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CONTENTS 20
92
Judge a Book by its Cover
The Powder Room
Annabel Harrison meets Prosper Assouline to talk about the new flagship and brand offering; a bespoke home library
Give sun-deprived complexions an injection of colour with berry red beauty products and skin lifesavers
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24 In Your Wildest Dreams We scour the globe to find some of the most exciting holiday experiences for those who’ve been there and done that
Out of Africa Olivia Sharpe experiences the best of both worlds when she visits Africa for the ultimate ‘bush and beach’ holiday
30 A Household Name British actor Freddie Fox speaks to Olivia Sharpe about his family’s theatrical dynasty and his upcoming projects
80 Crystal Clear Lalique’s CEO shares the stories behind the iconic product range for A/W14 and the brand’s most recent collaborations
18
Editor’s Letter
35
Collection
51
Local News
61
Art & Antiques
67
Fashion
78
Interiors
92
Health & Beauty
101
Travel
116
Drinking & Dining
124
London Living
128
Concierge
131
Property
November / December Cover: Lalique Architecture and Decoration studio Photography: Gilles Pernet
decemBER 2014 s issue 034
Turn to p. 80 to read our interview with Lalique CEO Silvio Denz about the A/W14 collection and its latest collaborations
Editor Annabel Harrison Assistant Editor Olivia Sharpe
November – 20 December Large as Life Gary Stinton jonathancooper.co.uk
Christmas wreath £80, jomalone.co.uk
November Paddington film is released
Contributing Editors Richard Brown Hannah Lemon Editorial Assistant Liane Nelson Senior Designer Sophie Blain Production Alex Powell Amy Roberts Hugo Wheatley Oscar Viney Alice Ford Client Relationship Director Felicity Morgan-Harvey Executive Director Sophie Roberts
December Sound Seekers Christmas Concert, Holy Trinity Church sound-seekers.org.uk
General Manager Fiona Fenwick Managing Director Eren Ellwood
Proudly published & printed in the UK by
RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP
Member of the Professional Publishers Association / ppa.co.uk December Christmas Day
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K&
C
ind tes omi tabilis duo fratres curren
From the EDITOR Christmas is a time of year many of us cherish and not just because of the religious significance of the occasion; I am certainly not the only one eagerly awaiting the days I will be able to spend with my family, away from the demands of everyday life. Olivia Sharpe meets actor Freddie Fox, before he too goes home for a family Christmas and as he prepares to deliver a heart-warming reading with his sister Emilia in aid of Hope and Homes for Children (p. 30). There’s no doubt that by now you’ll be deep in the throes of festive home decoration, drinks party preparation and gift-buying so we hope this issue provides inspiration on all three counts. For the first, look to Lalique and its superlatively chic crystal creations (p. 80); for the second, read up on fashionable champagne collaborations and space-age cocktail recipes (p. 116). As for presents, if you’re after a bespoke library, the company making the stuff that such dreams are made of is Assouline (p. 20); for a personal sculpture commission, make use of the talented James Alexander Matthews (p. 64); and if it’s to be diamonds for your lucky lady under the Christmas tree, consider fancy colours this year, whether flamboyant or refined (p. 45). One of the greatest gifts, in our opinion, is the chance to explore the remote, intriguing and beautiful corners of the globe so we’ve taken a closer look at some of the most extravagant and unforgettable experiences money can buy, if you feel like indulging your wildest dreams; see both Paris and Rome from an airborne Bloon, hit the slopes and ride the waves on the same holiday or dance like nobody’s watching on your own private island (p. 24). However, if more traditional options appeal to you, Olivia Sharpe recommends a ‘Bush & Beach’ trip to Kenya and the Seychelles (p. 104) to get your sunshine and safari fix while Anna Hart plays luxury Caribbean matchmaker; is Antigua, Virgin Gorda or St Barths the island for you? (p. 110). Kat Gordon, meanwhile, falls in love with Iceland’s myriad charms (p. 114). So, if the festive season is getting too much, book an escape for 2015 and daydream until then to your heart’s content.
K&
C
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
Editor
Annabel Harrison
Follow us on Twitter @KandCMagazine or email KCeditor@runwildgroup.co.uk with any comments
ind tes omi tabilis duo fratres curren 018
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34 Duke of York Square, Kings Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4LY 35 College Green, Dublin 2 Visit our website for retail partners in your area or to buy online
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FEATURE
Judge a
Book by its
cover Annabel Harrison meets Prosper Assouline, as the doors to his London-based Maison Assouline are thrown open, to find out more about his brand’s newest offering; one’s own, entirely bespoke home library
“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me”. I agree with C.S. Lewis on both counts; I’m one of those people you’d deride or admire (as you wish) for being so absorbed in a 500-page book that I’m prepared to lug it 40 minutes each way on my daily commute (most recently, Tana French’s The Secret Place). Lewis would have surely made a beeline for the brand new temple to the mega-tome which is opening this month in one of the most prestigious addresses in Piccadilly. When I visited Maison Assouline, a few weeks before its grand unveil, the air was thick with dust and the sound of whirring drills but I was nonetheless blown away by the immense potential of the (sizeable) space. 196A Piccadilly was designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1922 and he did a remarkable job of ensuring the double-height space is flooded with light and character in the most wonderful way. In fact, the building is perfectly suited to being kitted out in Assouline’s ‘contemporary-culture’ look, all wooden-panelled walls, leather furniture, arty
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wall hangings and, of course, books. My goodness, the books – thousands and thousands of them, lining the walls in immaculate ranks, ordered by subject, style and spine colour and untarnished by curious human hands. It will be a bibliophile’s heaven if the Assouline boutique in Claridge’s is anything to go by. It will not, however, be a place for those who fold the corners of pages or use books as doorstops or would even consider reading in the bath. It will, as the charismatic and fantastically named Prosper Assouline tells me in his thick French accent, have “all of our dreams inside”. It is to be filled with the culture, sound and image of Assouline and it will sell everything from books, by the truckload, bookshelves and desks to carpet and sofas. Prosper explains that “we don’t sell furniture; we sell a dream”. And what is this dream? “A complete library,” he replies. If you’re aware of brand Assouline, publisher of “the most sophisticated books in the world” (as its website declares), it will come as no surprise to hear that its next step, as it celebrates two decades in business, is to create bespoke libraries. “It’s natural for us because we always design our own stores and we try to make them
Thousands of books line the walls in immaculate ranks, ordered by subject, style and spine colour like a home”, explains Prosper. Two years ago Assouline designed a library for the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalogue and it sold five minutes after it went online “because it was something new”. The business potential was spotted and so here we are, discussing what would, for me at least, be a dream; my very own library with all my favourite books and hundreds more I’d like to read, as well as a literary (and visual) treasure trove of books heavy enough to annihilate the world’s largest spider. Although Assouline is an internationally respected publisher, Prosper has long been conscious that this alone isn’t enough: “We have an obligation to be a lifestyle brand and not just a publisher. So it was obvious for me to create this concept [of bespoke libraries]. You have very few really big brands in furniture; some specialise in the kitchen or the bedroom but not the library. Because we are a publisher we obviously need a chair to sit in to read a book, and a bookshelf for the book… so today we propose
a complete room. 15 years ago a cinema room was in fashion but now I think the trend is to have culture; a beautiful library full of beautiful, interesting books.” Prosper makes me smile when he says confidently: “The only thing which you cannot buy today is culture”. I think you can and that it comes smartly gift-wrapped in Assouline-branded packaging. As with all the best bespoke offerings, the delivery will be swift (three months) and the possibilities endless. Particularly keen on fashion or fishing? Tattoos or taxidermy? Books can be sourced on any topic that takes your fancy. It’s going to be expensive, Prosper confirms (although I’m sure most of you would have assumed this), but it’s also “going to be exceptional and customised; you want a different fabric? Bigger? Smaller?” No problem. Prosper’s passion is palpable; he leans forward and looks directly at me as he explains that a good library “is something that has to be alive”. He adores books and has a huge library of his own in his Paris apartment (although he lives predominantly in New York). Unsurprisingly, he’s against the idea of e-readers. “I am a tactile person. I don’t like fake woman; I like real romance!” His French accent makes this sentence sound charmingly old-fashioned. “I like to taste, I like to eat; I like to turn the pages of the books.” As long as these pages are designed to the highest standard, I think. Prosper does accept, though, with good grace that not every Assouline customer devours his titles cover to cover – “A lot of people buy our books as part of decorations for their house” – and works with this in mind. “Today when I design my books I design them in two ways. They have to have our DNA, our standard quality; they have to be made completely by us and the subject has to work. Secondly, you have to be very aware of the book because it is not going to be opened every day, so we also design [them] for pure decoration and this is recent; we did not design this way 20 years ago. Then it was just about the book; today it is about the book and I add this part of decoration, which is very important.” assouline.com
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FEATURE
In Your
Wildest Dreams
Annabel Harrison lets her imagination take flight to find the most exciting holiday experiences for those who’ve been there, done that and want to be seriously impressed
Out of This World This experience is utterly divisive, as a quick straw poll of my colleagues revealed. Half would love to do it; the other half shudder at the thought. Everyone does agree that it’s astoundingly cool to learn that the idea of you and three friends popping up into space for the day is not just a pie-in-the-sky dream. Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce to you the Bloon. Firstly, a bit of science, for reassurance; the technologies of stratospheric balloons are well proven and the team at Zero2Infinity have adopted these for commercial use, using inert helium gas but no combustible fuels or hazardous substances. The ascent and descent are graceful and quiet; you’re promised “the gentlest, most luxurious near-space flight experience”. It starts with a space flight designer explaining the entire process to you, and how to customise your trip; you can choose if you’d like to take off from somewhere near your country pad, for example, and land in Paris for a late supper, or opt for Michelin-star meals on board. The Bloon experience itself lasts for about 12 hours but you’ll be comfy enough; the cabin has more room per passenger than Airbus A380 First Class and panoramic
windows offer a 360° view (something you would justifiably expect for a price of £95,000 per head). Arrive at the takeoff location the day before to receive a pre-flight briefing and prepare for a 4am lift-off; you’ll be able to enjoy the amazing colours of dawn at the apex of the trip. Full ascent takes about an hour, reaching an ultimate height of 36 kilometres above earth. Cruise at near-space for approximately two hours before beginning to descend. The field of view at the top is approximately 1,400 kilometres in diameter; you’ll be able to see Paris and Rome from the same window. Astronomical, in both senses of the word. Currently taking bookings for 2015. The experience, including pre-flight briefings, will take up to one full day. The Bloon is safe for children (under-16s must be accompanied by an adult). A report from your physician and a simple medical check-up is needed to ensure you and your fellow travellers can enjoy the flight safely. This experience, priced at £380,000, reserves an entire pod, which holds up to four people (or as few as you wish). All bookings subject to availability and weather conditions (concierge@givetruly.com; trulyexperiences.com)
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Antarctic Adventure A certain Sir David, over the course of his six-decade career, has been responsible for igniting a rather unrealistic dream in millions of us, of travelling far and wide over our fair planet, not just in search of sunshine and culture but also in pursuit of the giant tortoises in the Galápagos, penguins in Peru and all manner of exciting animals in Africa, à la Attenborough. As a result, many companies are offering ‘dream-cometrue’ itineraries and this epic 19-night trip, courtesy of Steppes Travel, is no exception. It is no mere holiday but a “voyage steeped in history and wonder” to the islands of the South Atlantic Ocean and the Antarctic mainland. There’s a historical angle to it, of course; 100 years ago, disaster struck Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition when its ship, The Endurance, became trapped in pack ice in 1915 and was slowly
A disclaimer: “Predictability is a word that has no relevance in this environment” crushed before the shore parties could be landed (read more about this in January’s issue). While pondering the significance of this, keep your eyes peeled for proliferations of penguins (of the rare rockhopper, king and macaroni type), humpback whales feeding on krill and predatory leopard seals attempting to secure their next meal. The Falkland Islands alone, with a relatively warm climate where an abundance of unusual wildlife thrives, are home to 60 species of migratory birds. The backdrop to your voyage will be nothing short of startling; drink in the panorama of towering glacier-covered mountains, colossal icebergs reflecting vivid greens and blues and the South Orkney Islands, often cloaked in mist. A disclaimer: “Predictability is a word that has no relevance in this environment”. This is because ice and other conditions may necessitate changes to the itinerary and shore excursions but that only makes this sound all the more exciting to us. The White Continent, here we come. Steppes Travel’s Antarctica, Falkland Islands and South Georgia trip (23 October to 10 November 2015) costs £11,600 per person including international flights, domestic flights to Ushuaia, two nights in Buenos Aires, one night in Ushuaia and full board on the ship (01285 880 980; steppestravel.co.uk)
FEATURE
Best of Both Worlds I myself am a hot holiday kind of girl but if you just can’t choose between swishing down the slopes in sub-zero temperatures and beach-based sun-worshipping, this holiday may be the perfect compromise for your disparate tastes. You’ll divide your time between Vail in Colorado, renowned for its superlative snow, and Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, with its white-sand Caribbean beaches: because Vail’s ski season coincides perfectly with the Yucatan’s dry season, this itinerary works well all winter and the best months to visit are December to April. The Sebastian Vail is located in the heart of Vail village, just a five minute walk from the slopes and the Vista Bahn lift, music to the ears of any skier (especially the beginners). If you’re considering visiting with your family or friends, Vail is one of the best ski resorts in the world for a family or a group of mixed abilities, as well as being the third largest ski mountain in North America (after Whistler Blackcomb and Big Sky in Montana). If after a few days you’re longing to throw off the many layers of ski attire and see something other than acres of pristine powder ahead of you, swap snow for sunshine and hop on a direct flight down to Mexico. Esencia, on Xpu-Ha beach on the Riviera Maya coast (just 25 minutes north of Tulum) is a 50-acre private estate, ideal for some R&R after a hot day spent exploring the Mayan monuments at Tulum or Chichén Itzá. This itinerary from Scott Dunn can be tailored to specific requirements or preferences so just get in touch if you’d like to make some tweaks. A night out in Cancun? Sure. A stopover en route from Vail to Mexico to visit relatives in Texas? No problem. Otherwise, make sure
you’ve packed your skis, salopettes, sunglasses and sun cream, and you’re good to go. Scott Dunn offers five nights at The Sebastian in Vail followed by six nights at Esencia in Mexico from £3,690 per person. This includes accommodation, all flights and private road transfers (020 8682 5050; scottdunn.com)
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The Luxury of Time & Space It’s becoming harder and harder to ensure absolute privacy on holiday. Who wants another couple eavesdropping at supper as you have an intense conversation about your parents or your parenting, or glancing over furtively as you try to enjoy a romantic dip in your villa’s pool? Even the most security-conscious people (certain royals and Hollywood A-listers spring to mind) have all been photographed off guard and there’s no doubt it can ruin a trip almost before it’s started. So there’s only one thing for it; your own private island. Not to buy, panic not; just to rent. This is a particularly fun idea for a big family event; a wedding, perhaps, or a significant birthday; rock up, take over, chill out. A brilliant place for you and up to 43 of your nearest and dearest to dance like nobody’s watching is Frégate Island in the Seychelles, the newest addition to the Oetker Collection and the same size as Monaco (yes, Monaco). Its 16 residences all have their own terrace and infinity pool, and you can take a break from any pesky relatives by losing yourself in the lush forest or
scampering off to the beach; there are seven of them. Keep the kids occupied by sending them off in search of the Giant Aldabra land tortoises or deposit them (as long as they’re over four) in the Kids Club. Adults can start as they don’t mean to go on with morning yoga sessions at the Rock Spa (its branded products are all made in the Seychelles with ingredients grown on the island). If you want to attempt something other than wining and dining during the day, head out on a scuba diving expedition or a half-day deep-sea fishing excursion to sample the authentic taste of the Indian Ocean; Chef Arnaud Davin will then prepare the catch for you that evening. We’re sold. Fregate Island private use is ¤90,300 per night, accommodating up to 44 guests. The exclusive rate includes all meals, anywhere on the island, soft beverages, house wines and local beers as well as personal laundry, island buggy, non-motorised water sports and guided nature walk (fregate.com)
FEATURE
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A Household
Name
As he prepares to deliver a heart-warming reading with his sister in aid of Hope and Homes for Children this December, British actor Freddie Fox speaks to Olivia Sharpe about his family’s theatrical dynasty t is one of those chaotic Mondays when nothing at all seems to be going right but to cut a long story short, I am having to conduct my phone interview with Freddie Fox in a cupboard. “Oh, how perfectly dreadful,” he exclaims dramatically, sympathy etched in his beautifully spoken voice. “I’m so sorry I’m making you do that. I hope it doesn’t smell.” Freddie’s charm washes over me like a stiff cocktail after a long day and I am instantly elated. The charismatic 25 year-old has just returned from a week’s holiday in Cornwall and it is very much back to business. Along with acting commitments, he is preparing to do a reading at the charity Christmas carol concert, at Kensington’s St. Mary Abbot’s Church on 3 December, alongside his sister and fellow actor Emilia Fox. Their involvement will undoubtedly help to raise lifesaving funds for the international charity, Hope and Homes for Children, which moves children out of inadequate orphanages and into loving families by developing child protection services and foster care. The appearance of the siblings is not a coincidence; their famous parents Edward Fox and Joanna David have both done readings in the past, making this very much a Fox family tradition. As a boy, Freddie remembers the charity’s founder Mark Cook often coming for dinner and sharing stories: “When I was young I was struck by how kind and unpatronising he was,” he says. “After all, here was an incredibly impressive man who deserved my attention and I thought if there was any way I could help, I would.” Freddie’s name conjures up a great family acting ancestry comprising his grandfather Robin Fox (a theatrical agent), parents Edward Fox and Joanna David, sister Emilia, uncle Robert and his cousin Laurence. And it is not just acting talent he has inherited; with blonde hair, blue eyes and a fair complexion, his unmistakable features bear an uncanny resemblance to his relations. Family
is evidently of great importance to the young man as he shares happy memories from his childhood. “My earliest memory is picking blackberries in Dorset on my mum’s shoulders. I was only two or three but this summer I went to pick blackberries again and it brought it all back.” Asking Freddie the all-too-familiar question of whether it’s difficult living up to his family’s success, he responds: “I’ve often been misquoted saying, ‘it is so f***ing frustrating’ but it’s not something I resent at all. I’m very proud of my family and have been blessed to have had a head-start by being introduced to some amazing people in the industry.” Freddie has already made quite a name for himself, having appeared in the BBC version of Charles Dickens’ The Mystery of Edwin Drood and the 2011 Hollywood film, The Three Musketeers, along with theatre productions such as Noel Coward’s Hay Fever and Hampstead
Freddie’s charm washes over me like a stiff cocktail after a long day and I am instantly elated Theatre’s The Judas Kiss opposite Rupert Everett, to name a few. In many ways, Freddie has followed in his thespian family’s footsteps in terms of the roles he has chosen; his father is most noted for his effortless depiction of uppermiddle class gentlemen during his acclaimed career while sister Emilia made her debut appearance in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, alongside her mother, before going on to star in countless other roles. This year, the actor starred in The Riot Club, a film adaptation of Laura Wade’s Posh, a play loosely based on the elite Bullingdon Club at Oxford University which included notable ex-members David Cameron, George Osborne and Boris Johnson. Freddie plays the president of the Oxford University club who, like his peers, has an
FEATURE
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Freddie Fox in The Three Musketeers (2011)
unbridled sense of entitlement and arrogance. Starring alongside close friends Douglas Booth and Sam Claflin, Freddie says it was an incredibly fun set to work on. “We definitely drank a lot and went to parties together, all in the name of posh research of course,” he confesses, laughing. Like the characters in the film, Freddie and co-star Douglas have been classed somewhat disparagingly in their own elite group, known as the ‘Corset Crew’: members are recognised for their penchant for period dramas, good looks and middle class backgrounds and also include Emma Watson and Eddie Redmayne. While many would become irritated by such a stereotype, Freddie doesn’t let it bother him and shrewdly observes it can be useful: “It’s just an easy tabloid slogan, isn’t it? I don’t resent it as in many ways it keeps me in the rent. It’s a bit silly and narrowing but it doesn’t particularly affect my career so I don’t mind.” Educated at Bryanston boarding school in Dorset, I ask Freddie whether he was ever part of a clique. “No I don’t think I was. I had quite an eclectic mix of friends from the geeky lot, the sporty lot and the smoker lot… I was somewhere in the middle.” While admitting he was a bit of a “goody-two-shoes at school”, I get the impression that Freddie isn’t giving me the full story as
he expresses how trying new things is all part of growing up and he was therefore “peer pressured as much as the next guy, and happily so.” Although by no means ashamed of being associated with his family, Freddie still wants to stand out as his own person and to have his own “identifiable flavour” rather than “being branded together in a Fox flavour set” so he has tackled a number of diverse roles to avoid being typecasted. For instance, his first big break after finishing at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama was playing a cross-dressing singer called Marilyn in a biopic about Boy George. Shortly, Freddie will star in a TV series called Cucumber, which explores the Manchester gay scene across different generations. Playing a Mancunian nymphomaniac, it is a world apart from his character in The Riot Club. What first attracted him to the role? “Funnily enough, it was the fact that the character was called Freddie,” he laughs. “Piers Wenger [head of drama at Channel 4] then told me what amazing scripts they were and convinced me to read them. I can honestly say that they were the best I’ve ever read outside the theatre; they are the most engaging, dynamic, diverse and moving. I read it and fell in love with it and thought, ‘oh f*** if I can get this, I will be a very happy man’.”
Freddie has many acting heroes but his greatest role model has always been his father
FEATURE
If this isn’t enough to convince you to watch the series, which is set for release in January, the prospect of hearing Freddie successfully tackle a Mancunian accent will. He took a method approach in order to master the accent, speaking in it constantly and spending hours listening to the likes of Brian Cox and Russell Watson on a Dictaphone. A committed actor, he believes the devil’s all in the detail: “Accent for me has always been the first way into a character so I never want to hear my own voice in my head.” Freddie has just wrapped up filming Paul McGuigan’s Victor Frankenstein, alongside James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe, due for release next autumn. He plays Finnegan, a character not in the original plot, whom he describes as young, affluent but sociopathic, and he enjoyed working with McAvoy and Radcliffe: “It was great fun and interestingly not intimidating despite them both being of such high calibre. Being a theatrical cast, it was very liberating because we were able to try out new things and you didn’t have to get it right first time round, which was great.” Freddie has many acting heroes but his greatest role model is his father: “My dad is a big hero for me and I’ve always said that; films like The Day of the Jackal are just timeless.” Like him, Freddie is far more of a country person than a city dweller at heart: “I see how happy dad is in his garden in the country and I imagine that will be me one day.” In perhaps his more flamboyant moments, he has even toyed with the idea of becoming a fisherman but after much thought, has now settled on playing one instead. Finding it difficult to switch off, Freddie will escape the chaos of London and head back to the countryside to spend Christmas with his family. What a memorable game of charades that will be. As part of its Numb3rs Appeal, the UK Government will match all donations from the carol concert pound for pound. For more details visit notanumb3r.org, or to purchase a carol concert ticket call 01722 790111
The Judas Kiss - Freddie Fox and Rupert Everett ©Manuel Harlan
Photography: Catherine Ashmore
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ELIZABETH STREET SW1
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www.devroomen.co.uk 59 Elizabeth Street, London SW1W 9PP, 020 7730 1901
collection
In the Spotlight Nothing says timeless elegance quite like a Piaget watch. The luxury brand has been creating the finest jewellery watches for the world’s most celebrated women – including Jackie Kennedy and Sophia Loren – since the 1960s and it is a legacy upheld to this day. This year the house is reinventing its iconic Limelight collection once again with a collection of jewellery timepieces inspired by the shape of diamond solitaires. The oval-shaped case of each piece imitates the outline of the classic solitaire diamond, set with one carat of fine diamonds, while the emerald version mirrors the traditional rectangular cut from the house’s fine jewellery collections. Adding the elegant and feminine black satin strap makes this the perfect evening accessory, whether dressed up or pared down. piaget.com
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WORLD
of WATCHES BY RICHARD BROWN
Bird Song Being able to call on 276 years of watchmaking history, it’s perhaps no surprise that today Jaquet Droz makes some of the most beautiful timepieces in the world. Its Bird Repeater Open Work is a case in point. On its dial, the remarkable minute repeater features two blue tits feeding their fledglings. As the watch chimes the time, the birds spread their wings, a waterfall tumbles and an egg is hatched. More works of art than mere wristwatches, only eight of the 508-component-comprising creations will be made. Bird Repeater Open Work, POA, Jaquet Droz jaquet-droz.com
Taste for Titanium Richard Mille timepieces may have become status symbols for the super-rich but behind the glamour is a brand dedicated to producing some of the planet’s most high-tech wristwatches. The brand’s most recent invention, the athletic-looking RM 33-01 Automatic, sports Mille’s new skeletonised RMXP3 caliber, which comprises an off-centre platinum micro rotor. The tripartite case, with a diameter of 45.70mm and a thickness of 9.20mm, is mounted on a rubber strap secured with a folding clasp in grade 5 titanium. Water-resistant to 30 meters, the watch will be available from next year in titanium, red gold or white gold. RM 33-01 Automatic, POA Richard Mille richardmille.com
Going for Gold
One to Watch Each month we select our timepiece of the moment from the watch world’s most exciting creations:
This year heralded the launch of three new Cellini models – gorgeous dress watches that prove Rolex is as adept at producing pieces for the boardroom as it is for the deep blue sea. The Cellini Dual Time features an elegant sun and moon day/night indicator and will show the time in two separate time zones Cellini Dual Time, £12,900, Rolex, rolex.com
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Parmigiani Fleurier has unveiled a red gold version of its Bugatti Super Sport. The watch will feature the Calibre Parmigiani 372, a movement designed along two planes, which has a power reserve of 10 days. Manufacturing every component of its watches itself, Parmigiani only employs external companies for rubies, sapphire crystals and leather straps, which it gets from Hermès. Only 30 of this Bugatti Super Sport will be made. Prepare to part with £185,000 before tax if you want one. parmigiani.ch
Swiss movement, English heart
C9 HARRISO N BIG D AY- D AT E A U TOM ATIC Made in Switzerland / Modified ETA 2836-2 automatic movement with Big Day-Date complication by Johannes Jahnke / 38 hour power reserve / 43mm, Hand-polished, 316L stainless steel case / Anti-reflective sapphire crystal / Exhibition case-back / Italian leather strap with Bader deployment
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JEWELLERY BY OLIVIA SHARPE
La Vie Bohème
Masters of Modern Jewellery 2014 This year, the ground-breaking jewellery exhibition of 1961, which was curated by Graham Hughes, the art director of Goldsmiths Hall, and credited for kick-starting a wave of jewellerymaking talent, has been revived by the Beetles & Huxley Gallery in Mayfair. Taking up Hughes’ mantle, jewellery expert Joanna Hardy curated the show, which opened a month ago and presents jewellery from the Art Deco period to the present day. Alongside beautiful vintage pieces from the 1920s, 30s and 50s by the likes of René Boivin and Louis Boucheron will be contemporary designs by emerging jewellery designers, including Central Saint Martins’ graduate Noor Fares and Monique Daniels.
Proving that it’s moved on so much from the days when it was known chiefly as a luxury pen brand, Montblanc has released its latest jewellery collection, Bohème. The understated and refined jewellery collection remains very much in keeping with the brand aesthetic and features classic silver and gold pieces that have been created for a sophisticated, discerning woman, including a beautiful gold bangle in pink gold with diamond pavé and a pair of simple silver hoop earrings with white sparkling lacquer. Bohème, available in Montblanc boutiques montblanc.com
Masters of Modern Jewellery 2014, curated by Joanna Hardy Until 13 December Beetles & Huxley 3-5 Swallow Street, W1B 4DE beetlesandhuxley.com
Cutting Edge Renowned designer Zaha Hadid recently collaborated with jewellery house Azid and Walid Mouzannar on a unique design; this Petal Cuff was hand-crafted using 18-karat white gold and is set with 1,048 white diamonds.
“Our collaboration takes full advantage of Alia’s expertise and Dori’s knowledge to explore the beauty of natural forms and the unique properties of its materials. Alia’s work celebrates materiality and composition in the rich history and traditions of Lebanon’s jewellers...” Zaha Hadid
Once in a Blue Moon
Marco Bicego has become well-known for his natural approach to designing jewellery, hand-making each of his pieces in 18-karat gold. The designer has chosen to return to his roots and pay homage to nature in a new collection called Lunaria, inspired by the beautiful Lunaria Annua flower. Comprising necklaces, rings, bracelets and cuffs, each piece features irregular, disc-shaped pods to represent the flower’s seedpods and has been hand-crafted using the signature Bullino technique: a special tool gives all of the brand’s pieces their unique fine brushed texture. Lunaria collection, exclusive to Harvey Nichols Prices start from £1,000 harveynichols.com
with Vogue jewellery editor Carol Woolton Carol Woolton’s new book, Floral Jewels, explores how the flower has been a source of inspiration for the world’s leading fine jewellery designers throughout the ages
Like a Charm In time for Christmas, Harry Winston has launched three new diamond charms, each of which pays tribute to a signature motif of the jewellery house. The Fifth Avenue Vault charm takes inspiration from Harry Winston’s iconic flagship store by featuring a vault door which reveals a hidden surface; this can be engraved with a personal message. Similarly, the Diamond Gates Heart charm reinterprets the New York flagship with round brilliant and baguette-cut diamonds while the Diamond Cluster Heart charm captures the timeless beauty of this enduring design with rows of exquisite brilliant and pear-shaped diamonds. harrywinston.com
True Chromance There’s no doubting Solange Azagury-Partridge’s passion for colour and her latest collection, Chromance, is a true testament to this love affair. The kaleidoscopic line includes the Chlorophyll necklace in an intense emerald green and the Spectrum earrings which can be transformed into a necklace for a miraculous day to evening metamorphosis. solange.co.uk
Best Shot In a move to bring a more contemporary edge to the heritage brand, William & Son has collaborated with award-winning jewellery designer Sarah Ho on a range of cocktail rings. Each of the four pieces (£4,800) draws upon Ho’s signature style as well as her own unique take on the William & Son’s shotgun engraving, creating a perfect blend of the old and the new. Commenting on the collaboration, head of jewellery at William & Son Clémence Mérat said: “Our stories and history are so similar yet so different; working together came very naturally.” With their modern design, they’re the perfect night-time accessory.
