Fabric May 2024

FRIENDS OF THE EARTH

Revealed: the best planet-kind interiors brands

UPSIZE YOUR LIFE

Make later life the time of your life at Marylebone’s new later living development

Dancing to her own tune

Hannah Dodd on being Bridgerton ’s new girl, ahead of the show’s highly-anticipated third season

Dearest readers, I come bearing pleasantries that are sure to delight. The seemingly endless interlude is over – a new series of Bridgerton is due to begin in just a matter of weeks! And stepping into the societal spotlight this season is Francesca Bridgerton. Taking over the character from Ruby Stokes, who was forced to step down due to scheduling commitments, is the wonderful Hannah Dodd. We’re so excited that she agreed to appear as our cover star this month; the gorgeous shoot was photographed on location at Chelsea Waterfront, a prestigious residential development that has seen the restoration of the last of the three historic Thames-side power stations. Equally special, but a little different, is Marylebone’s Wallacea Living, which is the latest in a new wave of luxury residential retirement villages in the Capital. We chatted to award-winning interior designer Sue Timney, who is responsible for bringing the exciting vision to life; you can see what she had to say in our special feature. And that’s just a taster of the fabulous content we’ve lined up for you in this issue. I hope you enjoy reading it.

OUR AGENTS

Arlington Residential arlingtonresidential.com

Aston Chase astonchase.com

Benham & Reeves benhams.com

Chestertons chestertons.com

Dexters dexters.co.uk

Druce druce.com

Glentree glentree.co.uk

Godfrey & Barr godfreyandbarr.com

Goldschmidt & Howland g-h.co.uk

Hamptons hamptons.co.uk

Heathgate heathgate.com

Jeremy James & Company jeremy-james.co.uk

Knight Frank knightfrank.co.uk

Savills savills.co.uk

TK International t-k.co.uk

Winkworth West End winkworth.co.uk

Sue Timney reveals her exciting plans for interiors at Wallacea Living

25

LIFESTYLE

25 SHOPPING

Heading off on holiday? You’ll be wanting one of these chic carry-on bags or stylish suitcases

26 CULTURE

Your guide to what to do in London this month

28 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: HANNAH DODD

On how it felt to step into Francesca Bridgerton’s shoes for the third series of everybody’s favourite Shondaland Regency romp

37 LATER LIVING

We meet the award-winning interior designer who is bringing her vision for a luxury retirement village in Marylebone to life

40 STYLE

We Are Twinset share their summer style secrets, plus, architect Katy Marks tells us how she came to design lingerie

45 FOOD & DRINK

The latest foodie news from across the Capital, and a recipe for a vibrant summer supper

TRAVEL

49 SPOTLIGHT ON

Our pick of places to stay in Portugal’s coastal capital

50 TRAVEL REVIEWS

With its striking coastline, vibrant cities and varied culture, California makes for a compelling break

INTERIORS

55 INTERIORS NEWS

The latest launches and luxurious new lines

58 INTERIORS TRENDS

Meet the home heroes that are going above and beyond to be planet-kind

61 AT HOME WITH

Josie Lywood takes us on a tour of her colourful Grade II listed Georgian gem

64 DESIGNER PROFILE

Amy Moorea Wong shares the inspiration behind her dusk-inspired lamp collection 40

SCHOOLS

67 A CAPITAL EDUCATION

Sue Baillie, on her vision as head of Woldingham School, plus a look at the benefits of school trips

PROPERTY

71 TALKING POINTS

Our agents offer advice for first time buyers

72 HOT PROPERTY

The best homes on the market this month

50 58

75 LAST WORD

Vivienne Harris on the evolution of Heathgate, from humble beginnings to market-leader

QUESTION THE QUESTIONS

Ignite your curiosity today with a visit to Habs Boys and Habs Girls.

MAKE A PROFOUND IMPACT

West Heath Avenue, Golders Hill Park, NW11

£3,990,000

6423/4SoleAgent|Freehold|EPCC 1

Located close by the beautiful open spaces of Golders Hill Park is this rarely available low-built five/six bedroom contemporary two storey house which offers 3,162 sq ft of bright, lateral accommodation, all presented in very good decorative condition throughout.

The ground floor offers a double height entrance lobby flooded with light from the huge overhead skylight. Off this is a 36' double reception room with a triple aspect over the west-facing wrap-around garden. There is also a family/breakfast room leading directly into the kitchen, a large utility room with plant room plus a study which doubles as a guest/maids suite with en-suite shower room. The first floor provides a principal suite with a double aspect, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathroom and large walk-in closet, four further bedrooms and two further bathrooms, one en-suite.

The house sits on a corner position behind a driveway for three/four cars (as well as a large integral single garage) with secure sliding gates. The comprehensive transport hub of Golders Green Underground Station (Northern Line) is located at the far end of West Heath Avenue as well as the excellent array of local supermarkets, specialist food shops, restaurants and cafés.

West Heath Drive, Golders Hill Park, NW11

£2,950,000

A beautifully presented semi-detached four/five bedroom family house, situated in this sought-after road and with the benefit of off-street parking for two/three cars. The ground floor accommodation is ideal for entertaining and provides a large bay fronted reception room and a 25' x 22'11 open-plan kitchen/dining room with a separate family room to the rear with bi-fold doors leading to a 61' west-facing rear garden.

The first floor boasts a wonderful 21' principal bedroom with dressing area and en-suite bathroom, a large second double bedroom, playroom/bedroom three and a family bathroom. The second floor offers two further double bedrooms, a second family bathroom and a large utility room.

The house is conveniently located within a short walk of the vast green acres of Golders Hill Park as well as the shops, restaurants and cafés of Golders Green. The Northern Line underground station and wide choice of buses are also within walking distance.

The leading estate agent for Hampstead and the surrounding areas

NEVIILE DRIVE, N2 GUIDE PRICE £5,250,000

Backing onto Hampstead golf course and in this quiet corner of Neville Drive enjoying spectacular views, this stunning and beautifully designed 6 bedroom detached family home offers a plethora of wonderful space and interesting features.

As you enter the front hallway you are met with floor to ceiling glazed doors into an array of reception rooms, a 38ft, extended, lounge dining room with bifolding doors leading out onto the rear garden. There is a separate dual aspect TV family room, study and a large, kosher kitchen diner family room, with Gaggenau appliances, further bifolding doors which lead you out onto a stunning south facing rear garden.

SOLE A GENT

There is also a fully equipped utility room and a guest w.c.The first floor comprises 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 en suite). The principal bedroom suite offers a stunning vaulted ceiling feature with amazing views of the golf course, a walk-in dressing room and an ensuite bathroom. There is a further family bathroom which services the remaining bedroom. The second floor has 2 further bedrooms and 1 ensuite. Bunkers Dip sits within approximately 0.25 of an acre, it is also within a short walk to the Hampstead Heath Extension, Norrice Lea synagogue and the amenities of The Market Place.

SOUTHWAY, NW11

GUIDE PRICE £5,250,000

Set on a double plot, with a small tennis court and spanning 0.3 of an acre, is this magnificent detached family home designed and built by the renowned architect A H Moberly of Slater and Moberly in Circa 1927 for his own occupation.

This charming home which is on the open market for the first time in 35 years, boasts 4,150 sq ft of family accommodation over 3 floors and benefits from 4/5 receptions on the ground floor which include a kitchen/breakfast room, a dining room and a drawing room, all with double French doors leading on to the garden as well as a sitting room, a family room, a study, a utility room, a guest WC and cloakroom.

SOLE A GENT

On the upper floors there are 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms including a delightful principal bedroom suite with a dressing room and ensuite bathroom.

The expansive, south facing, mature, landscaped rear garden is beautifully kept and is in excess of over 90” by 90” wide. Additionally there is off-street parking to the front of the house.

EPC Rating - D

*Pictures shown are from a previous occupancy*

Winnington Close, N2

£6,500,000

Set on a prime cul-de-sac in Hampstead Garden Suburb, a double fronted detached house which would be a great blank canvas to add your own stamp. Providing plenty of ground floor accommodation with a generous reception room and an open plan kitchen leading onto extensive gardens. Arranged across three floors, there are six bedrooms, four bathrooms and a terrace, energy rating f.

Dexters Highgate. 35 Highgate High Street, London, N6 5JT T: 020 8545 8584 E: highgatesales@dexters.co.uk

dexters.co.uk

Woronzow Road, NW8

£3,250,000

Located in the heart of St John's Wood, a beautifully presented house offering excellent entertaining space throughout. The Victorian property is ideal for hosting friends and family with a large reception room and a grand glass conservatory. There is also four bedrooms, including a principal bedroom that provides the added luxury of a walk-in wardrobe and en suite bathroom, energy rating c.

Dexters St John's Wood. 4 St Ann's Terrace, London, NW8 6PJ

T: 020 7483 6300 E: stjohnswoodsales@dexters.co.uk

New to Market

David Brand – Sales Director

020 7182 1406

david.brand@chestertons.co.uk

This bright apartment is situated on the sixth floor of a sought-after block with 24-hour porter, passenger lift and communal roof terrace with views across the London skyline. The property boasts over 1,500 sq. ft. of living space, a double reception room opening onto the balcony, and underground parking.

Hollyberry Lane, Hampstead NW3

2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | Reception room | Approximately 1,000 sq ft | EPC E

Freehold | Council Tax band G

A magnificent, exquisitely refurbished house tucked away in a tranquil cul-de-sac in the heart of Hampstead Village.

Guide price £2,250,000

Knight Frank Hampstead andrew.nicholson@knightfrank.com

020 3918 7804

knightfrank.co.uk

Winners of the Best Customer Focus Award in 2023

Wonderful period house

Greencroft Gardens, Hampstead NW6 Head

West Hampstead Underground Station: 0.5 miles, Finchley Road Underground Station: 0.5 miles

Greencroft Gardens is meticulously maintained, this detached house preserves its original features, including exquisite fireplaces, high ceilings, and intricate decorative plasterwork; each element contributing to the preservation of its historical charm. 2 reception rooms, 3 kitchens, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, unconverted attic, guest WC, utility room, detached, modern studio in the rear garden, private garden.

Freehold | Council Tax Band = G | EPC Rating = C

4,466 Sq Ft | Guide £3.95 million

REGENT’S PARK

LONDON NW1

A beautifully presented second floor flat providing 2,037 sq ft/189 sq m of accommodation with seven windows offering outstanding west-facing views of Regent’s Park and the terrace’s private gardens.

The apartment features an impressive triple aspect reception room, a large principal bedroom suite and further benefits from a garage and lower floor storage room. In addition, a studio flat is available to be purchased by separate negotiation in the mews behind.

The flat benefits from 24-hour security porterage and is located on the east side of Regent’s Park, well-located within easy access to the shops and restaurants of Marylebone High Street (approximately 1 mile) and the West End (approximately 2 miles). Great Portland Street and Regent’s Park underground stations are close by (both approximately 0.6 - 0.7 miles).

Guide Price £4,950,000

Sole Agents

8 Wellington Road, St. John’s Wood, London NW8 9SP

info@arlingtonresidential.com

+44 (0)20 7722 3322

arlingtonresidential.com

A simply breathtaking Grade II Listed house on Downshire Hill, Hampstead Village, NW3 of internal accommodation with features that include an 11ft high pitched ceiling, ‘herringbone’ turrets. The property is conveniently located for the open spaces/ponds of Hampstead Heath (250m), Hampstead High Street (400m) and Hampstead Underground Station (Northern Line 750m).

N.B. some of the photos are virtually styled and are ideas for interior design. 231

Guide Price: £3,495,000 Freehold Council Tax Band - F Hampstead Sales 020 7435 4404

parking is this impressive seven bedroom detached double fronted family home on Ingram Avenue, Hampstead Garden Suburb NW11 moments from the Heath Extension and backing onto Turners Wood Bird Sanctuary. This excellent home comprises 8,815 sq ft of accommodation, including a superb indoor swimming pool, gym with leisure facilities, integral double garage and a landscaped south facing rear garden with an outdoor pool. Ingram Avenue is highly regarded as ithin a short walk to both Kenwood and the Heath Extension.

HAMILTON TERRACE, ST JOHN’S WOOD NW8

LEASEHOLD 117 YEARS REMAINING

JOINT SOLE SELLING AGENT

ASKING PRICE: £4,250,000

ON THE CASE

If you’re heading away this month, pack up your belongings in one of these beautiful bags or chic cases

1 Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team AMR24, large check-in, 4 wheels, £3,195 (globe-trotter.com) 2 Designer cabin case in deep shine Amazon brown croc, £995 (aspinaloflondon.com) 3 Rachel Tana cotton lawn wrapped suitcase, £85 (libertylondon.com) 4 Carl Friedrik Palissy weekend, midnight green, £735 (carlfriedrik.com) 5 TUMI Alpha 3 garment bag tri-fold carry-on briefcase, black, £710 (johnlewis.com) 6 Samsonite ECODIVER duffle with wheels, 67cm, £225 (samsonite.co.uk) 7 Monos carry-on pro in limited edition terrazzo, £330 (monos.uk) 8 Saint Laurent mongrammed velvet holdall, £1,645 (harveynichols.com) 9 IDA trunk jewellery box, from £895 (wolf1834.com) 10 Radley Clerkenwell large zip-top holdall, £199 (radley.co.uk)

WHAT’S ON IN LONDON

What to see and do in the Capital this May

THEATRE

Twelfth Night (or What You Will)

The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre begins its summer season with Shakespeare’s enchanting tale of love, laughter, and mistaken identities – and we can’t think of a better opener. Directed by Owen Horsley, renowned for his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, this production will transport audiences to a moonlit café by the sea, where Olivia’s lament for her lost brother sets the stage for a story of whimsy and intrigue. With a stellar creative team including Basia Bińkowska, Ryan Dawson Laight, and Sam Kenyon, expect a visual and auditory feast that marries nostalgia with riotous celebration. We’re promised an unforgettable evening under the stars. 3 May-8 June, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 (0333 400 3562; openairtheatre.com)

COLLECTORS’ FAIR Affordable Art Fair

Set against the verdant backdrop of Hampstead Heath, AAF’s spring edition heralds a dazzling array of affordable artworks to covet. With every piece priced at under £7,500, the collector’s fair serves as a magnetic hub, drawing over 100 premier galleries from across the globe. Here, you can explore thousands of works, from established luminaries to emerging talents alike, and immerse yourself in the fair’s bespoke installations, captivating commissions, and of course its vibrant buzz, appealing to art enthusiasts of all stripes. And while the Affordable Art Fair is never not special, this one marks its 25th anniversary. With its ethos of accessibility, the fair has revolutionised the Capital’s art scene – and that’s something to celebrate. 8-12 May, Lower Fairground Site, Hampstead Heath, NW3 (020 8246 4848; affordableartfair.com)

EXHIBITION

Bella Hoare: A Different Green

This May, artist and gardener Bella Hoare unveils her debut solo exhibition at the South Bank’s prestigious Oxo Tower. With over 20 captivating works on show, Hoare delves deep into the feminine form, intertwined with nature’s bounty. Her work celebrates the essence of feminine strength and allure, radiating optimism and empowerment. With overarching themes of nature and renewal, Hoare’s Green Goddess series reimagines medieval folklore, offering a contemporary feminist perspective, while her Glasshouse paintings pay homage to the resilience of women from marginalised backgrounds, magnifying their potential for growth and rejuvenation.

