The Kensington and Chelsea Magazine July 2015

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CONTENTS 16

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Strike a Pose

One Man Brand

Camilla Davies speaks to top model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley about her transition from the catwalk to the silver screen

Annabel Harrison meets Usain Bolt; the world’s fastest man comes across as a normal 20-something (well, almost)

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What Katie Did Next

Walker on the Wild Side

Children’s party planner Katie Burnett talks about the rewards (and challenges) of working for the wealthiest kids in town

Fashion designer Karen Walker tells Kari Colmans about the creative process behind launching her debut fragrances

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Stormin’ Norman

Aussie Rules

Olivia Sharpe interviews Russell Norman as one of his awardwinning Polpo restaurants opens in the Duke of York Square

Discover Sydney’s laidback beaches, bars and boutique hotels and why Melbourne is one of the world’s happiest cities

This magazine is distributed throughout the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, including Chelsea, Kensington, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and Holland Park, and parts of Belgravia, Fulham and Hyde Park

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On the Cover...

This month cinema-goers can take advantage of the release of Mad Max: Fury Road and enjoy the acting talents not only of its A-list leads Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron but also of film industry newcomer Rosie HuntingtonWhiteley. Although known worldwide as one of the 21st century’s top fashion models, Rosie is turning her hand to acting too, adding another string to her professional bow. Turn to page 16 to read about Rosie’s experience making the film, as well as her approach to healthy living.

J U LY 2 0 1 5 s i s s u e 0 4 1 Editor Annabel Harrison Deputy Editor Olivia Sharpe Contributing Editors Richard Brown Hannah Lemon Editorial Assistant Ashiana Pradhan Senior Designer Sophie Blain

Cover image: Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

Production Hugo Wheatley Oscar Viney Alice Ford Jamie Steele Client Relationship Director Friday Dalrymple

58 State of the Art

70 The Tide is High

96 Brave New World

Executive Director Sophie Roberts General Manager Fiona Fenwick Managing Director Eren Ellwood

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From the EDITOR There has been a great deal of press coverage recently about whether or not we should be in pursuit of the perfect ‘beach body’, however that’s defined. Here at The Kensington & Chelsea Magazine, we endorse supermodel-turned-actor Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s healthy, holistic approach; “When I was growing up, there was no talk about what you should and shouldn’t eat… over the last few years, I’ve learned that what you put in, you get out” (p. 16).

Usain Bolt confessed when I interviewed him at the Hublot boutique on Bond Street that despite being a global athletic superstar, “I’m a really bad example [when it comes to nutrition] because I just eat what I want!” (p. 36) However, this admission from the “world’s fastest man” was followed by the postscript “but it’s always key to get the right food in so you can get the energy you need”; I found Usain charming, hard-working and ambitious, with an extraordinarily dichotomous combination of humility and self-belief.

Whether you’re eating the right or ‘wrong’ food, wearing the perfect swimwear can make all the difference. This month’s fashion shoot champions the philosophy that we should abandon itsy-bitsy swimwear and instead opt for sleek, chic one-pieces or simple, flattering bikini sets (p. 70). We speak to founder of Biondi swimwear, Claudine Davies; she says that “choosing the wrong styles for your body shape” is the biggest beach faux-pas and encourages women to have the confidence to opt for two-pieces. If it’s your face rather than your body that you’re keen to improve, you’ll be in safe hands if you make a beeline for Sarah Chapman’s new clinic in Chelsea; the skincare guru speaks to Olivia Sharpe about the secrets to youthful skin, the pros and cons of surgical anti-ageing procedures and the future of her skincare brand Skinesis (p. 84).

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Editor

Annabel Harrison

Follow us on Twitter @KandCMagazine or email KCeditor@runwildgroup.co.uk with any comments

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Rose in Bloom

Vogue cover girl, face (and body) of Burberry, Victoria’s Secret angel and now an action movie star, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is storming both the catwalk and the silver screen. Camilla Davies speaks to the beautiful English rose about her budding success

FEATURE

Photography: Andrea Raffin/Shutterstock

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ood old Rosie. She’s a farm girl. You should see her at home. She’s so down to earth. She’s so normal.”

