Fabric December 2023

DE CE M B E R 2023

GOING FOR GOLD Gifts that glitter will add an extra sparkle under the tree

DECK THE HALLS

Choose Christmas decorations with a playful twist

2024 TR AV EL S P ECIAL

STEP

BY STEP

Motsi Mabuse on taking her first dance steps, building a business and the utter joy of Strictly Come Dancing

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EDITOR’S LETTER/ 60

Set your table with Christmas riches

OUR AGENTS

Finding Christmas cheer…

I

t feels no time at all since I wrote my January letter; I talked about the need to make our homes ever more welcoming, a sanctuary from all that’s going on in the world. As the year draws to a close, the sentiment feels as pertinent now as it did then. If you’re welcoming visiting family and friends to celebrate the festive season, you can fill your home with Christmas colour and cheer thanks to our interiors feature – we reveal the trends that will be rocking your tree this year (hint: there’s a big dopamine hit coming to holiday decorations). And as is traditional in December, festive cheer will come (with a sprinkling of sparkles) thanks to the grand finale of everyone’s favourite reality TV show this month. While the dancers warm up for their final fling, see what judge Motsi Mabuse had to say FOLLOW US ON about this series of Strictly Come Dancing in our exclusive interview. @londonfabricmag When we caught up to chat, she also revealed that after the final show, @londonfabricproperty she’ll be heading to Australia for some sunshine and quality family time. If your mind is on holidays, too, you’ll find inspiration aplenty fabricmagazine.co.uk in our special feature, where we explore the top trends in travel and review UK, short haul and long haul trips. Happy holiday planning.

Liz Skone James liz@hattoncollective.com

Arlington Residential arlingtonresidential.com Aston Chase astonchase.com Bargets bargets.co.uk Beauchamp Estates beauchamp.com Benham & Reeves benhams.com Chancellors chancellors.co.uk Chestertons chestertons.com Day Morris daymorris.co.uk Dexters dexters.co.uk Druce druce.com Glentree glentree.co.uk Godfrey & Barr godfreyandbarr.com Goldschmidt & Howland g-h.co.uk Hamptons hamptons.co.uk Heathgate heathgate.com Jeremy James & Company jeremy-james.co.uk Knight Frank knightfrank.co.uk Litchfields litchfields.com Parkheath parkheath.com Plaza Estates plazaestates.co.uk Savills savills.co.uk TK International t-k.co.uk Winkworth St. John’s Wood winkworth.co.uk Winkworth West End winkworth.co.uk Motsi Mabuse

Photographed by Lesley Edith

Motsi wears: black dress

by ALEMAIS; necklace and bracelet by Boodles; and Cartier ring from Susannah Lovis @londonfabricmag fabricmagazine.co.uk

Editorial Director Liz Skone James Creative Director Penny Clements Interiors Editor Ali Howard Schools Editor Claire Atherton Client Services Director Becky Pomfret Social Media Manager Alice Bradley Photography Director Emmanuelle Peri Assistant Picture Editor Georgia Watson Production Alex Courtley and Heidi Pomfret Retouch Gabriel Moroney Advertising Debbie Russell debbie@fabricmagazine.co.uk +44 7811 347299 New Homes & Developments Karen de Pommereau karen@fabricmagazine.co.uk +33 6 70 80 42 45 Editorial and publishing enquiries 020 8242 6222 Publisher Katie Hutley FABRIC MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED 12 TIMES A YEAR

on behalf of REAP Magazines Ltd by Hatton Collective Ltd, 27 Mortimer Street, London, W1T 3BL fabricmagazine.co.uk REAP LTD

Glentree Estates Trevor Abrahmsohn Goldschmidt & Howland Philip Green Savills Jonathan Hewlett and Liza-Jane Kelly Aston Chase Mark Pollack © Hatton Collective, 2023. All rights reserved. All information correct at time of going to press. Reproduction in whole or part (including storage by any electronic means) is prohibited without prior permission of Hatton Collective. Hatton Collective and REAP Magazines Ltd accept no responsibility for the views expressed by contributors to the magazine.

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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CONTENTS / LIFESTYLE 31 SHOPPING

31

We come bearing gifts of gold to make all of their Christmas wishes come true

33 CULTURE

Go shopping for gorgeous golden gifts

Your guide to London’s hottest happenings

34 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: MOTSI MABUSE

Poppy Peace, founder of interior design studio House of Red, on launching her business

We chat to the NSPCC about how to encourage kids to get involved with charity work at Christmastime

Super stylist Sam McKnight reveals his festive hair tips, plus we explore the Capital’s new boutiques

TRAVEL SPECIAL

67 DESIGNER PROFILE

69 A CAPITAL EDUCATION

42 STYLE

How to create a canapé and cocktail pairing to impress guests, and we review Nest in its new home

Artist Kelly Stevens-McLaughlan shows us around her gorgeously quirky country home

SCHOOLS

The Strictly Come Dancing judge on bringing joy to viewers and her thoughts on who will win this year

46 FOOD & DRINK

64 AT HOME WITH

42

Get dressed to party at a chic new boutique

PROPERTY 73 TALKING POINTS

Why good presentation helps to secure a quick sale

74 HOT PROPERTY

The best homes on the market this month

48 TRAVEL NEWS

Revealed, the way we will be travelling in 2024, and a look at the destinations to watch

50 TRAVEL REVIEWS

Whether far-flung or closer to home, take inspiration from our reviews: team Fabric have been exploring Dorset, Morocco and Thailand

INTERIORS 57 INTERIORS NEWS

57

Your guide to what’s new in the world of interiors

Pull a cracker this Christmas

60 CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

Looking to go a bit extra this year? We show you how to achieve the look in style

48

2024’s travel hot spots revealed

47

Our review of Nest in its new Shoreditch home

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LUXURY LONDON LIVING

09/11/2023 15:58

Maximise your property income with our bespoke let management service Proof of Excellence

Your Team

Duty of Care

The Bells & Whistles

We are one of the chosen few to partner with Homes & Villas by Marriott International and gain access to their 133 million loyalty members.

We have a minimum stay of 3 nights, strict guest vetting, pre- and post-stay photo inventories and in-person check-ins.

An in-house team of housekeepers, a personal meet and greet team, a dedicated maintenance team and a 24/7 helpline.

We provide fresh linen, towels, bespoke toiletries and kitchen essentials, as well as short-let guest insurance.

ALTIDO provides excellence in hospitality management for owners & guests in more than 21 different locations across Europe.

Aidan Manser | aidan.manser@stayaltido.com | 020 8854 4295 01_Fabric_Dec23_front.indd 5

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Stylish split-level apartment West Heath Road, London NW3 Golders Hill and Golders Green Underground Station: 0.6 miles, Hampstead Heath Station: 0.4 miles The epitome of luxury living, this exquisite split-level apartment is nestled within a secure gated development, offering a harmonious blend of comfort and style, this newly refurbished residence presents an exclusive opportunity to enjoy the best of modern living. 2 reception rooms, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, study, garden, residents parking.

Share of Freehold (Lease Expiry 2111) | Service Charge: £8,500 per annum (Reviewed annually) | Ground Rent: £200 per annum (Reviewed annually) | Council Tax Band = H | EPC Rating = C 2,299 Sq Ft | Guide £2.695 million

James Diaper

Daniel Omell

Head of Sales Savills Hampstead 020 7472 5010 jdiaper@savills.com

Head of Department Savills Hampstead 020 7472 5013 daniel.omell@savills.com

Discover more

*pricing correct at the time of print

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LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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Detached stucco lateral villa St John's Wood NW8 St John's Wood Underground Station: 0.4 miles A detached lateral period house with planning consent to extend the property to measure approximately 9,472 sq ft. Drawing room with balcony, sitting room, separate kitchen/breakfast room, principal suite with dressing room and sauna, 4 further en suite bedrooms, guest bathroom, sun room, study, double garage, residents parking, and private garden.

Freehold | Council Tax Band = H | EPC Rating = D

5,490 Sq Ft | Offers Over £8 million

Stephen Lindsay

Marius Nazare

Head of Office Savills St John's Wood & Regent's Park 020 3043 3602 slindsay@savills.com

Residential Sales Savills St John's Wood & Regent's Park 020 3043 3610 marius.nazare@savills.com

Discover more

*pricing correct at the time of print

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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HAMILTON GARDENS

Freehold

ST J O H N ’ S WO O D, N W 8

Guide Price £2,950,000

EPC: D

Sole Selling Agents A well-presented mid-terrace Victorian family home providing 1,947 sq ft/180 sq m of accommodation.

Positioned in the heart of St John’s Wood, the house features light and well-planned accommodation and benefits from a south-facing rear garden. Hamilton Gardens is one of the quietest streets in St John’s Wood, located approximately 0.4 miles from The American School in London, St John’s Wood High Street and St John’s Wood Underground Station (Jubilee Line).

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

+44 (0)20 7722 3322 arlingtonresidential.com

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LOUDOUN ROAD

Freehold

ST J O H N ’ S WO O D, N W 8

Guide Price £2,850,000

EPC: D

Sole Selling Agents A well-presented modern five-bedroom town house providing an excellent family home close to The American School and St John’s Wood High Street. This 1,892 sq ft/175 sq m house is arranged over three floors and offers well-planned accommodation featuring a large kitchen/breakfast room, leading onto a 40 ft private rear garden. The house also benefits from a lock up garage adjacent to the house and set behind an electronically operated vehicle barrier. St John’s Wood Underground Station (Jubilee Line) is approximately 0.4 miles away.

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

+44 (0)20 7722 3322 arlingtonresidential.com

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LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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winkworth.co.uk/st-johns-wood

PRIMROSE HILL STUDIOS, NW3 £4,350,000 SOLE AGENT A rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully presented unique former Victorian artists’ studio discreetly located in this cul-de-sac adjacent to Primrose Hill. This Grade II Listed house (1752 sq ft/ 162 sq m) has been sympathetically refurbished by the current owners and boasts an excellent 30’ reception room with double height ceilings, working fireplaces and direct access to the charming private walled garden and communal gardens. Other benefits include a stunning master bedroom suite with en-suite dressing room and bathroom, two further bedrooms, open plan kitchen, 30’ loft storage and off-street parking for one car.

Principle Bedroom with En-suite and Dressing Room | Two further Bedrooms | Guest Shower Room | Reception/Dining Area | Open Plan Kitchen | Study Area | Utility Room | 30ft Rear Garden | Off Street Parking | Residents Parking | Freehold.

ST JOHN’S WOOD | 020 7586 7001

Proud sponsors of...

stjohnswood@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/st-johns-wood

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/winkworth_wood_vale_hampstead

@ winkworth_wood_vale_hampstead

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

10:08 14/11/2023 10:00

WIN

winkworth.co.uk/maida-vale

RANDOLPH CRESCENT, W9 £1,500,000 SOLE AGENT An interior designed two double bedroom penthouse apartment (with a lift) situated on one of the most sought-after roads in Little Venice. The apartment forms part of an impressive converted Victorian house with use and views of the well-known Crescent Communal Gardens. The apartment offers a wealth of natural light and has been designed to create well-proportioned accommodation with two double bedrooms, a spacious entrance hall and a large bright reception room overlooking the extensive communal gardens. Randolph Crescent is located within walking distance of all the local amenities offered by this fashionable area including the boutique shops cafes on Clifton Road, the famous Regents Canal and the Underground at Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo line - 0.2 miles).

Principal Bedroom With En Suite Shower Room | Second Bedroom | Bathroom | Reception/Dining Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Communal Gardens | Passenger Lift | Share Of Freehold | EPC Rating D | Council Tax Band G.

MAIDA VALE | 020 7289 1692

Proud sponsors of...

maidavale@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/maida-vale

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

10:00

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/winkworth_wood_vale_hampstead

@ winkworth_wood_vale_hampstead

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020 7402 9494

16 Park Road, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4SH Facsimile: 020 7724 7055 Email: enquiries@bargets.co.uk

Impressive Double Fronted Detached Family Residence

Im

Frognal, Hampstead Village, London, NW3

W

A rare opportunity to acquire an impressive double fronted detached five /six bedroom family residence (476.21 sq m/5,126sq ft) on the market for the first time in many years, offering wonderful entertaining rooms and is arranged over three floors.

Occupying a prime position on the corner of Frognal and Church Row, only moments’ walk from the shops, restaurants and transport facilities of Hampstead Village.

A T s S lo

4 Reception Rooms • Principal Bedroom Suite • 5 Further Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms (1 En-Suite) • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Utility Room • Guest Cloakroom Manicured Garden • Balcony • Off Street Parking For 2 Cars • Double Garage

Freehold

Price On Application

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0

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Imposing Double Fronted Detached Family Residence Wildwood Road, Hampstead Garden Suburb, NW11 An imposing double fronted detached family home, occupying a brilliant plot in a highly desirable position directly opposite and overlooking the Heath Extension.

The property is presented in excellent condition offering well-planned flexible and generous accommodation, benefitting from great entertaining spaces and a stunning manicured landscaped rear garden. Situated immediately opposite the Heath Extension, on the highly desirable South Side of Hampstead Garden Suburb, is in close proximity to a considerable number of excellent Schools / Nurseries, within walking distance to the Heath/Heath Extension, Kenwood and local amenities.

Dining Room • Lounge • Family Room • TV Room • Office Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Principal Bedroom Suite • 4 Further Bedrooms • 2 En Suite Bathrooms Family Bathroom • Utility Room • 2 Guest Cloakrooms • Integral Garage • Off Street Parking • Manicured Garden

Freehold

Price On Application

020 7402 9494 LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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SPRINGFIELD ROAD ST JOHN’S WOOD, NW8

On the market for the first time in 43 years, a beautifully presented four/five bedroom contemporary low built house 234 sq m/2,515 sq ft, located on one of St John’s Wood’s most popular tree lined roads.

The property which is primarily arranged over two floors, has been meticulously refurbished throughout to an extremely high standard and comprises two reception rooms, a luxury fitted kitchen, a south-east facing rear garden and off-street parking for two/ three cars. The house also benefits from a new garden studio room which provides an additional 200 sq ft of accommodation.

Springfield Road is located within 0.7 miles of The American School in London and within 1 mile of St John’s Wood High Street with its multiple shops and transport facilities. The open spaces of Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill are 1.1 miles away.

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Principal Bedroom with Walk-In Wardrobe & En-Suite Bathroom, 3 Further Bedrooms (1 with En-Suite Bathroom and 2 with En-Suite Shower Rooms), Kitchen with Gaggenau & Miele Appliances, Bespoke Joinery to All Bedrooms, CCTV at Front, Side & Rear, Sonos Speakers, Gas Central Heating, Flos Lighting System, Landscaped Rear Garden with Studio Room, Off-Street Parking for 2/3 Cars, Partial Air Conditioning, Balcony.

Council Tax: Band H. EPC: D.

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Freehold Joint Sole Agent Asking Price: £5,250,000

enquiries@astonchase.com +44 (0) 20 7724 4724

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Hampstead Way, Hampstead Garden Suburb, NW11 6

3

4

3

£4,950,000

Sole Agent | Long Lease | EPC D

A beautifully presented double-fronted five/six bedroom house, refurbished and maintained by the present owners to an exemplary standard throughout and which sits back behind a securely gated driveway for three/four cars, on this ever popular road which skirts the open spaces of the Heath Extension.

This handsome property offers a drawing room, dining room and television room - as well as kitchen/breakfast room, study/homework room, a very large utility room and two guest WCs. To the rear of the house is a beautifully planted and mature 87' lawned garden with the house itself enjoying an attractive aspect over adjoining gardens.

The public transport hub of both Golders Green and the major bus routes of Finchley Road are close by, as are the excellent choice of private and state schools, local shops, cafés and restaurants.

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07/11/2023 08:57 ZD467 LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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Park Drive, Golders Hill Park, NW11 5

3

2

£2,999,000 Sole Agent | Freehold | EPC D

A beautiful five-bedroom semi-detached family house, located in this enviable and sought-after tree-lined road of Golders Hill Park. The property commands a prime position on the road and provides comfortable accommodation over three floors, and was substantially refurbished and redesigned several years ago.

The ground floor is arranged as a large entrance hall, utility room, WC, and an open plan reception/kitchen/dining room with direct access to the garden via floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. The first floor comprises four bedrooms, a family bathroom and a shower room. The large principal bedroom is on the second floor, enjoying a walk-in wardrobe and an en-suite bathroom.

Golders Hill Park is within a few minutes walk, and the extensive facilities of Hampstead and Golders Green (both Northern Line) are within half a mile radius. The popular King Alfred’s school is also within a short walk.

The leading estate agent for Hampstead and the surrounding areas

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Cropthorne Court M A I D A

V A L E ,

£1,650,000

W 9 SHARE OF FREEHOLD

Exceptionally well presented three double bedroom apartment extending to 1317sqft/122.35sqm. Newly refurbished by the current owners to a high specification throughout, creating an outstanding family home within this sought-after portered block, set back from Maida Vale behind a carriage drive.

Entrance Hall | Double Reception Room | Eat-in Kitchen | Master Bedroom with Dressing Room & Shower Room | Two Further Double Bedrooms | Family Bathroom | Off Street Parking (subject to availability) | Entryphone & Porterage | Communal Gardens.