22 May to 2 June, Barge House Street, SE1 (bellahoare.com)

Artist Matt Dosa painting his installation, Assemble

Glasshouse

Floor Length Ivy

© Graham Turner

© Feast Creative

BOOK Piece Of My Heart

by Penelope Tree

Where Hideous Kinky meets Daisy Jones & the Six, Tree’s autobiographical debut novel is a poignant tale that peels back the glamorous façade of the fashion industry to reveal the harsh realities lurking underneath. Through the eyes of Ari, a young ingénue swept into the whirlwind of 1960s London, Tree – herself an iconic face of the Swinging Sixties –explores the intoxicating highs and devastating lows of fame, love, and self-destruction. Drawing from her own experiences alongside luminaries such as David Bailey and the Rolling Stones, Tree’s narrative is a candid reflection on the sacrifices demanded by stardom and the elusive quest for love and acceptance. Piece Of My Heart is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the glitz and glamour of the swinging sixties, offering an intimate glimpse into a bygone era of fame and excess.

Published 23 May, £18.99, hardback (moonflowerbooks.co.uk)

EXHIBITION Warhol ResidenceKennedy

For lovers of contemporary art history, this is a rare gem: an exclusive exhibition dedicated to the forgotten photographic archive of William John Kennedy. Visitors can immerse themselves in the captivating world of 1960s New York through Kennedy’s lens, as he documents the bohemian life and luminaries of the era. Nestled in the heart of central London, the residence unveils a trove of unseen treasures, spotlighting the iconic Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana in their formative years. Captured by Kennedy in the early 60s, these images, once lost to the world, now resurface to offer a glimpse into the genesis of two artistic titans. Not to be missed. Appointments are available throughout May at The Warhol Kennedy Residence, WC2. Contact info@warholkennedyresidence to book (warholkennedyresidence.com)

Ahead of the premiere of Bridgerton’s much-anticipated third season, as she takes on the role of Francesca Bridgerton, Hannah Dodd tells us how it felt stepping into the ‘ton’

GIRLING FAN

Words by Liz Skone James Photography by Mark Cant Styling by Farrah O’Connor Hair by Josh Knight Make up by Sara Hill Shot on location at Tower West, Chelsea Waterfront

Hannah wears, opposite page: lilac silk dress by Self-Portrait

This page: pink dress with bow by Rachel Gilbert

Hannah wears, opposite page: black top by Mara Hoffman at Net-A-PORTER; black trousers by SelfPortrait; and shoes by Dior

The wait for Bridgerton fans is very nearly over; rumour has it that Lady Whistledown’s next epistle will be published on 16 May, when the first four episodes of the third season will premiere on Netflix. Though they will have to wait until 13 June for the next four episodes.

For Hannah Dodd, finding herself amidst the Shondaland spectacular this season has been very strange indeed. The rising star is perhaps best known for her role as Sarah Chapman in Enola Holmes 2 and she also recently appeared in the hugely popular Anatomy of a Scandal, starring as the younger version of Sienna Miller’s character, Sophie. Series three of Bridgerton sees her playing Francesca Bridgerton, taking over from Ruby Stokes, who had to pull out due to other work commitments. “I’d watched both series before and loved the show, so it was quite surreal stepping into a world that you’re already so familiar with,” she tells me, when we sit down to chat about the role. “I felt like a competition winner wandering around those sets, a massive fan girl,” she adds, with a laugh.

Recalling the audition, Hannah reveals that she did not initially know what she was reading for. “It was all kept quite secret, so I had no idea that it was actually Bridgerton that I was going in for until the day of my meeting with the Shondaland team,” she tells me. “They let me know just before, which was kind of terrifying, but also good, because it meant that I just had to kind of go in, and be present, and respond to what they were asking for. I’ve never not known what I was going in for before – I think it’s just because this is such a big show, lots of secrecy around storylines and stuff like that. I love prep, I love to really go into that room and feel like I know the character, and that I’ve done everything I can do, so it was definitely a different way of working for me.”

Clearly the lack of preparation wasn’t a problem: within a week the news came through that she had been offered the job. “It was all very, very quick. And I was just so excited; it really did feel like a proud moment, and a very exciting one,” she tells me, happily.

Of course, the preparation came later. “I obviously read Francesca’s book, I did it out of order, I read Francesca’s book first – because I needed to know what I’d got myself in for!” Hannah tells me. “And then I read the rest of the books, as well. I also did a lot of research into the Regency era, and what it would have been like for women in those days. And we have an incredible dialect coach who we work with… so, there was lots of bits and pieces when it came to prepping for the role. And then, also, I just spent time watching the other actors on set, which was super helpful for me. There’s definitely a rhythm and a sort of quality to Bridgerton that I needed to absorb.”

Quality is certainly a word that springs to mind when it comes to Bridgerton; the show’s production values are, famously, exceptionally high – after the first season it was revealed that each episode had cost a staggering £5 million to make, much of this budget being spent on the making of sets and costumes. “It’s magical to step onto those sets – they are so beautifully designed, and they really do half the work for you,” Hannah agrees. “The costumes do so much work, too. We are lucky with our costumes because they are stunning. Every single one of them.”

Though the Bridgerton family are at the heart of the show, Francesca is not a character we have so far seen much of – so what’s she like? “She’s kind of a slightly different Bridgerton to her siblings,” Hannah tells me. “Her personality is slightly more introverted. She’s a shyer character, and she enjoys spending time on her own. She enjoys her studies, and she enjoys playing music, and reading her books, whereas a lot of the other Bridgertons are extroverted characters who are very charismatic and can hold a room. That’s something that Francesca enjoys watching, as opposed to doing herself. She has a deep love for her family, and I think hopefully this season everybody will start to get to know her a little bit more. And I think, also, she’s going to start getting to know herself a bit more…” she concludes, revealing tantalisingly little about just what that might mean.

That love of music did present something of a problem – Francesca loves to play the piano, a skill that Hannah had not hitherto possessed. “That was a big old hurdle I had to jump over,” she exclaims, with a laugh. “I’m really grateful that they took the time and gave me the lessons, because I think it really helped me to understand the character a bit more, the type of person who can be that

dedicated… But no, I didn’t play, and we just had such limited time that I didn’t really have enough time to learn properly. I’m hoping that next season I’ll be able to put a little bit more time aside, but for now I had to just learn the pieces that I was going to have to play, without the context. So, I was just learning the hand and finger shapes. I don’t read music, so I had to learn these minute-two-minute pieces off by heart, and just drill them over and over and over again. One of my favourite things about being an actor is getting to learn different skills, somebody tells you you’ve got to learn piano, and you’re like, ‘why not?’.”

What else does Hannah love about her job? “Honestly, just the people,” she tells me. “That’s such a big part of it. It’s such a huge team that go into making everything, and so many skill sets –everybody is trained to do what they do, whether it’s costume design, whether it’s set building… you know, all of these jobs go into creating something that people watch. I think that’s such a nice thing. And the types of people that you get to work with – the Bridgerton cast and crew are such a gorgeous group of people. Everyone was so, so welcoming. I was obviously absolutely petrified joining, and you know I’d met quite a few of them during prep, but there were a few that I still hadn’t met until we were on set, so I knew that I needed to kind of keep up with the chemistry that they had. They’d known each other for years at that point, so I needed to kind of get in there, but also be really respectful, and focus on my job, as well. So yeah, they were just the best and there is not a day that you’re on that set that you are not crying with laughter – it’s the funniest place to work.”

A career highlight then, I suggest. “Definitely a highlight; I’d be lying if I didn’t say that” Hannah agrees with a nod. “I’m still at the point where I’m very grateful that anybody wants to work with me, but I have been so lucky – all of my characters I’ve loved playing, and they’ve all taught me something else. I think it is important to be passionate about the story that you’re telling, whether you’re going to have fun, whether you’re going to learn something from it, I think there has to be a reason, that’s why we get into this industry. I think there’s got to be a lot of love and joy there.”

“It’s MAGICAL to step onto those sets –they are so BEAUTIFULLY designed, and they really do half the WORK for you”

What would the dream role be? “I would love, love, love, love, love to be in some kind of musical film,” Hannah tells me, enthusiastically. “Kind of like an old school Hollywood, Ginger Rogers, Rita Hayworth, Busby Berkeley vibe. I mean, I don’t want any of them to be remade, because they’re all stunning and perfect as they are, but something like that… I’ve trained as a dancer, so I would love to get to use those skills at some point. Yeah, that would be the ultimate dream.”

Indeed, dancing was what brought Hannah to acting. “I was a dancer and that was all I ever wanted to do,” she tells me, when I ask how she came to do what she does. “When I was at school I was doing ballet, tap, and contemporary dance, and then I kind of went into musical theatre. And through that I started acting, but it was still always that I was going to be a dancer. Then I got a role in a Burberry campaign, dancing, but also acting, and I got my acting agent through that, when I was like 18 or 19. I was still at dance college at the time, but I kept auditioning, and just kind of fell in love with acting. I think I realised that the thing I loved so much about dance and movement was the storytelling element, and I think initially I just didn’t have the confidence to believe that I could do that myself, without using choreography. When I got my first job I was playing a dancer, so that was kind of the two worlds coming together. And I just never really looked back… It wasn’t a conscious decision to move away from dancing, but that’s just the way my career went, and I’m very happy and grateful that it did.”

Of course, Hannah’s dance background means that her roots are in live performance. I wonder whether she still hankers for the stage. “I love screen work; I love being part of a crew and going to set every day. There’s something that makes me really, really feel at home in that environment. But I grew up on stage, and I would so love to get back on stage,” she nods. “It kind of terrifies me now, which is wild, because I just used to love it so much. But yeah, I would absolutely love to do a play, or a musical, at some point. It would be pretty amazing.” Any dream roles? “I mean, it really depends… I don’t think I’d say no to a lot. Anything… I’m available!” She laughs.

Although, that’s not quite true, Hannah currently has quite a bit on her plate when it comes to work. “I don’t know that I’m really allowed to mention what they are, but I’ve just finished filming on a couple of projects, so I’ve got a few more things coming out after Bridgerton, too, which is really exciting,” she reveals. “And we are obviously in the midst of Bridgerton press at the moment. I might be hopping on to another project at some point, so it’s all very busy, but in a really, really lovely way. Really nice and manageable. And then, yeah, hopefully we’ll be back to film the next season of Bridgerton at some point…”

So, what would she do with an elusive day off here in the Capital? “I love London; it is home. There’s always something to do, and there’s always someone to see,” she exclaims. “I would probably have a little bit of a sleep in, because sleep’s very important! Then, because I went to dance school, I’ve got a lot of friends who teach dance classes or who are personal trainers, so I’d go to one of my friends’ classes, then go and grab brunch, and then go for a walk along the river, and end up in a pub and have some proper pub grub and a wine. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it?” It really does. Almost as dreamy as the prospect of becoming embroiled once more in the audacious lives and loves of the residents of the ton. Not long to wait now…

The first four episodes of the third season of Bridgerton will be available on Netflix from 16 May, and the following four from 13 June

Hannah wears, opposite page: white dress by Cecilie Bahnsen

Hair by Josh Knight at Caren using Sam McKnight

STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE

Wetherby Preparatory School is an independent school for boys aged 7 to 13, providing exceptional education, a comprehensive co-curricular programme, and a focus on character development.

www.wetherbyprep.co.uk

POWERHOUSE, CHELSEA WATERFRONT

A historic landmark on Chelsea’s riverfront has been reborn into a world-class development, with beautiful residences overlooking the River Thames

Located in an intimate enclave at the heart of London’s most distinguished Royal Borough, Chelsea Waterfront, designed by renowned architects Farrells, is one of London’s most desirable residential addresses. When complete, the unique waterfront development on the north bank of the Thames will comprise ten buildings, including two stand-out glass towers – Tower East and Tower West – on either side of Chelsea Creek, all set in nearly nine acres of exquisite gardens and squares, designed by renowned landscape architects Randle Siddeley.

