Fabric September 2023

IN THE FRAME

Tips on curating your own home art collection

DYNAMIC DESIGN

Introducing the best of the London Design Festival

THE ONE

Alex Jones on motherhood, mortifying mistakes and the makings of her TV career

THE ART ISSUE

Getting the hang of it

THE ART ISSUE

Art does so much more than adding interest to an interior scheme, it can make a home more human, challenge us to see the world with different eyes, allow us to express ourselves, and invite discussion –by choosing to live with art, we bring life into our home. If you’re thinking about starting your own collection, you’ll want to read our special feature, which includes expert advice on buying art and curating a home collection. Or follow the example of designer and architect Tommaso Franchi, who shows us around his Chelsea abode; though the apartment may be a rental, it feels very much like a home thanks to an exquisite collection of art and objets. Further inspiration comes on our shopping page, which is full of vases, candlesticks and sculptures – proving that art needn’t always hang on the wall. Cover star Alex Jones doesn’t need to be sold on art, when we sat down to chat, she revealed that her favourite day out is a trip to the Affordable Art Fair! See what else she had to say in our exclusive interview. Until next month…

OUR AGENTS

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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

Alex Jones Photographed by Luc Coiffait

Alex wears: dress by Aligne; jewellery by Monica Vinader, Orelia and Ania Haie

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

Expert tips on displaying your art collection Liz Skone James liz@hattoncollective.com

CONTENTS / LIFESTYLE

33 SHOPPING

Create a gallery-worthy space in your home with cleverly chosen art and objets

34 CULTURE

Your guide to what to do in London this month

36 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ALEX JONES

The One Show host on scoring the role, what it means to her and achieving work/life balance

42 ART

Expert advice on choosing and buying art, and displaying it in your home

49 STYLE

Introducing a new way to exercise, plus exciting openings in Primrose Hill and St. John’s Wood

53 FOOD & DRINK

A taste of north London’s newest foodie festival and delicious dim sum courtesy of Harrods

TRAVEL

57 SPOTLIGHT ON

As summer’s heat fades, plan a visit to Venice

58 TRAVEL REVIEW

The friendliest of Irish welcomes is on offer at Cork’s art-filled The Montenotte hotel

INTERIORS

61 INTERIORS NEWS

Your guide to three exciting new interiors tomes

63 LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL

This year’s festival celebrates creativity and innovation – here’s our top picks

66 AT HOME WITH

Tomèf founder Tommaso Franchi’s love of art and travel is evident in every room of his home

69 DESIGNER PROFILE

Philipp Nagel on the world of bespoke cabinetry and how his family business, Neatsmith is doing things differently

SCHOOLS

73 A CAPITAL EDUCATION

How to support anxious kids as schools go back, plus we meet the head of St Paul’s Steiner School

PROPERTY

79 TALKING POINTS

Fancy yourself as a student landlord? Here’s all you need to know before making an investment

81 HOT PROPERTY

The best homes on the market this month

Tuck into

Tommy Banks’ tomato and chicken hot pot

58

Take a trip to The Montenotte’s Glasshouse bar

Start your art collection with this Hissa sculpture, £551 (arteriors home.com)

Steal Tommaso Franchi’s style with this Dera framed leaf print, £250 (oka.com)

EXCEPTIONAL BATHROOMS DESIGNED AROUND YOU.

A beautifully presented three bedroom apartment refurbished to a high specification. The property is located on the second floor, benefitting from an enviable corner position within the prestigious Queensmead development; situated off St John’s Wood Park with 24-hour porterage and well-maintained communal gardens. Further benefits include a lock up garage, additional permit parking for two cars on a first come first serve basis and air conditioning to the reception area and principal bedroom.

RANDOLPH

A fantastic opportunity to purchase a large (1,683 sq. ft.) impressive, architecturally designed three double bedroom garden flat, forming part of an impressive converted stucco fronted period property, located in the heart of Little Venice. The apartment has direct access to a large private garden and has been customdesigned to create spacious entertaining areas with wood flooring throughout. Randolph Avenue is a sought-after road located within walking distance of local boutique shops, cafes on Clifton Road, the famous Regent’s Canal (0.2 miles) and Warwick Avenue Underground Station (Bakerloo line - 0.3 miles).

MAIDA VALE | 020 7289 1692

020 7402 9494

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

Facsimile: 020 7724 7055

Email: enquiries@bargets.co.uk

Charming Grade II Listed Six Bedroom Family Home

Corringham Road, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, NW11

Nestled amongst a square of beautiful Grade II listed houses, which are a striking example of Parker and Unwin architecture in a Lutyens design, is this stunning and very well-proportioned 6 bedroom, 3 bathroom family home. This charming and well maintained property spans 266 sq m (2,865 sqft) over three storeys. Corringham Road is conveniently located moments from the Heath Extension and for the many local shops/restaurants in Golders Green, as well as the transport links of the Underground and bus station with routes into the heart of the West End and the City.

Living Room • Dining Room • TV Room • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Principal Bedroom with En Suite • 5 Further Bedrooms • En Suite Bathroom • Family Bathroom • 2 Guest W.C’s • Private Terrace • Front & Rear Garden

Freehold £3,000,000 Subject to Contract

www.bargets.co.uk

Magnificent Detached Low Built House on the Heath

Morland Close, Hampstead Garden Suburb, NW11

An exceptional, traditional and incredibly charming detached family home situated in this desirable setting in the corner position of this private quiet close opposite the Heath Extension. The properties impressive bright and lateral accommodation extends to approximately 4,240 Sq. Ft. over three floors, benefiting from off street parking for four cars, a double garage and a stunning, landscaped South West facing rear garden. Located 0.3 miles from Golders Hill Park, 0.6 miles from Golders Green

station and 0.9 miles from the fashionable shops, restaurants and cafes of Hampstead Village.

020 7402 9494

CARLTON HILL

ST JOHN’S WOOD, NW8

A rare opportunity to purchase a beautifully presented detached Grade II Listed period residence located on the sought-after west side of St John’s Wood between Hamilton Terrace and Abbey Road.

This handsome double fronted property presently comprises 308 sq m / 3,320 sq ft arranged over four floors but is being sold with the benefit of newly secured detailed planning permission to create additional accommodation at lower ground floor level and a striking glass rear extension at garden level which would increase the existing footplate by 103.5 sq m / 1,114 sq ft.

Carlton Hill is conveniently located within 0.9 miles of the American School in London (ASL), St John’s Wood Underground Station (Jubilee Line) and the extensive shopping and restaurant facilities of St John’s Wood High Street in addition to which, both Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill are just over 1 mile away.

Principal Bedroom with Dressing Area & En-Suite

Bathroom, Bedroom 2/Dressing Room with Large En-Suite Shower Room, 2 Further Bedrooms with En-Suite Bathroom & Shower Room, Drawing

Room, Reception Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Dining Room, Guest Cloakroom, Utility Room, 65ft Landscaped Rear Garden, Front Garden with Secure Gated Off-Street Parking for 2/3 Cars, Underfloor Heating, Sophisticated Security System incorporating CCTV, Plant Room. Council Tax: H.

Savills St John’s Wood 15 St John’s Wood High Street London NW8 7NG stjohnswoodsales@savills.com

020 3043 3600 savills.co.uk

The Ridgeway, Golders Green, NW11

£1,995,000

4122SoleAgent|Freehold|EPCE

Located on this ever popular tree-lined avenue situated close to all the shops, cafés, restaurants and public transport amenities of Golders Green, is this very pretty linked-detached, four-bedroom house, set back from the road behind a mature front garden and a driveway for two cars. The house provides bright accommodation over two floors only and offers an opportunity to extend and remodel the house into the loft, over the garage and out to the rear, subject to the planning consents, to create something far more substantial if required. However, the present accommodation can easily meet the needs of most families, or even downsizers.

The ground floor offers an entrance vestibule, hallway with guest WC, two charming reception rooms, an eat-in kitchen/breakfast room with access via an inner hallway to a large single garage. The first floor enjoys four bedrooms (three doubles and a large single) and a family bathroom with separate WC.

To the rear is a wide and deep 88' mature lawned garden with a large shed and side access for the gardener.

Heath Close, Hampstead Garden Suburb, NW11 £2,975,000

On the open market for the first time in over thirty years, an absolutely charming mid-terrace ‘Arts & Crafts’ style Grade II Listed five bedroom family house, built circa 1913 and located in this tranquil and verdantly planted cul-de-sac right opposite the beautiful open spaces of the Hampstead Garden Suburb Heath extension. The house offers 2,712 sq ft of accommodation arranged over three floors and is presented in very good decorative condition throughout. Initially approached through a gated secluded front garden and covered brick loggia, which then leads into a large hallway/study area. On this floor is a 23' x 14'6 eat-in kitchen/breakfast room (with bi-fold doors leading directly onto the garden), an 18' x 17' drawing room, utility room and guest WC.

The first floor provides a further drawing room/bedroom with lovely bright views over rear gardens, a principal suite with dressing room & en-suite bathroom and a further double bedroom and family bathroom. The second floor enjoys two further double bedrooms and a third bathroom. To the rear of the house is a pretty, mature and well planted 70' x 41' south-east facing lawned garden.

The leading estate agent for Hampstead and the surrounding areas

Pavilion Apartments

ST JOHNS WOOD, NW8

£1,895,000

We are delighted to offer for sale this second floor two double bedroom, two bathroom apartment (1234sqft/114.6sqm) situated to the rear of this stunning modern building, overlooking well maintained communal gardens from a private 22ft balcony.

Entrance Hall | Guest Cloakroom/WC | Reception Room with access to Balcony | Fitted Kitchen with Utility Room | Master Bedroom with En Suite Bathroom | Bedroom Two with En Suite Bathroom | Lift, Concierge/Porterage & Entryphone | Secure Underground Garage Space | Magnificent Entrance Lobby and Beautiful Communal Area.

Chappell Lofts, Belmont Street

HAMPSTEAD, NW1

£3,500,000 Guide Price

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

Over 2,000 sq ft of Lateral Living Space | 12ft High Ceilings | Italian Kitchen with Bora and Miele appliances | Oak Parquet Flooring Throughout | Duravit Philippe Starck Bathroom Suites | Air Conditioned Bedrooms | South Facing Private Balcony | Cast Iron Feature Radiators and Columns | Club Lounge with Leisure Facilities | On-site Concierge.

Multi Agency

BYRON DRIVE, N2 GUIDE PRICE £4,750,000

Set behind gates in a small cul de sac in this sought after turning, off the internationally renowned The Bishops Avenue, is this fine detached home spanning 5,585 Sq Ft (519 Sq M) over 3 floors.

Presented in a good order throughout, the property offers flexible family accommodation which includes a kitchen/breakfast room leading on to a conservatory, a dining room, drawing room as well as 2 further reception rooms. Furthermore there are 5 bedrooms, all en suites. The property offers ample off-street parking as well as a double garage and a beautiful spacious garden to the rear.

PRINC I PAL AGENT

ENTRANCE HALL: RECEPTION ROOM: KITCHEN/ BREAKFAST ROOM: CONSERVATORY: DRAWING

ROOM: 5 BEDROOMS ALL WITH EN SUITES: FAMILY ROOM: GUEST WC: DOUBLE GARAGE: OFF-STREET

PARKING: REAR GARDEN

HAMPSTEAD LANE, NW3 GUIDE PRICE £14,500,000

A magnificent recently built detached home, set behind electronically operated gates behind a deep driveway, opposite the grounds of Kenwood House and the rolling green acres of Hampstead Heath.

This substantial family home spanning 11,467 sq ft (1065.3 sq m) on a plot size of 0.46 of an acre, was built by the vendors 3 years ago to the highest of specifications and offers a host of luxuries throughout including an indoor lift to all floors, spa facilities and state of the art technology.

RECEPTION HALL: DRAWING ROOM: DINING ROOM: KITCHEN/BREAKFAST: FAMILY ROOM: PRINCIPAL BEDROOM WITH HIS AND HERS DRESSING ROOMS AND EN SUITES INCLUDING A BALCONY: FIVE FURTHER BEDROOM SUITES: LEISURE FACILITIES INCLUDING SWIMMING POOL, GYM, ENTERTAINMENT/GAMES ROOM, CINEMA, AND CHANGING ROOMS WITH SHOWER: WINE CELLAR: CLOAKROOM: UTILITY ROOM: THREE GUEST WCS: THREE PLANT ROOMS: BOOT ROOM: GARAGE: LANDSCAPED GARDEN: OFF STREET PARKING.

Fortis Green, N2

£2,750,000

Retaining original period features throughout, a charming Grade II Listed house offering plenty of character with a twist of modern living. This five bedroom house has excellent entertaining space with a double reception room, a dining room and a conservatory that opens onto a large landscaped garden. There is also garage and off-street parking. Moments from all the amenities of Muswell Hill including many independent shops and eateries.

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

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

dexters.co.uk

Hornsey Lane Gardens, N6

£4,000,000

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

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

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

This stunning family home, arranged over two floors, spans over 2,000 sq. ft. and has been fully refurbished to the very highest of standards. The property features a 23 ft. reception room, luxury kitchen, study room, south-facing garden and two garages.

Incredible Lateral Space

East Heath Road, Hampstead NW3 Hampstead Heath: 0.1 miles

Extraordinary property showcasing a perfect blend of contemporary sophistication and charming remnants of former industrial heritage. 3 reception rooms, 4/5 bedrooms (3 en suite), further bathroom, study and al fresco dining terrace. Leasehold (Lease Expiry 2984) | Peppercorn Ground Rent | Peppercorn Service Charge | Council Tax Band = H | EPC = D

3,357 sq ft | Guide £4.5 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) | Offers in excess of £6 million

Stephen Lindsay Savills St John’s Wood 020 3043 3600

slindsay@savills.com

AVENUE ROAD

ST JOHN’S WOOD NW8

A rare opportunity to purchase an apartment of circa 4,000 sq ft / 367 sq m of accommodation, with its own private entrance and 2 secure underground parking spaces.

The property features 3 balconies as well as a large roof terrace and is located in a purpose built block with porterage, a few hundred yards from both Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill Park with St John’s Wood High Street less than 0.5 miles away.

The apartment, which provides flexible accommodation, benefits from a private internal lift and is located on the internationally prestigious Avenue Road with the entrance to the property being on the quieter frontage of St Edmunds Terrace.

Leasehold 964 Years Remaining Guide Price £4,800,000

Sole Agents

CUMBERLAND TERRACE

REGENT’S PARK, NW1

A newly refurbished first floor, 3 bedroom lateral apartment (219.3 sq m/2,360 sq ft) providing beautiful views over exclusive private gardens and Regent’s Park beyond.

The apartment features high ceilings, floor to ceiling windows and is being sold with the benefit of a designated lock-up garage, store room and extensive additional residents’ and guest off-street parking.

Cumberland Terrace is superbly situated within the Outer Circle of Regent’s Park and is conveniently located close to the amenities of both St John’s Wood and Marylebone whilst Great Portland Street (Hammersmith & City, Circle and Metropolitan Lines) & Regent’s Park (Bakerloo Line) Underground Stations are just 0.6 miles away.

Principal Bedroom with Dressing Room & En-Suite Shower Room, 2 Further Bedrooms,

1 Further Shower Room, Reception Room, Dining Room, Kitchen with access to Private Balcony, Guest Cloakroom, Lock-Up Store Room, 24 Hour

Uniformed Porter, Passenger Lift, Designated

Lock-Up Garage, Extensive Private Off-Street Permit Parking, Access to Communal Gardens.

Council Tax: G. EPC: D.