Q: Which jewellery house do you think has captured the flower most accurately? A: Flowers are subject to trends like anything else and I believe there are certain designers who have captured their period. Tiffany’s enamel orchid, for instance, encapsulated the era of the Golden Age in New York and the wealthy industrialists who were vying to have the most exotic hot house. Dior has created a whole collection of flowers for a new generation; they’re bold, exotic, poisonous, lacquered and vibrant. Q: You mention how environmental concerns have resulted in the current trend for wildflowers; could you elaborate on this? A: I think we’re all much more aware of the simplicity of nature and the need to protect it. Meadow flowers like buttercups and primroses, for example, will resonate with people as they realise how important it is that we maintain natural beauty. René Lalique was one of the first to create a fashion for looking at humbler flowers in a way that had never happened before. Q: What was the biggest revelation you found when going through the jewellery archives? A: It’s extraordinary when you get to see how scraps of drawings transform into these beautiful three-dimensional objects. The Cartier archive is astonishing; I was privileged enough to see some of the original botanical books that its designers worked from in the 19th century. Q: If you had to base a collection around a flower, which one would you choose? A: I love the hydrangea because it maintains its structure. Most flowers lose their petals and fall apart as they wilt, whereas the hydrangea, even when it’s dying, is still rather beautiful. Q: You have said in the past that often people don’t realise the importance of jewellery; do you think this is changing? A: I think the jewellery industry has completely changed in the last 15 years. Fashion brands which now incorporate jewellery into collections have propelled people towards becoming more adventurous and, in turn, designers too. The industry is more daring, adventurous and fun. Floral Jewels: From the World’s Leading Designers, by Carol Woolton Published by Prestel, prestel.com
williamandson.com
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The Cat
Burglar Photographer:
Styling:
Jon Attenborough
Rachel Gold
Above / Balto wears double pink sapphire mushroom pendant, ÂŁ13,000, Shawish, shawish.ch/london Opposite / Esther wears rose-cut diamond choker with micro-set surround 26.26 carats, POA, David Morris, davidmorris.com
Above / Esther wears rose-cut diamond and sapphire necklace, POA, David Morris, davidmorris.com Opposite / Balto wears sweet pea, vivid blue Ceylon sapphires and diamond necklace, POA, Boodles, boodles.com photographer’s assistant: Andrew Magurran With thanks to Balto and Esther. Please be assured that both animals were accompanied by their handlers for the duration of the shoot, whose sole role was to assure their happiness and comfort
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COLLECTION
Flights of
Fancy Olivia Sharpe looks at the coloured diamonds that have caught our imagination this year and yesteryear, and highlights how demand has reached new heights
t this year’s Baselworld, Graff unveiled the Hallucination watch. An overnight sensation, its defining feature was not, as one would expect, its complicated Swiss movement nor its astronomical $55 million price tag, but its phantasmagoria of more than 110 carats of exceptionally rare fancy coloured diamonds. The house’s chairman Laurence Graff OBE spent more than two years “scouring the world” in order to procure the stones. For him, the piece represented “the miracle of coloured diamonds” while for us, it revealed that these precious jewels are clearly having a moment. Graff is not the only jeweller to be making headlines. Harry Winston broke records this year for its acquisition of the ‘Winston Blue’. Purchased at Christie’s Geneva auction for approximately $24 million, the 13.22-carat, flawless, Fancy Vivid blue diamond is considered to be the largest of its kind. This managed to trump Laurence Graff’s earlier purchase of a 100.09 carat Fancy Vivid yellow cushion modified brilliant diamond for $16.3 million, a world record for this jewel. And yet, the ‘king of diamonds’ still holds
the title of having paid the highest price of any gem or jewel when he bought the ‘Graff Pink’ at Sotheby’s Geneva auction for a phenomenal $46.2 million in 2010. Sales figures show how the value of fancy coloured diamonds has risen dramatically over the past few decades and their demand is now unprecedented, as highlighted by the increased offering of pink, yellow and blue diamonds and the swelling body of consumers willing to pay the hefty prices. Head of jewellery at Christie’s London Keith Penton comments: “Across the board we have seen an increased appetite in the first half of the year for fancy coloured diamonds of the most vivid hues”. While coloured diamonds have always been sought after, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the market really began to open up, says Laurence Graff. “In the 1980s and in the past five to 10 years,
Clockwise from top right / Pendant with a Fancy Intense yellow diamond, from the 2013 Blue Book Collection, POA, Tiffany & Co.; Ivy earrings, POA, Boodles
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the growth has accelerated as more people have become aware of their extreme rarity,” he explains. “Increased demand has been coupled with a scarcity of exceptional examples coming onto the market.” The influential businessman – who has bought and sold the most famous diamonds in the world and was awarded an OBE for his services to the jewellery industry in 2013 – has played an instrumental part in stimulating this growth. In 1970, Graff released its now iconic ‘Hair & Jewel’ campaign featuring a model wearing a million dollars’ worth of diamond jewels in her hair. The ostentatious image proved ground-breaking and in turn, illustrated how the jeweller was one step ahead of the game when it came to predicting the current trend for coloured diamonds. In the 1980s, when the very first pink diamonds were discovered at the Argyle Mine in Western Australia, Graff purchased the entire tender and set them into a flower brooch which was then sold to the Sultan of Brunei just hours after it was made. The following decade, the house secured a supply of exquisite yellow diamonds – these have since become its signature stone. So why now has the demand for coloured diamonds reached an all-time high? For Laurence Graff, the answer lies in rarity, an argument that is widely shared by the rest of the industry. “In my experience, quality and rarity are the two factors that most influence collectors,” says Keith Penton. “Compared to other categories, jewellery has the added advantage of being a highly portable asset. In the last few seasons records have continually been broken as competition reaches new heights for the most exceptional items.” According to David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby’s international jewellery division in Europe and the Middle East, the last decade has witnessed large incremental gains in the coloured diamond market due to small supply and increasing demand, and the last three to four years have seen very strong growth for big diamonds of the highest quality, in particular. He notes that globalisation in the last ten years has transformed the market, with collectors from 70 countries bidding in
Sotheby’s jewellery auctions worldwide in 2013 and a total of 30 countries represented in the Geneva May 2014 sale. Roughly a third of the auction house’s buyers come from North America, Europe and Asia, with “new buyers making up 24 per cent of the total in 2013, with strong new participation from Asia”. While red diamonds are the rarest in the coloured diamond family, pink diamonds are also reputably scarce. The only significant known source is the Argyle Diamond Mine, which is owned by Rio Tinto and produces more than 90 per cent of the world’s supply. Due to their rarity (they are the only coloured diamonds whereby the colour is not the result of an impurity but of extreme pressure beneath the earth’s surface), investors are urgently stocking up their supplies before resources are depleted. Calleija is the only Argyle pink diamond atelier in the UK and one of the jeweller’s latest treasures is an unusual but no doubt exquisite Argyle Tender 1.13-carat FIPP heartshaped pink diamond. At this year’s Basel, experts noted how, despite traditional shapes including round brilliants and emerald cuts remaining popular, judging by some of the jewels on display at the trade show, there had clearly been a surge in demand for fancy shapes (Baselworld Daily News, 31 March 2014). The fascination with coloured diamonds has trickled down into the rest of the industry, with jewellers constantly interpreting these stones in new and exciting ways. Along with Calleija, another brand to have fallen for the heart shape is Parisian jeweller Messika; for the first time this year, it introduced a heartshaped 7-carat pink diamond, fashioned into an exquisite ring. British jeweller David Morris is similarly well-known for using pink
“The growth has accelerated as more people are aware of their extreme rarity” - Laurence Graff
Clockwise from left / Recreation of 1970 ‘Hair & Jewel’ image featuring 22 jewels worth half-a-billion dollars, Graff; Ivy necklace, POA, Boodles; Aurora necklace, POA, Boodles; Pink diamond ring, POA, Tiffany & Co; The ‘Winston Blue’ Fancy Vivid blue diamond, Harry Winston; Lot 51 2014 Argyle Tender 1.13-carats FIPP Heart Shape, POA, Calleija; Soleste earrings with yellow and white diamonds, POA, Tiffany & Co.
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diamonds to great effect and in tribute to this, Jeremy Morris created a curated collection of pink diamond haute couture jewellery for the 2014 Biennale des Antiquaires. Although pink diamonds have a wide market, Boodles director and head gemstone buyer Jody Wainwright notes that yellow diamonds remain the most popular when it comes to engagement rings. Celebrities have played their part in this trend, with the likes of Heidi Klum and Adele having famously sported yellow diamond engagement rings. Graff is famous for being the supplier of the largest and rarest Natural yellow diamonds and it demonstrated this at Baselworld 2014 when it unveiled a spectacular yellow and white diamond Fringe necklace. Having taken inspiration from childhood memories of her father Andre (a well-known figure in the diamond trade) playing with precious gems, Valerie Messika has reimagined her Move bangle – originally designed in white diamonds – with three
Yellow diamonds remain the most popular when it comes to coloured engagement rings sliding yellow diamonds representing the ‘love of yesterday, today and tomorrow’. The limited edition set of 10 will be available exclusively at Harrods from December. With the industry currently saturated with coloured diamonds, buyers are being drawn to unconventional hues. Hall 3 at Basel was awash with different coloured jewels, from a 2.02 carat green oval at A.A. Rachminov Diamonds to an array of fancy brown diamonds at Aditya Gems. Oranges, too, proved very popular and Boodles’ Jody Wainwright confides that he was recently on the hunt for a 3-carat vivid orange but has only discovered two stones. However, the diamond expert advocates that fine pinks and blues still make for the best investments, not to mention reds which “are at the top of the tree.” In Tiffany & Co.’s 2013 Blue Book collection, the jeweller presented a rare brilliant Fancy Vivid green diamond ring, along with traditional coloured diamonds. While trends in terms of shape and colour will no doubt evolve, there is one thing which experts are certain will remain constant; the high demand for top quality fancy coloured diamonds. With Christie’s having achieved $154m for its Geneva auction on 14 May – the highest total ever achieved for a jewellery sale – Keith Penton believes that there “seems to be no slowing down in demand for the best of the best as we commence the second half of the season”.
Clockwise from top left / Butterfly ring from the Butterfly and Palm collection, POA, David Morris; Move bangle with yellow diamonds, £14,800, Messika, exclusive to Harrods; Hallucination watch, Graff Diamonds; Fancy Vivid green diamond ring, POA, Tiffany & Co.
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spotlight
Picture Perfect
Life is made up of special moments, from weddings and children being born to anniversaries and birthdays. Condé Nast Portrait is now available to capture these memories forever in hand-finished books, glossy magazines and digital products in the unparalleled and iconic Condé Nast style. Clients will have access to the finest photographers, editors, film-makers and archive content to create a very personal story, whether a filmed interview with a businessman reflecting on his career or a destination photo session in the style of Vogue, with top make-up artists and stylists. This is the ultimate offering in personalised publications and is certainly something to keep in mind when coming up with that extra special gift this Christmas. cnportrait.com
© Condé Nast
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Illustration: Mai Osawa
Oh, Christmas Tree
kensington
& chelsea
Let the Christmas celebrations begin with some festive cheer at the annual BT Christmas Concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Hosted by presenter Chris Hollins, the evening will include a mix of rousing Christmas tunes, from traditional carols such as O Come, All Ye Faithful and The Twelve Days of Christmas to favourite chart hits, including White Christmas, Jingle Bells and Santa Baby. Special guest Amira Willighagen will sing Ave Maria and O Holy Night accompanied by the London Concert Orchestra. The evening will finish with an exciting indoor firework finale. BT Christmas Concert, 15 December royalalberthall.com
A Doll’s World Revealing the fascinating stories behind some of the UK’s most loved dolls’ houses, the Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood’s exhibition, Small Stories: At Home in a Dolls’ House will feature 12 dolls’ houses from the past 300 years, highlighting the progression in history of the home, everyday lives and changing family relationships. Encompassing everything from country mansions and Georgian townhouses to newly-built council estates and high-rise apartments, the exhibition will be displayed chronologically in order to illustrate developments in architecture and design throughout the centuries. Some of the highlights will include The Tate Baby House – dating from 1760 and passed through five or six generations – and The Killer House, which had been a gift from surgeon John Egerton Killer to his wife and daughters in the 1830s.
Small Stories: At Home in a Dolls’ House, 13 December 2014 – 6 September 2015; V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA; museumofchildhood.org.uk
Clockwise from top left/ Whiteladies House by Moray Thomas, England, 1935; Tate Baby House, England, 1760; Killer Cabinet Dolls' House, England, 1830-1839 All images courtesy of Victoria and Albert Museum, London
spotlight on Kensington, Chelsea & knightsbridge: news, events, reviews & local interest stories
SPOTLIGHT
Horsing Around The world’s biggest equestrian Christmas party returns to the capital once more with The London International Horse Show, showcasing the best horsemanship from around the world. Now in its 107th year, the show hosts the FEI World Cup competitions in show jumping, dressage and extreme carriage driving. Headline acts not to be missed include the world-famous Ukrainian Cossack Stunt Team, and old favourites such as the Shetland Pony Grand National and the Kennel Club Dog Agility team. Aside from horses, the Olympia Horse Show will also feature an incredible shopping village selling a unique range of goods from all things equestrian to fashion, jewellery, novelty items and fine art, making it the perfect stop for those last-minute Christmas presents. The London International Horse Show, 16-22 December, Olympia; olympiahorseshow.com Photography / Kit Houghton (main image and left); Peter Nixon (top left)
Dates for the Diary Sound Seekers' fundraising Christmas concert will include a performance from special guest Duette, a wine and mince pie reception and a raffle for prizes such as a fabulous pair of Jimmy Choo shoes. The wonderful evening of music will enable Sound Seekers to deliver more projects in countries such as Sierra Leone, giving young people with hearing loss the ability to participate in education and employment. 3 December, Holy Trinity Church, SW1X 9BZ sound-seekers.org.uk Carols, mulled wine and celebrity readings by Jane Asher, Martyn Lewis and Betty Boothroyd, as well as songs from the Royal Brompton’s own Singing for Breathing group, will ensure this evening is the most heartwarming of festive occasions in the run-up to Christmas. 11 December, Holy Trinity Brompton Church, SW7 3NX; rbhcharity.org/carol-concert
A London Safari With busy work schedules and the desire to steer clear of weekend crowds, it might be hard to find time to visit the wonderful museums in London. Therefore, why not spend an exciting evening at the Natural History Museum for the adult-oriented, after-hours Night Safari filled with interactive talks from leading scientists, a drinks reception, and a chance to see rare specimens? The focus of the evening will be on the endangered elements of the natural world. You will find out first-hand about ongoing research behind-the-scenes at the Natural History Museum with talks on freshwater swamp fish in Borneo, botany with regard to habitat loss and the exploitation of endangered species in trade. After the discussion enjoy a drink (or two) with museum scientists at the bar in the Hintze Hall. Afterhours Night Safari: Endangered, 9 December, doors open at 7pm Natural History Museum; nhm.ac.uk After Hours events © NHM
spotlight on Kensington, Chelsea & knightsbridge: news, events, reviews & local interest stories
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Best Outside the Borough Get lost in a world of Edwardian elegance on an enchanted Christmas Eve upon which snowflakes begin to fall and a certain nutcracker comes to life. The English National Ballet will bring holiday classic and acclaimed ballet The Nutcracker to the stage once again this year at the London Coliseum, with two of the industry’s biggest stars, Katja Khaniukova and Ken Saruhashi, performing the lead roles. Bringing to life the popular score by Tchaikovsky, the Orchestra of the English National Ballet will perform Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Waltz of the Flowers, making for a truly magical evening. English National Ballet’s Nutcracker at London Coliseum 11 December 2014 – 4 January 2015 ballet.org.uk Photography: Annabel Moeller
Photography: Arnaud Stephenson
It’s a Fascinating World Both educational and entertaining, the annual Children’s Lecture from the Royal Geographical Society is a wonderful afternoon event for the family. This year’s interactive lecture, How We Make Stuff, will be given by award-winning author Christiane Dorion in which she playfully explores how everyday objects are made from nature and describes the process of turning trees into paper, what rubber ducks are made of, the link between gorillas and mobile phones, and many more topics. After the lecture little ones can munch on biscuits and squash as a giant walk-on map is laid out and Geography Ambassadors run fun activities. Children’s Lecture by the Royal Geographical Society, 13 December, 2.30pm Tickets intended for members who wish to bring guests with them Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, SW7 2AR; rgs.org
Animal Love A feast of ethical treats for the mind, soul and stomach await you at the annual Animal Aid Christmas Fayre. Help our furry friends by supporting principled companies and animal-free food producers as the fayre brings together 100 animal-friendly and eco-conscious exhibitors under one roof, ranging from delicious handmade chocolates courtesy of Cocoa Feliz to organic bath and beauty products by Lush. Try a heavenly dessert from Pudology or a savoury treat from Mr. Nice Pie as you browse for unique holiday gifts such as up-cycled jewellery or skincare products from Heavenly Organics & Honesty. The fayre helps to support rescue centres looking after animals in the UK or abroad and raises awareness of the work of animal charities and campaign groups; all the more reason to pay a visit. Animal Aid Christmas Fayre, 7 December (10am-5pm) Kensington Town Hall, Horton Street, W8 7NX; animalaid.org.uk
spotlight on Kensington, Chelsea & knightsbridge: news, events, reviews & local interest stories
SPOTLIGHT
Kensington’s Hero Exploring many fascinating stories from the London district during the war years, Kensington in the Great War by author Geoff Inglis depicts stories of everyday people during the war, from Mrs. Dorothy Peel and her attempts to teach the nation how to make food economically to quirky magistrates and stroppy butchers. The life of the mayor of Kensington during the Great War and hero of the book, William Davidson, is analysed with regards to his efforts with the 22nd Royal Fusiliers and his overall organising energy in the early years of the war. Author Inglis’s exhaustive research combined with Mayor Davidson’s own wartime cuttings provides the novel with invaluable insight into the happenings of Kensington during the Great War.
A Dose of Modern If out-of-place loos and large metal ants aren't your cup of tea when it comes to modern art, head to the Crane Kalman Gallery to enjoy a milder approach to the wide interpretation of ‘modern’ art. Focusing on British artwork from the late 19th century to present day, paintings and sculptures by artists such as L.S. Lowry and Henry Moore will show the progression and trends in this genre. From vivid oil paintings of flowers to subdued watercolours of the fields of Kent and captivating pencil sketches, the exhibition is a delightful mix of artistic mediums. Modern British Art, 6 November – 17 January, Crane Kalman Gallery, 178 Brompton Road, SW3 1HQ cranekalman.com Matthew Smith, Still Life with Fruit
Kensington in the Great War, £12.99 pen-and-sword.co.uk
Story Time Winter is a season that has inspired some of the most magical and heartwarming stories in history. A Treasury of Wintertime Tales from Taschen is a rich and colourful compilation of these enchanting stories dating between 1823 and 1972, featuring authors and illustrators from American, German, Hungarian, Italian, Mexican, Russian and Swedish descent. This winter cosy up with a mug of hot chocolate and share the stories of snowflakes coming to life, losing one’s mittens, encounters with the Sami people in Northern Scandinavia, celebrating Chinese New Year, and much more. Each tale has been chosen for inspiring artwork and a soulful plot, capturing the imaginations of young and old alike. A Treasury of Wintertime Tales, £24.99 taschen.com
Who’s Your Mama? What do you get when you mix East London with a dose of New York creativity and Middle Eastern chic alongside West London exclusivity? London’s largest pop-up shop courtesy of Suzi Almulla Brown, also known as Mama Brown, of course. Taking over the cavernous, gritty space of the old Victorian postal sorting warehouse on the King’s Road, the pop-up shop will return this year, bigger and better than before. The industrial vibe fused with ultra-modern finishes will transport shoppers to an eclectic shopping extravaganza, featuring a custom-built bar with extra-long communal tables serving as catwalks for regular runway presentations, drinks courtesy of S2 Drinks Ltd, a plethora of designers and artists from the likes of luxe beachwear brand Emmanuela Swimwear and fine cashmere label Tania, all against the backdrop of the pop-up’s house DJs. Mama Brown’s Pop-Up 25 November – 10 December 232 King’s Road, SW3 5RL mamabrowns.net
One-Stop Shop If Christmas shopping has overwhelmed and you're never sure who to buy what, mark on your calendar the dates for the Chelsea Christmas Gift Fair which will bring more than 60 exhibitors together under one roof. Selling quality fashion, jewellery, childrenswear, homeware and delicious food and drink, you can buy gifts for the whole family, all the while sipping on a warm cup of mulled wine to keep you going. For those with a sweet tooth, we recommend a visit to artisan chocolatier Cocoa Runners, to find a gift for a foodie friend, and if jewellery is what you're after Ana Verdun’s stall will offer a selection of tasteful, elegant, and fun pieces. Chelsea Christmas Gift Fair, 12-14 December Chelsea Old Town Hall, SW3 5EE £3 admission; chelseachristmasgiftfair.com
spotlight on Kensington, Chelsea & knightsbridge: news, events, reviews & local interest stories
055
Life
Literacy for
Did you know that 774 million people – 16 per cent of the world’s population – are illiterate, or that of these, two-thirds are women and 250 million children? Annabel Harrison finds out more about Room to Read, an inspiring charity dedicated to tackling the global issue because it believes, as Nelson Mandela did, that ‘world change starts with educated children’ Room to Read founder John Wood
For a charity that’s all
about the power of words, Room to Read does remarkably well with numbers. Nine million. That’s the number of children it has provided access to better education since 2000. 16,000 and 1,800; these are the number of libraries and schools established in Asia and Africa in the same amount of time. More than 14.5 million children’s books have been distributed (both in English and 27 different local languages) and 25,000 girls have been supported by Room to Read’s Girls’ Education programme. These numbers are impressive. However, for every positive achievement and pound raised, there is a sobering statistic to counter it. Despite the large numbers Room to Read has helped out of a lifetime of illiteracy, there are 61 million primary school-aged children still out of school across the world, without access to education, let alone books. As a child
who read voraciously, clambering up my shelves to reclaim the book my mother had moved to the top shelf in an attempt to stop me reading into the night, this is staggering. I have vivid memories of poring over, first with my parents and then by myself, The Lady with the Alligator Purse, The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me, A Little Princess and The Chalet School series. I adored libraries and bookshops (and still do), spending most school holidays with my nose in a book and rereading my favourites dozens of times. It made me imaginative, inquisitive and informed, and my vocabulary grew much quicker than it would have done by any other means. Quite simply, I can’t imagine a life without being able to read, and I’m sure you can’t either. I was sharply reminded of how lucky I am to have had access to this world of learning when I came across a book called Leaving Microsoft to Change the World a few years ago. It included these simple, powerful words spoken by a headmaster in Nepal that stayed with me: “We are too poor to afford education. But until we have education we will always be poor”. The man who left Microsoft and founded Room to Read in 2000, after a life-changing trip upon which he met this headmaster
SPOTLIGHT
want TO GET INVOLVED? If you’re disillusioned by making charitable donations but having no idea how your contribution has helped, Room to Read’s local office in South Kensington has a number of donation opportunities that allow donors to see exactly how they’re helping children across Asia and Africa. World of Words (£30,000) This package includes sponsorship of a first grade class at a school in Africa or Asia (they will learn to read and write in their local language) and of a school library, to support an entire primary school in fostering a love of reading. Build a Bookworm (£20,000) This provides children with their own space to explore and learn by constructing – from foundation up – a freestanding library, filled with books, at their school and sponsorship of its first graders to learn to read and write. R is for Reading (£10,000) This option provides all the first graders at a school with a trained literacy teacher as well as the materials required and an engaging environment to help them learn to read and write in their local language. Inspire an Imagination (£5,000) Provide 5,000 books to children across RTR schools. These books have all been commissioned for the libraries through local authors and illustrators and are published by Room to Read for children to check out and share with others. Train a Teacher (£3,500) Support teachers in becoming trained librarians by providing the environment and tools required to integrate a love of reading into their lesson plans. Donate a Decade (£1,500) Help to enroll and keep girls in school through graduation with a decade of support for a girl on Room to Read’s Girls’ Education Programme. London Chapter Volunteer If you’d rather donate your time and energy, consider joining Room to Read’s London Chapter: there are 50 chapters worldwide comprising more than 11,000 volunteers and these chapters collectively raise approximately 30 per cent of Room to Read’s annual operating budget. To enquire about making a donation, contact Sarah Myers Cornaby, Director, Europe and Africa (020 7590 0042 / sarah.myerscornaby@roomtoread.org); email london@ roomtoread.org about volunteering for the London Chapter Room to Read UK is a registered charity no. 1125803
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SPOTLIGHT
in Nepal, is John Wood. He was staggered, upon visiting the school’s library, to find only a locked box containing a handful of worn travellers’ books and certainly nothing suitable for a school-age child. This was the catalyst for launching Room to Read, which has developed into one of the fastest-growing non-profit organisations in history; it currently operates in South Africa, Sri Lanka, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Zambia, India, Tanzania, Nepal and Bangladesh, seeking to transform the lives of children in these developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. There is no doubt that John’s business acumen and experience gained while working for a fast-paced, multi-national corporation such as Microsoft, as well as
There are still 61 million primary school-aged children out of school across the world a can-do, positive attitude that I’ve witnessed first-hand, have been critical to Room to Read’s success. For every $1 Room to Read receives, 84 cents goes directly to programmes and for this it has been awarded Charity Navigator’s highest four-star rating for sound fiscal management, a recognition that only one per cent of their rated charities can claim, for eight years in a row. It maintains a diversified donor base with 51 per cent of funding coming from outside North America and it’s moving with the times; it was chosen as Twitter’s first Corporate Social Innovation partner. I find John’s story a most inspiring example of how much can be achieved when an ambitious and successful businessperson turns their talents to non-profit ventures. What Room to Read does not do is offer hand-outs. One of its key aims is to build community capacity; for example, as part of the book publishing programme, workshops are held with local authors and illustrators to
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empower a growing pool of local talent and thus enabling more books in local languages to be published. Investing locally is also critical; teams from the community are hired and empowered to run in-country operations, and Room to Read partners with local communities and challenges them to co-invest in each project, ensuring their active participation and sense of ownership. Programme success is also tracked exhaustively (no doubt a positive hangover from John’s Microsoft days); during the first three years after a library is established, for example, site visits are conducted every three months to assess progress, offer training and provide additional books and educational materials. I spent an evening last month at Room to Read’s annual London fundraising dinner at which speeches were given by Maureen Simunchembu, Room to Read’s Literacy Director in Zambia and the spirited Esther Kanyanta, a graduate of the Girls’ Education Programme, who spoke powerfully about the impact Room to Read has had on her life. John Wood also spoke, reiterating his belief that “no child should be denied the right to a quality education that enables them to reach their full potential and contribute to their community and the world”. The whole room was moved by a 90-second video entitled Do Not Read This (I’d urge you to check it out on YouTube) and an astounding £1.77 million was raised, showing Londoners’ generosity of spirit. I think that the owner of each hand shooting into the air had been reminded, as I was, just how much an education means to us all. roomtoread.org
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Original, limited-edition Art Deco posters by leading artists
Limited to editions of 280, our Art Deco-inspired posters have been printed on 100% cotton fine art paper using traditional techniques. They are signed, hand-numbered and bear our embossed stamp of authenticity. Each poster is approximately 97 x 65 cms (38 x 26 inches). Price: ÂŁ395 each inc. VAT, unframed
Pullman Editions Ltd 94 Pimlico Road Chelsea London SW1W 8PL www.pullmaneditions.com Tel: +44 (0)20 7730 0547 Email: georgina@pullmaneditions.com
Our central London gallery
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ART ANTIQUES BY CAROL CORDREY
Russian Painter’s Iconic Style Figurative paintings by Russian born artist Timur D’Vatz are a fabulous mix of influences and historic references but the most important fact about them is their quality. D’Vatz honed his elegant style and meticulous painting techniques at art college in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, before arriving in London and developing his work at the Royal Academy Schools; he was awarded two coveted scholarships while studying there. Since then, he has been a BP Portrait Award exhibitor and acquired global sales of his work. Prime influences on D’Vatz have been Russian icons and, more surprisingly, Celtic mythology with its rich source of legends and symbols. These combine in intriguing narratives that demonstrate his skilful use of line and handling of paint, as well as his judgement of precisely the right amount and style of exquisite decoration to incorporate. The lavish use of gold by D’Vatz links with richly coloured Russian icon painting but the final, flawless flourish in these captivating compositions is his choice of beautiful antique frames; they don’t simply enclose the canvases but ensure that each one totally defines quality. Timur D’Vatz 4-19 December, cadogancontemporary.com
Above, from left/ The Journey; Temperance
with Anna Evans, Christie’s director and specialist head of European works of art Q: How will the Buy or Bid element of is known. We’re offering a group of seven your Interiors sale operate? ceremonial stone adze blades (obligation A: For the first time our South Kensington stones), from Papua New Guinea from buyers will be able to secure circa 1900. Carved from the highly objects for a fixed price, be it prized chloromelanite stone, these for an original gift for Christmas beautiful blades can be appreciated or simply a new addition to their not only for their usefulness but Tubogas quartz wristwatch, Bulgari home. They don’t have to bid; also because they were made they can walk in and out of for ceremonial purposes and even Christie’s with their purchase or currency. Another special piece is the Art buy via our website. Between 14 Deco Victoria Arduino coffee machine. This November and 3 December, shoppers incredibly stylish object would look wonderful in can come to Christie’s South Kensington to a contemporary kitchen or even on a coffee view the lots and buy there and then, or do bar or restaurant counter. so online from the comfort of their home. The fixed, pre-auction price is a premium. Q: Have they been set apart For anyone who wishes to wait for the Interiors because they will make good auction on 9 December, if the item they are Christmas presents? interested in has not already been sold, they A: Yes; we have selected works of art can bid in the auction where the items will be and objects that would make unique priced with auction estimates. Christmas presents. Whether people come to buy a present or something new Q: What range of artefacts will be in this new part for their home, Christie’s Buy or Bid offers of the Interiors sale and is there a prize lot? a chance to welcome new clients who are A: This sale features a wide range of items, chosen not familiar with the auction process or don’t because they are quirky and unique, as well want to wait for an auction where they as being the high quality for which Christie’s might be outbid.