Joint Agent

St John’s Wood Sales t: 020 7586 3111 e: sjw.sales@chancellors.co.uk 88 St John’s Wood High Street, London, NW8 7SH

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LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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The Bishops Avenue H A M P S T E A D ,

£10,000,000

N 2 FREEHOLD

Set in substantial grounds is this six bedroom, five reception, six bathroom semi detached two storey period house with off street parking and a garage.

Over 4,670 sq ft of Living Space Set Over Two Floors | 24ft Bay Fronted Reception with High Ceilings | 21ft Kitchen Diner with Utility Room | 19ft Dinning Room Leading to a Conservatory | Two Further Reception Rooms/Study | Atrium to the Entrance Hallway | Principal Bedroom with Dressing Room and En-Suite | Three Generously Proportioned Bedrooms | One Single Bedroom | Garage with Ample Parking | Well Presented South West Facing Garden.

Joint Agency

Hampstead Sales t: 020 7794 1151 e: hampstead.sales@chancellors.co.uk 55 Heath Street, Hampstead, London, NW3 6UG

chancellors.co.uk LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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LOCAL EXPERTISE, INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION Email: sales@glentree.com

020 8458 7311

RUSKIN CLOSE, NW11 GUIDE PRICE £1,975,000 Nestled within this highly desirable close on the south side of Hampstead Garden Suburb is this exquisite 5-bedroom 3 bathroom semi detached family home.

The property boasts 3 reception rooms, an eat kitchen/diner, en suite shower room the principal bedroom, 4 further bedrooms and 2 additional bathrooms.

The property has the added benefit of off street parking, pretty rear garden and is Ideally located within a couple of minutes walk to the Heath Extension which offers a beautiful natural setting for leisurely walks and outdoor activities.

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www.glentree.com

SOLE AGENT Additionally, it’s well-connected to local amenities, schools, and public transport facilities of Golders Green.

2 RECEPTION ROOMS: FAMILY ROOM: DINING ROOM/ KITCHEN: UTILITY ROOM: PRINCIPAL BEDROOM WITH EN SUITE BATHROOM: 4 FURTHER BEDROOMS (1 WITH EN SUITE BATHROOM): FAMILY BATHROOM: GUEST WC: REAR GARDEN: OFF-STREET PARKING

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

13/11/2023 15:52

LOCAL EXPERTISE, INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION Email: sales@glentree.com

020 8458 7311

WINNINGTON ROAD, N2 GUIDE PRICE £8,500,000 Set back behind a gated carriage driveway on this prestigious desirable road is this stunning 6-bedroom detached family residence.

The house provides bright and spacious accommodation over three floors. Off the entrance hall is a large double reception room perfect for entertaining, a further reception room and an impressive kitchen and dining area. The first floor comprises of large principal bedroom suite boasting two dressing rooms and a large study overlooking the gardens along with three further double bedroom suites.

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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www.glentree.com

PRINCIPAL AGENT The upper floor has an extensive playroom/entertainment room along with further bedroom accommodation. This refined property occupies a substantial plot of over 0.35 acres with a large garden that has an impressive width and overlooks the enviable Hampstead Golf course.

RECEPTION HALL: 2 RECEPTION ROOMS: KITCHEN/ BREAKFAST ROOM: PRINCIPAL BEDROOOM WITH DOUBLE DRESSING ROOM, EN SUITE BATHROOM, STUDY & BALCONY: 6 FURTHER BEDROOM (4 WITH EN SUITE BATHROOMS): FAMILY BATHROOM: UTILITY ROOM: GARAGE: 2 GUEST WC’S: REAR LANDSCAPED GARDEN: OFF-STREET PARKING

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Hornsey Lane Gardens, N6 £4,000,000

An exceptional family home which has been tastefully refurbished across four floors. On the ground floor, you are welcomed by an impressive entrance hall with a floating staircase and doors which lead onto a grand reception room and a Gaggenau fitted kitchen. Providing five bedrooms, a secure internal garage and the added luxury of a gym including a sauna, plunge pool and a shower room, energy rating c.

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

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dexters.co.uk

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

13/11/2023 15:52

Sunnyfield, NW7 £2,375,000

Located in the heart of Mill Hill, a contemporary house offering excellent entertaining space throughout. There is a generous open plan kitchen and reception room with direct access 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, Daikinair-conditioning, Herringbone flooring and Italian marble in all bathrooms, energy rating e.

Dexters Finchley. 126 Ballards Lane, London, N3 2PA T: 020 8742 4180 E: finchleysales@dexters.co.uk

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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@dexterslondon

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Hall Road | St John’s Wood, NW8 For Sale

£1,150,000

leasehold with 119 years remaining

3

2

1

This elegant apartment spans over 900 sq. ft. and is situated on the top floor of a beautiful period conversion, just off Hamilton Terrace. The property boasts a large open-space kitchen/dining room/reception area with parquet flooring throughout, and access to the communal garden.

Sole Agent

EPC Rating C | Service charge: £5,050 per annum | Ground rent: £550 per annum | Local authority and council tax band: Westminster City Council, band F

David Brand – Sales Director

020 7182 1406 david.brand@chestertons.co.uk

chestertons.co.uk

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LUXURY LONDON LIVING

13/11/2023 15:54

Park Lodge | St John’s Wood, NW8 For Sale

£1,250,000

leasehold with 953 years remaining

2

2

1

This bright apartment is located within a prestigious mansion block with porter and lift, just 0.4 miles from St John’s Wood Underground Station. The property benefits from over 1,000 sq. ft. of living space, a storeroom, off-street parking, and access to the communal garden.

Sole Agent

EPC Rating C | Service charge: £11,000 per annum | Local authority and council tax band: London Borough of Camden, band F

David Brand – Sales Director

020 7182 1406 david.brand@chestertons.co.uk

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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1 2

3

Highgate West Hill, Highgate N6 3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 2 reception rooms | Garden Approximately 3,660 sq ft | Freehold | EPC E | Council Tax band H

An exceptional Grade II listed house located in the heart of Highgate Village. The home has been meticulously refurbished and retains a wealth of period features.

Asking price £5,500,000 Knight Frank Hampstead katy.brookes@knightfrank.com 020 3918 7804

knightfrank.co.uk Winners of the Best Customer Focus Award in 2023

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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Your partners in property

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FIRST TIM E ADVERTISED

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Shopping / LIFESTYLE

Matilda antique Victorian gold lover’s knot ring, £,1680 (thevintageringco.com) Stargazer yellow sapphire earring and ring set, £7,950 (mnassar.co.uk)

Ear studs, €4,500 (vangelderjewellery. com)

Cocktail Club Collection 1.90 carat ring in yellow gold with round and princess diamonds, from £5,540 (baunat.com)

Unique 9ct yellow gold imperial topaz engagement ring with diamond clusters, £4,785 (hkjewellery.co.uk)

THE GOLDEN HOUR

Prisma Citrine Drops earrings, £1,133 (77diamonds.com)

Give the gift of gold this Christmas: whether traditionalist or trendsetter, they’re sure to love finding an extra sparkle under the tree

Enroute Earrings 2x1, £2,646 (latitudejewelry. com) Long 18ct Identity necklace, £14,830 with Identity bar diamond yellow, £7,175 (robinsonpelham. com)

Chevron bangles, £250 each (annalouoflondon.com)

Opium Smoke ring, £17,320 (bibivandervelden.com)

Fine shapeless ring, £1,885 (bouloworld.com)

Emerald and pearl choker, £10,557.40 (devijewels.co)

Ring batul gold 14k, £955 (buddhatobuddha.com/uk-en) LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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Swan ring 14k solid gold ring, £1,434 (aurumiceland. com)

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13/11/2023 12:27

Culture / LIFESTYLE

WHAT’S ON IN LONDON

DANCE

Edward Scissorhands

What to see and do in the Capital this December

FESTIVE FUN

Photo by Johan Persson

Pergola Paddington transforms into a veritable winter wonderland this month, complete with a frosty forest, alpine décor, and even a life-sized Polar Express train. Special events at the W2 venue include Christmas anthem singalongs, candlelit gospel choir performances, seasonal bottomless brunches, and festive movie screenings. Snuggle up! Until 31 December, 5 Kingdom Street, W2 (pergolapaddington.com)

Courtesy of Tin Drum

Photo by Roberta Barzaghi

Deck the halls

Returning to the London stage for the first time in nine years is Matthew Bourne’s retelling of the classic Tim Burton movie. The renowned choreographer describes Edward Scissorhands as “the ultimate outsider story”, with themes that resonate as much today as they did on the film’s original release back in 1990. Darkly magical, and not to be missed. 5 December20 January 2024, Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R (020 7863 8000; sadlerswells.com)

MUSIC

EXHIBITION

If seeing – and hearing – is believing, you’d better believe you’re in for a treat. Hailed as ‘hauntingly beautiful’, this ground-breaking production is the handiwork of mixed reality pioneers Tin Drum, and pays tribute to legendary artist and composer, the late Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Marrying music, art, and cuttingedge tech, expect to be transported, and transfixed.

29 December-7 January 2024, Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 (roundhouse.org.uk)

45 Park Lane unveils its latest exhibition in collaboration with London gallery AntikBar. Featuring a collection of rare and vintage original ad posters from the early 20th century, graphic design lovers will be in their element.

Until 31 January, 45 Park Lane, W1K (020 7493 4545; dorchestercollection. com/london/45-parklane/art)

KAGAMI

THEATRE

Dreaming and Drowning

Get ready for the world premiere of writer and director Kwame Owusu’s award-winning play, which follows bright young student Malachi (played by Tienne Simon) as he struggles with a recurring nightmare that threatens to pull him under.

Dark, visceral, and daring. Until 23 December, Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, W12 (020 8743 5050; bushtheatre.co.uk) LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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Art Deco: Age of Style and Glamour

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exclusive interview

Motsi Mabuse

In the spotlight Strictly Come Dancing’s Motsi Mabuse on taking her first dance steps, understanding the power of words and finding work-life balance Words by Liz Skone James Photography by Lesley Edith Styling by Hebe Fox Hair by Alisha Dobson Make up by Marcos Gurgel 34 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | December 2023

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LUXURY LONDON LIVING

09/11/2023 16:27

Interview / LIFESTYLE

Motsi wears: yellow sweater and sequin skirt, both by Luisa Spagnoli; and jewellery by Boodles LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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Motsi wears, this page: black dress by ALEMAIS (available at Matches Fashion); necklace and bracelet

by Boodles; and Cartier ring from Susannah Lovis Opposite page, left: red suit and shirt

by Luisa Spagnoli; heels by Giuseppe Zanotti; and jewellery

by Boodles and Susannah Lovis Opposite page, right: pink dress

by Luisa Spagnoli; heels by Christian Louboutin; and jewellery by Boodles 36 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | December 2023

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09/11/2023 16:27

Interview / LIFESTYLE

Motsi Mabuse is back in the swing of another season of the nation’s favourite dance show, flying back and forth to London every weekend for filming; the South African dancer and Strictly Come Dancing judge lives in Germany with her husband, dancer Evgenij Voznyuk and their young daughter. I wonder if she finds the constant back and forth stressful. “I mean, it’s my fifth year – I just don’t see it as a problem,” she shrugs. “I don’t know, people get stressed out with travelling, I just… I don’t! Maybe I’ve gotten immune; what bothers me is maybe sometimes I feel like I could sleep a little bit longer,” she laughs.

This has been, she says, a very interesting series so far. “I feel like our group of candidates are so lovely,” she tells me, candidly. “Each and every one of them is so nice. I’ve never had a season where you feel like everybody brings something that is so special to the show. So, it just gets even more difficult losing them each week.” Does she have any idea about who might win, I ask. “I think I know, but let’s wait,” she grins. “We might be surprised. Yeah, I’m not gonna say…”

I wonder if she has an instinct for these things.

“There’s been so many, so, so many of these moments for me on Strictly,” she reveals. “Rose and Giovanni’s dance when the music just went quiet – I’ve seen it before in Germany, but the way they did it, both of them, and the wind blowing and everything, it was absolutely excellent. And also, I enjoyed the very first time Oti came out for the Samba with Kelvin, and we didn’t know what was going to hit us – that explosive moment was really nice. And with Hamza and his Salsa last year!” she exclaims. “There was such a bang in the room, where you were like, ‘This is special!’.

And when that happens, the connection is so perfect that you are kind of like, “Okay, I know this LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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person’s going to win’.” Still, she will not be pressed on who is giving her those feelings this year – a judge’s job is to remain impartial.

Dancing has been a huge part of Motsi’s life for almost as long as she can remember. Before she started dancing, she recalls being a showgirl – “always performing at home”. Then, having watched a ballroom dancing show on holiday and thinking it was “cute”, her mum lined up some lessons. “She knew a few people who were ballroom dancers, so, she got them together,” Motsi explains. “We went to a kindergarten that she was working at, and we moved all the kids’ stuff to the side, and that’s where we took our first dancing steps.” Motsi was six at the time, by the age of 11 she was dancing competitively. “It was just a hobby, to start with,” she says, “but it sparked something in me; it just went insane.”

Aged 19, Motsi decided to abandon her degree – she was studying law at the University of Pretoria and had been expected to go into the family business. What did her parents make of her decision? “Oh, they would have rather that I, you know, finish my education,” she recalls.

“But, as time went by, they kind of relaxed…”

It was all they could do, Motsi’s mind was made up; in pursuit of her dancing dreams, she moved to Germany in 2000. There, she continued dancing professionally and launched her own dance school, transitioning from stage to screen in 2006 for the show Let’s Dance (the German adaptation of the Strictly Come Dancing format), first as a professional dance partner, then as a judge, a role she still holds.

How did she feel when the BBC offered her the job on Strictly here? “It felt like God said: ‘Okay, girl, you’ve worked so hard. Here you are!’,” she exclaims, happily. “You invest so much in

“It brings JOY to PEOPLE; it brings joy to us. It is WONDERFUL to be part of, to know that you are part of people’s HAPPINESS” being good at what you do, and you love it, but sometimes it feels like you’re not being seen, you are part of the furniture. Being called for Strictly was like, you know, like the hard work paid off.

Like I’d been seen in some way.” And her time on the show has more than lived up to initial expectations. “It brings joy to people; it brings joy to us. It is wonderful to be part of, to know that you are part of people’s happiness,” Motsi says.

Guinness World Records named Strictly as the world’s most successful reality television format in 2010, and its popularity seems to grow with every year that passes. What does Motsi think is the appeal of the show? “I think everybody has an opinion about dancing,” she hypothesises. “I feel like everybody has a connection to music; music moves us all in a way. And it’s one of the shows that you can trust that you will be able to watch with the whole family. It brings us together, and also it offers escapism – for a few hours, you get to just forget what’s going on in the world, and just enjoy that moment.”

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LIFESTYLE / Interview between 2015 and 2021. “The first year was a good year,” she recalls, fondly. “Everybody was going, ‘Oh, wow, here come the sisters!’.” Did she find it difficult having to judge her own sister? “Not at all!

Oti and I got into this very interesting professional relationship,” she reveals. “You could say, in a way we were representing each other. So, I wanted to be good for Oti, and be fair, and be non-biased like I was with everyone else. And you know, it was the same with Oti, she wanted to be good in her job, so that I couldn’t say, ‘Girl you didn’t work for that’.

She wanted to give it her best. It helped both of us.”

The pair worked together for three seasons.

Does Motsi miss her now that she is gone? “Yes, I miss her, but she’s still on the show, because she watches the show,” she says. “We’re always communicating by phone. Like if there’s a break, I’m connected to Oti. And sometimes, she’s like, ‘Fix your hair!’, or like, ‘What did you just say?’.

It’s like she’s there with me. Being without her was what I was afraid of, but she’s there with me. So, she really never left Strictly. She might not be there in person, but her presence will always be felt. And she’s doing a bit of choreographing as far as I know – as much as she says to herself that she’s gone, I don’t think she’ll ever leave Strictly,” she laughs.

Motsi is not just mindful of what Oti will think of the things that she says as a judge, she is constantly aware of how her words are going to be interpreted by whoever they are addressed to. “I really, really, really, really am careful about what words I use,” she reveals. “That is one thing that’s important to me. So, even if I have to tell somebody that it didn’t work out, I’m careful of how I say it, because I do feel like words have power, and we have power sitting there; the way you use words matters.”

Testament to her measured judgments, perhaps, is the fact that she says she has never received online abuse from disgruntled fans with noses put out of joint by their favourite star’s scores. “The viewers are so sweet, I mean if they do write things, they don’t write it to me,” she tells me. “You can check my Instagram page after Saturday, Sunday. I just get people loving all our looks, and laughing about the funny bits, and reposting stuff… Actually, I get a lot of new people following me every week, it’s interesting.” This may, though, be more reflective of Strictly fans on the whole, Motsi believes. “I mean, just look at how much love we’re all receiving in comparison to maybe two or three people complaining,” she says, “If you concentrate on all the positive comments, you see that it outweighs by far the negative stuff: there’s more of a love-storm than a shitstorm.”

With such passionate fans, and such a huge audience in both countries, being recognised undoubtedly goes with the territory. Does Motsi take it in her stride? “It depends on the situation,” she says. “When I’m shopping with my daughter, or we’re somewhere on holiday and people are pointing at us, I feel my protective side come out.