Crown Estate Lease 149 Years

Principal Agent

Asking Price: £7,500,000

enquiries@astonchase.com

+44 (0) 20 7724 4724

ARTFULLY DONE

Art needn’t always hang on your walls – if you want to create a gallery worthy space, look beyond canvases and fill your home with striking, creative pieces, from sculptures and objets to vases and candlesticks

Rondo Inox mirror, limited edition, Dark Matter, Zieta, £4,979 (limelace.co.uk)

Rêve III mirror, USD $9,000 (bykoket.com)

Coyotl candlestick by Lili Cortina, POA (omet.co)

Nrin Vessel, size 2, £4,555 (miminat.com)

The Menagerie at Penhaligon’s Central – Diorama, by Kristjana S Williams, Limited Edition of 45, £1,890 (artrepublic.com)

Eichholtz Laguna wall object, blue, £3,870 (sweetpeaandwillow. com)

Hissa sculpture, £551 (arteriorshome.com)

Bordallo Pinheiro Cloudy Butterlies vase, small, £480 (frankbros.com)

Black and gold mask, tiger, £2,200 (micucci.co.uk)

Cloak pedestal bowl, £595 (ransomand dunn.com)

WHAT’S ON IN LONDON

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

BOOK London Shopfronts

Wes Andersoninspired illustrator

Joel Holland takes us on a sentimental journey around the Capital’s most colourful outlets. The book showcases some of London’s bestloved shops, eateries and venues, from the iconic Fortnum & Mason to the lesser known – but no less beloved – The Fryer’s Delight, the old-school chippy on Theobalds Road. Insightful words come courtesy of Time Out writer Rosie Hewitson. £19.99, hardback, published 5 September, Prestel (penguinrandomhouse. com)

EXHIBITION Sarah Adams: A New Collection

Treat yourself to a moment of calm away from the Capital and step into the visceral world of landscape painter Sarah Adams and the rugged majesty of the north Cornwall coastline. “This environment by its nature is constantly in flux, but it now faces fresh challenges,” the artist says. “Painting it has always been a source of joy, but in addition there is an urgency to document what we too often take for granted.”

27 September-13 October, Maas Gallery, 6 Duke Street, SW1Y (020 7930 9511; maasgallery.co.uk)

THEATRE Anthropology

The synopsis of this new Lauren Gunderson play reads like a Black Mirror episode. It follows Merril, one of Silicon Valley’s brightest young software engineers, whose life is turned upside down when her sister Angie vanishes. Using all the remnants of digital material Angie’s left behind, Merril sets about building an AI simulation of her sister in the hope of unpicking the details of her disappearance. Intriguing, futuristic, but ultimately character driven. 7 September14 October, Hampstead Theatre, Eton Avenue, NW3 (020 7722 9301; hampsteadtheatre.com)

EXHIBITION Zana Masombuka: Nges’rhodlweni, A Portal for Black Joy

Taking inspiration from her upbringing in a small rural town in South Africa, Masombuka, otherwise known as Ndebele Superhero, explores the intersection of identity and culture in her first London solo show. The title references the communion of art, and a site of expression for the whole community. Expect an arresting mix of mediums from photography to film, sculpture to performance.

5-30 September, October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester Street, WC1N (octobergallery.co.uk)

THEATRE Noises Off

Michael Frayn’s multi award-winning comedy returns for a limited run. The 40th anniversary production is directed by Lindsay Posner and features a star-studded cast including Felicity Kendal and Jonathan Coy. Hailed as one of the greatest British comedies, the play within a play follows the on- and off-stage antics of a touring theatre company as they stumble their way through fictional farce, Nothing On

27 September-16

December, Theatre Royal Haymarket, SW1Y (020 7930 8800; trh.co.uk)

Photography by Nobby Clarke

Nges’rholweni: eBandla 1 , 2023

Arch at Mawgan Porth

One THE

From the most inauspicious of starts, Alex Jones, longstanding host of The One Show, reveals how she came to be sitting on the famous green sofa. We chat life, work and everything in-between

Words by Liz Skone James Photography by Luc Coiffait Styling by Sarah-Rose Harrison Hair and make up by Elizabeth Beckett Shot on location at The Royal Lancaster

It’s hard to believe that Alex Jones, the face of The One Show, was ever anything but the bubbly, easy-going personality viewers have come to love over the past 13 years, but she reveals that she was a “painfully shy and awkward kid”. That didn’t stop her from watching kids’ TV and dreaming of working on the shows she loved. She never voiced those ambitions, though. “I never really said out loud that I wanted to be a broadcaster, because it would have sounded mad,” she tells me, when we sit down to chat.

Enthused by a schoolteacher who succeeded in drawing her out of her shell, she planned to study drama at university. “You know, they always say everybody’s got that one teacher, and that was true for me. Her name is Delyth Nicholas, and she really pulled me out of my shell; gave me loads of confidence to be able to do public speaking and all the things that have led me to where I am now. Otherwise, there’d have just been no way.”

Not everybody was happy with the plan. “Mum and Dad, they really didn’t want me to do a drama degree,” Alex admits, “they said, surely there must be something else… what about law? What about history? What about English?” Undeterred, she got a place to study drama at Aberystwyth. After graduating in 1998 she lent her hand to a series of temping jobs while working out what to do next. “I worked in call centres, worked in the teaching sector, then spent the summers looking after kids in camps. And then I felt, right, I need to crack on here, and I applied to do a masters in journalism at Cardiff.”

At the same time, she applied for a post with a local independent television company. “I had no idea really what being a researcher meant. But you know, I thought, it’s in television, that’s great!’ Alex laughs. “The interview happened while the owner of the company was in the bath, I sat on the landing and we chatted through the door, so it was all bonkers from the word go!”

In what she describes as a “sliding doors moment”, she discovered that she had been offered the researcher post at the same time as being told that she had not only been given a place on the course but had also been awarded a scholarship. “I didn’t dare tell my parents, because I knew they would say to definitely do the course. I took a gamble, turned the course down, and went and started off as a runner with the television company.”

It was certainly not the glamorous start she was expecting. “For the first, probably three months, I didn’t even have a desk in the office, and I would just sort of sit in the corner reading Smash Hits, I wasn’t really sure what I was doing. They’d occasionally send me over to tidy their house up before the cleaner came, or to pick one of the four kids up from school. That’s the kind of jobs I was doing. I was like, dammit, this is not really telly,” she laughs.

Eventually, an opportunity arose within the company to audition for a presenting job, and it was immediately evident that Alex had found her niche. “Before I knew it, I was in Magaluf for a month, hosting a dating game show on a beach.

That’s how it all started. And then, from there I went into kids’ television and did that for 10 years. And then I did, oh God, all sorts… holiday shows, extreme sports programmes, a poker programme at one point – I knew nothing about it, I still don’t!”

It was during this period that somebody at the BBC spotted some of Alex’s work online and decided that she might just be what they were looking for. “They called me out of the blue and said, ‘Would you like to come and audition for The One Show?’ And I was like, ‘Wow, yeah, that’d be lovely!’ I assumed they wanted me as a sort of Cardiff reporter. I said, ‘I’m a bit busy, but yeah, definitely…’ I thought, at least it’s a gateway to national TV!”

Six weeks of auditions and talks followed; when the call finally came offering her the job, she didn’t even answer the phone. “I was filming, and my phone was in my bag, and the then editor, a lovely man called Sandy Smith, left a message, and he said, ‘Jones, do you want this job or not? Will you answer the phone!’”

The answer was, of course, that, yes, she most certainly did want the job. She was sworn to secrecy until contracts had been signed and official announcements made, but the team agreed she could tell her parents. “I rang my mam at work; she worked as a bank manager for Barclays. And I called her, and I said, ‘You’re never going to believe it, I got the job!’ And she shouted across the banking hall, ‘She got the job!’ So, it wasn’t a particular secret in Wales. Everybody knew!” Alex laughs, remembering the moment she shared the news.

After that, things happened very quickly, she was whisked off to London for a dramatic new haircut courtesy of Richard Ward in Sloane Square and was treated to a new “more grown up” work wardrobe ahead of the inevitable promotional interviews and photoshoots. And then, two weeks later, she moved to London to start work. Recalling her feelings about the move, she tells me: “I was just really excited about it. I thought, I’ll be there for six months, and then they’ll send me back… but, you know, it’ll be lovely. It’ll be a laugh.” She was right about it being fun but could not have been more wrong about the timeline: “Jason Manford was hosting with me, and neither of us knew anybody in London. So, we were both living in a hotel on Sloane Square for the first six weeks, which was bizarre; it was like Pretty Woman. Because we didn’t know anybody, we would go to the cinema every night after the show. I look back really fondly on those early weeks. It was good fun. That was, I guess, coming up to 13 years ago.”

Is she surprised to still be hosting the show after so long?

“I can’t even believe it’s 13 years… it really doesn’t feel like I’ve been there that long. I’m not bored with it; I never dread going in. If I’m having a bad day at home, I always know when I get there, we’ll have a laugh and I’ll be better. I love it,” she exclaims. “I still find it really interesting. And of course, the guests every night, they change the dynamics, it’s never the same show. The years fly by, and so much of my life has happened whilst I’ve been there, you know, getting married, having three children, buying a house, moving house, renovating a house… The most significant part of my life, I guess, I’ve spent on that sofa.”

Alex may have been doing the job for a long time, but mistakes still happen, she assures me. “I’ve called people by the wrong name so many times,” she admits. “I think the most notable was probably when I called Lady Gaga, ‘Lady Garden’. That was quite a bad moment,” she laughs. “And the political

“I’m not BORED with it; I never dread going in. If I’m having a BAD day at home, I ALWAYS know when I get there, we’ll have a LAUGH and I’ll be better. I LOVE it”

correspondent Nick Robinson, I just got it wrong, and I said, ‘Rick Nobinson’. Nick Grimshaw and I were presenting together, and we just fell apart. We could not… we could not get anything back on track. We were just gone. I think that’s the beauty of a live show, though. You know, it shouldn’t be perfect every night. And it’s a pretty well-oiled machine because the team are incredible but actually, you know, I think people at home like when it goes a little bit wrong. It adds that sort of jeopardy. And that’s why I love doing live telly.”

Alex’s job has meant that she has met some huge names over the years, I wonder if she ever feels nervous before a big interview. “This job has given me such an interest in people, and people of all walks of life. And I think the most important lesson I’ve learnt is that we often put people on pedestals because of who they are and what they do, but actually, close up, everybody’s the same,” she tells me. “I mean, fame… It doesn’t really… I’ve never been a starstruck person, even when I started out. I just think, yeah, you know, good for you. But, you know, everybody is interesting. I don’t think a job defines somebody as being superior to anybody else.”

Proving her point is the story of when, in those very early days, Chris Evans, the then presenter of the Radio Two Breakfast Show, having interviewed her on his show, took her out for Champagne and chips at the Groucho Club to talk her into presenting Friday evenings on The One Show with him (she had originally been contracted for just the Monday to Thursday shows). “I went, ‘Oh well, the thing about that is, I was just going to go home on the weekend, I was gonna have a long weekend. So, I think probably not.’ And I think he was just shocked that this kid, essentially, from South Wales was kind of going, ‘Nah, I’m alright!’ I said, ‘You know, cos the thing is, I’ve sort of got plans with the girls and stuff on a Saturday.’” He did eventually persuade her to give it a trial run. The shows they presented together are some of Alex’s most memorable, she says, and the pair remain great friends to this day. Though her priorities have changed, that early desire for work/life balance has stayed strong, particularly since becoming a mother – Alex has three children with husband Charlie Thomson. How does she manage motherhood and work, I wonder. “Oh, God with great difficulty,” she exclaims. “By basically running myself ragged, I’ll be honest. I feel super guilty for leaving them. But I know that I do a job I love and a job that keeps the family afloat. So, I don’t know… I do sort of softplay in the morning and live telly in the afternoon, that’s kind of how my life goes. Literally I’m with them right up until the last minute before I need to hop in the car to come to work. And then I rush home to try and do their last story before they go to sleep. I haven’t got the solution – I just basically try and do it all. Which is my absolute downfall because I always end up late and in a state. But I won’t change it because this is the only way forward I can see.”

Of course, living in London means that Alex wastes no time travelling between Broadcasting House and her home. Would

she ever consider moving out? “We’ve done that thing people our age do and talked about ‘should we move out, should we go?’, but we just cannot bring ourselves to do it,” she tells me. “The children were obviously born here. And we just love it. We love that there’s loads of green spaces. We love that it’s really close to lots of good countryside if you want it. There’s endless stuff to do if you embrace living in the Capital – in terms of culture for children, it’s absolutely phenomenal. We make an effort to go and see shows, go to the art galleries, go into all the museums… And, where we are in west London, there’s a real sense of community. You know, if we go to the supermarket or to the park, we’ll see four or five people we know on the way. Our street feels like a proper neighbourhood; we know all our neighbours. And I don’t think you get that everywhere.”

Of course, London’s cultural appeal isn’t just for kids – how would Alex spend her perfect grown-up day off here? “The Affordable Art Fair – that’s my dream day out,” she reveals. “Brunch, Affordable Art Fair, then dinner, and then to see a show. What have I seen recently… oh tonnes of stuff. I saw The Crown Jewels the other day, with Mel Giedroyc, Neil Morrissey… and that is really, really funny; a brilliant night out. I mean, it is endless, isn’t it? The stuff, you can do here. You couldn’t even do it all in a lifetime I wouldn’t have thought, and I suppose that’s what I just absolutely adore about it.” It goes without saying that I couldn’t agree more.

Alex appears on The One Show on BBC1 every weeknight at 7pm

Alex wears, opening spread: dress by Mara Hoffman; rings by Orelia and Ania Haie; and earrings, vintage Alex wears, this page: shirt and trousers by Olivia von Halle; bralette by Skims; shoes by LK Bennett; and jewellery by Edge of Ember, Ania Haie and Orelia

Opposite page: blazer and trousers by Bayse; bracelet by Olivia & Pearl; rings by Orelia and Accessorize; and earrings by Ania Haie

THE ROYAL LANCASTER

Having undergone a dramatic £80 million renovation five years ago, this towering 18 storey icon overlooking Hyde Park can boast that it is now one of the Capital’s finest five-star offerings. Not to mention being one of London’s most Instagrammable hotels.

Originally designed as an office building, the mid-century landmark was the work of notable architect Richard Seifert; due to high demand for hotel rooms at the time of construction, the building ultimately opened as a hotel. The recent works saw the entire frontage of the hotel remodelled to incorporate a dramatic eight-metre-high glazed façade revealing an impressive doubleheight lobby. Strikingly minimalist in design, and featuring brushed gold features and modern light installations, the showpiece of this space is a palatial sweeping staircase constructed from 300 sq m of dazzling Carrara marble – as first impressions go, they don’t get much more jaw dropping than this.

The accommodation, which has been impeccably designed with every luxury and amenity in mind, more than matches the stunning reception – think marble clad bathrooms with rainfall showers, underfloor heating, White Company toiletries and crisp linen bedding. Unusually, all the 411 rooms offer fantastic London views, though the best, sweeping over Hyde Park’s Italian Gardens, are to be found in the stunning south facing suites on the hotel’s upper floors. The most luxurious of the suites is the elegant and spacious Royal Suite on the top floor – here, classic dark wood contrasts with rich velvets, and large, wraparound windows showcase spectacular views across the whole of the Capital.

