Fabric Magazine April 2024

THE ARTIST’S DWELLING

Take a tour of the late Derek Jarman’s striking canary yellow home

SMART HOMES

Future-proof your abode with tech that won’t compromise on style

A familyAFFAIR

Laura Donnelly on The Hills of California and working with partner Jez Butterworth

Facing the future

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We’ve gone all Tomorrow’s World in this issue, exploring the science that will not only make our lives easier, but also, hopefully longer, too.

That’s a prospect that one London doctor thinks is entirely possible. From his next generation private clinic, Dr Enayat and his team offer truly personalised plans that provide forensic insight into the state of clients’ current and future health, furnishing them with the knowledge and tools to live better, longer lives; we discover what’s on offer in our special feature. Continuing the theme, our interiors feature looks at the latest smart home tech. If you dream of living in a house where every aspect of daily life can be seamlessly integrated and effortlessly controlled at the touch of a button, we’ve got good news, tomorrow’s home can be created today, and you don’t have to compromise on style. It’s a vision that is a far cry from the run-down guest house that is the setting for The Hills of California, the critically-acclaimed West End production from Jez Butterworth and Sam Mendes; we caught up with star of the show Laura Donnelly, to discover more about the play.

Liz Skone James liz@hattoncollective.com

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Editorial Director Liz Skone James Creative Director Penny Clements

Interiors Editor Ali Howard Schools Editor Claire Atherton Client Services Director Becky Pomfret

Laura Donnelly

Photographed by Lee Malone

Laura wears: clothing by Laura Pitharas; and jewellery by Alona

@londonfabricmag fabricmagazine.co.uk

Social Media Manager Alice Bradley Photography Director Emmanuelle Peri Assistant Picture Editor Georgia Watson

Production Alex Courtley and Heidi Pomfret Retouch Gabriel Moroney

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Glentree Estates Trevor Abrahmsohn Goldschmidt & Howland Philip Green Savills Jonathan Hewlett and Liza-Jane Kelly Aston Chase Mark Pollack

CONTENTS /

LIFESTYLE

25 SHOPPING

This month, we’re getting carried away by the very best of the season’s new handbags

26 CULTURE

Your guide to what to do in London this month

29 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: LAURA DONNELLY

51

Shard, the sculptural new chandelier from Original BTC

On teaming up with partner Jez Butterworth again, and why stage work is so artistically fulfilling

36 HEALTH

Get fit for the future at the South Kensington clinic where innovative science meets futuristic insight to help optimise clients’ health

39 STYLE

We meet the north London duo behind O Pioneers and discover ways to increase body confidence

42 FOOD & DRINK

The latest restaurant news from across the Capital, plus a delicious, vegan dessert recipe

TRAVEL

45 SPOTLIGHT ON

The White Isle’s hotels open up for the new season this month, and it’s the perfect time to visit

46 TRAVEL REVIEWS

Pick Porto for a weekend of indulgence in the most picturesque of surroundings

60

45

INTERIORS

51 INTERIORS NEWS

The latest launches and luxurious new lines

55 INTERIORS TRENDS

We explore the newest smart home innovations that enhance our homes in form and function

55 25

Bag yourself a beautiful new accessory to see you through the summer

58 AT HOME WITH

Enjoy an extract from beautiful new coffee table book, Prospect Cottage: Derek Jarman’s House

60 DESIGNER PROFILE

We chat to graphic artist Emma J Shipley and discover what’s next for her eponymous brand

SCHOOLS

65 A CAPITAL EDUCATION

Meet Orchard House School’s head, Henrietta Adams, and get the insider perspective on boarding

PROPERTY

69 TALKING POINTS

What the Spring Budget means for property

70 HOT PROPERTY

The best homes on the market this month

73 LAST WORD

Arlington Residential’s Marc Schneiderman celebrates 30 successful years in business

Email:

020 8458 7311

www.glentree.com

WILDWOOD ROAD, NW11 GUIDE PRICE £2,550,000

Set in this idyllic position, on the cusp of the Hampstead Heath Extension, is this well maintained, semi-detached family home with a plethora of original features and charm.

Offering flexible accommodation over 3 floors and spanning 2,394 Sq ft, the ground floor features 3 reception rooms, including a grand drawing room with a magnificent feature fireplace, with 2 sets of double French doors leading to the garden, a dining room and a bright and airy living room with doors also leading to the garden. Additionally, there is a well fitted kitchen and a guest WC.

SOLE A GENT

On the upper floors there are 4/5 bedrooms including a very spacious principal bedroom suite with an ensuite bathroom and a large dressing room, which could easily be reinstated to a bedroom, 2 further family bathrooms and good storage in the eaves.

The delightful garden wraps around the house and offers seclusion and privacy and is a stones throw away from the Heath.

Email: sales@glentree.com

020 8458 7311

www.glentree.com

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.

Aylmer Road, N2

£1,850,000

Within a sought after building, an immaculately presented penthouse with high ceilings and grand windows. Offering three bedrooms, a contemporary kitchen and direct lift access, this home is perfect for young professionals looking to start a family. Close to a variety of superb amenities, there is also the added luxury of a charming roof terrace providing 360 degree views of the city and Highgate golf course, energy rating b.

Dexters Highgate. 35 Highgate High Street, London, N6 5JT

T: 020 8545 8584 E: highgatesales@dexters.co.uk

dexters.co.uk

Sunnyfield, NW7

£2,300,000

Located in the heart of Mill Hill, a modern house providing excellent entertaining space throughout. There is a generous open plan kitchen and reception room that leads onto a large rear garden, ideal for hosting friends and family. The property has four bedrooms, a summer house and a driveway. Complete with Heatmiser controls, Daikinairconditioning, Herringbone flooring and Italian marble in all bathrooms, energy rating c.

Dexters Finchely. 126 Ballards Lane, London, N3 2PA

T: 020 8742 4180 E: finchleysales@dexters.co.uk

Two bedroom flat 30 yards from entrance to Primrose Hill Park.

Two bedroom flat 30 yards from an entrance to Primrose Hill Park.

£1.55M • Share of Freehold • Sole Agent

Two bedroom flat with south-west facing patio leading onto communal garden.

£1.495M • Share of Freehold • Joint Sole Agent

1,850 sq ft/170 sq m house with garden and parking.

£1.695M • Freehold • Sole Agent

Three bedroom flat with terrace and o -street parking.

£1.65M • 999 Year Lease • Joint Sole Agent

Central and North West London

Luxury Property Specialists

1,630 sq ft/152 sq m town house in cul-de-sac with parking for two cars.

£2.095M • Freehold • Sole Agent bedroom, bathroom, two reception room flat with large roof garden.

1,630 sq ft/152 sq m town house in cul-de-sac with parking for Stunning two bedroom, two bathroom, two reception room flat

£3.25M • 997 Year Lease • Joint Sole Agent bedroom flat with private entrance, patio garden and 24hr porter.

£1.245M • Share of Freehold • Joint Sole Agent

4,000 ft/367 m property with parking for two cars and multiple terraces.

£4.75M • Share of Freehold • Sole Agent

Two bedroom flat with private entrance and patio garden and 4,000 sq ft/367 sq m property with parking for two cars and

8 Wellington Road, St. John’s Wood, London NW8 9SP info@arlingtonresidential.com

+44 (0)20 7722 3322 arlingtonresidential.com

left right

ETON AVENUE

BELSIZE PARK, NW3

A rare opportunity to acquire an imposing freehold Grade II Listed red brick detached residence (659.13 sq m/7,095 sq ft) currently arranged as three apartments but with enormous potential to extend and excavate the existing accommodation subject to the necessary planning consents. Alternatively, an opportunity exists to purchase the unmodernised lateral ground floor apartment (260.68 sq m/2,806 sq ft) together with the freehold interest (subject to certain conditions) for the sum of £4,250,000 which includes the carriage drive and exclusive use of the private rear garden.

Eton Avenue is located just 0.2 miles from the diverse shops, cafés and restaurants of England’s Lane and is also within 0.5 miles of both Swiss Cottage Underground Station (Jubilee Line) and Belsize Park Underground Station (Northern Line) as well as being in close proximity to the wide open spaces of both Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill. Council Tax: G. EPC: D.

Bracknell Gardens, Hampstead, NW3

£3,850,000

Situated predominantly on the ground floor of a handsome semi-detached period residence is this bright and immaculately presented four bedroom, four bathroom converted apartment with a 69 ft south-west facing mature private garden. This elegant family home has been extended by the current owners and comprises 2,660 sq ft of laterally arranged accommodation.

The apartment features a stunning 29'3" x 23'11" reception room with 10'6" ceiling height and beautiful period features, which includes an ornate fireplace. The main reception room leads to a conservatory dining area with French doors to the private decked and lawned garden, which provides a serene area for al fresco dining. The very generous kitchen/breakfast/family room is accessed from the grand entrance hall and via bi-fold doors from the reception room, providing a seamless front to rear aspect.

Bracknell Gardens is a sought-after tree-lined avenue, ideally located for access to both the various boutiques and restaurants of Hampstead Village (Northern Line) and the amenities and transport links of West Hampstead and Finchley Road (Jubilee & Metropolitan Lines, Thameslink & Overground).

£3,150,000

An exceptional mid-terraced five bedroom family house located on this desirable tree-lined road of South End Green close to Hampstead Heath. The current owners have comprehensively refurbished the entire house with tremendous flair and attention to detail to provide a striking home of tasteful interiors whilst retaining an abundance of charm and character. The bright accommodation is arranged as a double reception room open plan to a custom-built kitchen/breakfast room with direct access to a Zen designed garden. The first floor currently offers an open plan studio/drawing room which could easily be reverted to two bedrooms and/or a bathroom. There is an additional bedroom on this floor and a family bathroom.

The second floor enjoys a comfortable size principal bedroom with a dressing area and en-suite bathroom, another double bedroom and a utility room. On the top floor there is a double bedroom and a delightful 21'8" roof terrace.

A wide choice of cafés, restaurants, shops and transport facilities are within close proximity. 522

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WHAT’S ON IN LONDON

What to see and do in the Capital this April

EXHIBITION

Out Shopping:

The dresses of Marion and Maud Sambourne (1880-1910)

Inviting us to step into a world of fashion history, this meticulously curated collection explores the lives of Marion Sambourne and Maud Messel, a mother-daughter duo whose sartorial choices epitomise an era that continues to influence modern fashion sensibilities.

Featuring some previously unseen garbs, alongside rare creations from renowned dressmakers, the exhibition tells the intertwined tales of Marion and Maud, how their middle-class roots and affluent lifestyles intersect, and reflects not just their personal styles but also the evolving landscape of fashion consumption. Set across three captivating spaces, including Leighton House’s exquisite exhibition galleries and an exclusive display at Sambourne House. Prepare to swoon. Until 20 October, Leighton House, 12 Holland Park Road, W14 and Sambourne House, 18 Stafford Terrace, W8 (rbkc.gov.uk/museums)

Marion and Maud Sambourne, 1890s

Marion Sambourne wearing beaver fur jacket, c.1900

© Sambourne House, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

THEATRE

London Tide

A riveting adaptation of Dickens’ Our Mutual Friend, London Tide is directed by Ian Rickson and features original songs by PJ Harvey and Ben Power. Hailed as a romantic and propulsive thriller, the play is essentially a homage to the Capital’s soul and its iconic river. As a night storm rages, a body is pulled from the swirling Thames, while across the city, two young women confront an uncertain future: in Limehouse, Lizzie Hexam struggles to break free of the river’s dark secrets, and on the other side of town, Bella Wilfer mourns a lost marriage. Meanwhile, the appearance of the mysterious John Rokesmith has the potential to change both their lives for ever. Expect to be captivated. In fact, you may be swept away. 10 April-22 June, Lyttelton Theatre, Upper Ground, SE1 (nationaltheatre.org.uk)

THEATRE Gunter

Following its sold-out premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe, this month, the Royal Court welcomes the London transfer of Dirty Hare’s award-winning play, co-created by the all-women team of Lydia Higman, Julia Grogan, and Rachel Lemon, whose delicious speciality is reconstructing stories from the past to challenge the present – 2021’s acclaimed Belly Up did exactly this. It is 1604, and in a small village just outside Oxford, two boys have been murdered by local brute Brian Gunter, and their mother wants justice. But Brian is the richest and most powerful man in the village and has an ego too fragile to tolerate public slander. A nasty feud begins, and when Brian’s daughter Anne starts demonstrating strange afflictions, an allegation is made: she has been bewitched. 3-25 April, Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W (020 7565 5000; royalcourttheatre.com)

EXHIBITION

Marie-Louise Von Motesiczky and Dorothy Bohm

Hampstead’s dynamic art space Burgh House announces two major exhibitions to run concurrently until the end of the year, namely Motesiczky’s (in)Visible Women, a collection of vibrant expressionist paintings, and Bohm’s visceral photographic series About Women, which spans over seven decades of the artist’s journey, capturing the evolving lives of women around the world. Curator, Sophie Richards, says: “Once you start looking for it, you realise how rare it is to see women of all ages in artworks living full, interesting, everyday lives. For me, that is what makes the works of Motesiczky and Bohm so important. Both artists highlight everyday experiences of women, and with such poignancy and wit.” Not to be missed. Until 15 December, New End Square, NW3 (burghhouse.org.uk)

THEATRE Minority Report

With a creative team including Olivier Award-winning director Max Webster, award-winning writer David Haig, and the production team behind Life of Pi, you know from the get-go this is going to be one special production. And while you may be familiar with the 2002 film of the same name, here, we’re promised an immersive theatrical experience that blurs the boundaries between reality and science fiction. The year is 2050 and neuroscientist Dame Julia Anderton is set to launch the next phase of her pioneering Pre-Crime programme, which detains offenders for the crimes they’re yet to commit. But when Julia is accused of pre-murder, she’s in a race against time to save herself from her own system.

