hollands.

making. Get the sense of place right and the people will follow. “Look at the West End,” she said — particularly Covent Garden and Soho. “15 years ago the area wouldn’t have supported any large apartments because it didn’t

LONDON JUST GETS BETTER

have the quality and calibre

an apartment are not going

duplex apartment, living

of retail or the sense of

to live in an area, which

above a souvenir shop that’s

place it has now.”

doesn’t have good retail

selling knick-knacks.”

When she

or restaurants to

started work-

support their

ing in Covent

lifestyle.”

Most of what CBRE ad-

value-neutral to an area.

Clearly, everyone wants to live somewhere lovely. “Everyone’s ideal place would be

vises on has a ground-floor

to live in a place where they

retail aspect. “We focus from

have a fantastic coffee shop,

he has clocked up

Garden, it

the bottom up.” What works

florist, with a spot to buy

30 years in the

was, “less

floor retail is

well is something that is a

gifts and practical items like

property business,

Ground-

gentrified”

the word-du-

bit of a landmark. So, if you

a great loaf of bread as well.

meaning Lisa Hollands,

and the retail

jour. Think

can place a Michelin-starred

Everyone would love to have

Managing Director of

was noth-

back to those

restaurant, cool. “And if you

a gym or a pool on hand.

Central London Residen-

ing to write

original

have a beautiful florist or

So, the more you can tick

tial at CBRE, has more

home about.

souvenir

café, it just gives something

the boxes with what people

knowledge of the market in

But what a

shops that

back to the residents who

actually want from life, the

her little finger than most

difference a

used to cram

can use that ground-floor

more people will gravitate to

up-and-coming developers

few years and

Covent Gar-

space.” This is a concept she

those areas.”

put together. Her take on

smart develop-

the scene is priceless.

ment have made. “Place

She believes the most

den. Sorry… but Hollands’s point

dubs value-positive, where

For Hollands, that’s what

the success of each build-

the future of residential is

making is so important

exactly. “You’re not going to

ing truly depends on the

all about. “This is how we

important thing in Lon-

because people who have

have someone who wants a

ground-floor retail. If you

will make London bigger,

don’s development is place

£2 million+ to spend on

beautiful 2,000-square-foot

were wondering: banks are

because London is not big

9fi5th.com

an im-

enough.

pact on

Central

the market.”

London is small. Whenever any piece of

Anywhere near the

land comes on the market,

Crossrail stations is where

there are 100 bids on that

we’re seeing the majority of

piece of land. We can make

the value uplift. Other areas

London bigger if we put

like Greenwich are also still

what’s in Central London

affordable. “You can buy

into schemes that aren’t

in Greenwich for £500 a

as central.”

square foot.” Earls Court,

Having said that, trans-

is one to watch too. With

port is a factor, too. “We

nearly 80 acres to play with

are on a big drive to get

there, it’s going to be a huge

people to see that London

opportunity. “The embed-

needs to be bigger than

ded values are going to go

it is now. The key to the

up considerably as you have

undersupply of residential

Chelsea and South Kens-

in London is actually down

ington as neighbours.”

to the infrastructure that

If your bubble-themed

helps support what is being

buzzer is already blinking,

built. The land supply is

think again. “I’ve worked

not going to change. You’re

in this market for nearly

not going to flatten half of

30 years, and when you

central London, so we have

look at the trends, yes it

to find ways of building

bubbles up and down, but

outside of that.”

over a 30-year period it’s a

Infrastructure is getting

virtually 8 percent.” A lot

to have a massive impact.

of people who own London

Think of all those areas

property do not sell it. They

that will benefit by quicker

future-proof it. “Once they

connections. South Hall

own it, they sit on it and it

for instance. “You can buy

becomes part of their fam-

in Southall for less than

ily heritage. If you look at

£500 per square foot.

the turnover in comparison

What Southall lacks at the

to other parts of the world,

moment is a beautiful retail

it’s very, very low. It’s a very

environment; that whole

good investment. Every

gentrification that we’ve

area in London just gets

seen in Central London.

better; it doesn’t get worse.”

sorts of areas, it will have

aLDwych chamBers peNThOuse recepTiON

constant upward trend at

better: Crossrail is going

If we can get that in those

The Beecham

Good times ahead, dear reader.

aLDwych chamBers DupLex BeDrOOm

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

AT HOME

K NIGH T FR A NK M A R K E T R E p o RT TOP 5 LOndOn HOTsPOTs 2015 1. Acton

2. old oAk common

3. EArl’s court*

4. BAyswAtEr*

5. ninE Elms*

Current value: £650 psf 2018 forecast: £950 psf

Current value: £600 - £650 psf 2018 forecast: £950 - £1,000 psf

Current value: £1,500 - £1,600 psf 2018 forecast: £2,000+ psf

Current value: £1,750 - £2,500 psf 2018 forecast: £2,750 psf

Current value: £1,100 - £1,400 psf 2018 forecast: £1,800 psf

Acton is set to be one of the key beneficiary areas of Crossrail. As well as a dramatic reduction in travel times which will open this area up to those working in the City and further east, a new station and improvements to the public realm will enhance the area.

Plans to create a “superhub” for both Crossrail and HS2 have the potential to transform this 2,300 acre industrial area in west London into one of the Capital’s biggest regeneration projects since the Olympics. The regeneration includes plans to build two new overground rail stations which, taken as a whole, will be roughly the size of Waterloo and expected to handle 250,000 passengers daily. Development plans are being drawn up for retail property and hotels, as well as up to 24,000 new homes.

Planning permission for the Earl’s Court project was granted in 2013. Under the proposals, the large-scale regeneration of the area will create 7,500 homes spread across four villages and green spaces. Improvements to the public realm, including a new high street, are likely to further increase the desirability of the area.

This area on the northern side of Hyde Park has lagged behind neighbouring areas of Notting Hill, Maida Vale and the Hyde Park Estate in terms of capital values over the past decade. However buyer demand in and around Bayswater is already rising. Plans to redevelop a large section of Queensway and upgrade the retail and amenities on offer will only enhance the appeal of this area which will also be well served by Crossrail when it opens in 2018.

Running from Chelsea Bridge to Lambeth Bridge via East Battersea, Vauxhall and Albert Embankment, the scale of regeneration taking place in this area is vast. We originally identified the area as a Hotspot back in 2011. While price growth has been robust between then and now, we believe there is potential for further outperformance as new schemes come to market and improvements to the public realm are delivered. Our analysis of development pipelines shows that over the next ten years over 15,000 homes will be built, alongside new schools and parks. A £1 billion transport improvement package includes two new Northern line stations, at Nine Elms and Battersea, creating direct links to the West End, City and North London.

There are over 1,000 private units with planning permission or already under construction in Acton, but the potential supply of homes which have yet to be granted planning is much larger – suggesting a critical mass of delivery which could uplift the whole area.

Buyers will also benefit from being within walking distance of three existing underground stations and one overground station. Newbuild prices have risen by 20% since 2011. We now expect that prices will reach £2,000+ psf in 2018. The long-term nature of the regeneration taking place in this area – some developments will not be completed until 2032 – means that growth in this area may continue in the medium-term.

ISSUES: Depends on approval of HS2 & Crossrail ‘spur’

HOTSPOTS DRIVERS Development

Prime London expansion

Regeneration

Price differential

Transport

Place-making

ISSUES: Pricing could be determined by the phasing of delivery of completed units in this large-scale regeneration area

* 2011 hotspots

GRowTH IN pRIME cENTRAl loNdoN REsIdENTIAl dEvElopMENT lANd vAluEs Indexed to 100 in September 2011 150

140

130

120

110

100

Vertical axis represents the percentage of growth over time from Q3 2011 to Q4 2014 (or Sep '11 to Dec ’14) Source: Knight Frank Residential Research

9fi5th.com

Dec 14

Sep 14

Jun 14

Maar 14

Dec 13

Sep 13

Jun 13

Ma 13

Dec 12

Sep 12

Jun 12

Mar 12

Dec 11

Sep 11

City Central

CrOSSrail

OUTPERFORMING PRIME CENTRAL LONDON

GENERAL INFO • When complete in 2019, Crossrail will bring an additional 1.5 million

150

PCL FARRINGDON

• Crossrail increases London’s rail capacity by 10%

145

OLD STREET

• 2,976 residential units in schemes which have been started within the

140

people to within a 45-minute commute of the centre of London

WHITECHAPEL

10-minute walkzones of central Crossrail stations and a further 10,096

SHOREDITCH

units with planning approved

135 130

STATS • On average, prices within a 10 or 15 minute walk from Crossrail stations

125

have already outperformed prices in the wider local authorities since 2008 Averaged over each station, the outperformance is around 5%

120

• Cumulative price growth of 15.2% in prime central London between

115

now and the end of 2018, with growth of around 18% across London as a whole

110 105

wEST END FOCUS IN COMPARISON 100

TO 43% GROw OF PCL • Residential property prices within a 10-minute walk of the central stations

95 Q3

2011

2012

2013

have risen, on average, by 57%

• Biggest rises in residential prices within a 10-minute walk of Bond Street

2014

with an 82% uplift

Vertical axis represents the percentage of growth over time from Q3 2011 to Q4 2014 (or Sep '11 to Dec ’14)

• Residential prices within 10-minute walk of Tottenham Court Road Station,

Source: Knight Frank Residential Research

notable 61% uplift

DEFINING CITY CENTRAL Number of private residential units with planning permission or currently under construction

OLD STREET/ CITY ROAD

Private units: 2,116

FARRINGDON Private units: 748

Angel

CITY ROAD

SHOREDITCH

King's Cross St Pancras

Private units: 1,179

Hoxton

Old Street

EXMOUTH MARKET SILICON ROUNDABOUT

COLUMBIA ROAD FLOWER MARKET Shoreditch High Street

CLERKENWELL

SPITALFIELDS MARKET

SMITHFIELD MARKET

WHITECHAPEL

SHOREDITCH HOUSE

Private units: 1,881

Bethnal Green Stepney Green

Moorgate Farringdon

ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL

MIDTOWN Waterloo Bridge

BARBICAN CENTRE

Whitechapel Liverpool Street

BANK OF ENGLAND

CITY OF LONDON Private units: 681 Blackfriars Bridge

Millennium Bridge

SOUTHBANK

Algate East

WHITECHAPEL ART GALLERY

THE GHERKIN TOWER OF LONDON

London Bridge

Shadwell

ST KATHERINE DOCKS

WAPPING Private units: 1,903

Tower Bridge

Wapping

Source: Knight Frank Residential Research / Molior London Some of these schemes may be phased, or construction not yet started, and take some years to deliver

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

AT HOME

A Qui ntisse ntiAl

SucceSS Story

Late-night urge f o r a p e n t h o u se i n B r a z i l ? M ake sure you have Q u i n t e s s e n t i ally Estates on

radical approach for the

“and about 60 percent of

UK property scene, where

our work is done overseas.”

buyers need to register with

Party animals and those who

individual agencies, each

migrate with the fashions

of which only has a limited

should be happy to hear that

portfolio.

QE has a firm footing in

QE guides the world’s

Homes

Ibiza. “It’s not just a party

elite through London’s prop-

island this season,” Mosgrove

speed-dial...

erty regulations and conven-

explained. “Many of the St.

tions, which are as tangled as

Tropez-set have decamped

the city’s streets. “London is

there.” With direct flights

hose whose jet-

a very old city,”

setting lifestyle

said Mos-

and Ibiza on

doesn’t allow

grove, “and

the horizon

them a moment to find their

properties

(not counting

dream luxury pad could do

often reflect

the already

much worse than devolv-

this. Interna-

existing UK

ing their house hunting to

tional clients

ones), there’ll

first property aged 24,” she

to help a client surprise

Quintessentially Estates, a

have a hard

be no reason

said, “and spent everything

his wife. She had her heart

London-based international

time under-

for you not to

I had on it, so I know what

set on a luxury £8-million

property company specialis-

standing how

expand yours

the stakes are. I’ve been

property, but her husband

ing in finding homes that

it works.” But

and head

expanding my portfolio ever

asked us to pretend to her

perfectly match the needs

the sky’s the

on over.

since.” True, such personal

that it was off the market so

of the well-to-do. It’s a sister

limit as far as

experience in acquiring

that he could give her the

company to Quintessentially,

the needs of

sets Quint-

property does make a real

keys as a Christmas present.

the world leader in luxury

the client are

essentially

estate agent you can trust.

After telling her that the

lifestyle concierge, and

concerned.

Estates apart

focuses exclusively on the

“In London,

from lesser

property needs of the haves

our interna-

lights in the

and the have-yachts. To find

tional clients prefer

out all about this success

lateral living, so we guide

story, we met with Managing

them painlessly through the

showers on all its clients

good and the great among

Director Penny Mosgrove

city’s arcane property market

and the extent to which

their clients and would never

kidding! “A client asked me

for delightful afternoon tea

and refuse to sugar-coat the

they will go to provide their

fail to give them anything

to find him a multimillion-

at Claridge’s.

shortcomings of London’s

customers, from sultans to

less than world-class service.

pound penthouse in Brazil

often ancient buildings.”

celebrities, with exactly what

Before clients arrive at their

for the World Cup,” Mos-

they need, uniquely tailored

new-found home, QE’s

grove recounted. “We then

“In the London property market, no one represents

But given the multi-

between the US

And what

field? It’s the lavish attention the company

and estates

But are there no lengths

apartment was taken, we

to which Quintessentially

had to conduct a further

Estates is not prepared to go

extensive search and series

to satisfy their clients? Ap-

of property visits for her to

parently not. QE counts the

maintain the subterfuge!” No lengths? Still not

the needs of the buyer,”

million-pound budgets of

to their needs, wants, and

concierge service stocks

heard nothing from him for

said Mosgrove. “Unlike in

their clients, Quintessentially

particulars. This bespoke

the kitchen with a selection

two years. One day, he rang

New York, agencies are sell-

Estates is far from being

approach to real estate has

of tasty edibles specially

me at night and asked me if

side only,” she continued,

geographically restricted.

won Quintessentially Estates

tailored to meet any and all

the viewings were ready be-

explaining that Quintes-

Property agencies in London

an increasing array of VIP

exacting wants.

cause he was on his way in

sentially Estates was set up

may be typically restricted

clients from across the globe

to cover this deficiency. “We

to one area of the Capital,

and a network of offices has

not! QE’s approach to their

up, dropped everything, got

are a property search agency

but QE breaks the mould

sprung up in many of the

clientele goes far beyond

furiously to work and I flew

that works on behalf of the

here in spectacular style,

world’s most elite locations.