The latest phase, and perhaps the most striking part of this exceptional development, will be Powerhouse, an extraordinary collection of luxury apartments set within the walls of a historic former power station on Lots Road. It is the last of the three great power stations along the Thames to be returned to use, following the conversion of Bankside into the Tate Modern and Battersea Power Station into a mixed-use shopping and leisure destination. A triumph of engineering, built on a scale never before seen, Lots Road Power Station was a cathedral of the industrial age, distinguished by its imposing architectural form. The oldest of the three Thames-side power stations, at the time of its construction in the early twentieth century it was dubbed the largest power station ever built, and for almost 100 years it fuelled the London Underground. Now, through a heritage-led, collaborative design process with Historic England, the iconic twin turreted building has been re-energised and re-imagined.

Celebrating its history, the attractive red brick façade, which unusually incorporated glazed windows, has been retained. Such windows were exceptionally rare in a building like this and made it perfect for residential redevelopment. The repurposed windows combine inset balconies, offering homeowners here privacy and seclusion, while still affording captivating river views.

Like the building’s exterior, interiors of the 260 two- to four-bedroom apartments housed within Powerhouse have been crafted to honour the building’s industrial heritage. Expansive living areas feature dark timber accents, steel doors adorned with bronze finishes and black ironmongery, curating a ‘loft living’ atmosphere that pays homage to the power station’s legacy.

At the heart of the building, where the turbines were once located, a vast 100-metre atrium has been created, incorporating revitalised original steelwork. With entrances underneath each of the chimneys, this space has been designed to evoke a mews-style street and will eventually incorporate retail units, restaurants, and leisure spaces. These will be just some of the state-ofthe-art amenities available; Powerhouse will be professionally managed by a concierge, offering around-the-clock five-star services, and residents will have access to an exclusive wellness centre housing a fully-equipped gym, a 20-metre pool, and a Residents’ Club Lounge that will offer unobstructed views of the river. This is truly an unmatched 21st century living experience. Prices at Powerhouse will start from £1.7 million. For more details, see powerhousechelsea.com

An extraordinary collection of luxury apartments are on offer at Powerhouse, Chelsea Waterfront, one of the Capital’s most desirable addresses

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THE TIME OF YOUR LATER LIFE

Retirement needn’t mean slowing down, with life expectancy now longer than ever, when you downsize your home, it should be an opportunity to upsize your life, believes

Sue Timney, Wallacea Living’s creative director

Award-winning interior designer

Sue Timney is creative director at new later living development

Wallacea Living

In Marylebone, a brand-new residential complex is taking shape, one that is designed to provide an environment where residents can make later life the time of their lives. The first high-end retirement community from Wallacea Living is due to open in early 2026 and promises to offer unparalleled living spaces that embody luxury, culture, and design – environments that not only inspire but also enhance the quality of everyday life.

Luxury apartments will marry a thoughtfully curated mid-century aesthetic with practicality –think reinforced walls in the bathrooms to allow for the installation of aids if necessary, and hide and slide oven doors that help to prevent burns. And every apartment will be fitted with an emergency response system that incorporates unobtrusive movement sensors.

Meanwhile, fostering a sense of community, public spaces will include tranquil landscaped gardens, a swimming pool and spa, restaurant, private cinema, and library bar. A curated programme of inclusive events will focus on wellbeing and encourage homeowners to make the most of the freedom that retirement brings, whether that means taking up a new hobby, or indulging one they have not been able to commit enough time to previously. And the location, moments from the shops, restaurants, theatres, and many amenities of the West End, ensures residents can continue to enjoy the London life they love for as long as they are able to. Simultaneously maintaining current social networks and enjoying new ones.

Responsible for bringing this concept to life is award-winning interior designer Sue Timney, who, as creative director at Wallacea Living, has been working on plans for the development with architectural and interior design firm Jestico + Whiles. We sat down to talk about her background and her vision.

Tell us a little about your background

After completing a degree in Fine Art at Newcastle University, I went on to do a postgraduate degree at Edinburgh University, and then a masters degree at the Royal College of Art (the RCA) in London. Whilst completing my masters, in the early eighties, I was given the opportunity to go to Japan. My time there taught me everything I know about design, interiors and working as a team; I was there on a travelling scholarship and my first client was Issey Miyake, whom I ended up consulting with for over twenty years. I learnt so much from him. Some of the other clients and designers I have worked with over the years include well-known names like Paul Smith, Sam Mendes and the McCartney family, as well as

The brand new retirement village is being built in the heart of London, in Marylebone

with a wonderful group of like-minded people in the business of design excellence and luxury living in later life. The research work I do within inclusion and design for ageing shapes the way that I think about how functionality and the beauty of good design come together.

Describe your vision for how the space will look and what has inspired your plans? At Wallacea Living we are focused on good design that evokes a feeling of wellbeing. In the past, spaces that were designed for the retirement community had a tendency to feel utilitarian and patronising, we are determined that this is not the case here. Rather, we want the design to feel comfortable, welcoming and, most importantly, ageless. We have steered away from an overly hotel-like aesthetic that can lend itself to a beautiful but often neutral and bland space, instead we have focused on using tone, colour and surface textures to create a richness of design. All of which combines to create a space that people feel intrinsically happy to inhabit.

Tell us about the public spaces

Our main public spaces are particularly important as it is here that we are really trying to foster a sense of community. We have incorporated locally sourced art and artefacts into the design, to reflect how we would like to integrate with the neighbourhood and join together as a community. We hope these pieces will inspire a desire to learn new ways of thinking and making, too – something that will be reinforced by the programme of events that will run in these spaces. Pets are welcome here, and the benefits of this are enormous: the power of pets to bring people together, to enhance our lives, and to decrease stress is well proven.

We also have wonderfully quiet, contemplative spaces, too, where there will be a sense of intimate indulgence. Our library of books, for example, covers the whole range of topics from food, travel and the natural world, to art, design and biographies. The selection reflects the range of homeowners who will be living at Wallacea and the different life experiences and viewpoints they will bring to the community here. In fact, there are so many wonderful books, that I intend to put some time aside myself, to sit and read with a good cup of coffee and a slice of cake.

organisations such as The British Red Cross and the WWF. The latter necessitated a different way of working, looking more at the wider world. I love the mix of challenges and thrills that have come with such a broad scope of work.

How did you come to be involved with Wallacea Living? Throughout my working life I have remained close to the RCA. I was made a visiting professor and fellow there, and I am also currently a visiting fellow of the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design at the RCA, focusing on age and diversity, which I love. It means that when I was offered the chance to become creative director at Wallacea Living, it felt like the perfect opportunity to work

How will your designs elevate the later living experience? My vision extends far beyond conventional interior design. I personally understand and appreciate that we’re not simply creating another living space; we’re crafting an entirely new lifestyle and I intend to further infuse a sense of independence and luxury into the living experience here. I want to introduce exciting new design elements and activities that will enhance the overall ambiance and elevate the residents’ daily lives. A big part of this comes through curating spaces that foster a strong sense of community. I can’t wait for people to see what we have been doing here. One-bedroom apartments from £935,000. To arrange a visit, call 020 3960 1000 (wallacealiving.com)

Nestled in the heart of London’s vibrant West End, Fitzrovia is not just a bustling commercial hub but a testament to modernity and adaptability. Among its array of offerings, flexible office spaces have emerged as a cornerstone for businesses seeking agility and convenience. Within Fitzrovia, several Landmark Space locations stand out for their prime accessibility and amenities, including buildings on Newman Street, New Cavendish Street, Cavendish Square, Marylebone, Portman Street, and the iconic Tottenham Court Road.

Newman Street, New Cavendish Street and Marylebone are synonymous with chic office environments, blending historical charm with contemporary infrastructure. Cavendish Square and Portman Street exude sophistication, boast incredible views over London and offer businesses a prestigious address that commands attention; an ideal choice for companies looking to make a mark in the heart of London.

Landmark Space’s Tottenham Court Road building, set in the quiet Alfred Place, often steals the spotlight as a pivotal hub within Fitzrovia’s office space landscape. Its proximity to major transport links, including Goodge Street and Tottenham Court Road Underground stations, makes it a magnet for businesses aiming for ease. With its rich history in retail and technology, Tottenham Court Road epitomises the fusion of tradition and innovation.

MAKE YOUR MARK AT LANDMARK

Through the provision of flexible workspaces, Landmark Spaces create engaging environments where businesses can achieve their full potential, and there are various locations to choose from in Fitzrovia

In addition, and set to debut later this year is Wogan House, a premium and innovative workspace at the iconic former home of the BBC. Wogan House promises a unique and inviting interior, drawing inspiration from 1960s recording studios, and will include an array of additional features such as vanity areas, a gym, a wellness room and much more.

If you’re looking for office space, at Landmark Space you are free to choose the look and feel. All offices are move-in ready and are customisable

to individual needs. The Landmark team work with you on the brief, and then take on the design and build, so you can move into a tailored space without any fuss. On top of your office space, you’ll have generous coworking and collaborative spaces (Coworking Space memberships available) and the convenience of on-demand bookings for meeting rooms, catering to all your hybrid-working needs.

What sets Landmark Space apart is their unwavering commitment to superior customer service. In a competitive market like the West End, it’s the personalised attention and seamless support that make the real difference. From dedicated front of house services to impressive facilities, clients experience a level of care and efficiency that enhances the work environment and allows for focus on day-to-day tasks without a hitch.

The emphasis on customer service extends beyond the physical spaces to encompass flexible lease terms and scalable solutions. Whether you are a start-up needing a small but inspiring workspace or an established corporation seeking room for expansion, these offices cater to ever-changing and diverse needs.

Landmark Space’s Fitzrovia buildings could be just what you’re looking for, offering easy access to green spaces, historical charm, proximity to cultural and culinary delights and a supportive business environment.

Scan the QR code above for more information and to get in touch to book a viewing

We Are Twinset and WAT. The Brand co-founder Philippa Ross on what she’s packing in her holiday suitcase

“With holidays on my mind, I’ve given my resortwear an update with some pieces to wear over swimwear.

I’m loving the look of a linen co-ord – great for a day at the pool as well as being perfect for a day of exploring. For me, it’s all about those outfits that can be worn in a multitude of ways. Choosing pieces that can be worn time and time again, dressed up or dressed down, makes packing easy, too. I am so excited about the newly launched WAT. The Brand shorts and shirt sets that are going to take me quite literally anywhere and everywhere this summer. We’ve thought about all the details to make these feel slouchy and effortless but oh so wearable and chic!

PERSONAL STYLIST

As an accessory lover, you’ll often find me updating wardrobe staples with new season embellishments. Shoes are a great way to elevate last year’s classic outfits: I’m really into the multi strap sandals that are everywhere this season – they are such a great alternative to last year’s slider styles. Ancient Greek sandals and Toteme styles are currently on my wish list. Choose a tonal beige or metallic sandal and it should work well with most summer outfits – the perfect piece for any holiday suitcase.”

The latest in luxury fashion, beauty and healthy living

The Croco Tie sandal, £370 (int.totemestudio.com)

Whether you’re optically challenged, or simply in the market for some stylish shades, Silhouette’s latest sunglasses offering has you covered. We’ve long been fans of the Austrian eyewear brand for its light-as-a-feather specs that seemingly defy physics with their durable bendiness. Always fresh and modern in design, and with some innovative frame shapes, they are in a league of their own. New arrivals include Mougins (above, top) with its circular lenses and stylish double bridge, inspired by the French Riviera town of the same name. The cat-eye like Cap d’Ail (above, bottom) is pure old-school Hollywood with a distinct 1960s edge. Despite being glamorously oversized,

the sunglasses prove incredibly lightweight and offer maximum UV protection. While Nash (main image), a cool, sporty aviator with its double bar nose bridge and athletic lines forms part of Silhouette’s new range celebrating 25 years of the brand’s iconic Titan Minimal Art collection.

For prescription sunglasses, you can have your chosen frames sent free of charge to one of the brand’s partner opticians for a no obligation try-on, while the website’s state-of-the-art virtual try on tool is a gamechanger in eyewear buying. Show your peepers some love this spring/summer with sunnies that are so much more than a fashion statement. From £239 (silhouette.com)

Celia leather sandals, £170 (ancient-greeksandals.com)

BEAUTY ON TRIAL: DR PREEMA BODY SUITE PACKAGE

I know we should embrace our imperfections, but my relationship with my stomach is tricky – try as I might, I can’t come to terms with the loose skin and stretch marks that are signs of my pregnancy many years ago. I don’t want to go under the knife, which is why I approach Dr Preema Vig, a former GP who is now an advanced aesthetic doctor with a beautiful clinic on Park Lane. She assures me that there are various non-invasive options open to me, and we agree on a treatment plan.

Pro ilo is more commonly known as a face treatment. Popular for reducing fine lines, it involves injecting hyaluronic acid to provide deepdown, long-lasting hydration, at the same time as smoothing and tightening the skin by encouraging the production of collagen and elastin. I have two treatments, a month apart, and although it involves an injection into my stomach, it’s a relatively painfree experience. I can definitely see a reduction in the feared ‘crepeyness’ and I’m very tempted to try it on other areas.

The second weapon in our arsenal is EMSculpt Neo, a treatment that applies heat simultaneously with highly focused magnetic energy, to promote both fat reduction and muscle growth. The process is straightforward –once every couple of weeks, for four sessions, I lie on a bed, with pads strapped to my midriff. The applicators stimulate extremely powerful supramaximal contractions

(one treatment equates to 20,000 sit ups). It sounds intense, but even with the machine turned up full, the sensation is more than bearable.