19 April-18 May, Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, W6 (020 8741 6850; lyric.co.uk)

© Estate of Dorothy Bohm

© Alex Brenner

© Marc Brenner

RISING TO

As Laura Donnelly takes the lead in Jez Butterworth’s latest play, The Hills of California, she reveals how they inspire one another in life and work, and gives us the low-down on this latest role

Words by Liz Skone James Photography by Lee Malone

THE CHALLENGE

Styling by Harriet Nicolson

Hair by Sven Bayerbach

Make up by Justine Jenkins

Shot on location at Hart Shoreditch

Laura wears: jacket by Aligne; and earrings by Rowen Rose from KOIBIRD

The Hills of California is set in Blackpool in 1976, the driest summer in 200 years. The beaches are packed, and the hotels are heaving, but in the sweltering backstreets, the Webb sisters are returning to their mother’s run-down guest house as she lies dying upstairs. In his latest production, playwright Jez Butterworth reunites with director Sam Mendes and leading lady Laura Donnelly. It is a stellar combination – the trio last worked together on 2017’s multi-award-winning West End and Broadway hit The Ferryman, which was inspired by the true story of Laura’s uncle’s murder at the hands of the IRA.

This is a very different story, but one that is equally affecting. “It takes place over two time periods,” Laura explains, when we sit down to talk about the production. “We kind of follow the stories of these four sisters, who are returning to the guest house to say goodbye. That’s in the 70s, and in the 50s we see some of their history… I play Veronica, the mother in the 50s part, and also Joan, one of the sisters in the later part.

I think Veronica is a woman who is doing her very best to give her kids the greatest life she

can possibly give them, and to try and make sure that they go onto something better than the life that she has had… you know, being a single mother and raising these four girls in Blackpool. She wants them to have something much more special than that, and really everything that drives her in the play comes from that.”

A long-term partnership in life as well as work, Jez and Laura first met when she appeared in his 2012 play The River, and the pair now have two young daughters together. I’m intrigued to know if it is hard living and working so closely together. “No, it really isn’t,” Laura assures me. “If working together was difficult, we just wouldn’t do it, because we’re not set on doing it. It is very simply that we just really enjoy it, and we’re very inspired by each other. And it really helps that we have very separate roles in the process: we’re not writing together, we’re not performing together, he’s not directing me.… You know, it’s a very easy separation to make. So outside of each of us doing our own jobs, it doesn’t bleed into our personal lives an awful lot. You’d be surprised how little we discuss it really…”

“From the MOMENT that I FIRST auditioned for The River, I feel like I’ve ALWAYS known how Jez’s writing wants to be DELIVERED , wants to be SAID , and I think that it’s so clear in its SIMPLICITY ”

Laura wears, this page: full look by Laura Pitharas; and jewellery by Alona Opposite page, left: full look by Petar Petrov; tights by Wolford; ring and necklace by Goossens; earrings by Mejuri; and shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti Opposite page, right: full look by Polo Ralph Lauren; tights by Falke; earrings and ring by David Morris; and shoes by Christian Louboutin

I am certain that one thing they will have discussed is the response to this new play, which premièred in February and is running for a strictly limited season until mid-June. “It’s been received amazingly well,” Laura tells me, happily. “It’s a really fascinating one. When people who I know have seen it, they text or call a day or two later, when they’ve been thinking about it, and they can articulate the effect that it’s had on them. And I love that about it. I think that’s a wonderful thing, that it’s the kind of play that really stays with you. And people seem to kind of take it away and think about how it applies to them and their experience.”

What in particular does Laura hope that people are taking away from watching it? “Well, a friend of mine said something very interesting about it… They said it was a play about how we want to die, and it’s also a play about how we want to live,” she replies, thoughtfully. “I think that it delves so deep into families, and the roles we play within them. And the secrets that we keep within them – the kind of contracts that we make with one another. And how our history in those families shapes our present. And also, how we reshape the history, according to what we need it to be. So, I think that there is so much for people to live with as they take the play away with them, and yeah, I like that. I like that it has seemed to have a very personal connection with so many people. That feels really satisfying. I think that that’s something that plays can do when they’re really working.”

Indeed, this is a hallmark of Jez’s work, which has seen him gain a reputation as one of Britain’s most revered modern playwrights. “He has probably been the main inspiration in my life in the last decade or so,” Laura says. “From the moment that I first auditioned for The River, I feel like I’ve always known how Jez’s writing wants to be delivered, wants to be said, and I think that it’s so clear in its simplicity. There’s an ease to working with him, but I think that that’s not so much to do with knowing him, as it is just to do with the quality of the writing. It was the same with doing most of the other really amazing plays that I’ve come across – the better the writing, the easier it is to perform.”

There was one thing that didn’t come easily when it came to this character though, Laura admits. “I had to learn to play the piano for The Hills of California,” she reveals. “It was the scariest element of doing this production by far. But it was quite good because it gave me something to focus my fear on, and therefore I wasn’t concentrating too much on the massive challenge of the character that I had to develop. Instead, all my focus was going on getting a few black and white notes right. So, yeah it was scary, but it’s very fulfilling when you start out with something, and you have absolutely no idea how you’re going to be able to do it, and then by the end you’re doing it quite easily and not having to think about it. I love that – it’s a very satisfying part of the job.”

What else does she love about the job that she does? “I don’t really know, and you know I kind of mull over that lots,” she admits. “It’s one of those things… you know, why are you in love with somebody? You can list their traits, but it’s not that, it’s just something that is deep within you. It’s pure instinct that has always driven me to it and I could point to things that I enjoy about it, but I don’t think that it would quite cover what is just an instinct. I need to do it.”

This need to perform began at a very young age. “I did some Irish dancing when I was younger, and my teacher would put on amateur productions of what she termed Irish ballets, and they were a kind of stylistic mixture of Irish dancing and ballet through which she would tell the old stories, or myths and legends of Ireland,” Laura tells me. “So, when I was eight or nine years old, I was getting to go on stage a few nights a week, like maybe once or twice a year, and be part of these productions. And it gave me an immediate love for being in a theatre, for being on the stage, for being backstage in the theatre. And the whole world of preparing for a production and getting it ready for opening was what I really, really fell in love with. And I don’t remember how I made the conscious decision to act as opposed to perform in any other capacity, but I just remember very early on, from that point I had decided I was going to be an actress, and so that was that.”

After school, she turned down a place to read law and history at Edinburgh University and went on to study at The Royal Conservatoire

“I think that it delves so deep into FAMILIES , and the ROLES we play within them. And the SECRETS that we keep within them – the kind of CONTRACTS that we make with one another”

of Scotland, graduating from there in 2004. Having made her screen debut in Channel 4 teen drama Sugar Rush the next year, Laura went on to appear in TV projects including The Fall, Outlander and The Nevers, while also carving out an impressive career on the stage, where highlights have included The Wasp (Trafalgar Studios), Judgement Day (Almeida Theatre), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre).

I wonder how she chooses the jobs she’d like to be involved with. “It’s really a simple case of whether the prospect of doing it excites me,” she reveals. “The first thing that I look to is the writing, and how good that is, and whether the character I would be playing feels like it is going to be proper work; like I’m going to have some stuff to explore. That said, sometimes you just really want to work with a particular person. You know, there are many different things that can make that decision, but for me the new is always what’s most exciting. I don’t ever really want to go over old ground; I always want to be discovering something new in myself, and my abilities and my process, and to get to delve into some kind of psychology I’ve never looked at.”

It is arguably theatre where Laura has made the biggest mark to date, garnering rave reviews for her various performances. Her role in The Ferryman saw her win an Olivier Award for best actress, and a Tony nomination. She recalls the Olivier Awards ceremony as being a “pretty surreal” experience. “I don’t remember much

Laura wears: full look by Petar Petrov; tights by Wolford; ring and necklace by Goossens; earrings by Mejuri; and shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti

about the immediate moment,” she laughs. “It’s hugely gratifying to be told by your peers that they value what you do, and that they think that what you do is good. And it was very exciting, and I felt immensely grateful, and I still do, but at the same time it has absolutely no bearing on what comes next, nor should it. I think that it was a really lovely moment in time, it’s something I’m really proud of, but I was proud of the work anyway. And I think that it’s really important to hold onto that, because the work is the thing, and if you can be fulfilled by it, you can be proud of it, then that’s definitely the most lasting element.” Does she have a preference for stage or screen, or does she see them as entirely different aspects of the job? “I see them as separate and complementary, I suppose,” she says. “Usually, when I finish several months doing a play, I’m really excited about the idea of being on a set and doing screen work again. And certainly, by the time I finish screen work I’m absolutely dying to get on stage again. If I really had to choose, I would absolutely choose theatre. There’s just such a satisfaction in being able

to tell a complete story from start to finish and being able to see a character through an arc. And of course, usually the stories and the characters are so much more layered and complex, and there’s so much more to get your teeth into when it comes to theatre. And what I really love about theatre is how deeply you get to experience the story yourself, because the sheer nature of the repetition, the doing it over and over, night after night, means that you get deeper into it, and discover more about it, and it changes all the time. And I just find that to be hugely exciting, and artistically fulfilling. I think there’s something about the ownership of performance in theatre that an actor has over their role, that you don’t necessarily have on screen. Because an editor can change everything about your performance, they can make it loads better, they can make it non-existent… But I do love that about it; it does make the two very different.

Of course, the nature of theatre work means that Laura is currently seeing a lot less of her family at the moment – how does she find a balance? “I don’t love answering that

question, because I think people rarely ask men,” she admits. “There are two parents in our household, I rely on their father; we just figure it out… I miss them a lot, and at the moment I’m not seeing a lot of them, but they get it, they’re starting to come to the age where they get it. And you know, I think that so long as they feel secure, and well looked after, then it doesn’t have to be me doing the looking after all the time. And it absolutely makes it more special when I am with them – Sundays are great!”

Whether the next role will allow for a different dynamic remains to be seen. “When I’m doing theatre, I can only ever be entirely in the present moment,” she tells me, when I ask about future plans. “Some part of me is excited about a summer holiday, but I can’t even think about that right now, so I am very much right in the here and now with this play, and there’s a long way to go with it!”

The Hills of California plays at the Harold Pinter Theatre for a strictly limited run until 15 June (haroldpintertheatre.co.uk)

Hair by Sven Bayerbach at Carol Hayes Management using Hair by Sam McKnight.

Styling assistance by Stella Dickson.

Laura wears: dress by Edeline Lee; and earrings by Eshvi for KOIBIRD

HART SHOREDITCH

Old world charm meets contemporary design in this welcoming east London hotel, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton

The perfect base from which to explore the East End’s hotspots, Hart Shoreditch is set on Great Eastern Street, amidst the boutiques, bars, restaurants and markets of East London’s buzziest neighbourhood. The hip hotel, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, takes its name from some of the building’s previous occupants, The Harts, who were nineteenth century cabinetmakers.

Seamlessly weaving Shoreditch’s storied past with modern creativity, interiors here have been designed by Fabled Studio. The aesthetic draws inspiration from the area’s heritage as a centre for craftspeople and makers, and the building’s own history, with a design that focuses on showcasing the industries that thrived locally. From the copper detailing on the reception desk, evoking the metal workers of Victorian Shoreditch; to the contemporary co-working space in the bright and airy lobby, complete with mahogany lights inspired by cabinetmaker’s boxes; and the wrought iron staircase recalling 18th century Huguenot townhouses – a nod to the area’s silk weavers; every carefully considered element pays homage to the past while embracing the present.

Further providing a sense of place, shelves in the lobby are lined with books that reflect the local architecture and neighbourhood’s fascinating history, along with artefacts sourced from local antique shops, while bespoke East London-made carpets and fabrics have been used in public spaces and bedrooms.

With such a rich history of craftmanship rooted within the hotel’s DNA, the team at Hart Shoreditch are dedicated to working with local artists through ever-changing exhibitions of their work. One notable collaboration saw talented glass designer Rezzan Hasoglu create the exquisite handblown glass light feature in the hotel lobby. Delicate glass spheres are suspended from an iron structure and lit from the base, casting mesmerising ripple shadows.

There are 126 elegant rooms and suites here, and though, due to the nature of the building, every one features a different footprint and ceiling height, all boast a clean, grown-up aesthetic in a soft colour palette of white and grey with burnt orange and deep green accents. Textured sandstone walls contrast beautifully with brass and copper lighting fixtures, dark leather headboards and sleek marble bathroom fittings.

Facilities at Hart include two meeting rooms, a communal workspace, a lounge, gym and private dining area for up to 12. And the restaurant, which is currently undergoing an exciting transformation, will soon reopen as UBA, a brand new concept offering indulgent flavours of Asia. Not just for hotel guests, this is truly an authentic and welcoming community hub for those who live, work and play in the area.

hartshoreditch.com

Right: the mahogany light in the lobby is inspired by cabinetmakers’ boxes

Optimise your genetics

Combining innovative science with futuristic insight, a next generation longevity clinic in London promises to enhance our health and increase our lifespan, ensuring that we are fit for whatever the future holds

Words by Liz Skone James

Trained as a GP, and still working in this capacity in a London NHS practice, the charismatic Dr Enayat – Dr E for short – is passionate about the intersection between technology and medicine and has dedicated his life to empowering individuals on their journey to optimal health. A mission that has seen him launch Hum2n, an exciting South Kensingtonbased private health club and clinic.

Here, a team of talented doctors, nutritional therapists and coaches work alongside Dr E to provide a unique, holistic approach to wellbeing. From personalised plans that offer forensic insight into the state of clients’ current and future health, to the latest longevity and aesthetic therapies designed to optimise their health and wellbeing, Hum2n seeks to connect the dots in a way that traditional medicine does not. And whether you’re recovering from injury, fighting Long Covid, wanting to lose weight, or simply looking to boost your energy and feel better, there’s no doubt that that’s an exciting prospect.

The space feels a million miles away from the clinical-looking confines of your average doctor’s

symptoms of depression and anxiety, and elevating cognitive functions like memory and focus.

In an area that looks very much like a spa, comfortable loungers are set out for clients undertaking IV therapies. Choose from customformulated super-nutrient cocktails, packed with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants; or the NAD+ infusion, which helps elevate energy levels, enhances focus, and optimises cellular health, supporting anti-ageing, increasing energy and boosting mood and metabolic function.

Dr E is passionate about the intersection between technology and medicine

The star of the show is the hyperbaric oxygen chamber, a pioneering piece of equipment more commonly used by sports professionals to aid rapid recovery and enhance performance, but the scientifically proven benefits also include boosting the immune response and promoting mental clarity, making this perfect for anyone looking to slow down the ageing clock.

surgery. Artistically lit glass cabinets behind a sleek bar in the reception area are filled with bottles and tubes of every type of supplement, and a discreet check in desk sits to one side; it feels more like an exclusive bar or club than a clinic.

