Fabric July 2023

GOOD BONES

Work with your period property’s unique heritage to create a modern home

TEXTURAL MOMENTS

Noor Charchafchi’s opulent abode is a lesson in layering styles and textures

ALWAYS A PLAYER

Malcolm Kamulete on his latest role in Champion , and how it brought together his love of acting and of making music

Through the keyhole

ON @londonfabricmag

@londonfabricproperty fabricmagazine.co.uk

We make no secret of the fact we love browsing property listings here at Fabric. There’s something irresistible about peeping inside the homes of others, whether or not we’re not in the market to buy. As a reader of the magazine, it follows that you share this not-so-guilty pleasure, and if so, we’ve a treat in-store for you this month – alongside all the usual prime homes in London, this issue also includes a round-up of dream properties on the market around the world (along with advice on buying if you’d like to do more than just dream!) Sadly the dreamiest holiday home we’ve ever come across isn’t actually for sale, but it is possible to stay there – you can read our review of this ultra luxury Corfiot villa in our travel section (and start planning your own trip). Elsewhere in the magazine we give you expert advice on tackling a period renovation and speak to Londoner Malcolm Kamulete about his upcoming role in the BBC’s highly anticipated Champion. It’s a cracker, if I do say it myself!

OUR AGENTS

Arlington Residential arlingtonresidential.com

Aston Chase astonchase.com

Bargets bargets.co.uk

Beauchamp Estates beauchamp.com

Behr & Butchoff behrandbutchoff.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

@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 & 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

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

Malcolm Kamulete Photographed by Lee Malone

Malcolm wears: blazer, trousers and vest, all by All Saints; socks by The London Sock Co; and shoes by Grenson

Savills Jonathan Hewlett Aston Chase Mark Pollack

Liz Skone James liz@hattoncollective.com

CONTENTS / LIFESTYLE

30 SHOPPING

If it’s time for a change of wrist apparel, our roundup of luxury watches should come just in time

31 CULTURE

Your guide to what to do in London this month

32 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

MALCOLM KAMULETE

London-born Malcolm Kamulete on how his drama teacher changed his life, and his role in Champion

38 BUYING PROPERTY ABROAD

Whether you want to drool over dream holiday homes or are actually planning to buy, you won’t want to miss our guide

42 STYLE

Don’t step out in the sun without reading our expert guide to your skin and sun damage

44 FOOD & DRINK

We’re feeling summery with a taste of Italy and a recipe for delicious, seasonal, berry flavoured gelati

TRAVEL

46 SPOTLIGHT ON

The sun always shines on Malta (well, almost always, anyway); we check out where to stay

47 TRAVEL REVIEW

Discover Corfu’s most exclusive villa, and plan your own fun-filled Manchester break

INTERIORS

51 INTERIORS NEWS

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

52 PERIOD RENOVATIONS

When only a period property will do, careful planning and creative vision can be required

54 AT HOME WITH

Exquisite craftsmanship meets timeless elegance in interior designer Noor Charchafchi’s home

58 DESIGNER PROFILE

Creative director Melissa Klink on what makes a Harvey Jones kitchen truly stand out

SCHOOLS

60 A CAPITAL EDUCATION

We explore ways to help your kids see technology in a new light this summer

PROPERTY

63 TALKING POINTS

What in the world is probate and what does it mean for property sales – our agents explain

64 HOT PROPERTY

The best homes on the market this month

90 THE LAST WORD

Introducing Benham & Reeves’ Chris Cooper

Functional and timeless –a Harvey Jones kitchen

We’re in the market for a new timepiece

Steal interior designer Noor Charchafchi’s style

FOR SALE

A GRAND FREEHOLD RESIDENCE WITH THE LARGEST FRONTAGE, IN THE BEST POSITION IN AVENUE ROAD.

IT HAS A RARE NEW PLANNING CONSENT FOR A 17,000 SQ FT (1,600 SQ M) SUPER-MANSION ON FOUR FLOORS WITH LUXURY INDOOR POOL COMPLEX, SET IN A LARGE 0.41 ACRE (0.17 HA) PLOT, WITH GARAGING AND ONSITE PARKING.

Guide price: £30,000,000

Sole Agent Email:

PARK HOUSE HAMPSTEAD LANE, N6

FREEHOLD

GUIDE PRICE: £6,000,000

Cannon Place, Hampstead Village, NW3

£5,500,000

Situated in this highly sought-after and historic location at the summit of Hampstead Village is this substantial detached seven-bedroom Victorian house, enjoying bright and well-proportioned accommodation over four floors and boasting a great deal of charm and character throughout.

The raised ground floor offers two intercommunicating high ceilinged reception rooms with views to both the front and rear garden, as well as a kitchen/breakfast room. The first floor provides the principal bedroom with en-suite bathroom, two further bedrooms and a family bathroom. There are an additional four bedrooms and another family bathroom on the second floor together with wonderful views over the London skyline. The lower ground floor is currently unmodernised and our clients have applied for planning permission to create a separate self-contained two-bedroom apartment. This magnificent house also boasts a 78' rear garden.

Hampstead Heath is literally situated within a few hundred yards and the wide choice of shops, restaurants and cafés that Hampstead offers are within a short walk.

733JointSoleAgent|Freehold|EPCE

West Heath Close, Hampstead, NW3 £5,250,000 SoleAgent|Freehold|EPCE

5331/2

Located within a much coveted exclusive and quiet cul-de-sac, wholly made up of distinguished detached family houses, is this handsome, double fronted five-bedroom family house set back from the road and offered for sale in very good decorative condition throughout.

The present owners carried out a substantial remodelling program to create a radical, contemporary, sun-filled and exciting open-plan living space ideal for interactive family living, plus the benefit of a separate TV room and study. A particular feature of the kitchen/family room are the large retractable sliding doors that all recess into the rear wall to provide an unencumbered virtually 'panoramic' view and access onto the charming 50' x 40' south-facing garden.

The property enjoys off-street parking for one/two cars. The garage has been converted to provide extra storage, a boot room and a dog shower/ cleaning area.

The leading estate agent for Hampstead and the surrounding areas

Abbey Road

ST JOHNS WOOD, NW8

£1,150,000

An extremely well presented character conversion featuring well planned two bedroom accommodation and a delightful private patio garden situated to the rear of this substantial period house located on the iconic Abbey Road moments from the world famous recording studios.

Own private entrance | Reception room with feature fireplace and bay window | Snug/ breakfast room | Fitted kitchen | Master bedroom | En-suite bathroom | Bedroom two with walk-in wardrobe | Shower room | South/West facing patio garden.

Chappell Lofts, Belmont Street

HAMPSTEAD, NW1

£3,950,000 Offers in excess of FREEHOLD

Chappell Lofts is the conversion of the famous Victorian era Chappell Piano factory accommodating spacious two and three bedroom luxury apartments.

Over 2,895 sq ft of lateral living space | 12 ft high ceilings | Italian kitchen with Bora and Miele appliances | Oak parquet flooring throughout | Duravit Philippe Starck bathroom suites | Air conditioned bedrooms | 460 sq ft private balcony | Cast iron feature radiators and columns | Club lounge with leisure facilities | On site concierge.

Multi Agency

MIDDLEWAY, NW11

GUIDE PRICE £2,850,000

Located in this prime turning on the south side of Hampstead Garden Suburb is this stunning 6 bedroom, 4 bathroom, semidetached family home arranged over 3 floors. Internally the property is in excellent condition and has been architecturally designed with a stunning feature triple height entrance hallway, which is immersed with natural light. On the ground floor there are full height double doors which lead into a large dining/lounge reception room with French doors opening outside to a generous rear garden.

There is a fully equipped Kosher kitchen/family room which is also accessed via two joining walkways from the through room and via the main hallway, a guest w.c , a coats cupboard and a utility room.

The first floor offers a principal bedroom with an en suite bathroom and fitted wardrobes, 2 further bedrooms also both with fitted cupboards and a separate family bathroom. The second floor offers 3 further bedrooms, 2 of which are doubles and 1 offering an ensuite shower room (ideal for a live in/au-pair) and a further separate family shower room.

INGRAM AVENUE, NW11 GUIDE PRICE £8,500,000

Set behind a deep carriage driveway with off street parking for 6/8 cars, is this impressive 6 bedroom detached double fronted family home arranged over 4 floors and backing on to Hampstead Golf Course.

As you enter this magnificent home you walk into a large entrance hallway with 4 sets of full height double doors leading on to the drawing room, Dining room, tv room, kitchen / family room and study. On the upper floors there are 5-bedroom suites including the principal suite which boasts an oversized bathroom and dressing room.On the lower level there is a bespoke media room which comfortably sits 10 guests, a staff bedroom and bathroom and utility room.

Further benefits include air conditioning, underfloor heating, Lutron controlled lighting, 2 guest WC’S and a garage.The beautifully landscaped garden to the rear extends to over 115” and is bordered by a dining area, terraces and a 12m swimming pool. Additionally, there is a pool house with changing facilities.

Ingram Avenue is highly regarded as one of the finest turnings in Hampstead Garden Suburb and located within a short walk to both Kenwood and the Heath Extension.

Dukes Avenue, N10

£2,850,000

Set over four floors, a five bedroom Edwardian house providing over 2,900 sq. ft of flexible accommodation. The property has undergone a complete renovation and has been finished to a high standard. On the lower ground floor, you can sit back and enjoy a film in the cinema room or work up a sweat in the gym. Located opposite the open space of Alexandra Park and close to an excellent selection of shops, cafés and restaurants, energy rating d.

Dexters Muswell Hill. 418 Muswell Hill Broadway, London, N10 1DJ

T: 020 8444 2388 E: muswellhillsales@dexters.co.uk

dexters.co.uk

Woodfield Road, W9

£3,950,000

Offering undisturbed 360-degree views of London, an impressive penthouse apartment with a contemporary open plan living area and a bespoke kitchen with Miele appliances. All three bedrooms have en suite bathrooms and the principal bedroom has the added luxury of a free-standing bath and separate shower. In addition, the home comes with underground secure parking and two private balconies, energy rating d.

Dexters New Homes North London. 298 Elgin Avenue, London, W9 1JS

T: 020 7590 7299 E: newhomesnorth@dexters.co.uk

020 7722 7222

105 St John’s Wood Terrace, NW8 6PL email: stjohnswood@behrandbutchoff.com www.behrandbutchoff.com

NORTH GATE NW8

A fabulous 3 double bedroom apartment situated on the ground floor in one of St John’s Wood’s finest period mansion blocks, superbly located directly opposite Regent’s Park. The apartment comprises 19’ reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, principle bedroom with ensuite, 2 further bedrooms, family bathroom and guest WC. Further benefits include highly regarded porterage, and parking (including electric points) on a first come first served basis in the carriage driveway, located behind secure gates.

North Gate is conveniently located at the southern end of St John’s Wood High Street which offers a plethora of cafes, restaurants and boutiques. St John’s Wood Underground station (Jubilee Line) is within close proximity. Lord’s Cricket Ground, Primrose Hill and London Zoo are within walking distance.

VIDEO ENTRYPHONE • EXCELLENT 24HR PORTERAGE • COMMUNAL GARDENS • EPC = C

MELINA PLACE, NW8

A unique 2 floor house discreetly located in one of St John’s Wood’s most exclusive and sought after enclaves. Approached through an understated gated entrance, the off-street position of this house makes it a particularly peaceful location. The house benefits from a 24’ reception room and a 18’ kitchen/breakfast room leading onto the private garden. Other features include parking for 1 car, airconditioning and a private walled west facing garden.

ENTRANCE HALL

OFFICE

• RECEPTION ROOM

• KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM

• GUEST BEDROOM/

• PRINCIPAL BEDROOM WITH EN-SUITE BATHROOM AND WALK-IN DRESSING ROOM

• SECOND BEDROOM

CONDITIONING

PARKING

• SHOWER ROOM/WET ROOM

• ENTRY PHONE

• CCTV

• GARDEN

• CENTRAL HEATING

• PART AIR-

• OFF STREET PARKING

• RESIDENTS

• WITHIN EASY REACH OF ST JOHN’S WOOD UNDERGROUND STATION

FREEHOLD SOLE AGENTS

020 7722 7222

105 St John’s Wood Terrace, NW8 6PL email: stjohnswood@behrandbutchoff.com

www.behrandbutchoff.com

Exceptional Family Home

Neville Drive, Hampstead Garden Suburb N2 Hampstead Underground Station: 1.8 miles

Spectacular property offers outstanding entertaining spaces with an excellent outdoor space featuring a beautiful patio terrace perfect for alfresco dining. 4 reception rooms, principal bedroom suite with dressing room and private balcony, 5 further bedrooms (2 en suites), family bathroom, utility room and garden with patio area. Freehold | Council Tax Band = H | EPC = D

5,665 sq ft | Guide £8.5 million

James Diaper

Savills Hampstead

020 7472 5010

jdiaper@savills.com

Rare London Opportunity

Loudoun Road, St John’s Wood NW8 St John’s Wood Underground Station: 0.2 miles

Full planning consent has been granted to construct an elegant freehold residence of luxury living measuring approximately 10,204 sq ft. 4 reception rooms, 7-8 bedroom suites, cinema, spa pool, gym, steam/sauna, bar, yoga meditation space, games room, lift, staff quarters, garage, gated off-street parking, front and rear gardens. Freehold | Council Tax Band = H | EPC = E 3,604 sq ft (Current sq ft) | Guide £9.75 million

A Selection of Sales from June 2023

Warwick Avenue, Little Venice W9 -

Oakhill Avenue, Hampstead NW3 -

Westbourne Gardens,

House Sold

House Sold

Notting Hill W2 - Flat Sold

1

4

Ordnance Hill, St John’s Wood NW8 - Flat Sold

FROGNAL & CHURCH ROW

HAMPSTEAD VILLAGE • NW3

On the market for the first time since 1931, an opportunity to acquire a discreet family estate that comprises a pair of semi-detached Grade II Listed Georgian houses, once combined to form an exceptional grand period house formerly known as “Frognal Lodge”. Arranged over two floors and surrounded by a beautifully maintained mature landscaped gardens (0.6 of acre) with a large conservatory/orangery leading to lawns surrounded by herbaceous borders, ornamental trees, shrubs and many rare plants hidden behind a high wall, once with a tennis lawn forming the central garden. Nestled within the grounds, a delightful two bedroom house known as “The Folly” accessed via Church Row with a separate garage, store and off street parking for two cars. Located in the heart of Hampstead Village a few minutes’ walk of Hampstead tube station, Hampstead High Street and Hampstead Heath, with convenient access to the Finchley Road with Metropolitan and Jubilee Line stations and walking distance of many popular Hampstead schools.