Q: What range of fixed prices can we expect to see? A: Prices start at £1,040 and go up to £13,000. Interiors – Buy or Bid. Buy ahead of the auction for a fixed price from 14 November to 3 December or bid at the auction itself on 9 December Christie’s, 85 Old Brompton Road South Kensington, SW7 3LD christies.com
Large Moroccan Ammonite from the cretaceous period (145-65 MYA)
George III silver wine ewer, mark of Charles Wright, London, 1779
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ART ANTIQUES
The Best of Everything
Lamberty for Vintage & Contemporary Since 1997, Lamberty has developed into a showcase for pieces by important vintage and contemporary artists and designers that include Banksy and Mark Brazier-Jones. Across the years, it has been a favourite source of distinctive items for private and public spaces and collections around the globe. Its current, vast range includes graphic artwork by Ryan Callanan who has exhibited internationally. He transposes simple, familiar forms, such as hearts, smiley faces, phone boxes and stars, into entirely new contexts, creating innovative, thought-provoking images like Love is the Drug (below). Designs by Mark Brazier-Jones have become iconic furnishings snapped up by museums and famous world figures. His Duchess chandelier fuses vintage with contemporary styling that results in a glamorous, theatrical light effect for any room. Among Lamberty’s selection of tables is its own creation of the Moore Table, a blend of an elegant glazed top with powerful, patinated bronze legs that are reminiscent of the late Henry Moore’s abstract sculptures. Being a bespoke piece, the table can be made in preferred sizes. Lamberty, 46 Pimlico Road, SW1W 8LP lamberty.co.uk
When the founders of Interio, Jane and Marco, scoured the world for furnishings for their King’s Road store, they hand-picked items that have shown two clear hallmarks: the finest materials and the finest craftsmanship. Their new stock continues to reveal both, so from that large selection I have chosen two items that I consider to have universal appeal and which I should be proud to have in my home. Satisfying the endless London problem of storage in the most elegant of ways is the Trinity sideboard (below). Made of beautiful burr-walnut veneer with tasteful, tapered legs and a stretcher, it would make a great conversation piece as well as an ideal means of concealing items inside and displaying special ones on top. When it comes to comfort, the ideal for me is to combine it with luxury. This high-backed, winged Garrick chair provides the perfect solution and it looks certain to induce relaxation in the most frenzied of folk, especially when juxtaposed with that bottle of champagne. Interio, 555 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW6 2EB interio.co.uk
Wonderful Wildlife When it comes to casting a critical eye over wildlife art, I can claim to have a vast amount of experience garnered, joyously, through many years of being on the judging panel of the esteemed David Shepherd’s international competition, Wildlife Artist of the Year. The anatomy, gestures and facial expressions must be just right; the fur, feathers or markings, convincingly tactile. It is, without doubt, a most demanding genre. Only the most talented artists who can show that they spent hours and hours studying their subjects, rather than just drawing them, win me over. Gary Stinton is one such artist so I am therefore delighted to recommend his new exhibition. It impresses because of both the accuracy of his work and because of its scale; these are lifesize drawings. Using the very challenging medium of pastel, Stinton captures wonderfully well the texture and beauty of animal hair, fur, sensitive noses, hypnotic eyes and wiry whiskers. The poses are both realistic and emotive so as you walk through the gallery’s doors, expect to feel tense in the presence of his prowling Jaguar, utmost respect for his Cheetah and charmed by his Rothschild’s Calf.
Clockwise from left / Rothschild’s Calf, Cheetah, Amur Leopard, all Gary Stinton
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Large as Life, Gary Stinton 20 November – 20 December jonathancooper.co.uk
When
Time
Stands Still
Simon Callow CBE All works by James Alexander Matthews
When it comes to choosing a gift for someone very special in your life at Christmas, Carol Cordrey believes that a piece of art chosen with great care is a guaranteed success
It can be any form of art but, in my personal experience, the one that will create the most excitement and provide the deepest, long-lasting pleasure for the recipient is the commissioning of a portrait sculpture. The choice of sculptor is key, of course, because you need an experienced artist who is known for creating very lifelike representations of people, and one who can be relied on to put your special person at their ease for the necessary two or three sittings in his South London studio. I can say with confidence that a sculptor who has the essential artistic talent and a very affable personality to suit people of any age is James Alexander Matthews. His portfolio of numerous portrait busts includes children – some of whom happen to be Chelsea residents – as well as adults who span the very famous to the not so famous. A quick glance across these pages at the instantly recognisable portrait sculptures of actors Martin Jarvis OBE and Simon Callow CBE, plus the late Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde, will prove just how capable James is. The bust of the elderly Spitfire pilot proudly wearing his WW2 uniform has become a recent success and the inspiration for James’s most interesting, planned Bomber Command project. It will consist of combined portraits of a complete bomber crew spanning the pilot, flight engineer, bomb aimer, navigator, wireless operator (the role occupied by James’s own grandfather), mid-upper gunner and rear gunner. If he gains enough support for the project, James would like to include portraits of a WAAF
member [Women’s Auxilary Air Force] and an ERK, the vital ground crew supporting Bomber Command. James has emerged from an impressive family history of sculptors: his father was a professional sculptor as was his grandfather who had the distinction of being commissioned to create sculptures for the 1951 Festival of Britain. Although they inspired James, he made an independent choice to follow in their footsteps by undertaking top quality training at the highly respected Wimbledon College of Art. From there he took employment and learnt all about the traditional bronze casting processes at the acclaimed AB Foundry in East London, the foundry of choice for internationally famous artists such as Marc Quinn, Anish Kapoor and the late Barry Flanagan. Equipped with that extensive range of skills, James managed to put together his first portfolio of portrait busts in clay or various forms of bronze and they, in turn, helped him to attract more commissions and take the bold step of becoming a professional sculptor. His talent and success brought him under the radar of the London Atelier of Representational Art which
Charles Pocock, WW2 Spitfire pilot
ART
teaches its students the traditional drawing, painting and sculpting skills developed by the Old Masters and practised by more recent, great artists. James now relishes his part-time teaching role there, he says, because it provides the chance for him to pass on his knowledge to students of all ages. If you want a super gift for Christmas, here’s what a commission of a portrait bust from James will involve. A relaxed sitting in your home or in his studio enables James to appreciate the personality of his sitter, and to take photographs and precise measurements of all angles of the subject’s head; in his studio, James works up the initial sculpture in clay; another sitting – often the final one – is needed to refine the representation of the sitter until those involved in the commission are happy with the overall look, expression, character, hair or clothing captured by James. The bust sculpture can remain as fired clay or be finished in a form of bronze, according to taste and budget. The time involved for such a commission is three to four weeks for modelling in clay, followed by a further eight weeks to create a mould and bronze finish. For each commission, James can create a gift card that explains the planned portrait sculpture process; it can be given to each subject as a wonderful surprise on Christmas Day or on any other day you wish to make
truly memorable. Best of all, that gift will be unique, last at least a lifetime and tell someone how very special they are in your life. And that, surely, constitutes the greatest of gifts. james-matthews.co.uk 07882 969 747
Clockwise from top / Eight-year-old child; Oscar Wilde; James Alexander Matthews sculpting the Bill Sykes character from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist; actor Martin Jarvis OBE
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HERVE LEGER LONDON BOUTIQUE 29 LOWNDES STREET LONDON SW1X 9HX T +44 20 7201 2594
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on the right foot Having grown up wearing Adidas trainers, it was no doubt a sheer delight when Mary Katrantzou learnt that she would be able to put her own unique and colourful spin on the globally renowned sportswear brand. Taking inspiration from the track shoes worn by the medal winners of the 1970s and 80s, the British fashion designer has reimagined these in her own iconic, kaleidoscopic patterns. As well as footwear, Originals by Mary Katrantzou also includes a selection of stylish sportswear featuring neoprene, print mesh, florals, stripes and laces. While Adidas may have successfully partnered with the likes of Pharrell Williams and Raf Simons in the past, this is by far our favourite collaboration to date. Adidas Originals collection by Mary Katrantzou, available now marykatrantzou.com
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Gilty
Pleasures
Nothing says Christmas party quite like a metallic accessory so add sparkle to monochrome ensembles this winter Photography:
Styling:
Ian Walsh
Boo Atwood
1 Calf leather silver leather sandals with embellishment, £645, Miu Miu, 020 7409 0900 2 Heart keyring in metallic mushroom, £70, Mulberry, mulberry.com 3 Steel and red gold bracelet Promesse watch, £3,400, Baume et Mericer, baume-et-mercier.co.uk 4 Jewellery case in metallic mushroom, £350, Mulberry, as before 5 Knot detail pebble grain coin case, £175, Burberry, burberry.com 6 Galop H rose gold and diamond bracelet, £3,970, Hermès, 020 7499 8856
7 Galop H rose gold and diamond ring, £7,610, Hermès, as before 8 Classic square sunglasses in gold-plated titanium and hand-polished acetate, £610, Linda Farrow, lindafarrow.co.uk 9 White lace clutch evening bag, £1,150, Dolce & Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com 10 Crystal arrow metal brooch, £170, Carven at avenue32.com 11 Gold-plated Vendôme earrings, £190, Azzaro, azzaroparis.com
Too Hot to Handle Up until now, British shoewear designer Charlotte Olympia has limited her accessories to dinky little clutches barely large enough to hold one’s lipstick but this season sees the designer branching out with a collection of practical leather handbags large enough to fit most of your run-around essentials, including iPhone, keys and purse. Each of the four vintage-inspired styles has been named after a classic Hollywood actor – Bogart, Gable, Brando and Astaire – and comes in a choice of lipstick shades (as well as classic black for Bogart and Gable) and luxury materials, such as black alligator and Charlotte’s signature leopard pony skin. charlotteolympia.com
HER STYLE By olivia sharpe
Snowed Under It just wouldn’t be Christmas without the token Christmas jumper. Once considered a major fashion faux pas, recent years have seen fashion designers and brands reviving this customary festive item into a winter wardrobe essential. British label Chinti and Parker is one such brand and its latest collection includes luxurious Italian cashmere sweaters featuring subtle snowflakes, stars and Fair-Isle prints. Chinti and Parker sweaters, £360 each Available at Harrods, harrods.com
Stars in your Eyes Karen Walker has become known over the years as the queen of optimism. With her fun-loving and unpretentious sunglasses collections, the Kiwi designer has undoubtedly shown us a brighter side of life. This year marks Walker’s ten-year brand anniversary and she is marking it in true party spirit with the launch of a limited edition collection, aptly named Celebrate. ‘Cakes, confetti and chaos’ was the theme of the campaign which presents the new range made entirely from gold, bringing together all of her most recognisable styles. I guess it’s true what they say; girls do just want to have fun. karenwalker.com
Special Ties In tribute to its iconic Battistero scarf, first created in 1957 by the Marquise Emilio Pucci as a love letter to his beloved Florence, the brand has just released a special collection of scarves illustrating six leading cities of the world: Rome, Florence, New York, Paris, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Each scarf has been crafted from fine silk twill and features an exclusive, hand-drawn print depicting a real scene from its featured destination. The scarves are either sold separately or in a Cities of the World Limited Edition Collector’s set that includes one of each. Now available in selected boutiques and online emiliopucci.com/shoponline
Supermarket Sweep Every year, online fashion retailer Net-a-Porter features some amazing holiday items to assist us with our Christmas shopping and this year is no different, having teamed up with handbag designers Anya Hindmarch and Edie Parker on a selection of exclusive clutches. Drawing on the most popular A/W14 trends, Parker has created an assortment of acrylic box clutches in metallic glitter, while Hindmarch has delivered store cupboard essentials in the form of a Daz Georgiana embossed leather clutch and a Crisp Packet metallic clutch. Get shopping.
Trade Secret We could hardly contain our excitement when we learnt that Victoria’s Secret would be presenting its glamorous and starstudded show for the first time in London this year at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre on 2 December. There was, however, some despondency when we discovered that the cheapest tickets start from £9,995, just for a seat, and go up to a whopping £11,995 for those wishing to attend the exclusive afterparty. Guests in attendance are guaranteed the opportunity to meet the Angels, including Karlie Kloss, Lily Aldridge and Candice Swanepoel, along with other stars from the show. Last year, British supermodels Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn walked the catwalk and rumour has it that they will do so again this year. Musical performances have previously included the likes of Taylor Swift, Kanye West and Justin Timberlake so while we cannot confirm who will be performing this year, you can be sure it won’t be a disappointment. 2 December; victoriassecret.com
Exclusive to net-a-porter.com
From top/ Lara glittered acrylic box clutch, £710; Edie Stars glittered acrylic box clutch, £1,105; Flavia Chevron glittered acrylic box clutch, £1,130, all Edie Parker
Photography: Anton Oparin / Shutterstock.com
How about Choo? Made-to-order shoes are by no means a new concept for Jimmy Choo, a brand which since its origin has provided a bespoke service for its most loyal clients when needed for a special event, most notably for the red carpet. However, this year marks the first time the brand has stepped out and extended its service across the globe so we can now all get our hands on a very personal pair of Choos. Creative director Sandra Choi has selected time-honoured-iconic designs from the house – including Anouk, Lance, Xenia and Tite – and from these you can choose from an array of heel heights, materials and colourways. You can go one step further regarding your own personal stamp by adding monogram initials to the soles. Once you’ve finally chosen your pair, shoes take roughly nine to 11 weeks to be made and delivered. jimmychoo.com
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For Her Show how much you love her with warm shades of red and glittering gold for extra razzle dazzle
1 Leather iPad Air sleeve, £125, aspinaloflondon.com 2 Rose gold 9-carat diamond wing necklace, £25,000, Cristina Ortiz, net-a-porter.com 3 Samarrah set: bra £395, suspenders £345, briefs £345, Soirée by Agent Provacateur, agentprovacateur.com 4 Burgundy fur stole, £2,690, Lanvin, harveynichols.com 5 Riva diamond hoop earrings, £315, monicavinader.com 6 Wool-blend coat, £995, Burberry Brit, net-a-porter.com 7 Evangeline Angel Wings leather sandals, £395, Sophia Webster, matchesfashion.com 8 Handbag, £1,650, Roger Vivier, selfridges.co.uk 9 Gala lamé glitter pointy toe flats with bow, £375, jimmychoo.com 10 Make-up case in metallic mushroom goat leather, £195, mulberry.com 11 Chantilly lace pleated dress, £3,915, Valentino, harrods.com 12 Stud-embellished leather gloves, £255, Valentino, net-a-porter.com
FASHION
For Him Blue is the hue of the season; treat him to luxury winter warmers and super cool gadgets
1 Wool shawl-collar sweater, £255, Polo Ralph Lauren, mrporter.com 2 Six winding watches box in black saddle hide leather, £12,000 and single winding watch box, £1,200 (pictured with a selection of Asprey Chronograph watches, from £2,150), asprey.com 3 Black soft leather briefcase, £695, hardyamies.com 4 Eau de parfum (40ml), £3,000, Lalique for Bentley, harrods.com 5 Berkeley refillable journal in navy saffiano, £125, aspinaloflondon.com 6 Grey Italian wool windowpane check coat, £195, John Lewis, johnlewis.com 7 BeoPlay H6 over-ear headphones, £329, B&O Play, harveynichols.com 8 Black reversible patent leather belt, £385, Dolce & Gabbana, harveynichols.com 9 Field of towers chess set, £4,860, Zaha Hadid, harrods.com 10 Mad Men decanter, £270, waterford.co.uk 11 Zalium cufflinks, POA, harrywinston.com 12 Mozart cashmere-lined leather and suede gloves, £235, WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie, mrporter.com
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The Grand Bazaar Well-made shoes are key to completing any look and European shoewear brand Louis Leeman certainly knows how to bring flamboyancy to a new level with its glitzy A/W14 collection, entitled The Treasures of the Grand Bazaar. Taking inspiration from patterns and textiles of the Byzantine Empire, rich fabrics have been adorned with rhinestones, fringing and gold embroidery. And the opulence doesn’t end there; from cheetah loafers embellished with gold details to jazzed-up rhinestonestudded trainers, this collection exudes luxury, leaving every man feeling quite the dandy. louisleemanparis.com
HIS STYLE By liane nelson
Who’s the Boss?
Carry On Travelling In partnership with the Elton John AIDS Foundation, online men’s style destination Mr Porter is launching a collection for the savvy jet-setter, with items based around the concept of luxury travel. Each product within the collection will be available in a trendy navy and red colour combination, giving it a classic but cool look. Highlights include a handcrafted luxury carry-on suitcase from Globe-Trotter, sharp sunglasses from Cutler & Gross and a cashmere travel blanket and eye-mask from New York-based brand Armand Diradourian, enabling you to get some shut-eye on those dreaded long-haul flights. All of the proceeds from the collection will be donated directly to the foundation so there’s no excuse not to travel in style. mrporter.com
Those of you who’ve visited the Hugo Boss store in Sloane Square of late will not have failed to notice its transformation. After closing for a brief period, the store reopened at the end of October and now features a completely new, modern interior concept with layered, grey-tinted mirrors and an ‘object lumière’ chandelier. Exclusive to the flagship is the Made-toMeasure suite, an intimate environment where customers can choose from Italian outer fabrics and premium linings. You can even have your own signature embroidered inside your jacket and waistband. In a suit like this, there will be no question as to who’s the boss. Boss store, The Willett Building 35-38 Sloane Square, SW1W 8DL hugoboss.com
cassina.com
Design first. “MyWorld” by Philippe Starck and Cassina. CASSINA SHOWROOM 238-242 Brompton Road London, Knightsbridge SW3 2BB Tel: 020 7584 0000 Info.uk@cassina.com
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lifestyle Masked Ball
Christian Dior was a firm believer in the idea that parties were essential for restoring the taste and full meaning to authentic celebrations and we couldn’t agree more. Playing on the designer’s love of festivities and costumes, Baby Dior’s A/W14 collection depicts an enchanted party with a mix of charming, swirling dresses for little girls and light costumes for the boys which display a flair for couture details and bold colour. Dresses range from jacquard and organza with tulle and feathers to a smart royal blue number; beautiful outfits like these are sure to make any little girl feel like the belle of the ball. As Christian Dior once said, “deep in every heart slumbers a dream, and the couturier knows it: every woman is a princess”. dior.com
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& GARDEN
HOME
BY liane nelson
Golden Touch Using accessories in deep shades of berry red, paired with rich gold accents, decorate your home in a timeless yet modern way this season
Main image: Harrods Hyper-Luxe Christmas Home collection 1 Gold plated holiday dove, £18, Georg Jensen, georgjensen.com 2 Christmas wreath, £80, Jo Malone London, jomalone.co.uk 3 Golden deer, £84.95, Harrods, harrods.com 4 Mixology tumblers, £100, Waterford, waterford.co.uk 5 Quantum napkin ring, £600, Grant Macdonald, grantmacdonald.com 6 Jasper Conran tableware sets, from a selection, Wedgwood, wedgwood.co.uk 7 Mossi XXL vase, £8,300, Lalique, lalique.com 8 Velvet present cushion, £149, Bagnaresi, exclusive to Harrods, harrods.com 9 Tortured willow candle holder (large), £225, OKA, okadirect.com
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INTERIORS
Made in Britain Daniel Hopwood has recently been appointed President of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID); its newly relaunched website functions as a ‘shop window’ for the county’s leading interior designers. Amelia Johnson reports You may have seen Daniel Hopwood on BBC2’s The Great Interior Design Challenge, visiting fascinating homes across the country to judge amateur designers who have had a go at transforming rooms within them. Daniel has spent many years working as an interior designer within the Royal Borough and his expertise is in high demand; he is known for being able to turn even the smallest space into a residence that deserves the high prices demanded for Kensington and Chelsea property. “I am a great believer that good design should not be exclusive but instead should be made accessible to all,” says Daniel. After initially training as an architect, he moved into interior design, setting up his own practice in 1993, and has since built up a portfolio of high-end residential properties and stunning commercial projects. “As designers, we provide an indispensable service,” Daniel explains. “Thanks to the internet and social platforms like Pinterest, the public is more well-informed than ever, with a strong sense of what they like. As they begin to appreciate our broad and diverse set of skills, the sector is gaining further respect and being seen as an increasingly valued profession. But, as more and more Londoners employ designers to renovate and refurbish their homes, I would like to emphasise that commissioning a designer with BIID after their name gives the assurance that he or she has been fully trained and has the requisite experience. “As society is becoming more diverse, trends are becoming more redundant, and designs more bespoke. I’m often asked by clients how they can discover their own
individual style. It’s easy; look inside your wardrobe at what you like wearing best. Be it plains or patterns, colourful or neutral, casual or smart; the clues are all there!” Something Daniel particularly loves about The Great Interior Design Challenge is discovering talented individuals who really want to become interior designers, but he also thinks it clearly highlights the importance of following a client’s brief. “A good designer is a people person. Clients have sophisticated tastes and rather than be dictated to, they want to work with a professional who is able to listen and interpret their style. Having a good ear is definitely the best tool a designer can have.” When I ask Daniel for local shopping tips, he names two old favourites: Core One Antiques – “it’s hidden away in the old gas works and is a great source for the unusual at sensible prices” – and Maison Artefact on Lillie Road: “Why spend lots on new furniture when there are so many well-priced antiques?” Valerie Wade on the Fulham Road is singled out for high praise too: “I can buy blind from there and come out with something magical! Summerill & Bishop is a tiny shop in Holland Park brimming with beautiful French tableware and Les Couilles du Chien on Golborne Road is perfect for statement vintage pieces. Go on Friday and see what you can find being sold on the street too. Surely The Rug Company can no longer be a secret but a rug from them should be on everyone’s wish list and its new range is very affordable.” biid.org.uk / danielhopwood.com
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Crystal
Clear
Annabel Harrison speaks to Silvio Denz, CEO of Lalique, about the company’s iconic product range for A/W14 and its most recent collaborations
lifestyle
From left / Vase Tortu bleu nuit; Vase Rayons © LALIQUE SA; Vase Mossi bleu nuit Below, left / Silvio Denz, Massimo Ferragamo & James Suckling © Grégoire Eloy
purity of crystal and the nobility of gold. The transparent crystal honeycombs are highlighted with 22.5-karat gold leaf, hand-applied by the artisans of the prestigious Ateliers Gohard. The hand craftsmanship of each piece brings the crystal to life, transforming it into an exceptional work of art in a limited edition of 88 pieces.
Why did Lalique deem James Suckling and Salvatore Ferragamo suitable partners for its latest project? Three years ago, the internationally acclaimed wine critic James Suckling asked me whether it would be possible to collaborate with Lalique on the design of a new wine glass. He had a universal glass in mind, suitable for both red and white. It would be based on the tasting glass he has been using for more than 30 years, which is excellent at bringing out the subtle flavours of the wine and allowing them to develop. Our chief designer worked with James to create a glass that is an ideal combination of functionality and beauty. It is called 100 Points – a reference to the highest rating that is given to a perfect wine. We were having dinner with Massimo Ferragamo in Florence a year ago when the idea of the 100 Points wine and glass case, which doubles as a briefcase or overnight travel bag, was born. Like Salvatore Ferragamo, Lalique stands for the highest quality and craftsmanship, as well as tradition and heritage. Both companies were founded by visionaries. James Suckling, Massimo Ferragamo and I share a love of wine and respect for nature, the work of the vineyard and the winemaker’s art. What is, for you, the most outstanding product in the A/W14 collection? Our creative team did an excellent job on the Provence collection. A particular challenge was the Rayons vase [pictured above], which harmoniously combines the
Does the application of gold leaf onto the Rayons vase by Ateliers Gohard require a great level of skill? The large Rayons vase is made using the pressé technique. The main difficulty during the hot-glass process is to remove the piece from the mould very carefully so as not to damage the six edges of the vase. Only the talent and experience of our glassmakers can achieve such a perfect result. Furthermore, the printing of the decoration must be perfectly executed since the geometric pattern with its very clear finish would reveal any imperfection. The gilding with gold leaf is an entirely artisanal technique. Located in Paris since 1962, Ateliers Gohard restores monuments, furniture and works of art such as the Dôme des Invalides in Paris, the roofs and gates of
“The glass is called 100 Points – a reference to the highest rating that is given to a perfect wine” Versailles, the Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro, and the flame of the Statue of Liberty in New York. The Rayons vase is a very complex piece to cover in gold leaf: two layers of gold leaf are applied by hand, and when the gilding is complete, another very detailed process begins; the vase must be thoroughly cleaned without taking off the gold leaf. It took about two months for Lalique and Ateliers Gohard to achieve this sublime limited edition. It comprises 88 pieces as this is a lucky number in Asia, a symbol of fortune and good luck. Can you explain why “immortalising nature through crystal” is so important to Lalique and why it is a realistic aim for the Lalique product stable and craftsmen? It is part of Lalique’s DNA. Since the early days, recurring themes have included the female form, flora and fauna. Depicted through realism, though sometimes stylised,
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nature remains an inexhaustible source of inspiration at the heart of the Lalique identity. Strong Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences add strength and lightness to the ornate masterpieces of the past and present. For more than 100 years, our manufacturing plant in Alsace, an area renowned for glassmaking, has perpetuated its unique know-how. The hand of both artist and craftsman leaves its imprint on every object, conveying a rich heritage. The Lalique style flows from an artistic gesture, from which a drawing diffuses into crystal. It is a style easily recognised through the manual modelling of shapes and patterns as if sculpted, the richness of the figurative details and the different types of finish which create a characteristic contrast of clear and frosted crystal. This is an identity characterised by softness, femininity and nature, with a strong Art Nouveau and Art Deco inspiration.
Once produced, a crystal piece is eternal because it does not deteriorate over time. All this makes crystal a truly magical material!
What are the advantages and disadvantages of working with a material like crystal? The magic of crystal emanates from the fusion of raw ingredients. At this stage, the sand, potash, lead oxide and recycled crystal (cullet), mixed in proportions which remain a closely guarded secret, metamorphose into
What do you love about London? I have lived in London for more than 12 years. I like the people and feel at home here; I like it both as an international, cosmopolitan city to live in and as an inspirational, trendsetting metropolis.
Zaha Hadid has designed two Crystal Architecture vases for Lalique. Why Zaha? Zaha has always had a passion for Lalique. For her, Lalique is synonymous with elegant, fluid designs that are innovative and timeless, yet do not compromise the integrity of the medium or craftsmanship of its production. When I met Zaha three years ago, she was immediately fired with enthusiasm at the idea of collaborating. The two Crystal Architecture vases, Visio and Manifesto, combine the characteristics of Zaha Hadid and Lalique in unique works of art: Zaha’s avant-garde design with Lalique’s craftsmanship and the distinctive technique of satin glass.
lalique.com
“Crystal is unpredictable and fragile... we write off many pieces that do not meet our standards” brilliant and luminous crystal, with the particular sonority that distinguishes it from mere glass. Crystal is a noble material; our creations are true sculptures of light, endowing the material with its particular beauty. But it is a very difficult material to work with. It takes great expertise and patience to tame crystal, to understand its properties and translate a design, an idea, into an object. Crystal is very fragile and unpredictable during manipulation. We write off many pieces that do not meet our quality standards or break, so it is expensive to produce crystal pieces. And it takes approximately ten years to become a good glassmaker.
Nemours bowl in amber crystal, £1,200
INTERIORS
Interiors shots courtesy of Gilles Pernet
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INTERIORS
Attention to
Detail
As she moves into her 28th year in the interior design industry, Amelia Johnson speaks to Juliette Byrne about the ever-changing London market, trends and how to stay at the forefront of one’s game
“Every industry has trends and none more so than the interior design world. One minute everything is pared down and minimal; the next thing we know people are asking for contrast piping, tassels and trims. However, despite the ever-changing trends, I have always tried to stay true to my core style of blending elegance and sophistication to create functional, practical homes. In recent years, integrating the latest AV and electrical components into stylish rooms has been the biggest challenge but one that we are constantly overcoming.” Juliette works all over the world, most recently completing a contemporary-style chalet in Chamonix – “Working in the mountains is an absolute treat. It’s a chance to use materials you wouldn’t normally put in a city house and to allow the fun of the mountains to be reflected in the design” – as well as a large 17th century Grade II listed house in the Cotswolds and a five-bedroom Chelsea townhouse, including a double basement dig-out. The property development world is one area into which Juliette is expanding. “We’ve found that people are bored of walking into multimillion pound properties that lack any character and fail to impress. Our aim is to design the lifestyle rather than the room; we want buyers to instantly imagine themselves living there. From the offset we like to think about the sort of client who will be buying; what nationality are they? Do they have a family? Do they have a live-in nanny? Do they entertain? We then aim to make every room distinctive while also creating a sense of unity in the property. It is important that each and every bathroom, utility room and living room is remembered by the client after they’ve left.” Juliette was recently named as one of the Best 20 Interior Designers in Britain by The Telegraph as well as featuring in the House and Garden Top 100 Interior Designers for the third consecutive time. She was also nominated for a 2014 International Property Award. Her wealth of experience in the industry and the fact that she’s lived nearly her whole life in London makes her an expert
in its property industry and thus the service Juliette and her team can provide is second to none. They maintain that their meticulous attention to detail is one of their best attributes. “We can help with every aspect of your house, from cutlery to artwork. Our philosophy is that nothing is too much trouble. We offer clients a personal, bespoke interior design service tailored to each individual brief. We aim to leave a legacy of elegant, classic, contemporary design which will give timeless longevity to each interior.” juliettebyrne.com
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interiors
At Your Fingertips Forget tangles of trailing wires, numerous remote controls and visible speakers in every nook and cranny; these days, home automation (and the hidden technology it can control) is all the rage. Amelia Johnson finds out more SMC, Park House, CEDIA Award
s winner
Imagine how much simpler life would be if you had control over your entertainment, lighting, security and heating at your fingertips and, in fact, from a single screen. This home system can be designed to reflect your personality and your lifestyle, it’ll be intuitive to operate and everything will blend perfectly with your interior design so friends won’t even know it’s there, until you want them to. Your hi-fi system can emit beautiful classical music (or country, or heavy metal – as you wish) in every room through unseen loudspeakers so that music follows you wherever you go and when you enjoy one of the latest Hollywood blockbusters on your home cinema system, curtains will close, the temperature adjust and the lighting dim automatically, the moment you walk in the room. All this and much more can be achieved without an ugly wire or trailing, trip-hazard cable in sight. Today’s integrated home allows you to control, conceal and operate electronic systems as never before, and this is the brave new world of CEDIA. Every project is different but the home tech pros will know exactly how to tackle it. The amount of technology installed depends on each homeowner, and what their requirements are; it can include anything that’s electronically operated in your home, from high-end TVs, media servers and multi-room audio and video systems to networks which intelligently control all aspects of the house, including heating, lighting, blinds and security. These systems can be installed in any room in the property but in slightly different ways to enhance the space and provide the features you require in these areas.
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CEDIA offers a Finder Service on its website (cedia.org) which allows homeowners to locate their nearest home technology professional. Users can search CEDIA member companies by postcode, services and certification.