But everything else that comes with it… I know people have a lot of love and appreciation and support for me – so, it’s never a problem, it’s just that, like I say, when I’m with my girl, and I’m in mum mode… I’m very protective.”

The Motsi we know from the show is very much a glamour puss, does she enjoy this side of the role, and does it reflect who she really is, I wonder. “I do enjoy the glamour. I’ve learned so much about what I love, and fashion, and make up, and who I am,” she nods. “I’ve really grown in that respect, from the dancing girl. I enjoy it, but you know, everything has its limits. If I have to wear make up five times a week, in the end I’m like, ‘I don’t want any make up on my face!’ But I love having it done at other times. Like everything, 38 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | December 2023

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it’s about balance. But it’s just fun, fun, fun to put looks together. That’s what we do, you know, with the team. We get together and then we exchange looks, we exchange styling ideas, and that’s so much fun, because we start way ahead, and we work out themes, and I feel like this year I am with a team who have put me in looks that, personally, I feel are showing more of who I really am.”

She has made success look easy, but getting to where she is has been hard work for Motsi. “It was quite intense, building the business in Germany and trying to find my own stability,” she reveals.

“Now, I’ve been on the TV there for like 16 years.

I’ve got my own dance studio. I’ve started my own cosmetics line. And, obviously, always first is being a mum. It has changed – it’s really changed since becoming a mum. My priorities have changed a lot, which makes things a little bit more difficult for me, and what I mean is that I’m really, really, very, very specific about my time – like where and what I do, and how much time I spend with what.

Because, you know, my brother died at a very, very young age. I was young and that kind of shocked my system. So, I always feel like I have to be with my daughter all the time. She’s so young, so I guess that’s understandable. And so, it’s always about figuring out that balance, for me.”

Does she think she’s there with the balance?

“I am trying… I do not believe that there will be a time where I feel like I’m doing everything well,” she says, frankly. “I try to be a good mum.

I try to be good in my job. I try to be a good sister.

You know, a good friend. And I don’t think I ever get the balance right, as much as I would love to.

Sometimes I’m completely a mum, and everything kind of falls way back. I do try, but to feel that you’re 100 per cent absolutely everywhere, that is difficult. Especially for a person who absolutely loves to give 100 per cent everywhere. I have to be satisfied with some things not getting 100 per cent. And that’s difficult…”

It is perhaps because of this that she plans to take some time out when this Strictly run comes to an end. “I’m on a break,” she declares, excitedly.

“We will go to Australia. I’m going to soak in the sun. Next year is really exclusively for me, for my family. And that’s the plan, and obviously, if Strictly will have me back, I’ll be back! Otherwise, it will be a year of family and motherhood.” As lovely as that sounds, I can’t help crossing my fingers that Strictly will have her back – the show just wouldn’t be the same without Motsi.

The Strictly Come Dancing final will be on BBC 1 on Saturday 16 December

Motsi wears: yellow sweater and sequin skirt, both by Luisa Spagnoli; and jewellery by Boodles

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09/11/2023 11:05

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LUXURY MATERNITY CARE

Introducing The Kensington Wing, the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, one of the safest hospitals in London

40 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | December 2023

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Offering consultant-led and midwife-led care, as well as antenatal classes, scanning services, neonatal baby checks and a community postnatal package, the Kensington Wing is located at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, one of the safest hospitals in London.

Providing women and birthing people with aroundthe-clock clinical care, comfortable en suite private rooms and hospitality services, the Wing is located next door to the hospital’s recently expanded and refurbished Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to give additional peace of mind, and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site 24/7.

Each individual room offers en suite facilities and is a haven, while the catering and hospitality team ensures every stay is relaxing as well as safe. Postnatal rooms all include a pull-down single bed for the birthing partner’s comfort.

On The Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, neonatologists, midwives, nurses, sonographers and maternity support workers provide care as a team. Both consultant-led and midwife-led maternity packages are available.

The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries and the opportunity to discuss midwife-led care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women and birthing people who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout pregnancy, and the midwifery team are available 24 hours, seven days a week for advice or concerns throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal stay.

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On The Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, neonatologists, midwives, nurses, sonographers and maternity support workers provide care as a team The consultant-led care package allows women and birthing people to choose one of the Wing’s experienced consultant obstetricians to personally support their pregnancy and birth.

The chosen consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout this journey, building a relationship with the parents through the antenatal period to give them the confidence to birth safely in line with their birth preferences.

The support continues through the postnatal period, including at the six-week postnatal check. All consultants are available to meet with parents without any obligation.

For the ultimate luxury, comfort and discretion, and a unique postnatal experience, you can book to stay in the Kensington Suite. The Suite boasts hotel-standard services and facilities, a king-size bed, a luxury cot for your new baby and a living room to relax and host visitors, with an exclusive entrance for ultimate privacy. The Suite can be booked for individual nights, or the first night post-birth is included with the care if a Platinum delivery package is booked, for either midwife-led or consultant-led care. A 360-degree virtual tour of the Suite and all of the rooms is available on the website, or get in touch with the team if you would like to visit and see the facilities in person.

The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and to answer any questions.

If you’d like to find out more and explore the facilities, why not go along to one of the open evenings?

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LIFESTYLE / Style news

PERSONAL STYLIST

Gymbox has introduced a new series of classes dedicated to mental fitness

The latest in luxury fashion, beauty and healthy living

WELLBEING

Mental health MOT The address is significant, as it is the location of the first Jimmy Choo store

FASHION

COUTURE IN CONNAUGHT VILLAGE

Looking to dazzle this party season? We bring news of a new haute couture boutique in the heart of Connaught Village, and it promises to answer all of your festive fashion prayers. The Atelier began life as small bridal shop in Malaysia nearly 40 years ago – from these humble beginnings it has grown into a world-renowned couturier under the creative direction of Professor Jimmy Choo OBE, who was appointed to the house in 2017. Under his guidance, a team of highly-skilled designers create exquisitely beautiful garments that combine avant-garde tailoring with the very finest fabrics.

The Atelier offers three exclusive lines – The Bridal by The Atelier, The Atelier Couture and The

BEAUTY

Treats in store

After 25 years working in the industry, celebrity brow expert Sherrille Riley’s is a voice you can trust. Her boutique salon, Nails & Brows Mayfair has amassed a following that counts celebrities and royalty amongst its numbers, while her meticulously researched collection of eyebrowenhancing products, Beauty Edit, has reached iconic status. And she has now launched the ultimate shopping destination: gorgeous concept store, Beauty Edit Mayfair offers an extensive range of high-quality cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance products from renowned

42 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | December 2023

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Atelier Ready-To-Wear – encompassing everything from romantic and dreamy silhouettes, to fierce, directional designs, every perfectly tailored piece is a unique celebration of the female form. You can now explore the collection at the brand-new boutique – The Atelier’s first bricks and mortar store in Europe, and its flagship store. The address is significant, too: number 18 Connaught Street was the site of the very first Jimmy Choo store.

The space is as beautifully designed as the couture pieces themselves, ensuring the ultimate shopping experience. Step into a world of pure luxury…

18 Connaught Street, W2 (020 7402 7642; theateliercouture.com)

international and niche brands. With a commitment to sustainability and conscious beauty practices, Beauty Edit Mayfair encourages customers to reduce their environmental impact and prioritises sustainable, clean brands, including Monpure, Charlotte Mensah and Darling Sun. Add to this a programme of beauty workshops and events and you have the ultimate immersive experience. Sherille tells us customers can expect to: “discover an array of cosmetics, essential body care products, and innovative sun care solutions that will leave them feeling inspired.”

33 Berkeley Street, W1J (beautyeditmayfair.com)

How are you? It can be hard to cope with the dreary winter days and increasingly desperate news stories.

And, in the festive whirlwind, it is especially hard to step back and check in with our mental health. But one London gym is urging us to do just this. Gymbox’s new MIND category has been designed to support people wanting to connect their mental and physical wellbeing. Three new research-backed classes have been introduced to the timetable – they join Cocoon, Gymbox’s popular aerial relaxation class, and meditation class, The Portal. The new classes include Weight Lifted, a 45-minute session that taps into the principles of trauma release exercises, combining shaking therapy with breathing and movement. Or, for those struggling to sleep, Catch Some ZZZs has been built around ‘The Military Method’, and incorporates breathwork and progressive muscle relaxation.

And, for those suffering with anxiety, there’s Regulate, which introduces practical tools – think journalling, deep relaxation and breathwork.

Make the ultimate gift of self-love this Christmas.

To discover more, see gymbox.com

The boutique is staffed by a team of highly trained advisors, promising an unparalleled experience

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

09/11/2023 16:30

Fashion / LIFESTYLE

Sam with Cara Delevingne and Gisele Bündchen

Sam with Princess Diana

HEAD-TURNING HOLIDAY HAIR

SA M’S TO P 5 DA Z ZL I N G D OS 1. The supermodel big blowout The voluminous blowout is back and here to stay, with everyone reaching for their velcro and hot rollers. The key here is all over volume. Go for a sexy side part with cheekbone skimming waves for the ultimate healthy, cool girl hair. Cool Girl Volume Foam is the perfect volumising and heat protecting styler for this look.

Balmain AW23

Keeping hair healthy and beautiful this season needn’t be hard work, says legendary celebrity hair stylist Sam McKnight. He shares his top tips and reveals his favourite party styles

Winter-proofing your hair can make all the difference to fighting frizz, taming fly-aways and keeping hair shiny and beautiful, which in turn makes styling easier. Taking these steps to prep, protect and perfect can ensure your hair not only survives but thrives, just in time for the festive season. Cold, dry air strips moisture from your scalp and hair, indoor heating does too, and going from one extreme to the other takes it all up a notch.

Then you have your winter wardrobe of coats, hats and jumpers which can create friction, leading to static and rough, tangled strands.

Julien Macdonald AW23

Rich Nourish Conditioner, £28

3. Sleek and chic From the runway to the red carpet, super sleek chignons are everywhere, and it’s a style that can take you from desk to dance floor in minutes.

A sharp side parting and a sprinkle of biodegradable glitter across where the light hits gives just the right amount of glamour. The key to this look is an ultra-shiny, glossy finish – use Self Control Gel to achieve it.

(As seen at Julien Macdonald AW23)

STEP UP YOUR HAIRCARE Time to step up the hydration in your haircare; invest in a shampoo and conditioner that will boost moisture and nourish. You don’t have to treat your hair and scalp the same – often what the ends needs isn’t what the roots do.

Choose the cleanser for the hair you have and the conditioner for the hair you want. For extra TLC this winter turn to Rich Cleanse and Rich Nourish.

TIME FOR A TREAT It might sound obvious but taking the time to apply a treatment regularly will transform your hair health. Aim to replace your conditioner with a mask every third hair wash and choose a treatment that’s easy to add to a time poor routine. Deeper Love and Bigger Love Treatment Masks work in five minutes, you can even pop them on in the shower.

DE-FRIZZ AND DE-FLUFF Nourishing balms and cremes are the perfect solution if you need to de-fluff and de-frizz. Double up the protection by applying Happy Endings to freshly washed hair and then again once dry to smooth and polish.

STYLING SAVIOURS When heat styling, use styling products that offer multiple benefits. Blow dry mists such as Save the Do will protect the hair from heat and humidity, as well as keeping your blow dry frizz-free and long-lasting – just what you need in the British winter drizzle. sammcknight.com LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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2. The easy half-up do This effortlessly romantic style is easy to do at home, in the Uber en route, or in the bathroom at your party. Whether your hair is textured or straight and glossy, tie delicately under the crown and dress to impress with your favourite oversized bow or a strip of velvet ribbon.

Save the Do Blow Dry Style Starter, £26

Bigger Love Treatment Mask, £52

4. The maxi-bob Take inspiration from queens of Motown, The Supremes, and give your roots a lift to boost your bob.

Go for shiny, lustrous volume with a little flick at the ends. Cool Girl Superlift is the best root boost for this easy tweak. (As seen at Ashish SS24) 5. The verti bow All wrapped up! Turn a ‘bow’ on its side for a modern, sleek take on a chignon. (As seen at Balmain AW23)

December 2023 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | 43

09/11/2023 16:30

020 3315 8484 chelwest.pp.sec.referrals@nhs.net chelwestprivatecare.co.uk

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13/11/2023 15:45

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IN THE SAFEST HANDS Choosing cosmetic procedures or plastic surgery is a very personal decision, so make sure your treatment is catered to your unique needs

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust ’s private plastic surgery consultants are experts in their field and conduct all the major surgical and non-surgical cosmetic and aesthetic procedures, offering specialist dermatology, plastic surgery, craniofacial and burns care and scar management services within one of the safest hospitals in the Capital.

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This also means their patients can have their surgery and nonsurgical procedures in Chelsea and

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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Westminster Hospital, with instant access to the hospital’s A&E, ITU and HDU departments, should any need for further care arise.

At Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, you can choose from consultants specialising in different procedures, as well as different areas of the body. Their craniofacial surgeons offer surgical procedures such as blepharoplasty (eye bag removal), ear shaping and pinning (also known as pinnaplasty or otoplasty), and minor operations under local anaesthetic, such as removals of skin tags, lipomas and various “lumps and bumps” on the face and head. They are also skilled in non-surgical procedures including

Botox, microneedling, fillers, facial peels, and laser treatments for issues such as hyperpigmentation, acne scarring and wrinkles.

They provide several body contouring surgical procedures, too, such as abdominoplasty (commonly known as the tummy tuck), breast and chest surgeries, liposuction, fat grafting, arm and thigh lifts, as well as labiaplasty. Laser treatments are also available from their body contouring surgeons, including hair removal and skin toning.

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital is home to the leading NHS tertiary centre for burns care, ranging from acute inpatient care to ongoing outpatient care and therapy. The burns care consultants are world leading experts in scar management, treatment and intervention for scarring resulting from burns as well as other trauma and can offer therapy including LPG vacuum massage, microneedling, custom pressure garments and laser treatments for irregular, thickened or keloid scars.

All of your cosmetic and aesthetic procedures can therefore be undertaken in the same hospital and you’ll have continuity of care with your chosen clinicians. And if your treatment requires an overnight stay, you’ll benefit from a private room in the en suite inpatient facilities at the Chelsea Wing, which includes luxury complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner, catering to all dietary and cultural requirements.

The team welcome patients who are self-funding their treatment, those who are covered by health insurance, as well as international patients whose care is funded through embassy-sponsored arrangements. Furthermore, all profits from private care are invested back into Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to fund vital NHS services.

To find out more about the consultants, and services on offer, or to book an initial consultation, visit chelwestprivatecare. co.uk/services/plastic-surgery-cosmeticprocedures, call 020 3315 8484, or email chelwest.pp.sec.referrals@nhs.net December 2023 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | 45

09/11/2023 16:49

RECIPE

Mathew Carver’s jalapeño poppers with garlic and herb dip If you’re throwing a festive party, these cheesy bites will spice things up for your guests, and go perfectly with a cheeky dirty margarita

2. In a bowl, mix the mascarpone and chillies together and season before finally adding the grated mozzarella. Shape the mix into ovals (about 30g each) and panné them by rolling in the flour, then the egg and then the breadcrumbs.

3. In a large heavy-bottomed pan, heat the vegetable oil to 160C; you can test the temperature with a sugar thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil with a cube of bread.

It should brown in 40-50 seconds when the oil is the right temperature.

4. Deep-fry the poppers in batches of 3 or 4 for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and piping hot.

MAKES 14 - 16

Garlic and herb dip 1. Mash the confit garlic with the back of a fork to make a rough purée.

2. In a bowl, mix together the remaining ingredients. Add the confit garlic purée and gently mix. Taste and add table salt if required.

PA I RS GRE AT W ITH...

A D I RT Y M A RGA RI TA INGREDIENTS

Lime wedge Table salt, for dipping 1 tbsp lime juice 3 slices (rings) of pickled jalapeños 5 tsp Tequila or Mezcal 4 tsp Cointreau 1 tbsp agave syrup 1 tsp pickled jalapeño liquor Ice

Photo by Lizzie Mayson

METHOD

If you’re still on the hunt for a gift for a foodie friend, look no further than The Cheese Life, a beautiful new book from cheese purveyor and restaurateur Mathew Carver and food journalist and cheese writer Patrick McGuigan. Including creative cheese recipes (from the ultimate fondue to the perfect grilled cheese toastie), unique insights into how cheese is produced (including interviews with the clever folk behind it), and even expert advice on the best drinks to match with each cheese variety, the book is a celebration of all things cheese. Mathew founded The Cheese Truck back in 2014, selling toasties to festival goers from a repurposed ice cream van. His toasties gained a cult following and so he went on to give London more cheesy creations with three restaurants across the Capital: The Cheese Bar, The Cheese Barge and Pick & Cheese (featuring the world’s first cheese conveyor belt). Here, he shares an irresistible recipe from the book: “These chilli and cheese bombs are guaranteed to make you hot under the collar. Beneath their crispy, golden exterior lies an explosion of spicy chillies and velvety mozzarella.

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1. Wipe the rim of a rocks glass with a lime wedge and dip into salt to coat the rim.

2. Place the lime juice and 2 of the jalapeño rings in a shaker and muddle.

3. Add the Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, agave syrup, pickle liquor and ice, then shake.

4. Fill the glass with fresh ice, then pour over the margarita through a strainer and garnish with the remaining jalapeño ring and lime wedge.