ASKING PRICE: £22,000,000

FREEHOLD

EPC FROGNAL - LISTED

FROGNAL - D58

CHURCH ROW - E45

COUNCIL TAX BAND C

ABBEY LODGE, NW8 £3,550,000 SOLE AGENT

We are delighted to bring to the market this spacious third floor 2,655 sq. ft. family apartment, which has been in the current ownership for over seventy years. This charming apartment retains some splendid features including original cornicing, large sash windows and fireplace. The property consists of five bedrooms, a grand reception room and an interconnecting dining room which can be separated by sliding doors. The apartment also has a wonderful eat-in family kitchen/breakfast room, two bathrooms, three separate toilets and a storage room in the basement. The prestigious Abbey Lodge is set behind a private carriage driveway on the outer circle of Regent’s Park, and is equidistant for the many restaurants of St John’s Wood and Marylebone High Street.

Five Bedrooms | Two Bathrooms | Three Guest WC | Reception Room | Dining Room | Kitchen | Breakfast Room | Storage Room In The Basement | Off-Street Parking | Communal Gardens | 24-Hour Porterage | Passenger Lift | 2,655 SQFT | Long Lease | EPC Rating D | Council Tax Band H.

ST JOHN’S WOOD | 020 7586 7001 stjohnswood@winkworth.co.uk

sponsors of...

winkworth.co.uk/maida-vale

WARRINGTON CRESCENT, W9 GUIDE PRICE £1,875,000 JOINT SOLE AGENT

Lateral living at its best! A rare and wonderful opportunity to purchase a large (1,223 sqft) two double bedroom, two bathroom first floor apartment featuring stunning views across the sought after Crescent communal gardens.. The property is in excellent condition and benefits from well-proportioned accommodation with high ceilings, a grand reception room with three full-length sash windows offering a wealth of natural light, a fireplace with an ornate surround, a kitchen/breakfast room and a large principal bedroom. The apartment forms part of a grand period converted house located on one of the most sought-after roads in Little Venice. Warrington Crescent is situated within 0.1 miles of the boutique shops and cafes on Clifton Road, the famous Regents Canal and Warwick Avenue underground station (Bakerloo line - 0.2 miles).

Principal Bedroom | Second Bedroom With En Suite Shower Room | Bathroom | Reception Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Communal Gardens | Leasehold With Share Of Freehold | 83 Years Left On Lease | EPC Rating D | Council Tax Band G.

MAIDA VALE | 020 7289 1692

maidavale@winkworth.co.uk Proud sponsors of...

winkworth.co.uk/maida-vale

020 7402 9494

16 Park Road, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4SH

Facsimile: 020 7724 7055

Email: enquiries@bargets.co.uk

One of the finest lateral double apartments in St John's Wood

Imperial Court, Prince Albert Road, St John's Wood, NW8

An exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the finest lateral double apartments in St John's Wood. Occupying the second floor and well-positioned on the Prince Albert Road & Townshend Road side of this sought after prestigious premier purpose built building, the impressive apartment offers bright, spacious, generous and flexible accommodation throughout. Measuring in excess of 2,850 Sq. Ft. Licence to Alter has been obtained with permission from the Freeholders and Westminster City Council for the proposed re-configuration plans, which include hard wood-flooring & air-conditioning.

Imperial Court is excellently located being both opposite Regent's Park, next to Primrose Hill and a moments' walk to St John's Wood High Street, affording easy access to all of its amenities including St John's Wood Underground Station (Jubilee Line).

Two Private Terraces • Private Underground Parking • Secure Storage Unit • Lift • 24-Hr Concierge/Security • Communal Gym • Communal Gardens

Long Leasehold

www.bargets.co.uk

Joint Sole Agent Price on Application

An Exceptional Bespoke Ambassadorial Detached Residence

Winnington Road, London N2

This outstanding family home has recently been extensively refurbished and offers exquisite contemporary interiors, benefitting from smart technology accessed by either tablet or smart phone, as well as under-floor heating and air conditioning throughout. Arranged over three floors, comprising a breath-taking grand entrance atrium, offering magnificent volume, luxurious and spacious accommodation. There is also a separate summer studio house at the rear of a beautiful landscaped 185 Ft private rear garden.

Winnington Road is in close proximity to Kenwood, Hampstead Heath and within easy reach to Hampstead Village and Central London. Large entrance hall • 4 reception rooms • 7 bedrooms en-suite • Kitchen/breakfast room • Study • Utility room • Guest W.C • Summer studio house • Wine store • Terrace • 185 ft rear garden • Garage • Carriage driveway • Air-conditioning • Under floor heating

Freehold Sole Agent Price on Application

020 7402 9494

ARM CANDY

Time for a change? Update your wrist-wear with one of these gorgeous timepieces from our favourite luxury watchmakers

Raymond Weil Freelancer, £1,695 (raymond-weil.co.uk)

Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph, £8,030 (watches-of-switzerland.co.uk)

Christopher Ward C1 Moonglow with Milanese mesh strap, £2,045 (christopherward.com)

Seiko The Presage ‘Laurel Owari Shippo’ Enamel, £1,900 (seikoboutique.co.uk)

Arnold & Son Globetrotter Gold, £14,900 (swissgallery.co.uk)

Zenith DEFY Skyline Skeleton, £15,000 (zenith-watches.com)

BAUNAT Trento, £4,580 (baunat.com)

Hublot Big Bang Unico Sorai, £20,800 (hublot.com)

Orient Star Contemporary Full Skeleton, £2,759.99 (orientwatch.co.uk)

TAG HEUER Carrera Chronograph, £5,600 (tagheuer.com)

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41, £5,400 (bucherer.com)

William Wood Triumph Collection Fuel Edition, £2,525 (williamwoodwatches.com)

WHAT’S ON IN LONDON

What to see, read and do in the Capital this July

ARCHITECTURE Wren London Series

Part of Wren 300, a UK-wide celebration of Sir Christopher Wren’s tercentenary, this series of illuminating talks will take place across the Capital, within four of the acclaimed architect’s finest buildings and on board a specially commissioned Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. Venues include the Old Royal Naval College, St Paul’s Cathedral, Royal Hospital Chelsea, and St James’s Piccadilly. Until 31 December, for tickets, visit wren300.org

COMEDY The Monthly Digestif

Join Sydney Lima as she dissects the latest headlines and hot topics along with a panel of comedians, artists and fellow journalists at Fitzrovia’s finest, the London EDITION. Recently launched, and with past guests including Vogue columnist Raven Smith, and Frankie Boyle’s New World Order regular, Sophie Duker, this panel-led pop culture review promises a regular treat. 18 July, 10 Berners Street, W1T, visit eventbrite.co.uk to book

BALLET Romeo & Juliet

Ahead of a major international tour in 2024, Matthew Bourne’s starcrossed lovers return to Sadler’s Wells for a fleeting five-week summer season. The legendary choreographer says this production was inspired by a desire to listen to and represent young people. Expect fresh young talent, then, with some professional debuts.

1 August-2 September, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R (020 7863 8000; sadlerswells.com)

EXHIBITION Black Venus

Art historian Aindrea Emelife curates this must-see exhibition on the historical representation and shifting legacy of Black women in visual culture. Bringing together the work of over 20 artists with a selection of archival imagery, we can expect a fascinating deep dive into the othering, fetishisation, and reclamation of narratives around Black femininity.

20 July-24 September, Somerset House, Strand, WC2R (somersethouse.org.uk)

MUSICAL Crazy for You

With glorious Gershwin melodies including the infectious I Got Rhythm, Susan Stroman’s Crazy For You has just opened at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, following a hugely successful stint at the Chichester Festival Theatre. Don your top hat and tails and indulge in a sparkling old school musical guaranteed to lift the spirits. Until 20 January 2024, 166 Drury Lane, WC2B (crazyforyoumusical.com)

Painted Hall, Sir James Thornhill, 1726, Old Royal Naval College

Photograph by Johan Persson

Delphine Diallo, Highness Blue (Hybrid 1) © Courtesy of MTArt and the artist

Malcolm wears, opposite page: top, jacket and trousers, all by Altar London; and shoes by Grenson

This page: shirt by LOEWE; vest by All Saints; and ring by 7879

BORN TO P E R F O R M

From acting and making music to playing football, Malcolm Kamulete’s life revolves around performing, he reveals how one teacher changed the course of his life, and tells us about his latest role as Bosco in new BBC drama, Champion

Styling by Sarah-Rose Harrison Grooming by Nicola Harrowell-Browne

Words by Liz Skone James Photography by Lee Malone

Shot on location at The Westminster Hotel

Malcolm Kamulete believes he has his drama teacher, Marnie Crymble, to thank for his acting career. It was, he says, her encouragement that got him the part of Ra’Nell in Top Boy A role that was to thrust him into the spotlight 10 years ago. “All props to her,” he tells me. “I believe without her I probably wouldn’t be where I am.” His reluctance to even audition for the part stemmed from a previous experience on set, when he and friends from school had appeared as extras in Plan B’s film, Ill Manors. “We didn’t really like it,” he admits. “I guess, being boisterous and young, you wouldn’t. You just want to kind of be useful… we just didn’t feel that we were. The experience wasn’t as appealing as we thought acting life would be, so we weren’t interested in doing anything else.”

His teacher, having heard about the Top Boy auditions through a friend, knew that the opportunity might just change the course of one of her pupils’ lives, and would not rest until they agreed to go. “She was almost begging us to go, saying, ‘If you guys go, I promise you it could be a life changer for one of you’. She was on our case about it, going, ‘It has to be today, it’s at 4.30. It’s in Farringdon, can you make it? Go ask your parents for permission’. So, we were kind of like, ‘Oh miss, we don’t want to go!’ and she was like, ‘Trust me, just go’. So, off the back of her doing that, maybe 15 of us from school went to the audition… Five, six months later, I was given the role of Ra’Nell.”

He had, he says, always enjoyed drama, but it had never felt like a calling. “I was very much in love with drama as a lesson. Every time I was

in drama, English or PE, I would find like my safe haven. I would be happy,” he recalls. “So, I very much knew that I liked drama as a subject, but I was so immersed in football at the time. I was trying out for football teams like Leyton Orient… it was my main focus. So, when acting came and found me, it was very much at a time where I didn’t even see the calling. I didn’t even feel like it was a calling at the time, because I was so young and so focused on the football.”

Next up for the talented Londoner is a lead role in the BBC’s Champion this month. The series is the first TV project for Candice Carty-Williams, author of The Sunday Times bestselling novel Queenie and the new hit novel People Person, and tells the explosive story of what happens when fame collides with family. Speaking about the show when it was first announced, Candice said: “Champion is a celebration of Black music and of a Black family, however fragmented that family might be, and I can’t wait for the world to see their story. Since I knew what music was, I’ve loved grime and UK rap and neo-soul, to the point of obsession, and to bring to BBC One in the UK, and Netflix globally, a series that gives these genres of music life and texture is my dream, as is working with some of the best producers and songwriters making music today to create original tracks for the show.”

Malcolm plays rap sensation Bosco Champion, who is fresh out of prison, and ready to dominate the music industry once more. But when his dutiful younger sister Vita’s own talent is discovered by Bosco’s rival, Bulla, she steps out of her brother’s shadow to become a performer

in her own right, setting the Champion siblings against one another and tearing apart the whole family in the process. It was an irresistible role for Malcolm, who himself makes music, and saw it as a “meshing of his two worlds”.

“I’ve been making music for the best part of 10 years, just in my bedroom kind of thing,” Malcom reveals. “Making songs in the studio, not releasing them, just playing them for my friends. Just kind of curating my sound and finding what is truly me when it comes to being an artist. I look to hopefully release something soon.”

As it was, his musical talents were not known to the casting directors when he first went to audition. “I heard it through the grapevine that a friend had mentioned me and let them know that, well, ‘Malcolm can rap as well’,” he says. “Because I think that was something that wasn’t really out there. I guess I was up for consideration, but maybe they needed some sort of proof or something. So, yeah, the rest was history…”

Though he is yet to watch it in its entirety, he is very excited to see how the public react to the series. “I think it’s going to be an amazing project, because it’s the first of its kind. It’s original. And it’s just something nobody’s seen before,” he tells me. “But I guess it’s up to the masses to see what they like about it. Personally, I think we’ve got something great on our hands. It’s got a great storyline. It’s got an amazing cast… Bosco is a really complex character, but I think what he goes through is very relatable in a lot of ways.”

News of the role has already put him under the spotlight once again – earlier this year The Face

Malcolm wears, here and opposite page: suede trimmed wool cardigan by Mr P. at MR PORTER; black t shirt by Sunspel; trousers by All Saints; and bracelet by 7879

named him as one of their ‘Rising Stars to Watch’. “That felt really good… amazing,” he exclaims when I bring it up. “It just felt like it was the right time to receive such an accolade, because I felt like I’d been working hard. I’d kept my head down and was just doing all the right things. So, to get some sort of recognition for it, which I’m not actually used to, was an amazing feeling. It was uplifting. It gave me confidence. It made me know that hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”

He is definitely no stranger to hard work – he is also busy behind the scenes creating projects of his own. “I am in the process of writing a couple of things,” he tells me. “I have got a production company called M-O-M Films Limited, and we’re aiming to start slating films over the next couple of years and doing things of that nature. So, we’re in the process of writing pilots and short films. We are kind of trying to ply the trade in all fields possible when it comes to creativity.”

And there will always be football for Malcolm. “It is just one of those undying dreams, I can’t let it go,” he says, when I ask him if he still plays. “I don’t know why I can’t let it go. Anytime I get a chance to just kick about with my friends, we have little five-a-side, seven-a-side games. I used to try to stay consistently in the Sunday league teams and stuff, but over time, literally, it’s just been tough. It’s been tough to keep that up.” If he’s not playing, he’s watching, either live or on the television; he supports Arsenal (“I’ve got to say it, even though I’m really disappointed in them,” he laughs, when I ask). I wonder what his response would be if he were offered a contract to play. “Oh man…” he groans.