Ben and Jerry’s in the freez-

out to Brazil the next day!”

buyer.” QE will approach all

revelling in its global reach.

Well-spoken Mosgrove

er and thick sliced white in

Above and beyond the

property agencies that cover

“We’re about to open of-

is the perfect pick to lead

the bread basket. To see just

call of duty? You bet, but

the area and property type

fices in Monaco and Los

QE, with a personal interest

how far, we’ll hand you over

it’s all in a day’s work for

the client has requested — a

Angeles,” Mosgrove said,

in the field. “I brought my

to Mosgrove. “We agreed

Quintessentially Estates.

9fi5th.com

No lengths? We kid you

his private jet! We all woke

C B R E M A R K E T R E p o RT Beyond Business

370,000

people work in the City

RESI DE N T IAL LOND ON

neW Build homes

the demand and suPPly imBalanCe

the most sought after purchases

the ten year view

63%

of units sold off-plan

9,000

Case Study: The Heron

live there

City of London

96%

of units in The Heron sold off-plan

ProPerty values When will east meet west

Hackney Tower

schemes currently under construction in the City

41%

Hamlets

555

increase in London property prices since 2008

housing starts in the City since 2009

50%

838 2,615

HOUSING SHORTFALL 1,777

5,520

HOUSING SHORTFALL 7,790

13,310

HOUSING SHORTFALL 9,947

23,786 33,743 Projected Household Supply

Projected Household Demand

City FrinGe the centre of choice

70%

increase in City property prices since 2008

£900k £800k £700k £600k £500k £400k £300k £200k £100k £0

Q4 2013 prices

3 yr growth

60 50 40 30 20 10

Whitechapel

Bethnal Green to Mile End

Spitalfields

ShoreditchHoxton

Wapping

Clerkenwell

City

ShorEditCh and hoxton 15 mins

15 mins

23.7%

£554,868

BEthnal GrEEn 3 mins

31 mins

24.6%

£386,585

ClErKEnwEll

13 mins

30 mins

52.9%

£783,901

whitEChaPEl

KEY

7 mins

24 mins

7.1%

£359,615

Approximate train time to Liverpool St Approximate walking time to Liverpool St

waPPinG

3 year price growth Average flat price

18 mins

34.9%

27 mins

£600,198

% Growth

Average Flat Price

increase in prime London property prices since 2008

INSIDE

79 GODDARD OF THE SPA

84 DIRECTOR'S VISION

88 DREAM WEAVERS

if you are looking to put your money where your spa (or interior) is, then put a little faith in Goddard Littlefair.

Staffan tollg책rd has held onto what he loved about filmmaking and carried it into his other passion: design.

Since the 60s, B&B italia has redefined classic contemporary furniture design.

9fi5th.com

Ebury SquarE, bErkElEy HomES, Goddard littlEfair

MeDiNa SpaS TOwer CabaNaS

If you are looking to put your money where your spa (or interior) is, then put a little faith in Goddard Littlefair.

GODDARD OF THE SPA

hose questing for the holy spa have probably already heard of Martin Goddard, father of the interior architectural

firm, Goddard Littlefair. Although he has been in the interior architecture business for over two decades, Goddard teamed up with Jo Littlefair in 2012 to form Goddard Littlefair. The 30-strong team has already built a reputation on creating environments, from spas to hotels and private residences, which are sensory experiences. This means that every project is not only unique but it also employs touches to make a space very personal. “We love spas because they are the most architectural interior jobs; they allow us to truly look for creative solutions, source materials, and build an experience,” revealed Goddard. “On top of technical capabilities, we pride ourselves on our ability to let intuition govern projects,” noted Goddard when we probed him for information on the crisp, fresh, and innovative concepts that they have

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

I N S IDE

Merano residences BathrooM

work with big names like Corinthia, Berkeley Homes, and Groveworld, and is sought after because their work is consistently good and predictably unique. The playful colour combinations of ivory, gold, and blue at the Corinthia in St. Petersburg accentuate the hotel’s tribute to the cultural arts in Peter’s city. With suites aptly titled “Literary” and “Ballet,” the cultural abodes were adorned with masculine and feminine accessories to light that artistic fire in your been churning out. It is certainly an

belly. Goddard Littlefair has also started offering complete answers to third and

it is all in the details. “We take ev-

advantage that Goddard Littlefair

fourth homes. “We have begun to see a demand for homes so complete that we

erything into consideration when we

has the credentials and expertise to

have picked out the kitchen sink – and the tea towels,” said Goddard. For a little

start a new project – even the clothes

get architectural; take their work at

sample, check out Ebury Square, a ﬂagship development for Berkeley Homes,

the client wears,” professed God-

the Merano right here in London

offering formal parquet and hidden doorways as well as some very tasteful

dard. With powers of observation as

as a prime example. Blessed with its

décor hand selected by Goddard himself.

keen as his, it truly is no wonder that

east-west views of the River Thames

“I am involved in every one of Goddard Littlefair’s projects,” noted the

gut instincts have proven to be right.

and a bird’s-eye of parliament, taking

master artisan. But involved is something of an understatement in many cases;

As for future endeavours in London,

full advantage of this blessing neces-

Martin Goddard has demonstrated a commitment to sourcing everything

it looks as if the lean days of austere

sitated a footprint that would afford

from Calacatta marble from northern Italy to native English oak to ensure the

luxury are drawing to a close and

all of the units a generous helping

best materials make the cut. Goddard Littlefair strives to procure ingredients

layers are back. “We are starting to

of cream. Goddard topped it all off

and finishes that deliver a legitimate value to projects and is also reputed to

see more and more clients hungry

with interiors that did the Merano

be among the best in the business when it comes to delivering on time and on

for a layered space with sophisticated

justice - complete with gorgeous

budget. “When we start a project, we get right down to drawing up the plan so

textures,” revealed Goddard with a

limestone, grey stained timber, matt

we can start delivering,” said Goddard. Take the Medina Towers Spa in Tripoli;

smile. And he is right to smile when

lacquers, and shuttered concrete for

with plans drawn up, Goddard Littlefair got straight into creating an intricate

he knows that clients are going to be

clean yet layered sophistication.

ﬂirtation between light and texture.

looking for premium materials and

Goddard Littlefair does a lot of

9fi5th.com

Goddard Littlefair has found the way to a client’s heart and it turns out that

relevant design.

Nicholas Anthony has found the way to Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart through kitchens so chic and multifunctional that we can live in them.

KITCHENS are

WHERE THE HEART IS NichOLas aNthONy kitcheN

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

i n s ide

y steeping full-bodied designs and technical expertise, luxury kitchen designer Nicholas Anthony has been serving up custom-made kitchens that sparkle for decades. In fact, Nicholas Anthony has made such a convincing case for its arresting kitchens that some of our celebrity faves have

asked them to just take over and design pretty much the whole house. After a bit of sleuth work, 9fi5th discovered that it is not only impeccable taste (no pun intended) but also technical expertise that has kept Nicholas Anthony on the gravy train since 1963. If you are wondering what makes these kitchens – armed with SieMatic, Gaggenau, Siemens and Miele appliances – such hot property, Managing Director Tony Nicholas and son of the Founder shared a few secret recipes with us. “We are kitchen specialists and

“Pulling off a Project is, in the end, more imPortant than an amazing idea.” - tony nicholas

that means that we understand both the aesthetic and the technical aspects of design,” explained Nicholas.

The company does primarily

For Nicholas Anthony, the process starts with a needs analysis, meaning both

kitchens and bathrooms but not be-

form and function, followed by a flawless approach to project management.

cause they can’t do other spaces. On

“Pulling off a project is, in the end, more important than an amazing idea,”

the contrary, Nicholas Anthony has

explained the ever-cool and practical Nicholas junior. But the minimalist yet

on occasion been asked to do much

chic flair that the projects flaunt is something that makes it all look so easy.

more simply because their designs

That might be why Nicholas and his team of 40 are carrying a “little black

are tasteful and their team is man-

book” full of celebrity names. Trust us, it is not as easy as it looks.

aged well. Take the work the com-

pany did for

close door

the esteemed

options, and

comedian and

we incorpo-

impressionist

rate layers of

Rory Bremner

design with

and his sculp-

hidden utility

tress wife Tessa

rooms and

Campbell

storage solu-

Fraser, which

tions.”

exemplified

With two

a stylish use

of their five

of sectioning

showrooms

off spaces to

in London,

provide both

a long list

visual and

of celebrity

functional sep-

clients and a

aration within

number of

the kitchen.

contracts for

Accented by

large develop-

clean lines

ers, Nicholas

achieved by

Anthony

almost aligning

is as hot as

cabinetry with

ever. “We act

low horizon-

preemptively

tal units, the

on many

kitchen is strikingly elegant but

levels for as much as two years

clean and uncluttered. This zoning

ahead,” noted Nicholas. By cross-

affords the kitchen at the Bremner-

referencing and swapping notes,

Fraser residence the luxury of using

Nicholas Anthony and its suppliers

the space for preparing food, enjoy-

know exactly what is trending – and

ing it, and for family relaxation.

what will be. When the suppliers

Nicholas Anthony brandishes

don’t offer exactly what the clients

some pretty lethal bathrooms as well

want, Nicholas and company will

at their flagship stores in Mayfair

make it themselves. “We are gearing

and Knightsbridge and show-

up to revamp our Ascot showroom

rooms in Ascot, Colchester, and

and with that added space, we will

Cambridge. In addition to top-end

be demonstrating what we can do

brands like Duravit and Teuco be-

with other spaces, like bedrooms,”

ing featured, they do some stunning

teased Nicholas. What an exciting

design work and installation. There

prospect from a company that has

is their work at Emerson Park with

cooked its way right into London’s

unrivaled en-suite bathrooms in

heart and soul.

each of the six bedrooms at the residence. To top off a cohesive theme in all six, Nicholas Anthony was commissioned to toss in a kitchenette in the master bedroom just for good measure. The work that the kitchen and bathroom experts did here shows just why you do need a specialist when you are investing in the range of £100,000 in a kitchen. “This is very technical stuff,” noted Nicholas. “We work with leading brands who use the latest technology, such as touch screens and soft NichOLas aNthONy shOwrOOm

Tony nicholas

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

I N S IDE

Staffan Tollgård has held onto what he loved about filmmaking and carried it into his other passion: design.

y mother should have been able to tell me that I’d be an interior designer,” said Swedish-born Staffan Toll-

gård. “At the age of seven, I’d redo all her table-settings for her dinner parties!” (Well, everyone in Sweden has a design gene…) Instead, he went into filmmaking. It wasn’t until Tollgård and his wife were fixing up a house – “a proper wreck” – that he had his a-ha moment. “I just loved the process so much.” So, in 2004 he followed his bliss to Inchbald School of Design in London, and never looked back. The Founder of Staffan Tollgård Design Group says those years in film weren’t wasted. “I’ve held onto the bits I loved about filmmaking and carried them into design,” he said. “Design uses all the senses: what it feels like when you touch things and how you feel when you enter a room.” Clearly, the film experience has been hugely beneficial. “What

DIrEctor'S VISION 84

9fi5th.com

Beneath rug from the red thread ColleCtion

S TA F FA N T O L L Gå R D

I love about film is storytelling,” Tollgård explained. “I think about design in a similar way. Your clients are your lead characters. Like a director will create perfection in his movie, designers and architects try to do the same with homes. For me, it’s understanding the client and their ‘red thread’ - the guiding path in the creative journey.” He helps clients find their own language of design. “Everyone’s red thread is different. It combines the personality of the clients, the architecture, the place in the world, their lives, the climate…. It could be a family heirloom or an

eclectic family home in notting hill gate

amazing art collection.” Staffan Tollgård Design Group has a huge following of international clients, mostly for homes in London. “We have an international practice and client base. There are 19 of us in a company made up of 15 nationalities.” Designers need to be

art gallery owner’s Belgravia apartment

well-travelled, he believes, and fully understand people from different

and they had no idea it was exactly them.”

cultures. “Travel is one of the things

About 18 months ago the firm opened a design store. “That was a direct

my wife Monique and I are passion-

reaction to having done all of this travel, having looked at all these amazing

ate about.”

things, and found out that not all of it was available in the UK. We are right

As Creative Director, he is part of the conceptual design on every project. “75 percent of our clients

where Knightsbridge, Chelsea, and Belgravia meet, a bit tucked away – the right part of exclusive.” Something Tollgård doesn’t buy into? Trends. “If you design with trends

are private. The value you add for

in mind, it will be a cliché because it will be repeated. However, I do feel that

a private client is in multiple ways.

luxury today is more about the material, how it’s been made, who has made it,

With commercial, if you get the de-

and creating longevity. So, that means going back to the maker of the piece as

sign spot-on you have people bidding

opposed to a shiny brand.”

for it in the first week. The increased

He points to an exquisite handmade chair. “The Twenty-two Chair is

property value and the overseas

made out of 22 pieces of wood slotted perfectly together. It has that beauti-

interest for property in London have

ful idea of contemporary design but the people who made that chair are

definitely driven the high-end design

probably in their 60s in a workshop in Italy. The other example here is from

sector into a bit of a boom.”