Next up, Sofwave; also more commonly used on the face, this treatment uses ultrasound to stimulate collagen production. In a one-off treatment, a handheld device is systematically worked across my stomach. What begins as a feeling of gentle warmth, quickly intensifies. I’ve got to be honest, even with numbing cream this is the most painful treatment I’ve ever experienced. Normally one to suffer in silence, I turned the air blue on this occasion. Despite the pain, I’m assured that the procedure is completely safe, with the ultrasound energy penetrating to just 1.5mm to avoid damaging deeper tissues. There is a little redness immediately afterwards, but there is also a noticeable tightening of the skin, which is very pleasing, making the pain easily forgotten. Better yet, the area treated will continue to improve as the weeks go on. There’s no doubt that Dr Preema has helped me to come to terms with my tummy, and I’m certain I will head into this summer feeling much more body confident. BP

We Are Twinset and WAT. The Brand co-founder Sarah Ellis shares her summer style must-haves

From £4,400 for four sessions of EMSculpt Neo (usually £2,500), one session of Sofwave (usually £2,200) and one session of Pro ilo Body (usually £850). Avenfield House, 118-127 Park Lane, W1K (020 7221 0043; drpreema.com)

“This season I’m all about the neutral palette that will take me to the office, as well as out for weekend lunches and on days out with the kids. And right now, I’m seriously loving co-ords – such an easy go-to look for the summer months. I’m really excited about the launch of our very own WAT. The Brand sets that not only come in shorts and matching shirts, but also maxi skirts with matching tops, and the very best wide leg linen trousers – I can’t wait to get mixing and matching. Available in blacks, browns and touches of green, the collection is giving me all the sunshine feels!

As for accessories, give me anything oversized and I’m on board. Both of us have just invested in the new Saint Laurent tote which will be coming on holidays with us. It’s the ultimate size for a travel day, and also a day at the beach, fitting everything and more inside! In the perfect neutral raffia, it looks great styled back with linen separates as well as simple dresses. It’s an investment but will definitely be a wardrobe hero for years to come.”

@wearetwinset; watthebrand.com

Saint Laurent Tote in raffia, £2,045 (ysl.com)

Sarah and Philippa model the new WAT. The Brand collection

ON FASHION: KATY MARKS

When architect Katy was diagnosed with breast cancer, it set her along a path she never dreamed she would follow, and her lingerie brand, unobra, was born

Tell us a little about how unobra came to be? I’m an architect, running my own company (Citizens Design Bureau). In 2017 I was diagnosed with breast cancer; I had a mastectomy after going through chemotherapy, and for various medical reasons I decided not to have a reconstruction. Afterwards, I realised that there must be thousands of women who looked like me, but I had never seen a woman with one breast. I kept asking myself: ‘am I the only one who doesn’t want to wear uncomfortable prosthetics?’. I went from feeling quite confident about my body to feeling as though I had to wear this strange costume in order to go out. As an architect, I believed I could design a way to feel good in my new body, and I wanted to share that with other women.

How did you go about designing the first bra? After having surgery your whole underwear drawer is obsolete… so I cut all my bras in half and started experimenting. I had a lot of swelling as well as radiotherapy burns, which made my skin very sensitive, so I wanted to create something that didn’t have tight elastic or scratchy fabrics, but that still gave great support. I made a lot of prototypes, but I’m not an expert seamstress, and bras really are a piece of engineering. My husband paid for me to go to bespoke lingerie maker, Buttress & Snatch for my birthday in 2018, so I took along my sketches and asked her to help. She made some gorgeous bespoke versions of my ideas, but I wanted to find a way to make this accessible to more women.

How has the collection developed? The design has evolved in so many ways. We’ve chosen incredible, soft fabric and perfected details around seams and fastenings to maximise comfort. The exact depth of the flat band maximises compression over the scar tissue to help reduce swelling. We’ve refined the design so that (I hope you agree) it looks really elegant and sleek. I want people’s first impression to be: ‘what a totally fabulous woman’ rather than ‘oh here’s the one-boob lady’. I really think we’ve shifted how women feel about their bodies after a mastectomy.

“... this thing of beauty has made me so happy. I felt like a million dollars wearing it, which is a hell of an achievement right now!”

What are the challenges in designing asymmetrical bras?

“I need this bra. It’s going to change my life. I know that sounds crazy but it’s the truth”

So many… Typical bra sizing involves measuring over the bust and under the bust, but what if there’s only one breast? How do we try out our designs? It’s not possible to buy an asymmetric mannequin and 3D design software assumes a symmetrical body. Therefore, all our designs in every size have to be tested on live models, which is difficult and expensive, as well as being really sensitive. Many of the women who are modelling for us are going through treatment and they give up their time in between appointments – often while feeling unwell – but they are so determined (and we are so grateful). We are also trying to make the sizing as inclusive as possible, so we are creating bras from 32-42 in A-G cups. This is 54 sizes. We then have to double that to create a left and a right cup version. It is a huge challenge.

How do you want women wearing your bras to feel? When you go through cancer, so much of your life changes and you look in the mirror and hardly recognise yourself. After surgery, everyone around you is celebrating that your treatment is ‘over’, but so many women feel that the hard part is only just beginning, trying to come to terms with their new body and all the impacts of treatment more broadly. More than anything, I want women to wear an unobra, look in the mirror and feel themselves – the most liberated, alive, powerful version of themselves – without hiding. I’ve had so many incredible messages that are a testament to that.

Tell us about the role of sustainability in your business

I am really determined that we don’t become part of a fast fashion, high waste culture. We also want to support small-scale, British manufacturing, cutting down on transport costs and emissions. That means we are making our products in preordered, limited-edition batches, so there is no waste. It also means we can be responsive to customer feedback. The main fabric we are using for the bra is Lenzing modal, made from wood pulp (as a by-product of the European timber industry). The main fabric for the swimwear is Carvico econyl which is made from recycled ocean plastics. And we’re continually on the lookout for sustainable sources of other accessories and fabrics.

What’s next for uno?

We are developing a bra specifically for NHS prescription to be offered to all women after surgery – fingers crossed! We’re also planning linkups with high street brands. unobra.co.uk

© Tara Darby

Katy’s own experiences led to her wanting to empower other women

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WEDNESDAY, 1ST MAY 2024

Wetherby Senior School is an independent day school in central London for boys aged 11 to 18, providing an outstanding education that prepares pupils to fulfil their potential and become citizens of the world.

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ON THE MENU

Tuck into the latest foodie news from across the Capital

SOCIAL PLATFORM

JOIN THE CLUB

Fancy a taste of the good life?

Offering access to unique culinary experiences, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded food lovers, that’s just what you can expect with Sera. The exciting social platform, designed for Londoners who are passionate about food and drink, launched in September last year. The web-based social platform presents foodies with the chance to connect with one another, via tailored community channels that cover all things food – from peer-topeer restaurant recommendation groups to a culinary expertisesharing channel. Alongside this, there’s an ever-evolving programme

of unique, one-off member events that champion the globe’s greatest culinary talent. Think restaurant takeovers; pre-opening ‘Hard Hat’ access to the hottest new venues; and ‘If I had a… ’ themed evenings designed to give chefs a platform to create their dream concept, exclusively for members. Alongside this, Sera also offers an innovative reservations platform designed to simplify the table-booking process. From Friday night dinner at The River Café, to Saturday lunch at The Palomar, bagging a spot at the Capital’s most sought-after tables couldn’t be simpler. Find out more at eatwithsera.com

WINE Exclusive blends

Those familiar with The Zetter hotels will know that delectable drinks are part of the boutique brand’s DNA. A phenomenal cocktail offering, crafted by an expert mixology team in The Lab, has long set The Zetter Marylebone and The Zetter Clerkenwell apart. And now, excitingly, they’ve launched their first

ever wine collection. Two exclusive vintages are on offer: The Seymour Blanc and The Wilhelmina Rouge. The former, a delectable blend of Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc and Muscat is crisp and refreshing, with lively acidity and vibrant citrus notes of lime, lemon and green apple. The perfect summer sip. The latter is The Zetter’s new red wine,

boasting a juicy, easydrinking profile that offers ripe blackberry and plum flavours, with a touch of spice and hints of black pepper. It is a sumptuous blend of Carignan, Syrah and Grenache. Both wines come in bottles with quirky labels which have been hand-drawn in ink, designed by artist Chris Druitt (Bone Dry By Design). The Zetter’s

NEW OPENING

A new wave

Risotto in all its magnificent forms is on the menu at All’onda, a new fine dining destination that opened its doors on Charlotte Street at the beginning of this month. The name is Italian, and translates as ‘on the wave’, referring to the way risotto rice is gently tossed in the pan. Inspired by founder Cordula Schulz’s passion for risotto, the restaurant will use the classic Italian dish as a springboard to explore seasonal flavours and textures. And if the team is anything to go by, we’re in for a treat. Italian chef Andrea Granzarolo spent six years honing his skills with Hélène Darroze. Meanwhile, general manager Marco Montalbano joins from Muse by Tom Aikens, promising the most competent pair of front of house hands. Together with Schulz, Granzarolo has developed a menu that features a number of variations on the classic risotto, drawing on both customary flavour combinations like risotto alla Milanese, as well as more playful pairings such as pumpkin and shiso. And everything showcases the finest seasonal ingredients from the abundant British larder. Warm and inviting, with a laid-back atmosphere, All’onda looks set to make quite a name for itself on Fitzrovia’s famous foodie scene. 67 Charlotte Street, W1T (allonda.co.uk)

wine consultant, Bert Blaize worked in collaboration with esteemed winemaker, Chris Muret to create these two brand new wines, which will be available exclusively at The Zetter Marylebone and The Zetter Clerkenwell. We’ll see you in The Parlour… For more information, see thezetter.com

© Anton Rodriguez

© Jon Enoch

LIFESTYLE / Food & drink

Sarah Johnson’sLemony Chicken Piccata

In her new book, Sarah, a pastry chef for Skye Gyngell, shares sweet and savoury fruit recipes inspired by Britain’s farms, orchards and gardens

Through her work as head of pastry development at Spring in London and luxury hotel Heckfield Place in Hampshire, Sarah Johnson has become very close to the farmers and producers who supply the restaurants. These relationships have given her an unbeatable insight into the best fruits to buy and cook, plus a wealth of insider knowledge on how to get the most from the produce we buy. She shares this knowledge, alongside recipes that are modern, fresh and full of flavour, in her new book, Fruitful, which was published at the end of April (Kyle Books, £29.95). From crisp apples to buttery pears, fragrant peaches to plump berries, and vibrant lemons to juicy cherries, the gorgeous book is a celebration of fruit, and all the glorious variety it can bring to our plates. And, perhaps surprisingly, the focus here is not simply on desserts and sweet treats – some of the most delicious-looking recipes are the savoury ones, like this colourful chicken dish, which promises a vibrant taste of summer. Sarah tells us: “Lemon, chicken and capers appear harmoniously together in a number of dishes, however my favourite version is in this Italian-American classic. Serve it with orzo, or buttermilk mashed potatoes and garlicky green beans.” Perfect for early summer supper parties.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 skinless chicken breasts • salt and pepper

• 140g (5oz) butter, separated • 50ml (1¾ fl oz) oil • 250g (8¼oz) flour • 1 garlic clove, chopped

• 100ml (3½fl oz) white wine • 100ml (3½fl oz) chicken stock • zest of 1 lemon, plus lemon wedges to serve • 1 tbsp lemon juice • 2 tbsp capers • handful of parsley

METHOD

1. Begin by cutting each chicken breast in half, slicing through horizontally to create two thinner pieces. Place the slices between two pieces of baking parchment and gently pound until they’re about 1.5cm (½in) thick. Season the chicken with salt, cover lightly and set aside for 30 minutes–1 hour.

2. When you’re ready to cook, heat a large heavybased frying pan over a medium-high heat then add 40g (1½oz) of the butter and the oil. Put the flour into a shallow bowl, then dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, shaking off the excess. When the pan is hot and the butter begins to sizzle, place the cutlets into the

hot pan, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan (you may need to do this in two batches.) Allow the cutlets to cook for 3-5 minutes, waiting patiently before flipping them. Once they are crisp and golden-brown, and release easily from the bottom of the pan, flip them and quickly sear the other side for about 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Repeat with the remaining pieces of chicken.

3. Add the chopped garlic to the pan and let it sizzle briefly, but before it browns, add the white wine. Bring the liquid to the boil and let it reduce until it is nearly evaporated. Add the chicken stock and using a spatula, scrape and lift any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the lemon zest, juice, capers and the remaining butter, swirling them around to form a glossy emulsion. Place the chicken cutlets back into the pan, spooning the sauce over each piece until they are warmed through. Take the pan off the heat and let everything rest for 5 minutes.

4. Just before serving, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and wedges of lemon.

© Patricia Niven

Charming, stylish hotel in one of London’s most elegant neighbourhoods

doylecollection.com/bloomsbury

THE BEST OF: LISBON

This pretty coastal capital sees 4.5 million visitors annually, many flocking here in search of summer sun, but late spring, when the temperatures are already balmy, is a great time to explore

MAMA SHELTER LISBOA

If you’re looking for somewhere fun and a little bit different, you’ll find it at this eccentric, edgy hotel which is part of the iconic Mama Shelter hospitality group. Set between the Botanical Garden and Parque Eduardo VII, in the lively Príncipe Real neighbourhood, it is the perfect base for exploring, with all of the city’s main sights accessible on foot (though you might prefer to take a tram up some of the steeper hills). The 130 light-filled bedrooms here are compact but oh-so chic, with much of the floorspace taken up by the super comfortable beds for which the hospitality brand have become known. The vibrantly colourful interiors have been designed by Mama Design Studio and are quirky and playful – think clashing patterns and neon signs, with Portuguese tiled floors and murals hand painted by local artists to lend a sense of place. Meanwhile, the restaurant is filled with more than 300 fish and marine-inspired pieces from noted local ceramicist Bordallo Pinheiro. A favourite with locals, all-day dining is on offer here, with both the famous Mama pizzas and Portuguese tapas drawing the crowds, who come for the food and stay for the cocktails and rooftop DJ sets. This is a place for the young and the young at heart. mamashelter.com/lisboa

FOUR SEASONS RITZ LISBON

Lisbon’s first-ever luxury hotel has been offering unforgettable experiences and unparalleled luxury for over 60 years. The building underwent an extensive renovation in 2021, unveiling brand new accommodation and beautifully reappointed public spaces. The elegant new aesthetic draws influence from the Art Deco and Louis XVI styles, evoking the building’s 1950s origins. And the interiors are perfectly complemented by one of the country’s largest privately owned Portuguese Modern art collections, with the bold original artworks filling the walls of the public areas and the 282 guest rooms and suites.