English actor Jason Statham, longterm partner of Rosie HuntingtonWhiteley, might think his girlfriend is “normal” but the rest of the world would probably disagree: over the course of the past eight years, the Devonshire-born beauty has transformed from girl-next-door into globallyrecognised supermodel.

It’s becoming impossible to turn the pages of any international fashion magazine or walk down the British high street without seeing the model’s full lips, doe eyes and endless legs. This year, her star is shining brighter than ever, with her Rosie for Autograph lingerie collection at Marks & Spencer proving to be the fastest and best-selling collection the retailer has ever produced. Why? “Not only is she beautiful,” says Soozie Jenkinson, head of design for lingerie at M&S, “but there is also something very grounded about her that resonates with our customers”.

Her enviable appearance has sent ripples through the fashion industry; testimony to her impact is Ten Times Rosie, the book that renowned photographer Rankin produced with the model as his muse; he credits her for shaking up the fashion world.

At just 15 years old, she upped sticks from the countryside and interned at West End modelling agency Profile, which she has described as “emptying ashtrays and filling wine glasses: kind of fabulous!” By 16, the new model, who was intimidated by the more experienced girls with “their accents and cigarettes and the latest handbags” got her first big modelling break on a Levi’s advert before flying to New York to shoot with Teen Vogue, and appearing in campaigns for big brands like Abercrombie & Fitch.

By 2006, Rosie was Victoria’s Secret’s latest angel, closely followed by the start of what would become an ongoing working relationship with the creative director of Burberry, Christopher Bailey, who helped to send Rosie’s career into the stratosphere by making her the face of the brand. The acclaimed designer comes from a similarly rural background to Rosie; the Yorkshire boy and Devonshire girl bonded over the fact that they’d grown up watching The Clothes Show, oblivious to the inner workings of the fashion world, before both being thrown into the deep end as their stars ascended.

The next step in Rosie’s rapid career trajectory comes from her role in the acclaimed movie Mad Max: Fury Road playing the Splendid Angharad, lead wife of tyrant Immortan Joe in the post-apocalyptic Australian Outback, for which she has received good reviews. It’s

FEATURE

a huge step for the model-actress, who was given less positive feedback for her acting debut in Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon, having replaced Megan Fox. “I didn’t know how to handle it,” she told The Guardian at the time. “I cut myself off from everything. I wouldn’t go on the internet. I got very nervous in public actually.”

For Mad Max, Rosie was determined to put this behind her, and to do the necessary groundwork. She travelled to Sydney, along with the other famous beauties playing Joe’s five wives, for three weeks of rehearsals, costume fittings and training with choreographer Meryl Tankard. She also spent time with feminist playwright Eve Ensler, who worked in the Congo with women struggling with issues of rape; Rosie’s character is pregnant as an outcome of a lifetime of captivity and assault. “Eve was brilliant and made everything very real for us,” says Rosie, conscious of the conflicting emotions that such

a pregnancy might entail. She fully engaged with the challenges faced by her character: “Angharad shows a lot of courage but is often reckless. I see that as an expression of the pain over what her ‘husband’ did to her and the possibility that she could still love the child.”

Rosie was keen to get involved in the movie’s explosive stunts – why not put all those hours in the gym to good use? “People ask, ‘What was the most dangerous part of it?’ We were so prepped by the stunt team; they were the best in the world. They asked us if we were comfortable doing the stunts; I’m always up for doing them. You don’t get to hang out of a car whilst it’s going 50 mph on your average day! Going up on a wire and jumping from fire: those things are fun. They are moments to be truly un-self-conscious. You’re reacting to exactly what’s going on in front of you.”

The actress looks incendiary in her apocalyptic rags on the silver screen but her supermodel physique is the result of excellent DNA and a healthy approach.

“When I was growing up, there was no talk about what you should and shouldn’t eat,” she commented at the most recent Vogue Festival. “Mum put dinner on the table and you just ate as much as you could, as quickly as you could. But over the last few years, I’ve learned that what you put in, you get out.”