They pair perfectly with a margarita, or even a dirty margarita (see additional recipe). Hot Stuff by Donna Summer must be played at the same time.

It’s the law!” Kyle Books, £25 (thecheeselifebook.com)

INGREDIENTS

For the jalapeño poppers 150g pickled jalapeños (drained weight) 125g mascarpone cheese 275g cooking mozzarella or scamorza cheese, grated 100g plain (all-purpose) flour 5 eggs, beaten 250g panko breadcrumbs 1l vegetable oil for deep-frying Salt and pepper For the garlic and herb dip 1 clove confit garlic 175ml soured cream 1 tbsp mayonnaise ½ tsp dried thyme ½ tsp dried oregano Salt

METHOD

Jalapeño poppers 1. Add the drained jalapeños to a blender or food processor and blitz them until finely chopped.

In small batches, place the blitzed jalapeños in kitchen paper and squeeze to dry.

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

14/11/2023 16:08

Food & drink / LIFESTYLE A unique grouse tea is a highlight of Nest’s gamefocused menu

REVIEW

Nest

Flying high on its success, the Hackney hotspot has migrated south Words by Penny Clements Much-loved neighbourhood restaurant Nest found a new perch in October this year – after a six year stint on Hackney’s Morning Lane it has flown south and migrated to a brand-new home on Old Street, in the heart of trendy Shoreditch.

With the move comes a more mature and accommodating 24-seater dining space, designed with a stripped back, industrial chic aesthetic.

Nest’s focus in on exceptional seasonal British produce, and when we visit in October, the menu has a game focus. I’ve never considered myself a particular fan of game, but then I’ve never experienced it cooked well by somebody who knows what they’re doing – I’m keen to give it another go in the hands of professionals.

An à la carte menu is available here at lunchtime, but we visit as the day is drawing in, for a set menu with snacks and paired wine.

The snug and atmospheric space is furnished with rustic wooden benches and small, candlelit tables, all offering a view of the open kitchen, where we can see the chefs hard at work. It really is a special setting: one that puts us in a good mood for good food – and that’s exactly what we get.

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The menu, delivered to the table when we arrive, is sealed with a wax-stamp, giving us the option to keep its contents a mystery until the dishes are presented. It’s an invitation we are only too happy to accept – putting our trust in the skill of the kitchen team.

Co-founders Luke Wasserman, Toby Neill and Johnnie Crowe are passionate about the sourcing of their ingredients, with menus driven by the seasons. Working together with the best local suppliers and small-scale farmers – think Alternative Meats, Shrub Provisions and Keltic Seafare – they ensure that only the best available ingredients are used. With an ethical, sustainable, and quality approach, Nest is actively lowering its carbon footprint whilst showcasing the UK’s very best farm-to-plate cooking.

From small plates to larger dishes, each of our nine courses is served with passion and knowledge. To whet the appetite we tuck into homemade soda bread served with smoky and salty cultured butter. Dishes like the game liver parfait bomb and mixed game bird faggot (comprising partridge, mallard and grouse), showcase the team’s ‘use all’ approach to cooking, which is elegant, inventive, and full of flavour.

It’s not all meat, though, you’ll find the menu sprinkled with lighter detours such as the meltin-the-mouth three-day dried trout, cooked skin side down to create delicate fish crackling – it is a deliciously palate cleansing dish. Particular mention goes to the unique and genius grouse tea, poured from a glass teapot; the ultimate way to warm the cockles.

A short but specialist wine pairing has been curated by an expert sommelier who has worked exclusively with small, low-intervention wineries from Austria. He clearly knows what he is doing – we turn our noses up at one suggestion, but

when paired with barbecued Yorkshire grouse, accompanied by last of the season sweetcorn and a dashing of delicious raspberry-infused jus, it is smooth and sublime.

We finish off with Ashcombe cheese, named for the striking horizontal line of wood ash running through its centre, and homemade Bakewell tart with a exquisitely light and moreish raspberry doughnut.

If there’s one thing I’ll remember our wonderful evening at Nest for – beyond the expertly chosen wines and euphoric dishes – it’s the staff, who are in equal parts personable, attentive, and knowledgeable.

After our meal, I roll out onto the streets of London on the crest of a particularly acute postdinner high – singing the praises of everything from the edibles to the atmosphere. With an ever-evolving menu that divides the year into different seasons, I will need no excuse to book a return visit.

Nest & Nest Cellar, 374-378 Old Street, EC1V (07769 196972; nestfood.co.uk)

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09/11/2023 16:32

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO…

2024 TRAVEL SPECIAL

As we come to the end of a year in which the world truly moved forward from the pandemic, with airports full and borders open, we look at what the year ahead holds for travel

While our wallets are being squeezed by rising prices, our desire to travel seems unwavering. Indeed, consumer behaviour research published by booking platform Skyscanner in October showed that 80 per cent of UK travellers plan to take the same number, if not more trips abroad in 2024 compared to 2023, and over a quarter (27 per cent) plan to spend more on travel next year than they did this year. Reinforcing these sentiments, Hilton’s recent third annual trends report finds that 64 per cent of global travellers aim to reduce other areas of their personal spending to prioritise leisure travel in 2024. “Even with ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, travel demand has remained strong as consumers continue to prioritise the value of experiences and connections over things,” explains Kevin Jacobs, chief financial officer and president of global development at Hilton.

It seems we are still making up for lost time – holding on to a renewed sense of wanderlust in the post pandemic world.

So, how will we be travelling 2024?

SE T-J E T TI N G

Ever found yourself catching up on your current box set binge and dreaming about jetting off to explore the places where it was filmed? You’re not alone, Skyscanner reveal that, with 54 per cent of UK travellers inspired to take a trip to a destination they’ve seen on the big or small screen, film and TV is the second most popular source of travel inspiration for UK travellers, only beaten by word-of-mouth recommendations. And the trend looks set to continue into the New Year.

FLYI N G SO LO

Whether craving self-discovery, seeking the independence that comes with going it alone, or wanting to take sightseeing at their own pace, the trend is clear – solo travel is soaring in popularity amongst travellers of all backgrounds. Research by Marriot Bonvoy, the hotel chain’s loyalty programme, shows that it is especially popular among younger travellers. Of those they surveyed who intend to go away in the next three years, 47 per cent of those aged 18-24 and 46 per cent of those aged 25-34 are planning a solo trip.

SLOW TR AVEL

In a world that is always on, more and more of us crave a holiday that allows us to switch off from modern life. We want to travel at our own pace, taking time to explore local history and culture, while disconnecting from digital technology and being mindful of our impact on the environment. Authenticity is key, according to research by Booking.com, with 47 per cent of respondents eager to connect with locals in less-travelled areas and 44 per cent venturing into less touristy spots. Meanwhile, Marriot Bonvoy’s research reveals that nearly half of UK travellers (46 per cent) say they have already been on a ‘slow’ holiday, and half (49 per cent) say they plan to go on a slow holiday in the next three years. (skyscanner.com; hilton.com; marriott.com, booking.com) 48 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | December 2023

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Take a journey through the seldom-seen sea ice of the geographic North Pole

So that’s the how, but what about the where? We asked the team at award-winning luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent to reveal their destinations to watch in 2024. Here’s what they had to say.

EU RO PE N O RWAY

“For all our recent Scandi obsession, Norway remains the least explored of the trio. But with this summer’s record temperatures causing more holidaymakers to look north, it won’t stay that way for long.”

Book it: The new 10-night Dazzling Gems of Hidden Norway is a super-bespoke journey from Oslo to Bergen, with action-packed adventures in birch forests and fjords, and stays at some of Europe’s most extraordinary wilderness hotels. Price on request, depending on choice of experiences and hotels.

ASI A & TH E M I D D LE E AST SAU D I A R A B I A

“Saudi Arabia emerges in 2024 as the new frontier for pioneering travellers seeking unspoiled ancient sites like Hegra and vast desert landscapes, as well as futuristic developments, now more accessible than ever.”

Book it: The seven-night Classic Saudi Arabia journey travels to ancient and modern wonders across Saudi Arabia, taking in the little-visited rock-carved tombs of AlUla (comparable to Petra), and includes a stay in Jeddah on the Red Sea waterfront.

From £12,375, including flights, transfers and guiding.

Norway is known for its dramatic fjords and beautiful landscapes

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

09/11/2023 16:33

Spotlight on / TRAVEL

A room with a view at Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island in South Australia

Explore the cactus-filled Arizona deserts

N O RTH A M ERI C A A RIZO N A , USA

“Arizona emerges as 2024’s hottest US travel trend with visitors flocking for its incredible diversity beyond the iconic sights.

Extended vacations are surging as travellers deep-dive into the state’s ancestral lands, spiritual vortexes, UNESCO-lauded food scene, and up-and-coming wine region.”

Book it: The new 16-night Immersive Grand Canyon and the Southwest journey travels to the American Southwest, including the lesser-visited North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and two nights at Amangiri. From £13,595pp including flights, transfers and guiding.

L ATI N A M ERI C A CO LO M B I A

“Colombia is sky-rocketing into 2024 as one of the most exciting emerging destinations on the planet. Our high-end bookings have tripled since last year, as travellers go for longer and immerse themselves in the rich culture through experiences, from tastings on coffee farms to swimming in bioluminescent Tayrona lagoons amid ancient ruins.”

Book it: The new eight-night Colombia: Bogotá to Cartagena Escorted Tour travels across the country via little-visited sights which reveal the rich culture.

From £8,645pp (excl flights), including transfers and guiding.

A FR I C A M O RO CCO

“The travel world was shaken after September’s earthquake in the High Atlas Mountains, its effects felt even in Marrakech’s Medina – but within days the country had pulled itself up by the bootstraps to welcome visitors again. The best way to support Morocco’s ongoing recovery is to visit, and there are plenty of fresh reasons to go in 2024.”

Book it: The new seven-night Secrets of Morocco’s Memory Road journey travels along the little-visited Memory Road in southern Morocco and includes three nights at Dar Ahlam. From £9,180pp including flights, transfers and guiding.

AUSTR A L ASI A SO U TH AUST R A L I A

“In 2024, South Australia emerges as the new frontier for repeat explorers of Australia, and for those wishing to extend their trip and discover less-obvious parts of the country. As Australia was one of the last places to open to British travellers after the pandemic, we have witnessed a rise in travellers returning to visit friends and family, then staying for longer to explore the country.”

From the sand dunes of the Sahara to the colourful souks of Marrakesh, Morocco is very much open to visitors

Book it: The 16-night Classic Australia journey travels across Australia, including Sydney and the Red Centre, and includes three nights at Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island.

From £16,300pp including flights, transfers and guiding.

POLAR TH E N O RTH P O L E

“Luxury expedition cruising emerges as one of the biggest trends in cruising for 2024. Abercrombie & Kent’s North Pole Expedition Cruise takes its inaugural voyage to the top of the world this year. Departing from Longyearbyen in Svalbard, eco-friendly icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury hybrid electric polar ship, will venture far beyond the point that other Arctic cruises usually go, charting a course ever-northwards into seldom-seen sea ice to the geographic North Pole.”

Colombia is South America’s hottest spot for intrepid travellers

Images courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent

Book it: The 17-night North Pole Expedition Cruise departs from Oslo in July 2024. Priced from £42,760 per person all inclusive, including charter flights, all meals, drinks and shore excursions.

Special offers available.

For more details on any of the above trips, call 03301 623087 (abercrombiekent.co.uk)

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December 2023 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | 49

09/11/2023 16:33

MAGICAL MOROCCO

A true hidden gem, romantic rural hotel Jardin des Douars will make you feel like you are a million miles off the beaten track Words by Penny Clements Setting foot on Moroccan soil, it feels like we are arriving in an exotic new land, but after a mere four-hour flight from London, and with the minor adjustment of turning our watches forward by just one hour, it is reassuringly close to home.

A short 20-minute drive from the bustling labyrinthine harbour city of Essaouira brings us to Jardin des Douars, a 19-room oasis that boasts six airy pacha suites and five domed villas set within a charming walled garden village.

We arrive in the pitch darkness, via a narrow road, feeling like we are travelling into the unknown. It soon becomes evident that we are driving into our own personal fairytale: we are welcomed by the sight of argan trees illuminated by glowing, low-lit lanterns lining the cobbled driveway, at the end of which, the hotel reveals itself like a shimmering oasis. From the outside, it doesn’t give much away, encased by high fort-like walls as it is, but inside, it is a jewel box of a place. Designed to echo its surroundings, Jardin des Douars (French-Arabic for ‘collection of dwellings’) evokes the spirit of the red earthen kasbahs of the Atlas Mountains, giving the hotel an authentically Moroccan feel.

It may be late at night, but we are warmly welcomed and led through the gardens to our suite. The immaculate landscaping features cacti and vibrant tropical blooms; owls swoop between the palms and we are serenaded by the singsong of crickets and the occasional croak from a family of frogs gathered in nearby ponds under the glowing moonlight. This breathtaking setting provides a dramatic backdrop to the hotel’s two chic restaurants, which specialise in North African and French cuisines cooked with local artisanal ingredients. There is also a sprawling bar terrace (perfect, we are told, for taking in the glowing sunsets), a rejuvinating spa, and two inviting jade green swimming pools.

We enter our suite through a heavy wooden arched door; it is the epitome of understated luxury. Mustard terracotta washed walls, neutral luxury linens and traditional minimalist sculptures decorate the space. Overhead, a beautiful wooden ceiling stretches the length of the room and a huge rattan pendant light shade serves as the perfect centrepiece above the king-sized bed.

Below, cool stone flooring is cosied up by large Berber rugs and a fully functioning fireplace completes the picture. Through the 50 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | December 2023

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The gorgeously landscaped grounds provide the ultimate setting for complete relaxation

glass doors, a large private terrace is equipped with padded sun loungers: it looks like a great spot for chilling. The generouslysized bathroom features beautiful pearlescent tiling and toiletries come in refillable potion-like vials – a nod to the eco-ethos of Jardin des Douars. My favourite feature? In a bid to encourage guests to disconnect and digitally detox during their stay, the rooms intentionally lack televisions or any other high-tech mod-cons – the hotel is a true sanctuary for those seeking to switch off from the pressures of modern life, The next morning arrives with a feeling of calm bliss, and with the first rays of sunlight comes the revelation of just how beautifully serene this place is. The buildings are enveloped by lush botanical landscapes, with each window framing a view featuring a vibrant kaleidoscope of colours. While the rooms are certainly to be admired, the gardens are the real star of this show. Our slow meander to breakfast under the shade of the trees leads us through sweetly fragranced plants, accompanied by murmuring wildlife under an azure sky. It’s easy to forget that we are actually in a hotel and not amid an earthly paradise.

The mood lasts for the rest of the day, and we manage to do exactly what we came here for – calm down and come around.

We spend this first day hunkered down at the adults-only infinity pool, just a stone’s throw from our suite. It is an almost LUXURY LONDON LIVING

09/11/2023 16:35

Review / TRAVEL

As the sunset starts to cast its warm golden glow, we find ourselves drawn to the allure of the hotel’s restaurant for dinner.

Anchored within the landscape, the restaurant proves itself to be a culinary delight. Blending rustic charm and refined elegance, the menu celebrates the essence of Morocco with local, fresh and seasonal offerings. A mezze-style selection of dips, sauces, breads and vegetables is devoured, after which, we opt for a classic fall-off-the-bone chicken tagine with juicy olives, delicate orange reduction and saffron. It is exquisite, and only trumped by the view. Come breakfast, you can watch the morning mist burn off, unveiling the gardens, and take in the panorama as you feast here – a delicious spread of local, regional, and French classics is served (the cooked eggs are divine).

The hotel is just 20-minutes from the hustle and bustle of Essaouria’s majestic pint-sized medina, which is well worth a visit. And there’s plenty more to do in this vibrant seaside city besides. An evening trip to the charming centre is recommended, not least for the food. The shopping is also eye opening – here, traditional Moroccan souks now coexist with hip young local designers. Further afield, we ride dromedary camels, exploring the hidden sand dune forests, and trek to the beautiful Atlas Mountains; the hotel staff are warm and knowledgeable, going the extra mile to help arrange curated excursions.

However, Jardin Des Douars is a hotel that is so good that you really shouldn’t feel guilty about not leaving it at all.

Our experience here is unsurpassed, indeed, the only disappointment we experience is when we have to leave.

After a final late lunch of zingy ceviche – the fish landed fresh from the nearby Atlantic waters – and a perfectly mixed piña colada at the poolside, it is hard not to feel like we’re being evicted as we make our way back to the reception, turning for a final glimpse of the paradise we are leaving behind. It’s difficult to imagine a more idyllic place to spend a well-earned escapefrom-it-all break, and there is no doubt that we’d be back in a flash, given half a chance.

The hotel has been designed to evoke the spirit of the red earthen kasbahs of the Atlas Mountains

DETAILS

Rates from £160 per room, per night, including breakfast.

Villas are priced from around £580 per night including breakfast and sleep up to 14 guests. For more details, see jardindesdouars.com.