US designer Mark Albrecht – there is a growing movement of handmade

In terms of international influ-

products coming out of America. He has this healthy obsession with steel,

ences, interior design has always

and from solid steel creates these timeless classic stools and chairs. These two

had that. “If you go back even a few

products exemplify the new luxury.”

centuries, the people who influ-

Opening the store was the natural next step; the “final step” is product

enced design were the ones who

design. Tollgård designed a light called the Belle and a rug collection (naturally)

travelled. People found interesting

called the Red Thread Collection. “That’s the challenge: are you able to create

things abroad and presented new

unique interiors, combining unique pieces as well as readily available pieces?

materials and new designs to their

There are so many design decisions ranging from the floor to the door handle

clients,” elaborated Tollgård. Now, it

to the furniture and lighting. There are so many ways of combining, changing,

is somewhat more difficult to surprise

and creating something unique,” he continued.

internationally well-travelled clien-

“Design is always a part of me,” said Tollgård, whose wife is also his busi-

tele. “The best surprise is to present

ness partner. (You can imagine what they talk about at dinner!) “Everyone says

something they feel is exactly them

you should be careful of your passion, but I don’t know any other way.”

red thread rug

I N S IDE

‘CAN DO’ DESIGN AND A BIT OF WANDErluST TOO Katharine Pooley puts design clients first.

re you tired of run of the mill interior designers? You know the type: taupe and grey, loves pretty fabrics, draws reams of sketches, but when it comes to the all-important

facts and ﬁgures of a job (budget, delivery time, hello!?) just doesn’t deliver? If so, give Katharine Pooley a call. This powerhouse professional has a knack for calculations and loses nothing where style points are concerned. Try these numbers on for size: Pooley has at her disposal superior manpower with a team of 35-40, plus showroom locations in London and Doha. The number of months for the completion of massive million-square-foot projects like hotels and airports is another noteworthy ﬁgure: Pooley averages in the single or low double-digits. “I am very hands-on, very fast, and I do follow my gut,” said the designer in a recent sit-down at her splendid London showroom. “Life is too short to fluff around.” How about price? Her most expensive job thus far cost $20 million—and for a private residence in the Middle East, no less! The design superwoman’s personal records are just as mind-blowing as her professional ones. She’s travelled to 296 countries and climbed six of the world’s seven highest peaks. Her broad cultural knowledge is reflected InternatIonal InspIratIons In KatharIne pooley desIgns

9fi5th.com

in a globetrotting portfolio from a million-square foot Shanghai hotel to huge, lavish London residences.

CLassiC eLegaNCe

“Middle Easterners want showers, not baths. They want a bidet, not a hand shower. Indians, on the other hand, want hand showers, not bidets. And the English want baths,” Pooley reeled off. “The amount of travel I have

“NOThING A ClIENT hAS EvEr WANTED, hAS BEEN ImpOSSIBlE. I’m A BIG BElIEvEr IN SAyING yES.” - KAThArINE pOOlEy

been impossible,” Pooley said. “I’m a big believer in saying yes.” So, what’s big in London these days, we asked the woman-inthe-know. Wallpaper is back, she revealed, as are coloured paints.

done has helped me understand what

bit, and build long-term relationships with clients and suppliers, alike - all skills

Bronze is in, but chrome is a big

different cultures want.” The busi-

that have contributed to the success of her exceptional firm. “A normal interior

no-no because, according to Pooley,

nesswoman has had three previous

design firm is very creative,” Pooley said. “But can they roll it out? Certainly not

“it’s very cold.” And worldwide?

careers, that also add to her diverse

like we can. There are no limits.”

“India will always love its gold. The

knowledge and distinctive point of

But we’d hate to give the impression that, if you hire Pooley, she’ll fill your

Middle East actually does not like

view. She was in advertising, then a

building with office furniture and adding machines. Quite the opposite. In her

gold, but they are happy to go with

headhunter, then a banker at Morgan

travels, Pooley gathers materials for her inspired designs. In fact she brings at least

bronze,” said the design maven

Stanley before transitioning in 2003 to

one special item back from every trip. Her firm specialises in unique, unex-

whose goal is to have one boutique

her current career. In fact, it was her

pected materials, sourced from places like Africa, South America, and Vietnam:

in every major city.

boss, who encouraged her to pursue

peacock feathers linked with leather, water hyacinth and leather woven fabric

interior design. “He said, ‘Katha-

with gold leaf, or brushed cotton with enamel beading—wouldn’t these make

Pooley has a number of new under-

rine, you are so good at it,’” Pooley

some eye-catching curtains! “I was fortunate enough to be born appreciating

takings. Besides her usual—hotels,

As though that weren’t enough,

recalled. “I was helping friends with

the finer things in life,”

airports, yachts, and private homes

their homes at the time, but had never

Pooley told us. “I see

of a certain size—she’s started

thought of it as a serious career.”

and appreciate beautiful

Katharine Pooley Developments,

things.” And despite her

which recently purchased, made-

very serious about what she does, and

incredible eye, Pooley

over, and flipped an historic London

incorporates the lessons of Morgan

insists that her taste is

pub. While continuing to target

Stanley into every job. That means

her clients’—hire her

emerging markets, she’s launching

diligence and attention to detail.

and no matter what your

her own furniture line and en-

“You have to work long hours and be

request, no matter how

tering the world of online com-

service-oriented,” said Pooley. It also

unique, you’ll never hear

merce—you’ll soon be able to buy

means value engineering, because,

the word “no.” She’s

her smaller items with the click of

“even wealthy clients want a good

done a remote-flushing

a mouse. Expect no delay in these

deal!” At Morgan Stanley the de-

toilet and a TV room for

projects! To each, Pooley is sure to

signer learned to understand finances

dogs. “Nothing a client

bring her singular speed, cultural

and work with a budget, to haggle a

has ever wanted, has

savvy, and design smarts.

Now, the banker-cum-designer is

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

I N S IDE

Dream Weavers

Since the 60s, B&B Italia has redefined classic contemporary furniture design.

reamy is one way to

single brand stores located

1975 and has been coordi-

has a classic contemporary

describe B&B Ita-

around the world. It has

nated by Antonio Citterio

aesthetic with an empha-

liaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gorgeous range

also signed commercial

since 1993.

sis on a luxury palette of

of contemporary

agreements with leading

It comes as no surprise

materials and craftsman-

furniture. Sleek and mini-

players in 79 countries,

that Maxalto has been

ship. Maxalto also offers a

malist is another. But then,

thus developing a pres-

particularly popular in

bespoke service - Maxalto

everyone knows that Ital-

ence of over 800 specialist

high-end hospitality proj-

Atelier - allowing clients

ians are no slouches when

points of sale. The London

ects such as the Aman Ho-

to commission pieces in

it comes to classy design,

store has been open for

tel in Venice. It

and the A-list designers on

14 years as one of the first

their books are a testament

flagship stores together

to that.

with those in New York,

Founded in 1966 by Piero Ambrogio Busnelli,

Milan, and Paris. Taking things to the

and still firmly in the fam-

next level as its Italian

ily, B&B Italiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success

meaning implies, Max-

is based on a matchless

alto - the brand within

alchemy of creativity, inno-

the brand - came about in

vation, and industrial skills. The company is a leader in the home furniture market with its two brands B&B Italia and Maxalto. It has eight flagship stores in the heart of leading capital cities and an additional 34

9fi5th.com

BUTTERFLY

patHOS

bespoke dimensions

34 linear and modular units

and ﬁnishes.

and ﬁve ottomans. It allows

So, any evolution in

for different compositions

terms of style for 2015?

with different functions,

“The style is getting more

from cosy to formal.

luxurious, with more

Whatever the occasion, they

emphasis on comfort,

invite you to sit, lie down,

more subtle textures and

and relax.

ﬁnishes such as bronze,

Solatium - also by

black chrome, marble,

Citterio but for Maxalto

and shellac,” said Heather

- comprises 140 different

Naylor, General Manager

elements such as linear

of the B&B Italia London

sofas with chaise-longues,

flagship store.

corner sofas with arm-

Two stunning new sofa

rests and backs of various

systems were presented in

heights, and ottomans in

Cologne in January. Michel

a whole range of leathers

Club, designed by Antonio

and fabrics.

Citterio for B&B Italia, has

And last we should not forget the B&B Italia Outdoor collection. In March they unveiled two new sofa systems for outdoor living by Patricia Urquiola - Butterfly and Fat-Sofa Outdoor - which combine a very distinctive design with great comfort. The London store will be showcasing these new products from mid-April, so take a peek!

MaxaLtO, RecipiO LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Husband and wife team borrow ideas from the luxury hotel segment and adapt them to their growing, upper-crust customer base.

pracTIcal glamour

I N S IDE

9fi5th.com

Opulent interiOrs

and is a London-based husband and

After listening to team Hammett,

wife team with a singularity of vision

you’ll be wondering what they don’t

that has rocketed them to the top of

design. Take their “full turnkey” of-

the business. The Hammetts, who had

fer. “We assess clients’ needs and try

already established a customer base,

to understand exactly how they want

got to the next level after doing work

to live in the space. We look at room

with property developers Residence

layout, general colour, design and

One, smoothly moving them up the

finishes, before moving on to draw-

“ThEy wIll comE To ThEIr loNDoN homE STraIghT afTEr ExpErIENcINg fIvESTar luxury hoTElS wITh pErfEcT fINIShES, aND ExpEcT morE of ThE SamE.”

prestige ladder. The Daily Telegraph

ings, floor plans, and materials,” said

- laura hammETT

nterior designers? Try, “interior

listed Laura Hammett among the

architecture and design studio.”

top three interior designers to watch

Laura Hammett specialises in,

in 2015, and the Hammetts are

“luxury residential projects for pri-

comfortable with all eyes on them…

vate individuals and property developers throughout the UK and abroad,”

and their designs. And what exactly do they design?

the right materiaLs

aLL the way tO the fiNish

using too much gold, but bronze is definitely coming back into fashion,

much bigger wallets than those of

as silver-tongued Aaron told us.

some of their client base, there must

“Wallpaper is back in, as are brass

be some exacting customers who

and bronze furnishings; brass inlays

have some very specific wants and

are coming into furniture and light-

needs. “Actually, a friend of ours who

ing. There’s a resurgence of luxury

refurbishes yachts was asked by a cli-

bathrooms,” he continued. “People

ent to train a parrot to say the name

don’t want bathrooms that make

of the client’s yacht,” Laura laughed.

them feel sterile; they want them to

“At least we haven’t reached that

be liveable.” Everything seems such a

stage yet!” There must be something,

breeze. Does anything challenge Lau-

though…“There was a client who

ra and Aaron? “AV and AC. People

wanted a place next to Harrods for

always want them to be integrated in

his daughter, to be completed in only

a discreet way! But that’s our special-

three months,” recalled Aaron. “We

ity, thinking about all the details. It’s

were signing off kitchen design while

our business to think about where

we signed off contracts! That was

you will put your shoes or how you’ll

pretty intense.”

reach for your towel after a shower.” They arrive before the architects,

Aaron Hammett. “And that’s even before the construction phase.” And what styles do people really

Given that there probably aren’t

Laura and Aaron are doing more work abroad, so watch this space if

during the space planning part of

you need work on your Kathmandu

a project. Laura Hammett doesn’t

castle, your Manhattan mansion or

we take inspiration from hotel design,

scrimp on detail, and Aaron doesn’t

your Zanzibar… you get the idea.

and turn hospitality into residential.

scrimp on explanation. “We do

However, they mostly work close to

We tailor our designs to exactly what

everything,” he said. “Wall finishes,

home. A current project is a property

our clients want,” said Laura. “But

floor finishes, bathroom layouts,

in Berkeley Square. “It’s a listed

we do have a signature style.” Which

kitchen layouts, lighting, interior and

building,” said Aaron. “We’re sym-

is? “Classic-contemporary. Our

exterior, joinery design…” Every-

pathetic to the historical nature of

clients often have everything, but

thing is bespoke and personalised,

the building, and it’s been interesting

they want somewhere they can live,

with the client always uppermost in

working with the old-style panelling.

want in recent years? “Hotel glam-

that is not too showy. Some of our

mind. “Lighting design can go so

But, we keep up to date — we’re add-

our, but liveable. Many of our clients

recent clients are Middle Eastern and

wrong,” said Laura. “We put in dif-

ing some bronze detail! A millionaire

are international, or they travel a

they don’t want all the golden fittings

ferent mood lightings, exactly where

flew in on his private jet, asking for a

lot. They will come to their London

and furnishings they’re used to, but

they are needed.” Aaron agreed.

‘yacht finish.’ He was happy with our

home straight after experiencing five-

a refined, English style. Clients want

“Light has more influence on space

first presentation.” Of course he was

star luxury hotels with perfect finish-

something that no one else has.”

than colour, and can make a room

happy, but wait until he starts asking

feel much bigger.”

about parrots.

es, and expect more of the same. So,

Laura Hammett may refrain from

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

I N S IDE

Now, with her newest undertaking,

finish in the kitchen and bath. Its

Lisa Ronson Home, the detail queen

fine features include Saharan marble

is shifting her sharp eye from built-in

staircases, Boffi kitchens with bespoke

features to home décor. This means

joinery, standard wine coolers,

furnishings, yes, but also candles,

automated lights, doors, and curtains,

flowers, linens, and everything in be-

and—in the studios and one-beds—

tween. “If you shook the unit upside

hip fibre optic tile. “For the younger

down it would all fall out,” Ronson

audience,” Ronson explained. “It

said, “but what makes the home feel

catches the light.”

finished is the décor.”