Sharing these panoramic vistas are the thousands of honeybees who reside in 10 hives on the hotel’s rooftop, foraging for nectar in the floral beds of the neighbouring park. The Honey Farm opened back in 2009 and provides the hotel team with delicious honey to drizzle over desserts and stir into cocktails for guests to enjoy. This year sees a new partnership with Bees Abroad, a grassroots organisation set up to educate, guide, and mentor communities in local best practices in beekeeping, business creation, and protecting the environment. As part of the partnership the hives at the Royal Lancaster have been twinned with a beehive on Kome Island in Tanzania, part of a project focused on empowering rural women. Guests wishing to support the charity can choose to book the Bee Our Guest package, which includes a £10 donation to Bees Abroad. The overnight stay promises guaranteed views of Hyde Park and the rooftop beehives, a delicious honey cocktail in a homemade beeswax glass, and an indulgent breakfast including delicious fresh honeycomb to drizzle on granola or toast. It should come as no surprise that there is a real buzz about this hotel. For details, see royallancaster.com

Right and below: the rooftop beehives provide the kitchens with delicious honey

Left: the hotel’s suites offer stunning views of the Italian Gardens in Hyde Park

Sleek accommodation, flawless service and some of the best views in the Capital are on offer here

THE BEST PATH TO SUCCESS IS YOUR OWN

other achievements is excellent”, they “make rapid progress from their starting points” and “all leavers in 2022 gained a place at their first-choice institution, many with high entry requirements or in specific fields, or took a gap year. Academic outcomes are excellent for all pupils whatever their challenges and starting points.” (Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2023).

Having seen what a huge benefit it is for pupils to be able to progress with a through-school education or tailored 11+ and 13+ senior school preparation, North Bridge House is now adopting the same educational model at its Pre-Prep campus in Hampstead. From September 2023, the Pre-Prep will offer 7+ exam preparation, capitalising on its teaching expertise and children’s capabilities to facilitate entry to highly selective prep schools in London. At the same time, the school will continue to offer automatic progression to NBH Prep School, bypassing the 7+ exam and providing children with every opportunity for success, whichever route is right for them.

The school has also introduced interview preparation regardless of whether pupils are sitting the 7+ exam or continuing to NBH Prep School, so that they are able articulate themselves confidently in one-to-one and group conversation. “Learning how to be confident is one of the most important life skills and developing our children’s self-confidence and self-esteem is already a key focus here at NBH, so that we positively impact their overall success, and wellbeing,” says Head of School at North Bridge House Pre-Prep, Michelle Blaber.

Often in the independent sector, a school will either commit to being an all-through school or to delivering stage specific education, which prepares pupils for their future destinations. With benefits to each provision depending on the child and their own unique character, one co-educational north London school group is facilitating both a through-school journey and tailored 7+, 11+ and 13+ preparation.

In line with its commitment to providing each child with a truly individualised experience, North Bridge House – a high-achieving family of six independent day schools covering Hampstead, West Hampstead, Regent’s Park and Islington –works closely with families to choose the right school for their child, according to their personal strengths and interests. The school prides itself on its bespoke preparation for every path to success, providing boys and girls with the option of joining one of the UK’s leading private schools, or continuing at NBH until 18. A particularly attractive proposition for families with siblings or children who would not thrive in so called ‘hothouse’ schools, NBH provides a stress-free allthrough education from age two, which does not compromise on academic excellence.

The school group’s unique proposition originated at its Prep School in Regent’s Park, where from ages four to 13 a broad, knowledge-rich and purposeful curriculum is designed to develop confidence and character as much as impressive outcomes. With over 40 after school clubs, a thriving arts department and specialist academic and pastoral provision, North Bridge House Prep School prepares happy, rounded individuals for entry to the UK’s top senior schools – often with prestigious scholarship awards.

Alternatively, students are welcomed into either one of the North Bridge House Senior Schools in Hampstead and Canonbury, with a guaranteed place subject to reference from the headteacher. Here “the quality of the pupils’ academic and

NBH offers a stressfree, all-through education for children from age two, without compromising on academic excellence

Across the North Bridge House School group there is a strong focus on the social and emotional welfare of pupils, so that “children are supported in every aspect of their growth and development, and develop a genuine love of learning in a low-pressure environment,” Michelle explains.

So, whichever route you choose for your child, you know that North Bridge House will give them the tools and confidence they need to thrive in any setting.

Find out more at northbridgehouse.com or contact the admissions team on 020 7428 1520

No one path fits all, which is why North Bridge House finds different routes to success for each and every child

HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS

Selected with care and properly displayed, art is so much more than simply a decorative afterthought; we ask the experts for their tips on curating a home collection

Amanda Seibæk

Photograph by Shaun James Cox

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but what does the art you display in your home say about you? A thoughtfully curated collection will become an integral element of your home’s aesthetic, equally as important as paint colours and furniture choices. You need only look to the best hotels for evidence of this – 45 Park Lane, The Standard and the Firmdale Hotels are all excellent examples of how art can be used to enhance interiors.

Kit Kemp, founder and creative director of Firmdale Hotels and Kit Kemp Design Studio tells us: “A beautifully crafted interior is nothing without a carefully thought out and developed art collection. You can curate your collection in one go, or build it slowly over time, but it should always be a personal and joyful reflection of yourself.” She goes on to add: “I design every space with art in mind. Whether it’s the main focal point of a room, accented subtly or simply purposed as a gallery wall, building an art collection that captures your imagination doesn’t have to be unattainable.”

If you’re new to the world of art, though, building a collection can certainly feel unattainable. Gabrielle du Plooy, director at Zebra One Gallery understands better than most how “opaque and confusing” the global art market can be. The Hampstead based gallery has been established since 1978 and exhibits and sells art from some truly remarkable artists – David Hockney, Andy Warhol, Banksy, Picasso, Francis Bacon and Roy Lichtenstein to name but a few – as well as offering bespoke framing using conservation museum standards, and art consultation and hanging services. “We give clients the confidence to understand that to love the artwork is the first investment,” she tells us.

Beyond that, when it comes to making an actual financial investment, she explains that there are two art markets, the

primary and the secondary. “The primary market involves artwork that comes directly from the artists and the galleries or agents who represent the artist. It is the first time the artwork is released and put up for sale,” she reveals. “Once the artwork is purchased on the primary market, if it were then to be sold on, it enters the secondary market. Prices for artworks on the secondary market are determined by factors such as who the artist is, the condition, provenance, and the significance of a work within the artist’s portfolio. If an artist is related to a top gallery or is represented in an influential public or private collection, it will have a positive impact on the price.” As with any investment, it is important to do your due diligence, and a great starting point is to get to know an independent art dealer, gallery or consultant, who will be best placed to advise you, she says. (kitkemp.com; zebraonegallery.com)

BECOMING A COLLECTOR

Building your home collection is a unique and personal experience. Fair director of the Affordable Art Fair in London, Hugo Barclay shares his tips for finding art you will treasure for a lifetime.

Do your research

This is the fun part – get out there and see art! Go to exhibitions, galleries, and art fairs, and follow artists you like on Instagram. Get a sense of the type of art that resonates with you to help learn what your style is. If you’re looking for art with your partner or friends, I recommend getting a group chat together to share upcoming shows you’d like to attend. You can also hunt for art from your phone: fill your social feed with artists and galleries to learn about their creative practice and get a first look at their work behind the scenes.

Ask the expert

You’ll never find a gallerist who doesn’t want to share the stories of their artists, so don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. From the medium and materials, to the artist’s inspiration and their journey into art – the more informed a purchase you make, the more treasured. And you’ll be able to impress your house guests.

Buy what you love

Once you know what you like, don’t be swayed by others’ opinions, or what you think you should buy. Allow your art buying to be driven by feeling, across all emotions. Whether that’s the weird and playful part of you, or your connection to certain stories and values… If you need more time, some galleries even allow you to try out an artwork at home to make sure it’s right for you.

Be a modern-day patron

Support living, younger artists. Whilst big names are impressive, for me, nothing beats supporting emerging talent. Buying from living artists who are emerging in their career means your purchase will truly impact their practice. The perfect place to hunt out rising stars is our Recent Graduates exhibition at Affordable Art Fair Battersea Autumn this October, or the Solo Contemporary exhibition at British Art Fair.

Set a budget

This bit requires a bit of planning. Think about how much you feel comfortable spending on an artwork, and how regularly you might like to acquire a new work – and try and stick to it. At our fairs, we ensure there are plenty of affordable pieces under £1,000 and under £500. But if you find something you adore and it’s a little out of budget, ask the gallery if you can pay in interest-free instalments with schemes like Own Art.

Enjoy the process

What you like today might not be what you like tomorrow, and that’s OK! Release the pressure of buying the perfect piece. This is art – nothing is perfect. Rather, appreciate the process of discovery and recognise that taste evolves as we change over time.

If you’re buying one of your first artworks, don’t over think it – not every piece needs to fit together, and more often than not, you’ll find the perfect place in your home to display a work, rather than looking for something that has to fit above the sofa.

Affordable Art Fair runs three times a year in London, with the autumn edition taking place from 19-22 October in Battersea Park. Book tickets at affordableartfair.com

CURATING YOUR ART

Lizzie Glendinning, co-director of Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair established the interiors consultation service, Living With Art | Curating Contemporary Art in the Home with her gallery, Brocket London as a response to working with clients to find new ways to engage with their collections. Here, she shares her top tips for best showcasing your collection.

Colour and texture

It is not necessarily about a colourway running through a whole space, which can often look staged and inauthentic. Rich and diverse layers of tone and textures can be achieved through fabrics, raw materials, wall coverings and objects. Fine art can enhance the visual story and bring a narrative together through its own palette or texture. Is there a pattern or texture within the bones of the room you are designing that can be drawn out, or subtly referenced within a work of art?

Inspiration

Enhance the mood you are looking for. There’s no point placing a distraction in a place you need to concentrate. Want some escapism while in the bath, or something to create discussion in the dining room? You might just need to re-jig the pieces you already have to view them through a new lens.

The hang

This is when you can really create a unique story. The general feeling is that the centre of the picture should sit 156cm from the ground, though this is completely fluid if creating a picture wall of multiple pieces, or if you have a picture or dado rail which might create unbalance. Old houses and wonky ceilings probably require a ‘by eye’ approach, but always use a spirit level when hanging pictures, especially if they need to be screwed into the wall.

Right: Lizzie’s living room walls feature a Romanstyle frieze by Eleanor May Watson

Picture walls are a great opportunity to bring thematic works together or create vibrancy in your home – particularly if you have a lot of work and nowhere to store it. We find long corridors or staircases are great spaces for people to linger over an ‘academy hang’ where a theme, colour palette or story guides you along to the next piece and ultimately though the space.

Utilise the tools at your disposal. It’s not all about nails in walls. Have a picture rail? Revisit traditional methods and hang works from it, you will be so glad you did, and it will draw your eye to the work itself.

Framing

Not all work needs framing, but it sure can enhance a work of art. It really demonstrates that the collector has considered the work of art as much as their soft furnishings and kitchen finish – in many cases the artwork will have cost much more than these. We love a tray frame for canvases to finish off edges that can sometimes have paint smudges or staples in. For works on paper the current trend is float mounted, but if reframing older pieces that may be stained from previous acidic tapes or mounts, there are beautiful and sympathetic ways to mount – I often like a double mount or, more recently, have been playing with linen surrounds and wooden inserts to match the frame, giving more depth. Always use UV protected glazing, and, if money allows, an anti-reflective, museum standard glass.

Lighting

Generally, I don’t like central top lights in a room; moody and considered lighting is better for creating ambience and highlighting artworks. We regularly work with specialist lighting companies for bespoke projects alongside architects and designers, but for a more DIY rule of thumb, think daylight bulbs for ceiling mounted/gallery style art spots, and warm bulbs for your integrated painting lights (think older framed oils) and corner lamps.

For more details of the Living with Art service, see brocketgallery.com

Left: in Lizzie’s kitchen, handdecorated plates from Charleston House by Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant bring personality and life to a practical area

Left: Lizzie has displayed prints by Liorah Tchiprout on walls that have been left without wallpaper

Photography by Emily Bowden

alcera.co.uk/product/aro-blue-marble/

Every parent wants to give their child the best possible chance to thrive, succeed and be happy. Fundamental to this must be the educational opportunities they are offered, and social research suggests that the experiences had at a young age are among the most important.

What those opportunities should be, and what education should set as its goal, is debated in the rapidly changing 21st century arguably more than ever before. For reasons that may not seem obvious at first, Repton Prep School would make a strong argument for one of the older and most traditional forms of education – residential boarding – actually being among the most useful and positive preparations for that ever-changing modern world.

Repton Prep has been recognised this year as among the absolute best when it comes to offering that preparation, and in particular for supporting children who board at the school in order to maximise their access to the wonderful experiences the school provides, but also to start – in a safe and nurturing context – a social education that can make the child more adaptable, independent and resilient.

As winner of the Boarding Schools Association’s award for Supporting Junior Boarders, staff and pupils at the school work together to create the most homely, exciting and stimulating environment in which to live while working, resting and playing.

That Repton Prep achieves this with characteristic warmth and a pupil-first ethos was endorsed by the boarding pupils themselves. “I like being a junior boarder because it makes you even more responsible and prepared,” said one of the girls, adding: “It’s fun because the older boarders help me; it’s like one big family.” Of course, the wonderful features of the site also came in for praise from the children, too. One told the judges: “The school is our home – we get to run around in the woods, play in the fields and enjoy all the facilities – we are so lucky.”

Naturally, boarding at the school is one vitally important strand to a broader educational experience, and the school has also been shortlisted for the Independent Prep School of the Year award. In 55 acres of beautiful South Derbyshire countryside, Repton Prep’s three aims for the children in its community – that they are rounded, grounded and unbounded – are chosen to ensure that there is balance between their education in the broadest sense and their emotional developmental needs, in particular those social capabilities that will render them a positive contributor to future society; those human qualities of empathy, collaboration and compromise that will be ever more vital in meeting the challenges of the 21st Century.

At Repton the team strongly believe that boarding in a nurturing school environment accelerates and enhances these vital social characteristics in a way that promotes personal success in the broadest, most important ways. Chief among these, of course, is the happiness of the child, and it is on that measure that boarding at Repton Prep delivers in the very highest order.

Repton Prep’s next open day is on Saturday 30 September 2023. To register your interest, visit reptonprep.org.uk/visiting-us

Providing a modern residential education: why Repton Prep believes in boarding

Repton’s boarders enjoy living in a homely, happy, and stimulating environment

ROUNDED, GROUNDED AND UNBOUNDED

LUXURY PRIVATE MATERNITY CARE

Offering consultant-led and midwife-led care, as well as antenatal classes, scanning services, neonatal baby checks and a community postnatal package, The Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

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

The individual rooms and en suite facilities are a haven, while the catering and hospitality team ensure that every stay is relaxing as well as safe. On The Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, neonatologists, midwives, nurses, sonographers and maternity support workers provide care as a team.

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

Alternatively, the consultant-led care package allows mothers and parents to choose one of the Wing’s highly experienced consultant obstetricians to fully support their pregnancy and birth. The chosen consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout this journey, building a relationship with the parents through the antenatal period, giving them the confidence to birth safely in line with their personal birth preferences. This support continues through the postnatal period, including at the six-week postnatal check. For the ultimate luxury, comfort and discretion, and a unique postnatal experience, book to stay in the Kensington Suite. The Suite boasts hotel standard services and facilities and 24/7 on-site friendly staff, with an exclusive entrance for ultimate privacy.

The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions you may have. If you’d like to find out more, or to explore the facilities on offer, you can visit their website.