Michelin-starred chef Pedro Pena Bastos oversees Cura, the fine dining restaurant. Having opened in 2020, it has quickly become a favourite with locals and guests alike thanks to a seasonal menu of contemporary Portuguese dishes, including Pedro’s signature squid with hazelnuts, roasted seaweed butter and caviar. Foodies will also love Varanda Restaurant, which is known for both its gorgeous views and lavish brunch, and O JAPONÊS Sushi Bar located in the chic yet casual Ritz Bar.

Other amenities include a luxurious spa with indoor pool; a heated outdoor pool; and an extraordinary rooftop fitness centre, boasting a Pilates studio with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor running track, both offering views of the city and Tagus River to be enjoyed whilst working out. fourseasons.com/lisbon

MARTINHAL LISBON ORIENTE

Offering fully equipped apartments blended with the highest level of hotel amenities and bespoke service is this new concept from the Portuguese luxury hotel group. Set within the riverside Park of Nations neighbourhood, the gorgeous accommodation opened a year ago. There are 82 apartments on offer, ranging from spacious studios to a vast four-bedroomed penthouse. Designed by architect Eduardo Capinha Lopes, all have large windows affording views over the Tagus, and letting in lots of beautiful light. Elegant interiors boast fully equipped kitchens kitted out with Smeg appliances. Portuguese art features throughout, with carefully chosen pieces by the likes of Graça Paz, Pedro Batista and street art legend, Bordalo II adorning the walls.

Facilities are equally impressive, with a 24-hour concierge, indoor and outdoor pools, supervised kids’ clubs and playrooms, and a high-performance gym. There’s also on-site babysitting and a childcare concierge, making this a great choice for travelling families. The Terrace is the hotel’s all-day restaurant, where inspiration comes from the Portuguese explorations in the Orient, with oriental and Mediterranean fusion cuisine on the menu. This is a family-friendly space with many guises – from cosy café in the morning to elegant restaurant at night. Offering the best of riverside living, these luxury hotel residences are the ideal base for those looking to visit Lisbon on their own terms. martinhal.com/locations/residences

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

A compelling destination offering diverse experiences, with a stunning coastline and iconic beaches, as well as vibrant cities steeped in culture and entertainment, this sunny State is holiday heaven for the whole family

Words by Becky Pomfret

My son, currently at film school in London, has long been telling anyone who will listen that he is going to make it big as a film director, so when a chance meeting with a work contact results in an invitation to a Californian film festival, we can’t believe our luck. The Newport Beach Film Festival is held in October every year, in a beautiful coastal town in Orange County, just an hour away from Los Angeles. Like most, I’d heard of Orange County from the TV show, The OC, but not Newport Beach, and I couldn’t wait to find out more.

We are staying in the VEA Newport Beach, where we share a huge room with twin queen-sized beds and fantastic views of the harbour. The hotel’s beautiful outdoor pool and terraces are the perfect spot to soak up some of that famous Californian sunshine. And it’s just a short walk from Fashion Island, a highend shopping destination that is packed full of cool independent boutiques, as well as classic US stores like Bloomingdale’s. After a spot of retail therapy, we stop for a bite to eat at R&D Kitchen – this upmarket diner features al fresco seating and a huge horseshoe bar area. We feast on excellent burgers while I treat myself to a delicious cocktail. My poor son, despite being 18 and finally able to indulge at home, has another three years to wait before he can legally drink here.

One morning we head out whale-watching with Newport Coastal Adventure and enjoy an exhilarating ride, spotting dolphins and some magnificent humpback whales. We feel very

blessed, the icing on the cake being the sight of a pile of sea lions sunbathing atop a buoy. Lunch afterwards is at The Coliseum Grill at The Resort at Pelican Hill. The food and service are impeccable, but it’s worth the trip for the view alone – our table looks out over the most spectacular swimming pool, handset with 1.1 million hand-cut glass mosaic tiles, it is a thing of shimmering beauty, and the ocean sparkles beyond.

Of course, much of our time is taken up with the film festival, attending screenings, and, excitingly, some after-parties, too, but there is so much more to do here. Taking a walk around Balboa Island (situated right in the centre of the harbour and a two-minute ferry ride across the waters), we spot some incredible houses, many extravagantly dressed up for Halloween. There’s a Fun Zone here, with rides and games for kids, and some excellent shops, too.

On our last morning, we get up early and jump in an Uber to take a trip to Crystal Cove. Cute cottages pepper this pretty stretch of coastline, situated between the Pacific Coast Highway and the Pacific Ocean. The area boasts a spectacular beach, tidepools and stunning views over to Santa Catalina Island. We head to The Beachcomber, a popular restaurant right on the beach, for breakfast. When we arrive at 8.30am it is already packed with locals, and as we tuck into huge plates of pancakes, we can see why it is so well-loved – the food and service are top-notch. At the local museum we chat to the friendly curator and learn that many a movie has been filmed locally, including the classic, Beaches As our time in Newport Beach comes to an end, I know we’re going to find it hard to tear ourselves away. This pretty coastal town might just be California’s best kept secret: family-friendly, with lots to do for all ages and beautiful scenery to boot. It has been a brilliant spot to recover from the jetlag; I’d recommend a trip here to anybody who is visiting LA.

We are cheered by the fact that our Californian adventure is not over yet, not by a long shot. From here, we make our way back up to LA for two nights in the downtown area – famously the city’s arts and culture centre. We are staying at Conrad Los Angeles, Hilton’s first West Coast Conrad hotel, which opened in 2022. The striking building is the vision of legendary architect Frank Gehry, with interiors that have been flawlessly designed by Tara Bernerd & Partners, and it’s as stylishly curved and cleverly lit as you would expect. Our chic room overlooks the architectural masterpiece that is the Walt Disney Concert Hall, AND the Hollywood sign. Looking out for the first time is quite a pinch-me moment; we spend hours just gazing on the comings and goings of the city below. With digital controls for the blinds, lighting, and shower, we also spend far too long playing with the remote control.

The hotel has a very cool rooftop pool and lovely terraced restaurant, Agua Vita, which offers spectacular views. On our first evening here, with a backdrop of City Hall lit up at night, we tuck into dinner brought to us from the kitchen of Chef José Andrés, one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People”. On

Left: enjoy dolphin spotting on a trip with Newport Coastal Adventure

Below: the stunning Coliseum Pool at The Resort at Pelican Hill

the menu is an unassuming sounding, but utterly delicious carrot houmous that I am destined to spend the rest of my life trying to recreate. The exquisite beef skewers also deserve a mention.

So much sightseeing takes a toll on a girl, and the next day I book myself in for a restorative rose-quartz facial in the hotel spa. With a zen-like spa lounge to relax in before the treatment, it’s an absolute oasis of calm here; I enjoy a blissful hour-long facial and float back to my room. Fortified for more exploring, we head to The Last Bookstore, a magical place full of new and rare antique books, records, and art. We also make a stop at Grand Central Market, where we indulge in delicious street-food, buy vintage clothes in Beatology, and ride ‘The World’s Shortest Railway’, a funicular ride called Angels Flight that’s only 298 feet long.

Our time in downtown has been fascinating, and we bid the area a fond farewell before heading to our next stop. We are spending a few days in the heart of LA, at Thompson Hollywood, a very cool, brilliantly located 11-storey hotel. Another newbie, this has only been open since 2021 and features 190 mid-centuryinspired guestrooms with a kitsch rooftop pool and terrace restaurant. A programme of popular live music and DJ nights runs on the rooftop, though if that’s not your bag, fear not, the soundproofing is unreal, and we don’t hear a thing from our room when we do hit the hay.

On our first evening, we eat at Ka’teen, just around the corner from the hotel. Revered native Angeleno chef Wes Avila serves a fresh take on the ancient cuisine of the Yucatán Peninsula in this incredible 5,000 sq ft tropical oasis that is inspired by the Mayan city of Tulum. The ceviche and tacos are out of this world, and we spend the duration of our meal pinching ourselves that we are eating out IN HOLLYWOOD!

As it’s our first time in LA, it’s obligatory to tick a few tourist boxes… We have so much fun at Universal Studios, enjoying the studio tour and getting to see the sets of so many famous films. The Jurassic Park and Jaws immersive experiences are particularly thrilling. And the Harry Potter exhibition is jaw-dropping; despite the 30C heat, the snow-topped stores in Hogsmeade bring some serious magic to the day. We also spend quality time at the Academy Museum and my son has the chance to be filmed ‘accepting’ an Oscar. No prop, this is a real trophy and we are both surprised by the weight of it. Another fun afternoon is spent on the Warner Bros Studio Tour. Because we visit during the SAG-AFTRA strike, the sets are eerily quiet, which is a shame, but it is a fascinating insight, nonetheless.

Left: Soak up the sun poolside at VEA Newport Beach

Tara Bernerd & Partners are responsible for the striking interiors at Conrad Los Angeles

Enjoy the views from the rooftop restaurant at Thompson Hollywood

On our last night in Hollywood I’ve lined up a treat for both of us; we head to the iconic Beverley Hills Hotel for dinner at the Polo Lounge. The gardens are lit by candles and fairy lights, and as we are led to our seats, we walk deliberately slowly, hoping to spot a celeb at one of the tables. No such luck, but our friendly waiter is happy to share some stories and points out where huge film-deals and magical post-Oscars moments have occurred. The food is incredible, steak tartare prepared at the table being a highlight. And I have to indulge in a glass of Champagne to toast my dining companion, a Hollywood film director in the making (well, a mum can dream…).

Next up, a short flight to San Francisco where we are staying in the 1 Hotel. Situated on the Embarcadero, it boasts amazing views of the Bay. Sustainability is at the core of the 1 Hotels brand, and this hotel brings the green theme into the bedrooms with beautiful glassware (rather than plastic bottles there are glasses and a jug to collect water from a tap on each floor), and natural fibres throughout, including wicker storage baskets and the softest woollen throws. We are just across the road from the Ferry Building, which hosts regular farmers’ markets. These are celebrated for the quality and diversity of the fresh farm products on offer, from some of California’s most cuttingedge sustainable growers and food makers. And inside there are a great selection of delis and restaurants which are perfect for breakfast. We nibble on bagels and delicious cinnamon buns from The Epicurean Trader before walking up to the Museum of Modern Art, one of the largest contemporary museums in the USA.

Exhibitions here represent the best modern artists from around the world; there is a collection of works by Yayoi Kusama, as well as recognisable pieces on display from artists such as Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse and Frida Kahlo. It would be easy to spend an entire day here, indeed, I could spend a weekend

in the gift shop alone, but we have the small matter of a prison visit to consider. Possibly the most famous prison in the world, Alcatraz is a must-see for visitors to San Francisco, reached by a short, ten-minute ferry ride across the Bay. Audio tours around the island and the prison buildings are very well organised and fascinating to boot; the afternoon we spend here is probably the most engaging history lesson I’ve ever had. It really is a legendary place – eerie and awe-inspiring in equal measure.

This is not our only time out on the waters of the Bay –inspired by our adventures in Newport Beach, we try our luck on another whale-watching trip. The excursion is run by the enthusiastic SF Whale Tours, whose passion is clear to see, and the trip is worth it as much for the incredible views as we pass under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, as for the nature spotting.

Come the last night of our trip, we are still squeezing in the sightseeing: we hike up Lombard Street where the insane hairpin turns have famously featured on the silver screen in numerous car chase scenes; and take a trip on one of the historic cable cars; before heading for dinner at La Mar Cocina Peruana. Celeb chef Gastón Acurio serves Peruvian seafood in a large, partially outdoor space on Pier 1 ½. Clearly very popular with the locals, the restaurant is buzzing when we arrive. I sip on a house speciality, a Pisco Sour – my new favourite cocktail – admiring the sleek, modern décor that seamlessly blends with the old building. And in testament to the highly acclaimed sea-to-table cooking, even my oh-so fussy son eats every last morsel.

Sadly, our American adventure must come to an end, but it’s safe to say that we will never forget our first time visiting this sunny State. Splitting our time between four such different locations has given us such a good feel for the diversity of California and has left us wanting to experience so much more. For now, though, we’ll have to settle for watching a few movies filmed here to see us through until we return.