An area at the back is kitted out with high-tech equipment chosen to assist Dr E and his team in their pursuit – the Emsella is a chair-like device that promises to strengthen the pelvic floor, improving bladder and bowel control as users sit on it; and a BoneStrong machine safely and quickly increases bone density and muscle strength, offering the benefits of high impact activity without the risk of heavy lifting or jumping.

Things get even more space age downstairs, where the world’s coldest cryotherapy chamber is chilled to minus 140C. Users can quickly and easily burn up to 700 calories in three minutes thanks to the metabolic acceleration triggered by plunging the body into the extreme cold. And the benefits extend beyond physical enhancements, cryotherapy is scientifically shown to have significant psychological advantages, reducing

The blood is taken a few days later at a local Randox clinic, which is, for me, easier to access than the Hum2n clinic – everything Dr E does is designed to make life easier for his clients. While we wait for the results, I fill in several long forms looking at my lifestyle, health history and diet. The results are back less than a week later, and Dr E and one of his nutritionists, Valentina, schedule a Zoom call with me to discuss the findings. These are too long, and too personal, to share here, but they are overwhelmingly reassuring. There seems to be nothing sinister lurking in the future, health-wise, and my hormone levels appear to be normal. There are things of note, though, and forewarned is forearmed, as they say – with a little help from my friends at Hum2n there are things I can do to reduce my risks and improve my overall health picture. Starting with a gut

It is an indefinable feeling of malaise that has brought me to the clinic – there’s nothing wrong with me per se, but I am plagued by low energy, brain fog and a general sense of lethargy: no matter what time I go to bed, I wake up feeling exhausted and I am forever snapping at my long-suffering partner and kids. I’ve been putting it down to perimenopause, but I have no idea what my hormones are actually up to, and I’m keen to find out if this is the case, or if there’s something else more worrying to blame. After a long chat about how I have been feeling, Dr E suggests taking a “whole body testing” blood sample to reveal the root cause of my symptoms. No ordinary blood test, this will look at over 700 biomarkers, enabling us to delve deep into the intricate workings of my body on a cellular level – it will assess hormonal balance, detect cholesterol levels, look for cancer markers and determine my personal risk of heart disease, amongst many other things. From the results, we will be able to make a personalised plan to tackle my symptoms and get me back on track to optimum health. The prospect of knowing these things is equal parts exciting and terrifying.

healing plan designed by Valentina to get me back on track nutritionally, accompanied by a suggested supplement plan to give me a boost in the areas I am currently lacking. Meanwhile, Dr E prescribes a programme of at-home NAD+ supplements, primarily to boost my flagging energy levels. It involves self-injecting a small shot of the NAD+ solution into my stomach, thighs or buttocks every other day, and is amazingly pain-free and easy – though my sheer terror at the prospect renders my first attempt utterly comical. It’s early days, but I am already feeling the benefits of both regimes, and I know that I am in the safest of hands. If you’re looking to redefine your health from the inside out, it seems you’d be hard pressed to find somewhere better to take those the first vital steps.

35 Ixworth Place, SW3 (020 4579 7473; hum2n.com)

The clinic’s futuristic-looking hyperbaric oxygen chamber

Clients can receive their choice of IV therapy in a spa-like area downstairs

YOU ARE ENOUGH

Every body is totally different, and every body is worth appreciating. Learn how to embrace who you are, both physically and mentally, with a little help from The Body Whisperer’s Body

Harmony Code

Look at yourself in the mirror and think about how your body makes you feel. If you find this exercise difficult, you are not alone, says Hampstead-based Vanessa Conway. Recent research by The Women and Equalities Committee found that 62 per cent of women feel negatively about their body image. These feelings can impact us throughout our lives, affecting the way we feel about ourselves and our mental health and wellbeing.

If you too are lacking confidence, not knowing what to do for your wellbeing, Vanessa, who has been working in the fitness industry for 19 years – with qualifications in group fitness, personal training, and Pilates instruction – can help you to make peace with your body.

From modern jazz dance lessons to martial arts practice, movement had always been a big part of her life while growing up, but then, in her second year of sports studies, she suffered a lumbar hernia coupled with double sciatica and was advised that a career in the fitness industry would be impossible. Devastated at the thought of not being able to follow her dreams, she turned to Mat Pilates to help improve her mobility and build back her strength. She tells us that studying the Method made her appreciate how complex the human anatomy is and to gain an understanding of how important it is to listen to what our bodies are telling us. She credits this approach of putting the body first with saving her career.

Becoming a mother was another turning point for Vanessa, who suffered from diastasis recti – or abdominal separation – following the birth of her two children. “Even with a good connection with your body, Mother Nature always has a surprise in store,” she laughs. “For me, it was constant pain in my hips and pubic bone. I had to find a way to move and support my body and my baby without overusing my abs or causing pain. It took time and gentle exercises to build a new body, a new balance.”

Vanessa’s experiences led her to decide to devote her life to helping women to feel stronger, teaching them to move their bodies with confidence, whatever their circumstances. Her unique Body Harmony Code provides tailored guidance that has been designed to show clients how to make sense of their physical challenges and amplify their authentic selves. The programme teaches participants how to make peace with their bodies and begin to move with a new ease. Through a mix of one-to-one and group sessions that blend fitness and breathwork with somatic tools, mind techniques, energy reading and healing techniques, it sets out to create a peaceful bridge between mind and body.

Over the course of six months, Vanessa helps clients to connect with their intuition, showing them how to listen to their body’s signals, allowing it to communicate without the use of pain. Perhaps most importantly, Vanessa wants her Body Harmony Code clients to look at their bodies in the mirror with unconditional love. Fees start from £297 per month. For details, see feelmovebewithvanessa.com

“I work with women who are struggling with their body and need to get stronger, fitter, and to move with ease. My clients have been telling me for years that I work differently to other personal trainers… I understand my clients’ bodies and that allows me to help them”

PERSONAL STYLIST

The

latest in luxury fashion, beauty and healthy living

INTRODUCING A NEW FITNESS FIX

It goes without saying that the environment in which you exercise can have a significant impact on whether you achieve your goals – if you don’t actually like the gym, why would you choose to spend time there? That’s unlikely to be a problem at London’s newest boutique wellness destination, though. Studio FIX, on High Street Kensington, boasts a whopping 7,500 sq ft of luxurious space in which to workout in style. With a pay-as-you-go concept, there’s something for everyone here: choose from yoga, boxing, HIIT style conditioning and strength-based lift classes, ranging from 45 minutes to an hour. It is also one of the first destinations in London to host Lagree Megaformer classes – a celebrity favourite that offers a high-intensity, total-body workout while

SKINCARE

Transforming skin and confidence

We don’t need to tell you how it feels to suffer from bad skin, and neither does Nic Taylor, founder of 47 Skin. Having suffered from acne for years, he’d been left with seriously low selfesteem. And then his grandma sent him a mysterious bottle of handmade cream she’d bought at a local market. Within days of using it, his skin looked better than ever before. Nic made it his mission to track down the maker and together they patented the magical ingredient, Silver Chitoderm (a substance that had originally been created to remove bacteria from water). Silver is clinically proven to kill bacteria and the sticky Chitoderm holds the silver in place to form

being low-impact. And that’s not the only A-list favourite on the timetable – you can also book in for Paola’s Body Barre, combining dynamic Pilates with yoga and barre. Owner Najeeb Abunahl, who was left temporarily in a wheelchair after an accident, has invested heavily in accessibility at the studio, and even offers boxing classes that are fully adaptable for wheelchair users. We especially love the chic changing rooms, which are kitted out with Dyson hairdryers, meaning you’ll get back to work in double quick time after a workout. Classes from £25, class packs from £120, and membership packages from £220. Kensington High Street, entrance at 24A Old Court Place, W8 (studiofix.co.uk)

an antibacterial shield which kills the bacteria that causes breakouts. The clever Chitoderm also forms a lattice-like structure that reduces inflammation and helps skin cells regenerate, while still being gentle and hydrating on your skin. And, it’s known to decrease the production of melanin, a pigment that gives scars their colour. It also encourages your skin to shed older skin cells and produce new ones at a much faster rate, giving you a brighter, more even complexion. The range now contains 10 wonder products, offering everything from masks to moisturisers, though the hero has to be the Anti-Blemish and Scar Repair Serum, the product that started it all. From £24, products are available at Harrods and online at 47skin.com

FASHION Say yes to the dress

Saying I do this summer? You’ll want to pop into the Halfpenny London flagship boutique, which has just undergone a stunning makeover. Celebrating designer and founder Kate Halfpenny’s love of fashion and art, with sculptural details, a bold colour palette and hand-picked artworks, the stunning new space is the perfect backdrop for her gorgeous dresses. And even if you’re not planning a wedding, Kate’s exquisite and highly distinctive pieces transcend the world of bridal and have become coveted by the fashion elite with impeccable red-carpet style. This is serious shopping heaven.

10 Woburn Walk, WC1H (halfpennylondon.com)

FITNESS

ON FASHION: CLARA FRANCIS AND TANIA HINDMARCH

The North London duo behind O Pioneers explain how they came to launch their collection of beautiful forever dresses, and tell us what’s next for the Britishmade fashion label

What was the first piece you designed together? The first piece we designed was the Clara dress –still one of our classic designs and a hands down favourite amongst our customers. It is a very simple, wearable design that can be dressed up for a special occasion or worn daily with trainers or boots, and we create it in a variety of different Liberty prints – sometimes in a full print, sometimes mixing clashing prints together and other times adding a contrast plain colour trim. It has such a feminine silhouette with puff shoulders and a nipped in waist that it really looks amazing on everyone –but (very importantly for us) it is also practical – we make it in Liberty print cottons, so it is machine washable and as with all our dresses it has large pockets!

Tell us a little about your background and how O Pioneers came to be? We have always shared a love of clothing. We both love vintage, particularly feminine frocks that hark back to another era when people would dress up on a daily basis. We love things that are individual, that have provenance, that were made to last, with care and attention.

Both of us had been designing and making our own clothes for a few years as we were unable to find the types of dresses we liked. We would often get compliments and requests from friends to make things for them. So after a lot of talking, we

decided to make it official and came up with the seed of an idea to create O Pioneers – a sustainable, vintage inspired dress label making the types of dresses that we wanted to wear, created in small runs, using end of roll heritage fabrics from the likes of Liberty, and beautifully made by local seamstresses and makers. Our whole philosophy is dressing for fun – injecting a sense of playfulness and to an extent, theatricality, into what we wear. Because what you wear can entirely alter how you feel about yourself and how you experience the world around you.

playfulness into it. We often use the same silhouettes but adapt a neckline, a hem length, or a sleeve style. We are both incredibly thrifty and cannot bear to waste even the tiniest scraps of print, so we use these in embellishments such as appliqué as well as smaller items like knickers, hair ties and ribbons. We started out focusing very much on the perfect dresses but we’ve expanded our offering to include beautiful hand-knitted jumpers and tank tops, designed especially to go with the silhouette of our dresses; a few separates and more recently knickers, socks and hair ribbons.

What’s your brand philosophy?

We want O Pioneers to reflect our core beliefs in slow, sustainable fashion, timeless style, flattering designs, quality making and attention to detail. The antithesis of ‘fast fashion’, O Pioneers is based on the philosophy that if an item of clothing is desirable, well-made, and stylishly classic it will be a loved item in a wardrobe that gets revisited time and again, for years to come.

How do you want women wearing your clothes to feel? Fun, feminine and flirty! We are firm believers in the power of dressing. This is one of the reasons we set up the label and why we focus very heavily on dresses. The dress is the perfect, low maintenance item – a whole outfit in one, with minimal hassle – but one that has the power to make you feel amazing. We both have strong nostalgia for the wonderful feeling of wearing a special dress to a party when we were younger. We wanted to recreate that feeling in our dresses, for women to enjoy feeling that way everyday – not just on special occasions!

Is there anyone you’d really love to see wearing one of your pieces?

We have been very lucky in seeing our pieces bought and worn by some truly incredible women – both well-known and not. Sophie Ellis-

The design was an iteration of the classic party dress that we both remember wearing in our childhoods – but were only allowed to wear for that special occasion, and then we had to take it off in case it got ruined!

How has the collection developed since then? Our collection has developed enormously but always with a very definite O Pioneers vibe. We like to describe our style as a modern take on the elegant, sometimes eccentric, classic English Victoriana style. We only ever design things that we want to wear ourselves and we always like to inject a bit of

Bextor, Anna Maxwell Martin, Gizzi Erskine, Emma Barnett, Katherine Ryan, Beanie Feldstein to name a few. But there’s one lady that we have both worshipped as a total style inspiration and icon since we were in our twenties, and that’s Sarah Jessica Parker. She actually came into the shop recently and bought a few things! She was utterly delightful, very down to earth and so supportive of what we are trying to achieve with the brand. We were in seventh heaven having her hang out in the shop and trying on our collection!

Can you tell us about the role of sustainability in your business?

Right from the start we always intended O Pioneers to be a ‘slow fashion’ label – creating quality, individual pieces to wear, live life in, love in and treasure forever. Using past season and end of line fabrics from quality textile icons such as Liberty, we focus on making our clothes as individual as possible

whilst retaining a very definite O Pioneers vibe. We only make small runs of each item in any particular fabric design or colourway and we avoid waste wherever possible.

We keep our designs simple – all of our dresses are based on the same bodice block with variations in dress length, neckline and sleeve style – so we are not reinventing the design and pattern making process every time.

We make everything in the UK. As working mums, it is important to us to collaborate and work with other female businesses and artisans as we aim to support female-led business and understand the fine balance between work and family. We work with talented women in and around London and beyond who share our vision and help us create our beautiful dresses and knitwear. All our woollens are hand-knitted, many by our wonderful mums and our ever-growing team of women who knit for us from home. Each item of clothing is hand finished and, as a mark of respect and provenance, it includes the name of the maker on the handwritten label.

Tell us about your repair and alteration service

We stand by our ‘forever dress’ promise and are committed to helping our customers get the absolute most out of their purchases so they can enjoy them for years to come. So, we have teamed up with national repairs and alterations service, Sojo, to offer an incredibly easy and great value way for our customers to get their O Pioneers items tailored, altered or (heaven forbid) repaired if something goes wrong. The service is super easy to book through the alterations section on our website or we can book it in store. It’s a door-to-door service so super hassle free! It means that if a customer’s shape has changed or they just fancy a shorter hemline or an alteration to create their ‘perfect’ dress and get more wear out of it, they can do so very easily!