Ryanair operates flights from London to Essaouira twice weekly. bewilderingly quiet and contemplative space that has been beautifully orchestrated. This is no place for raucous parties; rather one for low gears and downtime. But for those with children, there is an equally beautiful family-friendly pool on the other side of the main house, fringed with olive and argan trees and offering views over the valley. We enjoy a sun-soaked afternoon doing purposeful laps of the pool, listening to the rustle of leaves in the breeze, watching the resident tortoise potter around, and sipping bottles of local Casablanca beer with immense satisfaction. It is a Sunday, which means that lunch takes the form of the most extravagant barbecue I’ve ever seen – with enough options of salads and sides for even vegetarians to feel spoilt for choice.

Later, feeling more relaxed than we have in a long time, we opt to up the Zen factor at the spa. While the setup is familiar, it is the attention to detail that really sets this space apart.

Holistic and mentally stimulating, it appears that time is stopped, or perhaps elongated here. I opt for a personalised full-body massage, and, focusing on touch, gauging every tiny movement and using the purest local oils harvested by local women’s cooperatives, the skilled therapist works out every knot.

I emerge sixty minutes later feeling utterly reinvigorated, sweet-smelling, and as sleepy as this magical place itself.

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From buffet spreads to à la carte options, the hotel’s food makes use of local ingredients and is exquisite

December 2023 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | 51

09/11/2023 16:53

REST AND RESTORE

Wellbeing is at the heart of the offering at the Banyan Tree Group’s first hotel in Phuket, where you can experience a taste of true Thailand Words by Becky Pomfret

Now surrounded by lush greenery, the Banyan Tree site was once barren mining land

For one reason or another, I’ve made it to mid-life without a visit to Thailand. I’ve dreamed about it, though, so when an opportunity to visit Banyan Tree in Phuket comes up, I don’t need asking twice. It’s a long flight, and an early start, but we are lucky enough to be flying business class with Qatar Airlines via Doha. The fabulous service, delicious food and supremely comfortable flat bed seats mean we arrive in Phuket in the early morning feeling surprisingly sprightly and very well cared for.

Special mention goes to the incredible newly opened Al Mourjan business lounge, The Garden, at Hamad International Airport in Doha, where every kind of cuisine is on offer in impeccable surroundings, making our quick layover very luxurious indeed.

The Banyan Tree Group needs no introduction, and in fact, Phuket is home to the first hotel in the group, and really where the journey began. The Group’s founder Ho Kwon Ping and his wife Claire Chiang came across a large plot of land while they were on holiday in Bang Tao Bay, on the western coast of Phuket in the Andaman Sea. A polluted tin mine, they were told it could never support vegetation or development of any kind. This didn’t deter them, and they decided to embark on an extensive regeneration programme, reintroducing indigenous plants and planting over 7,000 trees – and after 10 years, and much horticultural nurturing, Banyan Tree Phuket opened in 1994.

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The surrounding area was developed into Laguna Phuket, a vast integrated resort destination, now home to six other hotels, a variety of premium facilities, branded residences and a world-class golf course, set against the stunning backdrop of the Andaman Sea on a three kilometre stretch of pristine beach. I can’t get over how green it all is, it’s hard to imagine that this was once barren land.

At the hotel we are greeted warmly and offered ice-cold flannels – a refreshing welcome after our travels. They say Thailand is the country of a thousand smiles, well, it’s also the country of a thousand cold flannels, every one appearing from the friendly, attentive staff at exactly the right moment to help with the humidity. In fact, although we are visiting during monsoon season, we enjoy some incredible sunny weather with just one rainy day. Fortunately, the hotel is perfectly set up to offer something to do in all weathers. There is a full wellness offering, called Veya, which includes mindfulness practices such as Conscious Grounding, something we try one morning before breakfast. We are taken to a small lawn and encouraged to spend half an hour walking oh-so-slowly across it with our eyes closed.

A guide ensures that we don’t bump into each other (or take a detour into the nearby pool!) and he encourages us to feel the spongy grass beneath our feet and listen to the birds singing nearby. We also sample a sound bath session and explore a Lotus Labyrinth meditation path, made with rocks placed in the shape of a lotus flower. The walk teaches us to slow down and listen to our breathing and the sounds of nature around us. We don’t know how long it will take to get to the centre, but that’s a metaphor for life, and we should slow down and enjoy every step.

The hotel is coming up to its 30th birthday and has undergone extensive renovation recently, including increasing the wellness offering. In fact, you can stay in a Veya villa, a beautiful suite with yoga mat and sound bowl, and free access to a wealth of mindful and physical activities such as herbal pot-pourri making or a Muay Thai boxing class. Some villas even boast their own massage ‘temples’ in their grounds, so you don’t even need LUXURY LONDON LIVING

09/11/2023 16:37

A romantic, waterside location for delicious dining

Review / TRAVEL

Stay in luxury in a secluded Veya Pool Villa

to walk anywhere for the ultimate spa experience. I enjoy an incredible treatment, a full body scrub and massage that leaves me in such a blissful state I can’t tell if I’m awake or asleep.

The Veya theme extends to eating, too, in fact the hotel has its own vegetable garden and is sustainable in its food sourcing.

There are an array of restaurants and bars here; choose modern Thai cuisine at Saffron, the resort’s signature restaurant, a quick bite overlooking the golf course at Banyan Café, or waterside dining by the lagoon – there is something for every appetite.

I’m staying in a lovely suite, with the biggest bed I’ve ever seen, a sofa and a huge shower with views onto the terrace and my own pool. It’s hard to choose between the bed and the sunbed, or the pool and the jacuzzi, and I count my blessings that those are the hardest decisions I have to make while I’m here. One morning I enjoy the ultimate treat, a ‘floating breakfast’, which is exactly what it says on the tin: lots of delicious food, coffee and a mimosa, served on a floating tray. Definitely a pinch me moment.

As tempting as it is to stay ensconced in the luxurious hotel surroundings, I’m keen to get out and experience some ‘real’ Thailand, too. Here, the Banyan Tree Group’s Stay for Good programme comes into its own. Designed to provide visitors with authentic and immersive experiences, and offer a chance to engage with the local community while honouring age-old LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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traditions, there’s a lot on offer, such as reading to local children, or helping with litter picks. We choose a visit to a local fruit farm, where we drink from coconuts picked fresh from the trees, are given a cookery demonstration of authentic southern Thai dishes, and try our hand at making coconut pancakes. It’s such a good way to gain insight into the lives and livelihoods of the villagers, and seeing an 80-year-old man working in the rubber plantation is an honour. Afterwards, we set off with a guide into the jungle for a trek up to Bang Tao Hill. The views are incredible, and we spot some rare red crabs and rather hysterically make our way past a scary looking spider. Fortunately, it stays firmly put in its huge web, but it does remind us that we’re not in London now.

Well, I did want an authetic Thai experience!

On our return to the hotel, we stop by Open Kitchen, one of the restaurants in the Laguna Complex. The interiors are stunning, with huge wooden tables and hanging plants, and the food is incredible; it’s easy to see why some Brits are making their homes in this complex. The Laguna itself, thanks to the reforestation over the years, has helped to encourage native species back into the area. We spot a huge monitor lizard casually cruising the waters, and hear stories about alligators making their way in, too. They were safely encouraged back out again, but it just goes to show what an inviting natural environment it has become.

Back in London and marching up Charing Cross Road to a meeting, I try to remember the Zen feelings the labyrinth, and indeed my whole Banyan Tree experience brought me while I dodge tourists and traffic. If I bring even a tiny amount of those learnings into my busy London life, then this trip will be one that stays with me forever.

Experience a slice of authentic Thailand with the Stay for Good programme

DETAILS

Return fares from Heathrow to Phuket from £1,135 economy and £4,861 business class with Qatar Airways (prices subject to availability and may change). Room rates in a Serenity Pool Villa start from £337 per night including breakfast and taxes/fees (banyantree.com/thailand/veya-phuket) December 2023 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | 53

09/11/2023 16:37

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FROM LOST TO YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF

Make peace with your body and move with ease thanks to The Body Whisperer’s Body Harmony Code Hampstead-based Vanessa Conway has been working in the fitness industry for 19 years, with qualifications in group fitness, personal training, and Pilates instruction.

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 am hugely grateful to Vanessa. When we met three years ago, she found a broken woman; grieving, defeated, weak. I knew I wanted to gain inner strength and, beyond that, had no real agenda.

Painstakingly, with endless professionalism, Vanessa worked with me week-byweek. I only understand now how the growing strength in my body was also fuelling strength in my mind Ashlin

54 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | December 2023

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LUXURY LONDON LIVING

09/11/2023 16:51

Review / TRAVEL

TO THE MANOR BORN Moonfleet Manor in Dorset delivers the holy grail for families, offering a true haven for every generation

table – FOSSIL HUNTING! We’d been advised to try nearby Ringstead Bay, for being not too busy and with good access – vital, we were told, as you wouldn’t want to lug your impressive haul a couple of miles back to the car. We needn’t have worried. Perhaps it was the attention span of the younger members of our party, who were quickly more interested in throwing stones in the water (him) and playing chicken run with the waves (her), but we came away empty-handed.

Still, this is an incredibly beautiful stretch of coastline, and all that fresh sea air meant we’d worked up a healthy appetite for lunch back at the hotel.

We ate three meals a day in the in-house restaurant for the duration of our stay, and not only was the food of a truly excellent standard, it was completely game-changing in terms of the overall experience of dining with children; luxury it may be, but family is the key point of difference, and children’s ‘adorable’ quirks and habits (banging tables with forks, spilling/dropping basically everything, refusing to eat pasta with “green bits” on it) are not only tolerated but… well, I won’t say ‘welcomed’, exactly, but the staff were absolute experts at alleviating that pressure that every parent knows only too well, of not being ‘that family’. And besides, when every table is occupied by ‘that family’, who’s going to judge?

We adults used our daily 90-minute kids club sessions wisely – taking turns in the bath with a glass of wine – and on Saturday evening, took advantage of the baby monitor service to take dinner à deux. Looking round the (now more or less child-free) place was a study in the nature of modern parenting; overstimulated, overtired parents nervously checking monitors for sounds of stirring children, being ABSOLUTELY DETERMINED to enjoy this brief glimpse of freedom. The aforementioned cocktails helped enormously on that front in our case, and the food was exquisite – there was a special starter on the menu during our stay that was essentially a roasted onion lavished with Marmite butter, and what alchemy was used to create the resulting flavour sensation I can’t begin to imagine.

Slightly plumper, a lot more relaxed, and with our lungs full of fresh air, we were reluctant departees the next day – so much so that we stayed for yet another lunch at the restaurant, and yet another session in the games room (a misnomer; it was the size of a football pitch, and our kids were in absolute heaven). LFH have five hotels around the country which we can’t wait to try, and for this family at least, the expectations of short family breaks have been completely revolutionised from this point on. Center Where?

D E TA I L S

Rates start from £175 per night. To book, call 020 806 5555 or email reservations@luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk (luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk/locations/ moonfleet-manor)

Words by Katie Hutley Some things are such good ideas that, once you realise they exist, you can think of no earthly explanation as to why everyone isn’t doing it; so it’s a big hat tip from me to the geniuses at Luxury Family Hotels, the group behind Moonfleet Manor, near Weymouth. They have completely cornered the market in beautiful hotels that genuinely tick the boxes of adults and kids alike – free kids club sessions, playgrounds and bowling alleys, and a cinema showing kidfriendly films, but also a spa, incredible food, a seriously impressive wine and cocktail list and even baby monitors so that you can dine downstairs while your cherubs are asleep upstairs. Center Parcs this ain’t.

Located just behind the famous Chesil Beach, the hotel takes its name from the book Moonfleet by John Meade Falkner, a classic children’s adventure tale of smugglers, storms and great derring-do that was set in (what was then) Fleet House and the surrounding area. And whilst smuggling is now quite out of the question (the three-mile tunnel to the beach, accessed from the cellar, was filled in years ago, much to our dismay), adventure and fun are still very much the order of the day. Indeed, on arrival we are whisked on a private tour of the ‘behind the scenes’ parts of the hotel that takes in said cellar (it was a nightclub from the 40s until the 70s – oh to have been a fly on the wall!) and leads us to the resident palaeontologist’s – yes, you read that right – workshop, where we’re invited to look at prehistoric finds found on the nearby beaches of the Jurassic coast. Holding these pieces of history, the kids are agog – and we haven’t even checked in yet.

The rooms are all named after characters in Moonfleet, and our twobedroom suite is the perfect size and layout for a family of four. Two separate bedrooms are joined by a small entrance area, offering the ideal blend of connectedness and separation for both us and them. Thoughtful little touches, like the correct child-sized robes and slippers laid out in their room, and the TV with Netflix already installed, had our two thrilled at how grown-up they felt as they watched a movie in bed – which of course meant a more relaxing time for the two travel-frazzled parents next door…

After a stormy arrival, the next day dawned bright and clear, and with a dinosaur-obsessed three-year-old in tow, there was only one option on the LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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From its location on the stunning Jurassic Coast, to its family friendly restaurant, there is much to appeal to all ages here

December 2023 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | 55

09/11/2023 16:37

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SEE A GP WITHOUT THE WAIT THIS FESTIVE SEASON

At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, you can see a GP at a time that is convenient for you

Getting hold of a GP has become increasingly difficult, but at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital in north London, it’s possible to see a doctor at a time convenient to you The 2022 NHS England GP patients’ survey found that 15 per cent of patients could not make an appointment when they last tried to make one, and nearly half of people are finding it hard to get in touch with their GP practice.

LONG CONSULTATIONS AT CONVENIENT TIMES Last year (2022), nearly 1,500 Londoners chose to see a private GP at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital. The hospital’s private GPs offer unhurried consultations, ranging from 20 minutes to one hour, which start from £100 (depending on your doctor of choice).

They take the time to listen to your concerns, without rush, and either treat you then and there, or refer you to one of the hospital’s world-class consultants.

You can book to see a particular GP, including follow-ups, so you’ll be seeing a doctor you know and trust; and should you have a specific need, such as nutritional support, women’s health advice, or want a health check, the GPs have you covered.

The hospital’s Private GP Practice also offers: • chronic illness management • minor surgery, such as mole and skin tag removal • pregnancy, baby, and children’s care • travel vaccinations • home visits and out of hours service To book, give the team a call and they will find an appointment with the best specialist for your needs at a time that works for you – no need to register beforehand. Most appointments are arranged for the same or next day.

INVESTED IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY Last year, the hospital opened its £35 million new wing; the largest single investment made into the organisation to date.

The wing includes a new theatres department, the latest surgical and scanning equipment, a day case area with en suite rooms, and an expanded Urgent Care Clinic.

Should your GP need to refer you to another hospital service, you’ll have access to the latest technology, and calm, comfortable surroundings as well as expert, personalised care.

A HOSPITAL WITH A HEART Founded in 1856, St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is one of the UK’s largest independent charitable hospitals. All treatments in the hospital help fund the on-site St John’s Hospice, which is committed to enabling people to live well for as long as possible.

Every year, the hospice provides quality, holistic care to more than 4,500 people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across North London.

To book an appointment with a private GP, call 020 7432 8269.

60 Grove End Road, NW8 (hje.org.uk/gp-practice) 56 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | December 2023

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LUXURY LONDON LIVING

09/11/2023 16:55

News / INTERIORS

HOUSE STYLE

Latest launches, luxurious new lines and eye-catching trends AHEAD OF TH E CA RVE

E XCLUSIVELY A RT I SA N A L

Sculpture Source is a just-launched online platform dedicated to collecting sculpture. Tipped to become a kind of Net-a-Porter for the art world, its aim is to change the way we engage with, and buy, sculptural pieces for the home. Like the very best shopping sites, it is expertly curated with advanced filters and specialised search criteria, making the process efficient, enjoyable, and, crucially, accessible. (sculpturesource.co.uk)

For craft-driven homeware less ordinary, look to Wondering People’s inaugural Home drop.

The curated art collective has collaborated with featured makers to produce finely crafted objects and oddities – from tableware to lighting, sculpture to textiles – that you won’t find anywhere else.

Expect exclusive Home drops every six months offering new and unique pieces. (wonderingpeople.com)

WI N T ER WE AVES

Ensuring we stay stylishly cosy this autumn/winter is sofa-in-a-box brand, Swyft, who’ve just released a collection of luxurious wool throws.

Designed to complement the nature-inspired colourways of the seating, we can dress our settees, and ourselves, in mohair, Shetland or pure Merino lambswool.

With its pinks, purples, and spicy orange checks, the St. David’s throw will see us through to spring. £115 (swyfthome.com)

TAKE 5: CREATIVE CRACKERS 1

3 2

5

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1 Scalloped fun Christmas crackers, £32 (roseandgrey.co.uk) 2 Christmas Lady luxury candle crackers, £58 (chaseandwonder.com) 3 Striped velvet bow Christmas crackers, £29 (idyllhome.co.uk) 4 Lobster print paper crackers, £50 (selfridges.com) 5 Rudolph luxury Christmas crackers, £27 (nancyandbetty.com)

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09/11/2023 16:38

www.alcera.co.uk

Bathroom Bliss: Explore Our Showroom

Showroom address: 146 Seven Sisters Road, London N7 7PL

Discover a stunning array of porcelain tiles, exquisite natural stone, and luxurious bathroom solutions. Your style, our expertise – together, we create perfection.