“We’d have to have a conversation about maybe a 50:50 contract. Maybe two days for my acting jobs, two days training. I don’t think it’ll happen now, but I’d love to play. I’m pretty sure that would be a tough one. That would cause me to think for sure.” Should he need reassurance that he has made the right choice, he can always rely on his family, it seems. “I’ve got a family full of characters and they just inspire me a lot. And they’re always behind me. They’ve been nagging at me to follow this path the whole time,” he tells me. “Literally, when I was trying to do football. They were like ‘No, look, this is right in front of your face’. When I was trying to pursue, I guess sports coaching and PT-ing and things of that nature, they would be like, ‘Look in front of you’. So, they’ve been reaffirming me for the longest time. They have been my biggest supporters, even when I’ve kind of swayed away from it, and I’ve come back to it… it’s kind of been a slow burner, but they’ve just been behind me the whole way. So yeah, they’ve been my rock. And yeah, that’s how I’ve been operating –through their support system.”

It is this, coupled with his belief in his own capabilities that drives him and keeps him working, he explains. “My self-belief is just unwavering,” he says. “I genuinely believe that I can make a very, very impactful mark within this acting industry. I feel like I’ve got a lot to give, and I know that within myself now, and I understand my worth, and that is to me the most powerful thing, just knowing yourself. I feel like it’s just that self-belief and understanding that I have more to give. This is just the beginning.”

It was not always this way, of course – there was much personal growth to be done over the years. “The advice I’d give to my 15-year-old self is to block out the noise and follow your dreams wholeheartedly,” he says. “When you’re younger, and you’re kind of naive to certain things, and you haven’t fully developed your mind, and you haven’t fully developed your emotional intelligence, you can be, I guess, put off really quickly by anything. For instance, with my music, somebody would tell me they don’t like it, and all of a sudden, it’s in my head, even though I was sold on it when I was listening to it by myself. I’ve stopped myself a lot of the times when I was younger – from doing things, from pursuing things – because I just would listen to the outside noise. So, I feel like now, I don’t listen to the outside noise. I take advice, of course, always. I love to hear what everyone thinks before making my final decision, but I don’t listen to outside noise. If it feels useless, then I won’t take it on board. If it feels useful, I most definitely will.”

We are running out of time, Malcolm has plans – a trip to the Saatchi Gallery. “That’s something people might not know about me,” he reveals. “I really, really love art galleries. The Saatchi is really urban and it’s kind of got some down to earth vibes going on. So, I really like it there.”

I’ve time for one last question, so I ask how Malcolm would like to be remembered. “As somebody who just produced great work,” he tells me, thoughtfully. “I just want to be remembered as somebody who was caring, kind, honest with his work. Somebody who… it’s a hard question when you think about it. I just want to be remembered for human things. Honestly, nothing too crazy. Just humility, kindness, happiness… Yeah, I just want to be remembered for uplifting things. I want to be in a bracket where when you mention my name, only great conversations are being had. So yeah, I guess that’s where I’d like to see myself.”

Champion is coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this month

“When ACTING came and found me, it was very much at a TIME where I didn’t even see the calling. I didn’t even feel like it was a CALLING at the time”

THE WESTMINSTER

As part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, guests at this rather special London hotel can expect the benefits, service levels and convenience that come hand-in-hand with booking with such a respected name in hospitality, but with the charm of a luxury boutique property. And a curio it most certainly is – uniquely-designed interiors, a gallery-worthy modern art collection, concept dining, and a very special private bowling alley are just some of the desirables here.

And the location, minutes from the Thames and just a short stroll from some of the Capital’s

most famous landmarks (think Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey), is the cherry on top when it comes to The Westminster. Indeed, designers have played on the location, which also happens to be next-door to MI5 and across the river from the MI6 headquarters – look out for intriguing spy-themed features and eye motifs. It’s all done in great taste though, naturally.

Accommodation-wise, guests can choose from 464 uniquely-designed rooms and suites across eight categories, with all rooms featuring

cleverly zoned bedroom and dressing areas. Striking wall prints, floor-to-ceiling windows, textured furnishings and mood lighting take centre stage, and amenities include 49-inch smart TVs, giant high-pressure rainfall showers and Nespresso machines. There’s no spa here, but for those who like to work up a sweat on holiday, there is a well-appointed fitness suite – along with the usual equipment, you’ll even find a fleet of Peloton bikes. Located on the 13th floor, the treadmills are perfectly positioned to soak up the iconic London views without having to pound the crowded pavements while you rack up the miles.

Exciting F&B options come in the form of all-day dining spot Bao Yum and fine dining experience STK Steakhouse. The former pays homage to the classical bao, but this is bao as you’ve never seen it before. With everything from a cheeseburger bao to a custard-filled bao, the menu covers breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert options, along with a variety of salads, soups, sandwiches and snacks. Open all day for eat-in and take-away diners, it’s a fun spot to pick up a quick bite to eat. STK Steakhouse meanwhile, with its funky lounge bar, is the place to be seen as the day draws to a close. The second STK location in London, it offers the dynamic, fine dining experience that the brand has become synonymous with. Here the vibe is as important as the superior food offering, and there’s even a private bowling alley to ensure that the fun goes on long after the plates are scraped clean. There’s much to love at The Westminster. hotelwestminster.co.uk

The tastefullydesigned lobby with its striking collection of modern art sets the tone for the rest of the hotel

BUBBLESJOINUSFOR&CANAPÉS ATTHELAUNCHOF MONDAYTHESHOWHOME,3RDJULY,3PM-7PM

CGIs

Templars Court is a boutique collection of eight brand new luxurious, bright and spacious houses a stone’s throw from the cafés & boutiques of Temple Fortune and Golders Green

Each house has been thoughtfully designed for and offers accommodation over three floors. Features include; •Modern family living with extremely low-cost energy use • Four bedrooms, all en-suite • Top floor bedrooms have max ceiling height of approx. 9ft at apex • Contemporary designed kitchens with Miele appliances • Open plan living spaces separated by Crittall doors • Utility rooms and guest cloakrooms • Private landscaped gardens • Off-street parking

• These freehold semi-detached houses range between 2,000-2,300 sq ft

PRICES FROM £1,800,000

A PIECE of PARADISE

Whether you dream of a sun-soaked Caribbean hideaway, a Mediterranean bolthole or your own winter wonderland, the idea of owning a holiday home holds undeniable appeal. The experts give us the low-down on making it a reality, and we look at some of the best properties currently on the market

If you’ve browsed estate agent windows while out exploring on holiday or returned after two weeks in the sun dreaming of owning your own home away from home, you’re not alone – the 2021 Census revealed that 736,000 British residents (excluding Scotland) owned a second property abroad, while the Timeshare Consumer Association estimate that there are over 600,000 timeshare owners in the UK. But anyone who has purchased property in this country will know that every transaction comes with its complications, all of which are naturally amplified when buying in an unfamiliar market. Research is key, not only into where and why you are looking to invest, but also the best ways to finance your purchase, plus any tax implications, local restrictions and risks. This is where expert advice and guidance is invaluable. Home Hunts are luxury buying agents specialising in French property, impartial advisors, they work with HNW clients and celebrities, helping them to choose and purchase the right property. Tim Swannie, director says: “Our team collaborates with all of the best estate agents, notaires, developers and private sellers to provide the ultimate selection of properties in a desired area. Home Hunts

work closely with our clients, offering unbiased advice and support throughout the entire buying process and beyond.” For those thinking of purchasing a holiday home, he advises starting with the question of where: “Location is usually right at the top of the list for most people, so you need to really research areas. Don’t just visit at the height of the busy season, do your research about what the area is like in wintertime, what local facilities, amenities, shops and restaurants are available throughout the year. And make sure flights are available also; airlines may only fly that route for the busy holiday period. Ask your agents for their advice, visit local restaurants, markets and shops, and ask around.”

If you are planning on a European purchase, it is worth noting that Brexit has had some implications for second homeowners. “Nothing has changed in terms of the buying process, but the amount of time you can spend there has changed,” Tim tells us. “The rules currently allow non-EU citizens to visit for up to 90 days at a time in any 180-day period, so that means you can spend up to six months a year in the EU, but not all at once, this has to be split throughout the year. This isn’t a big problem for most of our clients, but it means people need to be more organised with their visits.”

Many second homeowners choose to rent their property out when not using it themselves, a decision that makes financial sense. If this is your long-term plan, it pays to take the implications of this into consideration when initially viewing properties. Jamie Marquis, who is co-director of The Luxury Travel Book, which offers a portfolio of holiday rentals in the world’s most sought-after locations advises: “While the location is of course of vital importance, we would recommend carefully considering the property style, too, particularly making sure that if it is more traditional, that all amenities and structural fittings are in working order. As with any property buying, it is always a good idea to have a professional check it over – whether it’s an architect, builder or surveyor, you want to ensure that the building is not only in good condition currently, but that there is potential to expand in the future, or to add any amenities, such as a pool or tennis court. Finally, we would suggest researching current travel trends, and ensuring the property is able to meet some of the most demanded requirements, enhancing its desirability.”

Location and property decided upon, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the purchase process – this is where expert advice is most crucial. “The situation will be different in each country,” Tim points out. “In France, for example, the notaire fees that you pay when you a buy a home (approximately seven per cent of the purchase price) are mainly made up of taxes which includes the French equivalent of Stamp Duty. The notaire takes around one per cent for their work and legal support, the rest is tax. If you require a mortgage, I would suggest using a broker to search the lending market to find the best deal for you. For example, it is possible to take a loan in France, most French banks are open to lending to UK citizens and some of them have specific English-speaking sections to help UK buyers (who still make up a sizeable percentage of their business). We work with independent brokers for mortgages for France because interest rates are constantly changing, and banks offer different deals.”

Purchase completed, when it comes to arranging and facilitating rentals, there are more considerations to be made, Jamie says: “It is highly beneficial to have a trusted team on the ground – from a villa manger, to cleaners, and a key holder – not only to maintain the property, but also to help with any issues that may arise.” As luxury villa rental specialists, The Luxury Travel Book offer a highly flexible service to property owners and can be as involved as a property owner likes them to be. “We specialise in marketing our properties, via various channels and activities,” Jamie explains. “With our well-connected network in each of the destinations we have properties, we can help source photographers, cleaning teams, check-in teams and more. We can also supply local recommendations along with access to our bespoke app that is available to all our clients.”

home-hunts.com; theluxurytravelbook.com

Opening page and left: NUMA in Comporta, Portugal, is currently being marketed by Knight Frank

Left and below: Home Hunts are marketing this luxurious villa on the French Riviera

Below: Savills are offering an exquisite home set on the shores of Lake Maggiore

ON THE MARKET

Saint BarbadosJames

In a safe, quiet neighbourhood moments from the amenities of the buzzy Warrens area and a fiveminute drive from the pristine west coast beaches is this immaculate five-bedroom family home designed by leading local architect Michael Gomes. A fully-fenced lawn and outdoor area – including garden, swimming pool, gazebo and terrace to the back of the property – offers privacy and space. Inside, as well as the kitchen, family room and large recreation rooms, there is an open plan living/dining area which opens onto the lower pool deck, and a gym. You’ll be wanting for nothing.

£1,584,000, Hamptons (020 7265 6571; hamptons-international.com)

Comporta Portugal

NUMA Comporta is an exciting development of 21 gorgeous villas set within a new luxury boutique hotel on Portugal’s Alentejo coast. In a peaceful setting, surrounded by umbrella pines, sand dunes, vineyards and over 60 kilometres of pristine sand beaches, NUMA represents the ultimate escape. Each four-bedroom villa offers the perfect balance between design, comfort and respect for its natural surroundings, and boasts a beautiful swimming pool. Owners also have access to professional management and villa services, and can make full use of all resort services, facilities and amenities. Simply irresistible. €2.75 million, Knight Frank (020 7861 1109; knightfrank.co.uk)

Cannes France

Offering breathtaking views of the Riviera coastline, this dreamy property has undergone a huge renovation project over the past two years. The light-filled accommodation is vast, spreading over approximately 450 sq m and offering five exquisite bedroom suites. The principal, on the top floor, includes a large dressing room and expansive covered terrace. It is the grounds that really sell this property, though – the pool terrace sits within manicured gardens, taking full advantage of the views. With its impressive pool house, it is perfect for parties.

€10.9 million, Home Hunts (020 8144 5501; home-hunts.com)

Avlaki

Corfu

Villa Levanta is a superb six-bedroomed property situated in a secluded position in the north east of Corfu, close to both Kassiopi and San Stefano. The attractive villa enjoys beach access and a private jetty, and is surrounded by olive-shaded terraces and lavender-lined pathways, giving it an authentic Corfiot feel. A spacious dining terrace and stunning infinity pool enjoy views of the sparkling waters of the Ionian Sea. Elegant interiors are decorated to an extremely high standard, and offer light, bright accommodation for up to 12, with each of the six bedrooms – one in a self-contained guest annex –offering en suite facilities. The exceptional property also boasts a gym and home cinema room. With no shortage of dreamy properties on Corfu, this is certainly among the best on offer.

€7.8 million, Oliver Bernard Escapes (07949 816458; obprivate.co.uk)

Andermatt Switzerland

Set within this picturesque mountain village between the towering peaks and dramatic gorges of the Swiss Alps, Vera is an exclusive development that pays homage to the majesty of its surroundings with a shimmering wood façade and interiors that embrace the magic glow of the Alpine sun. Available in two- and three-bedroom configurations, the apartments have access to a rooftop spa, pool and garden. Of course, no alpine resort is complete without easy access to the slopes, and this striking location is blessed with 18km of groomed pistes and some exceptional off-piste skiing, making it a suitable winter destination for skiers of all abilities and ages. And the Alpine surroundings are equally stunning in the summertime, too. New phases launching soon from 1.25 million Swiss Francs, Benham & Reeves (020 7435 9681; benhams.com)

Lake Maggiore Italy

Villa Constanza is a magnificent 1930s property set in a commanding position on the banks of Lake Maggiore. Set in a south facing position within two acres of private parkland planted with azaleas, rhododendrons, olea fragrans and ancient camellias, and with luscious ficus repens covering its façade, the house sits perfectly within its botanical context, and offers a unique prospect for lovers of privacy and greenery. At the foot of the park, in a secluded area, is a large swimming pool with a panoramic terrace overlooking the lake. Featuring seven bedrooms, and six bathrooms, along with three interconnected, lake-facing receptions rooms and a formal dining room, and with a separate guesthouse and gatehouse, this house is suited to those who love entertaining on the grandest of scales. Guide price €6.9 million, Savills (020 7016 3744; savills.com)

Tempted to invest in your own place in the sun?