The Kensington Wing, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Floor 3, Lift Bank B, 369 Fulham Road, SW10 9NH (020 3315 8616; thekensingtonwing.co.uk)

ON FASHION: ELAINE DAVIS

Following a long and successful career in fashion, the north London businesswoman has this year embarked on a new venture with her husband, Paul, she tells us about new St. John’s Wood boutique The Bank

Tell us a little about your background – how did you come to work in fashion? I’ve had a flair for fashion from a young age, inspired by my father who worked in fashion manufacturing. I was lucky to learn from the best in the business, having begun working for fashion legend Joseph Ettedgui, with his eponymous brand Joseph as a buyer in 1980. I worked my way up to head of operations for the company, before going into partnership with him in the early 1990s and establishing the Joseph store in St. John’s Wood. At TWENTYONE, along with the Joseph collection, we stocked international brands and new labels carefully sourced from around the world. Last year I decided to merge the business with my husband Paul’s contemporary retail business, Paulie, a multi-brand fashion boutique nextdoor to TWENTYONE. The Bank opened this spring and we have had a very successful first season.

Tell us about The Bank

Paul and I wanted to create a wonderful retail space for our already loyal clientele, and to entice more people in to enjoy the very best bricks and mortar retail experience. We found a vacant property almost directly opposite the existing businesses on the High Street in St. John’s Wood – it was an old bank (hence the name) in need of work, and we thought it would be perfect. We employed Eva Jiřičná, an old friend and the most talented architect, to help us with the renovation – the space she and the team have created is bathed in light with a most welcoming ambience. It positively invites people in, whether to simply browse, or to buy, and we couldn’t be happier to call it our new home. We’ve filled the store with a curation of chic and sporty clothes and accessories, from everyday staples to special must haves.

How do you curate your offering?

Everything we stock must be relevant and wearable, as well as having a timeless quality. All of the brands we work with are committed to their trade, whether that be tailoring, soft jersey or whatever else. We source our collections from all over, travelling the world to find brands and designers who fit with our concept, planning as we go how they will sit together in the space. It is vital that the store looks easy on the eye and that the pieces sing together, perfectly complementing one another.

What trends do you think will be big this AW23? Post-pandemic, having been denied the opportunity to shop and socialise, people want to dress up and go out! The velvet dress or trouser suit is going to be really big this season – top it with a tweed embellished handbag or a luxurious felt trilby hat, custom-made with a vintage scarf as a trim.

What is the one piece we should be investing in this season?

The coat. Whether it’s a tailored hand-finished Italian midi length, an embellished opera coat, a luxurious alpaca and wool car coat, a run-around reversible parka lined in faux mink, or the raincoat with the hood everyone needs for the rainy London autumn days ahead, we have you covered.

What else is new at The Bank? We are excited to be introducing a range of homeware and gifting alongside our fashion lines. Look out for new pieces arriving over the coming months, just in time for the festive season – everything from vintage coloured glassware, perfume and scented candles to small leather and cashmere accessories. 102 St. John’s Wood High Street, NW8 (020 7722 5883)

Elaine and her husband Paul, top, have created a bright, welcoming space where customers feel free to browse

If you buy only one thing this season make it this crystal and pearl embellished Andrew Gn Opera Coat

PERSONAL STYLIST

The latest in luxury fashion, beauty and healthy living

FRAGRANCE SCENTS OF PURPOSE

From sourcing sandalwood from Aboriginal-owned trees to using vanilla direct from agroforestry projects in Madagascar, ånd fragrance is dedicated to breaking boundaries with every bottle produced. The exciting brand launched in 2020 and currently offers seven unique fragrances. Each scent is an ode to the bounty of Mother Earth, crafted using only the finest natural ingredients, chosen not just because of their sustainability credentials, but also because their use actively addresses social injustice – ånd fragrance proudly partner with the indigenous communities who know how to best grow and harvest their ingredients while protecting local ecosystems. Every ånd product is entirely hand-made, cruelty-free and vegan, and the gorgeous fragrance bottles feature striking caps that have been made using entirely repurposed problem plastic waste. We particularly love the solid perfumes, which are suspended in regenerative butters – and, with packaging crafted from astonishing Ecuadorian tagua nuts and caps fashioned from responsibly recycled drinks cans – they look as good as they smell. As the seasons change, we’ll be wearing Båre with its intoxicating forest aromas of western red cedar, shore pine, Douglas fir and rosewood. £125, 50ml EDP (andfragrance.com)

LINGERIE Intimately yours

Have you discovered Coco de Mer’s new store in Primrose Hill? The brand, known for its luxury lingerie and intimate toys and accessories recently opened the doors to a new private shopping space. Customers are greeted with a drink of their choice on arrival, before being guided into an opulent, boudoir-like space decorated with rich red velvet soft furnishings and softly lit with Murano glass chandeliers. Here, under the guidance of a brand expert, they are free to explore the complete collection at their own pace. Lucy Litwack, CEO tells us: “I could not be more excited to see this next chapter come to life. We have created a pocket of pleasure in Primrose Hill – a place I adore. I love what we have created and can’t wait for people to experience our new Home of Pleasure.”

Appointments are available for individuals, couples and small groups. To book, email vip@coco-de-mer.com or call 020 4559 9855 (coco-de-mer.com)

FITNESS MAD for it

After a summer off exercise, we’re looking to get back on plan at a brand-new studio. Bringing us Hollywood’s favourite workout, MAD is London’s only licensed Lagree Studio. High intensity and low impact, it promises a game-changing way to work out that fuses cardio and strength training with the precision of Pilates. Developed by Sebastien Lagree, the patented method is taught on a clever piece of equipment called the Megaformer. The state-of-the-art apparatus promotes slow, controlled, full-body movements to create long, lean, strong muscles – a single workout is said to give the benefits of a five-hour workout in less than 50 minutes. Carefully choreographed small group classes will get you into the fat-burning zone fast and ensure that your metabolic rate remains elevated long afterwards, helping to redefine the body composition. Located on King’s Road, the studio is as luxurious as its address suggests. Prices from £35 for a drop-in class. Atlantic Court, 1st floor, 77 King’s Road, SW3 (letsgomad.com)

Each sustainable fragrance is an ode to Mother Earth

The new space affords customers the privacy to explore the intimate ranges

The patented Megaformer will change the way you workout

Dim Sum Terrace

Replacing the Perrier-Jouet Champagne Terrace, Harrods’ newest food and drink offering celebrates the versatility of dim sum, and won’t fail to impress

Words by Becky Pomfret

I don’t associate Harrods with dining out, which probably has more to do with the fact I worked in the famous department store’s school uniform department as a student than anything else. Back then, I was more familiar with the (admittedly excellent) employee canteen than any of the fine dining on offer to customers. So, when an invite comes through to check out Harrods’ newest restaurant, The Dim Sum Terrace from Eddie Lim of Mango Tree, I’m keen to try it (and take a stroll down memory lane).

As it is, I can’t find the school uniform department to have a nosey, so I quickly give up on that idea and wander up to the fourth floor to find the restaurant. Set on one of just two terraces at the store, the space feels intimate and exclusive. It is partly covered, meaning that even the unpredictable British climate won’t spoil the fun. Gorgeous

conservatory-style windows flood the indoor area with light, while the al fresco parts of the terrace offer views of the bustling streets below, and out over west London.

We settle on an outside table, noting that there are cosy blankets piled up just inside should the evening turn chilly. We start with a drink; the experts behind the bar have devised a collection of signature cocktails such as the Picanteria: a bright and zingy creation that packs a spicy punch with Jose Cuervo Reposado, fresh coriander, agave syrup, fresh lime juice and jalapeño. There is also an extensive list of traditional Chinese teas, all served in beautiful glass tea-ware, and a good selection of non-alcoholic cocktails.

The menu has been inspired by the teahouses of China and celebrates the versatility of dim sum, with a range of styles and fillings, all handmade by the in-house chefs

each morning. The offering is a carefully curated combination of well-loved classics, alongside some more unusual dumplings that are unique to the restaurant, as well as creative takes on traditional Chinese dishes. We order a mixture of steamed and baked dim sum, and as the bamboo baskets filled with bright and beautiful dumplings arrive, we can’t help but be impressed by the presentation and attention to detail.

From the baked and fried menu, we choose venison puffs – they are topped with gold leaf and accompanied by sweet chilli and garlic chilli sauces. Simply put, an utterly delicious upgrade on the sausage roll. Wagyu and taro croquettes are packed with tender beef and a tangy plum sauce, with a crunchy outer coating and a salty caviar topping. Classic, pillowy steamed dumplings include mushroom and truffle buns, these

are made to look exactly like big chestnut mushrooms and offer a bold taste of truffle. The pork xiao siu soup buns are incredible – be sure to lean over a plate as you bite into them, as they contain a mouthful of soup that’s far too tasty to waste by letting it dribble down your chin! The presentation is consistently surprising; duck truffle steamed dumplings have gilded crimped seams and are topped with crispy duck skin. The food keeps coming –too many dishes to mention for fear of being judged as complete gluttons. Everything is delicious, and is served at just the right pace, so we feel neither rushed nor impatient. It is safe to say this is a meal we’ll recall fondly for a long time to come. Fourth floor, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X (020 7225 6800; thedimsumterrace.co.uk)

Tommy Banks’ tomato and chicken hot pot

An unforgettable weekend of gastronomy is promised at this month’s The Home of Food festival – here’s a taster to whet your appetite

A brand-new food festival comes to Lord’s Cricket Ground this month as the iconic St. John’s Wood location opens its doors to The Home of Food. The event, a collaboration between chef Tommy Banks (who runs The Edrich, the international match day restaurant at Lord’s) and Marylebone Cricket Club runs over the weekend of 9-10 September, promising familyfriendly events including cricket taster sessions and cooking lessons for little ones, behind the scenes tours of the ground from expert guides and more. In addition, some of Tommy’s chef friends, including Richard Corrigan, Gareth Ward, Selin Kiazim, Lisa Goodwin-Allen and Aktar Islam, will be making special one-off guest appearances to demo their favourite dishes. There will also

be bookable experiences, including tastings and banquets. Tommy tells us: “I have been mad about cricket from a young age and always dreamed of one day becoming a professional cricketer. Alas, life has carried me to the kitchen and food, but I couldn’t be happier to be working with the team at such an historic and iconic cricket ground on the launch of their first food event.”

Tommy’s sustainable-focused hospitality business comprises two Michelin-starred restaurants (The Black Swan at Oldstead, and Roots York), a premium nationwide food box delivery and events service (Made in Oldstead) and canned wine venture (Banks Brothers). For a taste of his food, check out this delicious recipe, a warming treat as the seasons change.

Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30-40 mins

INGREDIENTS

• 4 skin-on, boneless chicken thighs • 1 tbsp coriander seeds • 1 tbsp fennel seeds • 1 tsp black peppercorns • 1 tbsp oil • 1 tbsp butter • 2 large onions, peeled and sliced • 4 cloves of garlic, sliced • 150ml white wine • 4 large buffalo tomatoes • 250g cherry tomatoes • 1 bulb of fennel, cut into quarters • 2 sprigs rosemary • 2 sprigs thyme

METHOD

1. Pre-heat oven to 200ºC (180ºC Fan). In a dry frying pan over high heat, toast the coriander seeds, fennel seeds and peppercorns until aromatic. Remove, and grind into a coarse powder using a pestle and mortar.

2. In the same pan over medium heat, add a splash of oil and fry the chicken on all sides until golden. Remove chicken from pan.

3. Add a knob of butter until melted, then add the onion and garlic and cook until they start to caramelise (approximately five minutes). Once they begin to caramelise, add your ground spice mix and cook for 30 seconds. Add your wine, and allow it to bubble and reduce.

4. Meanwhile, add your buffalo tomatoes to a blender, and blend until liquid consistency.

5. Once your wine has reduced, add your blended buffalo tomatoes to the pan and allow to cook slowly until the excess water has been cooked out, about five to 10 minutes.

6. Transfer the entire mixture back to the blender, and blitz on high speed for about one minute.

7. In a heavy-bottomed pan, add your chicken thighs and tomato sauce, and scatter over the cherry tomatoes and fennel evenly on top.

8. In a heavy based pan with a lid, add chicken thighs and tomato sauce, scatter your cherry tomatoes and fennel evenly on top. Submerge your thyme and rosemary into the sauce.

9. Pop the lid on the pan and cook in the centre of the oven for 45 minutes. Remove lid for the remaining 10 minutes to help caramelise the chicken skin.

10. Serve with buttered, toasted sourdough. Tickets to The Home of Food are priced at £45 for adults, £15 for children (under 16) and infants (under 5) go free. To book, visit lords.org

OUTSTANDING

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Academic Excellence

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

PALAZZINA GRASSI

Set on the Grand Canal, this five-star hotel, part of boutique hospitality group Relegance Collection, is just a short walk from the main sights. The 16th century façade contrasts playfully with Philippe Starck’s design-led interiors. Bold, eclecticism is the order of the day here – the designer has created a magical world that juxtaposes the original features of this former aristocratic home with quirky modern furnishings, extravagant lighting and Murano glass sculptures. Twenty-five rooms and suite apartments are spread across two adjoining buildings, offering views across the colourful Venice rooftops or the Grand Canal. With white walls and floor-to-ceiling mirrors, all the accommodation is dazzlingly light, bright and welcoming. Don’t miss the latest addition to the Relegance portfolio, a dining, art and design destination on Murano –with a concept store dedicated to art and design and Vetri, a restaurant celebrating the scents and flavours of the Venetian lagoon, it’s not to be missed. palazzinagrassi.com

THE BEST OF: VENICE

BAGLIONI HOTEL LUNA

Set in a magnificent 12th century palazzo that is reputed to have housed the Knights Templar, this is Venice’s oldest hotel, and the closest to St. Mark’s Square. It reopened last summer after an extensive redesign led by architecture and interior design studio Spagnulo & Partners. Traditional features abound – think ornate stucco walls, Murano chandeliers, watercolour paintings and gold fixtures. Indeed, history is everywhere you look here – the ceiling frescos in the breathtaking Marco Polo ballroom (now the hotel’s grand dining room) were painted by pupils of Tiepolo, the renowned 18th century Venetian painter. Fear not, the culinary offerings more than live up to the rare artworks – Canova Restaurant, headed up by the famed Michelin starred chef, Claudio Sadler, serves excellent food in an intimate setting. Rooms are decorated in a lavish Venetian style, with silk brocade wall coverings, gilded period furniture and extravagantly draped soft furnishings. The highlight is the famed San Giorgio Terrace Suite, with its own 100 sq m terrace offering some of the best views in Venice, overlooking St Mark’s and the San Giorgio isle. Make time to visit the lavish new spa with its Turkish bath, treatment rooms and relaxation area. venice.baglionihotels.com

CA’ DI DIO

This five-star Patricia Urquiola-designed hotel is located in the Arsenale area, making it perfectly placed for Venice’s famous Biennales. It is set in a fascinating building that dates back to 1272, and has seen incarnations as a hospice, refuge and old people’s home over the years – in renovating it, the designer wanted to honour “the human stories of a place that has always been full of life”. The result feels intimate and charming despite its size – there are 57 suites and nine deluxe rooms here. Two internal courtyards are home to the hotel’s Alchemia bar and Essentia courtyard and the indoor-outdoor VERO restaurant looks onto the lagoon. The stylish reading room is ideal for a moment’s peace after a day spent sightseeing, and the Pura City Spa offers an array of spoiling treatments. Be sure to book the fascinating Botanical Experience, a special tour of the lagoons accompanied by botanist Gabriele Bisetto that has been designed to reflect the property’s strong commitment to supporting local communities, preserving Venetian heritage, and practicing sustainable hospitality. vretreats.com/en/ca-di-dio

Photography by Diego De Pol

It’s a great time to visit the City of Canals – the weather should be pleasantly warm and still dry, and with the summer crowds gone, the waterways will be quieter

Whether it is your first visit or your twentieth, you can guarantee that you will be greeted on the Emerald Isle like family – there’s nothing quite like a heartfelt Irish welcome. It is certainly the case when I land at the airport in Cork after a short one-hour flight from Heathrow; I am met with friendly faces and wide, genuine smiles.