DÉCOR IN DETAIL

Ronson runs focus groups for her

Lisa Ronson Home launched

buildings’ interiors, takes suggestions,

early this year, along with the newest

and personally examines every inch.

Ronson International Capital offer-

She takes her time; no rush jobs for

ing, Riverwalk, a lovely and curva-

this decorator-in-chief. “Nothing

ceous 113-unit residential building

happens quickly with us,” she said.

on the River Thames. The opt-in

“Every item and bit of material

service is perfectly suited to the busi-

has been 7-8 years of my life.” Nor

ness traveler or professional who has

does she shy away from the units’—

the money for a flat from a glossy

ahem—private parts. “I look at the

magazine, but perhaps lacks time or

bathtubs,” Ronson said. “Would I slip

the decorator’s touch. Ronson had

getting into it? Will I be able to clean

the idea for the service when buyers

behind it, or will the maid be able

started approaching her asking to

to? I look at the WCs because half of

purchase the show apartments she’d

the time they are too small or at the

decorated, not only furnished, but

wrong height.”

with the flowers, the art, and all! “I

This all seems like a lot of work

could tell there was a great demand

for one woman, you may be thinking,

for the service since,” as Ronson ex-

and with new projects on the horizon

plained, “our buyers have big blank

and scores of likely clients, how will

canvases but not necessarily the vi-

Lisa Ronson Home work? In brief,

sion to fill them.” The service will be

Ronson will run a panel of interior

in-house at first, for Ronson Capital

designers whom she trusts and has

buyers only, but the businesswoman

worked with many times. They’ll

has big plans to expand outside. In

create a selection of packages and

the meantime, private clients are sure

collections, though if something

to be knocking down her gorgeous

catches their eye, say linen curtains,

lacquered doors.

or unique fabrics, there will be op-

Units at Riverwalk will be the

tions to mix and match. On top of

first to bear the Lisa Ronson Home

that, Lisa Ronson Home will provide

brand, but visit the Heron or any

a whole “essentials” service to in-

Ronson Capital Partners property

clude linens, towels, and accessories

and you’ll see her signature care and

in form of beautiful candles, flowers,

finesse. Take the aforementioned

crockery, cutlery, picture frames, and

Heron, a 36-storey City of Lon-

even art (don’t worry, despite Riv-

don residential tower that Ronson

erwalk’s curvy façade, Ronson has

W h e n o n l y p i c t u r e p e r f e c t w i l l d o.

describes as, “very angular with

made certain that there will be plenty

black, dark, back-painted walls and

of places to hang it!). These are es-

aspirational layers and textures on its

sentials for any homebuyer, Ronson

eron International Com-

ous properties that are flawless down

outer façade.” Inside, it’s all modern,

insists, not extras. “To make a house

mercial Director Lisa

to the last kitchen tile, the last door-

nothing frou-frou. “There are two

a home you need flowers, you need

Ronson is a control freak in

stop, the last recessed fixture, and all

finish choices, light or dark. Either

pictures,” she said. “You need to

the best possible way. Her

the little built-in details that if wrong,

white-and-wood floors, or a choco-

bring it to life and that is what Lisa

obsession? Elegant, luxuri-

will cause serious buyer’s remorse.

late-brown porcelain and a similar

Ronson Home will do.”

9fi5th.com

The heron SouTh PenThouSe dining room

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

94 THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF ALSOP: A PORTRAIT OF THE ARCHITECT

96 GREEN SPACES MAKE HAPPY FACES

98 A MAN FOR ALL MATERIALS

Inimical architect Will Alsop reveals how his character is reflected in the buildings he designs.

Award-winning Bartholomew Landscaping knows how to grant gaiety through its garden growing.

Fameed Khalique has the goods.

BarthOLOmew LaNDscapiNg

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

TO O LS OF THE TRADE

THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF ALSOP:

A PORTRAIT of the architect InImIcal archItect WIll alsop reveals hoW hIs character Is reflected In the buIldIngs he desIgns.

for my parents, locating it in

going too far to speculate

New Zealand,” says Alsop.

that this is because he enjoys

“I have never known a time

keeping the past alive. Once

when I didn’t want to be

told that he could only put

an architect.” He applied

an additional four floors on

to study both sculpture and

top of a pre-existing build-

architecture in London at

ing, Alsop decided to add

the Architectural Associa-

eighteen. “They loved it, but

tion, School of Architecture,

told me that I was mad,” the

the oldest independent

architect said delightedly. “I

school of architecture in the

said, ‘just watch me do it!’”

UK. “But I couldn’t do both,

Other design trademarks

and there was only going

include his love of colour. “Orange looks great with

ne of contempo-

to be one winner.” And his

rary London’s

choice suited him down to

grey, and London has a lot

most wanted

the ground floor. His aspira-

of grey days.”

architects, Will Alsop makes

tions were always sky-high.

And never one to be married to the job, Alsop

no attempt to disguise his

“I only applied to the best

unique character. Perhaps

architecture school,” said

listed, with refreshing

his unabashed frankness is

Alsop. “I didn’t see the point

honesty, drinking, smoking,

what has brought him to the

otherwise.” Spurred on by

and jazz as his favourite

fore in a notoriously unfor-

early success as a student,

pastimes—a subversive at-

giving and competitive field.

he then went to Rome; how

titude, just like his approach

Here, Alsop willingly walks

could anyone with his aspi-

to buildings. “Architecture

us through the pillars of his

rations not. Upon his return,

and buildings change as the

life and the columns of his

he studied with Cedric Price,

economy changes. Every-

architectural vision.

his architectural hero, and

one wants to do residential,

never one to abandon the

but it’s variety that keeps

clear is that Alsop does not

fields that interested him,

me alive. Otherwise, people

compromise on his delight

taught sculpture at St. Mar-

only give you one type of

in mixing the old and the

tin’s College in London.

project. That would be bor-

What quickly becomes

new. “I’m quite traditional,” he said on more than one

And what of Alsop’s projects? “I do a lot of

ing, even if commercially successful. Variety is good

occasion. “I love a building

residential buildings. I’m

for me. Even office build-

to be proportional, from

currently designing Heliport

ings, public libraries, ferry

the bottom to the top.” And

Heights in Battersea.” Asked

and cruise terminals, arts

why? Perhaps Alsop’s con-

for three words that could

centres, cafes…” Alsop’s

trarian nature leads him to

define his work, Alsop of-

voice trailed off, only to

eschew the fashionable and

fered: “proportion, surprise,

add firmly, “If you’re not

not sacrifice his predilec-

and joy. I do love that

enjoying yourself, why do

tions for acclaim.

element of the unexpected.”

it?” Wise words.

Or perhaps he came to

Just how unexpected? He’s

After stints in the US,

a specialist in designing

Alsop returned to surely

Not quite. “When I was

buildings on top of build-

one of the few cities with

aged six, I designed a house

ings. Perhaps it would be

the right mix of dynamism

architecture late in the day?

9fi5th.com

Heliport HeigHts

ALsOp’s uNique DesigNs

and tradition to attract him to settle down: London. “Indiana is, well, the real America,” he told us with a laugh. “I can amuse myself pretty easily, but…” A long-term stay in one of the

understood the importance

Paris. “Because no one else

world’s few truly alpha cities

of proportion, and I think

does! I also love the red

beckoned. London has been

it should never go out of

stars on top of the Kremlin.

able to accommodate this

fashion.” Makes sense;

They’re very exotic.”

architect, but only just; his

Alsop added his fondness for

As for the future, Alsop,

favourite buildings in Lon-

collecting antiques. Perhaps

“would like to do a public

don? “My own!” he laughed.

one could wickedly suggest

building somewhere in

“I like the Michelin Building.

that he also likes people

Europe in 2015,” something

It’s a good design and good

with a long history? On

like a railway station, an

fun. I’m also a big fan of the

good terms with Richard

art gallery or a library. Two

original Tate and Richard

Rogers, he described him

metro stations designed

Rogers’s “Cheesegrater.”

as, “a charming man, but

by him are being built in

no spring chicken. He seems

Toronto at the moment,

Alsop himself loves mixing old and new in his

to have been around forever.

buildings, and despite being

Yet his architecture keeps

of them; it’s not allowed.

known for his innovation,

up to date.” Remind you of

People can literally see them

does not forget the shoul-

someone else’s style?

being built, but we can’t

ders he’s standing on. “The grOuND View

I only applIed to the best archItecture school. I dIdn’t see the poInt otherwIse. - wIll alsop

Alsop’s favourite build-

“but don’t expect any photos

show any photos beforehand.

Greeks were not stupid!” he

ings worldwide include the

It’s bizarre how some people

said emphatically. “They

Tour de Montparnasse in

think, isn’t it?”

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

TO O LS OF THE TRADE

backyard oasis by bartholomew landscaping

AwArd-winning BArtholomew l A n d s cA p i n g k n ow s h ow t o grAnt gAiety through its gArden growing.

acking a green thumb? No problem. Bartholomew has so many green thumbs working for them, you would be hard pressed to notice any other fingers. This landscaping firm has the tools, experience, and

dedication to bring to life even the most ordinary of overgrown lawns. Not that a lawn is necessary though; the inside of your home is fair game as well. So, you might want to make space inside for those garden gnomes.

9fi5th.com

Then there are some things that never change, such as quality materials, of which Burrows praised natural stone and granite. The same goes for the species of plants chosen. Among the places plants are imported from are Florence, Pisa, and a highly touted nursery in Hamburg, Germany. When making the selection many factors have to be considered, such as the amount of sunlight available, how the airflow and lighting will be affected, and creating drainage (particularly important

INDOOr/OutDOOr sOLutIONs

for rooftop terraces). “I’d like to think of ourselves as a one-stop shop,” said Barry Burrows, the com-

PeoPle are sPending so much more time outside. - Barry Burrows

Bartholomew Landscaping also understands that clients want to spend more of their time hugging trees.

pany Founder and Managing Director. Indeed, when it

the client on their choice of palette. They may want a white and green garden, or one explod-

That is to say outdoor spaces

comes to the art of creating

ing with colours.” Based on the specifications, the design team then begins working their

are starting to encroach on

the perfect green space to fit

magic. “It’s how we interpret the client’s requests into something particularly special,” Bur-

the traditional functions

your lifestyle, Bartholomew

rows said referring to the success of the artistry of his designers. In other words, your space

of the home. The demand

is well equipped. Their

is in good hands when being taken care of by people who can understand the limitations and

for outdoor kitchens, for

team of over 40 employees

challenges of a property. The design is then revealed through a package of unique drawings

example, has been on the

includes designers, landscape

and 3D imagery that allow the client to visualise the direction of the project.

rise. “People are spending

operatives, and a mainte-

“Never say no to a client,” Burrows

so much more time out-

nance team to ensure that

mused. Even though he would never

side,” Burrows said before

your garden stays in good

consider himself an evergreen freak (he

explaining the challenges of

shape just in case any teeth-

forgoes Santa’s favourite for plants that

creating fully functioning,

ing problems occur. Over

can show off an autumnal palette), he

“rooms,” out there. Not that

the last 20 years Burrows

knows how useful they can be, either as a

it intimidates him. Heck,

has managed to assemble

frame for an outdoor space, or as a kind

Bartholomew even builds

an organisation capable

of barrier that provides privacy. So, the

entire homes outdoors, as

of creating award-winning

next time a peeping Tom tries to get an

evidenced by one of their

landscapes. A whopping

eyeful of you basking in the summer sun,

latest projects: a complete

23 awards from the British

you can rest assured that the only thing

treehouse big enough for five

Association of Landscape

his eye will catch is a wall of pine needles!

children to sleep in.

When asked about current inclina-

“We are directed by the

their way. On top of that

tions, Burrows explained that, “classic

client, by their lifestyle, by

they have received the Best

elegance is trending.” It seems as though

their family, whether they

Design and Build Award for

the modern can kiss today goodbye; it’s

have pets, and all of the

three years running.

all about going back to the roots. And

other intricacies.” Bar-

Industries (BALI), have come

who better to do that than a firm that has worked with Stanley Seeger, a well-known biblio-

tholomew inspiration comes

they do it? First up, they

phile and art collector who also accrued many historical buildings such as Sutton Place in

from understanding and

listen, watch, and observe.

Guildford. It was Burrows and his team who were tasked to work on a 1,150-year-old manor

realising the full potential of

These actions exemplify

owned at the time by the late Seeger.

the client’s vision met with

So, how exactly do

Bartholomew philosophy

While some clients may refer to a previous creation for inspiration, it doesn’t mean that

the best quality possible

of being client led. They

Bartholomew simply recreates examples from the past. The standards are always changing,

and complete care over

take briefs on their clients’

so too are the methods. “This is an industry that you never stop learning about,” Burrows

every step of the process.

desires, expectations, and

explained. While the themes of the classical certainly do appear in modern day landscaping,

What more could a gnome

lifestyles. “We listen to

they are created through a very modern process.

ask for?

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

TO O LS OF THE TRADE

a maN For all Fa m e e d K h a l i q u e h a s t h e g o o d s.

rom astonishing copper textiles and gorgeous glass

mosaics, to extravagant embroidered embellishments, Fameed Khalique is London’s main man for materials. He supplies the city’s hottest designers and architects, whose names we can’t mention here. They’d like to keep him under wraps,

ripcord

but his gorgeous leathers, fabrics, and surfaces, are just so good, we’d be doing our readers a disservice if we didn’t blab. Fameed Khalique is a one-stop-shop for materials, and so much more. “Clients come to us and find what they were looking for or what they didn’t yet know existed,” said Khalique.