WHat IS CEDIA? CEDIA (the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) is an international trade organisation spanning three continents with a global membership of more than 4,000 companies. CEDIA members are specialists in the integration of technology into home environments, as well as being trained in the latest technologies, design, project management and installation techniques.
CEDIA members offer: • Professional assistance and guidance in the design of a personalised system for each individual client • A certified and trained staff of technicians, designers and support personnel • The most current technology at all levels to provide a broad selection for every requirement • A professional level of credentials and insurance to assure and provide a suitable level of comfort • Complete support and on-going service • Information on the latest technology, and how to use it, as it becomes available • A simple but custom solution which will become a key part of your home and lifestyle.
SMC WE BELIEVE THAT TECHNOLOGY SHOULD BE USEFUL, SIMPLE AND BEAUTIFUL
We have over 20 years experience specialising in the design, delivery, installation and aftercare of bespoke high-quality audio visual and IT projects. Audio visual solutions Home cinema Lighting Home networks Control
Security & access control Telephone systems CCTV Energy monitoring
For a consultation on how we can enhance your life through technology please contact SMC. T: 020 7819 1700
E: info@smc-uk.com
& GARDEN
HOME
Ahead of the Pack In recent years, faux fur has become an increasingly popular alternative to real fur in the fashion industry, as more and more designers – including Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs – strongly advocate its use, and the same can also be said for the world of interiors. Recently launched homeware company Lizard Orchid’s collection of throws are backed with sumptuous faux suede on one side and faux fur on the other. Available in a sandy taupe desert mink or a gunmetal gray wolf skin, these throws are both stylish and cosy, making them one of the most comforting accessories to have in the home this winter. lizardorchid.com
Let There Be Light
Clear-Cut Representing some of the most esteemed houses in the world of crystal such as Baccarat, Lalique and Moser, Lucie Rydlova, situated in the heart of Chelsea, has built strong relationships with designers from across the world in order to bring hand-made crystal creations to the homes of London. The LRH collection is a mix of traditional and contemporary pieces from the best brands in France, Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic, and these range from functional vases and tableware to artistic accessories, showcasing the crème de la crème of crystal. Lucie Rydloa Home, 15 Cale Street, SW3 lucierydlova.com
Say goodbye to conventional and uninspired lighting and hello to one-of-a-kind creations that will, quite literally, illuminate your world. Interior decorator and fabric specialist Violet & George has created a selection of innovative bespoke lighting by British artisans, who fuse together creativity with the finest quality materials to convert offbeat objects like a pedal powered Victorian burr drill or an antique fire hose nozzle into the base for lamps. Topped with silk chiffon shades, these lamps are functional works of art. violetandgeorge.com
Winter Warmers Not Just a Vase Incorporating bright shades and diverse textures, choose any one of awardwinning British designer Kelly Hoppen’s vases from the A/W14 collection and it is guaranteed to make a statement. Materials such as earthenware and porcelain have been paired with rich glazes and bold colours – including vivid aquamarine and electrifying orange – in order to further accentuate the angles in the vase. Coming in a variety of different shapes and textures, such as bubble embellishments and funnel necks, you may have a hard time choosing just one.
Just because it’s dark and gloomy outside doesn’t mean your home has to be. If your sofa is in desperate need of a spruce-up, try scattering some decorative cushions for an instant facelift. OKA’s new collection, Warm Winter, offers a striking selection of velvet Roundel, Chaplet and Trellisé cushion covers featuring delicate embroidery and rich colours such as raspberry, ultramarine and Brunswick green. OKA, 155-167 Fulham Road, SW3 okadirect.com
kellyhoppen.com
An Element of Style
A Labour of Love
After the huge success of its original collection of handpainted silk wallpapers with Fromental, luxury interior design specialist Helen Green Design has collaborated once again with the handmade wallpaper and fabric company to create five exciting new designs. Highlighting the benefits of using organic materials, the patterns take inspiration from natural elements such as flowing water and dreamy, cloudy skies, bringing a sense of calm to your home. Each pattern is available in five different colours, allowing you to pick the perfect match.
Add an imaginative splash of colour to your home with Christian Lacroix’s latest porcelain collaboration with Vista Alegre, entitled Love Who You Want. Showcasing fun and playful characters such as Mister Tiger and Doña Jirafa, the collection mixes signature prints from the Haute Couture collections with more contemporary collections, resulting in a vibrant mélange of colour as well as endless options for mixing and matching designs. Between plates, mugs, magnets and vases, you will be quite spoilt for choice. christian-lacroix.com
Helen Green Design, 29 Milner Street, SW3 helengreendesign.com
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INTERIORS
TV is Dead Amelia Johnson speaks to Robin Courtenay, a director at home automation specialist SMC, to find out why technology is the future of home entertainment Home technology is now an essential part of life; none of us can deny it. TV used to come from a single aerial on the roof, then satellite and now from the internet. When I speak to Robin Courtenay about this, he agrees that the younger generation is utterly puzzled by the old broadcast model whereby you had to wait to watch your favourite programme: “Nowadays it’s all about watching what you want, when and where you want to. The ‘where’ used to be the living room but now it’s any room in the house and anywhere you are; on a train, in the office or abroad”. Hugely popular services such as Spotify allow us to choose from thousands of songs and movie streaming services such as Netflix and iPlayer mean we can watch a movie or catch up on a programme in our own time. However, streaming this amount of content into the home, Robin explains, means you need a superfast internet connection and the latest equipment: “Chances are the kit you had fitted just a few years ago isn’t up to the job and upgrading some of that equipment will bring vastly better performance”. People have higher expectations of music and movie quality nowadays, and nothing beats a room where you can create your own home cinema. “This needn’t be a dedicated room though,” Robin assures me. “Today’s technology allows a traditional living room or bedroom, without a speaker or screen in sight, to transform into a cinema with a projector and screen dropping down from the ceiling – lights dimmed, curtains drawn”. This solution is ideal for those who don’t have the space for a fully-equipped cinema room in their home, or the budget.
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It’s not all about entertainment though; peace of mind is paramount to many. Smart homes today allow you to control their devices at the touch of an iPad or iPhone. That means, Robin tells me, that you can switch your lights on before you get home or, if you arrive at Heathrow on a cold London morning, you can turn your heating up from your phone so it’s warm and toasty when you reach your house. “You could even answer your doorbell from the beach in Mauritius, if you wanted to!” We all want to feel secure at home too; this may be as simple as seeing who’s at the door before you open it, on your iPad or TV, while a full CCTV system automatically detects a person when in view of a camera. Modern intruder alarms give superb perimeter protection allowing you to alarm the outside of your home, with freedom of movement inside. Smart homes can make it look as if you’re at home when you’re not, by switching the lights on and off in different rooms, as you might. Robin has a final word of advice for those venturing into the world of home automation: “Call an expert! We offer everything you need to create your dream home; consultancy and design services, installation and 24/7 aftercare”. If you want to see some of SMC’s work in action, stay at The Eccleston Square Hotel in Belgravia and enjoy watching a 3D movie, switching the bathroom glass from clear and opaque and back again, and setting your lighting preference once and for all. There’s a whole lot of fun to be had in the world of grown-up gadgets. smc-uk.com
· FLOOR TILES: BARCELONA C 59,6x59,6cm.
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WWW.PORCELANOSA.CO.UK // 0800 915 4000
Powder Room
The
Photographer:
Styling:
Ian Walsh
Boo Attwood
Give sun-deprived complexions an injection of colour with berry red beauty products and skin lifesavers
1 Courting Chic Cremesheen Glass lip finish, £19.50, maccosmetics.co.uk 2 Or Rouge Huile Voluptueuse, £165, YSL, yslbeauty.co.uk 3 Matte Lip Color in Flame, £37, Tom Ford, 0870 034 2566 4 Fresh Glow luminous fluid base, £34, Burberry, uk.burberry.com 5 L’Oiseau de Feu Top Coat Or nail polish, £18.50, Guerlain, johnlewis.com 6 Oxblood Iconic nail polish, £15, Burberry, as before 7 Santal Royal 125ml Eau de Parfum, £125, exclusively at Harrods, harrods.com 8 The Illuminating Powder, £70, Crème de la Mer, cremedelamer.co.uk 9 Illusion D’Ombre in Envol, £25, Chanel, 020 7493 3836 10 Spiritus Sancti gold candle, £65, Cire Trudon, selfridges.com
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HEALTH BEAUTY BY OLIVIA SHARPE
A Night at the Opera A fragrance that was created by Jacques Guerlain in 1937 in homage to his friend Diaghilev, founder of Les Ballets Russes, has been the inspiration behind the brand’s opera-inspired Christmas collection this year. The star product is the Coque d’Or perfumed shimmer powder for body and hair which sees the original bottle reinterpreted in gold-lacquered glass with an elegant red bulb to evoke opera theatres’ rich velvet curtains. The enticing scent is a delicate blend of bergamot and patchouli notes. Other collectors’ items include the Rouge Parade lip colour and eye palettes featuring shimmering shades. guerlain.com
Image courtesy of: Guerlain
Power Trip Those of you who are planning a long holiday or weekend minibreak this winter, make sure you don’t forget an ultimate travel essential; Crème de la Mer’s Rejuvenating collection. Complete with a lifting and firming mask, eye balm, moisturising cream, concentrate and a handy headband, there’s everything you need to ensure your skin doesn’t lose out on its daily routine but stays firm and replenished. Rejuvenating Collection, £320 cremedelamer.co.uk
Golden Shock A name synonymous with opulence and glamour, Dior has once again lived up to this legacy with its latest collection of nail polish shades, part of the new Holiday 2014 collection. In shades including pearly white, metallic gold, seductive red and dark purple, the finishing touch comes in the form of a golden leaf effect top coat. Diorific Vernis, £20; Diorific Vernis Golden Shock top coat, £21; dior.com
Final Count Down One is never too old for an advent calendar, particularly when it has been filled not with indulgent pieces of chocolate or quaint pictures but with luxury beauty products courtesy of Jo Malone. Inside the beautifully illustrated façade of the brand’s Georgian flagship townhouse and behind each door, you will find a selection of its bestselling products, including miniature body crèmes and colognes. There’s no better way to wake up each morning this December. Jo Malone limited edition Christmas Advent Calendar, £250 jomalone.co.uk
New Arrival Joining the likes of Chanel and Burberry, Clinique is the newest addition to Convent Garden’s beauty emporium, having opened its first concept pop-up store just a month ago. The “great skin lab”, as it has been dubbed, gives visitors the unique opportunity to experience first-hand a day in their life of their skin, with in-depth consultations, art digital experience pods and a complimentary sample of its personalised moisturiser. The lab also retails the brand’s latest, innovative products, including the Sonic System Purifying cleansing brush. Clinique Great Skin Lab (for a limited time only) Covent Garden; clinique.co.uk
Finding Memo For a luxury stocking filler, look no further than Memo. The Parisian fragrance brand has curated a selection of limited edition gifts to help alleviate the hassle of Christmas shopping, including leather wrapped purse sprays featuring Memo’s signature design and a golden plate which can be engraved with a name on request. Refills are easily available, so you don’t have to worry about using it sparingly, for Lalibela, Luxor Oud, Inle and Granada within the Les Echappees collection and Irish Leather, Italian Leather and French Leather as part of the Cuirs Nomades range.
Scotch on the Rocks Bobbi Brown has commemorated Hollywood actress Lauren Bacall (who sadly passed away earlier this year) in a beauty collection for Christmas. Scotch on the Rocks has been designed to help you mirror the sexy and confident persona of Bacall when out at your many social engagements, whether it be through smoky eyes (which can be achieved using the warm glow eye palette featuring nine decadent shades of soft nudes, golds and scotch-inspired browns) or sultry lips courtesy of the limited edition lip colours, ranging from soft beige gold to Bordeaux. In conjunction with the launch, the brand is also offering complimentary Look of the Season makeup lessons with professional artists at Bobbi Brown counters. Visit the website to book an appointment. bobbibrown.co.uk
Purse spray, £196; Cuirs Nomades refills (x3), £114; Les Echappees refills (x3), £95 Available at Harvey Nichols harveynichols.com
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&
HEALTH BEAUTY
Best of
Beauty Bringing you the best holiday essentials to get you into the festive party spirit
1
Having been dubbed “the world’s most expensive perfume”, it seems only fitting that Clive Christian OBE would seal his world-renowned fragrance in a gold and diamond-encrusted crystal bottle featuring a heraldic crest from his own coat of arms. No1 Passant Guardant, exclusive to Harrods’ Salon de Parfums, £143,000 (30ml), harrods.com
2 Beauty addicts will not be able to resist Tom Ford’s luxury holiday trousseau, featuring an unrivalled selection of the brand’s most-loved products, from complexion-perfecting make-up to sumptuous colours for lips, eyes and cheeks. Trousseau gift set, £925, Tom Ford, selfridges.com
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You can never go wrong with red nails and the same could be said for Chanel. The timeless beauty brand has released another new collection for the holiday season and it includes three of its vintage red nail polishes, re-edited. We particularly love Rouge Flamboyant in scarlet red. Le Vernis nail colour, £18, chanel.com
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As part of its Festive collection, Burberry has created a Fragranced Luminising powder: an illuminating, golden powder which gives a brightened and glowing complexion while at the same time exuding notes of My Burberry perfume. Fragranced Luminising powder, £45, uk.burberry.com
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Comprising 10 wearable, long-lasting eyeshadows, ranging from dazzling gold to sultry grey and with a variety of matte, satin and pearl finishes, this Essentials Mineral Eye make-up palette has everything you need to create a day to night look. Essentials Mineral Eye make-up palette, £35, clarins.co.uk
6 Unlike some candles, which seem melt away almost as soon as they begin burning, Acqua di Parma’s latest Christmas candle is made of extrapure wax in order for it to burn for up to 60 hours without ruining its beautiful decoration. Silver Gems candle, £75, Acqua di Parma, available from John Lewis, johnlewis.com
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WWW.CASHMIRINO.COM 020 7495 0708
31 BURLINGTON ARCADE, WEST CENTRAL LONDON, W1J0PY
100% natural cashmere
Kids KINGDOM BY liane nelson
Project Runway Luxury cashmere brand Cashmirino is inviting all budding fashion designers to design their own Christmas jumper. From 1 December, children can add their design to Cashmirino’s Ultimate Christmas Jumper template which can be collected from the brand’s UK flagship store in the Burlington Arcade. Little ones will also be given access to paper cut-outs and felt tip pens within the store to perfect their ideal jumper and all participants will receive a special treat from the Cashmirino crackers in store. Excitingly, the winning design will be put into production and included in the Cashmirino’s A/W15 collection, proving that it’s never too early to begin a career in fashion! Submissions can be emailed to cashmirino@aprcommunications.com Deadline for submissions is 1 January 2015 Cashmirino, 31 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0PY cashmirino.com
Fresh Off the Catwalk
If the Shoe Fits… Your little one may not even be walking yet but who can resist a fabulous pair of shoes? Luxury baby and toddler shoe designer Vevian is worth a look at, as not only are the shoes absolutely adorable but they also come in a lined wooden box designed to be the perfect keepsake. Handmade in London, the shoes are made from high quality, soft and supple leather (from a local supplier) that is gentle on those precious little feet. For some festive flair, we love the red patent Maria shoes and the Salamé in metallic green. vevian.co.uk
Inspired by the adult counterpart, this season’s Burberry girls’collection celebrates the artistic spirit of the Bloomsbury set. Dresses have abstract floral prints taken from designs handpainted in the Burberry studio, while the boys’ range includes classic outerwear such as weatherproof trench coats and cashmere knits paired with parkas and duffles. The all-in-one boxed gift sets feature a seasonal colour palette and are crafted in the softest cashmere and cotton. For aspiring fashionistas, we recommend the colour block, checked blanket poncho, which British model Cara Delevingne rocked on the runway with her initials. uk.burberry.com
Treats and Sweets ’Tis the season for treats and Notting Hill-based Biscuiteers has just what you need for holiday gifts and party favours with an impressive selection of tasty (and adorable) Christmas-themed biscuits. We love the creative gingerbread man collection, Jolly Gingers, featuring characters Ginger Elf, Mrs. Clause, and Jolly Santa himself. The Mr. Men biscuit cards are the yummiest way to send a festive holiday greeting; iced to perfection and lovingly packaged, they are almost too cute to eat. Other biscuit cards include a nutcracker, angel, personalised wreath or Christmas tree and Father Christmas, all of which make fabulous stocking fillers and fun tree decorations. biscuiteers.com
A Party to Remember The answer to turning any occasion into an unforgettable party lies in My Little Day, a Parisian company launched by two mothers who wanted to create a one-stop online party shop for mothers on the go. The wide range of decorations, including pompoms, lanterns and confetti, will inspire even the most reluctant party organiser. And of course, if one is going to host a stylish party, the invitations have to be just as cool; choose from princesses, cowboys, superheroes, unicorns, dinosaurs and much more. mylittleday.com
The Best of Bears
Sweet Ride
One of our favourite bears is making his debut on the big screen this month in his first ever feature film. The much-loved story of Paddington, the cuddly Peruvian adventurer, by British writer Michael Bond has been treasured by children and adults alike since the first book, A Bear Called Paddington, was published by Harper Collins in 1958. The film, directed by Paul King, stars a range of critically-acclaimed actors who bring the story to life, including Nicole Kidman as Millicent, Hugh Bonneville as Mr. Brown and Ben Whishaw as Paddington Bear himself. In celebration of the film, Steiff is releasing a limited edition Paddington Bear made from the finest chestnut coloured mohair. Limited to just 2,000 bears (each priced at £170), make sure to reserve one before they all go. A series of statues designed by the likes of Emma Watson and David Beckham have also been placed around the capital to celebrate the launch of The Paddington Trail, which runs until the end of December.
A collaboration between two British icons, Silver Cross and Aston Martin, has resulted in a rather special baby carriage. Equipped with air-ride suspension and ultra-lightweight magnesium alloy, this pram is designed for peak performance, ensuring your little one has the smoothest of rides. The complete system comes with a fully reclining seat and forwardand-rear-facing pushchair settings, as well as a carrycot for a snug, lie-flat option. And the interior is just as luxurious as the exterior, featuring a plush sheepskin liner sourced from premium sheepskin in Devon, creating the most sumptuous seat for your precious one to sink into. At £3,000, it is without a doubt the silver standard of prams.
The Paddington film is released on 28 November steiffteddybears.co.uk
A Nurturing Nursery
Silver Cross Surf Aston Martin, £3,000 Available from Harrods; harrods.com
Luxury baby brand Samuel & Owen was founded by mother of three, Emma Samuel, when she couldn’t find the quality, design, and individuality she was looking for when decorating her children’s nursery. With three different collections as well as bespoke services in which you can tailor pieces to suit your preference, you’ll be spoilt for choice when creating the perfect environment for your baby. Using a blend of fabrics, such as soft luxurious cottons in pink roses, ivory and beige pastels, the Rose collection is elegant and feminine, while the classic stripes of the Samuel collection is an excellent choice for a classic, neutral nursery. samuelandowen.com
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high life
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE Ever wished you were the only one on the slopes? Imagine a helicopter taking you to the most pristine, freshly-powdered mountain top and being able to traverse down without having to worry about weaving in and out of people on an overcrowded run. This dream can become a reality with Nonstop Ski & Snowboard’s new Ultimate Powder Fix package featuring a ‘ready to heli’ camp in Fernie British Columbia which will take you on an adrenaline-fuelled off-piste Canadian adventure. The exhilarating one-week camp combines the exploration of untracked powder with helicopter accessibility and coaching from a specialist instructor, culminating in a heli-ski day with the prestigious Rk Heliski in the Purcell mountain range. A perfect holiday for thrillseekers and snow enthusiasts alike. 28 February – 7 March 2015; nonstopsnow.com
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Travel
THE WORLD BY liane nelson
Breaking the Ice If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous than the standard Christmas beach or ski holiday, Ice Hotel in Sweden is the perfect destination. Situated by the Torne River in the city of Jukkasjärvi, it remains the world’s first and largest hotel built entirely of snow and ice, including 16 deluxe ice suites, an ice bar and even an ice church. In celebration of its 25th anniversary this year, the hotel has recruited 42 international artists to create one-of-a-kind rooms and ice sculptures, ranging from a rainforest with orangutans to the inner workings of a clock. When you’re not snuggling up with some hot lingonberry juice in your ice chamber, snowmobile or dogsled by day and see the mystical Northern Lights across the sky by night. icehotel.com
Porto Call This image / Northern Lights Photography: Markus Alatalo Below, from left / Frozty Flower, Shingo Saito Natsuki Saito, Photography: Christopher Hauser; Blue Marine Photography: Paulina Holmgren
Located in the scenic Boka Bay on the stunning Adriatic coast, the newly opened hotel Regent Porto Montenegro is a glamorous marina getaway in a place that has been heralded as the new Monaco of the Mediterranean. Designed by ReardonSmith Architects, the hotel exudes the classical feel of the grand palazzos of the Italian lakes, facing Boka Bay on one side and Venice Square Basin on the other, offering guests the best of sea and marina. Take a cruise on a yacht for the day or lounge by one of the hotel’s infinity pools, followed by a visit to the luxury spa, kitted out with a hammam, Turkish bath and a fresh juice bar. Finish the day with an exquisite Mediterranean dinner at the on-site restaurant. A holiday of sun and style? Yes please! regenthotels.com
Going Tribal Spanning across 560 acres of unspoiled natural land including a 2.5-kilometre stretch of private beach, the all-villa luxury resort Nihiwatu on the island of Sumba offers an exotic Indonesian escape, away from the well-trodden traveller path of Bali. The villas are built on private terraces with sweeping verandahs, offering spectacular Indian Ocean views. Nihiwatu offers a rare opportunity to learn about the island’s ancient tribal culture through visits to local villages and markets. Whether you’re after exhilarating experiences (such as world-class surfing, fishing and diving with the resort’s specialist team) or prefer more calming activities like waterfall yoga (which sounds rather more fun than the classes we’re used to), each stay is expertly personalised, making for an unforgettable holiday. nihiwatu.com
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Out
of Africa Olivia Sharpe experiences the best of both worlds when she visits Kenya and the Seychelles for the ultimate ‘bush and beach’ holiday experience
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ith the opportunity of having two completely different but equally unforgettable holidays in one fell swoop, it’s no wonder the ‘bush and beach’ experience has recently become so sought-after among holidaymakers. Luxury hotel group Fairmont’s latest package, Safari and Sand… From Kenya to the Seychelles, encompasses an eight-day trip, starting off in Kenya where guests will experience twice daily game drives at the Fairmont Mara Safari Club, before hopping across the Indian Ocean for the ultimate pampering experience at Raffles Hotel in Praslin. Since the first A-listers donned their khaki chinos, leather hunting boots and designer headscarves, safaris have been considered extremely glamorous affairs, and no one understands this better than Fairmont. Its celebrated Mara Safari Club was once run by film star William Holden who turned it into one of the most exclusive resorts in the world by inviting only his closest friends, which just so happened to include the likes of Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Steve McQueen. This exclusive legacy is something Fairmont continues to this day, with a bevy of celebrities and royalty having visited the resort since it took over ownership several years ago. Before re-opening in 2009, the Fairmont Mara Safari Club underwent an extensive renovation programme and it has now become the epitome of tented luxury. The Mara Safari Club is set by the Mara River at the foot of the Aitong Hills in the Ol-Choro Oiroua Conservation Area that borders the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Not readily accessible by car, Fairmont will arrange your flight transfer from Nairobi airport to Ngerende Airstrip. The camp is then only ten minutes away via jeep but this didn’t stop our driver giving me and my guest a flavour of the wildlife to expect, pointing out baboons, impalas and crocodiles, which watched us indifferently as we passed by (no doubt far less impressed by us than we were by them). Entering the club via an imposing set of iron gates, the wild terrain is quickly replaced by the manicured grounds leading up to the main Masai Mara lodge. Featuring sleek wooden floors, mahogany furniture and animal hides covering the walls of the lobby, adjoining bar and restaurant, it is in many ways reminiscent of a North American lodge (which is hardly surprising when you consider Fairmont’s heritage). And yet, with its wicker-designed tables, craggy wooden beams and beaded lamps, it retains an authentic feel. This is the only area of the camp that has internet access but seeing as the majority of guests are out for most of the day on game
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drives, you hardly notice its absence from your tent. After checking in, my guest and I were escorted out of the lodge and into the main grounds, comprising immaculate gardens and a large swimming pool. The camp has 51 luxury tents in total, all of which have their own private deck so guests can look out on the Masa River with its resident bloat of hippos and bask of crocodiles. A four-poster, pillow-topped bed with white mosquito netting greeted us as we walked into our capacious tent, immediately setting the scene. Well-furnished, it also featured a vintage leather cabinet, an Aztec-patterned carpet and tribal knick-knacks. The inviting bedroom led into a three-piece bathroom with solar-heated hot and cold running water. The hot water was on the temperamental side throughout our stay, which meant that I would invariably be deprived of a piping shower (somewhat of an essential when you’re on safari) but this was the only fault I found. Late risers will not welcome the unsociable wake-up call but this is unavoidable on safari, with early mornings and late afternoons being the best times to catch sight of the animals. Fortunately, the camp accommodates for this by delivering a much-welcomed cup of tea or coffee to your tent at 6am (which you can order the night before). There are up to two game drives organised daily, giving guests every possible opportunity to see the ‘Big Five’ (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and white/black rhinoceros). Each group is given an experienced guide in an open four-wheel drive purposebuilt for better viewing. The reserve is also home to
giraffes, cheetahs, zebras and elephants, to name a few, so for those of you who miss out on seeing the famous five (leopards are notoriously the most difficult to spot), there are plenty of other incredible sights to be seen. The Masai Mara is named after the local Masai people who christened it as such to describe what the area looked like from afar (‘masai’ meaning ‘people’ and ‘mara’ meaning ‘spotted’ in Masai language). Guests are given the opportunity to discover more about the tribe by visiting the local village to witness traditional tribal songs and the ‘Adumu’ dance. Alternatively, the camp will organise romantic dinners whereby you can dine out under the stars with an authentic bush fire while the tribes’ people come and surprise you with a special performance if you should request it. You don’t go to Kenya for the food so don’t expect Michelin-starred fine dining but saying that, the standard at the Fairmont was on the whole very good, particularly when it came to the daily breakfast and lunch buffets, offering everything from fresh juices and pastries to cooked breakfasts. Dinner is served in the Boma restaurant and includes a mixture of European, African and Asian dishes, along with fresh Kenyan produce. After the four, action-packed days were over, it was time to leave the Fairmont Safari Camp and head over to the Seychelles, following a one night stop-over at the Fairmont’s sister hotel in Nairobi, The Norfolk. Raffles Hotel is located on Praslin, which is a short plane ride away from Mahé and incidentally the second largest island in the archipelago. Its biggest claim to fame, however, is that General Gordon of Khartoum – a
There are two game drives daily, giving guests every possible opportunity to see the ‘Big Five’
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famous 19th century British army officer – believed it to be the real site of the Garden of Eden and once you’ve seen it for yourself, you can fully understand why. With its flawless, white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, it is truly paradisiacal. The vast hotel covers an impressive 30 acres of land with 86 villas and villa suites, boasting varying views of the ocean but all with their own private plunge pool, balcony, outdoor pavilion, round-the-clock butler service and a buggy to take you to and from your villa. While this may seem a little self-indulgent, I found that after attempting the walk to the main reception area, once was definitely enough. All the villas have been designed to give you the utmost privacy during your stay which, considering the hotel mainly attracts couples and young families, is essential. My guest and I immediately felt at home; the contemporary design had white-washed walls, sleek wooden floors and all the essential mod cons, such as flat screen television, airconditioning and bedside lighting control. While modern, the natural colour palette of creams, whites and corals blended in seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The bathroom was the real pièce de résistance, with the bathtub perfectly positioned next to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the breathtaking view of the ocean. Each villa also comes with a walk-in shower room and adjoining outdoor rain shower, designed for those of you who fancy bathing under the stars. Breakfast can be ordered to your room where you can enjoy it on your private outdoor pavilion or in the hotel’s Losean restaurant. Meaning ‘ocean’ in Creole, it is an apt name to describe the mammoth buffet breakfast which is laid out for guests each morning, ranging from continental and cooked to Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. Losean is also open for dinner and offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine courtesy of chef de cuisine, Patric Gigele. There are two other restaurants on site: Curieuse, which brings Pan Asian cuisine to the heart of the Seychelles and has its own dedicated sushi bar; and the Pool restaurant, offering a more relaxed and informal dining experience while still guaranteeing exceptional food. The low-lit Danzil lounge is ideal for pre-dinner drinks and is where my guest and I partook in a rum tasting experience but if this is not
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your tipple of choice, the expert mixologist can concoct whatever your heart desires. Along with its two swimming pools and unrivalled beach facilities, Raffles Hotel also possesses one of the best spas in the whole of the Indian Ocean. Accessed via a flight of wide steps with water cascading down black marble and gigantic Buddha heads on either side, it has been designed as a haven of tranquillity built upon the philosophy of ‘transformation’. Like the rest of the hotel, every little detail has been carefully thought through in order to ensure that guests want for nothing, even having a spare pair of reading glasses in the waiting room in case you’ve forgotten your own. For your treatment, I would
The island of Praslin was once believed to be the real site of the Garden of Eden highly recommend opting for one of the outdoor cabanas as opposed to the indoor rooms so you can listen to the sound of the ocean throughout. There are a number of packages to choose from for individuals as well as couples, including the hotel’s speciality which it recently created to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Raffles; the Praslin Escape. There are also a range of fitness classes available and your villa comes complete with your very own yoga mat in the walk-in wardrobe (so there’s no excuse not to go the sunrise yoga class at 8am). With so many facilities on offer, you could very easily spend your entire stay in Praslin without venturing out of the hotel but this would be a great shame when you consider the other delights on offer. I strongly suggest paying a visit to La Digue Island; a short boat ride away from Praslin, it is home to the prehistoric Aldabra giant tortoises as well as the famed Anse Source Argent beach, long regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. While the endless stretch of glorious white sand and swaying palm trees are beautiful in themselves, it is the magnificent, prehistoric-looking boulders resembling something out of Jurassic Park which truly take your breath away. And of course, you cannot go to Praslin without seeing the legendary Coco de Mer plant. With this and so much more to offer, the ‘bush and beach’ combo is undoubtedly a once in a lifetime holiday experience. fairmont.com/masai-mara-safari fairmont.com/norfolk-hotel-nairobi raffles.com/praslin
MORE INFORMATION Somak Holidays offers an eight night trip to Kenya and the Seychelles from £2,500 per person. Price based on two sharing: two nights at Fairmont Mara Safari Club on a full board basis with twice-daily game drives, one night at Fairmont The Norfolk, Nairobi on a B&B basis, and three nights at Raffles Praslin Seychelles, B&B. Also includes two international overnight flights from London to the Seychelles via Nairobi with Kenya Airways, domestic flights in Kenya with Safari Link, domestic flights in the Seychelles with AirSeychelles, and transfers. Somak Holidays (020 8423 3000; somak.co.uk) Safari Link flies from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Ngerende Airstrip from $354 pp return safarilink.com
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This page and opposite / Jumby Bay, Antigua
Island
Which
Is For You?