Rosie’s most recent role is in the acclaimed film Mad Max: Fury Road, starring Tom Hardy No doubt if she needs a training buddy, Rosie can turn to her boyfriend for support, who has enjoyed his fair share of action shoots. The ex-pat power couple have bought a house in LA, where they can both focus on their showbiz careers. Hollywood isn’t all glitz and glamour, though; living in the earthquake-prone city, Rosie’s Mad Max-developed survival instinct has come into its own. “I have an emergency pack with sneakers in my car, because I know I’d be caught in ridiculously high heels if an earthquake were ever to happen.”

Calling Jason her “best friend”, Rosie has said in the past that she “totally believes in marriage” and the couple is frequently spotted at top fashion and film industry events, such as Burberry’s recent London in LA party, so perhaps we should keep our eyes peeled for a sparkly addition to Rosie’s ring finger. She might be the ultimate glamazon to us but perhaps Jason Statham is right; there’s still a practical “farm girl” under that polished supermodel exterior.

Photography: Featureflash/Shutterstock.com

Mad Max: Fury Road; in UK cinemas now

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Forever Rochas French couture house Rochas turns 90 this year.

Kari Colmans talks to Sophie Rochas about her father, the fashion house founder, and the touching account she’s given of him in her new book

Hippocampe evening gown in black Dent de Lyon, decorated with a black feather bird with a rhinestone beak. L’Officiel de la mode, no.

152, April 1934. © Studio Dorvyne/Collection Sophie Rochas

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couture studio is like a painter’s atelier”, writes Sophie Rochas in the preface of her glossy new tome Marcel Rochas: Designing French Glamour. “When you visit it at a young age, the designs, colours and smells imprint themselves on you. You can simply close your eyes and let your memory wander, to recapture the images and sensations, ever intact. They stay under your skin and in your soul for the rest of your life.”

A number of years in the making, Sophie’s research sprang from only one other book written about her father, supplemented by hours spent poring over library archives. The decision to release Marcel Rochas’ story – the youngest couturier in Paris at the age of 23 (before Yves Saint Laurent came along) – came from “a growing desire to give rebirth to him” she explains over the phone in charmingly emphatic Franglaise. “It is a story of love for my father who died when I was only 10.

I wanted a beautiful story and it has been a journey of love to keep his memory alive. It is a portrait of a man, a father, a perfumer and a couturier.”

The legacy of this “famous unknown”, has, unlike those of contemporaries Elsa Schiaparelli, Coco Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent, become a blind spot in the narrative of fashion history. Each period, Sophie writes,

The Rochas family in 1951 © Eiwing Krainin Collection Sophie Rochas

Marcel Rochas’s “two lines”, one straight and sporty for daywear, the other more feminine with flounces for evening wear. Advertisement from the 1930s © Archives Maison Rochas

Until Yves Saint Laurent came along, at 23, Marcel Rochas was the youngest couturier in Paris “tends to embody itself in a figure whose name and marks stay in our memory. Chance plays its role here, as ever, governing our memories and their wanderings and awakenings… His name is familiar, his legend remains, but often the impression is vague, uncertain… My father is numbered among those dead poets whose work has dissolved like footprints in the sand.”

Born in 1902, Marcel Rochas seemed destined to practice law but after assisting a fabric manufacturer to pay for his bar studies, “the seeds of fortune had fallen on fertile ground” and he switched careers upon his first marriage to Yvonne Coutanceau in 1924. “While other people may say that as children they always wanted to be a president, pilot, doctor, teacher, fireman or priest, my father became a couturier not by the grace of God, but by the grace of a woman”, writes Sophie.

Setting up his own couture house in 1925, he wanted to move away from the tomboy ‘garçonne’ look of the time towards more feminine, sporty clothes for younger women. By 1927 he was employing cubist elements with

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pointed cuts and geometric designs, while maintaining flowing feminine lines. Over the next 30 years, he would continue to explore his art with audacity. “The man who confessed… that he was more interested in innovation than in selling, proved his ability to combine lines, forms, material, and colours, with a boldness that inspired the names of one of his first perfumes, Audace,” Sophie says.