Jetstream

“Often, they do a good bulk

9fi5th.com

of their project with us.”

such luxurious items as

collection, I thought: ‘Does

He works on diverse

embroidered rabbit fur,

that make sense?’ I wanted

projects all across the globe.

glowing rose quartz sinks

to be the go-to-guy for

Hotels? Check. Private

and backsplashes, and yacht

cool materials,” Khalique

jets? Check. And he does

wall panels of lapis and

remembered. These days,

yachts, homes, offices, and

turquoise. “I am their eyes

with a roster of superstar

retail, too. His clients are

and ears.”

clients and tens of collec-

developers, architects, and

Khalique started in

interior designers and, with

the materials biz some 12

his 30 expertly curated

years ago, at his brother’s

As for his services,

collections thus far of exoti-

leather interiors firm, but

just think of him as the

cally sourced materials, as

soon struck out on his own.

designer’s secret weapon. In

well as his own collections

He did his first leather

some cases he wows them,

of leather, semi-precious

collection and then went

turning them on to new

stones, and embroideries,

on to source other materi-

materials they never knew

Khalique’s stated purpose

als. “My first collection was

existed: varnished copper

is to inspire them. “I’m

leather and then I went

wire woven with synthetic

not a designer, but I show

on to source collections in

horse hair or raffia, which

them what’s out there,” said

other materials. By the time

was then hand-embroidered

Khalique, who’s furnished

I got to the fifth or sixth

with crystals and used for

tions under his belt, we call that fait accompli.

custom designs from the opus Lignea coLLection through fameed KhaLique

KalliSto

S tag

custOm DesigNs frOm the Opus LigNea cOLLectiON thrOugh fameeD KhaLique

D a lt o n

Huxley WHite

Zeus

doors, sequin-spangled wall

24-carat gold mosaic tiles—

Despite his wide ar-

panels—the list is seemingly

and he wasn’t going to pay

ray of material offerings

Another Khalique favourite

endless. For other clients,

the retail price.”

stitching, we could go on.

these days, Khalique has

is his new runway-inspired

he searches the globe or

His materials are a veri-

stayed true to his first love:

embroideries collection, for

the multitudinous aisles

table rainbow of gorgeous

leather. “It’s the first mate-

which he’s taken couture

of trade shows, “military

colours and textures—

rial I worked with and my

techniques and translated

style,” spiriting out some

minimalism, according to

favourite,” he confessed.

them for the interiors.

special fabric or material

Khalique, is out. Think

His current leather col-

What does the future

sand-cast

lections include stunning

look like for this materi-

I wanted to be the go-to guy for cool materIals.

aluminium,

embossed leathers, gilded

als man? A new London

think pearl

leathers, and woven leathers,

showroom, for one thing,

surfaces,

as well as eel, snakeskin,

and more staff and collec-

think leather

ostrich, and crocodile. A

tions, for another. Khalique

- fameed KhalIque

hand-loomed

leather couch or chair cover

also has his eye on the

with silk in

is fantastic, but Khalique

retail market—his fabulous

they’ve been dreaming of,

bold tones like emerald,

clued us in to another

new line of cushions (and

but can’t seem to find. In a

think edgy geometric leath-

trendy application: leather

super luxurious accesso-

third, scenario, he gets the

ers and floors inlaid with

floors and interior panels

ries) is coming to a store

ideal materials for clients

semi-precious stones, steel,

that are stately, sleek, and

near you! But wherever

at a price that’s also right,

and wood. Some of his

soundproof ! “Leather floors

he is, whatever he’s up to,

so that they can stay on

collections are commercial,

and panelling are not new,”

Fameed Khalique is your

budget without compro-

some are more artisanal,

he said. “I felt there hadn’t

reliable source for design

mising vision. “One client

but they always, “have a

been any advancement.”

enlightenment. He invites

wanted inlaid floors of

story behind them,” he said.

What did he do about it?

you to come to him with a

marble, steel, and wood” he

“I have to be really passion-

Boucle wool imbedded into

project, and, “be ready to

recalled. “Another wanted

ate about each one.”

leather, leather and gold leaf,

be inspired.”

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

TO O LS OF THE TRADE

TAKING THE FLOOR

With a Wealth of flooring o p t i o n s a va i l a b l e at element7, the World is at y o u r f e e t.

Ash grey mAnsion weAve in the kitchen

100

9fi5th.com

udging by a list of heavyweight clients that includes

that room suddenly becomes

Giorgio Armani, Terence Conran, and Gordon Ramsay,

a room they don’t want to be

Fulham flooring specialist Element7 is wiping the floor

in. So, you generally should

when it comes to high-end flooring. They don’t just do parquet

err on the side of light floors

and engineered wood paneling. Think leather, or even pewter

in kitchens and basements.”

at £1,400 a square metre or gold at, er … well, beauty does

With bathrooms, anything

have its price.

goes the expert told us,

We visited Jago Anderson at Element7 – to get the lowdown

though his preference would

on what makes them such hot property as it seems people have

suit, “a lighter bathroom as

cottoned on to the truth that what goes on the floor is as vital

it’s where you start the day.”

as what’s on the walls. Things started out, “fairly bijou 15 years ago on a boat on

Another issue to tackle with wooden flooring is the

the Thames,” said Anderson. “Now we have the biggest wood

ever so pesky shrinkage and

floor showroom in the UK and probably one of the largest

buckling. Though Element7

city-centre locations, which is crucial if people are going to

avoids such snags by using

buy a floor. They get to see samples on the floor rather than

only planks engineered to

little flick-charts.”

their specification, with a

bronze

clean slate reputation to boot.

We put our leather i n a p i t f o r 1 0 W e e k s. so, if you scratch that floor, it Will scratch the same colour.

Take interior designer Nina

- Jago anderson

just tear and mark.” Funnily

Campbell’s floor. “It was under water for two days and it didn’t fail.” Anderson himself has a black leather floor. “Like a good jacket or sofa, it has longevity. Other leather floors enough, we never pondered

“Initially, we were one of the few that did a wide plank and guaranteed it for 25 years. We can do widths of 840mm wide and lengths up to 14 metres,” enlightened Anderson. With

animal hide for flooring, but turns out it’s all organic. Those who have pondered

herringbone, chevron, and parquet floors making a comeback,

it should be aware that there

clients can saunter over those as well. “We’ll also do complete-

are a lot of bad leathers out

ly bespoke floors if someone has a design in mind.”

there. “Ours are coloured all

It’s a given that fashion is fickle, but Anderson does won-

the way through. We put our

der about the current thing for greys. “Is this a fad or some-

leather in a pit for 10 weeks.

thing with longevity? When we put a sample on the floor, we

So, if you scratch that floor, it

have to ask ourselves if looking at it in four years, one might

will scratch the same colour.

think: “What was I thinking!” If that’s the case, it’s best to

People don’t have to take their

forgo it.” People don’t always listen. More often than not he’s

high heels off.”

seen them scuttle back with their tails between their legs (no,

But really, for the ultimate

we don’t mean Element7’s resident pooches) bleating, “Jago,

in glamour, you can’t go past

what was I thinking?”

the metals. The range comes

“Fashion is,” as Anderson put it, “a funny thing. There’s

in brass, pewter, nickel-silver,

neither rhyme nor reason. Natural oaks suddenly died over-

steel, and bronze in different

night. It has taken six years, but they are coming back again.

finishes. “The last project we

Styles go round in cycles.”

did with metal, we placed

And should you be eyeing some intricate designs, you may

and did an almost-black wood

a small room seem smaller. “And if you put a border on it, you

in the middle where we put

bring the walls in by half a metre. It draws the eye down and

pewter in the grain.” Unique

can make it all look fussier. Planks make spaces seem cleaner

to say the least.

Aside from what we should and shouldn’t do with our floors, we did wonder who else was doing what. “Single men

pewter

pewter around the border,

want to reconsider. He warns that patterned floors can make

and bigger. Wide planks again, create simplicity.”

L e at h e r

Anderson has also had requests for gold floors. “I didn’t hear back from

tend to favour very dark floors in the kitchen, to make it

them when I gave them

über-cool, but once they have kids and spend time at home,

the prices.”

s ta i n L e s s h e r r i n g b o n e

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

101

TO O LS OF THE TRADE

TRIPPING the

LIGHT FANTASTIC

S i a n B a x t e r c r e at e S m a S t e r p i e c e S o f l i g h t t h at r a n g e f r o m S u B t l e t o “ w o w.”

year.” She wants to create exclusive ranges of lights, which are beautiful objects whether on or off. “People definitely want more from their lighting these days,” reflected Baxter. “They see things in hotels and restaurants and public spaces, and understand that light can fundamentally change the whole feeling of a space.” As a result, lighting schemes are definitely becoming more complex even in mid-range homes. What are the lighting trends at the moment in London? “Large decorative

the world, in the UK primarily, Europe, and in the States this

industrial look. Conversely,

Sian Baxter was

year,” she said, proud to have landed two high-end seafront

architectural fittings are

fascinated by light.

residences in Miami.

becoming smaller and more

Baxter has worked on restaurants and hotels, but the bulk

discrete, a development

already noticed bad lighting

of her projects are residential, from barn conversions in the

made possible by LED

at the tender age of 10. But

country to sleek penthouse apartments in Covent Garden. Her

technology.”

Baxter hasn’t always fol-

clients run the gamut of interior designers, architects, land-

lowed her passion. During

scape designers, property developers, hoteliers, restaurateurs,

Trying to directly replicate

her early professional life, in

and homeowners.

lighting from one setting in

Frequently, she finds her role, “is less

So, any tips? “Loads!

another doesn’t always work - the subtleties

the only light she shed was

consultative and more advisory. It

in the business of finance.

is often the case that my clients

But as the millennium

don’t know how to create

dawned, Baxter threw in

the effect they’re looking

the towel. “It sounds cli-

for, or know what sort of

over-lighting

chéd,” she said, “but light-

effect they would like,” she

and not

ing was always something

explained. “Client input is

positioning

that interested me. I wanted

very important, but it is the

lighting in

a more creative career.”

character, size, and propor-

Launching Sian Baxter

tions of the building as well

Lighting Design in 2000,

as the interior style and layout

she never looked back.

that guide the design of the light-

With her full-time team of four “perfectionists”

ing scheme. Each scheme is bespoke.” As part of the design process, Baxter

are site-specific.” Common mistakes are

the correct place. “It’s important to have a flexible scheme so lights can be used for different purpos-

based in London, Baxter

will recommend the fittings that work best within the lighting

es.” And no, a control sys-

prefers to keep things bou-

scheme, covering both architectural fittings (the discrete fittings

tem is not the be all and end

tique; she personally over-

including downlights, step lights, and uplights) and decora-

all. “My clients often think

sees every project (about 50

tive fittings (such as lamps, pendants, and chandeliers) and

they need a control system in

a year) and places emphasis

will do an inspired presentation to capture the essence of the

a high-end property, but it is

on energy efficiency, an area

proposed lighting scheme.

really only useful in certain

where London is ahead of

9fi5th.com

more coming out this

rom an early age,

the heart of London’s City,

102

of fittings and we have

fittings, raw bulbs, and the

Old friends recall that she

drops of luminescence

days. We have a select range

the game. “We work all over

Baxter also designs her own fittings, and has just launched her new company, Designed By Light. “It’s still in the early

areas.” Tricks of light are best left to the experts.

AROUND TOWN

104 hArDer, FAster, better, strOnger

106 When Dining Out is AbOut MOre thAn Just the FOOD

McLaren unveils 570S as entry to Sports Series market.

Central London mainstay Kai Mayfair keeps patrons happy with steady flow of tasty dishes and service to match.

110 FLY right London Executive Aviation's Patrick

McLaren 570S

Margetson-Rushmore takes leaving on a jet plane to new heights.

LOnDOn SPRING/SUMMER 2015

103

Harder, faster, better, stronger

A R OUND TOWN

104

McLaren unveiLs 570s as entry to sports series Market.

9fi5th.com

n late-March, the McLaren 570S broke cover at the 2015

Technology and Production Centre, a building from where

New York International Auto Show, marking the fifth

one would expect a movie villain to be plotting the next

launch of the UK super car company since production

scheme for world domination, McLaren Automotive has in

kicked into high gear with the 2011 debut of the MP4-12C.

fact done just that. In only a few short years, the manufac-

Indeed, work at McLaren has progressed at neck-breaking speed

turer has evolved into the menace of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s super car

over the past four years.

establishment, haunting the boardrooms over at Ferrari,

Operating out of the striking Woking-based McLaren

Lamborghini, and Porsche.

the new 570S

PLEASURE, EVERYWHERE, EVERY TIME: Yet, as the good-humoured chief test driver pointed out, it is not all about the power, weight, and look of the car. “Yes, the 570S needed to look amazing and have more performance built to put a smile on your face

AND THAT MAKES THREE: With the 570S,

570S represents McLaren

McLaren introduced its

gone from a racing car

third model category: Sports

company, where people

Series. The company’s exist-

built cool, extreme, and

ing models are now labeled

really fast sports cars in

under Super Series (650S,

relatively small numbers,

650S Spider and 675 LT)

to a more mainstream car

and Ultimate Series, com-

manufacturer,” Goodwin

prising the sold-out P1 and

explained, adding that the

the P1 GTR track car.