The idyllic islands of the Caribbean really come into their own during the cold months of January and February but with 3,000 islands to choose from, where to start? Allow Anna Hart to matchmake you with your perfect Caribbean holiday, whether your object of lust is luxury, culture or nature
For laidback s luxury, seriou seclusion & ng decadent dini
Antigua From the arrivals hall of Antigua airport you’re whisked off to a private jetty, escorted aboard the resort’s ferry and ten minutes later you’re stepping onto the iconic wooden jetty of Rosewood Jumby Bay, welcome cocktail in hand. From that first moment on the island, guests at Jumby Bay feel like they’ve been admitted to a select club, let into a thrilling secret; but the exclusive nature of this long-established private island resort is beautifully balanced by friendly staff, a low-key vibe (flip-flops are the only footwear required) and a refreshing absence of fuss or formality. If you appreciate luxury but find your heckles rising at
overly-attentive, obsequious staff and the unnecessary ostentation endemic at many five-star resorts, you’ll find Jumby a breath of fresh air. Staff are plainly encouraged to be themselves, funny and friendly, but there’s no lapse in their professionalism. It’s this unique brand of barefoot luxury and island society vibe that has made this discreet haven a firm favourite with fashion designers, A-list celebrities and international royals, many of whom own or rent private residences on the island (if you’re in any doubt about the status of your fellow islanders, security is headed by a former SAS agent.) There are just 40 guest
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style Eagle’s Landing. The blend of privately-owned residences and hotel guests gives the entire island a friendly, country-club feel, as does the fact that you can whizz around the island on an old-school cruiser bike (or a golf buggy) in less than 20 minutes. Privacy and seclusion are prized highly here but those in search of buzz needn’t travel far; the unlimited open bar serves memorable Pina Coladas and the mixologists are happy to rustle you up bespoke creations, and of the three restaurants, the Verandah is a warm, inviting, social hub. With paddle-boarding, sailing, windsurfing (the emphasis is firmly on non-motorised watersports, good news for those of us who loathe jetskis) and a small but wellcurated spa, there’s plenty to do but Jumby is a place to relax, unwind and allow yourself to become an islander. Start daydreaming now: stroll barefoot along a secluded beach by moonlight, before cocktails and grilled lobster at the legendary Friday night White Party under the stars. Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort, from £625 per night; price is on an all-inclusive basis (jumbybayresort.com)
Virgin Gorda
rooms and suites in the plantationstyle estate, with most regular guests opting for the private villas and luxurious estate home. If the thought of sharing an infinity pool with another human feels a bit too much like slumming it, then an enviable beachfront mansions would be ideal for you. The pleasing mishmash of architectural styles means there’s a match for the taste buds of every design obsessive; each villa and estate home is unique, ranging from the contemporary, Bond-lair-like Lazy Lizard to the colonial-
For glorious natural scenery, salty sports & zen restoration
Rosewood Little Dix Bay is located on the third largest island in the British Virgin Islands archipelago – still only eight square miles in size – and Virgin Gorda has become the favoured island for those who want to experience the Caribbean’s unspoiled natural wonders. Explore secluded coves by kayak, hiking from beach to beach through the lush, verdant hills and swimming the impossibly clear, blue waters of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. If you dream of finding a frozenin-time, non-commercialised and idyllic little corner of the Caribbean, Virgin Gorda is definitely the island for you. Travel + Leisure magazine named it the top island in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas in its 2014 World’s Best Awards and, with a neighbour like Necker Island, you know you’re in a prime spot. This iconic eco-resort was founded by Laurance Rockefeller in 1964, and this year Little Dix Bay celebrated its 50th anniversary with a major makeover, including the addition of a cluster of beautiful treehouse villas that combine New England-esque beach house interiors with a plantation-house-style exterior, all nestling in the palms overlooking one of the prettiest crescent beaches in the British Virgin Islands. The spa and health and fitness facilities here are a major draw; morning yoga sessions take place in the open air at the
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cliff top spa, the vast gym is high-spec and wellstaffed, tennis coaching is world-class (Rafael Nadal has played here) and comprehensive fitness programmes are overseen by NYC fitness expert Frank Baptiste of Frankly Fitness. But being active happens almost by accident at Little Dix Bay; the 30-minute hike through the bush to the next beach along is a perfect early morning excursion, there’s decent snorkelling along the bay’s coral reef minutes from the villas and if you’re lucky you’ll spot turtles amongst the fishes below you. Many guests are returning visitors, celebrities or sports stars who check in for a few weeks every year to lap up the lush surroundings and get salty and sweaty, then depart feeling transformed. It might be all that swimming and yoga but we swear by the therapeutic influence of these sea views, best glimpsed by moonlight from the romantic Sugar Mill restaurant. A typical morning at Rosewood: practise sunrise yoga on the deck of the open-air cliff top spa, followed by a quick dip in the hot pool, all before a breakfast of eggwhite omelettes and freshly-squeezed tropical juices. Rosewood Little Dix Bay, from £280 per room per night (littledixbay.com)
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For colonial charm, chic boutiques and gla m evenings out
St Barths
If your idea of holiday hell is being stuck at a beach resort miles from anywhere whilst you (inevitably) bicker with your travel companion over the same meal in the same restaurant every evening for two weeks, St Barths is the island for you. The rich and famous have been coming in their droves for decades, seduced by the French colonial vibe, the string of 22 white-sand beaches and the decidedly elite smattering of luxury resorts and private villas. Perched on a narrow isthmus of golden sand between the Caribbean Sea and an aquamarine lagoon, the iconic Le Guanahani has established itself as one of the friendliest, most laid-back five-star properties but don’t think that this relaxed ambiance comes at the expense of luxury or elegance. The ridiculously pretty pastel cottages peek out amongst the palms and hibiscus and bougainvillea; refreshingly this is a beachfront property where the views of the hotel are as good as the views from the hotel. The swish French-influenced Bartolomeo is the gourmet, evenings-only restaurant, whilst the beachfront Indigo restaurant serves the best Fritto Misto you’ll ever taste. The spa is a highlight; many holidaying celebrities with villas on the island check in for the half-day pampering package. St Barths is an island that rewards those who go off-resort, and even though the Le Guanahani is over on the east coast away from the hustle and bustle, exploration of this tiny island is very straightforward. Hire a driver and wander along idyllic Gouverneur Beach (Roman Abramovich owns property in this picture-perfect bay) before moving on to the harbour front eateries of Gustavia, the pretty, colonial port town. Perhaps dine on
faithfully French fodder at La Sapotillier, then wander the Prada, Louis Vuitton and Chanel boutiques for pudding. The combination of a French culinary influence and wealthy visitors has spawned a robust dining and clubbing scene, so be adventurous after dark. Try the bordello-style Le Ti St-Barths (letistbarths.com) where burlesque acts accompany fusion dishes like salmon blinis, seared tuna and steaks. Don’t forget to check out the celebrity pictures on the wall; it seems that all of Hollywood has donned an afro wig here and danced on the stage at some point in their careers. Then yacht-spot along the harbour at Gustavio, followed by sunset cocktails back at Le Guanahani. Le Guanahani from £470 per night, including breakfast and resort facilities such as tennis, fitness centre, service, non-motorised water sports and roundtrip transfers from/ to St Barths airport (leguanahani.com)
more information British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly daily to Antigua (for Jumby Bay) where transfers are available to St Barths and Tortola (for Little Dix Bay). New direct flights between Antigua and Tortola operate every Friday and Saturday, connecting to international flights (tradewindaviation.com)
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Look to the Stars Kathryn Gordon takes a weekend break from the hustle and bustle of Reykjavik, venturing out into the fairytale wilderness of Rangá for authentic Icelandic cuisine and warming winter activities It’s hard to write about Iceland without mentioning a few of the following: Vikings, volcanic ash-clouds, Björk, reports that a large proportion of the population believes in elves. But there’s much more to it than that; when my partner Tom and I visited five years ago, we fell in love with the place, with its humour, strong beer, woollen jumpers and the awesome, otherworldly beauty of its landscape. So we’re more than excited to be staying a few days at the luxurious Hotel Rangá in one of the most picturesque spots in the whole country. Rangá is an hour’s drive from Reykjavik centre (and 90 minutes from Keflavik airport) but it feels a world away from those two hubs. The moment we set foot inside, we’re greeted by a ten-foot taxidermied polar bear and, more familiarly, by welcoming staff.
With almost no light pollution, the skies above Rangá are ideal for catching the Northern Lights The building resembles a hunting-lodge and this, combined with the über-friendly service, lend the hotel a cosy, relaxed vibe, but there are also plenty of sophisticated and stylish touches to engage the eye; there are playful bar-stools in the shape of women’s legs, a reindeer-antler chandelier in the games room and a beautiful Icelandic tapestry hanging in the lobby. This flair for design is further in evidence in the themed bedroom suites based on each of the seven continents (if you fancy following in celebrity footsteps, Charlize Theron apparently favours the Asia Suite). Everything in our own Deluxe room has been chosen with great care, from the elegant toiletries to the selection of drinks in the minibar, not to mention the extremely comfortable king-size bed with luxuriously thick duvet. But it’s really all about the view from our veranda: we’re at the rear of the building, overlooking a bend in the river
– from which the hotel takes its name – that glitters amidst otherwise seemingly endless fields. A few farmhouses are visible in the distance and farther away still, dominating the horizon, is Eyjafjallajökull (the volcano that famously disrupted European travel in 2010) while Mount Hekla impresses at the front of the hotel. This is the countryside but on a different scale to the one we’re used to in the UK. The hotel serves as a convenient base for exploring the black sand beaches, fishing villages, volcanoes and glaciers in the south of the country, as well as the unmissable Golden Circle farther north, comprising Thingvellir National Park, where the oldest recorded parliament was founded in 930 AD; Gullfoss, Iceland’s most famous waterfall; and the Great Geysir, which can hurl boiling water up to 70 metres in the air. On our visit, we rent a car and find ourselves happily captivated at these natural beauty spots. Rangá’s staff can arrange any number of the many activities on offer in the area for you too, including helicopter tours and charter flights, dog-sledding, horse-riding, snowmobiling and super-jeep tours. And if that isn’t enough, with practically zero light pollution, the skies above Rangá are ideal for star-gazing and, at the right time of year, catching the magical Northern Lights. Put down your room number on the list at the front desk and you’ll receive a call when the aurora appear; be warned, this could happen at any point, so have warm clothing and camera gear ready. As evening falls we soak in one of the hotel’s outdoor hot tubs. Taking an al fresco dip whatever the weather is a typically Icelandic pastime and one I recommend wholeheartedly, especially when paired with a glass of champagne. Don’t panic if you forget your swimwear; the hotel will provide you with some. To top off your relaxation, place yourself in the hands of the hotel masseuse for a blissful massage or challenge your partner to a chess or pool match in the games room.
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Supper is served in the glass-walled gourmet restaurant for which Rangá is rightly celebrated, with Icelanders often making the trip here just for the food. Friðrik, the owner of the hotel, moves from table to table, chatting with guests, while the waiting staff do an excellent job of recommending wines to pair with our meal. Eating here doesn’t come cheap but it’s more than worth the price tag: the game soup, made with goose, guillemot and puffin, is rich, creamy and earthy, and we mop it up with hunks of the preternaturally-fluffy bread-of-the-day. Icelanders are very proud of their mountain lamb and to my mind it’s the world’s best; my fillet is perfectly pink and tender, presented beautifully with well-seasoned, locally-sourced potatoes, cubes of root vegetables with just the right amount of crunch and a deep red-wine glaze that brings the whole dish together. Fish-lovers have plenty of options but, as it’s one of the best salmon rivers in the country, they should try the Rangá salmon with sweet potato and white chocolate purée, champagne foam and strawberries. For dessert I recommend the skyr (a traditional milk product that tastes like Greek yoghurt) with blueberries, pomegranate, orange sponge, fruit sorbet and a biscuit crumb, although the warm chocolate cake also tempts. We stagger up from the table and order nightcaps from the outstandingly well-stocked bar to enjoy in the cognac lounge, where the leather armchairs are deep and the lighting is mellow. The next morning I try my hand at making waffles on a waffle iron with Rangá’s home-made batter while Tom stocks up on eggs and bacon and toast and muesli and fruit and skyr and coffee – fuel for an action-packed day, he tells me, although in the end we only manage a short walk, a long bath and selecting one of the many DVDs available to rent from reception. During all of this, I’m going through my mental calendar. I can’t imagine a cosier Christmas or more romantic Valentine’s weekend than one spent here. I’ve already noted the list of special in-room preparations the hotel can make on request for your arrival: candles, flowers, champagne and a cheese platter, among others. If I wasn’t already in love with Iceland, Hotel Rangá would have convinced me. Hotel Rangá is open all year round. Standard double rooms from ¤236 including VAT and breakfast buffet. One hour massage is ¤75 (hotelranga.is)
GUIDE TO THE GALAXY Hotel Rangá recently opened the only public observatory in Iceland to offer a guided tour of the night sky. A fascinating mix of mythology and science, it’s run by Saevar Helgi Bragason, the chairman of the Amateur Astronomical Society of Seltjarnarnes, with the help of a retractable roof, laser pointer and the society’s Celestron telescope. With him, you’ll look millions of years into the past at stars that have already died; see the surface of Jupiter and Mars; learn about The Road to Valhalla, as the Vikings called the Milky Way; and hear many more legends surrounding the constellations. Bragason is also a handy person to have around during the natural light display known in northern latitudes as the aurora borealis. The name comes from Aurora, the Roman goddess of dawn, and Boreas, the Greek name for the north wind. The phenomenon is essentially optical emissions caused by charged particles entering the atmosphere from above and the resultant ionisation of atmospheric constituents. The distinctive green colour can be traced to atomic oxygen around 90 miles high; the aurora can also appear blue, red, yellow and pink. The ‘Northern Lights’ season generally runs between August and April, with September/October and March/April being the most fruitful times for sightings, but Bragason’s favourite months are December and January; the sun is visible for only four hours each day, leaving 20 for star-gazing.
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That’s the
Spirit
To ensure your drinks offering doesn’t put you to shame this Christmas, Annabel Harrison hand-picks a selection of the smartest (and most drinkable) new bottles on the market, as well as some of the chicest vessels in which to display them
going dutch During the festive season, champagne is essential and that’s not just because we really like the taste of it; it can come in very handy as a conversation lubricant when steeling oneself for a boring but unavoidable social gathering and as a catalyst for acceptably childlike levels of excitement on Christmas morning. If we were to have a fridge like Eddie’s in Absolutely Fabulous (which seemed to restock itself as required), we’d want it to be full of this look-at-me onyx-black and envy-green bottle. Dom Pérignon called upon the services of achingly cool Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen to create this limited edition bottle, signed gift box and bottle holder, which is so chic an entity that it warrants having its own name; the Cocoonase. Van Herpen was, the press release tells us, “inspired by the way Dom Pérignon champagne transforms over time” but we’re more impressed by the fact that she follows in the footsteps of Jeff Koons, Marc Newson, Karl Lagerfeld and Lang Lang. Patsy and Eddie would definitely approve. The limited edition bottles and Iris Van Herpen giftboxes are available to purchase on uk.domperignon.com and at selected retailers Dom Pérignon Vintage 2004, £135 Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2003, £330
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wine & dine There’s (almost) nothing more annoying than wanting a glass of wine to accompany the supper you’re cooking only to discover you’ve already drunk the last bottle, and that the closest shop has shut. If this has ever happened to you, a membership to the Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine Club is just the ticket (or you can give it as a gift to the person you live with – equally rewarding). Every two months, you’ll be the happy recipient of a case of wine delivered to your door; these are named after figures from the merchant’s prestigious past (such as Napoleon and Pickering) and its newest state-of-the-art cellar, Wellington. You can opt for the entry-level Bourne membership (‘delicious everyday drinking wine’ priced at £360 for six months) or, the top tier, a year-long Wellington membership priced at £1,800 (‘remarkable wines for the connoisseur’). If you’re really keen you can attend exclusive Wine Club tastings and dinners, thoughtfully part-subsidised by the company “in the hope that we can help nurture your enjoyment of wine”. If you’d prefer to stay at home and want to order additional bottles from Berry Bros. & Rudd to enjoy while you do so, you’ll get 10 per cent off online orders. bbr.com/wine-club
by the book We’re a big fan of pretty books and this one is useful too – a winning combination. Celebrity Cocktails is the third in a series of books by master mixologist Brian Van Flandern (what a name) and should be an essential part of your home-bar paraphenalia. While it’s fun to be kooky, it’s safe to be classic and this book lays out recipes associated with the greatest Hollywood stars of yore, such as Bogart, Taylor and Chaplin, so you can brush up on your technique for making White Spiders and Flaming Rum Punch. We like the casual, scrawled hand-writing font that’s used and the large colour images of exactly how each concoction should look; remember, practice makes perfect. Celebrity Cocktails, £32 assouline.com
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Spaced Out If you’re going out for drinks (as you often do), it’s always nice to try a cocktail you’ve never have heard of, especially if it has a cool back story to boot. Grey Goose has launched two cocktails designed to “explore the intriguing notion of the ‘taste of space’”. While no one knows for sure, apparently astronomers have speculated that space might taste like raspberries, having discovered in 2009 that ethyl formate, the compound widely reported as having the aroma of fruits like raspberries, is present in space. To make the Galactic Martini (Grey Goose with a touch of Alsatian framboise eau de vie), the bartender will dramatically ‘throw’ it four times and garnish with raspberries dusted with black pepper. Throwing is a technique dating back centuries; by passing the liquid from one mixing glass to the other, from as high as possible, the cocktail is mixed and aerated. We also like the sound of the dreamy Beyond the Clouds cocktail; coming soon to a bar near you. greygoose.com
Champagne Cheer A bottle (or few) of Laurent-Perrier would always be most welcome in my home but especially so this Christmas, thanks to the extra special Grand Siècle and Cuvée Rosé gift sets. We love the chic silver Aiguière cradle which accompanies the Grand Siècle champagne (together from £199), although we’d wager you’ll need to get an extra few bottles to ensure it’s always fulfilling its purpose in the smartest fashion. Slightly more ostentatious, and a whole lot more fun, is the Cuvée Rosé champagne birdcage and bottle (£69.95), which also includes a quirky birdcage bottle stopper. Quite the talking point. laurent-perrier.co.uk
DRINKING & DINING
G & Tea It’s no secret that many of us Brits love a good cup of tea and a G&T in equal measure but imagine what would happen if you combined the two. You need wonder no longer; Mark Holdsworth has done just that and Half Hitch gin is now available for your tasting pleasure, infused with Malawian black tea and Calabrian bergamot, and some English wood, pepper and hay to boot. Mark discovered, thanks to his daughter’s school trip down the canal (to find out about the local industry that prospered in the late 1800s) that the heart of London’s gin distilling and warehousing stretched 20 acres from the Lock to the Roundhouse; there’s even a street named Juniper Crescent. A spirits industry craftsman, Camden local and former market stall worker, this ignited in Mark a passion for gin production and he’s brought it back to Camden Lock after a 50-year hiatus. The gin’s name and logo stems from the rope knot used by those mooring up their barges along the Lock – ‘a round turn and two half hitches’. Half Hitch gin, £39, halfhitch.co.uk
Double Trouble For some people, the festive season isn’t complete without the consumption of several staple ingredients and this list often includes salmon (a central luxury brunch component) and whisky (ideal for sipping by the fire while playing Scrabble or cards). For family members or friends who love a brand with a good story, look to familyrun Glenfiddich; it was on Christmas Day in 1887 that founder William Grant is said to have “realised his lifelong ambition to create the best dram in the valley when the first drops of whisky flowed from stills in the distillery he and his family had toiled for a year to build”. This year Glenfiddich has teamed up with Forman & Field to create The Double Scotch, a hamper containing a limited Malt Master’s Edition and two half pounds of H.Forman & Son’s smoked salmon. If that’s just a bit too much, just stock up on one of the core expressions, 12-year-old, 14-year-old Rich Oak and the 15-year-old. Glenfiddich Single Malt Whisky (12, 14 and 15 Year Old), from £34, glenfiddich.com Double Scotch Christmas Hamper, £124.95, exclusively available from formanandfield.com
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The Reimagined Zaika Now Ready To Throw Open Its Doors.
Brought to you by Mayfair's Tamarind Collection.
ZAIKA OF KENSINGTON Kensington’s much loved Indian eatery is back with a new look, but the same commitment to authentic Indian flavours that they've always been renowned for. And with Mayfair's Tamarind Collection taking the reins, you are assured the same level of service and gourmet experience that have established them as pioneers of fine Indian dining.
For reservations call +44 207 795 6533 or visit tamarindcollection.com 1 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5NP
& DINING
DRINKING
BY liane nelson
Sake
For Goodness
A venue that’s associated both with the owners of Whisky Mist, Bodo’s Schloss and Mahiki, as well as the ex-head chef at Nobu (and creator of local hotspot Kurobuta) is bound to incite high expectations among its customers. Ramusake is their newest venture, in what was formerly the Old Brompton Club and it’s one of those restaurant/bar/members club hybrids, specialising in ‘post Japanese food’. We still don’t know what the ‘post’ refers to (after work? after drinks?) but we can vouch for a punchy cocktail list with emphasis on the inventive use of (no surprise here) rum and sake. On the night we visit, the low-ceilinged, low-lit space is buzzing with lively chat. Our chirpy waitress Rebecca looks too cool for Chelsea and in fact, the interior is more glammed-up east London; wire light cages are suspended above tables, I see more tattoo sleeves than I would expect in Dalston and wooden-planked ceilings are criss-crossed with fairy light tubes. The edamame starter sets the standard very high; it’s flamed, seasoned with sake, lemon, butter and salt, and finger-licking good. Choose two or three items each (to share) from Cold, Raw & Salad, Robata BBQ, Something Crunchy, Significant Others, Maki Rolls and (my favourite) Junk Food Japan. I’m certain I won’t like the tuna sashimi pizza but I have to eat both my words and every last morsel; bizarrely, it’s amazing. The jumbo shrimp is aptly named (it is colossal) and the chicken dishes (fried sliders with kimchee mayo and boneless wing confit) are particularly good too. Round it all off with some rice-wrapped ice cream balls and you’re set, at a Chelsea-reasonable £64.50 for the lot for two, drinks excluded. Thanks to a membership only license, this place is likely to be super-exclusive; if you’re not on the list, you better know someone who is. Annabel Harrison Ramusake, 92b Old Brompton Road, SW7 5LR 020 7842 8518 / ramusake.com Membership: £250 p/a. Contact camilla@ramusake.com
Straight from the Slopes If you want to extend your holiday’s après ski this winter, head to the Austrian-themed restaurant, club and bar that is Bodo’s Schloss. Staff are decked out in lederhosen and dirndl as they serve sharing cocktails from ski boots and bobsleds. Dive deep into raclette and Emmental Fondu Wednesdays, complete with a heap of vegetables and frankfurters and a complimentary Krusovice beer. If that doesn’t satisfy your appetite, finish with the chocolate fondu with strawberries, Haribo and Belgian waffles or get into the spirit of the season with the Christmas menus, which include an Alpine charcuterie board, traditional schnitzel and apple strudel. We recommend asking for a personal serenade from The London Essentials, a five-man band who improvise anything from Pharrell’s Happy to Britney’s Baby One More Time (yes, we went there); you’ll be yodeling along in no time. Bodo Schloss, 2A Kensington High Street, W8 4PT 020 7937 5506; bodosschloss.com
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& DINING
DRINKING
Pizza Perfect
The Christmas season is upon us and choosing the best hamper for family and friends can seem overwhelming with the many options available. Those who prefer more than a touch of luxury should look no further than the limited edition Blacks Club Christmas Hamper. The epitome of decadent indulgence, it includes all of the finer things in life, such as artisan chocolates and salted caramels, creamy Lancashire cheese, macarooons and gingerbread gentleman, not to mention a not-so-healthy dose of topnotch spirits. A highlight of each hamper is an individually numbered print of Hayden Kays’ re-imagination of Picasso’s Vollard Suite. They’re limited to just 100 so enquire soon or risk missing out.
New player in the pizza scene Bite Me Pizza has recently opened its doors in Notting Hill and it brings with it delicious pizzas to the neighbourhood. With an impressive list of options plus toppings, customers can pick and choose to their heart’s content when creating their own, or if you’re lacking imagination, a variety of signature pizzas are available, including mouth-watering options such as the Posh Pizza which features a creamy tomato sauce, mozzarella, bocconcini, prosciutto crudo, rucola, cherry tomatoes, parmesan flakes and truffle oil… save us a slice?
Blacks Christmas Hamper (£275 for Blacks Club members / £450 for non-members) blacksclub.com
Bite Me Pizza, 95 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UW bitemepizza.co.uk
The King of Hampers
Down the Rabbit Hole
The Porchester Re-opened with a colourful new look and just as exciting a new menu, The Porchester expertly fuses the best of British dining with American classics. With everything from small bar snacks (chillied chicken wings and pork belly lollipops) to long, lazy lunch or dinner options and traditional Sunday roast which comes with a delicious helping of rosemary and garlic roasties, honey-glazed parsnips, Yorkshire puds and gravy, The Porchester offers quality dining in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. For more adventurous foodies, we recommend the British beef burger topped with peanut butter fritter, American cheese, ale onions, beer candied bacon, pickles and skinny fries. The Porchester, 88 Bishop’s Bridge Road, W2 5AA; theporchester.co.uk
When we learnt that the Gladwin brothers – proprietors of one of our favourite Notting Hill-based restaurants, The Shed – would be bringing their second venture, Rabbit, to the King’s Road, we almost jumped for joy. Similarly to The Shed, the restaurant features an almost self-mocking, country-style interior, with a stable door entrance and a tracker bonnet over the bar, and the menu also takes the same format, divided into sharing, small plates of ‘mouthfuls’, ‘slow cooking’ and ‘fast cooking’ dishes whereby farmed and foraged ingredients reign supreme. The hearty rabbit ravioli is, surprisingly, the only dish featuring the eponymous meat but it is undoubtedly the star; the perfectly cooked al dente pasta has been lovingly filled with tender meat and enriched with bone marrow, yellow chanterelles and lovage pesto. Other must-haves include the simple but full of flavour sweet cured anchovies with pickled rapeseed and the decadent black summer truffle with wild mushroom ragu, not to mention The Shed’s celebrated lamb chips. Bringing a taste of the country to the heart of Chelsea, we strongly suggest you hop on over to Rabbit this winter. Rabbit, 172 King’s Road, SW3; rabbit-restaurant.com
Tea Time The concept of ‘taking tea’ is a rather old-fashioned one – it’s the kind of thing you might hear your grandmother saying – but in recent years it has witnessed a revival, proven by the number of hotels which now promote this particular offering, such as The Rosebery. Inside, the decor is an effective blend of traditional – polished wooden floor, dove-grey walls and icing-sugar-white, ornate high ceilings – and modern touches, with colourpopping art and lighting fixtures that wouldn’t look out of place in an east London hotel. This makes sense given that the tea salon becomes a champagne bar in the evening. Tea can be taken between 1 and 5.30pm and I’d urge you to treat this as a late lunch or an early supper, so spoiled will you be by the decadently yummy offering (but loathe to skip a single morsel). The tea stand is suspended from a metallic branch reaching over the table and the Oriental influence extends to the beautifully hand-painted crockery, featuring colourful birds and details. The sandwiches are fresh and more-ish – our favourites are the organic chicken and buttered corn, and salmon tartar with crème fraiche and dill – but the sweet treats are where The Rosebery comes into its own. Devour scones with clotted cream and make sure you try the sweet rose petal jelly and tangy homemade lemon curd, as well as the standard strawberry jam. The pastries are exceptional, particularly the chocolate/passion fruit combination and raspberry macaroons. French Tea Master Ludovic chooses teas from the rare tea list to complement the food and he does so with quiet flair, knowledge and consideration. The Rosebery’s Afternoon Tea is £45 per person, although I’d recommend paying an extra £17 for the Teamaster’s Choice; it feels like such a treat to try the globe’s finest teas. You can include a glass of champagne (£54 pp) or three types of sake (£78pp) too. Annabel Harrison
A Chocolate Fairytale ’Tis the season for chocolate of all sorts and at Maison Pierre Marcolini, Christmas comes to life in a fantasy of edible creations. Santa Claus is transformed into a Christmas tree of milk chocolate upon a snowy carpet of gianduja-coated hazelnuts and macadamia nuts, while snow crystals made from chocolate praline, caramel and dark chocolate shimmer with colour. Be sure to get your hands on one of the limited edition Christmas trees made from milk chocolate, hazelnut praline and creamy nougat with a mix of almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios. It makes the perfect table decoration (if you can manage not to eat it before 25 December!) Maison Pierre Marcolini’s 2014 Christmas Collection Available exclusively at Selfridges and marcolini.com
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA; 020 7201 3828
The Perfect Burger
Très Exotique Who can say no to those infamous little pastel macarons from Ladurée? This holiday season, our taste buds are being taken on an exotic adventure to the tropics with the patisserie’s holiday collection which features key notes of refreshing pineapple and spicy rum. For a party, try one of their festive cakes such as the Exotique Christmas Log with baba dough soaked in exotic syrup and rum paired with kaffir lime-infused vanilla cream, which is then encased in an ornate chocolate pineapple-shaped shell. We have done the taste test and we approve.