What’s next for O Pioneers?

We have to pinch ourselves sometimes when we think of how far we’ve come in such a short space of time. We are still small, we both work on the brand day to day –we’re in the shop, we answer emails, chat to customers – and we love that. We both adore what we do and are passionate about the brand and what we create. We have a lot of fun and this is really important to us.

We have lots of exciting new things in the pipeline! Our new drops for spring and summer will be launching soon with some brandnew designs that we’re very eager to introduce. Keep an eye out for our designs on screen too – both here in the UK and across the pond! 76 Marylebone Lane, W1U (opioneers.co.uk)

ON THE MENU

Tuck into the latest foodie news from across the Capital

A TASTE OF THE MED

Fans of Newington Green’s acclaimed Perilla will want to head to Clerkenwell this month, where the team have just opened their latest venture, a restaurant and wine bar called Morchella. Here, executive chef Ben Marks, recipient of the 2017 Food & Travel Breakthrough Chef of the Year award and a former chef at NOMA and The Square, is joined by head chef Daniel Fletcher, a Great British Menu finalist with a background at The Square, Sky Garden, and 28 Market Place, while seasoned

PRIVATE DINING

Exclusively yours

restaurateur, Matthew Emmerson, former GM at Polpetto leads the front of house team. Refined yet simple Mediterranean style sharing dishes are on the menu, with an emphasis on the use of highly seasonal produce, sourced from both artisanal Mediterranean suppliers and small independent British day boats and farmers. Think salt cod churros to start; mains of hake with sobrasada; and blood orange and black olive portokalopita for dessert. The setting is a former bank set just off Exmouth Market; the aesthetic is minimalistic and stripped-back, with lush greenery, raw plaster and original wooden panelling. Warm and inviting, it’s a welcome taste of the Mediterranean that will have you dreaming of summer holidays. 84-86 Rosebery Avenue, EC1R (020 7916 0492; morchelladining.co.uk)

Aragawa, the specialist beef restaurant that opened in Mayfair last year, has just launched a very special private dining room within the Clarges Street restaurant. Accommodating up to 14 guests, the elegant space on the ground floor of the restaurant has been beautifully designed by Dale Atkinson of Rosendale Design. Wrapped in a wall of over 1,000 wine bottles, it is the perfect setting for special events or unforgettable celebrations. Private hire includes exclusive access to the entire floor, a dedicated team with a private sommelier, alongside a bespoke and customisable menu. Diners can choose from different types of Tajima beef, all prepared in a style specific to Aragawa, broiled over Binchotan charcoal in a specially-built kiln and seasoned only with salt and pepper, served with seasonal ingredients, relying only on the skill of the chef and the notable ‘steak master’ Kazuo Imayoshi. A truly world-class personalised dining experience is guaranteed.

38 Clarges Street, W1J (020 3432 1314; aragawa-uk.com)

HOT TICKETS

The wonders of wine

Oenophiles take note, The Stafford London has just launched an exciting new wine tasting series, hosted by head sommelier Eugenio Egorov in the hotel’s astonishing 380-year-old wine cellars. Built in the 17th Century by Sir Francis Godolphin and used as an air raid shelter during WWII, these fascinating cellars house over 8,000 bottles of the world’s finest wines. Guests at the tastings will be greeted with a welcome drink, before moving through to the main tasting chamber for an informative experience pairing two white wines and two red wines with delicious, matched canapés. The classic and rising wines of Italy are the subject of April’s first event, held on 5 April, while Austria’s ‘wine pearls’ will be explored at the event on 26 April, and a Spanish themed night is planned for May. Not to be missed. Tickets are priced from £77 per person. 16-18 St James’s Place, SW1A (020 7493 0111; thestaffordlondon.com)

The menu is a modern interpretation of classical dishes from across the Mediterranean

Photography by Stuart Milne

Bozena’s vegan rhubarb and custard tart

Enjoy a taste of early summer with this delicious dessert recipe from the owners of Veg Box, Marylebone’s hottest new all-day eatery

Plant-based food for the soul is on the menu at Veg Box, Marylebone’s newest foodie hangout. The gorgeous dog-friendly space opened earlier this year on Marylebone Road, serving breakfast, brunch, all-day bites, takeaway lunch options and hot drinks. It’s a second outpost for owners Ruslan and Bozena, who already run a thriving café in Canterbury. Emulating their winning formula there, the focus here is on using the very best fresh ingredients from local Kent farms, and everything on the menu is entirely natural and free from synthetic additives. While most dishes are vegan, there are a few vegetarian options on

the menu, including dairy milk for coffees, and cheese and organic butter for jacket potatoes. The offering changes depending on what is available seasonally, so what might we expect in April? “It’s the start of rhubarb season,” Bozena tells us, “so something like this delicious dessert might be making its way onto the menu. There are three parts to making this delicious vegan tart: the shortbread crust, the creamy custard filling, and the baked rhubarb topping.” Here’s how to make it.

136 Marylebone Road, NW1 (020 7486 2609; thevegboxcafe.co.uk)

INGREDIENTS

Dough

• 150g vegan butter • 150g caster sugar • 300g all-purpose flour, sifted • 3 tbsp ice cold water

• Pinch of salt

Custard

• 1 tsp of vanilla extract or 1/2 stick of vanilla beans • 2 tbsp caster sugar • 400 ml coconut cream • 2 tbsp gluten free flour • 1/2 tsp agar agar

Rhubarb

• 400g rhubarb • 6 tbsp caster or brown sugar • 1 tbsp gluten free flour or corn starch

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven and grease a 23 cm tart tin with some cooking oil. Line the base with parchment paper.

To make the dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, iced water and a pinch of salt. Add the softened vegan butter to the bowl. Mix with a hand mixer until crumbly and soft.

2. Although crumbly, when squeezed in your hands, the dough should hold its shape. Form it into a ball and place it on a piece of parchment paper. Sprinkle a small amount of flour on the paper to prevent sticking, then refrigerate the dough for half an hour.

3. Using another piece of parchment paper, roll the dough to about 1 cm thickness. Press the dough evenly into the base and sides of the tart tin. Use a fork to prick several holes into the base. Bake the crust for 20 minutes at 175°C, then allow it to cool (do not remove the tart from the tin). Keep the oven on for the rhubarb.

To make the rhubarb topping:

1. Wash the rhubarb stalks and cut them into 3 cm pieces. Spread them evenly on a tray with shallow sides, lined with baking parchment. Mix 6 tbsp of caster sugar and 1 tbsp gluten free flour or corn starch and brush onto the rhubarb. Roast at 210°C for 8-10 minutes or until tender but not soft. Drain the excess liquid (reserving the syrup for serving) and allow the rhubarb to cool completely.

To make the custard:

1. Combine all custard ingredients in a small saucepan and whisk well. Over a medium heat, vigorously whisk the mixture for 8-10 minutes until it thickens. Allow it to cool completely.

2. Whisk the custard again and pour it into the cooled tart crust. Arrange the roasted rhubarb on top of the tart. Place the tart in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours or until set.

3. Serve the tart with some of the reserved rhubarb syrup.

THE BEST OF: IBIZA

For an authentic escape, head to The White Isle before the party crowds descend. The best hotels on the island reopen for the season this month, making it the perfect time to explore the breathtaking natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage on offer

7PINES IBIZA

This all-suites resort is nestled in a pine grove on the cliffs of the west coast. Here, there are staggering views across the sparkling waters to the magical island of Es Vedrà, and, as the day draws to a close, the legendary Ibizan sunset – it goes without saying that the sunset sessions at 7Pines are something of a ritual. Reflecting an authentic whitewashed village, accommodation is set in low built buildings spread throughout vast, verdant gardens, along with three restaurants, three bars, three pools, an acclaimed spa, and a kids’ club. Every suite has its own outdoor space and some even boast their own pool. All are styled with a relaxed, pared back aesthetic, incorporating natural materials and decorated in a neutral palette with touches of turquoise to reflect the backdrop. The main swimming pool at the heart of the resort is truly spectacular, with an eight-metre glass side to showcase the views. Equally special is the Pure Seven Spa – a pampering oasis, it offers a comprehensive menu of beauty services, physical and mental activities such as personal training sessions, Pilates, yoga, meditation, or nutritional coaching. 7pines-ibiza.com

SIX SENSES IBIZA

Situated against the breathtakingly blue backdrop of Cala Xarraca at the northernmost tip of the island, Six Senses Ibiza boasts unbeatable views of sparkling waters and rugged cliffs. A beacon of wellness and luxury in the Mediterranean, the beautifully secluded retreat offers guests the ultimate space in which to rest, refuel and reset. Here, as at other Six Senses properties, the emphasis is strongly on wellness – guests are invited to reconnect with themselves, others and the world around them. Sustainability is also key; it is the first sustainable BREEAM certified resort and residential community in the Balearics. Reflecting this, three restaurants and a selection of informal dining settings and bars highlight natural, sustainable and local produce, much of which is sourced from the resort’s farm and gardens. Chic, minimalist accommodation is offered in 116 guest rooms, pool suites, townhouses, and some very special beach caves etched into the rockface. The terracotta finca-styled buildings have been cleverly designed to blend in with the natural surroundings. At the heart of the resort is the world class spa, where a ‘high-tech, high touch’ approach puts the needs of the customer first through tailored treatments, functional fitness classes and multi-day immersive retreats. Healthy hedonism is the order of the day here. sixsenses.com/en/resorts/ibiza/

NOBU HOTEL IBIZA BAY

Set in the pretty bay of Talamanca, this beachside location is one of the island’s most lusted after, with Ibiza Town a half hour stroll away (or a short ferry hop across the calm waters of bay). The epitome of laid-back luxury, the hotel opened in 2017, quickly becoming one of the premier five-star destinations on the island. There are no agendas here; breakfast is served at your leisure and relaxing lunches blend into deliciously free-spirited nights. 152 designer rooms (of which 90 are suites) are housed in a fourstorey complex that is separated from the glorious white sands by two sleek stone swimming pools (one of which is for adults only) surrounded by cushioned teak loungers. The accommodation has been designed to reflect and embrace the beachside location, with floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious terraces to take in the glorious views. Inside, you’ll find a calming palette of turquoise, azure, cream, taupe and white, with colourful handblown glass light fittings and rattan furnishings. A host of outstanding facilities are available to guests, including the Ibiza Bay Spa by Six Senses; a hair salon by John Frieda; the El Almacen boutique; three restaurants – among them, of course, Nobu; a pool bar; and an award-winning kids’ club. Happy holidays for all are guaranteed here. nobuhotelibizabay.com

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE IN PORTO

Perched on the banks of the Douro river, Portugal’s second biggest city offers an edgy and enticing spot for a short break

Words by Penny Clements

Porto is a total charmer; I’ve yet to meet a soul who has anything but amazing things to say about it. So, what makes it so special? Well, where to begin… For starters, it’s a visual feast – an incredible hodgepodge of steep criss-crossing streets, intricate architecture, colourful paintwork and beautifully ornate tiling. Then there’s the historic rattling trams that screech around, seemingly with a mind of their own, presenting a photo opportunity around every corner. And don’t even get me started on the food and drinks –white port and tonic over ice? I don’t mind if I do! And, brilliantly, it’s small enough to wander on foot, making this a place to truly feel at home in.

To sample this characterful city, my partner and I set our sights on Bonfim, a quiet residential area to the east of the city, just 15 minutes’ walk from the downtown area. Boasting a relaxed and effortlessly cool atmosphere, with delightful coffee shops and quirky bars at every turn, it’s easy to see why this area, on the edge of the city, has blossomed into a hub for a new wave of lifestyle hotels. It is the

ideal base camp for urban explorers. Among these hip hotels is M.Ou.Co, which proudly calls the neighbourhood home.

Seamlessly blending concept and design-led interiors with vibrant social spaces and work areas, M.Ou.Co isn’t your average hotel. Set in a former electrical component factory, with its sleek minimalist architecture, it is part of a meticulous urban redevelopment project. Clean lines, organic textures, minimalist shapes and a neutral palette provide a soothing contrast to the colours of Porto. From the inviting subterranean breakfast area (serving some of the city’s finest coffee), to the plant-bedecked, exposed brick bar on the upper floor, and the rooftop swimming pool, everything here is utterly stylish. Social areas have a laidback, vintage California-cool vibe, furnished with giant leather chairs, midcentury furniture, and retro glass lamps. The 62 boutique bedrooms feature minimalist bathrooms, ambient lighting, embroidered bed linens, and, in some cases, personal turntables. Ours has a spacious and airy feeling, thanks to its high ceilings, polished concrete surfaces and large floor-toceiling windows that open onto a sunlit terrace. The rest of the hotel cleverly marries postindustrial leanings and soft edges, juxtaposing concrete elements with natural wood accents.

But M.Ou.Co offers much more than just Palm Springs-styled interiors. Music is taken very seriously here, and a ‘Stay. Listen. Play.’ motto is hard-wired into the hotel’s DNA. Indeed, it is born from a passion for music, even the name M.Ou.Co (M: Música; Ou: Outras; Co: Coisas – translating as ‘music and other things’) emphasises how music is EVERYTHING at this hip hideaway. Musicloving guests are encouraged to curate their own soundtrack for their stay by borrowing (for free) up to five records from the hotel’s extensive and carefully curated music library, or selecting a guitar from the front desk menu to strum in their room.

delights. And we meet some wonderful people along the way, like husband-and-wife team Cátia and Tiago at Tia Tia – get it? (@tiatia.porto) Sharing M.Ou.Co’s passion for music and art, Tia Tia is so much more than simply a restaurant; it embodies a way of life. Tables are arranged so that people can mingle, talk to each other, share the fun and forge friendships, and the vibe here is like nowhere we’ve ever been before. The kitchen serves up a variety of small sharing plates alongside local natural wines, with each new day bringing a slight variation to the thoughtfully crafted, seasonal, and sustainable menu.

Whatever your musical leaning, they’ve got your tastes covered here, and – as you’d expect – the soundproofing is impeccable, so you can rock out without fear of disturbing your neighbours. Moreover, M.Ou.Co boasts a music and wellness room and its very own underground concert venue with a capacity of 180 seated and 300 standing guests, adding yet another layer to the musical experience on offer.