We take a look at some of the best properties for sale across the world

All private care income is reinvested into our NHS services. The Fertility Centre is part of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust © 2022 Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

PERSONAL STYLIST

The latest in luxury fashion, beauty and healthy living

COLD COMFORTS

When Alina Mehrle, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 30, the ravages of eight rounds of chemotherapy left her skin vulnerable and dehydrated, and the available skincare products did nothing to restore her fragile skin. It was her oncologist who recommended cryotherapy, a form of cold therapy that uses low temperatures to rejuvenate and revitalise cells. It not only saved her skin but led her to develop her own skincare line, which has just launched in the UK. Alina spent two years working with scientists to create an elevated at-home ‘skin-icing’ practice –AMEŌN’s revolutionary three-step programme is a harmonious blend of clean ingredients, healing mineral energy and biotech magic. The ritual begins with the application of frozen serum cubes, which are massaged into the skin of the face, neck and décolletage. This application process is designed to cause blood vessels to constrict and then dilate, pulsing oxygen and nutrients into skin cells, promoting hydration and rejuvenating skin, while detoxifying, tightening pores and boosting firmness to reduce inflammation. Choose from Glow Manifesto cubes for dehydrated, pigmented skin, or Supreme Energy cubes, for oily, acne prone skin. Next up, a serum especially designed for your particular skin needs, and finally, a rejuvenating gentle moisturiser that is formulated with diamond powder and enriched with antioxidants and peptides to deeply nourish and increase skin resilience. All AMEŌN products are sustainable, vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. We’ve been using for a couple of weeks and can report a visible glow that has not gone unnoticed. And the iced serum ritual is the perfect pampering on a hot, sweaty summer evening.

Sets are priced at £260 and are available from sephora.co.uk and ameonskin.co.uk

AMEŌN founder Alina developed the products after going through cancer treatment

FASHION The fabric of life

We like clothes that tell a story, and few tell quite such a tale as the romantic creations from Made by SJP. From old duvets that are just too pretty to throw away, to vintage dressmaking remnants, SJ and her talented team save unwanted fabrics from a landfill fate, breathing new life into them by creating skirts, tops and dresses. You can provide your own fabric and commission a bespoke piece from nine stylish patterns, choose from SJ’s own collection of pre-loved fabrics, or buy something from the small but perfectly formed ready-to-wear collection. The brand was born back in the first lockdown when SJ turned her hand to making scrubs from donated duvets. Relishing her new creative outlet and wanting to do her bit to stop fast fashion, she later began creating beautiful clothes from the unwanted fabrics. “Too much perfectly good fabric ends up in landfills every year and I wanted to do my bit for the world by giving these fabrics a second chance and making some beautiful clothes along the way,” she tells us. This is guilt-free fashion at its best, so there’s really no reason not to invest. Tops from £35 (madebysjp.com)

SELF CARE Going natural

As the temperature rises, so too does demand on our antiperspirant; if you struggle to find a brand that can stand up to the heat, you might want to give AKT a try. Clinical strength, the clever balm deodorants promise effective protection even when used by active individuals: West End performers Andy Coxon and Ed Currie asked more than 1,000 professional dancers and athletes to test the formulation during its development stages and it received rave reviews. Starting in Ed’s kitchen, the duo spent three years researching, developing and formulating a deodorant that could be relied upon to perform under the spotlight. The Deodorant Balm is the result of collaboration with leading experts in fragrance and cosmetic science and is available in five premium scents.

Instantly absorbed and moisturising, the balms are allvegan, gender-neutral, natural, and plastic-free, too, presented in gorgeous aluminium tubes featuring striking typography inspired by theatre billboards. “We want our customers to take pride in the fact they’re using a product that not only works really well and looks beautiful, but is good for their wellbeing as well as the planet,” Andy explains. We love SC.05 Columbia Road, inspired by sunny Sunday walks around the flower market. The Deodorant Balms cost £19 (aktlondon.com)

SKIN DEEP

Advanced facialist Mariam Abbas explains how to prevent and counteract the damage caused by sun exposure

Words by Liz Skone James

Be honest, how diligent are you when it comes to applying sunscreen? We all know to slap on the SPF when we’re going out in the sun on holiday, but did you know that a facial sunscreen is essential year-round? This is because UV rays can even penetrate through clouds, causing DNA changes at a cellular level and resulting in a host of skin conditions like premature lines and wrinkles, thickening of the epidermis (hyperkeratosis), pigmentation irregularities and of course, skin cancers.

“While pigmentation is most commonly associated with sun damage, UV rays don’t just produce freckles and sunspots, they are also the main culprit in skin ageing; they influence every healthy cell process and promote enzymatic function that actively breaks down healthy collagen and elastin fibres, thus damaging the skin,” Hampstead-based advanced facialist Mariam Abbas explains.

So how does this damage occur? It’s all down to something called free radicals. If you’ve ever sliced an apple and left it out in the air to go brown, you’ll have seen free radicals at work – we call this process oxidative stress. Over our lifetimes, a similar process takes place in our skin. Our bodies are composed of billions of molecules, each has electrons circulating around it. Ordinarily when molecules have an even number of electrons, they are described as stable; each electron is balanced by a partner.

When the molecules are exposed to a destructive force, they can become inflamed. UV radiation is one such destructive force, others include cigarette smoke, poor diet, pollution, and stress. Inflammation destabilises molecules, knocking them off balance and leaving them with uneven numbers of electrons. This unbalanced molecule is known as a free radical – in pursuit of an extra electron it may try to ‘steal’ one from a neighbouring molecule, so creating another free radical. This vicious cycle will continue in a cascade effect; the process creates a pathway of destruction, causing mutations of our genetic material as it continues.

“Free radicals cause damage to the outer and deeper layers of the skin by slowing down cell turnover and causing hyperkeratosis or thickening of the skin,” Mariam explains. “They damage fibroblast cells that are responsible for making collagen and elastin, which slows down production and regeneration of the dermal scaffolding that holds our skin up; they destroy hyaluronic acid and upregulate enzyme activity that actively breaks down healthy collagen and elastin fibres.”

Of course, we can prevent overexposure to the sun by using effective sunscreens, thus minimising free radical formation. “SPF needs to be applied at least 20 minutes before sun exposure to get complete protection,” Mariam warns. “And as SPF degrades in the sun, it is important to frequently re-apply it. When at the beach, sunglasses, hats and beach umbrellas are all important. Post sun exposure, I recommend using soothing and calming ingredients if the skin appears inflamed. Aloe vera and aloe vera based products are always a good idea, hydrating mists are also effective at replenishing hydration.”

It is likely, though, that damage has already occurred over the years – it is certainly true for me. Growing up in the 1980s, sunscreen was not applied regularly during summers spent at the beach, and my freckled skin suffered the occasional burn. Now, in my early forties, fine lines are appearing, and more alarmingly a couple of areas of discoloured skin on one cheek – known as solar lentigos.

I am booked in with Mariam for a customised facial and she assures me that all hope is not lost. She advocates that the skin is as unique as the individual in it, and while she has curated a mighty portfolio that comprises a non-invasive, science-backed and results-driven selection, she deep dives into an individual’s unique skin type, present condition and skin goals to design an effective, personalised treatment plan. We talk in depth about my concerns:

the aforementioned pigmentation and other signs of photoageing, along with a tendency to flushing.

For me, she recommends a Byonik facial treatment, which uses technology developed in collaboration with NASA scientists. Laser is used with hyaluronic acid gels to stimulate cell metabolism and improve cellular function – effectively reversing the signs of ageing at a cellular level. Each treatment is personalised to the individual’s skin goals – whether that be reversing sun damage, hydrating dry skin, improving the appearance of fine lines or minimising the appearance of scarring. The technology synchronises dual laser wavelengths with the heartbeat – this is significant because skin cells have been shown to be more receptive to the osmosis process just before the heart beats. The pulse-triggered technology means that the cells are able to much more effectively absorb the hyaluronic acid and antioxidants used during the treatment – a pulse oximeter is worn on the finger during treatment to trigger the laser action at precisely the right time.

“The treatment floods the skin with hydration, causing any pigment that has over-flowed from skin cells and clumped up in the skin matrix to disperse,” Mariam explains, as she works. “It evens out skin tone, calms overstimulated melanocytes and brings down inflammation. Results can be instantly visible in fading sunspots, especially the ones that are still quite superficial and not very deep set in the skin.” The sensation of the laser is pleasantly warming, and it is very relaxing.

For me, Mariam chooses to couple the laser therapy with CooLift cryotherapy, a revolutionary method that uses a high pressure spray of carbon dioxide at a very low temperature to deliver a serum based hyaluronic acid. As the skin’s temperature drops the cells go into thermal shock, causing simultaneous blood vessel constriction and dilation as they attempt to counter the cold stimulus. “This increase in microcirculation floods the skin with oxygen and nutrients, while the combination of cold and high pressure helps to enhance product penetration,” Mariam tells me. “The hyaluronic acid molecules in the serum diffuse through the epidermis and begin to swell, causing a plumping effect in the skin. This helps to stimulate the deeper layers of the skin causing an increase in tissue oxygenation and collagen formation.” It is loud and cold and feels a little like blasts of pins and needles, but lasts for just a few minutes.

The results are staggering. The patches of discolouration are visibly diminished immediately, and my skin looks plump and glowing. And the effects are amplified over the course of the next week. It is all the persuasion I need to start taking my skin more seriously.

The Customised Facial costs £350 for 90 minutes. For more details of Mariam’s services, and to book, see mariamabbas.co.uk

MAKES 1LITRE / 15 SCOOPS

RECIPE

Gelupo’s yoghurt & forest fruits

Jacob Kennedy and his team are bringing a taste of Italy to Soho thanks to a brand new menu of exciting seasonal flavours

Just in time for summer, our favourite London gelateria reopened last month with a brand-new look and a menu of mouthwatering new flavours to sit alongside the much-loved classics. The complete redesign by Archmongers Architects is Gelupo’s first makeover since it opened its doors back in 2010; contemporary and spacious, the new interior scheme features decadent marble-speckled terrazzo flooring and mirror-lined microcement

walls. For those wishing to linger over their iced treats there is now a new seating area at the back. And for the first time ever, the team will be serving up a menu of wines, spritzes and Italian cocktails.

To celebrate, we asked founder Jacob Kennedy to share a recipe to get your mouths watering. Here’s what he had to say about this summer special: “This has to be one of my favourite gelati – it feels healthier than others (in fact, on balance, they’re probably all as bad for the body and as good for the soul as each other), and the lactic yoghurt binds together the variety of flavours in the berries.”

INGREDIENTS

For the sorbet syrup (yields 400ml) 125g granulated or caster sugar Stabiliser: 1 level teaspoon locust bean gum powder; or 2 tablespoons starch (arrowroot or cornflour) 225ml water 50g glucose (aka dextrose) syrup or powder, or light runny honey

For the gelato

350g Greek yoghurt 250g fresh or frozen mixed berries 25g caster sugar

METHOD

To make the sorbet syrup

1. In a small bowl, stir the sugar and stabiliser powder together thoroughly.

2. Put the water and the glucose or runny honey in a saucepan. Heat gently to bring just to the boil.

3. Pour the contents of the bowl into the saucepan in a steady stream, stirring all the while with a whisk. Bring back to just boiling, then remove from the heat.

4. Leave the syrup to cool until tepid before using. (It will keep for up to a week in the fridge.)

To make the gelato

1. Blend together the yoghurt, berries, sugar and sorbet syrup.

2. Optional: strain all or part of the mixture through a coarse sieve into a bowl to remove the seeds – I like to strain half of it just to leave a few seeds to remind me of the raw fruit, but not so many as to annoy. (Discard the contents of the sieve.)

3. Churn the mixture in your ice cream machine until fully firm.

4. Before serving, put the yoghurt and forest fruits gelato in the freezer for half an hour or so to firm up. If it has been stored in the freezer longer and is too firm, allow it to soften in the fridge until scoopable.

7 Archer Street, W1D (020 7287 5555; gelupo.com)

Photography by Jerome Galland and Sam Harris

Carlotta

Fans of the Big Mamma way will love this new opening in Marylebone

Words by Penny Clements

Glowing bright on Marylebone High Street, this glitzy Italian restaurant has quickly made its mark on the area since opening in May this year. The fifth opening from the Big Mamma Group (the brains behind Gloria, Circolo Popolare and Kensington’s latest offering, Jacuzzi) Carlotta introduces Italian heat to London chic and provides all the exquisite flavours, fun and Instagram-worthy interiors (take your phone to the bathroom) you’d expect. Born and raised in Napoli, Carlotta’s executive chef Armando di Costanzo pays homage to the country’s famous culinary culture with a menu inspired by his Nonna’s 1950s trattoria.

Although the food alone is enough reason to visit, the interiors are just as much of a pull – the world of Carlotta is a magical and glamorous one filled with draped gold fabric, boxing memorabilia, floor length mirrors and soft mood lighting, with vintage Italian wedding photos adorning the walls. Diners are met by a striking gold bar – a clear message that there’s a new class of restaurant in town, elevating the neighbourhood’s reputation even higher. We’re greeted warmly when we arrive, and shown to our seats underneath the skylight; the vibe is chilled, and the air filled with ambient chatter and music.

From our vantage point cocooned in a soft leatherlined booth, we are perfectly placed for soaking up the atmosphere.

The food at Carlotta is unmistakably Italian –expect large portions intended for sharing, and classic favour combinations with a twist. Our experience begins with a delicious Lo Sgroppino cocktail and traditional Italian hospitality-sized starters. Our table fills with the juiciest garlic and chilli Gioconda and Nocellara olives from Sicily; arancini balls that are perfectly fried with soft, gooey middles; a plump, luscious burrata; and a delightful tempura shrimp cocktail. The latter is served in a glass with Marie Rose sauce – simple and elegant, it is unbelievably refreshing. We also tuck into crusty homemade sourdough bread spread generously with herb-whipped butter.