In addition to the pre-existing Soho branch, BRGR.CO will be opening a new site on Chelsea’s King’s Road, in a bid to further satisfy the capital’s growing burger cravings. BRGR.CO uses the finest cuts of 28-day-aged beef to ensure that you’ll be sinking your teeth into the most succulent, juicy burgers, which are handmade on-site daily. Available in four, six and eight ounce portions, these burgers will be sure to hit the spot, whether you’re craving a small snack or a filling feast. And of course a burger joint would not be complete without all the trimmings and extras, such as chocolate and Oreo milkshakes or a decadent chocolate brownie for an indulgent finish. Be warned; this isn’t for the faint of stomach. BRGR.CO, 127 King’s Road, SW3 4PW Open from 1 December brgrco.co.uk
Ladurée, ground floor of Harrods laduree.com
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Photography: Dave Benett Mark-Francis Vandelli
Kylie Minogue and Andre Balazs
Valentino Garavani and Anne Hathaway
Valentino Garavani and Hugh Grant
Valentino Garavani and Nicky Haslam
Maison Assouline
Lucy Watson
Martine and Prosper Assouline with Valentino Garavani
Tim Jefferies, Tamara Beckwith and Malin Johansson
Martine and Prosper Assouline with Anne Hathaway
london living Photography: Hannah Young
By the Books WHAT: Maison Assouline flagship store launch party WHEN: 28 October WHERE: Maison Assouline, Piccadilly WHO: Valentino Garavani, Hugh Grant, Anne Hathaway, Mario Testino and the Duchess of Marlborough WHY: To celebrate the opening of their flagship boutique in London, founders Martine and Prosper Assouline hosted a glamorous party whereby Royal Borough resident and esteemed fashion designer Valentino Garavani took centre stage, signing copies of his new book, Valentino: At the Emperor’s Table. In line with Assouline’s ethos of luxury lifestyle and culture, Krug champagne flowed while music played, courtesy of Chico and Gipsy Kings; in the background could be heard the chatter of Hollywood celebs, including Anne Hathaway and Hugh Grant. Guests also enjoyed the worldwide debut of The Aerial Oxygen Cocktail; a special formula of oxygen infused with a blend of herbs, vitamins and gemstone elixirs. Can we get some of that too?
Alistair Guy and guest
Katie Readman
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson
Oliver Proudlock, Spencer Matthews and Hugo Taylor Henry Conway with sentries
Toby Anstis and guest
Piste Off WHAT: Skiing with Heroes Junior Committee Awareness party WHEN: 6 November WHERE: Bodo’s Schloss, High Street Kensington WHO: Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Oliver Cheshire, Noelle Reno, Katie Readman and Spencer Matthews WHY: Skiing with Heroes – a UK-based charity that helps wounded ex-Iraq and Afghanistan soldiers to get back into employment through a ski-based development programme – chose the Alpine-themed club Bodo’s Schloss to host its inaugural awareness party. Made in Chelsea stars Oliver Proudlock and Spencer Matthews made their appearances and listened to speeches given by veterans. However, lothario Spencer appeared a little too preoccupied with his newfound best friend; a model Saint Bernard. Good-time boys Jamie Laing and Hugo Taylor were the first to hit the dance floor and managed to keep the party going through the night.
Jamie Laing and guests
Mary Charteris
Suzy Menkes
Maria von Thurn
Lara Heller, Iris Van Herpen and guest
Champagne with a Twist WHAT: Iris Van Herpen and Dom Pérignon party WHEN: 27 October WHERE: HUS Gallery, Mayfair WHO: Iris Van Herpen, Mary Charteris, Jade Parfitt, Suzy Menkes, Hilary Alexander and Blaise Patrick WHY: Glitterati from the fashion, design and art worlds gathered at the Hus Gallery in Mayfair to celebrate the collaboration between innovative designer Iris Van Herpen and top champagne label Dom Pérignon. Van Herpen designed a beautiful 3D bottle-stand, entitled Cocoonase, as well as a limited edition Dom Pérignon champagne bottle (see p.116). Guests sipped on the vintage 2004 champagne while sampling a range of molecular-inspired canapés, such as sea urchin caviar with cucumber pearls and chilled oysters. Music sets from DJs Mary Charteris and Jade Parfitt had guests dancing until the small hours of the morning.
Guest with Sara Gilmour
Kristina Blahnik Mary Charteris, Iris Van Herpen and Jade Parfitt Olivia Grant
Images courtesy of Dom Pérignon
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Photography: Brian Sweeney
A Good Time
Farhad Heydari and Theo Fennell
Brendon Hartley Theo Fennell and Nick Foulkes
Guests
WHAT: SalonQP WHEN: 6 November WHERE: Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ WHY: Time was of the essence at SalonQP’s fine watch showcase (now in its sixth year) as collectors, connoisseurs and enthusiasts gathered to marvel at the diversity (and equally hefty price tags) of the crème de la crème of luxury timepieces. Brands of the highest calibre were on display, from Jaeger-LeCoultre to Bremont and Zenith. Guests enjoyed luxurious refreshments courtesy of Berry Bros. & Rudd and Harrods, while concert pianist Dora Deliyska performed on two Bösendorfer pianos. For the first time, a specially curated exhibition paying homage to the heritage and craftsmanship of fine jewellery timepieces, entitled Gems of Time, was also presented and received much praise.
Guests
The Great and the Good
Tinie Tempah
Matthew Williamson
Jemima Khan
Clara Paget, Suki Waterhouse and Gala Gordon
WHAT: The Mayfair Awards WHEN: 4 November WHERE: The Ritz London WHO: William and Lucy Asprey, Patrice Pastor, Mark Henderson and Jason Basmajian WHY: When the great and good of Mayfair gather, the night is bound to be an elegant one, and it was just so for this year’s Mayfair Awards. Celebrating the very best that Mayfair has to offer, from the most loved public space to the best fine dining experience, the awards championed those businesses with a commitment to excellence as the best in their field. The annual event’s first live ceremony played host to representatives from headline sponsor Pastor Real Estate, reception sponsor Grosvenor, champagne sponsor Louis Roederer and venue sponsor The Ritz London as well as associate sponsors BMW Park Lane and The Wren Press. William Asprey was the keynote speaker, paying homage to the area’s eclectic mix of art, food, fashion and culture, all of which were celebrated on the night.
Rocco and Guy Ritchie
A Spook-tacular Event
Charlotte Dellal Jacqui Ainsley Suki Waterhouse and Bryan Adams
Photography: Dave Benett
Spooky guests
WHAT: Unicef UK Halloween Ball WHEN: 30 October WHERE: One Mayfair WHO: Suki Waterhouse, Tinie Tempah, Hugh Grant, Guy Ritchie, Jemina Khan and Bryan Adams WHY: Ghouls, goblins, and bloodied zombies came to life for a night of freakish fun in support of Unicef’s Halloween Ball. The event raised a whopping £750,000, which will provide aid to millions of children in Syria. Hosted by Unicef UK ambassador Jemima Khan, the evening opened with a smashing performance by Canadian rock legend Bryan Adams, followed by a surprise duet with him and model Suki Waterhouse. Tinie Tempah closed the show with a supercharged set whereby he performed hit tracks Pass Out and Written in the Stars, after which guests made their way to the after-party in the venue's Crypt where American DJ Seth Troxler kept the tunes rolling all night.
london living Photography: Jab Promotions Natalie Hawthorne from The Mount Street Deli
Holly Cleave, Rahim Najak and Isabella Graham from Knight Frank
Elizabeth Walker, Mark Henderson and Allie Stanislas from James Purdey & Sons
Vicky Piasecki, William Asprey and Michaela Christine Wolf Andrew Love from The Ritz London
Denise Higgins and Emmanuela Mensah from Christian Louboutin, and Kate Racovolis from The Mayfair Magazine
Jason Basmajian and Mark Henderson from Gieves & Hawkes
Eren Ellwood from Runwild Media Group and Marinel FitzSimons from Maisons Marques et Domaines Limited
William and Lucy Asprey
Susan Cohen from Pastor Real Estate and Kate Racovolis
Christina Norton from Maybourne Hotel Group and Kate Racovolis
Harry Owen from Runwild Media Group and Stephen Boxall from The Ritz London
Lianne Scott and Lisa Bamforth from Grosvenor
Ruth Jones from The Ritz London and Stuart Johnson from Brown’s Hotel
Jason Basmajian from Gieves & Hawkes, John Harrison from James Purdey & Sons, and Panos Koutsogiannakis
Amelda de Segundo from Ralph Lauren Home and Christina Norton
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The Concierge What is it you require, sir? How may I help, madam? The Concierge is here to help with every need, whim or wish, however great or small Apparel
Katharine Pooley
Hydrohealing Spa
Bibendum
Repairs & Cleaning
160 Walton Street, SW3 2JL 020 7584 3223 katharinepooley.co.uk
216a Kensington Park Rd, W11 1NR 020 7727 2570 hydrohealing.com
81 Fulham Road, SW3 6RD 020 7581 5817 bibendum.co.uk
Jeeves of Belgravia 123 Fulham Road, SW3 6RT 020 7589 9229 jeevesofbelgravia.co.uk
Sloane Tailors & Dry Cleaners 69 Lower Sloane Street SW1W 8DA 020 7824 8644 sloanetailorsanddrycleaners.co.uk
Precious Pieces Jewellery Valuation & repair
Bourbon Hanby 151 Sydney Street, SW3 6NT 020 7352 2106 bourbonhanby.com
Hawkes and Son 50-52 Walton Street, SW3 1RB 020 7589 2523 hawkesandson.com Watch Repair
Ligne Roset
Strip Wax Bar
Le Café Anglais
23/25 Mortimer Street, W1T 3JE 020 7323 1248 ligne-roset.co.uk
112 Talbot Road, W11 1JR 020 7727 2754 stripwaxbar.com
8 Porchester Gardens, W2 4DB 020 7221 1415 lecafeanglais.co.uk
OKA
Urban Retreat at Harrods
Chelsea Brasserie
103 Lancaster Road, W11 1QN 020 7792 1425 okadirect.com
87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL 020 7893 8333 urbanretreat.co.uk
7-12 Sloane Square, SW1W 8EG 020 7881 5999 chelsea-brasserie.co.uk
Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture
Medical & Dental Services
The Cow
202 Kensington Park Road W11 1NR, 020 7792 9022 rachelashwellshabbychiccouture.com
Cadogan Street Dental Office
89 Westbourne Park Road, W2 5QH 020 7221 0021 thecowlondon.co.uk
Sub-Zero & Wolf
Chelsea Consulting Rooms
251 Brompton Rd, SW3 2EP 0845 250 0010 subzero-wolf.co.uk
2 Lower Sloane Street, SW1W 8BJ 020 7763 9100 chelseaconsultingrooms.com
Pampering & Wellbeing
Medicare Français
Electric House
Hairdressers
Cartier 143-144 Sloane Street, SW1X 9BL 020 7312 6930 cartier.co.uk
The Watch Gallery 129 Fulham Road, SW3 6RT 020 7952 2731 thewatchgallery.co.uk Vintage Watch Sellers
For the Home
191 Portobello Road, W11 2ED 020 7908 9696 electrichouse.com
Gaucho 3 Harrington Gardens, SW7 4JJ 020 7370 4999 medicare-francais.co.uk
Hari’s
89 Sloane Avenue, SW3 3DX 020 7584 9901 gauchorestaurants.co.uk
The Ledbury Restaurant Smile Style Dental Care
305 Brompton Road SW3 2DY 020 7581 5211 harissalon.com
146 Holland Park Avenue, W11 4UE 020 7727 5810 smilestyledental.co.uk
Light Hair Studio
42 The Dental Practice
293 Westbourne Grove W11 2QA 020 7792 0100 lighthairstudio.com
42 Pembridge Road, W11 3HN 020 7229 5542 42thedentalpractice.com
127 Ledbury Road, W11 2AQ 020 7792 9090 theledbury.com
The Lonsdale
Watches of Knightsbridge 64 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7JF 020 7590 3034 watchesofknightsbridge.com
47 Cadogan Street, SW3 2QJ 020 7581 0811
The Mitre The Portobello Clinic
Richard Ward 82 Duke of York Square SW3 4LY 020 7730 1222 richardward.com
FurniturE, SOFT furnishings
12 Raddington Road, W10 5TG 020 8962 0635 portobelloclinic.com
Haute Cuisine Dining
& APPLICANCES
Beauty Salons & Spas
Hutch Interiors
The Chelsea Day Spa
61 Golborne Road, W10 5NR 020 3659 4320 hutchinteriors.com
69a King’s Road, SW3 4NX 020 7351 0911 thechelseadayspa.co.uk
48 Lonsdale Road, W11 2DE 020 7727 4080 thelonsdale.co.uk
40 Holland Park Avenue, W11 3QY 020 7727 6332 themitrew11.co.uk
One Kensington 1 Kensington High Street, W8 5NP 020 7795 6533 one-kensington.com
Bar Boulud Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA 020 7201 3899 barboulud.com
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay 68 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HP 020 7352 4441 gordonramsay.com
CONCIERGE
Scalini 1-3 Walton Street, SW3 2JD 020 7225 2301 scalinionline.com
Umami 100 Cromwell Road, SW7 4ER 020 7341 2320 umamilondon.co.uk
Members Clubs
cleaners
dog training
Chelsea Arts Club
Hillside Clothes Care
M.A. Dog Training and Services
143 Old Church Street, SW3 6EB 020 7376 3311 chelseaartsclub.com
118 Kensington Park Road W11 2PW 020 7243 6900 hillsidedryclean.co.uk
07547 716076 madogtraining@gmail.com madogtrainingandservices.co.uk
The Sloane Club Lower Sloane Street, SW1W 8BS 020 7730 9131 sloaneclub.co.uk
moving services
Infusion Haberdashery and Dry Cleaners
La Bottega
Business Affairs
14 Gloucester Road SW7 4RB 020 7581 6980 labottega.co.uk
computer & technology help
3 Chepstow Road W2 5BL 020 7243 8735 infusion-haberdashery.co.uk
Richard Darsa
Housekeeping
78 Cadogan Place, SW1X 9RP 07768 200 551 richard@darsa.net
St. Anne’s Housekeeping
Delicatessens
Ottolenghi Delicatessen 63 Ledbury Road W11 2AD 020 7727 1121 ottolenghi.co.uk
Partridges 2-5 Duke of York Square SW3 4LY 020 7730 7102 partridges.co.uk Chocolatiers
Melt Chocolates 59 Ledbury Road, W11 2AA 020 7727 5030 meltchocolates.com
William Curley 198 Ebury Street, SW1W 8UN 020 7730 5522 williamcurley.co.uk
PICTURE FRAMER
Couriers
Runners 4 U Couriers
Pets
111 Old Brompton Road SW7 3LE 020 7589 7635 sk@framesetandmatch.com
Canine Culture
psychotherapist
15 Elgin Mews, W11 1PU 020 6305 8941 runners4u.com
Selena Courier Service 27 Eardley Crescent, SW5 9JS 020 7912 0062 selenacourier.co.uk Luxury Car Services
Avolus Luxury Transport
Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue, W10 4JL 079 4952 3710 canineculture.co.uk
Purple Bone 95 Notting Hill Gate W11 3JZ 020 7985 0903 purplebone.com
38 Lombard Road, SW11 3RP 020 7978 6506 avolus.com
Little Luxuries
lifestyle services
Nikki Tibbles Wild at Heart
london lifestyle service
222 Westbourne Grove W11 2RH 020 7727 3095 wildatheart.com
White Circle Collection
Boujis
71 Walton Street, SW3 2HT 020 7989 9890 whitecirclecollection.com
Flowers
specialist services BUILDER
Childcare
William Gaze Ltd The Cadogan Arms 298 King’s Road, SW3 5UG 020 7352 6500 thecadoganarmschelsea.com
Frame Set & Match
19 Bolsover Street, W1W 5NA 020 3397 7495 stanneshousekeeping.com
Drinking
43 Thurloe Street, SW7 2LQ 020 7584 2000 boujis.com
Abels Moving Services UK Residential, European and International Removals & Storage 020 3773 5796 info@abels.co.uk abels.co.uk
Kensington Nannies 3 Horton Place, Kensington High Street, W8 4LZ kensington-nannies.co.uk
Basement, Loft & Extension Specialist 28 Imperial Square 020 7078 8874 williamgazeltd.com
Suzanne Thomas 07770 378791 suzannethomas @suzannethomas.co.uk suzannethomas.co.uk SHORT-LET RENTAL MANAGEMENT
Easy Rental Services aurelie@easy-rental-services.com +44 7817 722073 easy-rental-services.com EMOTIONAL WELLBEING THROUGH WRITINg
Ease your emotional baggage through writing. Sit with a writer and, using a specially developed format, write out your traumatic event or problem to release it. To book 60 or 90 minute appointments email info@lilybass.com or call 07733 112333 lilybass.com
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130
HOMES showcasing the
finest HOMES & PROPERTY from the best estate agents
Mansion Tax What’s the best solution?
Image courtesy of John Taylor
Inside every great home is an exceptional Christmas waiting to happen.
savills.co.uk
SA79101 Kensington and Chelsea Xmas Sold DPS.indd 1
05/11/2014 10:10
SA
10:10
Just a few of the properties we have recently sold and let, where we have made a big difference for our clients.
sold
sold
sold
westbourne Grove, w11 Guide £6.95 million
northumberland PlaCe, w2 Guide £5.5 million
wetherby Gardens, sw5 Guide £5.25 million
sold
sold
sold
Cornwall Gardens, sw7 Guide £3.75 million
abbotsbury road, w14 Guide £3.25 million
leonard Court, w8 Guide £1.25 million
let
let
let
FranKlins row, sw3 Guide £2,500 Per weeK
tasKer lodGe, w8 Guide £2,250 Per weeK
northumberland PlaCe, w2 Guide £2,250 Per weeK
let
let
let
lonsdale road, w11 Guide £2,050 Per weeK
eGerton Gardens, sw3 Guide £1,995 Per weeK
holland ParK road, w14 Guide £1,850 Per weeK
to discuss your property requirements further, call our team on 020 7877 4640.
SA79101 Kensington and Chelsea Xmas Sold DPS.indd 2
05/11/2014 10:10
savills.co.uk
1 INCREDIBLY ELEGANT HOUSE WITH WEST-FACING GARDEN addison avenue, w11 Double reception room ø study ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 4/5 bedrooms ø 3 bath/shower rooms ø utility room ø cloakroom ø terrace ø garden ø 236 sq m (2,546 sq ft) ø EPC=D
Savills Notting Hill Oliver Lurot olurot@savills.com
020 7727 5750 Guide £6.75 million Freehold
savills.co.uk
1 A BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED STUCCO FRONTED FAMILY HOUSE tor gardens, w8 Double reception room ø study ø kitchen/dining/family room ø master bedroom suite ø 4 bedrooms ø 3 bath/ shower rooms ø roof terrace ø south-facing garden ø off-street parking ø 340 sq m (3,662 sq ft) ø EPC=D Guide £9.85 million Freehold
Aylesford International
Savills Kensington
Charlie Parkin charlie-parkin@aylesford.com
Sarah Birch sbirch@savills.com
020 7351 2383
020 7535 3300
savills.co.uk
1 BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR MAISONETTE harrington gardens, sw7 Double reception room ø kitchen/breakfast room ø master bedroom with en suite shower room ø 3 further bedrooms ø bathroom ø cloakroom ø balcony ø access to communal gardens ø 153 sq m (1,656 st ft) ø EPC=C Guide £3.55 million Leasehold, approximately 164 years remaining
Savills Chelsea Patrick Lister plister@savills.com
020 7578 9003
savills.co.uk
1 EXTREMELY RARE PENTHOUSE APARTMENT onslow gardens, sw7 Reception room ø kitchen ø master bedroom with en suite bathroom ø 2 further bedrooms (1 en suite) ø bathroom ø roof terrace ø lift ø 171 sq m (1,837 sq ft) ø EPC=E
Savills Chelsea Charlie Bubear cbubear@savills.com
020 7578 9000 Guide £4.5 million Leasehold, approximately 983 years remaining plus Share of Freehold
savills.co.uk
1 BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED MEWS HOUSE SITUATED IN PRIME NOTTING HILL denbigh close, w11 Open plan reception room/kitchen ø 2 bedrooms ø bathroom ø utility room ø mews parking ø 85 sq m (916 sq ft) ø EPC=C
Savills Notting Hill Ben Davies bdavies@savills.com
020 7727 5750 Guide £1.75 million Freehold
savills.co.uk
1 FIRST FLOOR APARTMENT IN EXCLUSIVE KENSINGTON COURT kensington court, w8 Reception room with dining area ø kitchen ø 2 double bedrooms ø bathroom ø cloakroom ø caretaker ø basement storage cupboard ø 84 sq m (904 sq ft) ø EPC=C
Savills Kensington Stephen Holmes sholmes@savills.com
020 7535 3300 Asking £1.75 million Leasehold, approximately 90 years remaining plus Share of Freehold
1 2
savills.co.uk
SCARSDALE STUDIOS, w8
GLOUCESTER TERRACE, w2
Double height studio reception room ø study ø kitchen ø mezzanine bedroom ø shower room ø cloakroom ø opportunity to refurbish ø 78 sq m (842 sq ft) ø EPC=G
Reception room ø kitchen ø bedroom ø shower room ø 70 sq m (753 sq ft) ø EPC=D
Guide £1.425 million Freehold
Guide £995,000 Leasehold
Savills Kensington kallen@savills.com 020 7535 3300
Savills Notting Hill afrankish@savills.com 020 7727 5750
GLOUCESTER SQUARE, w2
DENBIGH CLOSE, w11
Reception room ø kitchen/dining room ø 3 bedroom suites ø cloakroom ø courtyard ø 175 sq m (1,886 sq ft) ø EPC=D
Reception room with dining area ø kitchen ø master bedroom with en suite bathroom ø 2 further bedroom suites ø utility room/office ø cloakroom ø mews parking ø 152 sq m (1,635 sq ft) ø EPC=C
Guide £2.65 million Leasehold JSA: Hamptons
Guide £2.75 million Freehold
Savills Notting Hill bdavies@savills.com 020 7727 5750
Savills Notting Hill bdavies@savills.com 020 7727 5750
3 4
1 2
savills.co.uk
FULHAM ROAD, sw10
BILLING PLACE, sw10
Open plan reception room/dining room/kitchen ø study ø master bedroom with en suite shower room ø 2 further bedrooms ø bathroom ø 2 roof terraces ø 93 sq m (998 sq ft) ø EPC=C
Reception room ø kitchen/dining room ø 2 bedrooms ø bathroom ø 2 storage vaults ø garden ø 98 sq m (1,056 sq ft) ø EPC=F
Guide £1.55 million Leasehold
Guide £1.75 million Freehold
Savills Chelsea apwright@savills.com 020 7578 9000
Savills Chelsea apwright@savills.com 020 7578 9000
CALLOW STREET, sw3
REDCLIFFE SQUARE, sw10
Reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bedrooms ø bathroom ø patio ø 68 sq m (731 sq ft) ø EPC=C
Reception room ø kitchen/breakfast room ø master bedroom with en suite bathroom ø further bedroom ø shower room ø cloakroom ø storage ø 97 sq m (1,049 sq ft) ø EPC=C
Guide £915,000 Leasehold
Guide £1.795 million Share of Freehold
Savills Chelsea bharvey@savills.com 020 7578 9000
Savills Chelsea plister@savills.com 020 7578 9000
3 4
1 2
savills.co.uk
LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY
ENSOR MEWS, sw7
GERTRUDE STREET, sw10
2 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø further bathroom ø reception room ø open plan kitchen ø mews house ø 80 sq m (861 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=D
4 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø further bathroom ø reception room ø eat-in kitchen ø period features ø private garden ø 196 sq m (2,111 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=F
Unfurnished £850 per week
Unfurnished £1,595 per week
+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Chelsea stiarks@savills.com 020 7578 9011
+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Chelsea omellotte@savills.com 020 7578 9020
CADOGAN SQUARE, sw1x
LINCOLN HOUSE, sw3
2 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø shower room ø reception room ø open plan kitchen ø porter ø lift ø 95 sq m (1,023 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=C
2 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø shower room ø reception room ø eat-in kitchen ø porter ø lift ø 94 sq m (1,017 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=D
Furnished £1,250 per week
Furnished £1,295 per week
+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Knightsbridge cjalexander@savills.com 020 7584 8585
+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Knightsbridge cjalexander@savills.com 020 7584 8585
3 4
*£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.
L L O
1 2
savills.co.uk
LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY
THORNWOOD GARDENS, w8
QUEENS MEWS, w2
3 bedrooms (2 en suite) ø further bathroom ø reception room ø kitchen ø balcony ø lift access ø underground parking ø 150 sq m (1,615 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=C
2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø reception room ø open plan kitchen ø patio ø roof terrace ø garage ø 135 sq m (1,461 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=G
Flexible furnishings £2,250 per week
Furnished £1,150 per week
+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Kensington lgood@savills.com 020 7535 3333
+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Notting Hill amackinnon@savills.com 020 7727 5751
GARWAY ROAD, w2
HOLLAND PARK ROAD, w14
2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø reception room ø kitchen ø balcony ø 92 sq m (990 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=C
3 bedrooms (2 en suite) ø further bathroom ø reception room ø open plan kitchen ø roof terrace ø wooden flooring ø 177 sq m (1,913 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=E
Furnished £900 per week
Unfurnished £1,850 per week
+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Notting Hill amackinnon@savills.com 020 7727 5751
+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Kensington lgood@savills.com 020 7535 3333
3 4
*£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.
Asquith_K&C_Mag_FPC 04/11/2014 14:38 Page 1
T E EN US M O H PEN INT W O PO O SH OW Y AP N B G
IN
VI
EW
SPENCER PARK LONDON SW18
4 Magnificent 6 bedroom Homes each with private gated access into the Secret Garden of Spencer Park
The Secret Garden of Spencer Park
A prestigious gated development of four magnificent homes, each over 4,500 sqft, with bespoke specifications throughout. Each home has its own direct garden access into the little known Spencer Park - nearly 4 acres of privately owned and managed parkland with tennis court, playground and rose gardens, an exclusive safe sanctuary and retreat for residents and their family’s use only. Prices from £4.5m For further information and private viewing arrangements please contact:
A development by:
020 8877 1222 rchatwin@savills.com
020 7228 7474
austin@john-thorogood.co.uk
PROPERTY
Two Sides to Every Tale CAROLINE FOORD, head of sales for Knight Frank in Notting Hill, rounds up this year’s property patterns from a period of high demand to unsettled political concern, and Sophie woolfenden, head of lettings, provides insight into what the next few months will bring Sales: Colville Road – £975,000
2014 is looking like a tale of two halves in Notting Hill and Holland Park. At the beginning of the year, market sentiment was strong. With low supply and high demand from a huge surplus of buyers, some record-breaking prices were achieved both on and off market. From the outset of the autumn market, it has become apparent that various uncertainties in the market have changed the behaviour of both buyers and sellers alike, cooling the market slightly – arguably a pause for breath. However, whilst the political landscape still remains in a state of flux, the market continues to flourish below £2 million. Although there is a wide range of properties available in the marketplace, there is much evidence of price sensitivity and the properties that are selling are those that have set realistic asking prices or made the necessary price adjustments. The market has shifted slightly from a vendorled market to a buyer-driven market over the last few months. It is evident that the number of available properties compared with a few months ago has increased. However, the registration of new buyers is down. Best-in-class properties are still achieving good prices and although there may be a lack of new buyers in the marketplace, those looking are focused, committed and driven to find the right property. As the election draws nearer and buyers/sellers anticipate the result, there seems to be an increase in the number of people registering to rent in the area. Sophie Woolfenden, head of Notting Hill lettings, highlights a 24% increase on tenancies agreed, a 34% increase on tenancies commencements and a 15% increase in new tenants registering. According to Sophie, “the rental market is beginning to pick up again after a rather slow couple of weeks, with rental values in Prime Central London showing signs of recovery to a level last seen two years ago. With demand in the sales market showing signs of cooling ahead of next May’s general election and uncertainty surrounding the possibility of a mansion tax, more stock should come on to the lettings market. Demand in the third quarter of 2014 exceeded the same period last year, with tenancies agreed up by a quarter and tenancies started to rise by a third. With UK economic data remaining mixed, the Prime Central London rental market is still not in full-blown recovery mode. Though the number of new prospective tenants
Lettings: Opal Apartments – £1,595 per week
and viewings rose in October compared to the same month last year, the number of tenancies started is likely to end the month down, which reflects the hesitant nature of the recovery. Pricing and presentation remain key and landlords should be prepared to move quickly as we are nearing Christmas.” Never has there been a better time to seek professional advice from a well-established agent with decades of experience, local knowledge and an enviable track record. Let us be your trusted advisors. Knight Frank Notting Hill, 294 Westbourne Grove, W11 2PS; 020 7229 0229 knightfrank.com
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KnightFrank.co.uk
St Mary's Place, Kensington W8
Wide house with parking in a gated development Kensington Green is a highly regarded gated private secure development in Kensington, south of Kensington High Street. There is private parking, communal gardens and on site security. 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen, dining room, study, utility room, balcony, garden, double garage. EPC rating C. Approximately 317 sq m ﴾3,415 sq ft﴿
KnightFrank.co.uk/kensington kens@knightfrank.com 020 3551 5156
Freehold Guide price: £6,750,000 ﴾KEN140061﴿
6 81 Holland Park - K and C november - 08 October 2014 - 52622
06/11/2014 11:27:00
K
KnightFrank.co.uk
Limerston Street, Chelsea SW10 Stunning house with large garden
A beautifully finished bright and airy house with one of the largest gardens in the Ten Acre Estate. The design has been thoughtfully approached and comprises master bedroom suite, 3 bedrooms, double reception room, study, kitchen/dining room, laundry room and garden. EPC rating F. Approximately 189 sq m ﴾2,043 sq ft﴿
KnightFrank.co.uk/chelsea chelsea@knightfrank.com 020 3641 7731
Freehold Guide price: £3,850,000 ﴾CHL120086﴿
Kensington and Chelsea - Chelsea - Limerston Street, 79
03/11/2014 16:38:10
KnightFrank.co.uk
First Street, Chelsea SW3
Terraced house with patio garden and balcony A charming early Victorian house with private garden, located between Walton and Mossop streets. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom and balcony, further double bedroom, bathroom, shower room, reception room, sitting room, dining area, kitchen, kitchenette, rear garden. EPC rating D. Approximately 143 sq m ﴾1,546 sq ft﴿
KnightFrank.co.uk/knightsbridge knightsbridge@knightfrank.com 020 36415913
Freehold Guide price: £2,950,000 ﴾SLA140182﴿
K&C Dec First Street
07/11/2014 10:32:13
K
13
KnightFrank.co.uk
Queen's Gate, South Kensington SW7 Immaculate third floor flat
This spacious, bright and beautiful apartment offers excellent and flexible family accommodation. Master bedroom suite, 2 bedrooms, reception room, dining room, kitchen and 2 bathrooms. EPC rating C. Approximately 160 sq m ﴾1,732 sq ft﴿
KnightFrank.co.uk/southkensington southkensington@knightfrank.com 020 8128 1253
Leasehold: approximately 87 years remaining Guide price: £3,650,000 ﴾STK140003﴿
Kensington and Chelsea - Chelsea - Queen's gate 4 @ 27
04/11/2014 10:40:47
KnightFrank.co.uk
Sussex Square, Hyde Park W2 Immaculately refurbished freehold house
A fantastic house with garage and access to gated communal garden square. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom and dressing room, 3 further en suite bedrooms, reception room, Poggenpohl kitchen, breakfast room, study, utility room, guest cloakroom, balcony, patio garden, garage. Approximately 275 sq m ﴾2,969 sq ft﴿ Freehold Guide price: £4,950,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/hydepark antonia.thorp@knightfrank.com 020 3544 2483 Savills Mayfair clloyd@savills.com 020 7578 5100
﴾HEP140107﴿
Sussex Square Kens & Chelsea December 2014
11/11/2014 16:03:27
42
27
KnightFrank.co.uk
Cleveland Square, Bayswater W2
Magnificent family sized garden square maisonette An exceptionally spacious maisonette, located in a Grade II listed stucco building on one of London's garden squares. Master bedroom with en suite shower room, 4 further bedrooms, 3 en suite bathrooms, double reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, terrace, access to communal gardens. Approximately 235 sq m ﴾2,530 sq ft﴿ Share of Freehold
KnightFrank.co.uk/hydepark hydepark@knightfrank.com 020 3544 2483
Guide price: £4,250,000 ﴾HPE140215﴿
42 Cleveland Square Kens & Chelsea Dec 2014
07/11/2014 09:29:59
KnightFrank.co.uk
Colville Road, Notting Hill W11
Stunning two bedroom flat in the heart of Notting Hill An opportunity to acquire a beautifully presented two bedroom flat, arranged over the raised ground floor of a white stucco fronted period building and located moments from Westbourne Grove. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, kitchen. EPC rating D. Approximately 56.8 sq m ﴾611 sq ft﴿ Leasehold Guide price: £975,000 ﴾NGH140226﴿
KnightFrank.co.uk/nottinghill nottinghill@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5449 hamptons.co.uk nottinghill@hamptons‐int.com 020 7034 0404
K&C - December- 3, 2-4 Colville Road
05/11/2014 10:09:43
W
43
W11-DeepWaters-A4.indd 1
04/11/2014 12:07
KnightFrank.co.uk
Sheffield Terrace, Kensington W8
A two bedroom property to rent. The exceptionally large living and entertaining space is set in a vast and imposing room at the top of the house. Accomodation comrpises 2 bedrooms, open plan reception and kitchen, utility room on the second and third floor. EPC rating F. Approximately 221.1 sq m ﴾2,380 sq ft﴿
KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings kensingtonlettings@ knightfrank.com 020 7937 8203
An exceptionally unique top floor maisonette
Available furnished
Guide price: £2,500 per week ﴾KEQ205299﴿ All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges
Sheffield Terrace K&C 3
07/11/2014 10:31:29
K&C
9
KnightFrank.co.uk
Beaufort Street, Chelsea SW3
Two/three bedroom flat with west facing garden This property boasts very good proportions and high ceilings. There is excellent living space including a drawing room, conservatory and an eat‐in kitchen. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen/dining room, utility room, conservatory, balcony, garden. EPC rating C. Approximately 148 sq m ﴾1,590 sq ft﴿ Available unfurnished
KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings chelsealettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6022
Guide price: £1,600 per week ﴾CHQ115581﴿
All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges
K&C Mag 1, 131 Beaufort Street
04/11/2014 17:58:43
KnightFrank.co.uk
Clareville Street, South Kensington SW7 Fantastic five bedroom house to rent with garage
The property boasts excellently planned space arranged over five floors and further benefits from a terrace and two entrances. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, media room, 2 cloakrooms, terrace, patio, garage. EPC rating C. Approximately 330 sq m ﴾3,556 sq ft﴿ Available furnished or unfurnished
KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings southkenlettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6025
Guide price: £5,000 per week ﴾SKQ204865﴿
All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges
K&C Mag 30 Clareville Street cropped
06/11/2014 16:49:19
k&C
19
KnightFrank.co.uk
Royal Crescent, Holland Park W11 A light and spacious Grade II listed Victorian family town house located in Holland Park. 7 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room and access to communal gardens. EPC rating D. Approximately 229 sq m ﴾4,220 sq ft﴿
KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings nottinghilllettings@knightfrank.com 020 7985 9990
Available unfurnished
Victorian family town house
Guide price: £4,250 per week ﴾NHQ190231﴿
All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges
k&C December 24 Royal Crescent2
06/11/2014 16:20:28
020 7221 1117 hello@crayson.com 10 Lambton Place, W11 2SH
At this time of year, contrary to what you may have heard, the property market isn’t as cool as you might think – and for our clients it’s actually bubbling along quite nicely. So if you’d like to discuss selling your property, drop in for a festive mince pie and find out how we achieve success for our clients, all year round.