After the rippling devastation of the Wall Street Crash in 1929, Rochas showed a real eye for the market; while many houses cut back, he adopted a high-price policy and targeted a select clientele, charging on average 3,000 francs for a dress. In 1931, he played with printed fabrics dotted with birds and multi-coloured flowers, contrasting with Chanel’s head-to-toe black and French couturier Jean Patou’s dark-blue periods. In 1934, inspired by 20th century painter Georges Braque, he had the idea of placing a white gull or a blackbird on the shoulder of a dress and thus another of his signature designs, the Oiseau gown, was born. A keen traveller, he drew inspiration from Spain, Brazil, Hollywood and New York, and during the war he continued to launch collections in an occupied Paris from 1940 until the liberation. He released his first three perfumes, lipsticks and face powders in 1939 and his most famous scent, Femme, in 1944.

Rochas died prematurely in 1955 while French society and fashion were in the throes of change; although he dreaded the age of ready-to-wear, he was one of the first to understand the commercial viability of producing branded accessories and cosmetics in order to create an alluring window into which consumers could catch a glimpse of the life of a Rochas lady. And while

Sophie goes into great detail about her distant and often tempestuous relationship with her mother Hélène – Rochas’ third wife and the last Madame Rochas – it is nevertheless impressive that she became the first female CEO in France at the age of 33, taking over the helm after her husband’s untimely death and steering the brand in a whole new direction, including presiding over the launch of the perfume Madame Rochas. “For nearly 60 years, the beauty and elegance of the famous couturier’s window shaped a new legend,” Sophie writes, “to the point, sometimes, of eclipsing the memory of Marcel Rochas.”

But there’s little evidence that Rochas would have been opposed to this direction, moving with the times in order to stay relevant. During his threedecade career, Rochas opened two couture houses, employed an army of skilled workers, and created innumerable pieces considered to be milestones in the history of couture. He wrote in 1943: “There is without a doubt an avant-mode – a pre-fashion that precedes and proposes, a fashion that consecrates; and an après-mode – a post-fashion, which, in its very excesses, condemns and paves the way for the advent of the following one.”

An influential figure in Parisian life, Sophie has had an interesting career herself, moving between interior design (she decorated the Élysée-Matignon, a luxury

Clockwise from left / Marcel Rochas and Mae West, Hollywood, 1934 © Archives Maison Rochas; Variations on Marcel Rochas day ensembles, 1933-35 © Georges Saad/Collection Sophie Rochas; Crinoline jacket in gold silk brocaded with a floral motif, collar and basque embroidered with a floral motif in beads and black braid, buttons with a floral motif, circa 1945. House of Rochas archives © Francis Hammond/Archives Maison Rochas

FEATURE

nightspot between 1974 and 1985) and journalism, working at Elle magazine at the start of the 1960s, not to mention her adventures as the queen of Paris nightlife.

While providing a fascinating perspective on her father’s business and the couture industry, Sophie says it’s more what she wasn’t able to discover that interests her. Through her research she found by chance her father’s school report from where he studied at the Lycée Condorcet, a school founded in 1803 in Paris whose alumni include the poet Paul Verlaine and novelist and critic Marcel Proust. “Thanks to this unexpected document, I discovered that my father was very good at French literature but also very bad at mathematics. I was particularly moved discovering this similarity between my father and me because I didn’t know we shared the same talents and weaknesses. His writings were both literary and poetic. I have always been thankful to him because he passed down his skills to me,” she says.

Indeed, she often quotes her father throughout the book, and the similarities in their prose (or perhaps the translation) is stark. “To love beautiful things and to love only them, to have an instinctive feel for what’s authentic and what’s fake, to choose the best among the worst, is a real gift from the fairies that fortunately falls to the poor as well as to the rich,” he said. “There is something that one either has or doesn’t have and that cannot be learned: a sense of proportion… quality and proportion are, to my mind, the two most important factors in design.”

Aside from providing a somewhat whimsical perspective on her father’s vision and ventures (as well as those not so rose-tinted observations about her mother), the book is also visually inspiring, full of exclusive archived material of Rochas’ iconic perfume bottles, objects and creations. “Marcel Rochas produced masterpieces,” writes Sophie. “Readers will choose their own favourites among the designs shown in the page of the tribute. Timeless, unrivalled, and unpredictable, Marcel Rochas continues to haunt the work of his house.”