Book Your Private Consultation Today: info@alcera.co.uk or 07956 896562

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09/11/2023 11:05

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Earthy textures and warm tones will bring a rustic charm to your fireplace

COSY GLOW

There’s nothing like a crackling fire to create a cosy atmosphere in your home, especially at Christmastime.

Elevate the festivities with tiles to craft a stunning fireplace focal point TRANSFORM YOUR SPACE WITH TILES Tiles are a versatile and visually striking choice when it comes to designing a fireplace. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional, rustic, or contemporary look, there’s a style of tile to perfectly match your vision. For a timeless and sophisticated look, opt for marble or subway tiles. The smooth and polished surface of marble tiles exudes luxury and pairs wonderfully with the festive Christmas decor, including twinkling lights and stockings hung with care.

If you’re aiming for a cosy, cabin-like ambience, consider using natural stone tiles like slate or travertine. Their earthy textures and warm tones bring a rustic charm to your fireplace, making it an inviting focal point during the winter months. For a contemporary twist, go for sleek and glossy tiles in bold colours, or consider mosaic or geometric patterns to create a unique and eye-catching design that will surely impress your guests during holiday gatherings. And to infuse a bit of Christmas magic into your fireplace design, incorporate mosaic tiles with festive or wintry motifs. These special touches will add an extra layer of holiday cheer to your space, making it the perfect backdrop for opening presents come 25 December.

PERSONALISED GUIDANCE Alcera understands that choosing the perfect tiles for your fireplace can be daunting. That’s why the brand offers private consultations with their expert design professionals who are dedicated to helping you bring your dream home to life. The team will work closely with you to understand your unique style and vision, ensuring that every detail of your fireplace design aligns perfectly with your preferences.

FEELING FESTIVE If you’re ready to create a cosy fireplace focal point to make your winter nights and holiday celebrations special, you can schedule a private consultation with Alcera today. Whether you visit the showroom in person or contact the team online, they’ll support you every step of the way. Let Alcera help you transform your living space into a warm and inviting haven for the holiday season.

To schedule your private consultation see alcera.co.uk/private-consultation, or visit the showroom at 146 Seven Sisters Road, N7 7PL. You can also contact the team via phone or WhatsApp at 07956 896562, or email at info@alcera.co.uk LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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09/11/2023 16:50

CHRISTMAS RICHES With jewel tones, rich textures, and handcrafted elegance hitting the top trends for ’23, we celebrate Christmas decorating that goes extra Words by Ali Howard

Forget pared-back and minimalist, this Christmas we’re going for all-out opulence with a playful and whimsical twist. Incorporating non-traditional festive colours, thoughtfully handmade ornaments, tactile textures and a cheeky dash of disco, this is an unapologetically eclectic look – and it is wholly inviting.

You can create a dynamic tablescape for the big Christmas lunch with a mix of artisanal earthenware, jewel-coloured glasses, gilded cutlery, and an abundance of greenery plucked straight from the back garden. Layer up your Christmas table with all the trappings: placemats, chargers, candles, and a mix of colourful glassware. For added texture and interest, pair ruffled linen napkins with craft-driven, scallop-edged plates, platters, and soup bowls that celebrate the frill. And don’t forget the tablecloth: a bold stripe not only sets the tone as a lively backdrop but recalls traditional candy cane motifs, evoking childhood memories. Look to brands like Matilda Goad, Atelier Raff, and Rose & Grey for the best in stripes and flounces.

Where there’s a surface, there’s an opportunity to ornament, and the mantelpiece is a favourite choice. This is where Christmas garlands come into their own, draped luxuriously over the fireplace. For lush faux winter garlands that successfully mimic the real thing, we love The White Company’s festive offering.

Here you’ll find entirely natural looking lengths of foraged winter foliage. But if you’re after something with a little more glitz, Cox & Cox deliver with their golden Alaskan fir garlands and wreaths that bring all the sparkle whilst staying on the right side of gaudy.

New for this Christmas are Pearl Lowe’s handmade high heeled stockings. Crafted with reclaimed fabrics including light-catching crushed velvets and gold polka dotted tulle, they offer a fun and feminine take on traditional stockings hung above the fireplace.

If this Christmas is all about rich textures and unexpected colour combinations, Kip&Co’s funky velvet Santa sacks hit all the right notes. Made to mix and match, they come in jade, pink, blue – and the traditional red – and are adorned with handmade pom poms and finished with gold drawstring rope ties. And it’s this

Cox & Cox’s Golden Alaskan fir garland, £70

Pearl Lowe’s handmade high heeled stockings, £75

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Paper Starlight’s white sequinned star lantern, £27.95

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

09/11/2023 16:40

Trends / INTERIORS hand-crafted aesthetic that brings the real magic. Indeed, craftdriven decorations are getting a fresh look-in this season, with handmade ornaments, beaded garlands, and intricately painted baubles grabbing our attention. These pieces tell a story and lend an authenticity to our Christmas décor that you just don’t get with mass-produced pieces. We love the simple but effective Paper Starlights. Complete with an LED light that shines through the intricate cut-outs, the large star lanterns prove entirely versatile and can be used as a single focal point above the mantelpiece, on top of the tree, or hung in multiples for a striking sculptural look above the Christmas table.

You’ll find all the colours of the rainbow at John Lewis’ Christmas shop, with retro-inspired baubles and decorations that celebrate the colour spectrum whilst paying homage to beloved Christmases of yesteryear. The new Rainbow Time Capsule collection features Jeff Koons’ iconic balloon dogs reimagined as tree decorations; abundant bauble wreaths that blend the pinks with the reds, greens, purples and golds; and multicoloured tinsels complete with foil star motifs that look like they’ve been dug out of the Christmas decorations box from 1990. And while we’re celebrating all things retro, disco stylishly slides its way into our Christmas schemes this season. Rockett St George is a brand you can always rely on for D.I.S.C.O.-inspired homeware.

Think oversized mirror balls, lavish fringed tinsel garlands in pink, and ’70s-inspired wine coolers that are decidedly not just for Christmas but prove perfect for sophisticated (but ultimately fun), NYE parties, too.

Above: John Lewis Rainbow Time Capsule Christmas Baubles, Box of 9, £40; Kip&Co’s velvet Santa sacks, £55

Disco ball baubles, from £8 and tinsel fringe garlands, £19.50, all from Rockett St George

DIRECTORY The Christmas table: Matilda Goad (matildagoad.com); Atelier Raff (atelierraff.co.uk); Rose & Grey (roseandgrey.co.uk) The mantelpiece: The White Company (thewhitecompany.com); Cox & Cox (coxandcox.co.uk); Pearl Lowe (pearllowe.co.uk); Around the tree: Kip&Co (antipodream.co.uk); John Lewis & Partners (johnlewis.com); Ceilings and stairs: Paper Starlights (paperstarlights.com); Rockett St George (rockettstgeorge.co.uk)

From crackers to candles, look to Rose & Grey for Christmas table inspiration

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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09/11/2023 16:40

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62 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | December 2023

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LUXURY LONDON LIVING

09/11/2023 16:52

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THE ULTIMATE TURNKEY DESIGN & BUILD SERVICE: COMBINING OLD & NEW With an unmatched reputation across London and Southern England for building homes of the highest quality, Octagon Developments pioneered the concept of luxury housebuilding Offering a turnkey Design and Build service, Octagon’s Bespoke division has delivered some of north London’s most impressive houses on prime residential roads around Hampstead, Highgate, and St. John’s Wood – as well as in Central London.

Whether clients have secured a new piece of land, want to redevelop their current plot, or transform their property with a sizeable extension or complete restoration, Octagon Bespoke can assist in creating a unique, tailormade home. Championing a full turnkey service, the company’s services encompass a range of disciplines, including an in-house team of Land Buyers, Surveyors, Architects, Interior Designers and an extensive Aftersales & Maintenance Team – ensuring clients receive a professional, expert service from beginning to end.

Substantial current works include a 7,500 sq ft project in north London – an expansive family home being built in an Arts and Crafts style – with plenty of interesting features making this home incredibly unique.

This five-bedroom home will feature a pool LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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area with a Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, as well as two terraces – to ensure the client has plenty of opportunities for outdoor relaxing and entertaining. Innovatively, the home’s beautiful structure will be enhanced with a green oak timber frame to emulate structures of the Tudor era – perhaps a bold decision for a new build, but something the Bespoke team are able to facilitate and craft to the highest quality.

Laurence Holder, Bespoke Director comments: “Combining innovative high-tech specification with period exterior architecture is something that the expert team have perfected. This design is inspired by homes built over 400 years ago, turning back time is no mean feat – there’s no doubt that this will make for an exceedingly impressive project once complete.”

“Our turnkey Design and Build service offers clients a dedicated and collaborative approach that turns their self-build dreams into reality.

With over 40 years’ experience, we have built up excellent relationships with quality brands, suppliers and craftsmen, which means we are

able to secure and source favourable products and have perfected the delivery of incredible homes.”

Another extensive refurbishment and restoration currently in the Octagon Bespoke pipeline is an expansive home in Surrey. With completion expected in 2025, the Bespoke team have been focusing on retaining yet enhancing the characteristic charm of the home. Standout features include 400-year-old trusses and a working well, and there are even resident peacocks within the grounds – providing plenty of inspiration for the finished product.

Octagon clients – whether building a Bespoke home or purchasing one of the company’s high quality speculative builds – also have the option to appoint Octagon Interiors, the in-house comprehensive interior design service. This rare partnership between the house builder and interior designer provides a seamless client experience, where the interior team are involved from initial conversations with the architects, through to the finishing touches on the coffee table.

For more information, visit octagonbespoke.com December 2023 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | 63

09/11/2023 16:52

At home with

Kelly Stevens-McLaughlan This artist’s country home may be quirky and eclectic, but it is also a lesson in tranquillity, informed by the natural world Words by Ali Howard Photography by Andy Davies

If you had to imagine, based on her work, the kind of home Kelly has, you’d likely picture a quirky abode filled with found treasures and nature-inspired curiosities, and you would not be wrong. But there’s quirky interiors, and then there’s quirky architecture. “The house is really quite unusual,” she admits.

“From the front you can see straight away that something’s different because it looks a little like a bungalow with a second storey turret and a sunken garage. In fact, the house is built on a hill and so you enter onto the first floor and don’t realise there’s a floor underneath until you’re inside. Most of the rooms are hexagonal at one end, and the kitchen/diner, main bedroom and living room are double height ceilings. And then we have the conservatory, which is triple height in the middle of the house.”

Kelly has always painted but it wasn’t until the age of 46 that her hobby became a full-time pursuit. A prolific artist, she has created literally thousands of works, some of which now feature in film and TV, and can be seen in some of the world’s finest homes and hotels, thanks to her affiliation with top interior designers. Working under her studio name, FabFunky, she sells lampshades and cushions, alongside a truly comprehensive collection of art prints, all of which are delightfully whimsical, featuring bold botanicals and eccentric animalia. I wonder if Kelly’s immediate surrounds in rural Devon inspire her fantastical imagery? “Oh yes!” She says. “Where we live, we have 64 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | December 2023

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nature on our doorstep. Every morning we sit on the balcony with a coffee and watch the bunnies and pheasants in the field behind us. We have a couple of squirrels who use our back fence like a motorway and are backwards and forwards all day long, collecting hazelnuts and heading off and hiding them. We also regularly see deer, hares, and the occasional fox. Plus, a huge number of birds, from tiny wrens to big buzzards. Every night an army of owls seems to descend into every tree around us, and bats whizz around the house at dusk. We’ve even seen an otter in the field behind our house.” Kelly shares the property with her husband Gordon and their two “lovely geriatric girl dogs”. She says, “living with animals lets you see how different they all are to each other and how they all have their own quirks and personalities.

One of our girls is like a delicate little prima donna, whereas the other is like a large shaggy tank who just steams into obstacles rather than walk around them.”

Kelly describes her interiors style as “eclectic with a capital E”. And while there may be obstacles for elderly dogs around, the maximalist look is countered with a sense of open space and serenity. The property’s showpiece, the magnificent triple-height conservatory, is filled with an abundance of houseplants and features a striking natural wood staircase, while the imposing internal wall in Farrow & Ball’s Calke Green (“the only colour I would consider”), provides a nature-inspired backdrop for Kelly’s LUXURY LONDON LIVING

09/11/2023 16:41

At home with / INTERIORS artwork. “The conservatory is smack bang in the centre of the house,” she says. “When you walk through the front door you can see there’s an unusual room straight in front of you, and so people tend to gravitate towards it. It’s a beautiful room, enhanced with a lot of plants and a few statement pieces.” The artist goes on to explain her furniture choices here: for storage, only a designyour-own modular shelving unit from Tylko would do for such a lofty and unconventionally shaped room, while the bright floral sofa was a hand-me-down from Kelly’s mum, before she had it reupholstered in Josef Frank’s vibrant Gröna Fåglar fabric.

“It’s now a stunning mid-century design masterpiece,” she says. “It’s something that everyone who comes into the house comments on because it’s so very unusual. I’ll admit I’m so in love with it that after we put it in the conservatory, I had all the glass treated so that the sun wouldn’t fade it.”

As much as Kelly’s décor and furniture choices are an eclectic mix (quirky additions include a beloved wooden birdcage in the shape of Sacré Coeur, of all things), what goes in, and what goes where, is carefully considered. “I love stuff,” she declares, “well, my stuff anyway, and I like to see it. I have a lovely pine console table that I found on the side of the road; a beautiful large trunk that I picked up for £5 years ago; two Romanian wardrobes that I got from Etsy; a large display cupboard that I had shipped in from Denmark… It really is a mix. My most recent purchase is a beautiful kitchen table that I got from The Farmhouse Table Company in Dartington.” Stand-out permanent fixtures include a sculptural V&A freestanding bath, complete with a ‘carpet’ of mosaic tiles that runs from the floor to the ceiling, as well as a bespoke doggy shower for muddy pooches. “When we moved in, the laundry room was a blank canvas with just a sink and one cupboard,” explains Kelly, “so we had that fitted out completely, along with a wonderful dog shower that’s the envy of all my dog owner friends. It’s just like a glass panelled human shower but half height.” The shower is just one example of how Kelly and her husband have successfully moulded the house to suit their bucolic lifestyle.

Naturally, you’d assume the conservatory would be Kelly’s very favourite spot in the house, but, instead, she chooses the balcony.

“The view is absolutely beautiful,” she tells me. “We have the pleasure of watching the seasons change day by day, and there’s usually some wildlife snuffling around somewhere. We get to watch the tractors in the fields, and we can see and hear sheep on the hill opposite us and cows in the valley to the left. We start every day with a coffee out here, and sometimes we get so lost in the view that we realise we’ve been up two or three hours already and we’re still sitting in our PJs and dressing gowns! It’s a slow start to every day here, but a wonderfully relaxing way to start.”

It sounds nothing short of idyllic. fabfunky.co.uk

GET THE LOOK 1

2

3

5

4

1 Chinoiserie pug and cherry blossom cushion cover, £99.50 (fabfunky.co.uk) 2 Nani Marquina Flora Promenade rug, £4,240 (gomodern.co.uk) 3 iBride Bel Ami limited edition framed print, from £590 (limelace.co.uk) 4 Large Swiss cheese plant, £120 (beardsanddaisies.co.uk) 5 Industrial metal sideboard, £575 (vincentandbarn.co.uk)

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FIND YOUR WINTER CHEER AT RIVERSTONE FULHAM With award-winning design and a range of outstanding amenities, Riverstone Fulham offers exceptional later living right on the river Thames

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With a selection of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments for sale, each with a private balcony or terrace – many of which offer stunning river views and all of which are part of a vibrant community exclusively for the over 65s – you’ll be spoilt for choice finding your perfect new home at Riverstone. And the location couldn’t be better, from enjoying bright winter walks along the Thames to spending time leisurely browsing the local boutiques or making the most of the top cultural attractions on your doorstep, the very best of Fulham living is on offer here.

Christmas is a special time at Riverstone, to be enjoyed by the whole family. Wreath decorating, tree trimming, carol singing and even a panettone masterclass are just some of the festive events taking place from the end of November right up to Christmas Day. They are part of a packed calendar offered through The Riverstone Club.

New residents automatically join the members’ community, The Riverstone Club, when they move to Riverstone. Alongside access to outstanding amenity spaces, The Club offers residents exclusive access to special events including exciting partnerships with the Royal Albert Hall, Saatchi Gallery, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, English National Opera and Glyndebourne Opera Festival.

And there’s so much more on offer: whether watching a Christmas movie in the Private Cinema, enjoying Sunday lunch with the family at Maria G’s, Riverstone’s all-day brasserie-style Restaurant and Bar, soaking up the heat of the Sauna or Steam Room on a cold day, or sipping mulled wine and hot chocolate while catching up with friends in the Espresso Bar, there are so many ways to socialise and unwind.

Many residents choose Riverstone Fulham because they already know and love the local area and are keen to ‘right size’ their home, others are looking to move closer to family, while some are simply seeking a place that they can lock up and leave whenever they please, knowing it’s safe in the hands of the 24/7 concierge. Further peace of mind comes from the health support offered through selected expert partners and care through The Good Care Group, should it be needed – the team at Riverstone work closely with every resident to understand their personal priorities.

Prices start from £860,000*. To take a tour of the show apartments and amenities, meet the team and chat with residents, call 020 8017 6470 (riverstoneliving.com) *T&Cs apply. Prices correct at time of publication.