Though I have visited Ireland before, I have never been to this attractive coastal city, and I am excited to explore. My base for the weekend is The Montenotte, a luxury boutique retreat –and proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World – perched on a hilltop just outside the city. Pulling up outside after the short 20-minute drive from the airport, I can’t help but marvel at the view, which stretches over the hotel’s immaculate Victorian sunken gardens and six acres of grounds, and beyond, taking in the whole of Cork.

The imposing grey building dates to 1755 and was once the home of a merchant prince; the architecture is fittingly grand. In contrast, the interiors of this spectacular 107-room hotel are vibrant and contemporary. Here, visionary owners Frankie and Josephine Whelehan have created a masterpiece of art deco inspired design. An eclectic art collection – including handmade embroideries and intriguing treasures that have found their way back from far flung travels, captivating photographs, and colourful canvases from artist-in-residence Jo-Anne Yelen – is on display in public areas. It is clear that the Welehans and their team have a special vision for this corner of Cork: authentic soul emanates from every corner, nook and cranny of The Montenotte.

In my comfortable bedroom, large floor-toceiling windows overlook the gardens and city. Historic images of Cork adorn the walls, while pops of yellow add a touch of playfulness to the decor. On the bed, a mountain of squishy pillows invites luxurious afternoon naps, and in the bathroom, with its beautiful dark grey tiling, the fluffiest robes and towels await, and shelves are stocked with bespoke amenities from renowned cosmetics producer La Bottega. No detail has been overlooked here, there is even a bottle of The Montenotte’s own home-distilled gin. Created in the years of enforced isolation, this botanical gin draws inspiration from the sunken gardens and is infused with flavours of fresh herbs and lavender. I am told it is the perfect pre-dinner aperitif and am only too happy to give it a try before sampling the culinary delights of the hotel restaurant.

And so, I find myself on a Saturday evening in Ireland, gazing out at the twinkling lights of Cork from the windows of the Panorama Bistro. The ambitious aesthetic here fuses New York style with Irish charm. Thanks to its palette of rich, deep colours, plush forest green Italian leather booths, and the sweet melody of live piano music, it certainly makes an impression. The room buzzes with the background noise of happy chatter, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. But despite the lively ambience, the layout, which features generously spaced tables and low mood lighting, creates a sense of intimacy and cosiness. The hotel’s menu changes seasonally, as it draws heavily on the finest locally-grown produce. All of the regional favourites are present – think Skeaghanore duck breast and braised Irish beef short rib – but it is the unexpected details that captivate. This is approachable and casual dining that is as comforting as it is flavourful, and everything is presented with incredible talent and flair.

Much of the fun on offer at The Montenotte revolves around eating and drinking, and

A HOTEL WITH HEART

Words by Penny Clements

The Montenotte’s rich history, contemporary design and charismatic approach to hospitality make it an irresistible proposition for a weekend break on the Emerald Isle

presenting a similarly world-class approach to service is The Glasshouse. This swanky cocktail bar is just a hop, skip, and maybe a couple of dance steps from the hotel, across the beautiful sprawling terrace and down past the manicured sunken Victorian gardens. The vibes are turned up to 11 here and it is clearly the spot to be seen on a Saturday night. Housed in an intricate glasshouse (as its name suggests) it has an exotic feel – lush foliage drips from the gold-framed bar and the captivating space is decorated with bursts of colour. A large fire flickers invitingly and there are plenty of blankets, sofas and chairs, enticing guests to relax and enjoy the views no matter what the season. Service is impeccable and sipping on delicious cocktails to the strains of live Cuban jazz makes for a memorable evening. Be sure to try the Royale Rose, a signature cocktail made with The Montenotte’s own gin, fresh strawberry puree, lemon juice and egg white – it is utterly divine.

While there are enough activities to keep you entertained locally – from nature walks to history tours, and whiskey tastings at the Jameson distillery in the nearby town of Midleton – arguably the best way to spend time here is simply soaking up everything that is on offer at The Montenotte. Whether that’s curled up in an armchair by the fire, devouring a book while being waited on with Irish tea, or indulging in a private silver screen experience and taking in a movie at the in-house cinema, Cameo. Thoughtfully designed and equipped with 50 supremely comfortable seats, a quality sound system and a large screen, the latter offers the ultimate setup to enjoy some cinematic magic; select your refreshments from the Champagne and popcorn menu and settle in for the evening. Who needs Netflix when all of this is on offer? There is further sanctuary to be found at the Bellevue. Situated on ground that is said to emit good vibrations, this award-winning spa is a must visit, complete with six treatment rooms offering a diverse range of rejuvenating, holistic and relaxing treatments. A partnership with Australian skincare experts Grown Alchemist suggests that the team really mean business when it comes to promoting the three Rs – relaxation, restoration, and rejuvenation. My massage certainly does not disappoint – I find myself in a low-lit room, lying on a heated bed, breathing in the magical scent of essential oils while my therapist Niamh uses her skilled hands and calming presence to ease away tension and stress.

While it’s impossible not to be charmed at every turn by The Montenotte’s beauty, it is the staff here who really bring the place to life. Together they are a cast of such charismatic storytellers, many of them local with a personal and passionate connection to the hotel, and each one of them dedicated to making guests feel at home. I, for one, have fallen in love with this very special place in this very special country.

DETAILS

Room rates for The Montenotte Hotel start from €245 and include a complimentary breakfast, free parking, access to both Cameo Cinema (over 18s only) and the Motion Health Club (themontenottehotel.com)

SMART, SOOTHING AND MORE SUSTAINABLE?

The

Control4 expert

Founded 20 years ago, Control4 is one of the bestestablished names in home automation – but the reassurances don’t stop there. It also works with certified installers, known as Control4 Professionals, who can help to craft your experience around your priorities. And for many of us right now, sustainability and wellness are at the top of that list. To explore the possibilities, we spoke to Damien Smith, a Control4 Professional for over a decade, who says that “ease of use” sets their technology apart. Here’s how it could help support wellness and sustainability in your home.

PEACEFUL AND PERSONALISED

“When we first meet architects and interior designers, they think they’ve seen it all. And then they see Control4 in action and they have this ‘Wow’ moment.” For example, you can

achieve an exact temperature in your home simply by hitting ‘heat’ or ‘cool’, or tune your lightbulbs so that they’re all one soothing colour. There’s perhaps no greater example than the Halo from Control4, a remote control designed to rule them all. No fuss, no clutter, just the touch of a button to create the atmosphere or ‘scene’ (a pre-set mood or activity) that you desire.

A SERENE NIGHT’S SLEEP

Quality sleep is both a luxury and a necessity, so it’s worth considering how a smart home could contribute to a better nightly regimen. “Imagine your lights dimming to 60 per cent as you climb upstairs, then slowly fading out over a number of hours as you read and listen to your surround sound. Then, in the morning – or whenever you want to feel like it’s morning – you can do the whole thing in reverse, or your blinds can lift up very slowly… I know I feel better when I wake up like this.” For those who keep unusual hours, have young children, or simply want to relax, it’s a revelation.

CONSIDERATE CARBON USE

Rising energy prices, a push towards net zero and a newly developed eco-awareness – all are good reasons to reconsider your energy use. Fortunately, there are a whole world of ways a Control4 home can support your own efforts to limit your carbon footprint. Aside from setting and zoning your thermostat and lighting with pinpoint accuracy, you can also set it to power down when there’s no movement in the house. “You can also harvest solar energy coming through the windows, and trap heat with window treatments and blinds,” says Damien. And then there’s the greatest change of all – the one that takes place in you. By tracking your usage, the whole family can feel proud of the role they’ve played.

SECURITY AND PROTECTION

Control4 is intended to blend with your interiors and integrate with your devices, so you barely know it’s there. And its greatest benefit is also intangible: peace of mind. A professional installer will start by understanding your needs and then check in after the installation is complete, ensuring you feel confident to use it. “For me, it’s all about empowerment,” says Damien, adding that you can create triggers and routines to suit your family’s age, ability and neurodivergence. Sensors and cameras let you check how everybody’s doing, and if you head off on holiday, your lights and other devices can deter intruders by suggesting you’re still there – energy efficiently, of course. A home that cares for you even when you’re not in it? That’s very smart indeed. Whatever your project, need or dream, talk to a Control4 Professional installer at bit.ly/control4-fabric

right tech could wrap your family in care and comfort this autumn – just ask a

Left: enjoy the most soothing of bedtimes by setting your lights to fade gradually as you read

Below: The Halo from Control4 is the perfect handheld interface for the entire home

HOUSE STYLE

THE POETRY OF SPACES

Stylist Sarah Andrews started her career as a student of spatial sciences before turning her hand to interiors. In this insightful book, she introduces her five central tenets of design: light, life, instrument, material, and sense – and shares examples of these core principles put to best use in swoon-worthy homes. Inviting us to consider what we really want when we decorate – as opposed to what we might think we want, there’s not just inspiration on every page but revelation, too. £35, hardback, published 14 September, Hardie Grant (hardiegrant.com/uk)

3 OF THE BEST:

EVOKE

Nina Magon thanks her travelfilled childhood for the distinctly global approach to her practice. The Canadian-born interior designer was exposed to the world’s cultural capitals at a young age with frequent visits to India a particular influence. Her first book showcases the cosmopolitan glamour that’s become

A practical guide from the king of colour

LIVING BRIGHT

Former fashion designer Matthew Williamson is on a one-man mission to banish the beige. His first interiors book is a kaleidoscope of colour, taking in his personal journey with bold pattern and print, his passion for travel, and his eye-catching interior design projects around the world. We’ll also get a glimpse of his own homes in Deia (Mallorca), and London – both of which are naturally pigment-rich and playful in design. This is a book that dares you to spin the colour wheel and embrace the bright side. £30, hardback, published 7 September, Thames & Hudson (thamesandhudson.com)

her signature style – she mixes high-gloss modernism and old-world grandeur with panache. This is an aspirational tome featuring the arty and glamourous spaces that have made her a favourite amongst her jet-set clientele. £39.95, hardback, published 20 September, Monacelli (phaidon.com/monacelli)

Sarah Andrews’ new book is a stunning exploration of the core principles of her work

Evoke is Nina’s first interior design and architecture coffee table book

BOOKSHELVES

Mogg Musa shelf by Alessandro D’Angeli, £240 (gomodern.co.uk)

Decadence bookcase by Koket, £18,000 (valdoluxury.com)

Vox Ribbon low bookcase, £625 (cuckooland.com)

This September sees the launch of three beautiful interiors books guaranteed to inspire

I have made friends for life.

Be inspired Be brilliant Be you

BOOK YOUR VISIT FOR YEAR 9 OR SIXTH FORM ENTRY

“

LOVE IS… LDF

DIVINE INSPIRATION

Lee Broom will showcase new editions of acclaimed pieces at its expanded flagship showroom on Rivington Street. The eponymous lighting brand is known for its boundarypushing exploration of the intersection between architecture, art, and design. The new editions include the Altar wall light, an ode to the angular forms of mid-century churches and altars; and the Chant surface light, which references the pressed glass bricks often used in places of worship in the 1970s. leebroom.com

ART UNDERFOOT

Design-led rug makers FLOOR_STORY will introduce new autumn/winter collections at LDF, including an exciting new collaboration with textile designer Amechi Mandi, whose work typically draws on indigenous African cultures and traditions. The collection, inspired by water and childhood memories of time spent in the ocean, sees six rugs and runners in unconventional, graphic shapes and unexpected colour combinations, awarding the carpets an illustrative, cartoon-like feel. floorstory.co.uk

CRAFTED WONDER

Our favourite 18th century Mayfair townhouse Sketch is set to host a new exhibition, exploring the boundless realm of handmade forms. Set across three distinct spaces, we can see the work of French rug atelier, La Manufacture Cogolin, London-based multi-disciplinary studio, Julian Carter Design, and Czech glass designers, Lasvit – expect to be dazzled. Entirely to type for the avant-garde destination, masterfully crafted bespoke cocktails and cakes, each taking inspiration from the installations, will be served. sketch.london

from the London Design Festival

Words by Ali Howard

This September, the Capital will transform into a dynamic hub of creativity and innovation as it celebrates the multifaceted world of design. Here’s our top picks

Lasvit’s Herbarium chandelier in Crafted Wonder at Sketch

See Smile Plastics’ innovative and eco-friendly surfaces at Material Matters

Lee Broom’s 1970s inspired Chant chandelier

INTERIORS / Design

MATERIAL MATTERS

This popular design fair returns as part of 2023’s LDF celebrations. The four-day event will bring together a global line-up of leading brands, designers, makers, and innovators to explore material’s importance in design and architecture. With exhibits from the likes of bespoke furnituremakers, Goldfinger, sustainable surface makers, Smile Plastics, and the brilliantly innovative and eco-friendly Solidwool, whose unique composite material is nothing short of revolutionary, the fair considers how material shapes our lives. materialmatters.design

PLAYFUL SHAPES

Ralph Pucci International presents Beans by influential Parisian designer Elizabeth Garouste this LDF. Based at the Mayfair gallery, the exhibit includes seven new works, taking in lighting and furniture pieces alongside the wonderfully whimsical and asymmetrical Herman mirrors. Executed in Ralph Pucci’s exclusive Plasterglass material, the playful pieces combine influences of the Middle Ages and neoclassicism with non-linear patterns and biomorphic shapes. Where contemporary sculpture meets functional furnishings, we love the Ara side table. ralphpucci.com

ANGELS ABOVE

Marking ten years of collaboration with the iconic Zaha Hadid Design, Italian lighting brand Slamp presents a not-to-be-missed set-up at their Knightsbridge showroom during this month’s LDF. Taking centre stage are the magnificent, illuminated sculptures of Aria and Avia, a signature project from 2013. Combining artisanal techniques with theatrical, organic shapes, the light fittings feature an impressive 50 layers of Cristalflex that envelops the light source, resulting in an ethereal, otherworldly effect designed to bring the wows. slamp.com/en

NEW BLOOD

The London Design Fair is the largest commercial exhibition to take place during LDF. This year sees the exciting new initiative Design Alumni Pavilion, which will showcase and support the best emerging talent within the design community. Expect to see the work of recent grads and those at the start of their careers within their chosen practice. New names to note include Jenna Gillinger, Emily Hatton, Samia Hilal, and Ian Burnell, whose Spitfire lounge chair series is a mid-century inspired marvel. londondesignfair.co.uk

London Design Festival runs from 16-24 September, for more info, and for the full programme, visit londondesignfestival.com

Elizabeth Gorouste’s sculptural Ara side table at Ralph Pucci

Amechi Mandi’s colourful new collection for FLOOR_STORY

Ian Burnell’s Spitfire lounge chair and foot rest

Slamp x Zaha Hadid Design’s ethereal Aria light on display in Knightsbridge

FUNCTIONAL BEAUTY

alcera.co.uk/product/aro-blue-marble/

MATERIALS AND TEXTILES

Porcelain tiles can be designed to mimic various textures and materials, such as leather, fabric, concrete, or metal. These designs add depth and interest to the tiles, creating a visually appealing, tactile experience. The world of fashion and textiles can also inspire tile designs. Patterns, prints, and textures from clothing and fabric can be translated into unique and stylish tile patterns.