Next up, a huge bowl of spaghetti topped with the finest Mazara prawns from the waters of Sicily. Diners are encouraged to squeeze the heads into the sauce; the result is deeply flavourful and is

perfectly complemented by a glass of Campania’s crisp white Falanghina wine. The Il Grande Parma salad is served in as generous a portion as the name suggests, drizzled lightly with a homemade anchovy Caesar dressing and topped with crispy prosciutto and chicken, orange yolked eggs and 22-monthaged Parmigiano flakes. We round off our mains with a large helping of an old favourite, beef carpaccio, which more than lives up to expectations with melt in the mouth wafers of rare beef topped with shavings of Parmesan, livened up with rocket and generously doused in a sweet balsamic glaze.

If you can, save space for dessert; the dolci trio of desserts includes a soft and creamy tiramisu, which tastes excellent, exactly as you’d expect, but the chocolate tart is our favourite – its rich and silky-smooth texture is balanced exquisitely with a shot of espresso.

At Carlotta you can’t help but feel like one of the Big Mamma family. The staff are fantastic, and the presentation and quality of the food can’t be faulted. If you’re hungry and in the mood for authentic Italian food, the Carlotta experience will not disappoint.

77-78 Marylebone High Street, W1U

(bigmammagroup.com/en/trattorias/carlotta)

Decadent interiors offer diners a hint at what is to come – Carlotta offers a treat for all the senses

THE BEST OF: MALTA

THE PHOENICIA

The only member of The Leading Hotels of the World in Malta, and the island’s first five-star hotel, The Phoenicia has a long history of hosting celebrities and royalty and is nothing short of sensational. On the edge of Valletta’s old, fortified centre, it is located in an art deco building that has become so iconic that it is acknowledged as one of the sights of Malta. Unusually for such a central location, it is set in seven acres of mature, colourful gardens that feature an infinity pool overlooking the Marsamxett Harbour. There is also an indoor pool in the recently opened spa, where a menu of rejuvenating treatments is offered. Accommodation is provided in 132 bedrooms and suites that offer the perfect blend of old-world elegance and modern style. Designed in collaboration with Peter Young, the recently renovated interiors retain original features, including pretty, authentic tiled floors, but have been brought up to date with an uplifting colour palette and clean lined, locally-sourced furniture. It goes without saying that service here is excellent –this is a place where expectations are not just met, but surpassed. phoeniciamalta.com

INIALA HARBOUR HOUSE

The latest offering from British entrepreneur Mark Weingard opened in 2021 and overlooks Valletta’s famous Grand Harbour. Set across four exquisite 1600s Maltese townhouses and their ancient vaults, it offers an intriguing design mix of heritage and contemporary style. With its golden stone façade and royal blue balconies, the exterior blends seamlessly with its neighbours in the historic walled city. Meanwhile, inside, Autoban – a design studio in Istanbul – have made their mark, creating a cool, contemporary space that subtly references the city’s heritage with bespoke artwork and tailor-made fittings. Award-winning cuisine is served at the Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant, ION Harbour by Simon Rogan, where seasonality and local produce inspire an ever-changing menu. The serene subterranean Essensi Spa, situated in the hotel’s historic vaults, offers wellearned time out to guests. An impressive array of treatments is on offer here. The perfect base from which to explore. inialamalta.com

PALACE

Part of the Relais & Châteaux group, this gorgeous boutique hotel is set in a unique 17th-century palazzo hidden away in the medieval fortified city of Mdina, the old capital of Malta. Perched on centuries-old bastions, surrounded by stunning baroque architecture, with its luxurious accommodation, exceptional personal service and award-winning haute cuisine, the hotel is truly a haven in which to pause and be pampered.

The entire hotel has been subject to an extensive recent renovation, which saw all of the rooms and suites reconfigured, with work carried out to reduce its environmental impact, too. Meticulously and sensitively restored to reflect its former noble standing, the five-star property – the only hotel inside the walls of Mdina – is small but perfectly formed, boasting just 17 luxury rooms and suites, each enjoying stunning views, and individually and tastefully designed with antique furniture and paintings, luxurious Parisian fabrics and sumptuous king size beds. Foodies staying here are spoilt for choice, with both the Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant de Mondion, and the more casual Trattoria AD 1530 set in the piazza in the front of the hotel. A truly special place. xarapalace.com.mt

With 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, plus culture, adventure and rich history, holidays don’t come much better. But where to stay?

XARA

NORTHERN LIGHTS

Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower Hotel offers the perfect blend of classic and cool with an unrivalled location

As a born and bred Londoner, I feel very at home in big cities, and always enjoy the chance to get out of my own metropolis and enjoy the hustle and bustle of somewhere new. Manchester, only a couple of hours away by train, with a plethora of five-star hotels, award-winning restaurants, and world-class museums and art galleries, is the ideal destination for just such a weekend away.

I’m staying at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly station. From the moment I step into the grand entrance lobby, it’s clear that this is a hotel steeped in history and packed full of character; it’s hard not to notice the 1,300 lb bronze horse dominating the lobby, sculpted by Sophie Dickens, great great granddaughter of Charles. Grade I listed, the building was built in 1895 from original plans by Alfred Waterhouse and for many years was home to insurance and pensions company the Refuge Assurance Company. Exposed Victorian brickwork,

huge columns, majestic entrances, tiled walls, and original doors are all glimpses into the hotel’s past life, and these original features are beautifully blended with quirky modern touches. The bar and dining room is named The Refuge in honour of the building’s roots, and the 10,000 sq ft dining area and bar has been enhanced with a glass-roofed winter garden and metal caged bar, giving this historic architectural feature a modern twist, whilst still retaining its grand industrial roots.

With 270 rooms, I expected the hotel to feel very busy, but its layout means I potter about hardly bumping into anybody. My room is huge, with the tallest window (and longest curtains!) I’ve ever seen. Furnished with two queen sized beds, there is plenty of space for me and my travelling companion to spread out in style. The design here is bold and modern: there are vibrant, bespoke textiles designed by Timorous Beasties, and bold contemporary graphic prints adorn the walls. Other cool touches include a record turntable with a Smiths album lined up, and a couple of Manchester Gin miniatures waiting in the fridge. There’s also fresh milk – always a game-changer when it comes to making a hotel room cuppa.

When staying at such a stylish and comfortable hotel it is definitely tempting to stay in, put the kettle on and relax, but the central location means it’s very easy to get around. Just up the road is Hatch, a cool outdoor food and drink venue, perfect

for grabbing a bite to eat or a coffee while browsing the shops. Around the corner is the famous Canal Street, packed with lively bars and the promise of entertaining nights out. On the Saturday night we are visiting, we head to The Blues Kitchen. With branches in London, too, we know what to expect here – the chance to eat bottomless chicken wings while listening to live music has the makings of a perfect night out. And it doesn’t disappoint: deliciously tender and perfectly spiced buttermilk chicken, slow-cooked ribs and avocado salad served in a giant taco are just some of the tasty choices on tonight’s menu. And the music is equally good; a stream of talented singers and musicians take to the stage. While we are too full to move, plenty of others have more stamina and hit the dance floor.

By some miracle of human endurance, we are hungry again in the morning. Breakfast is served in The Refuge, where we find a bounty of fresh fruit, pastries, and hot à la carte options. We eat here again on the Sunday night, tucking into a roast platter with succulent grass-fed rump of Lancashire beef and half a Cumbrian chicken, dished up with roast potatoes, huge Yorkshire puddings, red cabbage and more. With pre-dinner cocktails in the bar beforehand, including the epically named The Glamour of Manchester, and a decent wine list to choose from, it’s probably no surprise we are back in our room watching TV in our pyjamas by 9pm!

We do manage to fit visits to the Lowry and Manchester Art Gallery around our meals, as well as indulging in a spot of retail therapy (the obligatory visits to Selfridges and Harvey Nicks – to compare them to their London counterparts, obviously). There’s so much more to do here, though, and we’re already planning our return visit.

DETAILS

Rooms start from £125 per night. For details and to book, see kimptonclocktowerhotel.com

Words by Becky Pomfret

ISLAND IDYLL

Words by Katie Hutley

Returning to a place that has held such a special place in your heart for so long is always a risky business

Having spent many years living there (but really LIVING there: learning the language, immersing in the culture) the worry for me when returning to Corfu was that it might somehow diminish the memory of those magical years – like revisiting a magical forest you remember from childhood, just to discover that it was only ever a dusty collection of scrubby trees, hardly even a thing at all to your adult eyes.

I needn’t have worried. The Corfu I left 10 years ago has thrived, retaining all its verdant charm and cultural depth, but emerging from the financial crisis that peaked during my years there in better shape than ever. In fact, the challenge for the island has been how to sensitively retain its unique character and sense of self whilst catering for a newer, ever more elite audience, one more used to the pizazz of the international playground that is Mykonos than the dusky olive groves and civilised cricket matches Corfu has to offer. A part of this is practical; strict planning laws mean that much of the island’s lush, cypress-studded land is unable to be built upon, and whilst most would agree that the prevention of over-development is paramount, when faced with a demand for ever-more palatial villas that the land for sale cannot supply, ingenious solutions are bound to follow. Enter our villa – so exclusive I am forbidden under pain of death (almost) from revealing its name. Unable to fulfil the scale of the owner’s ambition on the plot of land that had been purchased, the ‘eureka’ decision was taken to excavate and create a lavish (and seriously impressive) home where most of the footprint is underground. The result is astonishing: an eleven-bedroomed palace that feels at once regal and intimate, a vast expanse of a property that retains a sense of homeliness and intimacy.

Corfu’s holiday rentals are catering to an ever more elite crowd of travellers, with stunning properties like this exquisite, exclusive villa

It’s also the setting for playing out your most extravagant property dreams. Twenty-two-seater cinema? You got it. Expertly curated whisky saloon, exquisitely-stocked cocktail bar and world-beating wine cellar? Why settle for anything less. A full-service spa, for heaven’s sake, with steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, eight-metre indoor swimming pool and Eastern-inspired treatment room, just for you? You get the picture. The twinkly opulence of this subterranean world is offset by an abundance of light in the above-ground parts of the house; floor-to-ceiling windows in a sitting room with world-beating views across the Ionian Strait of Corfu, a host of bedroom suites all positioned with the same viewpoint, meaning no fighting over who has the superior aspect (why yes, I had been imagining Logan hosting the Roy siblings here, and it absolutely works).

Abundant landscaping belies the relative youth of the gardens, and it’s here that lies the jewel in the crown, the infinity pool that stretches off towards the sapphire-blue seascape beyond. At night, the picture changes – thanks to a clever trick with embedded lighting and use of the lightrefracting quality of water – and its surface becomes a starstudded night sky, the perfect spot to sip cocktails, indulge in a feast lovingly prepared by chef, and wonder just how it is that you always suffer such rotten luck as to end up in such AWFUL conditions, ahem.

Needless to say, at this level the service provided goes above and beyond, and nothing has been left unthought-of. From the personal service offered by Oliver Bernard Escapes when booking to the in-house team and their tireless, seamless work, there would be no need to ever leave the grounds should you wish not to.

I’d ask that you do, though; for every memorable three-starred tasting menu I’ve enjoyed in my life, I could regale you with a multitude more of simple, freshly-prepared meals taken at the preposterously picturesque waterfront tavernas dotted up and down this coastline. Forever number one in my heart, Kerasia Taverna (Lord Rothschild’s local and also that of Villa Nafsika, one of OB Escape’s other superlative properties); the diminutive and picture-perfect taverna perched atop Kouloura harbour; the ever-popular delights of Galini or Kaparelli in Agios Stefanos (although my insider tip is for Eucalyptus or Kochili, bookending the village – less crowded, more authentic and a totally chilled vibe). And of course, the famous Battle of the Prawns in Agni bay: will it be Agni Taverna’s prawn saganaki, or Toula’s restaurant’s grilled prawns with rice? Both dishes with fewer ingredients than syllables, but both with legions of fans prepared to defend them to the death. There’s only one way to find out.

The biggest (only) hardship you will face during your stay is, sadly, leaving. Between the group of us who travelled together, some were Corfu first-timers, some had fond memories of teenage holidays and high jinks, others had considered the place home either in the past or, to some extent, still do, but as we left, the group chat was already buzzing with heart-eye emojis confirming that return visits had been booked. OB Escapes are perfect for fellow first-timers, given their depth of knowledge about the island and the standard of service that will help you enjoy it… they’re passionate Corfiots, and I am proud to join them in that. If you’ve never been, or think you’ve seen it all, I’d urge you – think again.

DETAILS

Guests can stay at this villa with OB Escapes from €100,000 per week based on 14 people sharing. To book, contact olivia@obprivate.co.uk (07949 816458; obprivate.co.uk)

HOUSE STYLE

Latest launches, luxurious new lines and eye-catching trends

OH SO PRETTY

Luxe tent maker, Raj Tent Club has teamed up with the V&A to bring us a timely collection of garden tents, pergolas, deckchairs, sunshades and cushions featuring two of the museum’s archival patterns, Clematis and Chinoiserie. Perfect for long, lazy summer soirées, the pieces are unapologetically pretty, celebrating flounces and florals. All that’s missing is great company and a pitcher of Pimm’s. Cushions from £30 (rajtentclubshop.com)

A FRESH LICK

Artisanal paint brand Atelier Ellis adds two summery shades to its existing collection of intensely pigmented, handmade, natural, and breathable paints. “The colours of mid-summer are generous, optimistic and sensorial,” says founder Cassandra Ellis. “We want to celebrate this time of year and the colour palette it offers through two special colours. Ice Cream captures the fleeting feeling of summer, while Coming Up Roses reminds us of time passing”. From £54 (atelierellis.co.uk)

SUSTAINABLE STRIPES

A bold stripe is never not stylish –just ask Colours of Arley. The fabric brand’s raison d’être is vibrant parallel lines. Excitingly, they’ve just launched their first vintage drop of beautifully made, sculptural but time-worn furniture, in collaboration with designer and journalist, Jess Alavi-Ellis. Expect lovingly restored and reupholstered pieces across dining chairs, stools, lighting, statement armchairs, and more.