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Designer profile / INTERIORS What drew you to interior design? Ever since I can remember, I’ve been fascinated with textures, colour and form. I love being creative and had an interest in interior design from a young age when I used to occupy myself by repeatedly redesigning rooms in my family home! Sometimes to my mother’s surprise.

After studying furniture and product design, my first job out of university was as a design consultant at a bespoke furniture company in Knightsbridge. I then transitioned to a design studio to delve deeper into the world of interior design.

I found interiors allowed me to be creative whilst remaining on an ever-evolving journey, combining numerous business elements, which give my profession greater depth. At the start of this year, I took the step to launch House of Red and enjoy full autonomy of my own business.

How would you sum up your design ethos? Creating interiors that evoke sentiment. We look to create unique and original ideas for our client’s home and property that echo who they are whilst providing practical design solutions.

What can residential clients expect from House of Red? We don’t have a house style, just a house rule – to ensure that a home reflects those who inhabit it.

All our projects are based around our client’s brief, and we work closely with them to build this, therefore our projects vary in terms of aesthetic and functional requirements. The result will always be a design that our clients really connect with, creating the perfect environment to unwind, work, entertain and create memories in.

Poppy launched House of Red earlier this year, having spent 16 years working in the design industry

Can you tell me about the role of sustainability at House of Red? Sustainability is an area that, as a designer, I have a responsibility to champion, from re-purposing existing furniture and ensuring energy efficiency, through to making our clients aware of recycled or renewable natural materials.

It’s good to see an increase in supply chain producing sustainable pieces that are aesthetically pleasing, as being honest, this can be an issue. As a company we’re on a journey to learn further in this field to help influence with the right products and materials, and to design for longevity.

ON DESIGN:

POPPY PEACE

Where beauty meets functionality, House of Red is an interior design studio with a difference. Founder and creative director Poppy Peace gives us the lowdown

Words by Ali Howard LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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How do you work with clients to achieve their dream home?

Creating a strong and aligned brief is key to a successful project, and in turn, designing a home or space that the client feels at one with. To do this, we like to get personal with our clients.

We will arrange a meeting to really get to know who they are, what they do, how they use their current space and to understand what success looks like from their perspective.

We’ll then build on this through our knowledge of layouts, functional spaces, colours and materials. Understanding personalities, and even style traits in a client’s fashion can be useful elements to integrate into the design, so the scheme feels like an extension of their own skin.

Upholstery in a beautiful Lelièvre Paris fabric creates a strong focal point in this corner

Can you describe some of your favourite London projects?

We recently completed on a project near Tower Bridge that had the most incredible uninterrupted views of The Shard, St Paul’s, and across Tower Bridge. We used some beautiful fabrics and wallpapers for a luxurious and tactile feel. We picked up on many elements of the view to reflect in the design; from tiled wallpaper playing on window structures of the surrounding buildings, to metallic rippled materials which mirrored the water of the Thames below… A show home we completed this year was also a special project, where emphasis was placed on the craftsmanship of the accessories used to style the space. We used UK-based ceramic artists, and various bronze sculptures, created through the careful process of wax casting. I love unique pieces with a story to them, and being able to include them in areas that will be widely viewed and admired is very fulfilling.

What’s next for the practice?

We’re always looking to collaborate with new clients and supply chain – after all, meeting new people is what we enjoy most about our work. We have a couple of projects in the pipeline we’re looking forward to getting started on and delivering in 2024. houseofred.co.uk December 2023 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | 67

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Academic Excellence Ivy House School is an independent co-educational school for children aged 2-11 years old.

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A capital education / SCHOOLS

CHARITY BEGINS AT SCHOOL

Letter from Santa photography courtesy of NSPCC

Christmas is a time for giving – and where better to start than in the safe, controlled environment of a school?

Words by Claire Atherton From carol concerts to Santa jumpers and a Christmas card design competition, London schools raise huge amounts for charity over the festive season. Katie Fudge, schools fundraising development manager for the NSPCC, tells Fabric how the charity supports schools with fundraising at Christmas and all year round.

How important is schools fundraising to the NSPCC overall? It’s enormously important.

We’re 90 per cent funded by the public, and schools fundraising plays a huge role in that.

What are the benefits to children of getting involved? Fundraising is integral to the

“It helps that the money funds services that the children may experience themselves” Katie Fudge

curriculum in schools, including personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. We support this by tailoring our big annual events to important things children need to develop. Number Day builds maths skills, the Childhood Day Mile encourages children to exercise and the Kindness Challenge speaks for itself. Getting involved in fundraising also instils a spirit of giving in children, as well as teaching them teamwork skills.

raised over £10,000. It’s not all about big sums, though – our Idea of the Month also recognises schools that have done fun, innovative things to raise money. Two reception classes recently raised £2,000 by walking around a soggy playground with paper dogs on leads!

How do you make the link between fundraising and the services you offer?

How do schools fundraise for the NPSCC and how do you support them? We hold their hands

It’s important to us that children understand the ‘why’ behind the event. We’ve created an assembly that teachers can use to explain where the money will go and what it will achieve.

It helps that the money funds services that the children may experience themselves. Examples include our safeguarding programmes – Talk PANTS in nurseries and early years, Speak Out, Stay Safe in primary schools – and our new service for secondary schools, Talk Relationships. It’s why our Schools Fundraising team works so closely with our Schools Service; it reinforces the safeguarding message while encouraging fundraising.

SPOTLIGHT ON

King’s College Wimbledon (Senior School)

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Pupils: around 1,200

pupils aged 11 to 18, including around 100 girls in the sixth form Founded: by royal charter in 1829, as part of the junior department of King’s College London.

The school moved to Wimbledon from its original site on the Strand in 1897

What’s the most a school has raised for the NSPCC? One school in Buckinghamshire recently

all the way. First, the school registers for one of our events, or for something they want to do themselves. They receive a welcome pack for each event, plus email support, payment options and so on. Our website is a one-stop shop for everything schools need to make their event a success. And they can contact us if they have extra questions.

What kind of fundraising approaches work best, especially at Christmas? Schools tend

to be too busy at Christmas to run big NSPCC events. But we have lots of fantastic resources on our website for schools and parents that do want

Entrance requirements:

(11+ and 13+) a school reference plus tests in Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning, followed by an interview for those who did well in the tests; (16+) a school reference plus tests in Maths, English and a “General” paper, followed by

three short interviews

Destination universities: each

year, the highest proportion – around 25 per cent – win places at Oxford or Cambridge.

Other popular (UK) destinations include Durham University, Imperial College London, University of Edinburgh, University

to contribute. These include downloadable activity packs for child-centred festive activities, like crafts and quizzes.

We also have great events in London that schools and families can take part in. For example, on the shortest day of the year (22nd December), we ask people to do a five-kilometre Walk for Children in their local area. We also ask landmarks like Alexandra Palace’s historic telecoms mast to light up NSPCC green on that day, so people can walk past them. It’s a way of acknowledging the fact that for a lot of children, Christmas isn’t actually a wonderful time.

How else can London parents get involved?

Another very popular option at Christmas is Letter from Santa, where parents pay £8 for a personalised letter for their child, full of details only Santa could know. We also hold our flagship fundraiser, Childline’s star-studded Merry Little Christmas Concert, in Cadogan Hall each year. The 2023 concert has already happened, but we’d love to see you there next year! nspcc.org.uk/support-us/charityfundraising/schools-fundraising-ideas

of Exeter, University of St Andrews and University of Warwick; (US) Brown, Princeton, Stanford and Yale Known for: stellar exam results, excellent pastoral care, endless extra-curricular opportunities and a stunning 20-acre campus facing Wimbledon Common

Fees: £8,630 per term; means-tested bursaries of up to 100 per cent are available Famous alumni:

actor Ben Barnes, Westminster journalist and blogger Jonathan Isaby, musician Marcus Mumford, academic and broadcaster Michael Scott Find out more: kcs.org.uk

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BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

Having forged a series of partnerships with local schools, Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools are preparing children to thrive in a fast-changing world Children starting Reception this year will probably reach the peak of their careers in the 2070s, when the world and the workplace will feel very different.

They will need to adapt to changes brought about by technology and AI, consider how they can contribute to equity in society and play their part in tackling the environmental challenges we face on this planet. They must be equipped to thrive and to lead in this fast-changing world.

With this in mind Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools have forged a number of partnerships focusing on their commitment to ‘open their gates’ and expand their horizons, engaging more deeply with a wider range of communities, institutions and individuals – local, nationally and globally.

This year they are embarking on an ambitious programme to deepen their relationships with partner schools. These relationships will also help to develop the wider learning of pupils at Habs Boys and Habs Girls. The vision to build educational opportunities for the local communities is being achieved in three ways: Broadening horizons Providing a rich timetable of academic and cocurricular sessions for students from partner schools. All led by dedicated Habs students and staff.

Embracing communities Raising the number and value of free places at Habs Elstree Schools for under-served children locally, fully supporting each on their journey.

Raising ambitions Building more educational capacity in their communities, through local, national and global teacher development networks.

Over the last year, hundreds of Habs students and staff have worked with thousands of children at local partner schools, building real, sustainable relationships, raising aspirations and creating a profound, lasting impact.

The key objective for partner schools is to widen the experiences and increase the cultural capital of their most disadvantaged students, giving them crucial life skills, at the same time as complementing and enriching their curriculum.

Meanwhile, for Habs students, the key objective is to build their leadership and communications skills by providing opportunities for them to plan and lead work with younger students.

Weekly partnership sessions – co-created and co-planned with partner schools – take place either at Habs or at the partner school site. Activities cover everything from reading, writing, maths and science, to music, debating, robotics, IT, swimming and outdoor education. With the help of students and staff, Habs also host summer clubs, while the Refugee Hub offers extra learning support.

The achievements of the last year can be seen here in numbers: LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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1,000+ hours spent partnering with schools and •2 educational organisations.

•2 0 hours per week of academic and co-curricular sessions for students from local state schools, led by dedicated Habs students and staff.

• 1 9 Habs staff and 200 Habs students devoting at least one hour a week to the programme.

•7 2 free places at Habs Summer School for disadvantaged children each year, with many staff involved in supporting roles.

•5 4 staff devoting at least one hour per week to the Refugee Learning Hub in 2021-22.

•8 0 applicants from partner schools guided through the university application, exam, and interview process, with some being the first in their school’s history to get into Oxbridge.

Consequently, Habs have provided countless benefits for local communities. Recognising this, the school was awarded the Herts Civic Award for services to residents of the borough.

The work doesn’t end there, though, with Habs this year committing to: • I ncreasing from 20 to around 50 per week the number of weekly hours offered to 7 local partner schools.

• I ncreasing from 19 to around 50 the number of staff involved in weekly partnerships work.

• Increasing from 200 to 300 the number of students involved in weekly partnerships (with the aim of increasing this to 1,000 in 2025).

• Increasing to over 1,800 the number of KS1-3 partner students benefiting from weekly sessions.

•O ffering more free places to students from partner schools.

•D eveloping and implementing a package of pastoral support for students on free places.

This represents an extraordinary commitment to building capacity in the local community; but it also represents an extraordinary commitment to developing students’ wider educations. Through leading partnerships activities, they build their leadership, teamworking and communications skills, and most especially their grit and resilience.

The teams at Habs Boys and Habs Girls look forward to introducing their partner schools and the students and staff involved over the coming months.

For learn more about the Habs Partnership Programme visit habsboys.org.uk and habsgirls.org.uk December 2023 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | 71

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LOCAL EXPERTISE, INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION Email: newhomes@glentree.com

020 8731 9500

www.glentree.com

49 THE BISHOPS AVENUE, N2

ELEGANT 3 BEDROOM DUPLEX APARTMENT AVAILABLE AT PRESTIGIOUS ADDRESS £3,500,000 SOLE AGENT

provides 24 hour concierge, swimming pool and leisure and resident’s gym.

The apartment is fully air conditioned and there is almost 3,000 sq ft of private garden and terrace on both levels. The apartment has been kept to an immaculate standard and provides 2 underground parking spaces and a generous storage room in the basement.

BISHOPS PARK, N2

RARELY AVAILABLE PENTHOUSE £3,350,000 JOINT SOLE AGENT

measuring 2,443 sq ft situated within this desirable gated, Octagon development in this prime location. room and 24 hr concierge/security.

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THE LUXLEY

NET ZERO CARBON - HIGH SPECIFICATION PRICES BETWEEN £1,450,000- £2,995,000 JOINT SOLE AGENT A stunning 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom penthouse apartment

spanning 2068 sq ft. Situated in this exclusive, brand newly built development, located a stones throw from the amenities of Golders Green High Street & Northern Line Tube Station.

09/11/2023 11:05

SET THE SCENE

Talking points / PROPERTY

Ever considered a professional stager to maximise your property’s sales appeal? We ask the experts if it’s worth it In a competitive market, a beautifully presented property could make the difference between a quick sale and a hard pass. We all know the rules about decluttering, tidying up the front for kerb appeal, and giving our interior walls a fresh lick of paint – preferably in an inoffensive neutral colour that will appeal to most buyers. But if we really want house viewers to fall in love and offer on the spot, we may need to go a step further. Enter the strategic art of home staging.

Professional stagers combine creative design principles, real estate knowledge, and even a sneaky bit of psychology to win over potential buyers. Given that property-seekers often make decisions based on emotions, a home stager worth their salt will know exactly how to evoke feelings of comfort, security and aspiration, all of which are vital elements in the buying decision. “I believe that in some instances property staging makes a huge difference,” says Vivienne Harris, owner at Heathgate. “A while ago we were selling a small development and the last two or three units were sticking. Staging was suggested to the client as the apartments were compact and empty and without styling it was hard to imagine how the furniture (or even what furniture) would fit and how it could look. Within two weeks the flats were under offer and sold thereafter.”

Home staging comes into its own in vacant properties, where you might be asking potential

“When we plan to buy a new home, we all aspire to a beautiful interior that reflects our style and good taste” Anita Mehra, Benham & Reeves buyers to imagine family life in what is, essentially, an empty shell. With carefully selected furniture and décor that complements the property’s architectural style, effective use of colour and lighting, and with homely finishing touches such as artwork, rugs, and decorative objects, an empty house really can become a future home. “Staging a property can make a huge difference in terms of marketing,” explains Vikki Broad, head of sales at Hamptons in Islington. “When you’re selling a property, you’re selling so much more than bricks and mortar, you’re selling a lifestyle – this is very hard to do in an empty space. Staging really helps Sell the lifestyle: a well-staged property can sell three times faster than an empty property

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to bring the property to life, showing it in the best light. In my experience, when a property is staged, we tend to get more interest, and in some cases, a higher price.” Anita Mehra, managing director at Benham & Reeves agrees, telling us: “When we plan to buy a new home, we all aspire to a beautiful interior that reflects our style and good taste.

When you present that interior to a prospective buyer, it makes it much easier for them to envisage themselves living there because you’ve delivered the lifestyle they can aspire to.”

These days, most homebuyers carry out a property search online long before they speak to a developer or estate agent, which is where virtual staging can come into play. “This is also a popular tool when marketing your property, especially within lettings,” says Vikki. “Similar to physical staging, virtual staging gives life and colour to empty, unfurnished properties where the images may otherwise appear lifeless and dull.” Of course, professional staging doesn’t come cheap, and where virtual styling can be an affordable alternative, inevitably, big decisions will be made in the physical world. “Don’t be tempted to do it yourself,” advises Anita. “Use a specialist who has experience and a demonstrable talent for it. You might be surprised to learn that with the right design strategy in place, the buyer will often ask to purchase the property with the furnishings included, which is convenient. As a general guide, consider spending around 1.5 per cent of the property value to home-stage at a ‘cut-above’ level, with the main objective to drive a quicker sale. Properties that are completely empty or poorly furnished tend to take three times longer to sell, so from my experience, I think that home staging is definitely worth it.” heathgate.com; hamptons.co.uk; benhams.com December 2023 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | 73

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ON THE MARKET

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

Melina Place, NW8

This unique low-built home mixes cosiness and contemporary sass.

Set over two floors with just the principal bedroom suite up top, it boasts a floorplan with a difference.

Where period charm meets the strikingly modern, the house has been expanded to include an impressive glass box extension that wraps around the private courtyard garden. From here, you can dine under the stars, or work up a sweat in the adjacent gym. The original part of the house includes an impressive 24 ft reception room that also overlooks the garden, while other features include air con and a coveted parking space. £3.25 million, Winkworth (020 7586 7001; winkworth.co.uk)

FOR SALE

Uphill Road, NW7

This Tudor-style property boasts a sprawling 120 ft wide plot with 9,330 sq ft of luxury accommodation.