TRAVEL

Different regions of the world have distinct cultural patterns and colour palettes. Travelling to diverse places can inspire designers to create tiles representing the essence of those locations. For example, Moroccan patterns, Scandinavian simplicity, or Asian motifs.

TECH

Advancements in technology can open up new possibilities for tile design. Digital printing techniques allow for intricate detailing and realistic replication of various materials, patterns, and images on porcelain tiles.

PAST EXPERIENCE

Designers often draw inspiration from their personal experiences and memories. Emotions, places, and moments from their lives can be translated into meaningful and evocative tile designs.

Alcera believe that every space deserves to be transformed into a masterpiece, and tiles play a pivotal role in achieving that vision. Whether you’re after timeless classic or cuttingedge innovations, their showroom boasts an impressive selection of materials, colours, patterns and finishes that stimulate creativity and captivate the senses. Their team of knowledgeable and experienced tile enthusiasts is dedicated to assisting us in bringing our dream designs to life. Alcera take pride in providing personalised consultations, offering expert advice, and helping us discover the perfect tiles that align with our vision, budget, and practical needs. To learn more about Alcera Tile Boutique, schedule a private consultation, or explore the collection, visit alcera.co.uk or contact info@alcera.co.uk

Design inspiration for porcelain tiles can come from various sources, and it seems creativity knows no bounds. The team at Alcera Tile Boutique share the popular design inspirations they often draw from.

NATURE

The natural world is a timeless source of design inspiration. Patterns, textures and colours found in natural elements like stone, marble, wood, plants, flowers, and water can be translated into stunning porcelain tile designs. Natureinspired tiles can evoke a sense of tranquillity, sophistication and harmony in any space.

ART AND CULTURE

Art movements, historical eras and cultural symbols can influence tile designs. For example, the intricate patterns of Islamic art, the geometric shapes of art deco, or the vibrant colours of traditional Mexican ceramics can all be transformed into unique porcelain tile patterns. Modern art and design trends can inspire porcelain tile patterns that are bold, abstract, and visually striking. Artists like Piet Mondrian or design movements like Bauhaus can influence tile designs by using colours, lines and shapes.

THE BUILT WORLD

Architectural styles and motifs from different periods and regions can be translated into tile design. From the intricate mosaics of ancient Roman buildings to the minimalist lines of modern architecture, the world of buildings offers a vast array of inspiration.

Whether you’re looking for floor, wall, or outdoor tiling solutions, Alcera offers an inspired choice of designs

Take inspiration from nature and choose striking tiles that mimic the texture and appearance of marble

Tommaso Franchi

The moment you enter this light, bright west London abode, you know you’re in for a sensorial treat. What hits you first is the richness of it all. “With my work in interior design, and my husband Marco Pasi’s in real estate, we are both immersed in the world of art and design and have built our collection together,” Tommaso tells me. “We like to collect pieces that inspire us and have a meaning to us. For instance, the Mario Ceroli sculptural La Casa dell’Architetto (The architect’s home) in the living room was the first important collectible object I purchased from Bonhams. I immediately fell in love with it. Being an architect, it just had to be mine.” The pair have lived here for five years, but in the immediate vicinity of the apartment’s square since 2011. When this property came up for grabs, they couldn’t resist the opportunity the impressive ceiling height would give them, not only

for its abundance of natural light, but for those vital extra inches of wall hanging space – a precious commodity for keen collectors. “Although we are both Italian, we love London and have lived here for a long time. I particularly admire the architecture and feel fortunate to live in a flat with such beautiful proportions and light,” he says. You wouldn’t know it, but this is a rental property. Filled with layers of rich textiles, antique finds, family heirlooms, and, of course, a gallery-worth of contemporary art, it feels uniquely theirs. Tommaso says renters shouldn’t be afraid to go bold with colour in order to inject a bit of personality. “Don’t be scared to paint walls or change curtains,” he advises. “A renovated wall colour can change a room’s atmosphere into a more positive vibe at a reasonable cost and can ultimately be repainted and brought back to its original colour.” This

luxury rental has personality by the (Champagne) bucket-load. But being the creative he is, Tommaso has gone much further than a quick-fix lick of paint to change things up: in the cosy spare room, which acts as both a dressing room and relaxation area for the couple, are floor-toceiling bespoke fitted wardrobes, designed by Tomèf, complete with green Fortuny fabric behind latticed glass, and a quirky library ladder, helping the pair make use of every available inch of ceiling height. Only with thoughtfully designed storage can you work on the considered placement of your treasures. And here, there’s a place for everything, and everything in its place.

Tommaso tells me that travel features “massively” in the couple’s life, and naturally that’s reflected in the apartment. Just like the various artworks and objects on display, each telling a different story, curiosities from around

the world speak volumes of their many global adventures. “In the entrance, we have objects from flea markets in China, a painting of Venice, and a Moroccan chess table, to name only a few pieces in the flat,” says Tommaso. “Travel is part of our lives, and we adore being constantly reminded at home of our experiences through the vision of some discovered objects.”

The heart of the home is undoubtedly the large open plan living/dining area. With furniture pieces and decorative objects so eclectic in style yet beautifully blended, I’m curious to know where Tommaso and Marco sourced them all. I’m told the mid-century dining table was bought at auction in Genoa, while the dining chairs are originally from Prague by the designer Jindrich Halabala and have been reupholstered by Tommaso in a contemporary tiger print fabric from Clarence House. It is a bold

At home with

The founder of creative architecture and interior design studio Tomèf’s love of art and travel features heavily in every room of his Chelsea flat

Words by Ali Howard

Photography by Rachael Smith

addition. The dayglo Mario Schifano palm tree painting was bought at auction from Bonhams, while other eye-catching objects in the room include candlesticks from Fabio Salini, antique French urns from the 1810s – these belonged to Tommaso’s family – and a Mirko Basaldella sculpture, which takes centre stage on the ornate mantelpiece. Bringing the look together in the most theatrical fashion is a magnificent threetiered silk Scheherazade chandelier from Fortuny in Venice.

Tommaso describes his interiors style as “eclectic, sophisticated and daring”, and that’s exactly how you might define this vibrant and layered home. “I love mixing colours, patterns, fabrics and colourful art,” he says. “Every object in our home has a meaning and reminds us of a cherished experience we have had together throughout the years.” The look

has clearly come about organically with pieces plucked from all over, but I wonder if Tommaso has any sourcing tips for us mere mortals looking to decorate a space that’s half as glamorous. “There are many places, not only in London. But I find that, among many others, the Lots Road auctions are often the perfect place to find that special object you are looking for,” he offers.

Despite the design triumph of the grand open plan living room, Tommaso’s very favourite spot in the flat is the bedroom. “Because it is small and cosy,” he says. “The Farrow & Ball Studio Green walls make me feel protected and the beautiful ancient Indian embroidered bed quilt just provides that level of sophistication I like to see in every space within the flat.” It is indeed a sanctuary, and a fittingly luxurious one, at that. tomefdesign.com

1 Lacquer wedding cabinet, cream, £ 1,895 (shimu.co.uk)

2 George II mahogany Gainsborough chair, £8,500 (anboise.com)

3 Hand carved wooden oak leaf mirror, £3,495 (besselink.com) 4 Dera framed leaf print, £250 (oka.com) 5 Arazova zebra cushion, £129 (andrewmartin.co.uk)

Proof of

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

Duty

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

Your Team

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

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

ON DESIGN: PHILIPP NAGEL

Philipp is director at bespoke cabinetry makers, Neatsmith. The family-run business specialises in fitted living room furniture, custom-made home offices, and beautifully designed walk-in wardrobes that would make Carrie Bradshaw proud

Words by Ali Howard

Tell me about Neatsmith and how the company came about Andrew Nagel founded Neatsmith in 2005 with his sons Mathew and myself. We have a hard-earned reputation for selling beautiful bespoke wardrobes, dressing rooms and home offices, ideal for both historic and contemporary homes. We prioritise design and quality and pride ourselves on providing exceptional service from the initial consultation to the final installation. From the first day, the family agreed that the quality of the product should always be matched – and even exceeded by – the company’s level of service. If people are happy with our product, our price, and our service, they’ll recommend Neatsmith to their friends and families. We now have five standalone London showrooms in Chelsea, Hampstead, Hatch End, Hampton Hill, and Brentwood. And we’re excited to be opening our sixth showroom in Guildford this month.

Opening page: customers are increasingly looking to showcase their accessories in walk in wardrobes

What’s your design ethos? With regards to design, there are only two very clear and mutually inclusive principles: it has to look good, and it has to work well. At Neatsmith, design and functionality are our core objectives when creating beautiful and practical spaces for clients.

Tell me about the role of sustainability at Neatsmith Sustainability is incredibly important to us and we’re constantly looking for new ways we can reduce our impact on the environment. Our wooden panels come from a certified FSC UK supplier who gives sustainable forestry their highest priority. At our main production facility, we’ve reduced the amount of waste going into landfill by over two tons per week by installing two wood waste heaters. They burn all the offcuts we produce in manufacturing and produce a whopping 1 million btu/hr to heat our factories. The heater works all year round and is fully compliant with the Clean Air Act, without an oil or gas afterburner. Any timber material that isn’t burned is recycled back into the timber industry by our partners, Sylvagen.

Below: as well as wardrobes, Neatsmith create bespoke living room units

What are the benefits of custom-made storage?

Bespoke designs, unlike freestanding furniture, enable you to make the most of every bit of available space in your home –be that simply a perfectly fitted full length wall of impactful wardrobes, or working around more awkward architectural features such as sloped ceilings, chimney breasts and alcoves. Choosing bespoke not only creates furniture that completely fits the space in your home, but it also maximises all the available storage opportunities. As there’s no requirement for set size modules or components, our customers can design something unique that truly works for them.

What are the latest trends in bespoke cabinetry?

With regards to wardrobes, people are looking to really showcase their shoes, bags, and watches, especially within our walk-in wardrobes. Clients look to us for our expertise for providing the designs and accessories to help make their ideas come to fruition. The last three years have seen a large jump in the number of home offices and studies, as people continue to work from home.

Can you describe your most ambitious project to date?

We recently did a dressing room for a couple that was a true case of no compromises! They had a huge space to utilise, every item was accounted for, they knew the style of product they wanted, and they entrusted us to bring it to life. Every accessory we offer was put to good use, and the end result –whilst being expensive – was a triumph of design and elegance. I only mention this because money and space don’t always provide such a result, but in this case the visions of our client and our designers married perfectly. It was ambitious, not just because of the design brief, but largely because this was an overseas project, so the planning, preparation and transport had to be perfect. Discovering you’re missing components when installing in a foreign country can derail a project very quickly!

What can clients expect from Neatsmith, from design through to installation? Quality, great design and service. We want to look after you and to provide a genuinely wonderful experience from start to finish. neatsmith.co.uk

DEPTH JOY STRUCTURE SPACE

Your child’s primary years are fundamental in shaping not just what they become, but who they become.

King Alfred School has over 120 years of experience of designing joyful learning experiences which give each child the space they need to discover and develop their passions, to embrace challenge and reflect on their achievements.

Our creative curriculum inspires children because they do it

through experience, through play, through genuine interest; we nurture an eagerness to know more and encourage greater depth of understanding. We have high expectations for our children and give them the freedom to explore and grow -all within a structure which lets them develop at the pace which is right for them. The results speak for themselves; happy, confident children who love to learn.

Find out more about the school, or book to attend an open event at www.kingalfred.org.uk

Lower School Open Mornings: 5 October, 22 Feb & 23 May

WRITING THEIR OWN STORY

through to Sixth

girl discovers her niche and thrives

Founded in 1788, RMS is one of England’s oldest girls’ schools. It moved to its current location in 1934, where it is situated amidst 315 acres of stunning green parkland, just a short walk from Rickmansworth station, which is served by both the Metropolitan line and Chiltern Railways.

With so much space, RMS offers extensive facilities such as a sports centre that also houses a fitness suite, dance studio and squash courts; an indoor heated swimming pool; an Astroturf pitch; a six-hole golf course together with multiple tennis and netball courts, and cricket pitches. There are separate departments for art, textiles and photography, as well as a dedicated performing arts centre that includes a recital suite, a green room and a recording studio. The younger pupils enjoy the Forest School, and all pupils have access to the planetarium.

The school offers a happy and supportive home for full, weekly and flexi boarders from age eight, and with a large contingent of full-time boarders, boarding houses are as vibrant at weekends as they are during the week. Many full-time boarders are international students, giving the boarding community a very cosmopolitan feel. For

those girls who do not have far to travel, flexi boarding offers the best of both worlds – allowing them to concentrate on their studies and extra-curricular activities throughout the week, and then enjoy quality, stress-free time with their families at the weekends. The girls love the boarding experience, one even tells us: “I feel sorry for the day girls as they have to go home every night!” Of course, each pupil’s circumstances are different, and for those who do choose not to board, an extensive daily bus service provides easy access.

The prep school, known to the RMS community as Cadogan House, offers an exciting and stimulating environment. The Early Years Lead works closely with the Head of the Nursery to ensure a smooth transition from Nursery to Reception. All staff at RMS appreciate that every girl is unique, and they take time to get to know every individual and are fully committed to bringing out the best in them. All year groups benefit from a broad range of academic and co-curricular opportunities, ensuring full use of the extensive grounds and facilities.

With the aim of continually improving the offering, Sixth Form facilities have been

extended this year with the introduction of a coffee shop, a wellbeing room, a new futures (careers) centre and a conference room. This September will also see the opening of a Prue Leith Cookery School for Sixth Form students.

Pupils at RMS are challenged daily, and the learning style inspires pupils to dig deeper, often resulting in futures they had not imagined. As experts in girls’ education, RMS understand how girls prefer to learn. The staff take time to get to know each and every girl; by determining their uniqueness they are better able to guide, support, and nurture them, providing them with the opportunity to expand their horizons. RMS pupils are encouraged to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively, and guided to become the best version of themselves. Little wonder that they are so happy and balanced. The next open day is planned for 24 September, to book your place, see rmsforgirls.com. The Royal Masonic School for Girls, Rickmansworth Park, WD3 4HF (01923 773168)

Complementing its broad and varied curriculum with a co-curricular programme offering 100+ activities, RMS ensures that whether as a boarder or day pupil, from Nursery

Form, every

A capital education / SCHOOLS

What about your personal educational ethos? My ethos aligns with the Steiner Waldorf philosophy and emphasises giving context to the knowledge and experiences provided. I believe in inspiring pupils through the interconnectedness and meaningfulness of what is being taught. I also believe that education needs to continuously evolve to make sure it’s relevant for all.

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

The curriculum interweaves artistic and physical activity with academic learning, while giving equal value and balance to all parts of our head, heart and hand education. Not only do we offer and value artistic subjects such as music, drama, eurythmy, painting and form drawing, but you’ll find an artistic element in every subject we teach. In maths, for example, we find the beauty of patterns and explore this further through geometry.

How do you look after the wellbeing of your pupils? Wellbeing is at the heart of what we do, and safeguarding in its broadest sense is a priority. The pastoral care is supported by the class teachers who will stay with the class on their journey throughout the school.

Anna Retsler

St Paul’s Steiner School

How long have you been head? For four enriching years.

What attracted you to St Paul’s Steiner School? That it’s a Steiner Waldorf Middle school with its own unique character, built with love by a supportive community of families in Islington.