DETAILS

To discover more, and for help planning your trip, see visitnewportbeach.com and visitcalifornia.com

Weekday rates at VEA Newport Beach start from £385 per night (marriott.com); Conrad Downtown from £360 (hilton.com/ en/brands/conradhotels); Thompson Hollywood from £228 (hyatt.com/thompsonhotels); and 1 Hotel San Francisco from £316 (1hotels.com)

A PATHWAY TO SUCCESS

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HOUSE STYLE

Latest launches, luxurious new lines and eye-catching trends

WEAVES FOR WALLS

Artisanal rug makers Pelican House have released a collection of statement rugs specially designed for wall hanging. In collaboration with talented craftspeople of northern India, the series encapsulates four designs intricately woven from local jute fibres. From the medical illustrations of the Flos designs to the symbolic wisdom of the Croc, the collection takes inspiration from 15th century herbal manuscripts, the venerated Egyptian Ibis, and South Asian symbols of prosperity. From £996 (pelican-house.com)

PATTERN REVIVAL

Piglet in Bed debuts a wallpaper collection as covetable as the brand’s linen bedding, with over 70 captivating prints on offer. Collaborating with The Design Library and Susanna Samson Design – two exclusive vintage print libraries – heritage patterns are revitalised for contemporary spaces. The collection features timeless gingham, stripes, and florals, evoking nostalgia and comfort, and includes a selection of papers designed for kids’ rooms that embrace the whimsy of childhood. From £169 (pigletinbed.com)

STYLED WITH TILES

Where French flair meets British artistry, Rose Uniacke’s new Tiled Coffee Table has us swooning. It is characterised by a slender, streamlined top and a sturdy pedestal base, and is fashioned entirely with glazed brickwork inspired by the Parisian streets of a bygone era, while understated colourways of Moss and Wheat borrow from nature. Serving as a stylish anchor for any living space, it offers both tactile allure and subtle tonal richness. £8,550 (roseuniacke.com)

1 Beatrice urn vase, large, £195 (rebeccaudall.com) 2 Rheneas table lamp, £91.20 (darlighting.co.uk) 3 Riviera Capital pedestal, £995 (uk.jonathanadler. com) 4 Mia armchair, green, £4,420 (bykoket.com) 5 Pair of Waterford Crystal martini glasses, £345 (selfridges.com)

TAKE 5: PALM ROYALE

Object of DESIRE:

FORM BY TALLBOY’S JAIPUR SOFA

Introducing FORM, a bespoke manufacturing venture by TallBoy Interiors’ Matt Dixon. A standout piece in the inaugural collection is the Jaipur sofa with its undulating frame and low-slung profile that invites languid lounging. Fashioned from sustainable materials including a robust beech body, hand-tied springs and full feather cushioning, this is what we call statement seating. £4,995 (formbytallboy.co.uk)

SUSTAINABILITY HEROES

This month we shine a spotlight on the interiors brands that go above and beyond to be planet-kind

Words by Ali Howard

1 COAT

This luxury eco-paint brand has just announced it’s won a prestigious Butterfly Mark award, a globally recognised certification given exclusively to luxury brands passing Positive Luxury’s rigorous assessments – and it is the first paint brand to do so. Since its inception in 2020, COAT has made its sustainability credentials clear for all to see: pioneering a zero-waste ethos, the brand’s made-to-order, small-batch production curtails overproduction, ensuring a seamless closed-loop recycling system; nearly all of its packaging is both recycled and recyclable, while its unique takeback scheme ensures every drop of excess paint is repurposed. Socially, COAT enriches communities, too, supporting charities like Crisis UK and Hospital Rooms, underscoring their belief in corporate responsibility. From £29 (coatpaints.com)

2 TABITHA BARGH

You can catch Bargh’s Poly collection on display as part of the Light showcase at the House of Detention during this month’s Clerkenwell Design Week (21st - 23rd May). With a distinct approach that marries style and sustainability, the designer ingeniously repurposes discarded estate agent boards into a range of sculptural lampshades. Formed from the typically non-biodegradable material Correx, this new collection is her second venture into lighting following the recyclable CartOn range, and it continues the designer’s commitment to transforming everyday materials into extraordinary creations. The range, featuring designs from conical to cylindrical, demonstrates how discarded materials can be reimagined into coveted pieces for both residential and commercial spaces. From £85 (tabithabargh.co.uk)

© Joey Kendal Brown

3 LAMINAM

This is a brand known for its expansive porcelain surfaces that boast up to 60 per cent recycled content – to be fashioned into kitchen counters, splashbacks, and islands, alongside wall cladding, flooring, and bathroom elements. Boasting 13 collections, and offering almost 130 variations in colour and texture, Laminam caters to our diverse design sensibilities, ensuring a planetfriendly choice for any space. Beyond the aesthetics, the brand commits to reducing its ecological footprint, too, aiming for a circular economy through efficient production, minimal resource use, and significant waste reduction. Through reclaiming packaging, repurposing raw waste, and even reutilising waste water, Laminam sets the sustainability bar high. Stockists include DesignSpace London (020 7487 5077; designspacelondon.com; laminam.com)

4 CULT X A TOKO

Cult Furniture has unveiled an exciting collab with A TOKO, a boutique brand established by designer Alex Whitton in 2023. A TOKO was born from Alex’s admiration for Indonesia’s rich culture and artisanry, nurtured by his partner Sara, who grew up in Jakarta and, later, Bali. The brand marries eco-friendly principles with striking mid century modern design – the Kupu Kupu rattan armchair being a particular standout piece. The launch highlights a commitment to sustainability from both parties, spotlighting the talents of Indonesian craftspeople and their traditional methods. Cult’s wider sustainability drive promotes environmentally conscious practices within the furniture industry. The aim here is to inspire consumers to make more sustainable choices whilst celebrating artistry and heritage. Kupu Kupu armchair, £499 (cultfurniture.com)

5 GOOD PLASTIC COMPANY

William Chizhovsky founded The Good Plastic Company to tackle the plastic waste dilemma, guiding brands towards embracing sustainability and the circular economy. Central to its mission is Polygood, a series of entirely recycled and recyclable plastic panels, produced from both post-consumer and post-industrial waste. Wholly versatile, it can be used for interior wall cladding, kitchen and bathroom surfaces, flooring, and furniture design. This innovation has led to the completion of over 750 projects globally, with the company boasting an expansive and varied clientele including homeware giants IKEA. One lesser-known client is lighting brand Robin, whose stylishly understated Regina sconces are crafted from the terrazzo-inspired Polygood, fashioned entirely from plastic waste. €240 (robinlamps.com; thegoodplasticcompany.com)

6 TYPO

The brainchild of Alex Swain, TYPO is a revolutionary furniture, art, and design entity, driven by a more sustainable and customer-centric approach to creating beautiful and functional pieces. Unlike traditional design outlets, TYPO boasts a circular pre-order model, addressing the environmental challenge of waste and redundancy in design. Their inaugural offering, the Replica side table/stool, showcases Alex’s dedication to innovative, sustainable practices. This multifunctional piece, produced in collaboration with Smile Plastics from 100 per cent recycled materials – including yogurt pots – epitomises the principle of quiet luxury, blending aesthetic appeal with eco-conscious manufacturing. TYPO’s novel pre-order system not only minimises waste but underscores quality, reflecting a trend now familiar in fashion, but innovative in interiors. £399 (typo.uk)

7 MATER

This Danish design house has teamed up with celebrated Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola to introduce the Alder collection. This innovative line, designed for both indoor and outdoor environments, features Matek, a ground-breaking Mater-developed material that repurposes waste into a versatile, mouldable commodity. The collection, which includes two lounge tables in oval and square, a side table and a stool in four sizes and colours, showcases a novel blend of biodegradable Matek, integrating natural fibres with eco-friendly plastics, all structured around a frame of 94 per cent recycled steel for enhanced durability. Offering two variants, one with coffee waste, the other with wood fibres, the collection emphasises circularity, and allows for future recycling through the brand’s forward-thinking take-back system. From €850 (materdesign.com)

© Veega Tankun

©Veega Tankun

© Mittel Cucine

© Nicklas Hemming

Josie Lywood

At home with Nestled in a historic enclave, this heritage home is as much about celebrating its storied past as embracing its vibrant present

Words by Ali Howard Photography by Ryan Wicks

Josie has lovingly reshaped this Grade II listed Georgian gem into a celebration of contemporary living, perfectly harmonised with period charm. The project is a deeply personal one for the creative director, who alongside steering the versatile portfolio at Q Design House, embarked on the task of rejuvenating her home, a dwelling that’s steeped in history –but one that was yearning for a new lease of life.

Acquiring the property in 2020, Josie found a space suspended in time. “It’s in a conservation area called The Butts, so named due to local 16th century history – Henry VIII originally commandeered the land north of the High Street for archery practice,” she reveals.

“Our home is one of several beautiful residences built in the 18th century. The previous owner had lived in the house for over 40 years, so when we purchased it, it was desperately in need of renovation! Since 2020 we’ve gradually transformed the property, starting with reconfiguring the layout quite significantly. We moved the kitchen and dining area into the basement, and moved the bedrooms, which had previously been there to the upper floors. The previous kitchen and dining area, on the upper ground floor, is now a formal living area with a separate TV room/snug.”

Josie decorated the colourful nursery herself, hanging wallpaper at six months pregnant

The task ahead was a formidable one – reconfiguring a historic property to meet the demands of modern family life, whilst preserving its inherent character. But Josie’s vision was clear from the get-go; she sought to infuse the space with a palette that paid homage to the property’s history but also reflected the vibrancy of her own design sensibilities. “When choosing the interiors, we wanted to retain traditional English design details, but add a more contemporary and colourful twist,” she says. “We created our designs to work alongside the property’s Georgian architecture, while still making sure the finished house felt both vibrant and homely. When we first moved in, we painted a couple of rooms in neutral shades, but I disliked it immediately; in our industry we often find people are ‘scared’ of colour, so we were pleased that the house can in fact take colour really well! Our design features a lot of strong yellows, blues, and green tones.”

The reconfiguration saw the kitchen and dining area descend into the once under-used basement, a move that definitely presented its challenges. “One main concern was the area being too dark, so I chose Farrow & Ball’s Citron, a lovely, bright, lemony yellow for the joinery,” Josie reveals. “I contrasted this vibrant shade with a chequered marble floor and oak details on the island and dining table. Instead of downlights, which weren’t an option, I added in lots of recessed lighting, decorative wall lights and pendants throughout the room, to make the space as cosy and welcoming as possible. Most of the lights in our house are from Pooky, they’re a go-to for reasonably priced decorative lighting and I love that you can mix and match a lot of their shades. One of the original features we retained in the kitchen was the arch surrounding the cooker, which we fully covered with glazed white tiles and feature bee tiles – a subtle nod to our local football team, the Brentford Bees! In October 2023

we had our baby girl, so I had a lot of fun decorating her bedroom with another bright yellow and pink theme. I even just about managed to hang the wallpaper myself when I was six months pregnant!”

But being bold with colour doesn’t necessarily result in a house painted top to toe in cheerful brights. Josie is not afraid to go over to the dark side when a room demands it. “Comparatively, in a couple of the other darker rooms I chose to paint them dark, make them cosy and embrace the fact that they are darker rooms rather than try to brighten them,” she says. “The bathroom is painted in Farrow & Ball’s De Nimes (we also painted the ceiling and door in the same dark colour) and the living room is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe with a lighter panelling below.”

Josie’s home is a curated collection of narratives, where every piece holds a story, one beloved antique in the living room being a particular standout. “The grandfather clock belonged to my great, great grandfather, William McTaggart, who was a Scottish artist,” she reveals. “We also have a few other pieces that belonged to him, including a couple of antique chairs and a few of his artworks, including a very large portrait of my great grandfather – the piece is so big we can only fit it on one wall on the staircase! Our dining table is another favourite piece of mine, which my husband bought me for my birthday a few years ago. It was made in a custom size to fit snugly into the window space and has a solid oak top, which is really beautiful and rustic, with lots of knots in it. And another one of my favourite art pieces is a watercolour by the artist Bridget Davies, which is a portrait of me walking my dog, Winnie, which sits over my bedside table.”

For Josie, ‘home’ is more than a mere concept; it is the core from where family life radiates, a “relaxing hub” and a collaborative space for memories to be made. And her approach to interior design perfectly mirrors this sentiment, eschewing a singular style in favour of a fluid, eclectic mix that allows for the expression of multiple narratives, so elegantly lived and told. The house represents a harmonious blend of past and present, and it’s a vivid testament to the power of thoughtful design. qdesignhouse.com

GET THE LOOK

1 Spool table lamp with Frida yellow marble drum shade, £82.80 (darlighting.co.uk) 2 Kappar Seagrass wallpaper, £170 (abigailborg.com) 3 Kaya jute flatweave rug, 170 X 240cm, £299 (atkinandthyme.co.uk) 4 Alton armchair, from £2,151 (darlingsofchelsea. co.uk) 5 Alderly Edge & Pickle recycled cocktail cushion, £125 (coloursofarley.com)

ON DESIGN: AMY MOOREA WONG

The interiors writer and colour visionary discusses her vibrant journey through design, her dynamic personal style, and the inspiration behind her duskinspired lamp collection, an exciting new collab with Heathfield & Co

Words by Ali Howard

How did you get into interiors? After studying Fine Art at university, I went on to write about design for interiors magazines such as ELLE Decoration and Livingetc for over a decade before writing my book Kaleidoscope: Modern Homes in Every Colour, which explores playful, unexpected ways to bring a bit more brightness indoors. Interior design has always intrigued me – I see it as a unique opportunity to express ourselves on a large scale. How you dress the space you live and relax in is such a representation of your personality, and walls, floors, ceilings and everything in between are a way to visually showcase yourself. It’s such an exciting opportunity for creativity, one we should make the most of!

How would you describe your own interiors style? My style is ever changing, which is something I embrace. At the moment I’m into combining pops of brightness with natural hues and materials, it’s a nice balance. Art is a must for me, my walls are covered and I’m forever framing the next piece. My motto is: take the risk and go for the colour. It brings such joy and transforms a room into a space you actively enjoy spending time in.

What inspired the Dusk table lamp collection? I based the palette around dusk – it’s such an evocative time of the day, it feels almost ethereal with colours warping and completely changing; subtle or exultant hues appearing briefly before fading into darkness. All of this lasts only moments and often we barely notice it. I wanted to capture the smoky, hazy, dreamlike tones that emerge as the sun starts to sink and set them against

the darker, moodier colours that materialise mere seconds later, without forgetting the pops of more surprising hues that occasionally flash by. The colours are natural but bold, they’re soothing with the odd shot of intensity and can blend together smoothly and softy, or create jolts of juxtaposition.