Arranged over three floors, the spacious home features a magnificent entrance hall complete with swooping staircase and a black and white chequered stone floor; it is pure Hollywood. The modern glamour continues throughout the detached house with rich and elegant fittings and décor, while an enormous Mark Wilkinson kitchen/breakfast room is the heart of the home. Add to that a truly elegant principal bedroom, gym, home cinema, and one seriously expansive back garden. £5.75 million, Godfrey and Barr (020 8959 9000; godfreyandbarr.com)

FOR SALE

Bedford Street, WC2E

With views of the London Eye, there’s no mistaking which city you’re in here (the best in the world, of course). This deluxe penthouse is arranged over the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors of a restored period building in the heart of Covent Garden. Boasting three bedrooms and two bathrooms, there’s ample contemporary living space to enjoy, including a top floor terrace, and a huge open concept reception/ dining/kitchen space that’s perfect for entertaining. Other highlights include Gaggenau, Siemens and Miele kitchen fixtures and appliances, and a statement spiral staircase. £5.25 million, Chestertons (020 3040 8300; chestertons.co.uk)

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Dream homes / PROPERTY Luxurious living spaces are rich in texture and calm in colour

UTMOST ELEGANCE

You may need deep pockets, but this refurbished Georgian townhouse is luxury London living at its finest

The Georgian townhouse boasts a truly elegant façade

Portland Place is famous for many things: both the Chinese and Polish embassies are here, it’s home to the BBC’s Broadcasting House, and the Marylebone thoroughfare secures iconic status having been featured in numerous books and films, from The Portrait of a Lady to The Million Pound Note. It is also known for its rich architectural pickings, this luxurious Georgian townhouse being a case in point. Arranged over four floors, the five-bed, five-bath abode is quintessentially London with its wealth of period features and its truly elegant façade.

The spacious family home has seen a recent refurbishment by renowned interior designer Hubert Zandberg in collaboration with architectural designer Jan Swanepoel. As such, it exudes modern glamour from floor to ceiling, whilst staying sympathetic to the original architectural style (expect to be wowed by the property’s exceptional ceiling height).

The house is designed for relaxation and entertaining in equal parts and boasts luxurious living spaces that are rich in texture and calming in colour. Imposing marble fireplaces and dark

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stained wood floors are met with light-loving cream walls and ornate panelling, while spectacular light fittings range from traditional crystal chandeliers to strikingly modern sculptural centrepieces.

As much as the property is a classic, it also comes equipped with the latest in home tech, including a beautiful Wolf range cooker, a Lutron HomeWorks lighting and shading control system, and integrated control features. There’s also oodles of versatile living space with more than enough for a luxurious media room. On the lower ground floor you’ll find a family room, handily flanked by a bar and wine cellar, as well as a state-of-the-art gym complete with a separate treatment room.

With all of this on tap, you might be tempted to never leave this luxurious dwelling, but given its prime central London location, it would be a crime not to take full advantage of the Capital’s very best shops, galleries, restaurants and green open spaces, right here on your doorstep. £19.75 million, Beauchamp Estates (020 7722 9793; beauchamp.com)

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HIGHGATE VILLAGE, N6 A rare chance to acquire this unique Georgian “lifestyle” house in one of Highgate’s premiere locations. The house seamlessly combines the scale and splendour of the Georgian era with modern design and function. This 3,700 sq ft, Grade II listed home is truly magnificent and enjoys a sunny, 83’ landscaped rear garden. In addition, a large roof terrace affords breath-taking views over London, the City skyline and Hampstead Heath. A large, double volume kitchen adds to the theatre as does its period rich reception room. This is a statement property and its impressive yet discreet exterior gives little clue about the gem that lies within.

Principal Bedroom with En Suite Bathroom, Dressing Room and Shower • 2 Further Huge Bedrooms • 2 Further Bathrooms • Large Drawing Room 33’ Kitchen/Dining Room • Study • Large Wine Cellar • Guest WC • Garage • Large Rear Garden • Roof Terrace • Council Tax Band H • EPC E

£5,500,000 - Freehold

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020 8348 8131

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email : highgate@daymorris.co.uk LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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2

LD SO

COURTHOPE ROAD, HAMPSTEAD, NW3 At just over 2400 square feet, this end of terrace five bedroom house offers flexible accommodation across four floors, just a short stroll from Hampstead Heath.

The house has been lovingly maintained by the present owners, with naturally lit rooms throughout and an idyllic private garden at the rear, with direct access available via the side of the property. There is the potential to further enhance the internal space on the ground floor by extending into the side return, subject to the necessary planning consent. Courthope Road is a quiet residential street, within walking distance of the excellent nearby transport links, and the popular shopping areas of both Belsize Park and South End Green.

Five Bedrooms • Double Reception • Large Kitchen • Two Bathrooms • Attic Room • Guest Cloakroom • Private Garden • Cellar • Freehold • EPC D

£2,595,000 - Freehold - Sole Agent

2 Fleet Road, NW3 2QS LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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020 7482 4282

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LUXURY LONDON LIVING

09/11/2023 11:13

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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C

Ferncroft Avenue | Hampstead, NW3 For Sale

£2,300,000

leasehold with a share of freehold and 968 years remaining

3

2

1

Located on a quiet residential road less than one mile from Hampstead Village, Hampstead Heath and Hampstead Underground Station is this lovely garden duplex apartment. The property boasts its own private entrance, over 1,600 sq. ft. of living space, a 60 ft. south-facing garden and off-street parking.

For Sale

EPC Rating C | Service charge: £4,300 per annum | Local authority and council tax band: London Borough of Camden, band F

Sam Gould – Sales Director

020 7182 1406 sam.gould@chestertons.co.uk

chestertons.co.uk

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LUXURY LONDON LIVING

09/11/2023 11:15

T r f a

Clive Court | Maida Vale, W9 For Sale

£1,595,000

leasehold with a share of freehold and 953 years remaining

4

3

1

This stunning flat, finished to the highest of standards, is positioned on the fourth floor of a wellrenowned purpose-built block with porter and lift. The property spreads over 1,600 sq. ft. and benefits from abundance of natural light throughout, spacious reception room, separate dining area and access to the communal garden.

New to Market

EPC Rating C | Service charge: £12,850 per annum | Local authority and council tax band: Westminster City Council, band G

James Westendarp – Sales Director

020 7182 1406 james.westendarp@chestertons.co.uk

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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HAMPDEN GURNEY STREET, W1 A beautifully presented second floor three double bedroom purpose built apartment moments away from Oxford Street.

3 Bedrooms - 2 En-Suite Bathrooms - Shower Room - Reception Room - Kitchen - Balcony - Lift - Secure Underground Parking EPC Rating C - 1,055 sq ft - Council Tax Band G LEASEHOLD 136 YEARS UNEXPIRED

£1,300,000

OFFICES OFFICESAT ATKNIGHTSBRIDGE KNIGHTSBRIDGE&&MARBLE MARBLEARCH ARCH

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01/11/2023 14:41 LUXURY LONDON LIVING

09/11/2023 11:16

PLAZ

www.plazaestates.co.uk www.plazaestates.co.uk

DEVONPORT, SOUTHWICK STREET, W2 A great opportunity to purchase this one bedroom apartment extending to 598 sq ft on the third floor of this well located and extremely popular purpose built block.

Bedroom - Bathroom - Reception Room - Kitchen - 24 Hour Concierge - Lifts - Communal Gardens - EPC Rating E - 598 sq ft Council Tax Band F LEASEHOLD 152 YEARS UNEXPIRED

£550,000

OFFICES MARBLE ARCH OFFICES AT KNIGHTSBRIDGE & MARBLEW2 ARCH MARBLE ARCH: 29 EDGWARE LONDON 2JE MARBLE ARCH:AT 29KNIGHTSBRIDGE EDGWAREROAD ROAD& LONDON W2 2JE020 0207724 77243100 3100

14:41

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LUXURY LONDON LIVING

10/11/2023 12:49

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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HAMILTON TERRACE, ST JOHN’S WOOD, NW8 £6,250,000 FREEHOLD

6 bedrooms

4 bathrooms

3 reception rooms

A beautifully quaint yet imposing double-fronted home offering ample lateral space spanning over 3,000 sq. ft. The discreet south west facing rear garden can be accessed from both the kitchen and dining space. EPC D. Tax Band H. 020 7286 8787

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MAIDAVALE@HAMPTONS.CO.UK

HAMPTONS.CO.UK

03/11/2023 09:53 LUXURY LONDON LIVING

10/11/2023 12:46

23 09:53

“YESSS! WE’RE IN BEFORE CHRISTMAS” MOVING PEOPLE SINCE 1869

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

HYDE PARK MANSIONS, MARYLEBONE, NW1, GUIDE PRICE £1,900,000 Located equidistant between Hyde Park and Regents Park, set in a handsome period redbrick mansion block. A stunning top floor (with lift) lateral apartment spanning about 1850 ft² / 171m², with four bedrooms, on an attractive tree lined residential street, moments from the multi-faceted and ever popular Edgware Road.

The property is well placed for transport links, including Edgware Road St’ (Circle, District and Hammersmith) and is conveniently located for international and national transport links at Paddington Mainline Station (Heathrow Express / Elizabeth line).

LEASE: ABOUT - 144 YEARS REMAINING | SERVICE CHARGE: ABOUT £5,000 PER ANNUM | GROUND RENT - PEPPERCORN | COUNCIL TAX BAND: G | EPC BAND: D.

PADDINGTON & BAYSWATER | 020 7467 5770 paddington@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/paddington-bayswater

88 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | December 2023

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winkworth.co.uk on the go...

No matter where you are, our properties are only a tap away.

OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS. SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

10/11/2023 12:00 12:46 01/11/2023

Daleham Gardens, NW3 £1,550,000 Asking Price A magnificent 3 double bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment Set in imposing double fronted detached period conversion Great lateral space spanning the entire top floor

Semi open plan high quality kitchen 13ft main bedroom suite with dressing area and bathroom 2 further double bedrooms, shower room and ample storage

Over 1500 sq ft on the 2nd floor

Prestigious and peaceful location ideal for Hampstead and Belsize Park

Delightful communal gardens

Share of Freehold

Exceptional 21ft reception with feature fireplace

Council Tax: Camden Band G.

Belsize Park Office 020 7431 1234 LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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South Hampstead 020 7625 4567 nw6@parkheath.com

Belsize Park 020 7431 1234 nw3@parkheath.com

West Hampstead 020 7794 7111 192@parkheath.com

Kentish Town 020 7485 0400 kt@parkheath.com

Property Management Kensal Rise 020 8960 4845 020 7433 6174 kensal@parkheath.com pm@parkheath.com

parkheath.com parkheath_londonrealestate December 2023 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | 89

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LUXURY LONDON LIVING

13/11/2023 17:17

Litchfield Way, Hampstead Garden Suburb, NW11 6 Bedrooms | Lounge | Dining room | Family Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Family Bathroom 2 Shower Rooms | Downstairs WC | Off Street Parking | Front & Rear Gardens | EPC=D

This is a stunning six bedroom detached family home located on the south side of the Suburb.

Recently decorated to a high standard, it offers off street parking and a south-west facing rear garden. 2,348 sq ft of bright and spacious accommodation spread over three floors. The ground floor has a reception room, dining room, family room, and an extended kitchen/breakfast room. The kitchen is modern, perfect for family meals and entertaining. The principal bedroom is located on the first floor and features an en-suite shower room. There are five further bedrooms, two additional bathrooms, utility room, and guest cloakroom. The rear garden is beautifully landscaped and includes a patio area, ideal for outdoor dining. The property is conveniently located just 0.1 mile from the Market Place, where you can find various shops and amenities. Lyttelton Playing Fields are nearby, providing great space for outdoor activities. East Finchley Underground station is approximately 1 mile away, offering easy access to central London. The Heath Extension is also within walking distance, providing a peaceful green space for residents to enjoy. Viewing of this fine home is highly recommended.

Price | £2,795,000 | Freehold | Joint Sole Agent litchfields.com | 020 8458 5000 | sales@litchfields.com | Experts In Your Area

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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020 7435 3344 property@heathgate.co.uk

HAMPSTEAD, NW3 FREEHOLD

Residential Sales Lettings & Property Management

Guide Price £5,800,000 PRINCIPAL AGENT

A recently constructed, architect designed, detached house, situated in one of Hampstead’s most desirable locations, moments from Hampstead Heath and Golders Hill Park and within easy reach of Golders Green tube and bus station. This bright and elegant home comprises approximately 5,700 sq ft, with 5-6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, 4-5 reception rooms, bedroom 6 / gym, staff quarters and contemporary interior and exterior styling. This attractive residence forms part of an exclusive, bespoke, gated development and benefits from a south facing, private, landscaped garden, patio and terraces.

Well arranged over only 3 floors, other features include a magnificent indoor swimming pool with shower and steam room, underground parking for 1 car, off-street parking for a further 3 cars, security gates and a 24 hour concierge.

5-6 bedrooms | 5 bathrooms | dressing room | reception room | dining room | family room | luxury kitchen/breakfast room guest cloakroom | utility room | staff quarters | gym | indoor swimming pool with steam room | sauna | changing area shower room and cloakroom | private south facing garden | underground parking for 1 car | private overground parking for 2-3 further cars | private gated development | CCTV | 24 hour security | double glazing.

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10/11/2023 12:46

LUXURY LONDON LIVING BR Fabric Property ad_Dec23_aw.indd 1

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THINKING OF SELLING OR LETTING? Contact our local team for an obligation free valuation today!

SOLD

A UNIQUE LIVE-WORK RESIDENCE EGLON MEWS, NW1 A unique blend commercial and residential spaces, paying tribute to international design and architecture.

5

5

£17,250,000*

SOLD

DETACHED GRADE II LISTED VICTORIAN RESIDENCE LOUDOUN ROAD, NW8 A beautifully finished family home with an exceptional principal suite and attractive landscaped gardens.

4

4

£6,000,000*

OBSERVATORY GARDENS W8 £2,750 PER WEEK*

WEST HEATH ROAD, NW3 LET

WEST HEATH ROAD NW3 £3,750 PER WEEK*

*Asking Price

LET

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CANNES

ST TROPEZ

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NEW YORK

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

10/11/2023 12:46

SOLD

A FULLY RESTORED LATERAL APARTMENT DEVONSHIRE PLACE, W1 A beautifully desiged apartment set within a Georgian townhouse in Marylebone.

2

2

£2,300,000*

SOLD

UNMODERNISED HOUSE IN ST JOHN’S WOOD RANULF ROAD, NW3 An oppotuinty to curate an excellent home with an integrated garage and large private garden.

4

1

£2,450,000*

MONTAGU MEWS SOUTH W1H £1,500 PER WEEK*

WEST HEATH ROAD, NW3 LET

KING HENRY’S ROAD NW3 £2,000 PER WEEK*

*Asking Price

LET

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LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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HARLEY STREET, MARYLEBONE VILLAGE, LONDON W1G This apartment is approximately 1078 sq ft (100 sqm) and benefits from an abundance of natural light through floor to ceiling windows with exceptional ceiling height of 3.80m. The apartment comprises of an entrance hall, grand reception room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.

This Grade II listed building is located on the east side of Harley Street at the junction with New Cavendish Street. Both Oxford Circus and Bond Street underground stations are within close proximity. The shopping facilities of Marylebone high street and Oxford Street together with the open spaces of Regent Park are also nearby.

SHARE OF FREEHOLD £2,100,000

DEVONSHIRE PLACE, MARYLEBONE VILLAGE, LONDON W1 The apartment is approximately 1,788 sq ft (166 /sq m). Comprises of two double bedrooms both with en suite bathrooms, cloakroom, reception room and kitchen with access to a west facing terrace.

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

UNFURNISHED £2,350 PER WEEK

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LUXURY LONDON LIVING

13/11/2023 17:20

Brunswick Place Regent’s Park London NW1 Unfurnished £3,350 per week Principal Agent

67–71 Park Road London NW1 6XU 020 7724 4724 astonchase.com

ZD470 Ast Chs Fabric Lettings Single.indd 1 LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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A beautiful 5 bedroom double-fronted Nash home (277.4 sq m/2,986 sq ft) situated just off the Outer Circle of Regent’s Park.

This Grade II Listed period property is arranged over 3 floors and benefits from 3 reception rooms, an integral garage and use of Park Square’s private gardens.

Brunswick Place is located within 300 metres of Marylebone High Street with Oxford Street just over half a mile away whilst Baker Street (0.4 miles) and Great Portland Street (0.3 miles) Underground Stations are both very close by.

Accommodation and Amenities 5 Bedrooms (3 En-Suites), Family Bathroom, 2 Reception Rooms, Study, Media Room, Fully Fitted Kitchen, Garage, Access to Residents’ Garden.

Council Tax: Band H. EPC: D.

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Park Road | St John’s Wood, NW8 To Let

£25,800 pcm

Deposit: six weeks Minimum term: six months

5

4

1

This modern apartment is situated within a beautiful purpose-built building with lift and 24-hour porter, just 0.4 miles from Baker Street Underground Station. The property offers four private balconies and a master suite with a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite.

New to Market

Local authority and council tax band: Westminster City Council, band H

Lenka Zavodna – Lettings Director

020 7182 1406 lenka.zavodna@chestertons.co.uk

chestertons.co.uk

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LUXURY LONDON LIVING

13/11/2023 16:44

CLAIM YOUR FREE TICKETS TO A LONDON WELSH RUGBY GAME As one of London’s oldest and largest estate agencies, Chestertons has a history of supporting charities, community groups, schools, institutions and local clubs.

This is the reason why we are proud to have been supporting London Welsh Rugby Club since 2015.

To claim your free tickets scan here or visit bit.ly/london-welsh-tickets

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

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Don’t just fantasise about having a 10ft Christmas tree...

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