570S is a, “much-higher

coming of age. “We’ve

Speaking to 9Fi5th in

volume, lower-cost car,” of

New York, chief test driver

which around 2,000 units

Chris Goodwin said the

will be produced.

than its competitors, but where it really sets itself apart is in terms of the drive,” Goodwin said. “What we wanted this car to do, bearing in mind its lower price and level of power within our range, was

570-Hp V8 engine

to actually make it just as much or even more fun to drive. The char-

THE RIGHT DNA: Omitting the McLaren M81 Mustang

acteristics of the car,

project, the company burst onto the scene in 1992 with the

whether you are driving

McLaren F1. The brainchild of Gordon Murray, widely

slowly across town or

regarded as one of the industry’s greatest minds, the car incor-

skidding and sliding

porated all the elements that would become McLaren’s DNA

through corners on a

almost two decades later. It was track oriented, but the poten-

racetrack, need to put a

tial for daily use didn’t suffer as a result. Additionally, the F1

smile on your face, and

had excellent aerodynamics and the body generated enough

that is what the 570S is

downforce to do away with ugly looking spoilers and other

all about.”

types of wings. One look at the new 570S or any other current

The 570S’s daily

McLaren for that matter, shows that spirit of the F1 is still very

drivability was as big a

much present in today’s production cars. Lightweight? Check!

feature of the car’s de-

Powerful, aerodynamic, blistering performance? Check!

velopment programme as anything else. “You

THEY DID IT THEIR WAY: This should come as no

can drive this car to

surprise, as General Manager of McLaren’s London branch

the racetrack or your

Andrew Gull explained. Talking to us earlier in March, he

mountain holiday home

said that the company has its own way of doing things. “In

in comfort. When you

every other other car business I’ve been a part of, it has been

get to the track, you

about business. At McLaren it is about the cars – that drives

PACKS A PUNCH: The model hasn’t been designed and

can drive it hard, beat

everything. We are, at heart, an engineering company,” Gull

engineered on a dime. Built around a carbon fibre mono-

the lap times of your

said. This is reflected in the type of clients he welcomes. “Our

cell commonly referred to as the bathtub, McLaren drivers

mate in their Italian or

customers don’t just come in to buy a super car, they want to

almost literally bathe in Formula 1-derived technology. The

German cars, and drive

be involved in the whole process.”

unit weighs around 175 pounds. With a dry weight of 2,895

home again with ease,”

pounds, the 570S renders the competition to obese dinosaurs.

Goodwin said. These

cars ever built in the history of performance vehicles. Consid-

While listed as an entry-level model, you should make no

characteristics weren’t

ering how much of the original F1 DNA has been incorporat-

mistake about the 570S’s performance potential. Powered by

developed overnight,

ed in today’s models, they will probably be remembered as the

a 570-horsepower V8, it rockets to 60 miles per hour (mph) in

nor for the 570S in par-

cars that made an unheard of performance potential uniquely

just 3.2 seconds and reaches 124 less than 7 seconds later. The

ticular. No, they have

accessible. Not since the 1991 Acura NSX has racing Ferraris

vehicle’s top speed is a bruising 204 mph, “punching well above

in fact, been some 20

been this easy. And guess what Gordon Murray drove to work

its price point of around £143,250,” according to Goodwin.*

years in the making.

in while developing the F1?

The McLaren F1 is recognised as one of the greatest super

*McLaren also launched the 540C variant in Shanghai in late April. Noted as the “club” version of the Sports Series, it is a slightly tamed version for a different type of customer and starts at £126,000.

A R OUND TOWN

When Dining Out is AbOut MOre thAn Just the FOOD Central london mainstay Kai mayfair Keeps patrons happy with steady flow of tasty dishes and serviCe to matCh.

estaurant reviews usually sing odes to the palatable dishes tasted. You’ll hear all about the best filet in town or the most per-

fectly prepared confit. Sure, that’s how many of our previous musings have gone as well, but this time, this time dear reader, we were so blown away by the impeccable service that accompanied our champion meal, that we thought we would start things off with Kai Mayfair’s attention to guest experience.

106

9fi5th.com

Lamb with Szechuan PePPercorn

tious sprung up when he watched his mother’s cooking as a child. His cuisine? “The roots are Chinese, based on some Malaysian flavours, making it Malaysian Chinese.” Kai Maifair’s menu, though encompassing, is not too long to suggest a thinning of skill. One or two new dishes will make it onto the menu every so

iNtiMate settiNg

often, but the theme will stay consistent.

well recall that we here at

So, what else did we dine

sweet tooth. Luckily for this

decided to trust Manager

Editor, Kai Mayfair is more

Wynn Tabernacle with his

than well-stocked when it

favourite and ordered the

comes to the sweeter things

Roasted Chilean Sea bass

in life. We started with the

helpings of

along with a meaty main

Coconut & Lychees. Crispy,

the Lightly

of Lamb with Szechuan

puffed rice, topped with

Seared Beef

Peppercorn. Light and

crème pâtissière, the stand-

fillet, which

unfooled around with, the

out star in this dish was

came with

sea bass was an utter delight

by far the fresh, ambrosial

a wonderful

as it danced on our palates

dollop of coconut sorbet.

vinaigrette

without the need for any

So refreshing it was that it

and was so

accoutrement. Seared to

immediately complemented

tender, it

perfection, the mild fish

our post-dinner palate with

quite literally

introduced an elegant com-

a bright and airy pursuit.

melted in our

bination of crisp sharpness

We would be overjoyed to

mouths. Top-

and gentle character.

return to Kai Mayfair for

Kai Mayfair

ping off our Michelin would agree.

As for the Lamb, it was

this sorbet alone. Then

warm and aromatic in its

again, we are heavily biased

was the Soft-Shell Crab,

deep, developed flavour and

in our saccharin tastes. Moving on.

trio of starters You should probably

9fi5th have an insatiable

on during our visit? We

be aware that Kai Mayfair

The menu was intro-

accompanied by a chili and

finished with the wholesome

(under current ownership)

duced to us by Ehrard Seho,

shallot-spiced butter and

depth a dish of this magni-

has been around for a while;

our trusty co-pilot for the

green mango.

tude would offer. Topped

mouthfuls followed our coco-

22 years to be exact. And in

evening. Highly trained in

with unexpected crisp ver-

nut affair, proving to be just

a world where the new “it”

the art of being there but

Chinese,” said Taber-

micelli, it was definitely lamb

as tasty as their predecessor.

restaurant changes on an

not actually being there, Seho

nacle when referencing Kai

like we’ve never had before.

“We’re the antidote to

almost monthly basis, with

managed to cater to our

Mayfair’s culinary exper-

“This is a family-owned

restaurants,” said Taber-

lots of previous owners to

every whim and suggested

tise. “About 20 percent of

restaurant,” said Taber-

nacle. And with food alone,

the title swiftly washed away,

we start things off with the

the menu is made up of

nacle. “All the focus is on

Kai Mayfair already proves

we’d suggest that the longev-

Wasabi Prawns. Already rec-

classic dishes and the rest

the customer dining experi-

itself to be top of the list,

ity of this Mayfair eatery

ommended by Tabernacle

are modern interpretations

ence.There are no time

add to that the impeccable

speaks for itself.

(whose personal favourite is

of traditional foods. We’re

limits on tables. You are

service and attention to

Manager Wynn Tab-

the Chilean Sea bass), we

staying true to our Chinese

not hurried. Once you have

detail from the moment you

ernacle puts it down to an

knew we were in for some-

cooking roots but we’re tak-

the table, it’s yours.”

enter to the moment you

unwavering level of edible

thing good.

ing it to a new level.”

sophistication and con-

Tangy yet mild, the

“We call it liberated

And that level comes

Unhurried and un-

A number of small

depart, and you can rest

rushed, our evening was

assured that Tabernacle not

tinuously good, nay, great,

prawns did not disappoint.

complete with Malaysian

still drawing to a close and

only hit the nail on its head,

service. Having awarded Kai

We managed to tantalise

Chef Alex Chow, whose

if you have read any of our

but is probably still being

Mayfair one star, the folks at

our tastebuds further with

food-flavoured ambi-

previous reviews, you may

rather humble.

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

107

A R OUND TOWN

SERVICE GUARANTEED Rhodium is a supeR staR of high-poweRed pRopeRt y concieRges.

hodium may be the crème-de-la-crème of concierges, but Director Dean Main cringes at the description, “concierge company,” a rather glib way of describing their six-star management service. When every client is an ultra-high-net-worth individual – billionaires, jet-setters, and a royal family to boot

– we’re talking a new galaxy of service needs, where no whim is too much trouble. Having worked in development investment in London for 10 years, Main saw the niche for a super breed of management. “We were selling £10 million units to Russians and Middle Easterners and they would call us, asking, ‘Can you do this? Can you do that?’”

108

9fi5th.com

The Buckingham, BrockTon

DEAN MAIN

What Main and his partner (who prefers to fly under the radar) decided to do was set up a business that focuses on super-prime homes and development in six core areas within Central London. “We classify super prime as £10 million and above.” The business is twotiered. “We do blocks and new developments, and we offer a management solution for individual homes. It could be a home in Belgra-

PuttiNg yOur graND hOme (aND its staircase) iN the right haNDs

via of, say, 15,000 square feet for which we provide a whole solution from maintenance to concierge requests – a 24-hour, seven-days-a week solution. All of our team is in-house, with the same guys working on the same residence,” said Main. “You have to understand that if you are a maintenance worker, etc, you are walking into a multimillionpound home.” Right, a

“You are looking after their home, You have the keYs to their apartment. so, we make sure that there is continuitY of a single point of contact.” - Dean main

different etiquette. “Typically in the UK you have the

unlucky. I think it’s amaz-

Is there anything they don’t do you wonder? “We don’t take

ing for them when they are

our brand and start pretending to do other things,” enlight-

dealing with a company that

ened Main. “Like private jets and yachts. But if a client wants

understands this sensitivity.

a yacht, we talk to the best three yacht brokers and come back

All of our Asian clients get

with three options for the client to pick. We make sure to have

gifts for Asian New Year.”

specialists in every area.”

Small details matter. Oh,

They also work with developers during the pre-planning

and trust is paramount. “You

stage. “It’s really a consultancy service,” said Main. “We advise

are looking after their home,

them on the layout and the trends that we see in our other

you have the keys to their

developments we manage. For example, the big gyms in most

apartment,” said Main. “So,

of our blocks don’t really get used. So, we advise developers,

we make sure that there is

to still incorporate a big gym, but also plan for smaller, private

continuity of a single point

rooms for personal training sessions, yoga, pilates, etc.” Other

of contact.”

pieces of valuable advice? Rhodium also guides clients on

As for the concierge side, the job brief is an expanding one,

the importance of common areas and layouts for concierge

builder type chap walking

whether it is instructing on the hotspots of London, booking

areas, making sure that tea points, locker facilities, and even

into the apartment and

the family holiday to Fiji or a lunch-date with One Direction

refuse leaving the building are all planned. From a developer’s

saying, ‘Aw right luv, put the

(minus Zayn Malik that is). “What ends up happening, is we

perspective, it’s a no-brainer to have a company like Rhodium

kettle on,’” said Main with

become lifestyle managers as well.” Recently a client wanted to

looking at the details.

a chuckle, “that just doesn’t

surprise his wife with a very specific Birkin handbag. “We had

work. There is a need for

48 hours to find it,” said Main. And find it they did.

different protocol.”

Think Ritz-Carlton on tap in your own home. “Let’s say a

The business really changed about 18 months ago when the Monegasque royal family bought a 10-percent stake. “That investment was great synergy. It sets you up for a new profile.” Rhodium is being pushed, for obvious reasons, to go to

With 98 percent of his

client leaves their home in January and says, ‘We’ll be back in

clients hailing from overseas,

March.’ When they walk into their home in March, it will be

Monaco. “There are two or three very high-end develop-

cultural sensitivity is key.

like a hotel. Fresh flowers, fresh linens, everything will be spot-

ments going up, which we are being earmarked to manage in

Take his Asian clients. “They

less. They’ll have their favourite food in the fridge, the wine

three to four years and I think that will be the time frame to

don't like certain numbers

they wanted.” A client may even request the temperature they

open an office there.” Right now, though, it’s London that is

and certain colours are

want in their house.

their focus.

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

109

A R OUND TOWN

Fly Right

London Ex E cutivE Avi At i o n ' s PAt r i c k MAr gEts o n -r u s hM o r E tA kE s LEAving o n A jEt P L An E to nEw hE i g h ts .

ondon Executive

ment. He used to call his

time later. His instruc-

to do private flying. We had

of Europe’s largest private

Aviation CEO

instructor at 5am to squeeze

tor found Margetson-

a small twin-engine aircraft

jet charter operators. In

Patrick Margetson-

in a flying lesson before

Rushmore’s business card

as opposed to what we have

2014, LEA joined forces

Rushmore’s love for the

rushing back to his job in the

in his jacket pocket when

now - corporate jets that

with holding company Luxa-

high life got off the ground

City. “I qualified with my

a friend was looking to

can fly across the pond to

viation Group, the second

when his girlfriend-now-

private license and took up

start up a private company.

America, to Russia, and

largest charter operator

wife Isabel bought him

aerobatic flying – I loved the

The chance encounter

beyond.”

group in Europe (Netjets

flying lessons for his birth-

thrill of doing rolls, loops,

led Margetson-Rushmore

day in the early 90s. Even

and stall turns and entered

to spread his wings and

off, so to speak. They have

planes that can fly to over

before that, while at school,

aerobatic competitions in

help set up LEA. “We got

gone from four employees

800 destinations. And LEA’s

he cut his teeth on single-

the 90s,” said the sky-loving

together through pure luck

housed in an old World

top destinations? Paris, Ge-

engine Chipmunks.