How would you sum it up in a sentence?

A vibrant, progressive Steiner Waldorf school, housed in a Grade II* listed former church building, which provides a nurturing and inspiring education for pupils aged between three and 14.

What makes it different? What sets us apart is our commitment to the international Steiner Waldorf education. The broad and balanced curriculum this provides is specific to each stage of the child’s development and creates

SPOTLIGHT ON Dulwich College (Senior School)

Pupils: around 1,600 boys aged 11 to 18

Founded: in 1619 by the actor and entrepreneur Edward Alleyn

Entrance requirements: (years 7 and 9) entrance exam comprising online tests in mathematics, English, reasoning and problem solving

a life-long love for learning. It evolves to consider all capacities of the growing child, stimulating intellectual, creative, social and emotional aspects to prepare them for the challenges of our times.

St Paul’s Steiner School is a modern school with all the benefits of being located in London, but with traditional elements such as an excellent crafts provision. The main lesson focuses on a topic for three weeks at a time, and the pupils make their own workbooks. This helps them to form a positive relationship with what they are learning.

How would you describe the atmosphere?

There’s a sense of belonging, created by the welcoming ethos and efforts of the highly engaged staff and families who support the school. On spending a day at the school, you can feel the energy and curiosity of the children and the enthusiasm of the teachers.

and a creative writing exercise, followed by an interview; (year 12) an entrance exam in each of the subjects to be studied at A level, followed by an interview. The vast majority of the 35 or so year 12 places available go to international boarders; applications for day places are

considered on a case-by-case basis

Destination universities: Durham, Edinburgh, Oxford, Cambridge, Exeter, Bristol, Warwick, Imperial College, University College London, Yale, UC Berkeley and McGill University, among others

We give children time to learn through play in kindergarten, starting formal learning at the age of six. The varied and engaging curriculum supports a sense of accomplishment for all pupils, who take pride in the beautiful and meaningful work they create. We encourage a growth mindset, and approach learning as a journey to encourage effort and sense of achievement in all areas. We also make sure the pupils have access to nature through weekly and residential trips and gardening lessons.

Extra support is available in our wellbeing room and therapeutic art sessions. St Paul’s Road, N1 (020 7226 4454; stpaulssteinerschool.org)

Known for: academic, sporting and artistic excellence, historic buildings and green open spaces, and a commitment to Free Learning (education for education’s sake)

Famous alumni: cricketer Trevor Bailey, writer Raymond Chandler, actor Chiwetel Ejiofor,

politician Nigel Farage, writer and comedian Adam Kay, comedian Bob Monkhouse, Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, writer PG Wodehouse

Fees: £8,231 per term for day students

Find out more: dulwich.org.uk

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

A CHARACTER EDUCATION

The quote attributed to Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, ‘Character is destiny’, implies that destiny is not a predetermined outside force, but that our future is determined by our own inner character. If this is true, then helping children to develop all the different elements within themselves that define their characters is crucial, and as vital as the education of knowledge.

At Channing School the team work hard to ensure that pupils are prepared for life after school, ready for all the triumphs and challenges they might encounter – and this starts when they first start school at the age of 4 years old. In this way, pupils leave the school knowing themselves well and being comfortable with who they are.

Dina Hamalis, Head of Channing Junior School tells us: “We asked ourselves how we could formalise this ‘Character Education’, essentially teaching our pupils the values or virtues that they will use every day to make decisions in their lives. This is much more demanding than just imparting knowledge as so much of it cannot be learned by rote but needs to be embedded within an individual. We drew on our Unitarian ethos of kindness, tolerance, respect and inclusivity, and the

Channing Promise that underpins everything that we do, to make sure that what we introduced complemented our values and approach.”

The school felt that pupils would benefit from being able to refer visually to a set of defined character traits with accompanying tangible characters, which could be woven through every aspect of their educational experience. Pupils and staff were invited to share their ideas and, pleasingly, there was lots of overlap, and everybody had similar thoughts about what makes a Channing girl and what they wanted a Channing girl to be like. They agreed that the Channing Characters should be inspired by British woodland animals and a talented cartoonist was commissioned to design them.

Resilience Robin has the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties and to spring back. Perseverance Red Squirrel is persistent despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Empathy Rabbit has the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

Responsibility Badger has an obligation to do something.

Bravery Mole is courageous.

Independence Tawny Owl thinks and acts for herself.

Respectfulness Hedgehog has due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others. Curiosity Fox has a strong desire to know and learn things.

The school community has enthusiastically embraced Character Education. The roll out has included focused assemblies for pupils; talks to parents; posters displayed in every classroom and shared spaces around the school; Year 6 pupils writing stories to represent each character; and teachers and support staff recognising when pupils demonstrate character traits and rewarding them with stickers and certificates. Heraclitus would be impressed!

Channing School is an independent day school for girls aged 4–18 (020 8340 2328; channing.co.uk)

For one Highgate school, ensuring that pupils define their character is as important as an academic education, we find out how they do it

Above:

Dina Hamalis, Head of Channing Junior School

BEATING THE BACKTOSCHOOL BLUES

approach is that sometimes, paying too much attention to a behaviour can cause it to increase,” he explains. A severe response – such as awful nightmares or screaming fits – is another cause for concern.

If term hasn’t started yet, Noel advises getting ahead of the problem by preparing your child in advance. “Explain that they might feel a bit low when they go back to school, but it’s fine. And ramp up the nice things – treats, extra cuddles and movie nights – to help them regulate their emotions.” If they show signs of stress once they’re back, Noel suggests trying behavioural interventions first, like re-teaching good sleep hygiene and making sure you sit down regularly to share meals. Beyond that, he has this advice:

1. Relax your muscles and lower the tone of your voice, whether you think there’s a problem or not. Your child will copy you.

Words by Claire Atherton

You may be looking forward to the peace and quiet, but for some children, even the thought of returning to school can send their mood spiralling downwards. Why? “The body responds to big changes in life circumstances by producing the stress hormone, cortisol,” says Noel McDermott, mental health expert and founder of Mental Health Works. “It goes into your muscle to give you explosive energy in case you need to run away from a threat, like a tiger. But if you don’t do something to expel it, it just sits in your system.”

The signs that a child is experiencing a surge in cortisol are consistent across genders and cultures and include changes in appetite, sleep, mood or outlook. Emotional dysregulation (what Noel describes as “kicking off”) and self-isolating are other red flags. Younger children may also show regressive behaviours like sucking their thumb or wetting the bed. Interestingly, Noel says this age group tend to bounce back sooner. “They don’t notice the change much, or for very long, because they soon get caught up in something

more interesting,” he explains. “But as children’s brains grow and become more complex, they hold onto things for longer, and things like rumination start. In other words, our minds get better at messing us up.”

Exacerbating the problem are the lingering psychological impacts of the pandemic among children, from aversion and fear to an increase in self-harm and eating disorders. Noel believes these will be with us for a while. “Global events like COVID-19 affect all generations,” he says. “My advice is to acknowledge these impacts and be compassionate with yourself and your kids about them.”

Spotting the signs

So, how can you tell if the back-to-school blues have strayed into more worrying territory? Noel suggests looking out for a combination of signs, or just one significant change, like not eating or sleeping, that persists for more than three to five days. “The reason we recommend a light-touch

2. Normalise. Explain that stress hormones mess up how we think and feel during a transition. Then explain that we can deal with this by looking after ourselves extra well. This approach, known as ‘psychological education’, is a great way of turning stressful times into learning opportunities.

3. Take a walk in a park or do a mindful meditation together. Both biophilia (an innate affinity between humans and the natural world) and mindfulness have been shown to lower stress while improving health and wellbeing.

4. Educate yourselves as a family. A lot of the distress children suffer could be alleviated by applying tools and techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The book, Mind over Mood: Change How Your Feel by Changing the Way You Think, by Dennis Greenberger and Christine A. Padesky is a goldmine.

5. If these interventions don’t work, talk to the school and your GP, or invite a mental health expert to come and work with the family. They’ll help you to develop a healthy family system that builds resilience. So, if your child does suffer a future bout of the back-toschool blues, it’ll be less severe or prolonged. noelmcdermott.net/mental-health-works-ltd

It’s normal for children to feel anxious or low about starting a new school year. Here’s what to look for and how to help your child feel chirpy again

The reason we recommend a lighttouch approach is that sometimes, paying too much attention to a behaviour can cause it to increase

Noel McDermott

resilience, curiosity and confidence fostered by Roedean’s approach to academics. 73 per cent of the 2022 A Level cohort achieved the grades for their first-choice university. Nearly a third of the students pursued STEM courses at university, reflecting the trend at Roedean over the past decade, and many took up an impressive range of creative arts undergraduate courses.

From those learning new games to elite sportswomen, Roedean offers 14 different sports, with girls representing Roedean in over 800 fixtures across the board. Roedean strongly believes that, whatever the pupil’s aspirations in sport, her experience should be enjoyable, rewarding, and memorable.

The Creative and Performing Arts are at the very core of Roedean’s ethos; the school delights in the girls’ successes on stage, including this year’s productions of the musicals Six, Les Misérables and Mary Poppins. There are also further opportunities to perform in music concerts, recitals, and dance showcases.

Representing students from over 40 countries, the school has a dynamic feel; the girls hear about different experiences and traditions each day, and this helps to foster a strong sense of community and a deep understanding of other cultures and backgrounds. Roedean has a strong social conscience, and the girls play an active

A LOVE OF LEARNING

Believing that education is about far more than just exam results, Roedean provides an all-round, distinctively academic education within a caring and friendly community, where girls do achieve outstanding academic grades, but also pursue passions and challenge themselves to try new things.

Located in Brighton, East Sussex, Roedean is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11-18. Established in 1885, the school’s striking position on a cliff east of Brighton, at the foot of the South Downs National Park, boasts the best of dynamic city life coupled with calming coastal surroundings to inspire, refresh, and invigorate pupils. Just 30 minutes from Gatwick by car, and offering the ‘Victoria Escort’– where girls are chaperoned between Brighton Station and London Victoria (53 minutes) by a member of staff on Friday and Sunday evenings – Roedean is extremely accessible.

All students develop a love for learning at Roedean and are encouraged at all stages to pursue intellectual challenge and their own interests. Outstanding GCSE and A Level results are evidence of the

role in the wider community, taking great pleasure and satisfaction from the weekly activities they undertake.

Roedean aims to provide an all-round education that gives girls the space and time to achieve outstanding academic grades, but also to pursue passions and try new things.

Roedean Head, Mrs Green, firmly believes that this holistic approach helps to shape confident, ambitious, and compassionate young women who are ready to make their mark on the world. Roedean’s student-first approach and ethos of holistic development ensures each student feels valued, grounded, and prepared for their future. Applications are open for 2024, find out more at the next open day on 30 September. Roedean School, Roedean Way, Brighton, BN2 5RQ (01273 667500; admissions@roedean.co.uk; roedean.co.uk)

Roedean is the place to nurture your talents, spark your curiosity, develop your skills, and let your imagination run riot

MAKING WAVES

functions of a new build home, but with the character of a classic design. Coupled with being in a Conservation Area, this isn’t the most straightforward project to undertake!”

He adds, “A lot of our current clients are looking for a hyper modern house, or something with a neo-Georgian style – both of which the team delivers expertly. But given that this design is inspired by homes built over 400 years ago, turning back time is no mean feat – no doubt this will make for an exceedingly impressive project once complete.”

No matter the requirements for an Octagon Bespoke home, the team works closely with clients throughout the process to ensure every detail has been achieved – making it a truly one-of-a-kind project.

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

Octagon Bespoke undertakes projects from £2 million and is growing rapidly, supporting clients across southern England with restorations, extensions and new build homes. With an inhouse team of architects, planners, surveyors and interior designers, Octagon Bespoke offers a unique turnkey service for clients looking to create their dream home.

Octagon Developments, Weir House, Hurst Road, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AY (020 8481 7500; octagonbespoke.com; @octagondevelopments)

With properties spanning from London to Dorset, as well as Kent, Essex and further afield, Octagon Bespoke is no stranger to diverse design. Substantial current works include a 7,500sq ft project in north London, with an expansive family home being built in a mock Tudor style – with plenty of interesting features making this home incredibly unique.

The five-bedroom home will feature a pool area with a Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, as well as two terraces – to ensure the client has plenty of opportunities for outdoor relaxing and entertaining. Innovatively, the home’s beautiful structure will be enhanced with a green oak timber frame to emulate structures of the Tudor era – perhaps a bold decision for a new build, but something the Octagon Bespoke team are able to facilitate and craft to the highest quality. Currently at groundwork stage, and set for completion at the end of 2025, Octagon Bespoke are dedicated to meeting and exceeding the client’s desire to build their dream home.

Laurence Holder, Bespoke Director comments, “The home we’re working on in north London is certainly a special build thanks to its striking green oak timber frame, fused with a range of modern amenities – it incorporates all the

Known for creating outstanding new-build homes and undertaking extensive restorations, Octagon are pioneers when it comes to the design and build of luxury homes, whilst offering impeccable customer service

A previous Octagon home showcasing a stunning indoor swimming pool

INVEST FOR THE BEST

The experts say there’s always demand for quality student accommodation in central London

Whether you’re a parent looking to secure a nest egg that’ll see your child through uni, or you’ve got grand designs on a conversion or development, tapping into the student market, particularly in central London, can prove highly lucrative. With its array of top universities in close proximity, the Capital offers a unique opportunity for investors. “London is ranked not just as the best student city in the world, but is also the only city with the most topranked universities globally,” says Anita Mehra, managing director at Benham & Reeves. “In 2022, the number of students coming to the UK to study from overseas was 361,000 compared with 121,000 in 2019. The Capital’s top-ranked universities attract a significant number of international students who are seeking accommodation near their educational institutions and, as a result, the rental market around the campuses experiences very good demand.”

Vivienne Harris

So, whatever else is going on in the housing market, parents and investors alike should look to the rising demand for quality student accommodation as a marker for a good investment. The steady influx of both domestic and international students seeking top-tier university places sees no sign of waning, and that, in turn, fuels demand for suitable housing. “This year, across our network of 21 London branches, we’ve seen a 28 per cent increase in enquiries for student accommodation with demand hard to fulfil, and some students having to book short-term digs until a property becomes available,” says Anita. “This adds extra worry for parents, particularly if it’s their child’s first term away.”

Of course, not all student digs are created equal. Vivienne Harris, owner and MD at Heathgate stresses that quality is key. “It’s all about quality for student accommodation,” she says, “certainly in central London and surrounds. If it’s stylish and contemporary, it is easy to let, but students these days don’t want to share bathrooms etc., so each unit needs to be selfcontained. Heathgate has handled a number of such buildings where we’ve been able to maintain more or less full occupancy. My advice, if investors are looking to forge a path towards the student market in central London, is to ensure the property is clean and modern with a bathroom and some kitchen facilities within the self-contained units, and to also offer facilities such as washing machines (even if these are communal), ideally lifts, and of course, attractive furniture. It is also advisable to have building managers on site for assistance to ensure that any issues are dealt with in good time. When run well, these can be extremely lucrative.”