Can you tell me about the specific colours used, and how they work together? The hues are carefully, delicately balanced as well as playful and pared back. The collection is comprised of five bases and five handmade two-tone shades that can be mixed and matched, so you can go for something quiet such as the gentle, lilac-y purple Daze base with the dark and lighter blue tones of the Sky and Midnight lampshade, or add some energy with the rich terracotta orange-y Flare base with a shade half in deep turquoise-ish Opal and half in vibrant gold toned Ochre. There are 25 combinations to experiment with (which is a bit addictive), I designed the duo-toned shade not only to bring in more colour, but so you can change the look and feel of the light with a simple twist to show more or less of a certain tone.

What’s the best way for homemakers to introduce colour if they’re hesitant? Absolutely with small objects. Pieces such as cushions, throws, decorative accessories, and lovely pieces of lighting are all easy to move if you change your mind, and you can have a lot of fun trialling combining colours and finding out which kind of palette works for you without hugely committing to a palette. Then you can move on to larger items before getting into paint. Colour in interiors is a wonderful, soul-enriching thing. Start with shades you instinctively like, even if you think they won’t fit in – take a risk! It’ll boost your mood and make your home a more joyful place to be.

The duo-toned shades in Amy’s collection allow you to twist the lamp and change its look and feel simply and quickly

How can you use colour to create a cohesive design across multiple rooms or spaces? One thing I like to have is a shade that pops up in multiple spaces throughout the home, pulling it together like a thread. Perhaps it’s a paint colour in one room, then it appears in a piece of art somewhere else, a cushion somewhere else, then just as you were forgetting about it, there it is on a rug, peeking out to say hello and narrating the story of the home.

How can colour affect mood in the home? It’s such a personal thing. For me, in my brights phase, when I casually walk past the shades and combinations I’ve selected for my home they give me a mood boost and make me feel content. When I step back to take the whole space in, I feel both happy and invigorated as well as totally calm, it’s like I’m looking at a part of myself – I’m completely at home. amymoorea.com; heathfield.co.uk

Academic Excellence

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Sue Baillie

Woldingham School

How long have you been head?

I’m starting at Woldingham in September 2024 after five very happy years as head of Queen Margaret’s School, York, which is currently Small Independent School of the Year.

What attracted you to the school?

As one of the UK’s oldest schools for girls, Woldingham is a trailblazer for education for girls. The school’s mission, to develop confidence, compassion and courage in our students in a kind environment, is akin to my own personal values. The unique setting of the school in 700 acres makes it a very special place.

How would you sum up the school in a sentence? In a warm, welcoming and stimulating environment, Woldingham helps girls to #WriteYourOwnStory through excellent teaching, boundless opportunities and first-rate pastoral care.

What makes it different? The spirit of Woldingham students is unique and reflects the individuality of each of them. Woldingham girls are full of aspiration and inspiration for themselves and each other. They achieve more than they thought they were capable of and do so through care and nurture. Woldingham is a greenhouse, not a hothouse, and that makes it different.

How would you describe the atmosphere? Woldingham’s 700 acres of stunning countryside provide a calm, purposeful and stimulating learning environment. It’s a place where it’s safe to learn, safe to be yourself and safe to make mistakes and grow from them. On the sports pitches, it’s competitive yet supportive. In the light-filled art studios, it’s inspiring and creative. And in the Millenium Centre, home of Woldingham’s performing arts and 630-seat theatre, performances range from high-energy musical theatre to serene soliloquies.

What’s your personal educational ethos? That a well-supported and happy student will thrive inside and outside the classroom.

SPOTLIGHT ON HouseChepstowSchool

Pupils: around 600 pupils aged 2 to 11

Founded: in 2010; in 2014, it moved to a new site on Lancaster Road Entrance requirements: the school says it considers “all children with the ability and aptitude to access an academic curriculum”. That includes SEND pupils,

Academic achievement is not the only judgement which counts, and success is born of making the most of opportunities and not being afraid to try new things. Being successful is not necessarily about being better than others. It’s about being the best you can be.

How do you balance your extra-curricular activities with the academic side?

We encourage students to be ambitious and adventurous. Woldingham has more than 80 clubs and societies to choose from. We support students to try lots of activities before focusing (if they want to) and not to be narrow in their choices. We have students who play first team hockey, perform in our award-winning Amaris choral choir and excel academically.

assuming they can access the curriculum and the right resources are available. The main intakes are at 2+ and 4+, but applications are considered at any stage if there are places. Parents can register their child for entry any time after birth; children with siblings at the school take priority

Destination schools: American School in London, Charterhouse, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, City of London School for Girls, Eton, Godolphin and Latymer, Harrodian, Mill Hill School, North London Collegiate School, Notting Hill and Ealing High School, Putney High, UCS, The London

How do you look after the wellbeing of your pupils? Wellbeing is a top priority for me; at Queen Margaret’s, we won a national award for the quality of the school’s wellbeing programme. Woldingham has an excellent reputation for its pastoral care, and this will continue to develop under my leadership. A recent innovation at Woldingham is personal growth journals, where each student, supported by specially trained coaches, sets personal targets and records progress over the year. This sits alongside Woldingham’s wellbeing programme, Thrive. It covers a wide range of issues delivered in age-appropriate ways – from social media and relationships through to first aid and good sleeping habits. Marden Park, Woldingham, CR3 (01883 349431; woldinghamschool.co.uk)

Oratory, St Paul’s Boys and Girls, Westminster School, Winchester College and more Known for: a curriculum that encourages curiosity, exploration and experimentation; sustainable learning (where students learn to think critically and creatively about the

world around them); a supportive family environment that welcomes, respects and encourages everyone to grow – building selfesteem, resilience and emotional intelligence in the process

Fees: £8,330 per term

Find out more: chepstowhouseschool. co.uk

BRAVE NEW WORLDS

From Arctic survival training in Sweden to a planned cultural exchange in Tonga, school trips are broader and better than ever. Jane Lunnon, Head of Alleyn’s School in Dulwich explains their enduring appeal

Words by Claire Atherton

What’s so great about school trips?

At Alleyn’s, we believe that if you want children to thrive academically, you have to inspire them in as creative and varied a way as you can. Our trips programme is central to that approach. There’s something about taking kids out of their everyday environment that enables them to think differently about themselves, each other and their place in the world. For example, we’re planning for a group of our pupils to go to Tonga in 2025, for a cultural exchange. One of the things they’ll do there is learn about how climate change is affecting villages that are totally dependent on fishing for their food. Bringing that profound experience back to south east London, and to everything they do in sustainable education going forward, will be invaluable.

Children also develop grit and resilience by going out of their comfort zone. For example, our Year 12s go to the Peak District every summer to do things like abseiling. A lot of our pupils do the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which is tough,

and some have done Arctic survival training in Sweden. And, of course, outdoor adventures are great for building resilience, courage and a sense of adventure. During the pandemic, when it all stopped, we discovered you can’t replicate the power of these on-the-ground experiences.

What kind of trips do you offer?

A huge range, from local visits to overseas adventures. On the academic side, our younger pupils might visit the local Sainsbury’s or allotments as part of our Alleyn’s Learner Programme (ALP). This helps them develop metacognition – an understanding of who they are, how they learn and the world on their doorstep. Then there are subject-related trips: Venice for food and nutrition, Berlin for geography, Cern for physics, India for religious education, and so on. And our Model United Nations group just came back from Prague. On the non-academic side, we have the largest non-compulsory Combined Cadet Force section

There’s something about taking kids out of their everyday environment that enables them to think differently about themselves, each other and their place in the world

and one of the largest Duke of Edinburgh’s Award sections in the country. We perform at the Edinburgh Fringe and run music trips and sports tours. Pupils can also go on amazing trips through World Challenge UK; last year, it was Costa Rica.

What do you consider when choosing trips, and what should parents look for?

We try to make sure the trips we offer are both academically inspiring and allow for wider human growth. Beyond that, we look at every trip through the lenses of cost and impact on the planet. Pupils on bursaries don’t pay, but the cost-of-living crisis has made a large proportion of our families more careful. If the cost is significant, we encourage our pupils to fundraise a substantial part of it. We also check carefully if the experience can be replicated in the UK, and if it can, we’ll do it here. And of course, we run a wealth of trips in London, too. As a parent, I’d look for breadth in the opportunities on offer to ignite a child’s passion while expanding their horizons. Trips should expose children to challenge while helping them navigate it in the way that means they land softly. And above all, encourage them to enjoy themselves, wherever they’re going. Singing their heart out to Taylor Swift on the back seat of the bus will always be fun! alleyns.org.uk

5 big benefits of school trips

From the family-run group travel specialist, Rayburn Tours

1. Course-specific development: school trips allow students to deepen their understanding of academic concepts by applying them to realworld contexts.

2. Cultural capital: new cultures, people, stories and perspectives all help students to question and make sense of the world around them.

3. Personal development: navigating unfamiliar environments, interacting with peers and locals and enjoying a sense of independence away from home build confidence and a sense of empowerment.

4. Social skills: students step outside their comfort zone and connect with their peers and the wider world.

5. Experiential learning: by engaging students’ senses and sparking their curiosity, school trips make learning what it should be – enjoyable and memorable. rayburntours.com

© Greg Rakozy

In the cacophony of London’s educational arena, London Park Schools (LPS) emerges as a beacon of innovative learning, redefining the landscape with its personalised approach and commitment to excellence. Guided by the mantra “smaller schools for bigger thinking”, LPS embodies a philosophy that prioritises personal attention, fosters agility and cultivates creativity and problem-solving skills.

LPS consists of two small, co-ed secondary schools for ages 11-16 – LPS Clapham and LPS Mayfair (previously Eaton Square Senior). Both feed a stand-alone sixth form in Victoria, LPS Sixth. There is also an innovative

Hybrid offering providing one day in school and four online.

Central to the ethos of LPS is the belief in the transformative power of individualised attention. There is an emphasis on creating intimate learning environments, where pupils are known by name and not just as faces in the crowd. Each student’s unique journey, strengths and needs are recognised and catered to, fostering a culture of support and guidance that extends beyond the classroom walls.

Agility is another cornerstone of the LPS educational vision. In a rapidly changing landscape, adaptability is key and LPS makes sure

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

In the heart of the vibrant Capital, London Park Schools is not just shaping minds but nurturing and equipping students to thrive

its pupils are equipped with the skills to navigate the complexities of the modern age. By embracing a smaller school model, educational strategies can swiftly be adjusted to meet the dynamic needs of students and the evolving demands of the workforce.

The collaborative leadership team, led by Group Principal Suzie Longstaff and Heads Susan Brooks (Clapham) and Adrian Rainbow (Mayfair & Sixth), spearheads a new era of collaborative education. Each school within the group operates under the same manifesto, but adapts its application to meet the unique needs of its student body. This united approach allows students to benefit from day-to-day learning within a smaller community, whilst accessing the broader opportunities of a supportive group structure, providing the best of both worlds.

Experiential learning lies at the heart of the curriculum, making education tangible and captivating. Whether it’s through practical experiments in science or immersive trips to explore the

cultural richness of London, LPS ensures learning extends beyond the confines of textbooks, fostering a deep understanding of the world around pupils.

Moreover, LPS recognise that education is not just about exams, but also equipping students with skills for life. Through initiatives like the Duke’s Young Leaders programme and critical thinking challenges, LPS prepares students to become discerning consumers of information and compassionate members of society.

Inclusivity, kindness and mutual respect are fundamental values at each of the schools, fostering a strong sense of community where every voice is heard and celebrated. With a coaching culture instilled by leaders who understand the value of encouragement, LPS creates an environment where students feel empowered to reach their full potential.

To attend an upcoming Open Event or arrange a bespoke tour, visit londonparkschools.com

A FOOT ON THE LADDER

Our experts offer strategic advice for first-time buyers looking to secure their dream home

Navigating the London property market is a journey replete with excitement and, admittedly, a fair bit of trepidation, especially for those venturing in as first-time buyers. But with the sage advice of seasoned experts, and a bit of strategic planning, securing that dream home can become a reality.

Hamptons’ Mark Cullen advises first-time buyers to “prioritise your non-negotiable feature – be it a garden, size of kitchen, or proximity to transport links – and build your search around it.” Indeed, having a clear vision of what you can’t live without in a property can dramatically streamline the search process. The London market, known

for its dynamism, requires a degree of flexibility, too. Mark advises adopting “a flexible stance on price and location – being open-minded on both of these factors will stand you in good stead.” This adaptability could be the key to uncovering hidden gems that others may overlook due to their rigid set of criteria.

When it comes to financing this milestone purchase, Mark stresses the importance of shopping around for a mortgage. The diversity in brokers’ and lenders’ products may surprise you, and finding the right match could save you a considerable sum in the long run. The agent also recommends looking for a property that can

accommodate future growth, suggesting that “buying costs are high, so stretch yourself to buying a property you can grow into, not out of.”

Ian Godfrey of Godfrey & Barr underscores the necessity of a careful approach: “Carefully consider your budget and prioritise your needs,” he says. He suggests taking the time to understand the area’s market trends and of course, stresses the importance of working with a reputable agent. He also champions the cause for mortgage pre-approval: “Be ready to make an offer when you find the right property,” he says.

With the frenetic pace of London life, it’s easy to feel pressured into making a snap decision, but Ian stresses that patience is key: “Don’t rush the decision,” he says. “Take your time to find a home that suits your lifestyle and financial goals.”

Marc Schneiderman of Arlington Residential advises potential buyers to “really explore the area you want to live in and then narrow down your preferred roads within that area, ready to pounce when one of those properties becomes available.” This micro-focused strategy could be instrumental in landing a home in your ideal

“Buying costs are high, so stretch yourself to buying a property you can grow into, not out of”

Mark Cullen, Hamptons

location. Marc also brings attention to the less glamorous, yet critically important aspect of budgeting for service charges: “If you are buying a flat, be sure you understand what the yearly service charges are and could be in the near future,” he says. “With luxury modern portered blocks, these can be hefty, sometimes reaching as much as £1,000 a week, and they seldom decrease.”