Margetson-Rushmore.

and officially launched LEA

War II shed at Stapleford

neva, Ibiza, and Dublin. Oh,

on April 1st, 1996, basically

Aerodrome to become one

and did we mention LEA

Keen is an understate-

110

9fi5th.com

Fate stepped in some

And boy did things take

being number one) with 100

All AboArd

has won the ‘Best General

ever, when you fly with a

Aviation Operator’ award

scheduled carrier, you have

in the prestigious Baltic Air

to arrive two hours before

Charter Association Excel-

the flight takes off and

lence Awards five times?

when you get to the end,

So, what is it LEA does

you have to wait for your

exactly? Basically, LEA

bags and it’s an hour and

does four things: charters

a half before you exit the

out aircraft to third parties;

airport. Flying privately,

manages aircraft (insur-

you park your car, you

ance, maintenance, pilots,

walk to a terminal where

etc); buys and sells aircraft;

you go through the same

and acts as a private avia-

level of security but you’ve

tion consultant.

already pre-cleared your

For LEA’s clients, private

passport through customs

flying is all about timesav-

in advance; if you are in a

ing and flexibility, our in-

queue at all, it would only

terviewee stressed. “If you

be with the fellow travel-

fly from Luton to Moscow,

lers in your own party. You

a scheduled flight time is

walk to the plane, you taxi,

three hours and 40 min-

and you take off.” Okay,

Rushmore, the fundamental

that. With luxury, unrivalled

I can’t say who they are…”

utes. If you fly privately,

nice…we get the picture.

advantage is control over

customer service, and pri-

Interestingly, he observed,

time. “If your meeting at

vacy being the cornerstones

bands don’t trash these

the other end finishes early,

of their business, LEA

days. “Touring bands work

you come back earlier. If

does attract an incredible

very hard, they have a lot of

it overruns, the plane waits

clientele (which Margetson-

gigs to fit in, everyone needs

for you.” 70 percent of

Rushmore naturally can’t

some chill-out time.”

LEA’s clients are business

discuss) and does whatever

As for the LEA CEO

clients. (And that may

their clients demand, within

himself, he says he catches

explain why tomato juice is

reason. This means making

the occasional Ryanair

evidently the most common

sure the flight has a nice

flight. Oh, come on! He’s

drink on board.)

the time is the same; how-

According to Margetson-

Pat r i c k M a r g e t s o n - r u s h M o r e

CONveNieNCes iN the sky

hot curry if the client so

not entirely joking. “I look

But while it is not all

desires – sometimes from

after wealthy clients, but

about champagne and cav-

their restaurant of choice.

LEA is a business which

iar, it can be, if clients want

“We do a lot of band tours.

needs to manage its costs.”

ReaDy tO take Off?

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

111

A R OUND TOWN

the

NOTA BENE EXPERIENCE Fl awless luxury and discerning taste is what nota Bene has noted well â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to the BeneFit oF your experience.

112

9Fi5th.com

The NoTa BeNe expereiNce

o you have plans

during our chat. The

to take your loved

Founder’s desire to provide

one out for din-

convenience and fine expe-

ner in Bali and aren’t sure

riences to all of Nota Bene’s

which table has the best

members is truly striking.

view of the sunset? Nota

One can join the exclu-

Bene Global has your back.

sive ranks of Nota Bene’s

Through the skilful judg-

standard client service for

ment on which the brand

£3,000 per year (£500

has built a solid reputation,

of which would be your

Nota Bene has discovered

joining fee), but Lassman

not only the greatest and

keenly points out that

most exquisite experiences

there’s nothing standard

available, but ones that read

about it. For the yearly sub-

give you

your needs with algorithmic

scription price, a standard

the best

accuracy for the experience

member receives access to

service, which

of a lifetime, any time and

a travel team and to the

menu items will

every time.

member’s section of their

tickle those taste buds

“I am not a young hIpster, but I know where they go.” - anthony Lassman

Bene will come in and hand-pick your skipper. Isolating these elements has

just the right way,

get to pick Lassman’s brain

allowed Lassman and com-

and which bars

– in person (or over the

pany to become connois-

and venues are

phone).

seurs of countries, gurus of

the it place to fre-

Understanding the

‘going’ or rather, experts

context of a situation truly

of experiences. They truly

What Nota Bene pro-

website. What this amounts

a young hipster, but I know

allows Nota Bene to provide

understand the intangibles

vides is the kind of knowl-

to is a wealth of knowledge

where they go,” Lassman

what few others can: a

that ought be savoured, like

edge that only comes with

and individuals who help

said with a wink.

service that caters to specific

all things of true luxury.

history. Through extensive

tailor a trip to a client’s

research and time spent

specifications.

quent. “I am not

abroad, Nota Bene and its

Folks, Nota Bene is a

Nota Bene also provides

needs. So, whether for a

First and foremost to

two more tiers of member-

business trip to Japan, an

Nota Bene is the experi-

ship. For £14,000 (including

anniversary celebration in

ence: the wind blowing

Founder, Anthony Lassman,

travel and lifestyle service

a £1,500 joining fee) one

the Caribbean, or a relaxing

through the palm fronds,

have stripped luxury down

not a concierge. What they

can purchase Nota Bene’s

summer in Ibiza, they have

the sounds of exotic instru-

to its essence – down to

provide goes far past a

yearly Bespoke member-

the bases covered. They

ments, and the flavours of

that 20 percent that delivers

simple restaurant recom-

ship, which gives additional

certainly know how to pro-

fine local cuisine. And let

way more than 110 percent

mendation. Nota Bene can

24-hour access to a travel

vide a first-class experience

us tell you, Lassman knows

(sorry Pareto). “Real luxury

tell you which time of day

director as well as other

that can be lavish and over

how to release these spices

comes down to transporta-

will have the best ambi-

services such as luggage de-

the top, but also understand

to hit just the right spot.

tion,” Lassman clarified

ence, which waiter will

livery and personal security

that sometimes what the

So, if you want to look

services. This is the kind of

client wants is a low-key

and feel like George Cloo-

security that protects you

location, simple privacy, or

ney or stay in the exact suite

from being a target; this one

an authentic experience.

in Venice where he spent

keeps you safe when you are doing the fun stuff.

his honeymoon, just ring up Lassman and ask him

restaurant in Italy but don’t

for a little advice. He’ll tell

cost significantly more, but

know which dish is un-

you which stylist to go to,

provides access to Anthony

missable for the region? Or

what cut to ask for, maybe

Lassman himself. How cool

worse, you miss out on the

even which chair to sit in

is that? If you are new to a

most stunning sunset in In-

alongside those Venetian

city and want to impress a

donesia only to find out you

hotel reservations. Once

business partner, you have

were a stone’s throw away

you have the look, we are

Lassman on speed dial.

from the perfect view? Bet-

betting that the feel is even

Priced at £26,000 per year

ter yet, you’re ready to take

more fun - from martinis to

(including a £2,500 joining

your yacht on a world cruise

cool rides, Lassman has got

fee), Bespoke Plus members

but need to restaff – Nota

it all well noted.

The next tier up may

SaiLiNg the SeveN SeaS

Imagine you are at an under-the-radar /insider

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

113

PILLOW TALK

P I L LOW TALK

115 The DorchesTer

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117 The hosPITAL cLUB

118 The MILesTone hoTeL

The DorchesTer hoTel

AfterNOON teA At the DOrchester

FEELING QUINTESSENTIALLY ENGLISH

AT THE DORCHESTER What better Way to end your day than a Champagne afternoon tea at the promenade Too laTe for lunch, buT Too early

Set in posh Mayfair overlooking hyde Park,

nooks and crannies made to escape the day’s

for dinner? afternoon tea is the british

The dorchester is home to The Promenade, an

stresses. With the delicate scent of fresh bouquets

excuse for an early fourth meal. rumoured to be

elegant yet comfortable environment filled with

and soft piano notes dancing through the air, even

started by anna The 7th duchess of bedford, afternoon tea became the social practice of enjoying a “cuppa” while nibbling small sandwiches to prevent the afternoon slump. yes, even royalty get fatigued when the clock hits 3pm. and where better to go when feeling a tad drowsy and a bit peckish, than one of london’s most classic locations, The dorchester hotel.

eAster AfterNOON teA

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

115

of grand and rare teas, the most popular is their own. The Dorchester Blend is a bright tea of Sri Lankan Ceylon and Golden Assam teas carrying caramel undertones. It is best enjoyed with milk. To follow are warm raisin and plain scones baked from a recipe going back to the mid-1900s. Served with fresh strawberry and raspberry jam, they also come with the most luscious Devonshire clotted cream! If you have never indulged yourself in a traditional scone, just ask one of your friendly waiters - they will guide you on your journey. First, you should always start those without title or

with the strawberry

land can feel like an

jam (that’s the most

heir to the throne.

traditional) and

Greeted by

second, don’t be afraid

gentlemen in tailored

to get a little messy!

tuxedos, crisp collars,

Dollop that cream and

and service to match,

devour away.

The Promenade is no

And that’s not all

stranger to making

folks! Before you roll

you feel at home (and

over and undo your

with over 80 years

top button, remember

of practice, The

there is (or rather,

Dorchester’s reputa-

should) always (be)

tion goes unmatched).

room for dessert. An

Beginning with a

assortment of cakes,

chilled glass of Laurent Perrier Rosé Champagne,

crustless finger sandwiches are offered. Cucumber

tarts, and French pastries are laid perfectly out on

clinks of cheers and small chatter fill the room as

with cream cheese on a caraway seed bread, Egg

the table, just in case your sweet tooth didn’t get

everyone starts to relax.

mayonnaise with shiso cress on white, Chicken with

its proper fix.

To freshen your palate, an amuse-bouche of small prawns in a Marie Rose sauce is served,

wholegrain mustard mayonnaise on basil bread, and Smoked salmon on granary bread.

But remember, as Bernard-Pail Heroux once said, “There is no trouble so great or grave that

perking up your appetite. Don’t let the dainty title

And of course, the tea. Served in pastel coloured

of ‘afternoon tea’ lead you to forget the amount of

teacups, enjoy a cup or two whichever way you like.

pour yourself another cup, prepare for one of those

food and tea you will consume in this sitting!

Milk and one sugar please...

tasty treats, and relax. After all, you’re enjoying the

Following this, a wide selection of traditional

116

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Although The Promenade has a wide variety

cannot be diminished by a nice cup of tea.” So,

delight that is afternoon tea at The Dorchester.

THE HOSPITAL CLUB

Doing all they can to create, connect, anD collaborate, the hospital club is the perfect home away from home.

The hOspiTaL CLub aT yOur serviCe

If you don’t know about the hos-

what’s on tonight’s menu? a Vesper martini…If

to create, connect, and collaborate, you can’t help

pItal Club, then you are defInItely

you don’t recognise that cocktail, let us give you a

but feel inspired in this creative atmosphere. the

mIssIng out. discreetly situated in Covent

clue: bond, James bond.

hospital Club also houses its own tV studio and

garden, the hospital Club bedrooms are a special

whilst staying in the bedrooms, you also have

music Control with all of the audio equipment to

blend of personality and five-star luxury. with

access to the amazing facilities the hospital Club

only 15 bedrooms, each room has something for

offers. this includes several different bars, lounges,

everyone. ranging from small to Xl suites, each

terraces, screening rooms, restaurants, and the

meeting gone a little too late, you will be delighted

bedroom carries its own outfit of leathers, velvets,

oak room, which depending on the night, is

to meander your way back up to the third floor

woods, stained glass, and accessories to match.

almost always filled with people looking for live

oasis and settle down in your cozy but luscious

produce live radio shows and more. after a night out on the town or a business

along with original

room. too lazy to grab

artwork by an emerg-

a bite out? the hospi-

ing artist from the lo-

tal Club room service

cal creative scene, you

has you covered. If

shouldn’t be surprised

you are too tired to

if you find the room

curl up on the velour

decked out in antique

curvature couch and

knick knacks such as

watch a flick on the

binoculars and old

plasma screen, your

pipes, terrariums, or

super king size bed

even your own erotic

will be your absolute

mini bar. hey, we

best friend. plush like

did say there was a

a cloud, you will drift

room for everyone!

fast asleep. but don’t

with its décor feeling

be upset when you

like you are in the

are awakened by the

heart of williams-

chime of the vintage

burg, brooklyn, this

phone next to you for

trendy hot spot is exactly the type of hotel you

music, comedy, and more. need to host a private

your early morning wake up call — it’s probably

want to write home about. Individually designed

dinner or perhaps a conference for work? the

breakfast. from açaí smoothies to bagels and

by russell sage studios, our suite for the eve-

hospital Club will happily accommodate.

lox, when your stay comes to an end, you will be

ning also encompassed a relaxing separate living

the hospital Club, which was founded by paul

space, an outdoor terrace, rainforest shower and

allen and dave stewart, has emerged as london’s

freestanding bath, plus underfloor heating and

hub of creativity. formerly known as st paul’s

ren toiletries. and to really take it to the next

hospital, the Club welcomes those in the creative

be ready to plan your next visit to the hospital

level, the hospital Club often sends a person-

fields to join together to work, play, and sleep.

Club, and we promise you, they will help you get

alised turn-down cocktail trolley up to your room.

with the amenities and ethos to entice its members

better in no time.

happy to enjoy breakfast in bed before you kiss the hospital Club goodbye. If you’re anything like us, we are sure you will

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

117

THE MILESTONE HOTEL

P I L LOW TALK

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W i t h t Wo s ta f f members to e v e r y g u e s t, t h e m i l e s to n e h ot e l p rov i d e s a personable experience f o r yo u a n d yo u r c o m pa n y.

enjoying the outdoors

Located in the heart of Kens-

interiors are inspired by 15th century

need to get across town? the Milestone

ington, the Milestone hotel is a great

pantomime) you can definitely count on

hotel offers a chauffeur-driven Bentley to

place to lay your head after a day of explor-

finding a suite that best fits your mood or

take you around the city whenever you need.

ing London’s most famous attractions. With

character. even better, some suites have

its history dating back to the 1600s, the

views overlooking Kensington Palace and

Milestone warmly welcomes children and

Milestone hotel was once home to ambas-

gardens, and rooftop balconies to enjoy in

pets. for families traveling with young ones,

sadors and barons of London. however,

the summer.

the Milestone knows the way to make a

upon joining the red carnation hotel

With two staff members per guest, you

Planning a trip with loved ones? the

wee one feel at home with mini bathrobes

collection, the Milestone has made its

are guaranteed to have your every wish

and slippers, a teddybear book, and a

mark as one of the capital’s most luxurious

granted alongside having the familiarity

chocolate mouse on turndown. if you are

5-star boutique hotels, perfect for short trips

of knowing whom you need to ask, if and

planning a night out without the kids, the

or long stays.

when you need something.

boutique hotel also offers a fully qualified

What makes the Milestone stand out in

Upon arriving at the Milestone, you can

in-house nanny service if required. along

our eyes, is the level of romance, comfort,

expect a butler to take you on a personal

with friendly in-house pet services complete

and luxury. taking grand statements of

tour of the hotel’s facilities while you sip a

with a pet’s dining menu, toys, and treats,

colour and style, each of the 44 deluxe

complimentary glass of champagne (or your

your dog will get treated like royalty too.

guest rooms, 12 luxury suites, and six long-

drink of choice). the Milestone offers ex-

stay apartments are all uniquely decorated.

ceptional dining at cheneston’s restaurant

a trip to London, let the comforts and

that’s right, no two rooms are the same!