Ultimately, investing in a prime London location will have its benefits, and you’ll find stability in occupancy if it’s done right. “The only point to make is that the student year is really only nine months, from September to June,” says Vivienne, “so investors need to be aware of that when building developments or converting property into student accommodation.” Even

taking this into consideration, Anita assures us that investing in property for students can offer a wealth of benefits and opportunities, and not just for the duration of a three-year uni course: “Overseas parents have, for many decades, secured their child’s future by investing in London property near prestigious educational institutions. Not only does this type of investment provide a comfortable and more stable living arrangement for their child, but it can provide good long-term income and capital growth. Immediate savings on high rents is just a short-term benefit of investing in a London property. The property’s potential for capital appreciation offers a financial safety net and is a valuable asset that can be used to generate rental income before or after your child’s studies.” benhams.com; heathgate.com

It’s all about quality for student accommodation, certainly in central London

Heathgate

LOCAL EXPERTISE, INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION

Email: newhomes@glentree.com

020 8731 9500

www.glentree.com

NINE APARTMENTS - TWO AND THREE BEDROOMS PRICES FROM £1,350,000 - £2,995,000

JOINT SOLE AGENT

At Luxley House. each apartment has been finished to an exceptional standard internally. It boasts net zero carbon credentials, 65m2 green living wall, solar panels & off-street parking with electric car charging points. Luxley House is a stone’s throw from the amenities of Golders Green High Street & Northern Line Tube Station.

RARELY AVAILABLE LUXURY APARTMENT

£7,400,000

SOLE AGENT

A spectacular lateral garden apartment in a prestigous development on The Bishops Avenue with 4,100 sq ft of interior designed accommodation leading to a large dual aspect terrace.

ONLY THREE APARTMENTS REMAINING PRICES FROM £1,000,000

JOINT SOLE AGENT

Three beautifully appointed apartments are available at Rosary Manor, each individually designed with unparalleled views across the Mill Hill Conservation Area and its 152 acres of beautifully maintained farm and parkland.

LUXLEY HOUSE, NW11

ALLINGHAM COURT, THE BISHOPS AVENUE, N2

ROSARY MANOR, NW7

ON THE SQUARE

Sitting pretty in Knightsbridge’s sought after Cadogan Square is this elegant interior designed apartment

This may be a lateral flat, but it has a sprawling floorplan to rival any grand London home. The west facing apartment boasts an impressive 4,400 sq ft of luxury accommodation set across the lower ground floor and raised ground floor of this elegant Knightsbridge building. Amongst the multiple entertaining spaces, there’s a total of five bedrooms and five bathrooms to spread out in. But of course, with a property of this magnitude, there are versatile living spaces aplenty, too. Interiors are the handiwork of the world-renowned Viktor Udzenija. Here, the designer weaves artisanal craftsmanship with timeless materials to create spectacular living spaces – expect a truly harmonious balance of period features and chic, contemporary style. Beautiful inside and out, the exterior of the

property offers period charm in abundance with its iconic red brick façade, its grand, pillared entrance, and its imposing bay windows – it is quintessentially London, and quintessentially Knightsbridge at that.

On the raised ground floor, you’ll find an art gallery-worthy reception room that’s finished to the nines. Think starburst detailing on the high ceiling, a vast, contemporary marble fireplace, grand architraves, and a unique Italian parquet floor that’s been hand sculpted, assembled, and finished with black lacquer for dramatic effect. The dining space is all about modern glamour, too, with its doorway bordered with Arabescato marble and its traditional wood panelling that hints at the building’s original era. Naturally, the custom-built SieMatic kitchen is in keeping with

the glamorous aesthetic, whilst providing all mod cons, and then some. Think Gaggenau appliances, stained glass windows, and veneer by Campana Brothers.

The bedrooms here boast bespoke walk-in wardrobes and bathrooms by Dornbracht, but it is the principal suite that’s the real showstopper. It comprises an expansive room with a substantial walk-through wardrobe and a pink Portoro marble bathroom suite – the height of modern luxury. Outside space comes in the form of a beautifully landscaped courtyard, which is accessed via a reception area on the lower ground floor, while an entrance hall, two further bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a staff kitchen complete the downstairs section. £16.9 million, Hamptons (020 3369 4381; hamptons.co.uk)

FOR SALE

Northampton Park, N1

If you’re looking for picture-perfect, this Grade II listed Georgian gem is the dream. Comprising four bedrooms and three bathrooms, the house boasts 3,000 sq ft of immaculate living space, which is both chic and modern, whilst staying sympathetically within the bounds of the building’s period style. And talking of bounds, the house backs onto St Paul’s Shrubbery, ensuring a tranquil spot all round. The beautiful, mature south facing garden features a summer house, which offers bags of potential, whether you’re after a home office or an entertainment hub. £5.25 million, Chestertons (020 7359 9777; chestertons.co.uk)

ON THE MARKET

FOR SALE St. Edmund’s Terrace, NW8

This low-built period home is the definition of a sanctuary. Interiors are by Franses Design, and are chic and calm. Think pale wood floors, Crittall doors, and warm, neutral décor that smacks of quiet luxury. Arranged over three floors, you’ll find beautifully appointed rooms including an impressive open-plan reception/kitchen on the ground floor, which leads directly onto a charming courtyard garden. More outside space comes in the form of pretty terrace, accessed via the spacious principal bedroom. But of course, in NW8, you won’t be short on green open spaces. £3.5 million, Savills (020 3043 3610; savills.com)

FOR SALE Portland Place, W1B

Not only a home with heritage, but one steeped in cinematic history, too. This elegant stucco townhouse starred in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1947 courtroom drama, The Paradine Case as the London abode of top barrister Anthony Keane, played by Gregory Peck. If that’s not a perfect conversation starter for a dinner party, we don’t know what is. And, with its four grand reception spaces, entertaining is something you’ll be doing plenty of. Add to that five bedrooms and five bathrooms, and you have over 8,000 sq ft of luxury accommodation to spread out in –like a Hollywood siren, of course. £19.75 million, Beauchamp Estates (020 7722 9793; beauchamp.com)

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

HIGHGATE, N6

This truly lovely first floor apartment has its own private entrance and an abundance of private outside space. The spacious, well planned accommodation enjoys a 26ft Reception room and three double bedrooms. Providing excellent family living which is flooded with natural light, the property benefits from direct access to a good sized private terrace and a large, circa 128ft private secluded garden. In one of the area’s premier roads, its location provides easy access to Highgate Village, Highgate Northern line underground station and numerous bus routes. Hampstead Heath, Highgate and Queens Wood and Waterlow Park are all within easy reach.

£1,950,000 - Share of Freehold - Joint Sole Agent

SHIRLOCK ROAD, HAMPSTEAD, NW3

An outstanding architect designed family house, moments from Hampstead Heath. With five bedrooms and three bathrooms, and flexible accommodation across four floors, the property is ideal for the growing family. There is a larger than average south west facing garden at the rear, along with a roof terrace, balcony and a fully excavated basement with full head height. A truly unique semi-detached Victorian house, which we cannot recommend more highly.

£2,975,000 - Freehold - Sole Agent

MUNKENBECK BUILDING, HERMITAGE STREET, W2

A spacious three bedroom apartment extending to 1,017 sq ft on the sixth floor with canal views from a south-facing balcony.

3 Bedrooms - 2 Bathrooms (1 En-Suite) - Open Plan Kitchen / Reception Room - Balcony - Lifts - Secure Underground ParkingBasement Storage Locker - Comfort Cooling - Communal Roof Terrace - Porter - EPC Rating C - Council Tax Band G

LEASEHOLD 971 YEARS UNEXPIRED £1,200,000

QUADRANGLE TOWER, CAMBRIDGE SQUARE, W2

A great opportunity to purchase this one bedroom apartment extending to 643 sq ft on the tenth floor of this purpose-built building located in sought after gated development. Bedroom - Shower Room

A visionary home crafted from a former coach house, offering extraordinary versatility and tranquil views. Set in leafy surrounds, the home features a south-west facing rear garden, balconies, a mezzanine level, garage, and a detached workshop.

Situated on the raised ground floor of a beautiful period semi-detached house on one of Hampstead’s premier addresses, is this superlative two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment embodying all the charm and character that is synonymous with these extremely desirable apartments.

Sam Gould – Sales Director 020 7182 1406 sam.gould@chestertons.co.uk

chestertons.co.uk

Chestertons has been helping people buy, sell, rent and manage properties across London for over 200 years.

To see how we can help you, email us at values@chestertons.co.uk or scan the QR code.

LONDON NETWORK

31 branches across London

Chestertons has 31 branches across London that will work around the clock to find you the best tenant.

GLOBAL REACH

Global exposure for your property

We have an international network that will give your property exposure in countries across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

TECHNOLOGY

Highest-calibre

Our Corporate Department works with the world’s largest tech, media, legal and financial companies to help them find accommodation for their employees.

SHORT LETS

Simplifying the process

We use the best available technology to ensure we get the highest quality, most reliable tenants and provide you with a seamless, hassle-free service.

Up to 50% more rental income

Our landlords have the opportunity to earn up to 50% more rental income and increased flexibility by using our Short Lets service.

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

A beautifully presented Georgian Grade II, two double bedroom, two bathrooms, fourth floor (with lift) apartment, on a prime garden square, situated between Paddington Station and Hyde Park.

The property includes views over the square to the front of the building and the rear, overlooks the mews. Excellent transport links from Paddington include the Heathrow Express, Elizabeth, Bakerloo, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City Lines and National Rail. Alternatively the Central Line is equally close at Lancaster Gate St. The green spaces of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are only moments away.

LEASEHOLD: About 152 Years Remaining | SERVICE CHARGE: About £5,019 p.a. | RESERVE FUND: About £2,510 p.a | GROUND RENT:

Peppercorn | COUNCIL TAX BAND: F.

PADDINGTON & BAYSWATER | 020 7467 5770

paddington@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/paddington-bayswater

Belsize Park Gardens, NW3

£1,600,000 Asking Price

A magnificent 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom top floor apartment, set in classical white stucco period house

Incredibly spacious upper duplex apartment

1700 sq ft approx (2nd and 3rd floors)

Private 11ft south west facing terrace

Glorious 28ft L-shaped reception with semi open plan kitchen/diner

Belsize Park Office

020 7431 1234

Spacious and airy 17ft main bedroom with fitted wardrobes, en suite and terrace access 18ft 2nd double bedroom

Share in freehold company

Prime tree-lined road, close to Belsize Park amenities, Belsize Village, Swiss Cottage, Primrose Hill and Hampstead Heath

Council Tax: Camden Band G.

South Hampstead 020 7625 4567

nw6@parkheath.com

West Hampstead 020 7794 7111

192@parkheath.com

Property Management 020 7433 6174

pm@parkheath.com

Belsize Park 020 7431 1234

nw3@parkheath.com

Kentish Town 020 7485 0400

kt@parkheath.com

Kensal Rise 020 8960 4845

kensal@parkheath.com

parkheath.com

parkheath_londonrealestate

SHARE OF FREEHOLD

SOLE AGENT

Rarely available for sale a charming, family sized, maisonette situated in this much sought after purpose built enclave of spacious apartments set around delightful communal gardens in a tranquil and leafy backwater of Hampstead Garden Suburb. This attractive home is approached from the ground floor via a private entrance with flexible accommodation of approximately 1,551 sq ft spanning the first and second floors. Most of the rooms are exceptionally bright often with 2 or more windows and the there is ample potential for an incoming purchaser to upgrade in order to create a modern, luxury residence.

Other benefits include ample storage, a quiet and picturesque location, easy access to the facilities of Market Place (approx. 0.25 mile and Temple Fortune (approx. 0.5 mile). Big Wood is literally moments away, as are the green spaces of Northway Gardens and Hampstead Heath Extension.

3-4 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | separate WC | reception room | dining room/bedroom 4 | kitchen/breakfast room | ample storage private front garden | lovely communal gardens | private entrance.

Residential Sales Lettings & Property Management

HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB, NW11

£899,950

Situated on the raised ground floor of a beautiful period semi-detached house on one of Hampstead’s premier addresses, is this superlative two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment embodying all the charm and character that is synonymous with these extremely desirable apartments.

Gould – Sales Director 020 7182 1406

chestertons.co.uk

LANDLORDS

RENT YOUR PROPERTY WITH CHESTERTONS

As London’s most experienced property agents, we are fully aware that people’s circumstances can sometimes change without warning, through no fault of their own.

That is why we are now o ering to protect landlords against the unknown by o ering 12 months free* rent protection. This means that you can be guaranteed to receive 100% of the rent due to you, even if your tenant fails to pay, giving additional peace of mind for no additional cost.

For more information or book a consultation with us, email landlordservices@chestertons.co.uk.

www.chestertons.co.uk/rent-protection

MAYBURY COURT, MARYLEBONE VILLAGE, LONDON W1

The apartment has been recently been refurbished throughout and comprises of entrance hall, reception room, three bedrooms, two bathrooms one en-suite and kitchen. The building benefits from a delightful communal garden, onsite caretaker and recently refurbished passenger lift. Tenure: The vendor is currently in the process of extending the lease and purchasing the share of freehold.

Maybury Court is located on Marylebone High Street, a stone throw away from the shopping facilities of Marylebone High Street. Bond Street and Baker Street underground stations are within close proximity. The open spaces of Regents Park are also nearby.

SHARE OF A FREEHOLD

£2,250,000

NORTHUMBERLAND MANSIONS, LONDON W1

A two-bedroom furnished apartment approximately 674 sq ft (63 sq m) located in the heart of Marylebone. The flat comprises of two double bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and reception room. The apartment benefits from wooden floor throughout.

Northumberland Mansions located moments from Marylebone High Street moments away from Baker Street underground station together with access to the A40/M40 are within close proximity. The open spaces of Regents Park are also nearby.

£808 PER WEEK

PARK

HANOVER TERRACE NW1

A magnificent Grade I listed home with a private garden and views over Regent’s Park.

6 6

£11,750 / Week

DEVONSHIRE PLACE W1

A meticulously refurbished Grade II listed home with contemporary interiors and two private patios.

4 4

£7,000 / Week

HOLLAND VILLAS ROAD, W14

ELSWORTHY RISE, NW3

to let

Luxury Duplex Apartment | Four Bedrooms | Two Bathrooms (1 en-suite) | Large Reception | Open Plan Kitchen Utility Room | Internal Patio | Lift | Underground Parking Space

Be the first Tenant to rent this truly stunning brand new boutique ground and lower ground floor duplex apartment of approx. 1,757 sq ft (163.23 sq m) with lift and secure underground parking space. Boasting a superb internal mews style patio, accessed from the two lower ground floor bedrooms and the reception. Built to the highest of standards with two contemporary bathrooms (1 en-suite), superb bespoke kitchen open plan with an oversized reception room and a separate utility room. Further features include ducted air conditioning, speaker system and fabulous herringbone parquet wood floors throughout this lifestyle home. Situated opposite College Farm with its row of convenience stores and a Short walk to both Finchley Central and Temple Fortune on the Finchley Road with quick access to the North Circular road and extensive bus routes. Viewing is a must! Available immediately unfurnished.

The Lane Off Marlborough Place St John’s Wood, NW8

Unfurnished £4,500 per week

Principal Agent

67–71 Park Road

London NW1 6XU

020 7724 4724

astonchase.com

Situated in a private gated close of just eight houses, this prestigious low built home (245.8 sq m/2,646 sq ft) has been the subject of an extensive and meticulous refurbishment and benefits from a lawned garden and off-street parking for two cars. The property is conveniently located close to The American School in London (ASL) and St John’s Wood Underground Station (Jubilee Line).

Accommodation and Amenities

Principal Bedroom Suite, 4 Further Bedrooms, 2 Further Bathrooms, Entrance Hall, Double Drawing Room, Dining Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Conservatory, Guest Cloakroom, Private South Facing Lawned Garden, Gated Private Road, Off-Street Parking for 2 Vehicles.

Council Tax: Band H. EPC: E.