Marcel Rochas: Designing French Glamour by Sophie Rochas (hardback; with photography by Francis Hammond), £60, published 8 June

by Flammarion Paris and distributed by Thames & Hudson Tamara de Lempicka wearing an evening gown with a triple ruffle in black tulle and white organdy, circa 1931 © D’Ora/DR

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Katie Did Next

What

Children’s party planner Katie Burnett talks to Katrina Harper-Lewis about the rewards (and challenges) of working for the wealthiest kids in town

FEATURE

ince founding children’s party planning agency Les Enfants in 2004, Katie Burnett’s work has won favour with clients in some of the world’s most elite circles, from the royal families of Abu Dhabi and Qatar to Premier League footballers. “We’ve done an end-of-season children’s party for Arsenal Football Club,” Katie says, “and organised dos for the children of [former Arsenal players] Robin Van Persie and Bacary Sagna.”

Passion and pride emanates from Katie as she explains how her business began. “After having my daughter nearly 15 years ago I decided to leave my job in events and marketing at The Economist to take a part-time job so that I could spend more time with her. I started running my party business on the side and one day I got a call from Chelsea Football Club inviting me to meet someone very important. I couldn’t go because of my job’s commitments and realised I’d missed out on a huge

From live animals to funfair rides, no challenge is too great for Katie opportunity. That was the turning point, when I decided to hand in my notice and focus on my party-planning business full time.”

A study by Netmums.com found that just 16 per cent of parents pay more than £300 for a children’s party, which means Katie’s parties are in another league entirely.

Starting from £2,000, some clients will spend up to £50,000 on a single event. “At the higher end, this will involve putting up a marquee in the garden and it would be more like a corporate event, involving catering for the adults as well – these are big occasions for the whole family, not just the children,” she explains. “Most of our events are held in private homes” and as such Katie has worked with residents of the most expensive road in London; Kensington Palace Gardens. “We also organise parties in hotels in Knightsbridge, at places like The Berkeley and the Jumeirah Carlton, as well as restaurants such as Beaufort House and the Bluebird.”

So what is it that gives Katie’s parties star quality?

“We’re accessible 24 hours a day – I can be in bed at 11pm at night replying to clients’ texts. I like to make people happy.” From requests for live animals to full-scale funfair rides, no challenge is too great for Katie, who insists on pushing the boundaries, always keeping ahead of the curve. “We organised a Grease-themed This page/ All images courtesy of Boggio Studios. Photography: Julia Boggio, Art Director: Hannah Coates, Prop Stylist: Les Enfants, Cakes & Confection: Cakes by Robin, Stylist: Jo Sawkins, Hair & Make-up: Kaz Fernando, Models: Creative Kidz Opposite/ Photography: Danielle Owen

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This image and below/ images courtesy of Boggio Studios

It’s my party...

Katie guides us through the latest kids’ party crazes: Party bag etiquette: Small gifts such as party bags and cake pops are often sent out with the invitations before the party. According to Netmums, the most opulent gifts in party bags include jewellery, cameras, video games, phones, iPods and even tablets.

Sugar and spice: We were one of the first companies to offer sweet tables. There are so many creative things you can include, from beautifully hand-decorated biscuits and cupcakes to chocolate-dipped cherries.

Netmums’ survey says that mums still like to do their bit though, with 48 per cent still making their own child’s birthday cake.

party at the Mandarin Oriental for an interior designer client. We had pink and black pedal cars, T-Birds and Pink Ladies. It was a dream job for me. For another client we had to pack everything onto their private jet to be flown out for a party in the Middle East. We were getting requests to change and add things right up to the last minute.”

The real selling point of Les Enfants, though, is the personal touch. “We don’t churn out the same thing again and again; if clients come to us asking for a £25 per head party, we’ll say we’re not for them. We offer bespoke proposals, with ten to 15 invitation designs, loads of entertainment ideas and visuals for clients to choose from.”