From £295 (coloursofarley.com)

1 Ceramic embossed flower soft blue lunch plate, £18 (fableandmirth.com) 2 Sicilian lemons jug, £45 (roseandgrey.co.uk)

3 Allegra Murano tumbler, £60 (rebeccaudall.com) 4 Set of two pink Twirl coupes, £36 (spicerandwood.co.uk)

5 Melon salad bowl, £72 (micucci.co.uk)

The new paints celebrate summer’s sensorial colour palette

TAKE 5: SUMMER TABLE

A LABOUR OF LOVE

For some home buyers, only a period home will do – preferably one that presents itself as a project. Whether you’re looking to renovate a Victorian terrace, a 1930s semi, or a low-sitting mews house, these historic homes offer a unique charm. But they come with unique challenges, too, from wonky walls to unwanted downstairs bathrooms, and awkward layouts that just don’t measure up to modern life.

Architect Daniel Rees is a dab hand at period renovations. He tells us he always starts with a detailed analysis of the building. “One of the beautiful things about a period property is the uniqueness it establishes over time,” he says. “The downside is trying to work on a building that has no straight walls, floors or ceilings. It’s imperative to start with accurate survey drawings of the existing home. This is the foundation of a good design and build. A 3D survey is therefore our first priority. A record, or study of anything original and noteworthy is really helpful, too – we take photos, drawings, and colour samples from the original items such as tiles, fireplaces, windows and plaster mouldings.”

There’s renovation, but there’s also careful restoration. The best period makeovers are the ones that celebrate the property’s unique architectural features whilst seamlessly integrating modern elements, breathing new

life into a centuries-old building. It’s all about finding the perfect balance. “We try to respect good historic features in the original part of the house, bringing these back to life with well-considered finishes and decorations, while contrasting them with new elements,” says Daniel. “In new extension areas, we also respect the design principles of the original architecture by taking cues from the original proportions, alignments, and materials, but interpreting them in a modern way. By doing this we combine the old and new without having to just copy it, and we also consider how key elements such as sunlight, views, sustainability, space, and storage can be integrated.”

Many property seekers talk of “good bones” as a pre-requisite, and in period homes in particular, this often translates as high ceilings, interior arches, and original fixtures such as a grand staircase. “Good bones” can also refer to a period property’s windows and doors. Jo Trotman from The Residence Collection, a company that specialises in sympathetic window and door replacement in heritage homes, says: “Time and weather can really ravage the materials of original windows with so many years of use, leading to them no longer fitting or working correctly. Upgrades are inevitable in any home and with period properties it’s important to be

able to make modern updates without losing the original character and authenticity of when it was first built.” Similarly, the London Door Company specialises in beautifully handmade front doors to complement period properties. Whether yours is a Georgian, Victorian, or Edwardian house, bespoke front doors can feature colourful, leaded glass panels and characterful door furniture such as letter boxes and door knockers that are as decorative as they are functional, all the while staying sympathetic to the age of your home.

When it comes to decorating a period property, you might be tempted to stick to classic fixtures and furniture pieces that complement the original architecture. But the aim here is not to make your home a time capsule, rather to accentuate and celebrate the historic features whilst putting

With careful planning and a creative vision, we can seamlessly blend the past with modern comforts, whilst honouring our period property’s unique heritage

Photopgraphy by Chris Snook and Paul Massey

your own stamp on it. Mixing mid-century or contemporary pieces with Victorian grandeur can work wonders. “Respecting the period and architecture of your home is pivotal to a successful interior scheme,” says interior designer Naomi Astley Clarke. “When working with large ceiling heights, I love making the most of them by adding decorative cornicing and picture rails that complement the style and history of the space, creating a beautifully cohesive look. Getting the basics such as the appropriate cornice and joinery profiles is a subtle but effective way to ensure that you stay true to your home. From there you can layer on your own tastes and possessions knowing you’ve got solid foundations.” rees.archi; residencecollection.co.uk; londondoor.co.uk; naomiastleyclarke.com

This page: constructed in the early 1900s, this old rectory had been subject to some unsympathetic alterations over the years, but it has now been carefully reconfigured by Naomi Astley Clarke, resulting in a classic yet unique family home

Opening page, exterior shots: Rees Architects extended this London home taking cues from the original architecture and interpreting them in a modern way

Noor Charchafchi

At home with Celine Interior Design’s founder shows us round her home, where exquisite craftsmanship meets timeless elegance

Words by Ali Howard Photography by Julian Abrams

If you’ve ever enjoyed a luxury boutique hotel stay and been inspired to create the look at home, Noor’s four-storey townhouse in Fulham is a masterclass in how to do it. Full of elegant pieces and textural riches, the property oozes five-star appeal. Yet this is first and foremost a family home – the designer shares her opulent abode with her husband and three children. “We bought the house in 2017,” she tells me. “Inside, it bears little resemblance to what it looked like when we first viewed it! We took a bold approach to the interior renovation, which I knew would pay dividends.”

Whether it’s the delicate silk embroidery on the headboards, or the brass chevron inlay on the cabinetry, here, every fixture and furniture piece boasts an exquisite finish. And with everything so perfectly placed, it’s hard to imagine the house before Noor’s luxurious renovation. “We really reworked the entire layout,” she explains. “The ground floor originally featured a warren of rooms, with no through view from front to rear, and ceilings that felt low. We wanted to expand the ground floor for an airier feel, so we knocked through the maze of living spaces to create one open-plan space. We also rationalised the first-floor rooms to create a main suite and a bedroom for our daughter, and then we’ve just finished working in the eaves to create a gorgeous bedroom for our two boys.”

Founded in 2014, Celine Interior Design is a cross-discipline interior and architecture practice with a focus on creating exceptional homes and spaces that impact our quality of living. And for CEO Noor, much of the magic happens right here below the living room. “We excavated the basement and originally created a cinema room, but that was hardy used, so the lower floor now features a gym and also the office for my business,” she reveals. And the office is, of course, a wholly glamourous affair. As an interior designer, working from home certainly has its benefits, not least when you’re weighing up layouts with liveability for clients, having recently renovated your own home. “I always look for well thought-out space where the family can come together; this is crucial for me and for so many of my clients,” says Noor. “If it doesn’t exist, then it’s one of the key tenets of my design and internal layout plans.”

While she’s keen to stress that Celine doesn’t follow trends – “We always want to ensure our designs will stand the test of time and also reflect the daily lives of our clients” – Noor describes her personal interiors style as a mix of classical British design with contemporary, Middle Eastern touches. She’s also mindful of keeping the spirit of a period property intact, as is brilliantly illustrated in this house. “Throughout the renovation I was so conscious of not wanting to delete the Victorian heritage of our home, as I think history and the character that comes with a period home should be cherished, either through preserving original features – we worked hard to retain the original cornicing and details such as the living room mantelpiece – or if that’s not possible, by referencing the original period of a home through clever detailing and design tricks,” she says. “There’s a fine balance that goes into achieving a classic-contemporary fusion, which we aimed to achieve here.”

A lesson in layering, Noor’s home boasts textural interest at every turn, from the abundance of soft drapes, silk cushions and cashmere throws, to the spectacular lighting, coffee table curios, and carefully considered door furniture. “I wanted to create a sense of delicate movement in the house through using different textures, and I also used layering as a way to incorporate my different design styles and sources of inspiration – layering classical British design with hints of Middle Eastern drama and vibrancy,” she explains. “Some of my favourite textural moments take place on the wardrobes, joinery and wallpaper. In my dressing room, I used a beautiful hand-painted and hand-embroidered silk Fromental Keats wallpaper to cover the wardrobes.” Cleverly, the designer ensures a sense of calm through

colour. “At home, and in many of my projects, I’m drawn to calming colour palettes, be that neutral whites and creams, or blue and green tones – the latter are both colours that can exude a great sense of calm, and also work well as accent colours. Making a neutral scheme work really comes down to texture, pattern, contrasting wood and metal finishes, so no room feels dull,” the designer advises.

Noor’s open-plan kitchen/dining space is the showstopping centrepiece of the home – and it is dripping in modern glamour, from the marble worktops to the brass cabinetry accents, and even the chic navy double oven. I wonder how she strikes the balance between fashion and functionality. “The kitchen is one of my favourite rooms in the house and a space where the whole family congregates every day,” she says. “I was really able to embrace my love of classical British design with Arabic glamour here –evolving the traditional Shaker style cabinetry by adding a chamfered edge and inset brass on the handles, with art deco silhouettes. Again, it’s all about layering and achieving the right balance between the two styles.” Like the rest of Noor’s home, the kitchen boasts a rich and timeless quality. And it’s this focus on future heritage that clients have come to expect from the interior designer and her team. I wonder what she’ll be turning her hand to next. “We’ve just finished working on an incredible private apartment in central London and have more residential projects in Mayfair, and also homes in south west London and Surrey that are underway,” she says. “Internationally, we’re working in the Middle East and also embarking on interior design schemes for superyachts, which is very exciting.” Watch this (glamorous) space. celineinteriordesign.com

1 Brewer’s brass baton cluster pendant, £389.99 (dowsingandreynolds.com) 2 Blue fan cushion, £50 (mintandmay.co.uk) 3 Hamilton dining chair, grey velvet, £295 (laresidenceinteriors.co.uk) 4 Hyder vase, £551 (arteriorshome.com) 5 Hand painted tissue box cover with gold trim, £38.50 (musthavebins.co.uk)

Noor’s glamorous kitchen blends classical British design with Arabic glamour and is the centrepiece of her home

ON THE TILES

Introducing Alcera Luxury Tile Boutique: where luxury tiles become an exquisite experience

Alcera Luxury Tile Boutique is proud to present a transformative approach to luxury tile design, redefining the very concept of a tile shop. With a commitment to providing a unique experience for discerning homeowners, interior designers, and architects, Alcera invites you to embark on a journey of elegance, craftsmanship and personalised design.

Alcera believes that every tile has a story to tell, and every space is a canvas waiting to be adorned with timeless beauty. With this vision in mind, founder and principal designer, Alexandra Dumitra, has carefully curated a collection of luxury tiles sourced from around the world. The selection embraces the allure of natural stone, the modern sophistication of porcelain, and the artistic charm of ceramic tiles.

But they are more than just a tile boutique; Alcera is a destination where design dreams come to life. Their showroom, located at Finsbury Park, immerses you in a world of inspiration, elegance, and creativity. As you step through the doors, you will be greeted by an atmosphere that exudes sophistication, inviting you to explore the exquisite collection and unleash your creativity.

Alcera takes great pride in delivering a personalised experience for every client. They understand that each project is unique, and their dedicated team is there to guide you through the design process. Whether you are an interior designer seeking to add a touch of luxury to your latest project, or a homeowner embarking on a renovation journey, they are there to listen, inspire, and collaborate.

As part of their commitment to personalised service, Alcera offers private consultations where you can discuss your luxury project and tile requirements. Their team will work closely with you to understand your vision, guiding you in selecting the perfect tiles that align with your style and aspirations. Their aim is to ensure that every space you create reflects your individuality and becomes a true reflection of who you are.

With a focus on ethically sourced materials and eco-friendly practices, Alcera is committed to providing tiles that are not only visually stunning but also align with your values.

So why not discover Alcera Luxury Tile Boutique and experience the difference for yourself? Immerse yourself in a world where luxury becomes an exquisite experience, where every tile selection carries meaning and transforms your space into a masterpiece. To learn more, visit alcera.co.uk email info@alcera.co.uk or call 07534 328982

Razi Collection/ Hexagonal tiles are the perfect choice if you want to create stunning feature wall areas

ON DESIGN: MELISSA KLINK

Melissa is creative director at heritage kitchen crafters, Harvey Jones. Founded in 1977, the company specialises in bespoke, handmade kitchens that blend sophistication, functionality, and timeless beauty

Words by Ali Howard

What made you want to go into kitchen design? When I moved to London and started to integrate myself into the world of interiors here, it became apparent that the British kitchen sector was something truly special. I had some concerns about focusing my design only on kitchens, but I was so wrong. Kitchens are incredible. They really are the beating heart of the home. And as soon as I saw how much attention to detail and pride went into the kitchens we craft, I was transformed. I’m lucky that I get to enjoy each and every day in my work.

What’s your design ethos? Design with passion and consideration. Stay humble. And always make time for nature because it will make what you design that much more meaningful.

Can you tell me about the role of sustainability at Harvey Jones? We are incredibly considerate to the environment and our impact on the planet. Always dedicated to crafting kitchens that last a lifetime, we make sure that our product is of the best quality, providing clients with a timeless kitchen. And the ability to refurbish our kitchens removes the need to ever put one of our cabinets into landfill. We source sustainable materials and produce everything locally at our workshop in Cambridgeshire. And we have even started a new stream of products from all of our off cuts –stay tuned for some exciting things to come, like furniture for our beloved furry friends!

What are the current trends in kitchen design? We are seeing a lot more pattern play and material mixture in our designs. It’s such a fun journey for us to work with clients who are open to some bolder choices when it comes to the finishes of their kitchen. Brass hardware is still very popular, but now against richer cabinetry colours instead of the ever-popular earthy neutrals. Clients are ditching wall cabinets and opting for clever storage solutions below, giving space for artwork and decorative lights up above. We love being able to personalise kitchens to suit the individual style of our clients. No two kitchens are alike, each one inspiring the next.

As it’s such a huge investment, how can homeowners successfully future proof a kitchen? Invest in a handmade kitchen so you can be assured the quality will never deteriorate and that the kitchen you install on day one will be exactly the same for years and years to come. Making sure you invest in a kitchen that can adapt in style over time, with the ability to

repaint and change the hardware to allow the aesthetics to be updated through changing style seasons. And investing in storage will always pay back. You can find a solution to a change in functionality needs as long as you have the right storage available.

Can you tell us about some of your favourite designs to date? That’s the beauty of our kitchens, they are so personalised and full of character that my favourites change constantly. I’m obsessed with designs that incorporate moments of surprise right now. Hidden walk-in rooms like pantries, larders and boot rooms are really fun and create such a wow factor. A recent kitchen in an old chapel conversion took my breath away, I was sad to leave when we were finished. That’s when you know we have really done it right. The moment you walk in, your whole body relaxes in happiness!