When you’re ready to unwind, the sun-drenched rooftop oasis, equipped with secluded corners, comfortable loungers, and a saltwater swimming pool affording views over Porto’s rooftops, provides the perfect spot to soak up some rays, sip on a cocktail and relax. This laid-back theme continues in the other public spaces, too; lounge chairs, and white umbrellas flank the sandstone courtyard garden alongside the hotel’s bar and restaurant.

Breakfast is a highlight here – expect a continental buffet-style spread, featuring an array of delectable options that offer something for every appetite. We tuck into a wide variety of hot and cold delights, from freshly baked pastries and bread to a selection of cheeses and cold cuts. Fresh fruits, yoghurt, and cereals are available for those seeking lighter fare, while hearty options like scrambled eggs, sausages and bacon provide a more substantial start to the day, all complemented by M.Ou.Co’s signature coffee blend, which is roasted to perfection.

After a hearty hotel breakfast, our daily dilemma revolves around where to dine next. We spend our time in Porto navigating through our tastebuds, immersing ourselves in the city’s many culinary

The playlist, too, changes to reflect the mood and time of day.

All of the food is exquisite, but a standout is a delicious bowl of fresh asparagus tips and walnuts atop a warm and creamy carrot purée, sprinkled with seasonal spices and accompanied by soft, flame-grilled naan bread, and roasted cauliflower in a delectable coconut sauce – it is an utterly addictive combination! Tiago also surprises us with unique creations like his two-year cured banana mousse paired with São Jorge cheese, which is divine.

Tia Tia is just one of the many marvellous places we discover during our stay; Porto is a city that’s as vibrant as it is delicious, with surprises around every corner, whether you’re a music lover, a foodie, or just looking for a good time. And there’s nowhere better to stay than M.Ou.Co.

DETAILS

Rooms from £90 per night, excluding breakfast (00 351 22 766 7790; moucohotel.pt)

AEGEAN DREAMS

Make the most of a week away with stays at two of Zakynthos’ most exclusive five-star hotels, where luxury and service are the order of the day

Words by Becky Pomfret

While craving Greek sunshine my online search took me to the Ionian island of Zakynthos. Of course, the capital Zante’s reputation precedes it as a party destination to rival Ayia Napa, but I’m determined to look beyond the neon lights and sure enough, further research tells me that much of the island is indeed beautiful, and relatively unspoilt. Lesante Collection, a family-owned group of five-star abodes comprising the award-winning Lesante Classic, the adults-only Lesante Blu, and the recently opened Lesante Cape, catch my eye. I am spoilt for choice and so I plump for four nights at Cape followed by three at Blu, and I’m excited to experience what each has to offer.

I’m thankful for the short drive from the airport to the Akrotiri Peninsula to get to Cape, and while the travel has been relatively quick and fuss-free, I find myself transported into another world. The tranquil lobby, combined with the scent of lavender and stunning sea views make me a little teary, confirming just how much I need a restorative week away. The resort itself has been designed to look and feel like a traditional Greek village. There’s a maze of beautiful low rise white stone buildings and high archways, complete with a village square at its heart. There’s also a church, and a museum, as well as a large herb and veg garden, which provides fresh organic ingredients for the resort’s first-rate restaurants.

My suite is impressive and roomy with a welcoming queen-sized bed, and the neutral interiors make it warm and inviting. As I slump into a super comfy L-shaped sofa I can’t help but

reassess my own sitting room set-up, rearranging the furniture in my mind. I’m even more impressed when I step out onto the terrace as I’m greeted by my very own plunge pool. The terrace has high stone walls and shrubbery at the far end, which offers all-important privacy but without the feeling of being entirely cut off. It would be the height of laziness to order room service and stay put –though on one night I do just that – so, I head out for a meander, and find Cape’s restaurants and infinity pools perched on a cliff edge with the most amazing panoramic views. A room of one’s own is lovely, but these views (and cocktails) win out.

The resort offers various private dining options and I go for a lunchtime cooking lesson with head chef Manos and his sous chef Christos from Fiore, Cape’s lauded fine dining restaurant. The experience begins with a tour around the vegetable garden, gathering ingredients before we head back to the kitchen to make a glorious garden-fresh Greek salad. A wonderfully fragrant and colourful start to the meal, it is followed by spanakopita, a traditional vegetable and herb pastry pie, then sea bass, and a useful demonstration of how to fillet and cook the fish to perfection – before devouring it.

After four nights at Cape, the next stop is sister hotel, Lesante Blu. The most significant difference here being that Blu is adults only, and it immediately looks and feels more contemporary and minimalist in design. The sea view is nothing short of breathtaking, made all the more so by Blu’s own private jetty where you can drink it all in, watching the yachts sail in and out. Here, the rooms are more compact than at Cape, and are set out with open-plan bathrooms (if you don’t know

Inspired by the land they sit upon, Lesante’s resorts invite guests to immerse themselves in the breathtaking nature, traditions and practices of the island

your roomie well before the trip, you certainly will by the end!). But Blu’s facilities are every bit as relaxing and accommodating as our previous accommodation, the indulgent pool-side service being a particular highlight. Every taste is catered to, from fine-dining gastronomy at Melia to more casual fare at Ostria and Gaia, each menu paying homage to traditional Greek and Mediterranean flavours and local produce. Gaia’s rib-eye steaks are cooked to perfection and are best served while guests enjoy the warm evening air and the spectacular vista.

With plentiful trips on offer to beautiful beaches and to see the local wildlife, I really only touch the surface of what Zakynthos has to offer, so a return visit is very much on the cards.

DETAILS

Rates at Lesante Cape Resort & Villas from €400; and at Lesante Blu Exclusive Beach Resort from €350. Lesante is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World (lesantecollection.gr)

Students

A LAUNCHPAD FOR LIFE

Inspiring its pupils to develop kind hearts, fierce minds and strong spirits, Queen Anne’s Caversham offers an excellent all round education

Queen Anne’s is an inspirational day and boarding school for girls aged 11-18 set in 35 acres in the heart of Berkshire, with easy access to London. It stands as a beacon of academic excellence and outstanding pastoral care. With a rich history dating back to 1894, the school continues to uphold its traditions while embracing the best that technology and an innovative education has to offer to produce future-ready young people.

A broad, balanced curriculum complements an extensive range of co-curricular opportunities.

Queen Anne’s boasts a state-of-the-art music centre; outstanding art, design, animation, and ceramics facilities; plus, a 250-seat theatre and a thriving dance department. Many students earn places on national sports teams and overseas sports scholarships, particularly in lacrosse.

Netball is also a prominent sport, as well as emerging sports such as football and cricket.

From the modern Sixth Form centre that could be mistaken for Google offices, to the careful support of the wellbeing programme, every girl is inspired to explore and enjoy her individuality, in a safe environment that champions excellence and deep creativity. In 2023, A Level students achieved 88 per cent A*-C grades and 49 per cent A*-A, with university destinations at Russell Group and Ivy League institutions. The successful community of alumnae feel proud to have been part of the school and frequently return to give inspiring lectures and careers advice.

Queen Anne’s School strives to support busy families and offers an extensive transport network with buses covering the local areas and further afield to London. The flexibility of day, flexi and full boarding options allow families to choose the right balance for their needs. All boarders and day students are seamlessly integrated in a vertical

system called charters, where they are proud to collaborate on fundraising initiatives and friendly inter-charter competitions.

Head of School, Elaine Purves joined Queen Anne’s in January 2022 and has brought a wealth of experience along with a passion for student wellbeing and excellence in all areas. Ms Purves believes in providing an environment where girls can thrive academically and holistically to provide a brilliant launchpad for life. Queen Anne’s embraces innovation such as Artificial Intelligence in learning and the use of digital devices. The school’s pioneering education prepares girls for the challenges of the modern world; inspiring girls to explore their individuality, free from gender stereotypes. To find out more about the school, and book your place on the next open event on 11 May, call 0118 918 7333 or see qas.org.uk/visit

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HOUSE STYLE

Latest launches, luxurious new lines and eye-catching trends

BONDED IN CRAFT

Introducing House of Amitié (that’s French for friendship), a new artisanal brand with a focus on the heritage craft of paper marbling.

The brainchild of lifelong pals Angela Bush and Jemma Lewis, who aptly met at school, here, you can expect beautifully busy prints across wallpapers, fabrics, cushion covers, and a collection of both paper and fabric lampshades. Wallpapers from £165 per roll (houseofamitie.com)

TRANSLUCENT LIGHTING

Original BTC’s new Shard chandelier is made up of 42 handcrafted bone china tiles, which surround a suspended frosted glass disc that gently diffuses the light source. Sculptural yet ethereal, it’s a piece that playfully pulls in opposite directions, making it one striking light fitting come artwork overhead. £2,649 (originalbtc.com)

ORGANIC MODERNISM

Jonathan Adler’s new Reform Pebble cocktail table takes its design cue from Brutalist synagogues and churches, from Le Corbusier’s Ronchamp to Miami’s Temple Israel. Textured and architectural, and boasting a heady contrast of materials – namely highly polished brass and ebonised oak – it’s a shining beacon of a statement piece. £3,800 (uk.jonathanadler.com)

TAKE 5: STYLISH BROLLY STANDS

1 Fornasetti Archi umbrella stand, £1,744 (farfetch.com) 2 Ligne Roset Demi Lune umbrella stand, £351 (ariashop.co.uk) 3 Dragonfly umbrella stand, £265 (musthavebins.co.uk)

4 Miami umbrella stand, £295 (uk.jonathanadler.com) 5 Karsytn ceramic umbrella stand, £76.99 (wayfair.co.uk)

Object of DESIRE:

WENDY MORRISON’S MUGHAL PAINTING RUG

Fashion designer turned luxury rug maker Wendy Morrison’s new piece, A Mughal Painting launched at last month’s London Design Week. A heritage carpet hand-knotted in wool and silk, it celebrates traditional Mughal art and the joy of visual storytelling. 335cm x 244cm, £13,200, custom sizes available on request (wendymorrisondesign.com)

THE BENEFIT OF SPORT IN ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

For pupils at Repton School, sport is inspirational to all and integral to daily life, with every pupil encouraged to discover and develop their sporting and athletic potential as part of a balanced and challenging curriculum

Repton School, Derbyshire, does not just believe that top-flight sporting commitments and excellent academics can be balanced; the school knows they can. In fact, Repton would go further and say that sporting and academic outcomes, when managed with care and positive support, can – and should –be mutually reinforcing.

For years, Repton has been among the very best sporting schools in the UK and indeed globally, with world-class coaches, facilities and programmes driving enviable records in local and national sport.

Repton’s alumni include more than 150 first-class cricketers, footballers playing in the UK Premier League and hockey players who have represented GB and other nations in the last four Olympic Games and the upcoming Paris Games. And the

school also produces Captains of Oxbridge Football and Hockey and MVPs at Ivy League US Universities including Harvard, Yale and Princeton.

The University of Cambridge’s 2019 study, the Academic Performance Report, looked at 4,000 results of undergraduates. Their findings showed that those who represented the university in sport were more likely to perform well, with 5 per cent more achieving 1st class degrees and 11 per cent more achieving 2:1s when compared to undergraduates as a whole.

Backing this up, academic outcomes for Repton’s scholar-athletes at A Level outstripped the average A Level outcomes. Last year’s Head of School, a GB U21 hockey player, received four A*s at A Level. The Swim Captain, another with international honours, also left the school with a straight run of top grades. And three of Repton’s elite hockey players won entry to Cornell, Dartmouth and Princeton – the most competitive Ivy League universities in the US.

England Hockey has a training philosophy they refer to as ‘RARE – Right Athlete, Right Environment’. In many ways this is what Repton believes in when it comes to the mutually beneficial impact of sport and academics. 100 per cent of Repton pupils do three sessions of sport, week in, week out. 80 per cent of Repton pupils regularly

compete for the school. The full-boarding ethos at the school and the fact that Repton accommodates its teaching staff to be constantly on hand also extends the time available to pupils; not only to work and to train, but – and this is vitally important – to be regular teenagers with time to themselves, as opposed to time spent in cars shuttling from one sports session to another.

It is not merely a feeling or a suspicion that the scholar-athletes of Repton School might be doing better academically because of their sport, and viceversa – the proof of that is seen every day, and the school is proud to support that ethos.

Prospective families are invited to book a personal tour, guided by the Deputy Head Admissions. Register your interest at repton.org.uk/enquiry-form

A PATHWAY TO SUCCESS

St. Anthony’s School for Boys is an independent preparatory school for boys aged 4 to 13, and a co-educational nursery for children aged 2.5 to 4. The school delivers an exceptional education, with pupils achieving outstanding senior school outcomes.

www.stanthonysprep.org.uk

Elegance

FUTURE LUXE

The concept of luxury living has evolved

These days, seamless connectivity and boundless innovation are top of the list for some property buyers looking to benefit from the latest in home tech, without compromising on style. And it’s exactly this harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless elegance that’s giving rise to an era of luxury smart homes.

The ultimate is a residence where every aspect of daily life is seamlessly integrated and effortlessly controlled at the touch of a button. But forget clunky gadgets and cumbersome interfaces –thanks to a new wave of visionary architects and designers we no longer have to sacrifice our aesthetic wants. From lighting and heating through to entertainment and security, these homes offer unparalleled convenience, comfort, and sophistication.

Moreas Madani, founder of leading property consultancy Tyburn pinpoints market leading tech as one of the key reasons buyers are turning to prime new build homes across central London. “Luxury new build developments are driving the market because of some of the unique characteristics they offer compared to traditional period homes,” he says.

“The level of home technology present is one of the first questions we receive when showing clients around a prospective home. For luxury home buyers, though, the technology they desire transcends voice-enabled devices and iPadcontrolled home management systems. The evolution of smart home tech has evolved from convenience-focused applications, to experience and integration, with a will to see interactive components across the entire building, from secure access and controlling appliances remotely, to dedicated apps or systems that allow owners to book and engage with amenities.”

The best home tech is the stuff that’s hidden. We explore the latest innovations that enhance our homes in form and function

Words by Ali Howard

The Nanoleaf Elements smart LED lights double as a piece of art

Geofencing is a new buzz word in home tech. Essentially, this creates a virtual boundary, so when you’re out of a room or out of the house, your phone will notice and automatically turn off your lighting, heating, or entertainment behind you. When you’re on your way home, it can automatically switch them on again at a point of your choosing.