The Halcyon Holland Park W11 One of the swankiest apartments in town: nobody does it better than Holland Park‌. The Halcyon retains the mystique that made it the ultimate celebrity hotel, and now contains the apartments de choix for those looking for well-located luxury and discretion. Magnificent in its lavish comforts, this penthouse flat has every convenience, up to, and including, its own direct lift access.
Joint Sole Agent 020 7221 1117 hello@crayson.com 10 Lambton Place, W11 2SH Knight Frank 020 7938 4311
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Double reception/dining room
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Master bedroom suite
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Three further ensuite bedrooms
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Kitchen
-
Cloakroom
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Direct lift access/two entrances
-
Porter
-
Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
-
3,744 sq ft/347.8sq m EPC Rating Band E
-
Guide Price ÂŁ9.25 million
-
Share of freehold
Pembroke Square Kensington W8 A big house for sale in perfect Pembroke Square – beautiful, elegant, quiet and, of course, extremely well located. On the western side of the square, this Grade II listed house is found on one of the prettiest squares in Kensington, giving it some fairly hefty square footage and an epic double reception room on the ground floor.
Joint Sole Agent 020 7221 1117 hello@crayson.com 10 Lambton Place, W11 2SH Savills 020 7535 3302
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Double reception room
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Kitchen/dining room
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Master bedroom suite
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Two ensuite bedrooms
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One further bedroom/ one further bathroom
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Dressing room/study
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Direct access to the garage (garage available by arrangement)
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Utility room
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Wine cellars
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Front and back gardens
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Terrace
-
Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
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3,034 sq ft / 281.9 sq m EPC Rating Band E
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Guide Price ÂŁ5.95 million
-
Freehold
Lancaster Road Notting Hill W11 A triplex in Notting Hill, untouched by the deadening hand of design, hard to come by and with all to play for‌ There is a great deal to shout about in this triplex apartment in an archetypal stucco fronted Notting Hill house.
Sole Agent 020 7221 1117 hello@crayson.com 10 Lambton Place, W11 2SH
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Double reception room
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Kitchen/family room
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Master bedroom suite
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Four further bedrooms
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Cloakroom/shower room
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Front and back garden
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Two entrances
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Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
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1,775 sq ft/164.8 sq m EPC Rating Band E
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Guide Price ÂŁ2.3 million
-
Share of Freehold
Barlby Road North Kensington W10 A modern flat in a groovy building, with outside space, an underground parking space and Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea residency‌ yes please. This contemporary, secure and convenient flat in an architecturally relevant building ticks a lot of boxes for the style-conscious and career-minded.
Sole Agent 020 7221 1117 hello@crayson.com 10 Lambton Place, W11 2SH
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Kitchen/dining/ reception room
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Master bedroom suite
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One further bedroom
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Shower room
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Two balconies, communal garden
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Storage unit, underground parking space
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24 hour porter
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Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
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830 sq ft/77.1 sq m EPC Rating Band B
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Guide Price ÂŁ950,000
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Long lease
If you’re looking to buy a property or thinking of selling, pop in for a chat over a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Our door is always open. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
020 7221 1117 hello@crayson.com 10 Lambton Place, W11 2SH
Season’s Greetings from all of us at 10 Lambton Place
Property News PRIME RESI provides us with a comprehensive monthly round-up of key news about the local luxury property market
Price Plateau Four years of price rises end as Prime Central London (PCL) plateaus: A month with zero price growth was recorded in PCL for the first time in four years in October, says Knight Frank, as uncertainty over the general election and various tax matters kicks in to subdue the market. Annual growth has continued its three-year deceleration, from a high point of 12.6% in November 2011 to 6.5% in October this year. “It is worth emphasising the gradual nature of the slowdown,” notes the agency, “which is typical after such a strong run. Furthermore, the fact monthly growth reached zero in October is in line with a forecast we made more than a year ago.” Knight Frank predicts that PCL will see 0% price growth throughout 2015, although other organisations are forecasting anything from a 0.8% price drop (the Centre for Economics & Business Research) to a 5% increase (Chestertons, if the Conservatives win the election).
Source: Knight Frank Residential Research
Source: Knight Frank Residential Research
Nick Clegg Photography: David Spender
Labour’s Grand Plan
Council Tax Not Mansion Tax Lib Dems abandon ‘crude’ mansion tax in favour of new Council Tax bands: Just a few days after Labour threw itself behind a Mansion Tax on £2m+ properties, the Liberal Democrat party overhauled its Mansion Tax plans, proposing the introduction of new Council Tax bands for high-value homes rather than the creation of a whole new tax. Nick Clegg mentioned the new strategy on the BBC’s The Andrew Marr Show, saying that the party’s new idea is to collect the Mansion Tax through higher Council Tax bands, rather than as a percentage lump on death. He thinks upped Council Tax bands will generate the same total revenue as a completely new Mansion levy, at somewhere between £1.5bn and £1.7bn. This is the approach that many PrimeResi.com contributors have suggested would be the least painful, and most practicable, way of executing a new levy on prime property; it would not require the revaluing of all high-value homes, and – as an amendment to an existing (and accepted) cost of ownership – would probably not have as great an impact on the property market.
Entry-level mansion-dwellers would pay £250 per month: Ed Balls has detailed just how Labour’s version of a Mansion Tax would work, should the party get lucky in May. Entry-level mansion-dwellers – living in homes worth £2m–3m – would pay an extra £250 per month if Balls and Miliband get their way. Proper mansionites, with rd) Potts Ed Balls Photography: Harry (Howa homes of £10m+, “should make a much bigger contribution,” says the Shadow Chancellor. Writing in The Evening Standard, Balls reiterated that that the proposed levy on £2m+ homes would raise around £1.2bn and affect 0.5% of UK dwellings. He went on to say that Labour “guarantee[s] that more modest properties are not brought into the scope of the tax.” Labour’s finance man says that the starting threshold will be raised in line with average property price increases for £2m+ homes, rather than in line with inflation. The latest plan involves a banded system that means the new tax “will be administratively simple” and not require any additional valuations. Homeowners would be able to submit self-valuations to HMRC, as currently happens for Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED). “It will,” claims Balls, “be clear which band – for example £2m-£3m – the property falls into.” Ahem. It sounds as though bands will not just be value based, though: Balls writes that “we will look at asking overseas owners of second homes in the UK to make a larger contribution than people living in their only home.” Balls’ final nugget is another “guarantee”, this time to the cash-poor asset-rich minority. Anyone living in a £2m+ home who earns under the £42,000 top tax band would be able to defer paying the new levy until the property changes hands.
PROPERTY
PrimeQResi Journal of Prime Property
primeresi.com
The Chelsea Question Crossrail 2 (CX2) consultation delivers no consensus: The Chelsea portion of the proposed new CX2 line has been the biggest bone of contention in the latest consultation report. 4,008 of the total 5,180 responses to the Consultation, which took place earlier this year and has just been published, voiced an opinion about what should happen in the King’s Road section of the line. Generally, there’s some strong support for CX2: 83% of all respondents were in favour of the scheme. In Chelsea, however, opinions are a touch more divided; two potential locations were put on the cards, in the fire station on the King’s Road at Dovehouse Green or at World’s End – along with the option of bypassing the area to give a direct run from Victoria to Clapham Junction. The public seems to be favouring the King’s Road option (including a strong contingent of campaigners looking to protect Cremorne Gardens at the World’s End), while stakeholders are erring on the Chelsea West side. Carter Jonas estimated earlier this year that CX2 will drive a 20–40% uplift in property prices in the Chelsea area. Other areas along London’s proposed new rail routes – Tottenham Court Road, Wimbledon, Tooting and Nine Elms – could benefit to the tune of more than 70%, said the agency.
Market Comment Not Just for Christmas Elena Dimova, managing director of CENTURY 21 Sophia Elena, can only think of one present to get this festive season
Autumn is the golden season; the colours are so vibrant and nature is majestic. The warmth of a fireplace and the smell of homemade cookies and spiced mulled wine are so inviting. Some pretty, scented candles and a freshly brewed pot of coffee, add to this euphoria for the senses, while it drizzles outside. What a perfect setting for dreaming of a new home. When I walk into one that gives me that welcoming and cosy feeling, I know I want to stay. I am where I want to be during the festive season with family and friends, and all the seasons after. However, I am not the only one. So many people are dreaming right now. When we walk over the threshold, what captures our imagination is about so much more than what we see. Embrace the season – it is magical; as Emily Brontë wrote, “Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” Why are people looking to buy right now? There are so many reasons we buy homes. Those reasons do not wait: a new baby on the way, a flat for grandma next door, a big bonus to invest, moving
The best time to sell is when you have little competition, and yet, the buyers are out there, looking professionally to a different country, or buying a holiday home in London. You must all know the old wives’ tale about selling in Spring. Surely, the best time to sell is when you have little competition, and yet the buyers are out there, looking. Think about the amount of overseas visitors who adore spending time in London. They will be here in the weeks to come enjoying one of the many things London does best – the holiday season. And you can bet your bottom dollar, many will have a new home in their Christmas stocking. CENTURY 21 Sophia Elena, 10 Clarendon Road, W11 3AA 020 7229 1414; century21uk.com Image courtesy of: Transport for London
171
LindEn Gardens, W2 £1,997,000 Leasehold An elegant, lateral apartment of 1,426 sq ft (133 sq m) spanning the top floor (with lift) of this beautifully maintained and elegant mansion building, undoubtedly one of Notting Hill’s finest. The apartment has been tastefully refurbished in a light, contemporary style and features a large reception space, a fabulous kitchen breakfast room and an unusually large master bedroom suite also. Two Bedrooms | Double Reception Room | Kitchen/Breakfast room | Two Bathrooms | Upper Floor w/Lift | 1,426 Approx Sq Ft | EPC Rating D/E
Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app
winkworth.co.uk/notting-hill 020 7727 3227 nottinghill@winkworth.co.uk
See things differently.
Westbourne Grove, W11 £2,250,000 Leasehold A meticulously designed apartment measuring almost 1,700 sq ft in total with secure off street parking. This fabulous home’s extensive living space opens out to a large private garden, and with the super high spec eat-in kitchen as well, one to please any budding chef, it provides the perfect home for indoor and outdoor entertaining. Two Bedrooms | Double Reception Room | Kitchen/Breakfast room | Two Bathrooms | Garden | Off Street Parking | 1,659 Approx Sq Ft | EPC Rating D
Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app
winkworth.co.uk/notting-hill 020 7727 3227 nottinghill@winkworth.co.uk
See things differently.
ONSLOW SQUARE, SW7 £2,895,000 STC, LEASEHOLD or £1,395 PER WEEK, FURNISHED Located on the raised ground floor of a former white stucco Regency style house, this stunning conversion flat offers well-proportioned accommodation and would make an ideal London Residence. The property features a large reception room and double bedroom with a wealth of storage, granting direct access to the communal gardens. Onslow Square is considered one of South Kensington’s finest locations, with stunning stucco terraces. It situated within easy walking distance of both Fulham Road and Old Brompton Road. Period Ground Floor Flat | Leasehold Sale or Furnished Let | Caretaker | Reception Room | Two Bedrooms | Bathroom | WC | 1,232 sq ft approx. | Patio | Direct Access to Communal Gardens | Two Additional Storerooms | Qualification for RBKC Parking Permits
Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app
winkworth.co.uk/knightsbridge-chelsea 020 7589 6616 knightsbridge@winkworth.co.uk
See things differently.
Eaton Place, SW1X ÂŁ1,800 per week A superb converted first and second floor flat situated within this former terraced stucco style regency house. The property comprises a smart communal entrance, entrance hall with storage cupboard, first floor reception room with open plan dining room, modern kitchen with integrated appliances, store room, utility cupboard, master bedroom with fitted wardrobes and bathroom, second guest suite dressing room and bathroom, two ornamental balconies and roof terrace. Available furnished or unfurnished. Period Flat | Two Receptions | Two Bedrooms | Three Bathrooms | Roof Terrace | Balcony | Resident Parking | 1,701 Approx Sq ft
Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app
winkworth.co.uk/knightsbridge-chelsea 020 7589 6616 knightsbridge@winkworth.co.uk
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Cranley Gardens, SW7 ÂŁ2,100,000 Leasehold A superb two bedroom maisonette on the ground and lower ground floor of this well maintained red brick period conversion that is quietly positioned at the rear of the building with the rare benefit of its own private garden. This exceptional apartment extends to 956 sq ft (89 sq m) of well arranged and proportioned accommodation with great use made of the available square footage. Of particular mention is the impressive reception room with high ceilings, great natural light and a set of French doors that offers direct access to and wonderful views of the private garden. Entrance Hall | Kitchen | Reception Room | Two Bedrooms | Bathroom | En-Suite Shower Room | Patio | Large Private Gardens | Terrace
Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app
winkworth.co.uk/south-kensington 020 7373 5052 southkensington@winkworth.co.uk
See things differently.
Southwell Gardens, SW7 ÂŁ650 per week An immaculately presented and fantastically light one bedroom flat located on the third floor of this recently refurbished period conversion. This property extends to 737 sq ft (68.47sq m) of well arranged accommodation and boasts an exceptional south facing reception room with an open plan kitchen with three large sash windows that provide a wealth of natural light. At the rear of the property is an excellent size dressing room and separate shower room and a double bedroom with en-suite bathroom. The flat is available now on an unfurnished basis. One Bedroom Flat | Reception Room | Two Bathrooms | Third Floor | Newly Refurbished | Unfurnished | EPC Rating B
Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app
winkworth.co.uk/south-kensington 020 7373 7370 5052 6767 southkensington@winkworth.co.uk
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Stafford Terrace, W8 £10,500,000 Freehold An immaculate Grade II listed five bedroom family home (4,200 sq ft/390 sq m) on Kensington’s prestigious Phillimore Estate with a south facing garden. The house has undergone an extensive programme of refurbishment and now provides excellent entertaining space and family accommodation. Principal Bedroom Suite | Four Further Bedrooms | Two Further Bathrooms | En Suite Shower Room | Study | Drawing Room | Dining Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Family Room | WC | Utility Room | Attic Room | South Facing Garden | EPC Rating D
Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app
winkworth.co.uk/kensington 020 7727 1500 kensington@winkworth.co.uk
See things differently.
Farmer Street, London, W8 ÂŁ2,700,000 Freehold A very well presented and larger than average four bedroom double fronted Victorian house. The property benefits from a double reception room, kitchen/ breakfast room, principal bedroom with spacious en suite bathroom, three further double bedrooms, en suite shower room, cloakroom and roof terrace. Farmer Street is situated in the heart of Hillgate Village close to the many excellent shops, restaurants and transport facilities of Notting Hill, Kensington High Street and the surrounds. Entrance Hall | Double Reception Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Principal Bedroom with En Suite Bathroom | Three Further Bedrooms | En Suite Shower Room | Cloakroom | Utility Room | Roof Terrace | EPC Rating F
Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app
winkworth.co.uk/kensington 020 7727 1500 kensington@winkworth.co.uk
See things differently.
PROPERTY
PrimeQResi
Property News
Journal of Prime Property
PRIME RESI provides us with a comprehensive monthly round-up of key news about the local luxury property market
primeresi.com
London Cooling Withdrawals and price reductions on the rise as London cools: Not only is the number of properties being withdrawn from sale increasing – by 12.4% year-on-year across PCL – but new analysis by leading property data house Lonres has shown that weakening market conditions in the capital are forcing many vendors to accept lower prices than they anticipated in order to bag a sale. 92% of estate agents feel that the majority of vendors are being unrealistic on their asking price, says Lonres, while 21% claim that vendors are not only being unrealistic on price, but also unwilling to negotiate. That being said, the level of negotiations is rising: during Q3, 60% of properties that sold across central London were agreed below their initial asking price. This is still some way off the remarkable figure of 87% seen at the beginning of 2009, but it’s definitely creeping in that direction (the proportion was at 50% during Q2 2014). Of all the properties currently available to buy across the Lonres area, 35.5% have had a reduction in price since they were first marketed. A further 4.5% of them have seen their asking price increase, while the remaining 60% are still being marketed for the price at which they were first launched. As for variations across the price ranges, the average asking price reduction is 7.6%, but highest up in the £5m+ range, where it’s getting on for 10%.
Happy Thoughts NICK CRAYSON prepares us for the joys of Christmas time in Prime Central London
This morning was the first day that Jack Frost has appeared this year. I walked through Kensington Gardens with my dachshund on the way to work and everything was covered with a beautiful thin white sheen. On the streets parents getting ready for the school run were scraping windscreens, whilst their progeny shivered in back seats. I am ready to embrace the chilly and crisp tidings of winter. It’s the beginning of November and here in Notting Hill, shops are already receiving deliveries of fir and holly. The more daring ones are already playing Christmas songs as assistants pin tinsel to pointsof-sale. By the time you read this magazine it will be mid-November or beyond and you will be getting into the Christmas swing. In my view Christmas cannot come early enough this year – it has been more challenging in the property sector than we would have guessed – but I really do predict that there will be a silver lining. Rumour has it that it is going to be arctic this winter – so some weathermen are saying. El Niño (the South American weather system which recurs every number of years) affects sea temperatures and in no time (apparently) we will have penguins and polar bears on these shores.
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Source: LONRES
What has this got to do with property? Not much really – other than that a lovely London house has to be the best place to snuggle up in with all the family, around a well-lit hearth and with a large glass of egg-nog to warm the cockles. In this state we should reflect on how lucky we are. We live in the finest city in the world which has become a thriving cultural capital – we can all be very proud of that. I really appreciate the privilege of working in the area that I was brought up in and love – and thanks to everyone who has had faith in us. A very merry Christmas to you all. Crayson, 10 Lambton Place, W11 2SH; 020 7221 1117 crayson.com
Katrina Phillips
Jeremy Montagu-Williams
Owner, Katrina Phillips Interiors
Dedicated Flats Team Agent
Some Others to Notting Hill sell flats. folk were born to style.
Alas, Jeremy’s in the second bracket. But fortunately for you, he’s extraordinarily good at it. As part of the only dedicated flats team in Notting Hill, he knows his market and offers an unparalleled service. So if you’re longing to hang a Bamileke tribe juju hat, speak to Katrina, but if you’re looking to buy or sell, Jeremy’s your man.
303 Westbourne Grove, London W11 2QA 0207 221 1111 | struttandparker.com
38577_15_S&P_NottingHill_Folk_Kensington & Chelsea_297x210_Designer_V2.indd 1
11/11/2014 15:34
CHESTERTON ROAD, W10 ยฃ3,250,000 Freehold
A beautiful townhouse with minimalist interiors situated in Ladbroke Grove. Arranged over four storeys behind a part stucco-fronted Victorian faรงade, the calm, sensuous decor epitomises contemporary design and living. epc = d
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Double-length drawing room Large kitchen/dining room Four double bedrooms Office and utility room Landscaped garden Approx 196 sq m (2,106 sq ft) JSA Strutt & Parker tel: 020 7221 1111
Domus Nova Notting Hill 17 Kensington Park Road W11 020 7727 1717 nottinghill@domusnova.com
K+C mag DECEMBER Edition.indd 26-27
OAKWOOD COURT, W14
ÂŁ4,250,000 Share of freehold
A sensational mansion apartment with beautiful interiors by Caroline Legrand Design. Offering exceptional lateral space and family accommodation, including a large patio garden, this stunning home is unique. It is set in a tranquil Holland Park location between Notting Hill and Kensington High Street. epc = e -
Grand double reception room Beautiful kitchen by Boffi Four bedrooms (two en-suite) Office and utility room Patio garden and communal garden Porter and lift Approx 250.4 sq m (2,695 sq ft)
05/11/2014 16:45:17
STPETERSBURGH PETERSBURGHPLACE, PLACE,W2 W2 ST £7,500,000 £7,500,000 Freehold Freehold
Setbehind behindan anelegant elegantVictorian Victorianfaçade, façade,this this Set architect-designedfamily familyhome homehas hasrecently recently architect-designed beenrebuilt, rebuilt,resulting resultingin inaaunique uniqueand andaweawebeen inspiringproperty. property. inspiring Themain mainhouse houseisisarranged arrangedover overfive fivefloors, floors, The eachof ofwhich whichoffers offerspredominantly predominantlylateral lateral each space. epc epc==cc space. --------
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Domus DomusNova NovaBayswater Bayswater 78 78Westbourne WestbourneGrove GroveW2 W2 020 0207221 72217817 7817 bayswater@domusnova.com bayswater@domusnova.com
K+C K+Cmag magDECEMBER DECEMBEREdition.indd Edition.indd 28-29 28-29
HEREFORDROAD, ROAD,W2 W2 HEREFORD
£9,000per perweek week––admin adminfees feesapply* apply* £9,000 Long/shortlet let Long/short five-floor,stucco-fronted stucco-frontedfamily familyhome home AAfive-floor, locatedon ona aprime primestreet streetininNotting NottingHill. Hill. located Thisbeautiful beautifulhouse househas hasbeen beenskilfully skilfullyand and This meticulouslyredefined redefinedthroughout throughouttotocreate create meticulously anexceptional exceptionalcontemporary contemporaryhome. home. epc epc==dd an
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Fourdouble doublebedrooms bedrooms Four Separatestaff staffaccommodation accommodation Separate Stunningwalled walledgarden garden Stunning Beautifulbespoke bespokefamily familykitchen kitchen Beautiful Stylishlydesigned designedand andfinished finished Stylishly Approx259 259sqsqmm(2,789 (2,789sqsqft)ft) Approx domusnova.com/administrationfees domusnova.com/administrationfees
05/11/2014 05/11/201416:45:33 16:45:33
MELBURY ROAD, W14 £6,950 per week – admin fees apply* Long let An impressive and elegant family home in the leafy surroundings of Holland Park. This beautifully presented five-bedroom house mixes contemporary finishes with an abundance of period features and offers a lateral feel throughout. epc = d
*
Five double bedrooms Gated and door-coded entrance Immaculately finished Vast reception spaces Stunning rooftop garden Approx 452 sq m (5,105 sq ft) domusnova.com/administrationfees
Domus Nova Notting Hill 17 Kensington Park Road W11 020 7727 1717 nottinghill@domusnova.com
K+C mag DECEMBER Edition.indd 30-31
w CHEPSTOW VILLAS, W11
£1,550 per week – admin fees apply* Long let This wonderfully bright property has recently been refurbished to create a cool and contemporary home. Featuring a lift that gives direct access in to the property, this outstanding apartment offers penthouse-style living within an imposing period building. epc = e *
Two double bedrooms Direct lift access Bright lateral space South-facing terrace Bespoke design and finish throughout Approx 124 sq m (1,338 sq ft) domusnova.com/administrationfees
05/11/2014 16:45:53
Elvaston Mews SW7 ÂŁ5,650,000 Freehold Kensington Gate Sales 020 7581 1152 | kengatesales@dng.co.uk
North
Chelsea
Fulham
A superb freehold mews house which has been refurbished throughout with fantastic attention to detail. The property has been extended and provides fabulous and well balanced accommodation over four floors.
Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush
Kensington
Kensington Gate
Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, 3 further bedrooms, Bathroom, Shower room, 2 reception rooms, Eat-in kitchen, Garage, EPC: C.
South Kensington
Notting Hill
Pimlico & Westminster
douglasandgordon.com
Oakley Street SW3 ÂŁ3,450,000 Leasehold Chelsea Sales 020 7225 1225 | chelseasales@dng.co.uk
South
Balham
Battersea
Battersea Park
A well-proportioned and immaculately presented maisonette situated on the first, second and third floors of this impressive building. The flat stretches to over 1,700 sq.ft. and benefits from two stunning terraces.
Clapham
East Putney
Southfields & Earlsfield
Master bedroom with luxury en-suite bathroom, 2 double bedrooms, Shower room, Reception room, Kitchen, Rear terrace, Roof terrace, EPC: D.
West Putney
Cadogan Gardens SW3 ÂŁ3,250,000 Leasehold approx. 35 years unexpired Chelsea Sales 020 7225 1225 | chelseasales@dng.co.uk
North
Chelsea
Fulham
An exceptional lateral flat in one of London's premium addresses. Arranged over the entire first floor, covering just over 1,200 sq.ft. of this beautifully wellmaintained building and located within the heart of Chelsea's Cadogan Gardens.
Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush
Kensington
Kensington Gate
Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen, Access to communal gardens, Lift, Porter, EPC: D.
South Kensington
Notting Hill
Pimlico & Westminster
douglasandgordon.com
Ruston Mews W11 ÂŁ1,999,950 Freehold Notting Hill Sales 020 7727 7777 | nhsales@dng.co.uk
South
Balham
Battersea
Battersea Park
A completely renovated and restored mews house, generous in size and arranged over three floors. The property is set within a private and gated mews and offers a private, off-street, parking space.
Clapham
East Putney
Southfields & Earlsfield
3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Shower room, Open-plan kitchen/ reception room, Off-street parking, Roof terrace, EPC: D.
West Putney
Jubilee Place SW3 ÂŁ2,500 per week Fees apply Unfurnished Chelsea Lettings 020 7581 6666 | chelsealets@dng.co.uk
North
Chelsea
Fulham
A very attractive family house which is neutrally decorated throughout and benefits from its own garage and private garden. The house is situated in this pretty street running between Chelsea Green and the Kings Road.
Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush
Kensington
Kensington Gate
5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Double reception room, Dining room, Kitchen, 2 Cloakrooms, Garage, Front garden, EPC: D.