You’d be forgiven for thinking that a party of such calibre would justify some forward planning but that’s rarely the case. “Clients might give us just a couple of days’ notice, sometimes a week. A month is good. The great thing is that because we have so many props and materials in stock, and we hand-make everything ourselves, we are able to turn events around very quickly.” Katie’s dedicated team of six working mums (including her sister) spend hours perfecting the details, from tying the tiniest of bows to making princess chair backs and etching childrens’ initials into water bottles.

“I am completely hands-on and would never ask someone to do something I wouldn’t do myself.”

These are the reasons that clients come back to

Bye-bye, buffets: There can be a huge amount of food waste at children’s parties so we offer food boxes instead.

It’s important for parents that the food is healthy and organic too.

Everyone’s a stylist: The internet has opened up the market to a lot more people now. Everyone is on Pinterest and Instagram, which means clients are a lot savvier.

Deck it out: Decorations are more important than ever. From tassel garlands and pompoms to hanging lanterns and patterned straws, there’s a lot of choice. We can learn a lot from Australia and America, and Brazil and Malaysia, however, which are way ahead of the UK in terms of variety and detail of decorations.

Photography: Danielle Owen

Photography: Danielle Owe

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FEATURE Photography: Danielle Owen Image courtesy of The Young Film Academy - Monkey Movie

Image courtes y of Purple Drag on

Image courtesy of Boggio Studios

Best of the Rest Want your kids’ party to stand out from the crowd? Try one of these options:

Katie again and again. “I like to think that my customers buy into the business because of the relationship they have with me; people are very loyal. I think it helps that I’m a mum because I have a real understanding of what children want. We’ve had kids come along to planning meetings and looking at our proposals. They love to be involved and that’s what it’s all about. We’re making a child’s dream come true and it’s important not to lose sight of that – a birthday party is a very special occasion.”

Despite the long hours, the extravagant requests and the spur-of-the-moment problem-solving Katie maintains that “it’s an absolutely fascinating job. I’ve seen things and met people I’d never have had the chance to otherwise. Sometimes I have to pinch myself. When I step back and see that everyone is having the most amazing time I think ‘Wow, I did that’. I put my heart and soul into what I do, and when someone says ‘thank you’ it means a lot. It’s not a hard thing to say, but it’s an underrated word, because at the end of the day we’ve done our best and would never do anything less.”

For adventure seekers: Choose a theme, from fairies to outer space, and the actors from Amarillo Arts will create a performance-based adventure using costumes and props to engage little ones’ imaginations (amarilloarts.co.uk)

For wannabe pop stars: The expert team at the Young Film Academy will bring along costumes and props before directing and filming a music video starring the birthday boy or girl and friends.

(From £540; youngfilmacademy.co.uk/parties/ monkey-movies)

For members only: Purple Dragon, an exclusive kids’ club in the heart of Chelsea, features a swimming pool, an adventure play area, an art lab and a kitchen.

To host a birthday party here, you have to be a member, which costs from £2,500 annually. (purpledragonplay.com)

lesenfants.co.uk This image / Photography: Danielle Owen

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Stormin’ Norman

FEATURE

Olivia Sharpe considers the changing face of Chelsea’s restaurant scene as she interviews Russell Norman, owner of the award-winning Venetian restaurant Polpo that has just landed in the Duke of York Square

here’s something weird happening in Chelsea.

Walking through Duke of York Square, I spot a group of 20-something students, bed-haired and tattoo-clad. Before I start wondering whether Chelsea’s conservative residents are trying their hand at becoming hipsters (what a disturbing thought), I remember that Polpo, Soho’s awardwinning Venetian restaurant, has just opened its doors in the area and the trendy people I see are its new members of staff. I am meeting its illustrious owner Russell Norman and at 11am it is already a hive of activity. ‘The Restaurant Man’ (as dubbed in the BBC Two series) is often pictured looking a little rough around the edges, invariably unshaven and casually dressed, but on this occasion he is impeccably turned out in a three-piece suit, well-adapted to his sophisticated new surroundings.