Stefan Pitman, surveyor and founder of SPASE Architects tells us that: “In the past, you’d have just put in a programmable thermostat, or you might have left the light on a timer switch. Now, you might want your heating to come on one hour before you reach the house, so you set your GPS position to activate it when you’re an hour away. On the other hand, you might not want your lighting to come on until you’re just coming around the drive, in which case you can set it to do that as well. Hot water and so on can all be done when you’re a certain proximity away, too.”

When it comes to future living, energy efficiency is a hot topic. Seamlessly blending technology and sustainability, intelligent systems give us optimal energy usage. From sleek smart thermostats to ecoconscious LED lighting, every detail is meticulously curated for a greener, more efficient lifestyle.

Laurence Holder, head of Octagon Bespoke tells us luxury home buyers are increasingly savvy when it comes to saving on energy bills – and saving the planet. “While whole house ventilation, heat recovery systems and PV panels have come a long way in terms of efficiently generating energy in recent years, finding ways of harnessing this energy is swiftly catching up,” he says. “Tesla Powerwalls are now a frequent installation for Octagon Bespoke

clients. This battery storage installation can power the home when charged – effectively ‘saving’ the energy generated by the aforementioned methods into a battery, for use later that day, evening or week. When charged, the battery will be fed through a priority cord to ensure this power is used before any electric grid power – charging everything from phones to cars, all through this system. The technology required for such systems is of extremely high quality, and when looking to have a future-proof and efficient home, it makes sense for prime properties to feature these state-of-the-art installations.

“In the ever-changing world of high-end technology, I’m excited to find out what the next few years will bring for our clients.” tyburn.com; spase.co.uk; octagonbespoke.com

AESTHETIC GADGETS

Bang & Olufsen’s Beolab 8 is the latest smart speaker to join the brand’s Beolab series. Small, elegant and statuesque, it can be used as a powerful single point of sound, or as a stereo pair for a fully immersive soundscape. The speaker comes in an array of customisable colourways including silver, natural aluminium, gold tone, and black anthracite. From £2,699 (bang-olufsen.com)

The Novy Phantom Frame is a smart kitchen island hood come sculptural light source offering dual functionality, and a whole lot of bang for your buck. Its innovative box-inbox design surrounded by translucent glass, together with its PURE 3.0 recirculation technology, has won it an international Red Dot award for product design. £4,039 (novy.com)

The Fire T-Lite 8 bioethanol fire by EcoSmart boasts a portable tealight style design, allowing you to create the perfect ambience in living room and patio spaces alike. Without the need for a chimney or flue, and with no restrictive cables or gas connections, the contemporary fire pit is as versatile as it is cleanburning and eco-friendly. £2,235 (limelace.co.uk)

Featuring an innovative honeycomb structure, Thomas Sanderson’s Duette blinds reduce heat loss by up to 55 per cent. Available as smart electric blinds, they can be opened and closed via remote control, app, or even voice control, with timers for added security. In sheer, linen effect and silk effect fabrics, they prove stylish window treatments, too. From £99 (thomas-sanderson.co.uk)

Where wall art meets lighting, Nanoleaf Elements is a smart home product that allows you to get creative. The modular system features interconnecting hexagonal panels in wood grain veneer that are illuminated for an ambient glow. These can also be synced with the brand’s 4D technology, essentially taking your entertainment beyond the screen. Starter kit from £199.99 (nanoleaf.com)

Bang & Olufsen’s elegant Beolab 8 smart speakers

Thomas Sanderson’s heat loss reducing Duette blinds

The awardwinning Novy Phantom Frame island hood

Inside an icon

Published this month, Prospect Cottage: Derek Jarman’s House offers unprecedented insight into an iconic artist’s dwelling.

Words

and photography

by Gilbert McCarragher

Anyone visiting Dungeness will know that Derek Jarman’s house is well worth a snoop for its striking surrounds alone – its canary yellow window frames are brilliantly incongruous against an often unforgiving sky, while its borderless poppy-filled gardens magically blend into the rugged coastal landscape. But few have seen inside the late seminal film maker’s sanctuary. Following his untimely death in 1994, the house was passed to Jarman’s long-time companion, Keith Collins, who did little to change the interiors – save for the addition of curtains to prevent visitors to the garden from peering inside. When Collins died suddenly in 2018, photographer Gilbert McCarragher, a friend and neighbour, was tasked with capturing this time capsule of an artist’s abode – arguably an artwork in its own right. The below is an extract from the book.

When you arrive at Prospect Cottage, you enter through an external door very much like that of the cottage’s other apertures in form. It is a vivid yellow colour and is made up of smaller panes of glass. Within one step of this, you encounter a second, internal door – wood-panelled, with a small window at head height, below which is a small mirror that reflects the views of the garden behind you.

It was important to keep one of these two doors closed, I learned while working at the house. Otherwise you very quickly found yourself face-to-face with a visitor from the garden who had strayed inside, expecting to have a look around.

Like much of Prospect, the walls and ceiling of the hallway are clad in timber tongue-and-groove. The hall is painted an unusual pale blue. Electric cabling runs over the walls and the ceiling, but the leads are knocked back with the same blue paint and therefore become near invisible.

On the left wall hang two rows of six black-and-white stills from Derek’s films. The opposite wall has a varied collection of framed posters and a small artwork by the British Pop artist Richard Hamilton. With the net curtains down, the presence of visitors to the garden throughout the day is more keenly felt.

Prospect Cottage originally consisted of four principal rooms, all roughly square and of equal size. The front room, followed by the studio, sits to the left. The Spring room, which is also known as the writing room, and then the bedroom, are to the right. While the house was extended under Derek and Keith’s watch, the four primary rooms remain at its heart.

Each of these rooms has a single window of the same size, divided into a grid of twenty panes of glass, five up and four across. The top two rows of each form a single awning that can be unhooked and opened outwards when fresh air is needed.

Solid oak floorboards span the original house from north to south, running from the Spring room through the hallway and into the front room in a series of almost unbroken lines that continue to the kitchen at the far end. If you look back along the hall towards the internal front door, any glimpse of the rising

sun in its small window will appear very bright and focused, burning through the opening and illuminating the passageway entirely.

The floor in the hallway does not share the redness of the floors in the other rooms. As each board passes the threshold of a room, the change of colour is heralded by a soft gradient that dissolves from ecru into burnt umber. It was only after inspecting my photographs much later that I noticed this, having scratched my head for a while, wondering how a floorboard could look so distinct in the different rooms I had photographed it in, despite being the same long plank of wood.

I suspect the variation may have arisen from Keith’s approach to caring for Prospect after Derek’s death. He generally kept the doors to these four rooms of the cottage closed when not in use. This, I expect, focused his cleaning rituals on the most used areas of the house. Bearing a disproportionate amount of Keith’s labour, the hallway floorboards started to tell their own story.

Each door from the hallway to one of Prospect’s four primary rooms is also panelled in wood, the same as the internal entrance door, with a small glass window at head height, just big enough to frame a human head. My mother would have called such a window a ‘Widow’s Peep’. They allow the occupant to discreetly observe the comings and goings of the house without having to get involved in or be disturbed by them.

Most of these little windows are given their own identity by way of a small intervention: handwritten words or a fine drawing delicately etched in the glass, or simply an artefact suspended or sandwiched between its two panes. A small set of rosary beads made from rock salt hangs in the window of the door to the Spring room. Over time, the cross of the rosary has chipped and been worn down from repeated collisions with the panes, as it swings in a pendulum-like motion whenever the door is opened or closed. Small particles of salt from the cross have built up like snowflakes between the two sheets of glass in this door.

A Post-it note was at some point added to the bottom right corner of this window. ‘Do not slam the door’, it reads. I found this strange. Was the writer’s instruction not contrary to intentions? That religion might eventually erode away? Maybe I was reading too much into it.

Having paced out the house and come up with something of a plan for photographing it, I set about preparing the space. I began by taking down the net curtains from the windows of the four principal rooms. I gather these had been hung by Keith as a second line of defence for when the tiny note he had placed on the front door was overlooked.

Keith’s petite note informed visitors that they were welcome to enjoy the garden but asked them not to look through the windows. All too often it went unseen or was ignored, as people tried awkwardly to peer through the nets. I must confess, on long-past trips to Dungeness as an art student, to having pressed my nose against the windows in an attempt to do the same.

I had always been puzzled by the net curtains. They made the house feel cocooned and inward-looking. But I also understood Keith’s desire for privacy – curtains a necessary reality given the scrunching footfall that regularly echoed around the sculptural shingle garden outside. Derek had written about how Keith’s privacy had suffered as a result of living with him, and even when I was working at Prospect on my own, I felt the entire time as though I had company.

There was no space on the kitchen table for my camera gear when I arrived. Usually clear, it was piled high with unopened mail. Most of the accumulating mass was familiar to me as mail I also receive on the estate: bills; pizza brochures; double-glazing offers. I also spotted the elongated envelope that contained the calendar sent to residents each year by the neighbouring Dungeness power station.

The station’s annual calendar delivery was a running joke for many residents on the estate, and something Keith and I had laughed about on occasion. Its annual arrival was met with remarks that one of the twelve photographs of Dungeness wildlife it contained might be the last thing we would ever see. The same mocking laughter was directed at the box of iodine pills that came with the calendar, which it advised were to be taken in the event of a nuclear emergency. The utility of heeding the advice, should disaster strike, underpinned the dark jokes that followed.

Prospect Cottage: Derek Jarman’s House is published 4 April by Thames & Hudson, £25 (thamesandhudson.com)

Right: A clapperboard from Jarman’s The Tempest (1979) is just one remnant in the house from the director’s life in film

Below left: The garden room

Driftwood

Below: Above the fireplace, a charcoal drawing of Keith by Robert Medley, made in 1989

Top left: Pictures and posters are stacked high, stored with the tools for maintaining Prospect

Right:

staves, or sentinels, stand in the corners; atop one sits the puppet Twinkle in the Eye

Right: Through a weatherworn yellow door, the loft entrance is accessed via an external staircase

Below: One Day’s Medication (1993) collates the daily dose of pills and injections required to treat the effects of the HIV virus described in Blue (1993)

Excerpt from John Donne, The Sunne Rising (1633) on the southern wall of Prospect Cottage

ON DESIGN: EMMA J SHIPLEY

Nature-inspired, fantastical, and steeped in mythology, Emma J Shipley’s products are a maximalist’s dream. Across fabric, bedding, wallpaper and accessories, her designs are instantly recognisable. We catch up with the graphic artist behind the eponymous brand

Words by Ali Howard

Tell me about your background I have always loved fantasy literature and films, particularly those from my childhood, for example the Narnia series, His Dark Materials, Lord of the Rings – and I’ve always loved drawing and painting. I knew from an early age that I wanted to pursue a creative career and went on to study Textiles at the Royal College of Art; it was there that I developed my signature style of detailed and fantastical hand-drawn designs.

How did the brand come about? I’d been working part-time in a design consultancy while studying, and through a contact there I managed to get a meeting with the buyer at Browns (the famous South Molton Street store). It was a really exciting time. They took my whole final collection of printed scarves. I then saw the opportunity to apply to exhibit at London Fashion Week. I’d put together a range of printed scarves from my RCA graduate show, and that was the first collection I launched. There were lots of other new and exciting designers exhibiting, and it was a time before virtual meetings, so all the store buyers and press were there to discover the next generation of talent. It had a real buzz and was how I got some of my first stockists, and that was the launch of Emma J Shipley!

What’s your design ethos? The natural world is the constant inspiration for my work. I love to travel, to see animals in the wild, and have been to some incredible places around the globe. The Emma J Shipley brand is founded on the following

Emma’s love of fantasy in literature and film inspires her mystical hand-drawn designs

five values: artistry – all our artworks are original and unique, I hand draw all my designs which are inspired by my global adventures; nature – the brand is a platform which allows me to share the beauty and wonder of the natural world; craftsmanship – all of our collections are ethically made and we only ever use premium materials; imagination – I want my designs to spark imagination, with explorations into myths, legend and surreal fantasy; and sustainability – I want to create designs and products to be treasured for years to come, not thrown away. As a brand, we always consider how we can minimise our impact on the environment and the natural world, which inspires me so much.

Tell me more about the role of sustainability It has been at the core of the brand from the start and we ensure that all our products are ethically sourced and produced. For me, one of the best things we can do as consumers is buy less and buy better, so we’re not over producing, sending millions of items to landfill. We like to be as transparent as possible about our manufacturing processes and share the many production steps, craftsmanship and people involved in the making of one of our pieces. We hope that by educating people on why things cost what they do – and ultimately that you get what you pay for, especially in terms of quality and ethics – it will help people value the end product more. And by pricing our products fairly, it enables people to be paid properly at every stage of the process. I’ve always wanted to create pieces that last and will be enjoyed for years.

We’ve also been working with wildlife charity, World Land Trust since 2020 and have planted over 5,000 trees to help protect and restore wildlife habitats all over the world. I love that the charity is very transparent about the work they do and that they’re very wildlife focused. This isn’t a case of simply carbon offsetting so we can tick a box, these are trees to reforest areas for endangered wildlife. They have so far protected over 12,000 species. Sir David Attenborough is one of their patrons, and he said: “The money that is given to the World Land Trust, in my estimation, has more effect on the wild world than almost anything I can think of” – that’s good enough for me!

Can you talk me through some of your newest pieces/ collections? We recently launched our own-line bed linen for the first time, which was very exciting. We’re working with an amazing manufacturer in Spain, and the quality of the printing, fabric and the making is fantastic. We’ve chosen a beautiful 275 thread-count pure cotton sateen, which is really soft as well as vibrant and durable. So far, we’ve launched two designs, and we’ll be launching more in the coming months. My most recent design, ‘Quetzal’, was inspired by my travels in Costa Rica, and features the breathtakingly resplendent quetzal bird, which I was lucky enough to see in the wild! It’s a celebration of this bird and other flora and fauna of the cloud forest, as usual, with my own fantasy twist.