South Kensington
Notting Hill
Pimlico & Westminster
douglasandgordon.com
Albert Hall Mansions SW7 ÂŁ2,950 per week Fees apply Unfurnished Kensington Gate Lettings 020 7589 5252 | kengatelets@dng.co.uk
South
Balham
Battersea
Battersea Park
An impressive property ideal for families located in this prestigious portered building. The property benefits from two spacious formal reception rooms with, a separate eat in kitchen and four good sized double bedrooms.
Clapham
East Putney
Southfields & Earlsfield
4 double bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, Kitchen, Porter, EPC: TBC.
West Putney
020 7087 5696
jll.co.uk/residential kensington.lets@eu.jll.com 387 Kensington High Street, W14 8QA
Trinity House, W14 £1,500 Per Week
Stunning eighth floor apartment consisting of two double bedrooms and a smaller single room, en-suite bathroom along with outside space at 375 Kensington High Street by St Edwards Homes. The apartments are situated within the prestigious Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and are set around a courtyard garden, further benefitting from a private swimming pool, spa and cinema. 24 hour concierge is provide.
Tenant agency fees: £240 administration fee per property, £48 referencing fee per Tenant / Guarantor.
• 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, modern new build apartment • Large open plan kitchen and dining room • 24 hour concierge and security • Gym, pool and cinema facilities • Superb, premium location • Close to Kensington Olympia and High Street Kensington
Trinity House, W14 £650 PER WEEK
Beautiful and modern second floor one bedroom apartment with balcony at the award winning 375 Kensington High Street development. The property comes fully furnished to the highest standard and is available now to rent. The apartment is situated within the prestigious Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea with a great view of the high street, further benefitting from a premium spec leisure suite consisting of a private swimming pool and spa, cinema, business suite and 24 hour concierge.
Tenant agency fees: £240 administration fee per property, £48 referencing fee per Tenant / Guarantor.
• One bedroom, second floor apartment • 24hr Concierge and security • Available fully furnished • Resident Only Leisure Suite • Premium Spec Finish Throughout • Award Winning Development
020 7087 5696
jll.co.uk/residential kensington.sales@eu.jll.com 387 Kensington High Street, W14 8QA
Charles House, W14 £6,600,000
This amazing and unique penthouse apartment over two levels consists of three bedrooms and three bathrooms and is situated in the superb new and award-winning development at 375 Kensington High Street, this fabulous duplex apartment also includes two underground parking spaces. This new development by St Edward Homes is set around a courtyard garden, benefitting from a private, resident’s only leisure suite, private cinema, business suite and 24 hour concierge provided by Harrods. Photos are representative.
• 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, • Large wraparound roof terrace • Fully integrated kitchen with open plan living room • 24 hour concierge • Private leisure facilities • 2 private, underground parking spaces
Charles House, W14 £1,500,000
An absolutely stunning second floor apartment consisting of two double bedrooms, en-suite bathroom with a beautifully large, corner balcony at the award winning 375 Kensington High Street development by St Edwards Homes. Superb first home and great for investment. The apartments are situated within the prestigious Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and are set around a courtyard garden, benefitting from a premium leisure suite consisting of a private swimming pool and spa, private cinema, business suite and 24 hour concierge provided by Harrods.
• 2 bedroom, second floor apartment • 24hr Concierge and security • Large Private Outdoor Terrace • Resident Only Leisure Suite • Premium Spec Finish Throughout • Award Winning Development
Cadogan Street, Chelsea SW3 • • • • •
5 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms Drawing room Dining room Kitchen
• • • • •
Family room Study Garden Approx. 2,786 sq ft (258 sq m) EPC rating: current (C) potential (B)
Guide price £4,650,000
Freehold
For more information, call Giles Cook 020 7306 1620 or email gcook@waellis.com JSA Strutt & Parker 020 7225 3866
“A superb late Georgian family house, stylishly designed and reconfigured to provide practical open plan living space” W.A.Ellis 174 Brompton Road London SW3 1HP
waellis.com
Hans Crescent, Knightsbridge SW1 • • • • •
2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom Shower room (en suite) Reception room Kitchen / dining room
• • • • •
Lift 24 Hour porter Private parking Approx. 1,032 sq ft (95.9 sq m) EPC rating: current (C) potential (C)
Guide price £3,000,000
Leasehold with 987 years remaining
For more information call Simon Godson on 020 7306 1610 or email sgodson@waellis.com JSA Harrods Estates 020 7225 6506
“A fourth floor flat in this impressive Knightsbridge red brick mansion block”
W.A.Ellis 174 Brompton Road London SW3 1HP
waellis.com
Charles House, Kensington High Street W14 • • • • •
2 Double bedrooms 1 Bathroom (en suite) 1 Shower room Reception room Open plan kitchen
• • • • •
Comfort cooling 24 Hour security Use of leisure facilities Approx. 792 sq ft (73 sq m) EPC rating: current (B) potential (B)
“A brand new luxury apartment in this prestigious new development on Kensington High Street.”
Price £950 per week Furnished For more information call Kerry Morley on 020 7306 1630 or email kmorley@waellis.com Potential tenants are advised that administration fees may be payable when renting a proper ty. Please ask for details of our charges.
W.A.Ellis 174 Brompton Road London SW3 1HP
waellis.com
Montrose Court, South Kensington SW7 • • • • •
3 Double bedrooms 3 Bathrooms (en suite) Guest cloakroom Double reception room Fully fitted kitchen
• • • • •
Terrace 24 Hour porter Parking by negotiation Approx. 1,934 sq ft (179 sq m) EPC rating: current (C) potential (C)
“A stunning penthouse apartment in this modern building overlooking Hyde Park.”
Price £2,500 per week Furnished For more information call Charlie Woods on 020 7306 1630 or email cwoods@waellis.com Potential tenants are advised that administration fees may be payable when renting a proper ty. Please ask for details of our charges.
W.A.Ellis 174 Brompton Road London SW3 1HP
waellis.com
Coleherne Court, South Kensington, SW5 An elegant and luxurious two bedroom apartment (approx. 1,352 sq. ft.) on the ground floor of a popular portered mansion block. The accommodation includes a 40ft. (approx.) open plan reception / dining / kitchen, providing excellent space for entertaining. Both of the beautifully designed bedrooms have contemporary ensuite bathrooms and generous fitted wardrobes, and there is a separate cloakroom for guests. Coleherne Court has stunning communal gardens and is located close to the restaurants and amenities of the Old Brompton Road and Earls Court. EPC rating C. Leasehold approximately 112 years remaining Guide Price: ÂŁ1,999,950 020 7225 5911 andrew.gunnforbes@harrodsestates.com
KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0) 20 7225 6700 HARRODSESTATES.COM
Queen’s Gate, South Kensington SW7 This very grand three bedroom duplex flat (1,758 sq. ft./163 sq. m.) benefits from spacious accommodation, high ceilings and some wonderful architectural details arranged over the upper ground and lower ground floors of this handsome period building. Two generous reception rooms and three double bedroom with three bathrooms and a small patio. The property forms part of this substantial 19th century building located near the top of Queen’s Gate, moments walk from Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. EPC rating D. Leasehold: approximately 992 years remaining plus a Share of Freehold Guide Price: £3,295,000 020 7225 6506 henry.browne@harrodsestates.com
KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0) 20 7225 6700 HARRODSESTATES.COM
The Tower, Vauxhall, SW8 A two bedroom platinum apartment on the 33rd floor of London’s tallest all-residential development, with views towards Battersea Power Station and Albert Bridge. The property has been interior designed by Staffan Tollgard with high-specification contemporary furniture and fittings throughout. The accommodation of approximately 1261 sq. ft. comprises open plan kitchen / reception / dining room, master bedroom suite with large walk in wardrobe and ensuite bathroom, second double bedroom, bathroom and sky garden. Available now for long term lets on a furnished basis. EPC rating B. Price per week: £2,250 Plus property fees: £180 Admin & £189 Checkout. References: £42 per person* *http://www.harrodsestates.com/tenants
020 7225 5881 candice.fletcher@harrodsestates.com
KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0) 20 7225 6700 HARRODSESTATES.COM
Lyford Road, Wandsworth, SW18 A truly stunning detached house over four floors with exceptional entertaining space, huge garden and swimming pool. The property comprises 8 double bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms, bright kitchen / breakfast room, cinema room, gym, steam room, laundry room, wine cellar, staff annexe, huge terrace and three off road parking spaces. Although situated less than 5 miles from Knightsbridge, the house has a country feel with green leafy views over Wandsworth Common. The house is available immediately for long term lets on an unfurnished basis. EPC rating E. Price per week: £3,950 Plus property fees: £180 Admin & £500 Checkout. References: £42 per person* *http://www.harrodsestates.com/tenants
020 7225 5881 candice.fletcher@harrodsestates.com
KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0) 20 7225 6700 HARRODSESTATES.COM
Rutland Gate Knightsbridge SW7 Approximately 56.20 sq m / 605 sq ft
An excellent freshly decorated 4th floor flat in fine stucco building with open aspect overlooking garden square moments from Hyde Park and an easy walk to Harrods. double bedroom bathroom reception room kitchen porter lift entryphone use of communal gardens EPC D
Share of Freehold £1,450,000 Sole Agent
Rutland Gate Knightsbridge SW7 Approximately 121.14 sq m / 1,304 sq ft
High specification refurbishment of top floor lateral apartment in white stucco building overlooking garden square and moments from Harrods & Hyde Park. 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms studio reception room kitchen 113.99 sq m/1,227 sq ft hallway Centrally located balcony apartment, in need of modernisation, with secure underground parking and 24 porter hour porterage. lift video entryphone 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, kitchen, balcony use of communal gardens Underground parking, 24 hour porterage, EPC C EPC E Leasehold 985years £3,350,000
Bolebec House Lowndes Street SW1
www.hobartslater.com
6-8 Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge, London SW7 1EZ sales@hobartslater.co.uk
Share of Freehold £3,795,000
020 7581 8277
6 s
Rutland Gate Knightsbridge SW7
t
Approximately 56.20 sq m / 605 sq ft
An excellent freshly decorated 4th floor flat in fine stucco building with open aspect overlooking garden square moments from Hyde Park and an easy walk to Harrods. double bedroom bathroom reception room kitchen porter lift entryphone use of communal gardens EPC D
Share of Freehold £1,450,000 Sole Agent
Rutland Gate Knightsbridge SW7 Approximately 121.14 sq m / 1,304 sq ft
High specification refurbishment of top floor lateral apartment in white stucco building overlooking garden square and moments from Harrods & Hyde Park.
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7
3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms studio reception room kitchensq ft 68.19 sq m/734 hallway A quiet picturesque 1st floor balcony flat, facing south directly over garden square, held on short lease porter (approximately 12 years) and extendable. A delightful pied a terre in a very fine Portland stone clad lift terraced house, with the benefit of large bay window, high ceilings and idyllic view. video entryphone Double bedroom, bathroom, grand reception room, kitchen, entrance hall use of communal gardens Large south facing balcony, lift, EPC D EPC E Leasehold 12 years (Extendable) £950,000 Sole Agent
Ennismore Gardens Knightsbridge, SW7
6-8 Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge, London, SW7 1EZ sales@hobartslater.com
6-8 Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge, London SW7 1EZ sales@hobartslater.co.uk
Share of Freehold £3,795,000
020 7581 8277 020 7581 8277
Rutland Gate Knightsbridge SW7 Approximately 56.20 sq m / 605 sq ft
An excellent freshly decorated 4th floor flat in fine stucco building with open aspect overlooking garden square moments from Hyde Park and an easy walk to Harrods. double bedroom bathroom reception room kitchen porter lift entryphone use of communal gardens EPC D
Share of Freehold £1,450,000 Sole Agent
Rutland Gate Knightsbridge SW7 Approximately 121.14 sq m / 1,304 sq ft
High specification refurbishment of top floor lateral apartment in white stucco building overlooking garden square and moments from Harrods & Hyde Park. 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms studio reception room kitchen 170.47 sq m/1,835 sq ft hallway Architect designed, newly renovated, mews house on three floors tastefullyporter presented and ready for immediate occupation. Superbly situated in this picturesque cobbled mews liftwithin an easy walk of Hyde Park and Harrods. video entryphone 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, double reception room, kitchen/dining room, entrance lobby, guest cloakroom use of communal gardens Electric ‘Privy glass’ floor panels, wired for sound system, cat 6 cabling, oakEPC wood flooring, EPC C E Freehold £4,250,000 JSA Savills 020 7581 5234
Ennismore Gardens Mews Knightsbridge, SW7
www.hobartslater.com
6-8 Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge, London SW7 1EZ sales@hobartslater.co.uk
Share of Freehold £3,795,000
020 7581 8277
6 s
Rutland Gate Knightsbridge SW7
t
Approximately 56.20 sq m / 605 sq ft
An excellent freshly decorated 4th floor flat in fine stucco building with open aspect overlooking garden square moments from Hyde Park and an easy walk to Harrods. double bedroom bathroom reception room kitchen porter lift entryphone use of communal gardens EPC D
Share of Freehold £1,450,000 Sole Agent
Rutland Gate Knightsbridge SW7 Approximately 121.14 sq m / 1,304 sq ft
High specification refurbishment of top floor lateral apartment in white stucco building overlooking garden square and moments from Harrods & Hyde Park.
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7
3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms studio reception room kitchensq ft 287.80 sq m/3,098 hallway Newly renovated and extended Grade II listed townhouse with west facing garden, ideally located porter overlooking this picturesque garden square, a short walk from Harrods and liftthe international shopping amenities of Knightsbridge. video entryphone 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1st floor reception room, kitchen, dining room, use media room gardens of communal Garden, conservatory, balcony, use of square gardens, EPC E EPC E Freehold £6,950,000 Sole Agent
Brompton Square Knightsbridge, SW3
6-8 Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge, London, SW7 1EZ sales@hobartslater.com
6-8 Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge, London SW7 1EZ sales@hobartslater.co.uk
Share of Freehold £3,795,000
020 7581 8277 020 7581 8277
Opening doors in London since 1856 From the moment you walk through one of our doors, you’ll only deal with someone who lives and breathes your local property market. Someone who knows exactly which buttons to press to sell or let your home. And someone who understands that determination and integrity will open more doors for you than any other approach. So why not visit one of our 22 London offices? As we’ve been saying since 1856, our door’s always open...
marshandparsons.co.uk
REASONS TO CHOOSE WILFORDS
Wilfords people are the best at what they do. If the ‘inevitable’ happens, we’ll be there to man the fort. Broken chains, financial fall-throughs, tricky tenants or gazundering, we’ve seen it all and know how to best manage and deal with it, giving you comfort and peace of mind that you’re in safe hands.
12/
Comfort
+44 (0)20 7361 0400 • info@wilfords.com • wilfords.com
KENSINGTON CHURCH WALK, W8 £POA
1615 SQ FT (150 SQ M) INC R/H 1703 SQ FT (158 SQ M) 3 BEDROOMS | FREEHOLD | KENSINGTON
A beautifully appointed 3 bedroom end of terrace freehold house with a roof terrace and off street parking located in one of the oldest and prettiest parts of Kensington. The house has been beautifully refurbished to the most exacting standard with the perfect blend of modern technology and period charm. Featuring a bespoke kitchen designed and installed by De Menagerie with quartzite work surfaces and integrated Gaggenau appliances, the ground floor also boasts underfloor heating throughout, controlled along with the lighting and TV/audio system from state of the art nests systems in each room. Kensington Church Walk is a charming enclave of period property situated between Holland Street and Kensington High Street. The open spaces of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are close by.
+44 (0)20 7361 0400 • info@wilfords.com • wilfords.com
Eaton Square, Belgravia, SW1 This exquisite top floor (4th floor) lateral penthouse of approx. 1629 sq.ft has been refurbished to the highest standards with views across the immaculate gardens of Eaton Square. The accommodation features a charming entrance lobby, two reception rooms opening onto two terraces, fitted kitchen, two bedrooms, marble en suite shower room and bathroom. The attention to detail in the interior design is outstanding. Lease approx. 146 year. EPC Rating E
£6,950,000 Leasehold ABU
DHABI
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AIX-EN-PROVENCE
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BARCELONA
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CANNES
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COURCHEVEL
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www.john-taylor.com
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LONDON
West Halkin Street, Belgravia, SW1 This 2 bedroom apartment is situated in one of the most sought after streets in the heart of Belgravia. Having recently undergone refurbishment of the highest quality throughout it not only offers an exceptional lateral layout over the 2nd floor but is also flooded with natural light, looking out onto open views from all the rooms offering sought after privacy. The rear of the apartment has an amazing sized roof terrace ideal for entertaining. Having the added advantage of a long lease and resident caretaker it is quite unique and is ideal as either a home or an investment. EPC Rating E John Taylor UK 48 Berkeley Square, London W1J 5AX Tel: 020 3284 1888
£4,500,000 LEASEhold MEGEVE
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MERIBEL
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www.john-taylor.com
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KENSINGTON COURT PLACE KENSINGTON W8
ÂŁ4,350,000 freehold
4 bedrooms | reception | kitchen and dining area | 3 bathrooms | fireplace | patio | roof terrace | EPC D
www.century21uk.com/nottinghill
nottinghill@century21uk.com
MONTPELIER MEWS KNIGHTSBRIDGE SW7
ÂŁ3,250,000 freehold
4 bedrooms | double reception | eat-in kitchen | 4 bathrooms | comfort cooling | patio | EPC C
10 Clarendon Road London W11 3AA
020 7229 1414
CADOGAN GARDENS, CHELSEA, SW3
£1,800 PER WEEK • TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS • RECENTLY REFURBISHED • BRIGHT • • MEZZANINE STYLE STUDY AREA • WOOD FLOORS • HIGH CEILINGS • EPC C • PLUS £240 ADMINISTRATION FEE AND £60 REFERENCING FEE PER PERSON
CHELSEA OFFICE 2 Cale Street, London SW3 3QU +44 (0)20 7581 5011 chelseaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk
henryandjames.co.uk
CHELSEA EMBANKMENT, CHELSEA, SW3
£1,695,000 LEASEHOLD • TWO BEDROOMS • TWO BATHROOMS • RECENTLY REFURBISHED • OWN PRIVATE ENTRANCE • • ACCESS TO PATIO • UTILITY ROOM • CLOSE TO SLOANE SQUARE • EPC D •
CHELSEA OFFICE 2 Cale Street, London SW3 3QU +44 (0)20 7581 5011 chelseaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk
henryandjames.co.uk
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Queen’s Gate Terrace, SW7 2,120 SQ.FT/197 SQ.M
An exceptional three bedroom lateral flat situated on the second floor (with lift) of a magnificent Stucco fronted period conversion. All three bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and the drawing room and dining room offer superb entertaining space. 24 hour porters and a communal gym.
Price: £4,850,000
SHARE OR Freehold
020 7590 9339
JSA RUSSELL SIMPSON 020 7225 0277
Draycott Place, SW3 855 SQ.FT / 82.2 SQ.M
A very light 2 bedroom flat in a charming red brick period building close to Sloane Square. Entered from the 2nd floor and comprising of reception room, kitchen, two double bedrooms, bathroom and a separate W. C.
Price: £1,625,000
SHARE OR Freehold
020 7590 9339
38 Gloucester Road, SW7
sales@dominiclondon.com
www.dominiclondon.com
SCF LONDON PROPERTY FINDERS
londonpropertylocators.co.uk
LAWRENCE STREET, CHELSEA SW3 | £785 per week Furnished Luxury Furnished 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Apartment just off the World Famous King’s Road and within walking distance of South Kensington Tube Station. This resplendent flat has just been fully refurbished by an interior designer and includes a brand new bespoke Italian kitchen, new furnishings and fittings and is ready for the lucky tenant to enjoy immediately! Apart from its superb location this ground floor flat has an unusually large sun filled terrace and barbeque area just ready for a Pimm’s next Spring. To arrange a viewing please contact: 3 The Fountain Centre, Imperial Wharf, Fulham, London SW6 2 TW T: 020 7731 2020 E: property@scfgroup.com
international
HOMES showcasing the
finest HOMES & PROPERTY from the best estate agents
Buying Abroad Top locations for a holiday home
SILVER HILL LODGE
S i lv e r H i l l L o d g e
Luxury mountain retreat •
Stunning mountain views
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Approval for the 9 self standing units and entertainment centre with eskom power supply upgrade at ones disposal
•
Sectional title register has been opened and registered
•
A wide range of accommodation
•
5 paddocks for cattle grazing & 7 trout dams
This stunning property is located 3 km along the Highmore Road, 42 km from Nottingham Road and Mooi River on the N3 Highway, 480 km from Johannesburg and 185 km from Durban in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands. It comprises of 5 farms totaling 608.99 ha and includes 1 lodge (with 7 luxury ensuited units), 4 self catering units, & 6 homesteads. There is also a large storage shed and workshop, a generator room plus domestic quarters which include 5 rooms and 2 bathrooms.
This stunning property is located 3km along the Highmore Road 42 km from Nottingham Mooi River on the N3 Highway. 480 km from Johannesburg • 250Road golfand driving range and 185 km from Durban in the KwaZulu - Natal Midlands.
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It comprises of 5 farms totalling 608.99 ha (and includes a 4 star rating from the • Childrens play area including pool upgrade at ones disposal SA tourism Grading Council) 7 luxury en-suite units 4 self-catering units and 6 • Sectional title register has been opened and registered households. There is also a large storage shed and workshop, a generator room Forinclude more5 information or to arrange an inspection callforNicolette Wijngaarden plus domestic quarters which rooms and 2 bathrooms. • please 5 paddocks cattle grazing,van 7 trout dams and river frontage stocked with rainbow trout M 0411 144 877 P +61 2 6680 9888 or 1300 911 720 E nicolette@uniqueestates.com.au • Children play area with swimmimg pool, trampoline and jungle gym with a 300m driving Website www.uniqueestates.com.au range (golf)
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E: silverhill@icon.co.za W: www.silverhill.co.za
Watch our video online at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-HggAykCX0
Kensington - Notting Hill.indd 1
31/10/2014 12:12:10
Discover the Destination this Christmas
“The Long Beach Club Bahia“ This new destination within The Discovery Coast, Bahia, Brazil will consist of 10 resorts along10 miles of sandy beach. The Plantation Resort and Cocoa Beach are the first to market and therefore create an early bird opportunity for investors, with 65% of The Plantation plots now sold to UK clients; the final launch of 40 plots are now available. Freehold plot prices commence at £30,000. The Plantation is positioned to the side of our sister development The Cocoa Beach Resort www.cocoabeachresort.co.uk which is set to become a beachfront luxury branded spa hotel and residence resort with beach club and tennis academy. Prices for a one bedroom branded residence within these 5 star resorts will commence at $1,500,000 US dollars fully furnished these residences will be sold by Savills (Keep an eye out for our exciting press release). The Plantation therefore offers a unique investment opportunity at a fraction of The Cocoa Beach Resort prices, a holiday home in the sun in an area of natural beauty with 5 star facilities on your doorstep. A design and build programme is planned with a team of UK project mangers on site to ensure your villa is delivered on time and budget. The Resort has all planning and permits in place, with infrastructure due for completion 2015. Contact the developer direct on 01342811999 or visit www.drbltd.co.uk for further detail
UK Residential, European and International Removals. Import, Export and Storage by air, road and sea.
Traditional values in a modern world
Generations of expertise, a passion for perfection and an unrivalled attention to detail ensure that an Abels move will always be the right move for you. Founded as a family business Abels has grown into one of the most highly regarded removal companies in the country, holding the Royal Warrant by appointment to Her Majesty The Queen for removals and storage. Our acclaimed services that include UK Residential Removals and Storage, European Moving and International Relocations, are all part of the service. So, no matter how far you’re going, we’re never too far away to help.
Certificate No. FS23942
297x210 National ads New skyline.indd 1
Telephone: 020 3773 5796 E-Mail: enquiries@abels.co.uk www.abels.co.uk
31/10/2014 12:41
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struttandparker.com
Kildare Terrace, Bayswater, W2
A beautiful five bedroom, family house, occupying approximately 2,769 sq ft, situated in this secluded, tree-lined cul-de-sac.
2,769 sq ft (257.24 sq m) EPC D Entrance hall | Drawing room | Dining room | Two kitchens | Family room | Sitting room | Conservatory | Five bedrooms | Three bath / shower rooms | Cloakroom | Wine cellar | Storage vaults | Terrace | Garden
Notting Hill 020 7221 1111 Nottinghill@struttandparker.com
ÂŁ4,250,000 Freehold
Old Church Street, Chelsea, SW3
A newly constructed five bedroom town house with a beautiful west facing landscaped garden and roof terrace, situated in the heart of Old Chelsea.
3,374 sq ft (313.44 sq m) EPC B Drawing room | Dining room | Kitchen/ breakfast room | Study | Four bedrooms with en suite bath/shower rooms | Bedroom five/staff suite | Two cloakrooms | Utility room | Landscaped rear gardens | Roof terrace
West Chelsea 020 7373 1010 westchelsea@struttandparker.com JSA Russell Simpson 020 7225 0277
ÂŁ7,750,000 Freehold
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– The A unique development of 54 studio, 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroom Landau is a prestigious residential development situated in apartments and penthouses. Farm Lane, Fulham by Mount Anvil and Affinity Sutton. Drawing its 50% rich heritage, the boutique development is comprised of – on Over now sold. designed one, two and three bedroom residences – 89 2.9individually metre ceiling heights throughout. penthouses offering and serenity in and a thriving – and Within 10 minutes’ walkspace of Victoria mainline tube station, London neighbourhood. On offer also a selection of duplex as well as St James’s Park and are Westminster tube stations. apartments; a rarity in developments in the surrounding area. – 24 hr concierge, gymnasium, Zipcar club membership and 2 communal gardens. – Long lease – 999 years / Practical completion Q3 2015.
Marketing Suite NowLane, OpenSW6 The Landau, Farm
From £915,000 £1,295,000 From
A boutique collection ofloft 89 individually New York style apartments designed luxury apartments set in a secluded in the heartonofFarm Victoria, SW1. area of Fulham Lane.
To make an appointment with the sales team to view the marketing suite, please call 020 7318 4677 or email newhomes@struttandparker.com. Computer Generated Images
A development by:
To make an appointment with the sales team to view the marketing suite, please contact: Emily King at The Landau 07469 144 email The information contained in this advertisement is believed to be232 correct or but its accuracy newhomes@struttandparker.com cannot be guaranteed and no such information forms part of any contract. Neither the vendors or their agents or any person in their employ has the authority to make or give warranty or guarantee (whether written or oral) in respect of, or in relation to, the development or any part thereof. All images are for illustration purposes only.
SP_Kens&Chelsea Mag_Single.indd 1
04/07/2014 10:29
Campden House, Sheffield Terrace, Kensington, W8
A beautifully presented two bedroom flat, on the first floor of this popular and well maintained portered mansion building. The flat benefits from overlooking the beautiful communal gardens.
1,321 sq ft (122.72 sq m) | EPC C Entrance hall | Reception room | Kitchen | Dining room | Two bedrooms | En suite bathroom | Shower room | Resident porter | Lift | Access to communal gardens
Cadogan Square, Knightsbridge, SW1
43 Cadogan Square is an immaculately refurbished two bedroom lower ground floor apartment located within a Grade II listed red brick building that epitomises traditional Knightsbridge architecture.
10:29
1,894 sq ft (175.95 sq m) Reception room | Kitchen | Two bedrooms with en suite bathrooms | Conservatory / Dining hall | Utility room | Terrace | Caretaker
ÂŁ2,600,000 Leasehold
Kensington 020 7938 3666 kensington@struttandparker.com
ÂŁ3,950,000 Share of Freehold
Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 Knightsbridge@struttandparker.com
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Paultons Square, Chelsea, SW3
This house has a large westfacing garden and occupies a prominent central position on the western terrace of the square overlooking the communal gardens.
Unfurnished £4,950 per week*
3,597 sq ft (334.2 sq m) EPC D Drawing room | Dining room | Family room | Kitchen | Six bedrooms | Four bathrooms | Utility room | Cloakroom | Garden
Chelsea 020 7589 9966
Chelsea.lettings@struttandparker.com
*The following Tenant charges may apply prior to tenancy commencement: Tenancy Agreement £210 (inc VAT) Credit References per application £54 (inc VAT). All advertised prices are excluded and other associated services.
Bathhurst Street, Notting Hill, W2
An impressive three bedroom apartment situated on the first floor (with lift) of a period conversion moments from Hyde Park.
Furnished £2,999 per week*
1,677 sq ft (155.80 sq m) | EPC D Reception | Eat-in kitchen | Master bedroom suite | Second double bedroom en suite | Third bedroom/ Study | Further bathroom | Roof terrace
Notting Hill 020 7221 1111
Nottinghill.lettings@struttandparker.com
*The following Tenant charges may apply prior to tenancy commencement: Tenancy Agreement £210 (inc VAT) Credit References per application £54 (inc VAT). All advertised prices are excluded and other associated services.
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struttandparker.com
Earls Terrace, Kensington W8
An outstanding six bedroom Grade II Listed family house, with a wonderful 93 ft long southfacing garden, swimming pool, 24 hour uniformed security and an underground parking space.
4,935 sq ft (458.5 sq m) Entrance hall | Kitchen/breakfast room | Dining room | Library | Drawing room | Six bedrooms | Five bathrooms | Swimming pool | South facing terrace | South facing garden | Access to Edwardes Square Gardens | 24 hour uniformed security | Underground parking space
Kensington 020 7938 3666 Kensington@struttandparker.com
ÂŁ9,950,000 Freehold
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struttandparker.com
Kensington Durham Place, Park Chelsea, Road, Kensington SW3 W8
ÂŁ12,750,000 ÂŁ3,600,000 Freehold
B2 A wonderful, An impressiveelegant, six bedroom five Grade II Listed bedroom familyfamily homehouse with an that benefits excellent from entertaining great space, aproviding volume, studio house generously and a lovely south-facing proportioned space throughout garden. including a classic drawing room, a lift to all floors and off street parking.
4,231 Sq 3,597 sq ft Ft(334.2 (393.06 sqsq m)m) EPC D Entranceroom Drawing hall | Reception | Dining room room | Study | Open-plan | kitchen | Master bedroom Kitchen/breakfast room/sitting with room en suite | Five | Shower room bedrooms | Three | Twobath/shower further bedrooms rooms || Second Two cloakrooms bathroom| Utility | Guest room cloakroom | Two under | Gated entrance pavement vaults| |EPC Lift | rating West facing E garden | Off-street parking | Gated private road
Kensington 01844 342571 Kensington@struttandparker.com Chelsea 020 7225 3866 JSA: Robin Jessop XXXX XXXXXX Chelsea@struttandparker.com
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