In cases of scarce availability, Marc suggests first-time buyers should, “consider employing a search agent to act for you. There are a handful of very credible property buying firms in the market and agents take them very seriously when they have a search enquiry.”

And in case you need reminding, organisation is crucial. Marc reminds us that “it’s not always the highest offer that secures a purchase. Sellers also want certainty and to deal with buyers who are ready to contract.” Best look lively! hamptons.co.uk; godfreyandbarr.com; arlingtonresidential.com

ON THE MARKET

We take a peek inside some of the finest properties on the market in Prime London this month

FOR SALE

Lyndhurst Terrace, NW3

This Grade II* listed garden apartment is giving us serious Saltburn vibes. Located within a Gothic building dating back to 1864, the property boasts six expansive double bedrooms, four elegant bathrooms, and the luxury of both a private terrace and access to a communal garden. It also offers the convenience of off-street parking for several cars. Situated within easy reach of prestigious local schools, the desirable boutiques and eateries of Hampstead Village, as well as excellent transport links, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of architectural history in a highly sought-after locale. £4.5 million, Dexters (020 7433 0273; dexters.co.uk)

FOR SALE

Ellerdale Road, NW3

Nestled in the heart of Hampstead, this stylish top floor apartment offers an irresistible blend of elegance and seriously breathtaking vistas. The property boasts two spacious double bedrooms and exclusive access to a substantial roof terrace, presenting panoramic views of the London skyline. Covering 953 sq ft of living space, the period flat combines classic charm with modern comforts, situated merely 100 yards from an array of charming cafés, boutiques, and restaurants, and just 0.2 miles from the Northern Line, ensuring both convenience and luxury in one of the Capital’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. £1.1 million, Chestertons (020 7794 3311; chestertons.co.uk)

FOR SALE

Chevening Road, NW6

This Edwardian gem blends original charm with contemporary elegance across 3,500 sq ft of luxury living space. With four bedrooms and four bathrooms spread over four levels, the house is a testament to expert craftsmanship and design. Original features like ornate cornicing, ceiling roses and sash windows complement modern luxuries, including ceiling speakers, and a state-of-the-art kitchen adorned with Arabescato marble and high-end appliances from Miele. The property’s soulful restoration extends to a south-facing landscaped garden, complete with an outdoor kitchen and versatile garden studio, too. £5.25 million, Hamptons (020 3918 5183; hamptons.co.uk)

RETIRE IN STYLE

Striking architecture meets luscious landscape in Hampstead’s elegant new development

Elysian Residences has just lifted the curtain on Olive, their first showcase apartment at The Oren – the latest swanky retirement spot in the heart of Hampstead. This isn’t your usual retirement community; think £150 million worth of luxe living space where retirees can kick back in style. Designed by award-winning architects Stanton Williams and landscaped by greenfingered guru – and Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winner – Christopher Bradley-Hole, it’s a place where modern architecture meets the most tranquil surroundings.

The Oren comprises 44 plush two- and three-bed apartments, topped with four show-stopping penthouses, all nestled in lovely, lush grounds. The development is positioned on West Heath Road, right across from Golders Hill Park, meaning residents here have some of London’s best natural views on their doorstep. And the building itself is designed to not only make the most of the verdant vistas, but to give owners a sense of individual space and privacy, too.

With Olive, a three-bed gem on the first floor, you get a space that’s all about blending in with nature and the surrounding scene. Inside, it’s a mix of calm neutrals, earthy reds, and bold greens, all inspired by the great outdoors. In the principal bedroom suite, colours and textures blend harmoniously to create a calming sanctuary, while in the living spaces, contrasting tones and textures of the buildings provide further inspiration, with wood, velvet, leather and metallics being drawn in.

The apartment boasts large, light-loving windows that drench the place in sunlight. And the details are all about the little luxuries: from the spalike en suite in the main bedroom to the sleek galley kitchen with its solid quartzite worktops and Miele gadgets, while top-notch materials like oak floors and deep wool carpets mean every inch of the apartment screams quality. The commodious reception room spills out onto a decked terrace, perfect for some evening relaxation and garden gazing. Here, you may be settling down, but you’re guaranteed to be living it up in style. Apartments start at £1.8 million (0808 189 9648; elysianresidences.com)

The Oren is an ultra-luxurious retirement community set amidst lush grounds on West Heath Road

LONDON’S FINEST PROPERTY

Go through the keyhole of the best properties in Prime London @LONDONFABRICPROPERTY

To view the latest on the market visit

A PASSION FOR PROPERTY

Heathgate’s Vivienne Harris tells us how the agency went from humble beginnings to become a market leader in personalised property services

Can you give us a potted history of Heathgate?

I noticed a gap in the market for an independent agency that cared about personal service and wanted an empathetic approach to selling, letting, buying and renting. With this in mind, I started Heathgate – from my home in 1990, moving to the ground floor of my office 18 months later. Over the years the office has expanded, and we now use the entire three-storey building for our designated departments handling sales, lettings, property management, project management, and more recently block management.

Tell us about your career to date

I have only ever had two jobs. My first was with a well-known north-west London agency. I started as a junior in the sales department making tea and doing all the jobs nobody else wanted to do, and worked my way up the ranks until I was promoted to associate director level. I remained with that company for 12 years but decided that, as there was no further room to grow, it was time to branch out and set up Heathgate. I did this in September 1990 and have never looked back.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

One of the things I love about my job is that each day is different. From going to meetings to bring in new business, speaking to clients or applicants about arranging viewings, taking on new properties, discussing marketing strategy with clients, providing property advice when requested, meeting

with my teams, appraising properties and generally running the office. This means that some days will be desk based, sorting out admin, writing emails and making calls, whereas others will be spent out of the office, perhaps visiting blocks of flats to discuss management, carrying out market appraisals and viewings, or attending various meetings.

What’s been your greatest achievement so far?

Heathgate is almost 34 years old, and the team and I are still as enthusiastic and passionate about what we do as the day we opened. Over time, I’ve been able to expand the company, creating designated departments without losing our ethos and quality of service. Most recently I opened a block management division that has gone from strength to strength and continues to grow.

What are your London property predictions for the second half of 2024?

The market has been somewhat patchy so far this year. With current economic and political uncertainties this is likely to continue. Much of the market is UK-based, even though the majority of buyers are from overseas, and with the UK economy in better shape than anticipated, there have been, and continue to be, a few high-level transactions taking place. It does appear that prices will probably flatline for a while due to present interest rates and lenders being over cautious. heathgate.com

Spotting a gap in the market, Vivienne set up Heathgate from her home in 1990; the agency has gone from strength to strength

chestertons.co.uk This beautifully presented apartment is well located for the local schools, Hampstead Village

This gorgeous house offers approximately 2,200 sq. ft. of accommodation split over four floors, with direct access to the communal gardens. The property features a dining room leading onto a large living room with great views, an open-plan kitchen/sitting room with direct access to the patio and gardens, a cloakroom and a laundry room.

For Sale

Carlton Mansions, Maida Vale

£1,200,000

This beautifully presented apartment ideally located near Maida Vale tube station and Elgin Avenue boasts high ceilings, an abundance of natural light, a private balcony and access to communal gardens.

• Two bedrooms

• Two bathrooms

• One reception room

enquiries@druce.com

• Communal gardens & balcony

• 1,736 sq ft

www.druce.com

Charles Mews, Alexander Palace

£1,500,000

Nestled within an exclusive gated development, this detached coach house boasts a thoughtfully designed layout that effortlessly blends contemporary style with timeless elegance, offering refined living throughout.

• Five bedrooms

• Four bathrooms

• One reception room

enquiries@druce.com

• Garden & balcony

• 1,746 sq ft

www.druce.com

An impressive triplex apartment forming the upper three floors of a handsome and architecturally significant Redbrick and Portland Stone Grade II listed Edwardian Townhouse, set in a prime Marylebone location. It is one of two flats in the building and comes with a share of the Freehold. There is private lift access. The lower flat has a medical licence. Our clients have been custodians for over 35 years, using it as a pied-a-terre and have maintained it in very good order. The freehold is approaching its periodic maintenance programme. The configuration allows flexibility of use with the main living accommodation on the upper floor and mezzanine and the four double bedrooms and three bathrooms on the lower floors. The vaulted ceilings give a lovely feeling of volume, light and space. Off the mezzanine is a small terrace with delightful and far-reaching rooftop views towards Fitzrovia and beyond. Marylebone High Street with its boutiques, shops and restaurants is five minutes’ walk. 10 minutes to the north is Regent’s Park and Oxford Street is 10 minutes south.

Tenure: Share of Freehold | Service Charge: Ad Hoc and 50% of outgoings Recently £6K PA | Council Tax Westminster H £1,828 2023/24

HAMPSTEAD VILLAGE, NW3

SHARE OF FREEHOLD

Price £1,595,000

SOLE AGENT

Set on the level/raised ground floor of a purpose built, Victorian, mansion block in the centre of the sought after and popular Hampstead Village, Heathgate are delighted to offer for sale, this lovely three bedroom, two bathroom flat. This spacious property retains ample period features and high ceilings, offering a gross internal area of 1,397 sq ft. The accommodation comprises a large hallway, a double reception room with two beautiful fireplaces, a kitchen/breakfast room, principal bedroom with an en-suite shower room, two further bedrooms and a family bathroom/WC. This delightful home also boasts many original features including sash windows, original doors and well preserved, polished, wooden floorboards in the double reception room. Additionally, to the roof of the building is a large, communal roof terrace providing far reaching and panoramic views across the Hampstead skyline and the London Basin. Located in the heart of the Village, all the shops, cafes and restaurants in Heath Street and Hampstead High Street are moments away, with Hampstead Underground approximately 150 metres from the property and Hampstead Heath within 0.5 miles.

3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | double reception room | kitchen/breakfast room | communal patio | exceptional communal roof terrace | far reaching views across London | porter.

WILLIFIELD WAY, NW11 GUIDE PRICE £4,000,000

SOLE A GENT

Set on an elevated position in Willifield Way behind electronically operated wooden gates with off-street parking, is this very special, 4-bedroom detached “mock Tudor” style home, oozing character and charm, arranged over just 2 floors and spanning 3,144 sq. ft. This magnificent home features 4 reception rooms on the ground floor, including a dramatic drawing/ dining room, boasting 2.8m ceiling heights, a marble feature fireplace, original parquet wood flooring, exposed wooden beams and double French doors leading on to the garden. Additionally, there is a family room, a study and a TV/ sitting room.

The “country style” kitchen/breakfast room is 20”x 19” and leads to both the garden, drawing room, utility room and hallway. The first floor has 4 bedrooms including an air-conditioned, indulgent principal bedroom suite, with a large ensuite bathroom with a roll top bath, separate walk-in shower, 2 sinks/ vanity units, a vaulted ceiling and a separate well fitted dressing room that was previously another bedroom. The delightful, mature gardens, with a full irrigation system, wrap around the house and offer seclusion and privacy with a small outdoor heated pool and large patio leading on to the sun trapped lawn.

HARLEY STREET, LONDON W1G

UPPER WIMPOLE STREET, LONDON W1G

An interior designed spacious one bedroom apartment comprising of a fabulous reception room, seperate dining room, kitchen, bedroom with en-suite bathroom and cloakroom.

Upper Wimpole Street is conveniently located moments from Marylebone High Street together with the open spaces of Regents Park. Transport links can be found from a number of nearby underground and train stations (Baker Street, Bond Street and Regents Park), as well as access to the Marylebone Road, A40 and M40.

FURNISHED

£1,269 PER WEEK

This extremely rare freehold building for sale in the heart of the medical district.

Medical accommodation is arranged over Lower Ground, Ground and First Floors with three residential apartments on the Second, Third and Fourth Floors. The building is approximately 11,301 sq ft (1,050 sq m) Gross Internal floor area and Total Net Internal floor area 7,690 sq ft (714 sqm).

The building is located on the east side of Harley Street close to the junction with Marylebone Road and Devonshire Place. Transport links can be found from a number of nearby underground and train stations (Baker Street, Bond Street and Regents Park), as well as access to the Marylebone Road, A40 and M40.

FREEHOLD

£18,000,000

UNDERWOOD STREET, N1

2 bedrooms

2 bathrooms

1 reception rooms

A truly stunning converted property on the second floor of a former warehouse, tucked away behind the vibrant Old Street area. The home offers brickwork, high ceilings, and wooden floors throughout, combining modern and traditional elements. EPC D. Tax Band F. Available 5th May. Long lease. 6 week deposit.

£1,295PW

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Devonshire Place

Marylebone, W1

Unfurnished/Furnished

Rental price £7,500 per week to include adjoining Studio Apartment

Also available for sale at £7,250,000 Joint Sole Agent

67–71 Park Road

London NW1 6XU

020 7724

4724

astonchase.com

An exceptional four bedroom residence (331.7 sq m/3,570 sq ft) arranged over the ground and lower ground floors. The property has the perfect balance of historic and contemporary elegance, benefiting from a beautifully appointed rear garden and private courtyard. Located on the east side of Devonshire Place, the building is within a five minute walk from Regent’s Park and only a three minute walk from the shops and restaurants of Marylebone High Street. Furthermore, it is within easy walking distance of the iconic cultural, recreational and entertainment amenities of London’s West End.

Accommodation and Amenities

Two Reception Rooms, Kitchen/ Breakfast Room, Principal Bedroom with Dressing Room & En-Suite Shower Room, Bedroom Two with En-Suite Dressing Room & Shower Room, Bedroom Three with En-Suite Shower Room, Bedroom

Four with En-Suite Bathroom, Guest Cloakroom, Utility and Storage Room, Landscaped Rear Garden, Two Internal Courtyards, Fire Alarm and Smoke Detection System, HD Video Door Entry System, Intruder Alarm System, Electric Underfloor Heating to all Bathrooms.

Council Tax: Band H. EPC: D.