What’s next for Emma J Shipley? I’d love to continue growing the brand and gaining more fans here in the UK and internationally. I’ve just finished a new drawing, which I’m really pleased with, so that design will start making its way into my collections later this year. I also have some completely new product launches coming this spring, which I’m really excited about, including something new for your walls – watch this space!

emmajshipley.com

Emma’s unique designs are a maximalist’s dream, adorning everything from soft furnishings to tableware, and home fragrance

Luxurious cushions and throws are crafted from the very best, premium materials, ensuring that they will be loved for years to come

Designer

1st & 2nd in york for a level results

BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR SUCCESS

At Wetherby School Kensington, a first-class education develops confidence and academic depth to give children a zest for life and a love of learning

The school is committed to ensuring that each boy achieves what he is capable of and has a successful and fulfilling experience throughout his time there

Wetherby School Kensington is a pre-preparatory school for boys aged four to eight. The school shares the same curriculum and values as Wetherby School Notting Hill, with both known for across-the-board excellence when it comes to academic and pastoral care. Each individual boy really matters at Wetherby School Kensington and the school prides itself on developing confident and happy children with a zest for life and a love of learning. Each boy is encouraged to be the best he can be, and every staff member is committed to enabling students to fulfil their potential and achieve their goals.

From their very first day in Reception, boys are taught a forward-thinking, holistic and academically challenging curriculum, in a happy and vibrant learning environment, which prepares them for their next academic steps. For some, this may mean a seamless transition to Wetherby Prep and to Wetherby Senior School, while others choose to sit 7+ or 8+ examinations for entry to the top London Day Schools. Destinations of recent Year 2 and 3 leavers have included Kings College Junior School, Latymer Prep, St Paul’s

Juniors, Sussex House, Westminster Cathedral Choir School and Westminster Under.

As important as academic success is developing personal and social skills; integrity, kindness and good manners are at the heart of Wetherby School Kensington. Through the course of their time at the school, boys develop important life skills that promote positive mental health and social welfare, emotional literacy, critical and moral reasoning, self-esteem, self-awareness, communication skills, relationship skills and assertiveness. Maintaining excellent relationships with every parent, and providing outstanding pastoral care is central to the school’s success in producing happy, well-rounded and confident learners who are respectful, thoughtful and motivated Wetherby Ambassadors. Thanks to this supportive, community network, boys develop lasting friendships, and are well prepared for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.

Limited availability for September 2024. For details of the school’s admissions process, please visit wetherby-kensington.co.uk/admissions

Henrietta Adams

Orchard House School

How long have you been head?

I became head of Chiswick and Bedford Park Prep in September 2020, having taught there for nearly 10 years. Right from the start of my headship, I could see how fortunate I was to have such a wonderful team of staff and delightful children and families. I am incredibly excited that in September, the school will join with Orchard House School under the Orchard House name, and that I will lead the new, combined school.

How would you sum up the school in a sentence? A forward-thinking school where children are encouraged to explore and think for themselves – and above all, be happy. You can see them bounce into school every day, ready to learn.

What makes it different?

Our robust and inclusive culture forms the cornerstone of our school. We are ambitious for our pupils – our motto is ‘sparking curiosity, nurturing potential’ – and as a result, academic standards are high. However, academic success is only one element of school life. We believe wholeheartedly in supporting children to thrive physically, emotionally and socially. In doing so, we create well-rounded individuals ready to meet the challenges and opportunities beyond the classroom.

How would you describe the atmosphere?

Warm and vibrant. We combine the energy and fun of family life with endless support and encouragement so that children are happy to ‘have a go’, whether it is in academics, music, sport, chess or art. Because of this, the school is a hive of activity, and children are busy and engaged. We are a deeply caring community with strong values, and kindness runs throughout the whole school.

What about your personal educational ethos? I hold the clear and simple view that children need to feel secure and confident in

SPOTLIGHT ON Brampton College

order to learn. As educators, it is our role to bring out the best in all our children and to support them as they learn, make mistakes and try again. By encouraging and drawing out the unique strengths and potential inherent in every child, we contribute to their growth and play a pivotal role in shaping their future.

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

Co-curricular activities play a very important role in school life. We offer a wide range of sport lessons, and our before- and after-school clubs range from pottery to paddle tennis. We also offer an impressive 220 individual music lessons each week, as well as LAMDA, and provide plenty of opportunities for children to perform and build their confidence. Our comprehensive approach

means there is something for everyone to enjoy. Children can explore and develop their interests, creating an enriching educational journey.

How do you look after the wellbeing of your pupils? Wellbeing is not simply about making sure children are happy. At Orchard House, care for their wellbeing is woven into everything we do. You can see this in the fabric of the school as we refit and refurbish our buildings. It is also apparent in the focus we are putting on innovative learning in our new STEAM centre, the support for children in reaching their academic potential and the tasty lunches we provide. The result of this approach is happy, thriving children who are ready and eager to take part fully in school life. Newton Grove, W4 (020 8742 8544; orchardhs.org.uk)

Pupils: around 240 pupils aged 15 to 18

Founded: in 1989 in Golders Green.

The College moved to its current site, a period building in Hendon, in 1998

Entrance requirements: there’s no rigid admissions policy, but as a general rule, the College expects

at least grade B passes (or grade 6) at GCSE across the range of subjects, particularly those relevant to A level subject choices. The exception to this is maths, modern languages and science where it expects at least A grades

Destination universities:

Oxbridge, Imperial College London, the University of Warwick, the University of Edinburgh, the University of York, London School of Economics and Central Saint Martins, among others Known for: academic excellence – the College has come top of all

sixth form colleges in London for the last 21 years. Beyond that, it encourages pupils to explore their passions and interests outside of the classroom and celebrates their successes. Pupils leave the College as confident adults who are eager to learn

Fees: £24,425 per year for a two-year A level course, payable termly or in monthly instalments. Contact the College for details of available scholarships Find out more: bramptoncollege.com

THE BOARDER PICTURE

Thinking of sending your child to a UK boarding school? We asked four pupils past and present to give the insider perspective

Words by Claire Atherton

BENJAMIN (2018-2023)

LANCING COLLEGE

I’m currently studying International Relations with German at the University of Exeter and I’m a Choral Scholar at Exeter Cathedral. Lancing College prepared me for this by teaching me independent study and time management, and by providing a continuously excellent array of musical opportunities. I also learnt leadership skills that I hope to be able to employ throughout my future career.

As a boarder, I enjoyed being able to focus on other aspects of college life during the day, with allocated time in the evening to complete academic work. It also allowed me to partake in all the co-curricular activities I enjoyed and that were available at the school, usually after my studies and in the evenings.

Boarding at Lancing College isn’t a break with family, rather an extension of it. The independence you gain is invaluable, and the support the school can offer as those skills develop, alongside everything else it involves, is unbeaten. lancingcollege.co.uk

MBALI (Year 12) ROEDEAN SCHOOL

I know it sounds scripted to say I enjoy being at Roedean, but it’s true. From karaoke nights to rollerblading discos, I’ve done things I’ve always wanted and never imagined. Last year, I even went on a trip to Iceland where we climbed glaciers and ate ice cream in front of the cows that produced the milk used to make it. My experience has been profound, unique, sometimes daunting, and generally a treasure.

On the practical side, everything is accessible. If I’m struggling with the geography homework, half my class is just down the corridor, and my housemistress is my teacher. I don’t have to worry about planning my meals or the reduced study time I have due to commuting. And socially, it’s like a never-ending sleepover. The extra sense of community makes it easier to make more friends, and you have more personal relationships with members of staff. Finally, the freedom you’re given, especially in the older years, is rare. roedean.co.uk

ROBBIE (Year 12) REPTON SCHOOL

Coming to Repton was the best decision I ever made. The array of sports, activities, and societies I have become involved in has changed my life. Above all, Repton has instilled an ethos in me that you have to work hard to achieve great things.

I see being a boarder as the best way to fully immerse oneself in the Repton experience. The bonds you forge make people more like family than friends, and the relationships with teachers are more supportive. They are really interested in their student’s success, which goes a long way – especially in exam season.

My advice would be to seize every opportunity and go out of your comfort zone. Just because you are a sportsman doesn’t mean you can’t be academic too, and vice versa. If an offer is there to try something new, it may be the start of an amazing hobby. If not, it will be a memory to laugh about with your friends! repton.org.uk

RUCI (Year 13)

QUEEN ETHELBURGA’S COLLEGIATE

Being at QE has helped me to both build my confidence and figure out the career path I want to follow (as a physiotherapist). It’s been a fun rollercoaster of events from learning and laughing to reflecting and reminiscing.

As a boarder, you create a stronger bond with your peers, because you live with your friends. But you still learn to be independent. Boarding provides events, so you’re never not doing anything. Weekends are my favourite because QE’s brunch is top tier. It’s also normally the time we get to know the school site better, as all its facilities are available to use.

My advice is to make the most out of everything the school has to offer, from the student support available, to the top-quality facilities. And be patient in finding your flow. It’s never easy to start in a new school, but once you get the hang of it you will figure out you’ve created life-long connections. qe.org

A RICH TAPESTRY OF OPPORTUNITY

The holistic education on offer at Lancing College ensures that students emerge as flourishing, well-rounded individuals, ready to make their mark in the world

In the ever-evolving realm of education, the tapestry of a student’s experience extends far beyond the classroom walls. Lancing College, a beacon of academic and co-curricular excellence stands as a testament to the transformative power of co-curricular activities, offering students an expansive canvas of over 120 activities and societies. Inspired by The Employability Badge the Scouts Youth Employability report, published in May 2023 by Alice Dawson and Dr Kate Harrison, we unravel the myriad ways in which students unlock their potential through these immersive pursuits.

ENGAGEMENT AND EMPLOYABILITY

Dawson and Harrison’s groundbreaking research illuminates the profound connection between co-curricular engagement and enhanced employability. It serves as a compass, guiding students toward a future where adaptability, resilience, and interpersonal finesse are paramount. Lancing College, with its vibrant spectrum of activities, emerges as a dynamic training ground, nurturing not just academic prowess but also equipping students for the intricate dance of real-world challenges.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

Seasoned adventurer and Chief Scout Bear Grylls writes the foreword to the report, mirroring this sentiment and highlighting the transformative nature of diverse experiences. Much like navigating the wild demands adaptability, a student navigating through Lancing’s diverse activities learns to improvise and overcome obstacles, a skill set vital for navigating the uncertainties life may throw their way.

WELLBEING

Venturing beyond mere employability, the role of co-curricular engagement and pastoral wellbeing becomes evident. The participating students forge connections that transcend the confines of the classroom, creating a profound sense of community. Grylls, drawing parallels between the wilderness and education, notes that teamwork is the linchpin of success, whether in the untamed outdoors or the hallowed halls of academia.

‘BE INSPIRED, BE BRILLIANT, BE YOU’

Lancing College’s commitment to providing this rich tapestry of activities ensures that students do not just pass through their educational journey, but they flourish within it. ‘Be inspired, Be Brilliant, Be you’ is not just the school’s mantra, it is challenging their students to follow their hearts and carve out their own

pathway by getting involved. Dawson and Harrison champion this approach, asserting that exploring a variety of activities is a gateway to uncovering hidden talents, interests, and even potential career paths that might have remained unexplored otherwise.

OPPORTUNITIES:

Lancing College’s co-curricular framework is a symphony of opportunities harmonising academic excellence with the cultivation of essential life skills. The report states that “different skills and opportunities that people gain through extracurricular activities – such as leadership, teamwork, communication and emotional resilience are key to these improved employment outcomes.” It is not merely about shaping careers but about nurturing individuals who are resilient, adaptable, and ready to navigate the exhilarating journey that lies beyond the gates of academia. For information, visit lancingcollege.co.uk or scan the QR code

Discover Lancing College

Academic Excellence

Ivy House School thrives as a distinguished, co-educational, and non-denominational school for children aged 2 to 11.

www.ivyhouseschool.co.uk

BUDGET BOOST?

Our experts unpick last month’s Spring Budget and its likely effect on the London property market

Homeowners, landlords, and investors alike will have had a keen eye on last month’s Spring Budget. Looking beyond the headlines, what will the contents of that iconic red dispatch box really mean for Londoners in the property game? David Fell, senior analyst at Hamptons says: “Property didn’t take centre stage in the Spring Budget, but there were still three housing market-related announcements. While they’re unlikely to change the medium-term market outlook, they will make a material difference to a small number of people in particular markets.

“Firstly, from April 2025, holiday lets will be taxed in the same way as buy-to-let investors. This aims to stem the loss of homes from the longer-term rental market. Almost all owners of furnished holiday lets will now be liable to pay Capital Gains Tax. While higher-rate owners will also no longer be able to offset all their mortgage interest against their tax bill. For the average holiday let, this likely equates to an extra £1,000 a year in tax payments.

“The Budget delivered a mixed bag for landlords, property investors and others wanting a sustained recovery”

Marc von Grundherr, Benham & Reeves

“Secondly, the Chancellor lowered the higher rate of Capital Gains Tax rates from 28 per cent to 24 per cent starting in April. This means the average landlord who is also a higher rate taxpayer will see a reduction in their average Capital Gains Tax bill of £3,300 when they sell. Alone, this change is unlikely to have a material impact on investor behaviour, but alongside other tax hikes, it

provides a small carrot for landlords who have got used to progressively larger sticks.

“And finally, Multiple Dwellings Relief was abolished, a tax break often claimed by anyone bringing run-down homes back into use or purchasing homes from housebuilders destined for the rental market. It offered stamp duty savings to those purchasing two or more properties in a single transaction by calculating the tax bill on the average value of the homes. Now abolished, SDLT will be paid on a per-property basis.”

Marc von Grundherr, director at Benham & Reeves describes last month’s Spring Budget as “lacklustre”, with both good and bad news for property investors. “The Budget delivered a mixed bag for landlords, property investors and others wanting a sustained recovery in the British economy,” he says. “The good news for the property sector revolves around a cut in Capital Gains Tax on property from 28 per cent to 24 per cent – although ironically, this will give most benefit to landlords selling their properties. Also welcome is a substantial £242 million of investment in Barking Riverside and Canary Wharf. Here, the Chancellor says, nearly 8,000 homes will be built ‘as well as transforming Canary Wharf into a new hub for life science companies’.

“However, this is tempered by several less favourable announcements. The government is scrapping so-called Non-Dom tax arrangements under which non-UK citizens had paid UK tax only on their UK earnings, not on those from elsewhere. This is widely considered to be a measure which may deter wealth creators from living in the UK, and therefore, contributing to the prime and super-prime residential sectors, especially in London. Overall, these sectors’ economic contribution is significant, generating over £36 billion across some 16,000 transactions last year.