What’s your kitchen like at home?

My kitchen at home is a classic Harvey Jones Shaker but with a bit of a funky twist. I have a soft spot for vintage items and blending quirky textures, so I chose a stunning green and purple granite on a blue island against a more neutral taupe perimeter of cabinetry. And I went for a complete mixture of six different handle styles in antique brass. I have two toddlers, so the large island provides the perfect course for them to race around! It was important to me that my kitchen didn’t feel at all like a showroom. Sometimes people assume because of what I do that my home will be like a show house, but we do everything in the kitchen, and it certainly is full of life, play and lots of wonderful meals! harveyjones.com

Sian Bradshaw

Bute House Prep School

How would you sum up the school in a sentence? A busy, buzzy school that empowers and inspires its girls to be brave and kind and to know that their potential is limitless.

What makes it different? Its non-competitive academic ethos. The girls have the freedom to grow without the constraint of expectation, pressure or competition with each other. We focus on mental resilience, creativity, and physical and emotional wellbeing alongside the core academic elements. There are no ranked lists, prize-giving events or grades shared with the girls or their parents. Instead, we give quality feedback which focuses on identifying ways to improve. We do share data with parents when looking at senior schools for 11+, but even then, it’s within the context of what we know about the whole child.

We also recognise and celebrate our girls for exhibiting characteristics in our Positive Behaviour Policy, such as empathy, independence and risk-taking. Our ‘Friend-ology’ programme empowers them to navigate their way through friendships and fallouts and be active in solving conflicts. We have some quirky traditions, too, such as the oldest girl and the youngest girl blowing out the candles on the school’s birthday cake each year. Old Girls still talk about our traditional ‘Sunshine Tart’ dessert!

Last but not least, all our teachers take part in ‘Instructional Coaching’, where they work with a coach to identify areas of their teaching that they would like to develop, based on research. It means they’re constantly evolving and improving their practice to maximise learning for the girls.

How would you describe the atmosphere? Warm, friendly, caring, and full of chatter and laughter. Everyone is supportive and kind and there’s always something going on. Parents are regularly in the school, too – watching a performance, attending a coffee morning or curriculum evening, or visiting their daughters’ classrooms to see what they’ve been learning.

What’s your personal educational ethos?

It’s the same as the Bute House ethos: that children who feel happy, safe, inspired and nurtured towards a growth mindset are more likely to be successful.

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

Our co-curricular activities start as early as 7:15am and finish at 6pm, so they wrap around the normal school day of 8:30am-3:40pm. Every Wednesday afternoon from 2:30-3:30pm is curriculum enrichment time, where the girls

can choose from a range of pursuits including origami, cooking and robotics.

How do you look after the wellbeing of your pupils? We see it as the shared responsibility of the whole school, from our caretakers and kitchen staff to our pastoral team. Staff notice when a girl isn’t quite herself and will often speak to another member of staff about their worries. There’s a box where the girls can request time with the school counsellor, and they take part in the Pupil Attitudes to Self and School (PASS) survey. This allows them to identify how they’re feeling about aspects of school, so that staff can follow up. We also have a wilderness garden, and the girls have access to a wellbeing dog.

What have you learnt about educating children during a pandemic? That while young people can learn a lot by Googling something, nothing can replace the nurture and inspiration that great teaching provides. And that teachers are very resilient people who can adapt quickly to new situations. Luxemburg Gardens, W6 (020 7603 7381; butehouse.co.uk)

A capital education / SCHOOLS

SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES

Encourage your child to see their devices in a new light this summer, with a little expert guidance

Words by Claire Atherton

If you expect to spend the summer holidays wrestling the iPad away from your child, it might be time for a change of tack. With the right apps, inspiration and controls, you can help to change their relationship with their devices instead.

“A lot of children automatically see the iPad as an entertainment source, somewhere you go to consume,” says Kevin Tibble, digital literacy coordinator at The King Alfred School. “It’s fun and engaging, but only part of what we could be using the iPad for. It’s why our philosophy is to turn children from passive consumers into passionate creators.”

To bring about this shift, Kevin encourages pupils to view digital technology as a toolkit that

SPOTLIGHT ON LycéeCharlesFrançais de Gaulle de Londres

Pupils: around 3,450 pupils aged 3 to 18

Founded: in 1915 as Lycées Français, on Buckingham Palace Road

Entrance requirements: too numerous to list here, as they cover admissions at all stages of the British and the French curriculum.

can help them with whatever they’re doing. So, rather than offering discrete IT lessons, he works alongside teachers to embed it within the context of the class – all within a ‘walled garden’ of controls designed to keep the children safe. For example, Year 3 pupils recently built a Fitbit-style step counter for a unit on healthy bodies. “They learnt some basic code to build the counter, which was computer science, then made a strap out of fabric, which was textiles. Finally, they used the counter in PE and at playtimes, which was data collection (maths). And it was all very creative.”

Here, Kevin suggests five ways to help your child become a passionate creator this summer.

You’ll find details on the school’s website Destination universities: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College

London, King’s College

London, London School of Economics, Sciences Po, École Polytechnique, Columbia, Yale, Harvard and

1. Create a stop-frame animation

With easy-to-learn apps available for both Apple and Android devices, creating a stop-frame animation is simple and creative. Kids can have lots of fun making up stories featuring their favourite Lego figures or Playmobil toys. Watch some examples with your child on YouTube and they’ll quickly get the idea.

2. Make a holiday montage

This engrossing activity is perfect for when you’re having dinner on holiday, and you need to entertain the kids while you finish eating. Encourage them to take pictures or snippets of film through the day, then put them together on the phone using Clips or iMovie. They get to choose the music, graphics and text and it’s all super intuitive. And when they’re done, they can send the movie to grandparents and friends, or upload it to Google Drive and share a link. You can do this on any day of the summer holidays, not just when you’re away.

3. Create a comic

It may sound like a big ask for a child, but making a comic book or graphic novel is simple if you use an app like Book Creator. At King Alfred, we do it from Year 2 onwards. Kids can add their own faces to become the hero of their own story. And if they’re too young to write the narration, they can record it instead. Book Creator also has a nice page-turning effect so it’s more like reading a real comic.

4. Get involved with gaming

Gaming doesn’t need to be an isolated activity. If your child is a massive Minecraft fan, they’ll love it if you ask to join in. You can start a world together and let them be the experts, explaining every facet to you. The Mario Kart games on Nintendo allow you to have four players on one console, too. And if you’d rather just watch, the new Legend of Zelda game, Tears of the Kingdom, offers many opportunities for kids to be creative and solve problems.

5. Invest in an interactive kit

The Osmo series, which is compatible with most iPads and Fire tablets, includes a pizza kitchen and a detective agency. With the Pizza Co. kit, kids attach a mirror to their device and put it on a stand so it can see the countertop. They then take orders and make, serve and take payment for pizzas – interacting with cartoon people on screen at every stage. The game even knows if they’ve given their customers the right change! kingalfred.org.uk

McGill University, among others Known for: being truly international (41 nationalities attend the school, which offers the French Baccalauréat, GCSEs, IGCSEs, A levels and the IB Diploma) and delivering excellent results through hard work (the secondary school starts at 8.40am

and finishes at 6pm).

Last year, 78 per cent of GCSE/IGSE grades and 62 per cent of A level grades were A or A* (7-9), while over 82 per cent of Brevet and over 64 per cent of Baccalauréat results were ‘très bien’. It’s also known for educating the offspring of the rich and famous, including

Madonna

Famous alumni: author and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, actress Jacqueline Bisset, journalist and author India Knight, director and producer Roland Joffé, singer Mika, actor Natasha Richardson

Find out more: lyceefrancais.org.uk

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Tess

When a loved one passes away, the process of settling their estate can be particularly challenging for the bereaved. But it is often the most important task, financially speaking at least. This is where the legal process known as probate comes into play. But what exactly is probate? Arlington Residential’s Marc Schneiderman explains: “Probate is the legal and financial process of dealing with the assets and estate of a person who has died with the grant of probate officially confirming that a Will is valid, and that the person who holds it is legally entitled to settle the estate. Whoever is named as an executor in the Will can apply for a grant of probate and once granted, the deceased person’s property can be transferred to their beneficiaries or sold.”

Marc advises that there are a number of things to consider before probate can be granted, not least estimating and reporting the value of the diseased person’s estate to the Inland Revenue. “This includes estimating the market value of their property and finding out the value of any debts they may have had,” he says. “If inheritance tax is due on the estate, you will have to pay some or all of this before probate can be granted. If the property sells for less than the probate value, you may be able to claim overpaid tax back. On the other hand, if it sells for more then you may be asked to pay additional tax, which is why it is important to obtain an accurate probate figure at the outset.”

It’s worth noting that the issue of probate doesn’t only affect the seller. From the perspective of a property searcher, what happens if you find your dream home and discover it’s still in the process of probate? Matt Thompson from Chestertons says: “Ideally, the grant of probate is needed before an agent is instructed to sell the property, in order to avoid any delays of the sale. As inheritance tax may be applicable this must also be taken into consideration, and we generally

Material MATTERS

advise to seek further guidance from a solicitor.” Marc also advises caution when buying a probate property, highlighting one disadvantage is that “the executors and administrators of the estate are unlikely to know a great deal about the property, and therefore will provide limited responses to questions raised in the conveyancing process. It is important that buyers are aware they may be asked to take a view on some information that would in the usual course of a purchase be provided by the property owner, but will not be in the instance of a probate sale.”

When it comes to probate properties then, it is all the more important to work with an experienced estate agent who really knows the ropes. “As it is likely to be an emotional time dealing with a family member passing, it is important that the instructed estate agent

manages the sale in an empathic way,” says Matt. “The property may hold special memories and may therefore be difficult for the family to part ways with. It’s important that the agent fully understands what is the most pressing factor when selling the property, as it’s not always about achieving the maximum price. For example, if the property was a family home, the seller may favour the property being bought by a family rather than a developer.”

And from the buyer’s perspective? “It’s prudent to check if the grant of probate is in place. If it isn’t, this could delay the sale,” advises Matt. “Probate properties usually require refurbishment and, consequently, may represent better value for money than other properties, but buyers in this scenario must be prepared to do the work.” arlingtonresidential.com; chestertons.com

It’s never an easy conversation to have, but probate is a crucial step in ensuring the orderly transfer of property when someone dies – our experts offer a guiding hand

It is likely to be an emotional time so it is important that the agent manages the sale in an empathetic way

Matt Thompson, Chestertons

FOR SALE

Hewer Street, W10

If you’re a fan of industrial chic, this unique converted dairy will appeal. Reimagined by 3W Architects, the four double bed abode is light-filled and seriously spacious, and it spans three adaptable levels. The beating heart of the home is the open-plan reception area, which takes up the entire first floor and boasts a double height ceiling complete with a sizable roof lantern that invites the natural light to flood in. Full of character with pale stained pine floors, exposed wood beams and steel balustrades, the property’s industrial bones are on full display. £3.5 million, Druce (020 7221 0330; druce.com)

ON THE MARKET

FOR SALE

Loudoun Road, NW8

Boasting 3,273 sq ft of luxury accommodation is this Grade II listed Victorian residence. Beautiful inside and out, the period property boasts four bedrooms, including a grand principal complete with a commodious en suite. Expect a chic modern refurb throughout, including sleek, bespoke cabinetry. The property has been sympathetically extended to include a large modern kitchen at the rear, which features huge folding glass doors that conveniently open out onto the tiled and landscaped split-level garden. Perfect for summer entertaining, it proves the ideal indoor/outdoor space.

£6.45 million, Aston Chase (020 7724 4724; astonchase.com)

FOR SALE

Willifield Way, NW11

This characterful home was built in 1924 as a studio for renowned marine artist Kenneth Denton Shoesmith and as such, boasts spectacular light. Its double height reception room, complete with minstrel’s gallery, features lofty windows. The three-four bed property is set within beautifully landscaped wraparound gardens, giving you a countryside feel, yet the house is a mere 15 minute walk to Golders Green. With 1,778 sq ft of versatile accommodation this is a unique property that will easily adapt to a growing family. £2.25 million, Litchfields (020 8458 5000; litchfields.com)

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

A modern classic

Newly built but entirely sympathetic to the area’s lovely arts and crafts architecture is this magnificent Hampstead home

The detached red brick abode spans some 11,467 sq ft and is set within a substantial 0.46 acre plot on Hampstead Lane. Boasting a pleasing symmetry, not only in the bricks and mortar, but in the surrounding lush planting, the house comes with serious kerb appeal. That said, you won’t have gawping passers-by – the property is set behind a deep driveway with electronically operated gates, and is positioned opposite Kenwood House’s grounds and the rolling green expanse of Hampstead Heath. It is perfectly secluded.

While the exterior offers wow-factor aplenty, indoors is just as jaw-dropping. And those all-important first impressions are more than met with a spectacular reception hallway. The

grand, double height space leads onto a stunning bespoke kitchen/breakfast room with two sets of French doors leading onto two terraces; a drawing room with bi-folding doors onto a terrace; a dining room; a study; and a very generously proportioned cloakroom and guest WC. Add to that a family room off the kitchen, a utility room, a boot room, a double garage, and an additional guest WC. There’s even access to a self-contained staff flat, which benefits from its own independent kitchen, living room, bedroom and en suite. The sprawling accommodation just keeps on going.

Arranged over four floors, the family home features five bedroom suites and includes a beautifully presented principal bedroom complete with two private dressing rooms with perfectly appointed bathrooms, as well as a relaxation lounge area and a balcony overlooking the rear gardens with far reaching views of the property’s verdant surrounds.

And when it comes to décor, the house boasts beautiful wood floors, bespoke cabinetry, and a dreamy ocean-inspired colour palette that brings an immediate sense of calm and relaxation the moment you step inside. Mixing period style grandeur with the highest contemporary spec, you really will have the best of both worlds here.

Guide price £14.5 million, Glentree (020 8458 7311; glentree.com)

Church Row | Hampstead Village, NW3

This unique triplex apartment occupies the entire first and second floors of a beautiful detached period house and is located on one of the most famous and historical addresses in Hampstead. The property features a magnificent original staircase and a 23 ft. reception room with direct access to a private terrace with far-reaching views.