(we recommend the gnocchi), a cool vibe in

elegance of the Milestone hotel persuade

With styles ranging from ornate tudor rose

the stables Bar, cocktails over soft classical

you. for after mastering an impeccable

ceilings and glass chandeliers in the tudor

piano in the conservatory, or afternoon tea

5-star hotel experience, we have quite the

suite to the mischievous splashes of black

in the Lounge. not up for a nibble? spend

feeling many of their guests will never want

and white in the harlequin suite (whose

some down time in the pool, sauna or gym.

to leave.

the Milestone hotel

if you weren’t thinking about making

OFF THE WALL

PO IFLFLOW THE TALK WALL

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121 VIEW FROM THE EDGE

122 HAUSER & WIRTH

Real estate rebels Londonewcastle put a vacant space to artistic use by collaborating with London’s creative community.

Located on Savile Row, hauser & Wirth’s London gallery brings an artistic edge to mayfair.

Alex Noble, CreAtures from the KAleidosCope

VIEW FROM THE EDGE

cruiSiN fOr a BruiSiNg - emma richarDSON

and even Oasis had a showing – although, “we had lots of people turning up at our offices as they didn’t read the address right.” The space is accessed from a door on the corner of Redchurch and Ebor Streets and opens out tardis-like to reveal three linked galleries – each 1,000 square feet in size. Soning boasts that the white walls with exposed concrete ceilings – and a great bar – represent one of the best galleries in London. Well, he would say that. But, he insists, everyone else who

Real estate Rebels l ondonewcastle put a vacant space to a R tistic use by collabo R ating with london’s c R eative community.

PrOject SPace

t is pretty unusual to

walls where we could foster

meet a property devel-

street art.”

has been there agrees. And Soning doesn’t just mean the interior. Outside, street artists do their thing. “We have been massive advocators of street art,” said Soning. “Years ago,

Seven years down the

makes the selections. Oc-

when people were getting

line it is not only a place for

casionally it can be hit and

sent to prison and being

oper whose heart is in

Londonewcastle Project

the cool crowd to be seen

miss. “We’ve had some great

electrocuted on railway lines

art (outside of Miami

Space sits on the existing site

at openings, but is also let-

shows and we’ve had some

creating this really great

that is). But Robert Soning

of The Huntingdon Estate

ting emerging artists, well,

‘okay’ shows. It’s all part of

stuff in New York and some

is not your typical real es-

in Shoreditch. The former

emerge. “It has turned into

the learning experience of

suburbs of Paris, it was kind

tate developer and both he

printworks was transformed

a really large established gal-

the artist or the creator.”

of established as street art as

and Co-Founder David Bar-

by Londonewcastle in 2008

lery… And we never charge

nett of edgy development

into a space that can be used

anyone a penny.”

company Londonewcastle

for a variety of events from

are so mad about the arty

exhibitions, installations, and

dipped deep into their own

Space is booked up till

tours turning up in bus-

stuff that they set up their

fashion shows to pop-ups

pockets to set up the space.

summer. “Exhibitions last

ses looking at the site. “It’s

own gallery. As you do.

and film locations.

“It doesn’t make money.

year included works by Bob

great. People come to us and

It actually costs us money.

Gruen, the famous New

want to create something on our walls.”

“We had a building just

According to Soning,

Yes, Soning and Barnett

Featuring pop photographers as well as art institutions like Caitlin, Project

sitting there while we were

Shoreditch had a gritty

Sometimes the artists

York photographer who was

in the planning process,”

scene of really creative

make money.”

right there on the scene in

said Soning. “We thought,

people who lurked under the

let’s just use it, spend some

radar. “We picked up on that

30 applications for shows and

money and create a gallery/

and it started rolling.”

a committee of creative types

Each week they get about

opposed to just vandalism. We picked up on that.” Now, they get street art

It’s obvious the gallery

the 60s and 70s punk move-

feeds Soning’s soul. “It brings

ment in New York.”

us a lot of joy and makes our

Blur did an exhibition

life very colourful.”

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

121

HAUSER

& WIRTH

L o c at e d o n S av iL e R o w, H a uSe R & w iR t H’ S London g a L Le Ry b R in gS a n aR t iS t i c e d ge t o M ay fa iR .

gallery around the globe has its own personality that is unique yet cohesive with its sister galleries. Showcasing both established and emerging artists in the modern art realm, Hauser & Wirth’s London

gallery is housed within two separate but neighbouring

With past exhibits show-

locations complete with

ing a variety of mediums

clean white-walled rooms,

from sculptures, photogra-

ucked away off Con-

wooden and concrete

phy, paintings, and interac-

duit Street and across

floors, and

tive video

from our friends over

interactive

installations,

at Derwent London,

spaces. The

Hauser &

you’ll find the often bustling

two spaces

Wirth hosts

London outpost of Hauser

carry a

a unique

& Wirth. It is not unusual to

smooth

selection

see large groups of hip and

fluidity

of artists.

fashionable people lining up

between

Some of

to view one of their latest

locations

their past

exhibits on Savile Row.

and from

exhibits

Savile Row, which is best

room to

have show-

known for its traditional and

room. De-

cased the

bespoke tailoring, has been

signed by Selldorf Archi-

works of Paul McCarthy,

growing as a location for a

tects, patrons come and

Rashid Johnson, Rita Ack-

variety of modern and con-

enjoy the space, which is

ermann, and Pipilotti Rist,

temporary art galleries such

perfect for art lovers look-

to name a few.

as Ordovas, Laurent Delaye,

ing to find feeling or an

and more.

emotional connection in

Hauser & Wirth, which

the exhibits on display. We

Feel like you’re missing out? Hauser & Wirth’s has plenty of exhibits lined up this Spring/Summer season. Here’s what’s coming up:

has galleries in London,

also love the casually intel-

Somerset, New York, and

lectual conversations you

Zürich, has grown quite a

will be sure to have with

reputation and following in

the strangers standing next

Her complex drawings often examine recurring themes of textural play and cartog-

the art scene over the past

to you. Trust us, you will

raphy (June 5th- July 25th).

couple of years. Founded by

love the contagious energy

• Anj Smith’s first solo show in London in over four years will exhibit new meticulous

Iwan Wirth, Manuela Wirth,

and atmosphere Hauser &

paintings on texturally rich canvases. Smith’s work often surrounds the history of

and Ursula Hauser, each

Wirth creates.

painting, botany, and the natural world (Sept 4th - Oct 24th).

122

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• New video installation by Diana Thater shot in a Galtaji Temple near Jaipur in India will depict monkeys in their architectural habitat (March 27th - May 16th). • Roni Horn’s recent series of drawings will exhibit across both Savile Row galleries.

Installation view, ‘Rashid Johnson. Smile’, Hauser & Wirth London, 2015 © Rashid Johnson, Courtesy the artist and Hauser & Wirth, Photo: Alex Delfanne

O F F THE WALL

S E M A TH

Razor sharp printing... DESIGN

DIGITAL

Proud to print this issue of Thames Print, 19 East Portway Industrial Estate, Andover SP10 3LU t: 01264 359 359 e: web@thames-print.co.uk w: www.thames-print.co.uk

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BEYOND

B EYOND

125 THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE With people looking to find property gold in Spain, Aylesford International knows exactly where the treasure is.

124

9fI5th.com

views of the pool atâ&#x20AC;Ś

Spain • Marbella • Golden TrianGle

THE GOlDEn TRianGlE With people looking to find property gold in Spain, Aylesford International knows exactly where the treasure is.

PARTICULARS Villa San Juan place planS price € perkS

ViLLa SaN JuaN

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

125

B EYOND

M Many are known to call

real estate renaissance since

destination or winter get-

Marbella, Spain, the

its upswing a few years

away for any old old chap.

Los Angeles of Europe.

ago. Running along the

Imagine, sipping a crisp

Fortunately for us, it’s not

coast from Los Monteros

glass of Cava whilst

because of the smog or

to Guadalmina and up into

soaking up the sun,

traffic. Sat in-between the

La Zagaleta, “The Golden

as your fellow com-

Mediterranean Sea and

Triangle” has been drawing

rades in London

the foothills of the Sierra

more and more attention

awake to another

Blanca, Marbella conveys

because of its well-designed

gloomy day. Ready

the same laid back attitude

refurbishments and

to board? No

you’ll find in sunny Cali-

modern new builds. Cur-

problem. You may

fornia. Although a “Surf ’s

rency exchange rates being

want to stock up

up, Dude” won’t get you

favourable hasn’t hurt the

on sunblock.

very far here, a love for

market either.

beautiful homes, Sunday

With a harmonious mix

But hey, if you are looking to party, there

drives, and ocean views

of metropolitan city centres

is always a fiesta happen-

spanning towards the Afri-

and tucked away pueblo

ing just around the corner.

can coast definitely will.

villages, Marbella allows its

Marbella isn’t all about

residents to feel comfortable

sitting back and relaxing,

Perhaps

who are best known for

and relaxed at all times.

there are plenty of things

you might

their prime real estate in

Its natural ambience, and

to do nearby. Drive a

even park up your yacht

From home cinemas, pri-

London, also specialise in

almost impeccable weather

real Formula One Car at

at Puerto Banus and head

vate gyms, or your own bar

prime real estate in “The

(residents say they get 320

Ascari racetrack, or head

into the hills of Benahavis

in Bellevoir, to the private

Golden Triangle” and have

sunny days out of the year),

down to Tarifa, the wind

for a delicious Spanish

spas and treatment rooms

create the perfect travel

surfing capital of Europe.

meal or spend a day at the

in Villa San Juan, you

Beach Clubs.

better get used to high-end

Aylesford International,

been guiding the area’s

Whether you are looking for a modern abode

126

9fi5th.com

these homes come equipped!

luxury living. As for you art lovers,

with 360-degree views of

Marbella didn’t forget

La Concha (locals say the

about you either. El Nido,

mountain range looks like

a 2,800-square-metre

a conch shell) and the coast

home designed by famous

line, or a traditional Anda-

architect Joaquin Torres,

lusian home to escape by

features a 15-metre tall

the pool all day, Marbella

sculpture called ‘The Pulse’

is no stranger to luxurious

real estate. And boy, do

Arne Quinze specifically for

welcome home to Bellavoir

€

OceaN views frOm here...

the property. El Nido also

around every corner), La

features a tennis court, iPad

Zagaleta is proud to bring

controlled Crestron technol-

its residents top of the

ogy, fingerprint security, a

line homes with beautiful

solar heated indoor pool

views and a vibrant com-

and spa, and enough space

munity. Suited with two

to build your own disco-

golf courses, tennis courts,

theque or bowling alley

fishing lakes, horse stables, a

in the basement. Worried

country club with bars and

about your friends partying

a restaurant that serves the

own private oasis. Have a

later than you? Fret not,

best paella on Sundays, and

vision of your own? Don’t

there are plenty of separate

24-hour security, you know

worry, there are still plenty

entrances so your good

you are being taken care of

of vacant plots. And with

night’s sleep will go undis-

in more ways than one.

only 70% of the plots hav-

aND everywhere at BeLLavOir

Although La Zagaleta

ing been built on so far, La

to all parents, children are

provides a great sense of

Zagaleta is a pie that many

not advised to play ‘hide

neighbourhood living, it

people want a slice of.

and seek’ for fear of never

would be a bit of a hike

being found in this amenity

to ask your neighbour for

is one of the top destina-

jungle! We jest of course.

a cup of sugar. There is

tions to watch out for this

If Marbella is a crown

a great amount of land

Spring/Summer season.

on the coast of the Mediter-

between each plot – roughly

Just over two hours in travel

ranean Sea, the sparkling

40 metres dedicated to the

time from London, there

jewel in the centre is that of

surrounding nature and

is no doubt that we will

La Zagaleta. Similar to that

wildlife. With all 400 plots

see more Brits heading to

of Hollywood or Beverly

averaging about 6,000

Marbella to have a taste of

Hills (without the swarms

square metres, you are most

what Spain’s resurgence has

of paparazzi creeping

definitely guaranteed your

to offer.

turbed. However, a warning

“The Golden Triangle”

PARTICULARS El Nido Place Plans

Marbella 2,800 square meters built on 6,800-square-metre plot

PRIce € PeRks

Upon request Eight bedroom suites, four kitchens, tennis court, two studies, spa with sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, massage room, hair dressing salon, indoor and outdoor pools, nine car garage and staff accommodation

Contact - Michael Corr y Reid www.AylesfordSpain.com

LONDON SPRING/SUMMER 2015

127

Cartoons Courtesy of Bill tidy, for 9fi5th London Spring/Summer 2015.