“Also disappointing to the property industry is the confirmation that tax breaks for those letting out furnished property as holiday and short lets will be ended – this is described as a bid to urge investment property owners to shift their units to the long term rental market. However, it may be seen as a disincentive to invest in the first place, putting off people thinking about buying a rental investment property. With only around seven per cent more property for sale available than there was a year ago (according to Zoopla), the Budget contained some feel-good announcements to appease voters, but it didn’t really do much to boost a limping housing market.” hamptons.co.uk; benhams.com

ON THE MARKET

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

FOR SALE

Chester Terrace, NW1

Sitting on the eastern fringe of Regent’s Park is this stately five-bed, four-bath property. Step beyond the impressive Corinthian columns and ornate masonry to discover a modern masterpiece within a late-Georgian framework. This design-led home offers a contemporary twist, with a refined dining room showcasing meticulous attention to period details. A sleek entrance expands into a space adorned with an ultramodern fireplace, while tall windows flood the interiors with light. Beyond, an arresting kitchen awaits, boasting minimalist cabinetry and monolithic stone worktops.

Guide price £12 million, Aston Chase (020 7724 4724; astonchase.com)

FOR SALE

Hampstead Lane, NW3

Nestled behind electronic gates, this detached five-bed family home, set against the serene backdrop of Kenwood House and Hampstead Heath, exudes luxury. Spanning 11,467 sq ft on a 0.46-acre plot, the prestigious residence was built just three years ago. Inside, you’ll find a grand reception hallway that leads to a bespoke kitchen/breakfast room and elegant drawing room, both opening onto terraces. With spa facilities, indoor lift, and state-ofthe-art tech, every detail embodies opulence. This Hampstead gem offers an unparalleled living experience. £14.5 million, Glentree (020 8458 7311; glentree.com)

FOR SALE

Woronzow Road, NW8

An exclusive opportunity awaits with this spacious residence boasting 2,800 sq ft of luxurious living space, so look lively. Located in a serene setting, the southwest-facing rear garden promises a picturesque retreat surrounded by lush neighbouring trees. In fact, you’ll be tucked away behind a front garden with gated off-street parking – privacy and tranquillity abound. Recently granted planning consent opens doors to further enhancements, including a new expansive loft room and garage conversion, promising an additional 500 sq ft of frankly indulgent space you can do whatever you like with. £6.25 million, Arlington Residential (020 7722 3322; arlingtonresidential.com)

TRIPLEASPECT LUXURY

This interior designed apartment offers luxe modern living at its finest

This stunning three-bed, three-bath apartment is the handiwork of renowned interior designer Natalia Miyar and can be found within Northacre’s exciting new development, The Broadway, situated within the vibrant Westminster and St. James’s district. Partnering with awardwinning architecture and design practice Squire & Partners, the developers have transformed the former New Scotland Yard site in the heart of SW1.

The apartment boasts triple-aspect panoramic views with a soft and calming interior palette. Light, bright and generously proportioned, the reception rooms are strikingly modern and minimalist in design, think high-gloss lacquer and matt wood surfaces, which add a glamorous note, and soft-form armchairs inviting relaxation.

Collage artworks from Miami have been sourced for the walls, perfectly complementing the pared-back look, while stone, marble, and hardwood, with accents of copper and brass, are the chosen material palette for specially commissioned furniture pieces and accessories that both enrich the design and honour the location and architectural integrity of this spacious lateral flat. This rich palette is an expression of innovative contemporary design that’s both comfortable and luxurious.

Hailed as a blended lifestyle ecosystem, The Broadway comprises six striking towers, with a total of 258 exquisite residential apartments on offer, and is a destination in itself. The mixeduse development is a true testament to modern living, seamlessly blending apartments, offices, retail, and food and drink outlets into a vibrant community hub. With 27,000 sq ft of restaurant and retail space to enjoy on the ground floor, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a dynamic array of dining and shopping options right on the doorstep. So, whether you’re lounging in your luxurious apartment or exploring the vibrant community below, The Broadway promises an unparalleled lifestyle where every detail has been curated to exceed expectations. £8.45 million. For more details, see orchardplace.london/live

“The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent... The school successfully meets its ambition to empower pupils to become independent thinkers and fearless learners.”

Strength to STRENGTH

As Arlington Residential celebrates 30 years in business, founder Marc Schneiderman reflects on the secret of the agency’s success

The seed that grew into Arlington Residential was in fact planted over 40 years ago. At the age of 15, in between O levels and A levels, and to keep me occupied during the summer holidays, I went to work at the head office of a well-known estate agents owned by a family friend. I was photocopying maps, franking post, helping on the switchboard, buying sandwiches for boardroom meetings and taking the bus to the bank with an envelope full of cheques every day. The offices were a magnificent stucco building in Manchester Square, off Marylebone High Street. After four weeks the two managing directors asked if I might like a full-time job. I (not so) carefully weighed up the options of going back to school or not, and quickly decided to say yes to the job!

Some months later, I was offered the opportunity to go and work in one of their residential sales offices in Bayswater. I accepted the opportunity and absolutely loved it.

After a couple of years there, of which I have the fondest of memories, I knew that estate agency was going to be my future and, excited by the idea of dealing with luxury property, I called a firm in the West End who had a reputation for sales at the top end of the market to see if they had any positions available. My timing was perfect – they did, and I joined to become the

fourth member of the company. I experienced a very exciting six and a half years seeing some of the finest homes in London and meeting interesting and dynamic people. The success I achieved at this firm gave me the appetite to start my own business and so I left and formed Arlington Residential.

That was in 1994. I never aspired to have a shop or be a high street agent, so I took a boutique office building on Wellington Road, St. John’s Wood, that has served my business amazingly well over the last 30 years. It is a three-floor period building with an open-plan ground floor where we all work, and there are various meeting rooms and private spaces elsewhere in the building. I recall the first few months being in this huge building, on my own with only one desk and one chair while I figured out the best way to move forward. I recall Arlington Residential’s first sale fondly. It was a ground floor flat in Belsize Park that we acquired for the buyer. At that point we didn’t even have a computer, so my firm’s letter of appointment was hand-written by me!

Changes in the last 30 years have been huge. We relied heavily on print media in our first 10 years, regularly advertising in several magazines at great expense. The two largest property portals have played a big role in effectively minimising the need for property advertising in print media – which still however plays a role, hence our long-term commitment to Fabric. Of course, social media allows us to reach tens of thousands of would-be buyers in seconds. Another huge change has been the profile of buyers in north west London. Now over half of the transactions we’re involved with in Regent’s Park, St. John’s Wood and Hampstead are to overseas buyers, with the demographic constantly changing. We’ve sold to over 90 different nationalities! The other big change is that 30 years ago we were selling detached ambassadorial houses in St. John’s Wood for under £1 million. Today, sales have reached levels we could not have imagined, with several houses sold in St. John’s Wood in excess of £60 million, and a handful of houses that are worth well over £100 million, should the owners ever decide to sell.

Having seen competitors spread themselves too thinly by opening multiple offices, only to close new offices and decant back to their original set up, I have no desire to be a multi-office business. We proficiently cover the prime parts of central and north west London from our wonderful HQ. I’m fortunate to be at the helm of a well-regarded business – one of the leaders in its field. But my last word is to say how I have immense gratitude for past and present employees who’ve contributed to making Arlington Residential what it is today.

arlingtonresidential.com

A

Mountview Close

Hampstead Way

Hampstead Garden Suburb NW11

Guide Price: £2,600,000

Joint Sole Selling Agent

67–71 Park Road

London NW1 6XU

020 7724 4724

astonchase.com

A rare opportunity to purchase a well planned and superbly proportioned lateral first floor apartment (147 sq m/1,580 sq ft) in this coveted purpose built block located directly opposite Golders Hill Park. The apartment benefits from a south-facing terrace, secure double width parking bay and additional development amenities include landscaped communal gardens, a residents gym and guests off-street parking. The development is superbly located on the fringes of Hampstead Garden Suburb equidistant between Golders Green and Hampstead and within 225 metres of the exceptional wide open spaces of The Heath Extension, Golders Hill Park and Hampstead Heath.

Accommodation and Amenities

Double Reception Room incorporating Dining Area, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Utility Room, Principal Bedroom with En-Suite Bathroom, 2 Further Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Guest Cloakroom, 24/7 Porterage/Security including Monitored CCTV, Lift, Air Conditioning in Double Reception Room & Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Residents Gym, Secure Underground Parking for 2 Vehicles, Storage Room, Visitors Parking, Landscaped Communal Gardens.

Council Tax: H. EPC: B.

Hazel Court

The Bishops Avenue

Hampstead Garden Suburb NW11

Asking Price: £2,950,000

Joint Sole Selling Agent

67–71 Park Road

London NW1 6XU

020 7724 4724

astonchase.com

An exceptional apartment (215.7 sq m/ 2,322 sq ft) arranged predominantly on one floor only presented in immaculate condition throughout. The property provides spacious and versatile accommodation and further benefits from 3,000 sq ft of private external space including a large south-facing deck and garden accessible from the double reception room. The development is situated on the east side of The Bishops Avenue which is a prestigious globally recognised residential road superbly positioned close to Kenwood, Hampstead Heath and Highgate Village.

Accommodation and Amenities

Reception Hall, Double Reception Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Utility Room, Principal Bedroom with En-Suite Dressing Area and Bathroom, Bedroom 2 with EnSuite Dressing Area and Shower Room, Study/Bedroom 3, Large Guest Cloakroom, Private Decked Terrace leading to SouthFacing Lawned Garden, Further Private Garden leading to Communal Gardens, Air Conditioning throughout, 24/7 Uniformed

Porterage/Concierge, Direct Secure Lift

Access, 2 Dedicated Underground Parking Bays, Large Store Room, Communal 20m

Heated Swimming Pool, Gym.

Council Tax: H. EPC: C

This beautiful home is set back from the road behind a front garden and is located opposite the entrance to Northway Gardens. The property, which is extremely bright throughout, features a double reception room with wood floors, built-in wardrobes in two bedrooms and a private 90 ft. south-facing garden. Oakwood

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Located in W1G - Wimpole Street, a highly sought after and prestigious prime central location. A well-proportioned, light and beautifully presented two-bedroom, two bathroom, first floor (with lift) portered apartment, at the rear of this handsome Grade II period building. The property sits on the corner of Wimpole and Weymouth Street, equidistant between Marylebone High Street and Harley Street. Situated in the heart of Marylebone Village and the world-renowned medical district, giving access to the fabulous shops, restaurants and boutiques. For green open spaces and various sporting activities - Regent’s Park (Royal Park) to the north, offers about 410 acres or (170 ha).

Closest transport links are Baker Street or Regent’s Park (Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee and Metropolitan Lines) and Bond Street (Central, Jubilee and Elizabeth Lines) is less than half a mile away.

Tenure: Leasehold With Aboout 86 Years Unexpired.

Service Charge: About £6,000 Per Annum. Ground Rent: About £800 Per Annum.

Council Tax Band: G. EPC Exempt.

MARYLEBONE

Email: crosling@winkworth.co.uk, paddington@winkworth.co.uk

020

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, cafés 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 | large double reception room | kitchen/breakfast room | communal patio garden | use of exceptional roof terrace with panoramic views | porter | excellent central village location.

Email:

020 8458 7311

www.glentree.com

HEATH CLOSE, NW11 GUIDE PRICE £2,795,000

PRINICIPAL A GENT

On the open market for the first time in over thirty years, an absolutely charming, mid-terrace ‘Arts & Crafts’ style Grade II Listed, five bedroom family house, built circa 1913 and located in this tranquil and verdantly planted cul-de-sac right opposite the beautiful open spaces of the Hampstead Garden Suburb Heath extension.

The house offers 2,712 sq ft of accommodation arranged over three floors and is presented in very good decorative condition throughout. Initially approached through a gated secluded front garden, which then leads into a large hallway/study area.

On this floor is a 23’x14’6 eat-in kitchen/breakfast room (with bi-fold doors leading directly on to the garden), an 18’x17’ drawing room, utility room and guest WC.

The first floor provides a further drawing room/bedroom with lovely bright views over rear gardens, a principal suite with dressing room & en-suite bathroom and a further double bedroom and family bathroom. The second floor enjoys two further double bedrooms and a third bathroom.

To the rear of the house is a pretty, mature and well planted 70’x41’ south-east facing lawned garden.

MARYLEBONE STREET, MARYLEBONE VILLAGE, LONDON W1G

A one bedroom apartment located in the heart of Marylebone.

A top floor one bedroom apartment located in one of the most sought after blocks in the Marylebone Village. This apartment comprises of entrance hall, reception room, one bedroom, one bathroom and kitchen. The building benefits from a passenger lift and communal gardens.

The building is located on the west side of Marylebone Street close to the junction with Weymouth Street. The building benefits from a communal garden. Bond Street and Baker Street underground stations together with the shopping facilities of Marylebone High Street are within close proximity. The open spaces of Regents Park are also nearby.

SHARE OF FREEHOLD

£975,000

NEW CAVENDISH STREET, MARYLEBONE VILLAGE, LONDON W1G

This fabulous three bedroom apartment is located in the heart of the Marylebone Village which offers an abundance of bustling restaurants, cafes and high end boutiques.

This apartment offers spacious living and is situated on the first floor with a passenger lift. The accommodation comprises of a master bedroom with en-suite shower room, two further bedrooms, family bathroom, separate fully fitted kitchen and two reception rooms featuring wood flooring. The building also benefits from a day porter.

Bond Street and Baker Street underground stations are within close proximity. The open spaces of Regents Park are also nearby.

The apartment will be newly decorated throughout and available 1st May 2024.

UNFURNISHED £1,750 PER WEEK

Bryanston Court

Marylebone, W1

Unfurnished/Furnished £5,950 per week

Principal Agent

67–71 Park Road

London NW1 6XU

020 7724 4724

astonchase.com

An extremely spacious and superbly presented sixth and seventh floor duplex apartment (367.6 sq m/3,957 sq ft) situated within one of the area’s most prestigious mansion blocks located just 0.3 miles from Marble Arch, close to numerous excellent transport links and to the boutiques and restaurants of Marylebone Village.

Accommodation and Amenities

Principal Bedroom with Large En-Suite Shower Room, Five Further Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Shower Room, Double

Reception Room Open Plan with Large

Kitchen/Breakfast Room, TV Room, Guest Cloakroom, Utility Room, Staff

Accommodation, Air Conditioning, Lock-Up Garage, Lift, 24 Hour Porterage.

Council Tax: Band H. EPC: D.

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