Sam Gould – Sales Director 020 7182 1406

sam.gould@chestertons.co.uk

This lovely house is situated in Little Venice’s most sought-after and picturesque cobbled mews, within easy walking distance of several parks including Regents Park and Primrose Hill. The property celebrates original features such as exposed brick walls, a bespoke staircase, herringbone wood flooring, and a reception room with windows overlooking the mews.

James Westendarp – Sales Director

020 7182 1406

james.westendarp@chestertons.co.uk

Pindock Mews | Little Venice, W9

HIGHGATE, N6

First time on the market for approximately 50 years. Situated on the private Holly Lodge Estate, close to trendy Swains Lane with its great mix of shops and eateries, as well as being moments from Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill Fields, and Highgate ponds. An attractive linked detached family house with spacious and flexible accommodation arranged over three floors. The property features a 37’ through lounge leading onto a lovely bright sun room which in turn leads to the fabulous 82’ garden. The house extends to approximately 2460 sq. ft. and comprises:

- Freehold - Sole Agent

COURTHOPE ROAD, NW3

Available for sale for the first time in over seventy years, this mid terrace Victorian house provides approximately 2400 square feet of accommodation over four floors. There is ample living space for the growing family, and an attractive south west facing rear garden, plus roof terrace and additional balcony. The Savernake bridge to Parliament Hill and Hampstead Heath is just a short walk away, and excellent local schools are also close at hand.

£2,500,000 - Freehold - Sole Agent

HAMPSTEAD N2

AN EXQUISITE FAMILY HOME LOCATED MOMENTS FROM KENWOOD HOUSE

A spectacular, architecturally designed residence on The Bishops Avenue. Set behind electronic security gates, the house measures approximately 11,300 sq ft of well-planned and flexible accommodation. This exceptional home features a landscaped garden and leisure facilities including a spa with jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.

7 Bedrooms • 7 Bathrooms

GARAGING FOR 6 CARS | SPA | CINEMA ROOM

£16,500,000 FREEHOLD • JOINT SOLE AGENTS

LOUDOUN ROAD ST JOHN’S WOOD NW8

AN IDEALLY LOCATED DETATCHED GRADE II LISTED VICTORIAN HOME

This stylish low-built home is superbly presented and provides beautiful entertaining areas complemented by an exceptional principal bedroom and attractively landscaped gardens. The home is just 0.3 miles from The American School in London, and the extensive restaurants cafes and boutiques of St John’s Wood High Street.

4 Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms

PRIVATE GARDEN | OFF-STREET PARKING | CONTEMPORARY BESPOKE DESIGN

£6,450,000 FREEHOLD • JOINT SOLE AGENTS

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 ParkingEPC Rating C - 1,055 sq ft - Council Tax Band G

THE WATER GARDENS, W2

A great opportunity to purchase this one bedroom apartment with a lease of approximately 153 years on the sixth floor of this portered gate development on the Hyde Park Estate.

Bedroom - Bathroom - Reception Room - Kitchen - 24 Hour Concierge - Lifts - Communal Gardens - EPC Rating D - 518 sq ftCouncil Tax Band E

153 YEARS UNEXPIRED £570,000

SEE HOW MUCH VALUE YOUR FANCY BATHROOM HAS ADDED

SPEAK TO AN EXPERT, NOT AN ALGORITHM

People give better property advice than computers. Online valuations won’t tell you where the best schools are, or take into account the time you spent making your garden look gorgeous. And our people will. They’re experts, backed with arguably the best data-driven tool in the business, so pick up the phone and book a valuation with us.

...and

Courtesy

Fancy a chance to win some amazing prizes? Look no further! We are giving away a shopping spree at Harrods, a dining experience at your favourite local restaurant, a holiday voucher, fabulous F&M Hampers, and luxury furniture vouchers!

Joining the draw is easy - just scan the QR code opposite or fill out the flyer on the back and pop it into one of our offices.

Courtesy of Druce Estate Agency

Fancy a chance to win some amazing prizes? Look no further! We are giving away a shopping spree at Harrods, a dining experience at a local Michelin Star restaurant, a holiday voucher, fabulous F&M Hampers, and luxury furniture vouchers!

July

SCAN TO WIN KitchenW8

Joining the draw is easy. You can either scan the QR code located on the left or pay a visit to one of our offices. If you are not a homeowner don’t worry, you can still be in with the chance to win!

Refer a local Homeowner or Landlord, if your code is used you will both be entered into the draw.

For further information about the competition, or how Druce can help assist you with any property plans, please contact us at hello@druce.com +44 20 3835 3796

Features of note include, a well-proportioned, light south facing reception room giving an abundance of natural light. The apartment also has a long lease and separate kitchen.

Located in an enviable prime location, immediately behind Selfridges, right in the heart of what is arguably, the very best part of the West End.

The property has an array of transport links, including Bond Street (Central, Jubilee & Elizabeth), Marble Arch (Central, Baker St’, Jubilee/ Bakerloo) and Paddington mainline Station including the Heathrow Express, (Elizabeth, Bakerloo, Hammersmith & City, Circle & Districts).

LEASE: About 150 Years Remaining | SERVICE CHARGE: About £9,000 p.a. |

GROUND RENT: £100 p.a. |

COUNCIL TAX BAND: F |

EPC Band: C.

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

Harvist Road, NW6

Price

South

A pretty 5 bedroom Grade II Listed house.

Placed overlooking a lawned communal square situated within close proximity to the shops and transport at Temple Fortune. The house was designed by Geoffrey Lucas and built in approximately 1909. The property is presented in excellent internal decorative condition and benefits from a lovely rear garden and use of a communal paddock.

SHARE

A beautifully presented and expansive 1363 sq ft, third floor apartment with private, south facing terrace, situated within West Heath Place, a highly sought-after, modern development with underground parking, communal gym, communal gardens, CCTV and concierge facilities, conveniently located within 0.5 mile of Golders Green Underground, bus station and the High Road, as well as, Golders Hill Park with its open parkland leading to Hampstead Heath, it’s children’s zoo and lovely café.

This delightful flat comprises a generous entrance hall with storage and guest bathroom/shower suite, a double, L-shaped, reception room with dining area, solid wood floor and doors leading to an enviable private 396 sq ft terrace, overlooking the landscaped, communal gardens. Additionally, there is a separate, stylish and fully equipped kitchen with stone, work-surfaces and fully integrated appliances, a principal bedroom with fitted wardrobes, a luxurious en suite bathroom, plus two further double bedrooms (one with en suite shower room) and fitted wardrobes, a family bathroom and utility cupboard. Residents of the building also enjoy many added features including luxurious common parts, a designated underground parking space, a large, separate underground store-room, lifts and excellent security.

3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | double reception room | separate kitchen | utility cupboard | large south facing private balcony | underground parking for 1 car | lift | 24 hour porter | use of communal gym and gardens | CCTV | secure block.

OF FREEHOLD

SOLE AGENT

WEST HEATH PLACE GOLDERS HILL, NW11

Guide Price £1,350,000

LONDON’S FINEST PROPERTY

Go through the keyhole of the best properties in Prime London. To view the latest on the market visit

@londonfabricproperty

#londonfabricproperty

WESTMORELAND STREET, MARYLEBONE VILLAGE, LONDON W1

Three bedroom apartment located in this popular building, very centrally located in the heart of Marylebone Village.

This bright and light apartment provides modern living space, whilst the building itself retains all of its period charm. Accommodation comprises: reception room with open aspect across Marylebone, two and a half bedrooms, modern high specification kitchen, family bathroom and separate shower room. Marylebone High Street is within a minutes walk providing easy access to an abundance of shops and restaurants. Heating and hot water included. Both Baker Street and Bond Street Underground Stations are a close walk away, as are the Green spaces of Regent`s Park.

LEASEHOLD

£1,595,000

WIGMORE PLACE, MARYLEBONE VILLAGE, LONDON W1

This beautiful four/ five bedroom mews house, arranged over four floors with garaging and two terraces. This unique mews house comprises of Lower Ground Floor: Large fully-fitted kitchen/ breakfast room with access to Garden, Utility room and Guest cloakroom. Ground floor: Reception hall; Dining room with French doors opening up to another terrace, Shower room/ guest cloakroom and Garage. First Floor: Reception room; Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom; Study/ bedroom. Second Floor: Three double bedrooms, all with fitted wardrobes; Bathroom and further Shower room.

The property is located in a quiet cul-de-sac off Wigmore Street. It is situated close to Bond Street underground station and Marylebone High Street with it`s fabulous restaurants, bars and high end boutiques.

£3,500 PER WEEK

HAMPSTEAD VILLAGE, NW3

A spacious 3/4 bedroomed apartment (approx. 1,580 sq.ft. / 146.8 sq.m.) on the top floor (3rd) in this beautiful red brick Victorian mansion block dating back to 1896, which has the distinction of being one of the first developments in the area. It is situated in this delightful tree lined thoroughfare which runs from Rosslyn Hill down to ‘the ‘Heath’.

RECEPTION ROOM • KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM • DINING HALL • 4 BEDROOMS • FAMILY BATHROOM • SHOWER ROOM • LARGE

STOREROOM • GUEST WC • COMMUNAL GARDENS • LIFT • EPC E

SOLE AGENT

ST JOHN’S WOOD, NW8

£1,395 PER WEEK

A immaculately presented & well proportioned 3 double bedroom apartment (approx. 1,941 sq.ft. / 180.3 sq.m.) situated on the ground floor of this landmark, prestige, red brick development located directly opposite Regent’s Park.

ENTRANCE HALL • RECEPTION ROOM • DINING HALL • EAT-IN KITCHEN • 3 DOUBLE BEDROOMS • FAMILY BATHROOM • EN SUITE

SHOWER ROOM • GUEST WC • COMMUNAL GARDENS • 24 HR PORTERAGE • EPC D

SOLE AGENT

105 ST JOHN’S WOOD TERRACE, NW8 6PL 020 7722 7222

www.behrandbutchoff.com

* The Tenant may have to pay credit reference and admin charges as indicated on our website under Tenant Information.

£1,834 PER WEEK

Parsifal Road

West Hampstead NW6

Unfurnished

£4,000 per week

Sole Agent

67–71 Park Road

London NW1 6XU

020 7724 4724

astonchase.com

We are delighted to offer this beautiful family home (424 sq m/4,564 sq ft) which has been refurbished to an excellent standard with integrated audio-visual, lighting and heating systems whilst maintaining many period features. Located on a quiet road, the property is within close proximity to the shopping and restaurant facilities of West End Lane, the beautiful open spaces of West End Green and nearby transport links including Hampstead Underground Station (Jubilee line), London Overground and Thameslink train lines.

Accommodation and Amenities

Principal Bedroom Suite with En-Suite Dressing Room & Bathroom, 4 Further Bedrooms, 2 Further Bathrooms (1 EnSuite), 1 Further En-Suite Shower Room, 3 Reception Rooms, Media Room, Kitchen and Dining Area, Utility Room, 2 Guest Cloakrooms, Gymnasium, Wine Cellar, 2 Balconies (Front & Rear), Loft, 100ft Landscaped Rear Garden, Parking for 1 Car, 1 Bed Flat Available by Separate Negotiation. Council Tax: Band H. EPC: C.

IN THE KNOW

A 35-year property industry veteran, Chris has worked with some of the best in the business. After cutting his teeth as a sales negotiator in Mill Hill, his first stint with Benham & Reeves was at a time when the sales and letting operations were entirely separate. He has since returned to take the helm of a north London sales operation that is now an integrated part of the main business and he is full of enthusiasm about how Anita Mehra’s ownership has revitalised the brand.

Chris is pretty bullish about the current state of the London property market and its global reputation as a safe haven: “Many people expected there to be a large downturn in the London market following the Covid lockdowns, especially when the work from home paradigm kicked in. Demand for home office and garden space was expected to make a dent in apartment sales. Yet with many companies calling their staff back to the office, at least for a few days a week, the London market has remained resilient, maintaining its place as a world-class investment destination.”

As head of north London sales, Chris is well placed to comment on how Hampstead is shaping up compared to central London. He sees them both as wealthy and aspirational areas with limited supplies of quality property and a healthy number of buyers who wish to live there: “Hampstead is not totally immune to market forces, but if the property

market drops, the prices drop less in Hampstead and the prices recover quicker than other areas following a dip. Around here, if sellers don’t get their price, they simply won’t sell!”

Of course, Hampstead’s unique blend of village vibe, boutique shops and proximity to zone 1 is widely coveted, but Chris is keen to point out that there are places that stand out, even within this already exclusive enclave. He cites the “golden triangle” of streets that are located between the High Street and the Heath as a particularly sought-after sweet spot, complete with pristine family houses and charming period conversions. “They are all within a short stroll of eclectic shops, restaurants, trains and buses, and within a few minutes, you are in the middle of a Heath so vast that you might as well be in the countryside. It’s hard to put a value on this combination of lifestyle benefits.”

When it comes to defining estate agent best practices, Chris is in no doubt about what constitutes the essentials: “The biggest misconception in estate agency is that it is a property business as opposed to being a people business that deals with property. To be successful you need to treat people professionally and build relationships over many years. You need to be the person people ask advice from, not just when they are selling their home. Understanding people’s needs and being a good

listener is very important, especially as moving home can be a very stressful situation. We also pride ourselves on getting the best possible price for our sellers by making sure that we have exhausted every potential bit of interest before recommending that the owner considers an offer. This approach often attracts multiple offers that may exceed our clients’ expectations. Communication is key to maintaining a positive relationship with buyers and sellers.”

Benham & Reeves have had an established presence in Heath Street, Hampstead since 1958 and Chris is convinced that there is a significant number of people who, having dealt with the company in the past, return for the buying, selling and lettings services over and over again. This translates well not only to local homeowners but to overseas investors, who put as much value on stability as they do on income and growth.

“The willingness of our London and international teams to stay the course with their clients, no matter how complex the deal, is another plus point,” he says. From first enquiry, through the lifecycle of a property, whether it be bought, sold or let, professionals like Chris Cooper embody the Benham & Reeves client-first mindset with dedication to excellence that has been at the heart of the brand since its inception. benhams.com

Chris Cooper, associate director at Hampstead estate agents Benham & Reeves, shares his insights on the current state of the property market and tells us how he’s helped shape an ethos that keeps his clients constantly informed and in the loop

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