The King's Road was once considered dead in the water when it came to its gastronomical offerings but when I tentatively point this out to Russell, he responds confidently: “I like hearing that because it vindicates our decision to come here. Even when we’ve opened Polpos in areas with lots of restaurants, I still believe that what we do is different enough to justify being there.

I think the landlord, Cadogan Estate, is very forwardthinking in what it wants to create.” The site for Polpo Chelsea has taken over where Patisserie Valerie once was in a Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse and while it might not seem the most obvious choice, it was for Russell and business partner Richard Beatty. Indeed, having launched Polpo Notting Hill last year, the pair seem determined to cast the business’s net further west.

“The original Polpo, and all the others since, have been neighbourhood restaurants. I don’t want people travelling across town… we’ve built this one for the people who live and work in this part of town.”

In spite of Soho’s supposedly avant-garde and liberal persona, Russell found that its inhabitants were surprisingly snooty about Polpo’s laidback aesthetic compared to Chelsea residents, who have taken to it like ducks to water. “We found early on that some people were a bit confused and couldn’t understand why we would serve wine in glass tumblers or have menus printed on brown paper”, he comments. “With Chelsea, we’ve noticed that they’re a very well-travelled and sophisticated crowd, so it’s just clicked straight away. I think they’re as pleased

Polpo Notting Hill Photography: Jack Hirons

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Polpo Soho, Beak Street

to have it as we are to be here.”

Since opening the original Polpo on Soho’s Beak Street in 2009, the business has grown exponentially and now encompasses six restaurants. This has resulted in some press referring to it as a chain, which Russell used to vehemently reject but now he no longer lets it bother him. “It used to upset me, if I’m being honest.

The reason why is because there’s a bit of a derogatory connotation attached to the word. But I’m now confident that what we do with each of them is different enough to satisfy me that this isn’t the cookie-cutter approach some restaurants have.” He explains how each Polpo outpost has a point of difference, not just in terms of location but down to the smallest details; for instance, he pinpoints the light shades unique to the Chelsea restaurant that he found while out shopping in Venice. Saying that, as I survey the restaurant’s stripped back interior, featuring red brick walls, a rusted tin ceiling, antique Venetian maps and the trademark red leather banquet seats lining the walls, it is clear that it retains the essence of the original restaurant, based on the concept of a traditional Venetian bacaro. What’s more, Polpo Chelsea is the only branch that has an outdoor seating area, making it feel the closest to Venice out of all of them.

The businessman first fell in love with the Venetian culture of dining when he visited the city in the 80s

with best friend Richard and knew that he wanted to create the experience back in London. However, Russell had to temper his vision, fully aware that Londoners wouldn’t take kindly to having to stand up as they ate.

So he looked to one of his other favourite cities, New York, and decided to incorporate the relaxed vibe of downtown Manhattan: “I really love those Williamsburg bars and restaurants... they’re all neighbourhood joints, very few of them take reservations, they all play music a little bit too loud and the lights are always a little too low. So Polpo is a fusion between a New York setting and Venetian food. Once those two elements came together, that’s when I realised I had an idea that might actually work in London, and if it appealed to me, it might appeal to more people.”

While the concept of small plates and no reservations are fairly commonplace today, when Polpo first opened, it was fairly unheard of and even Russell admits to it having been a nerve-wracking experience, not least of all because they opened just a year after the Lehman Brothers collapse. No-one was more apprehensive than business partner Richard, whom he describes fondly as having had a bit of a “wobble” in early 2009. However, Russell had the courage of his convictions and considering their success (the pair now has nine restaurants to their name), thank goodness he did.

The menu at the Chelsea outpost is almost identical to the others, divided up into small plates of authentic Venetian-inspired snacks, including mini pizzas, fritto misto and meatballs. However, while Russell believes the food is an important aspect, he doesn’t believe it is the be-all and end-all of any restaurant. “Of course you eat food when you go to a restaurant but for me, that isn’t the main reason I go. You can make the comparison that books aren’t actually about words. They’re about the ideas, thoughts, feelings and the emotions that the writer conveys. So restaurants, for me, are about the people

FEATURE

you come with and the people at the next table who are laughing along with their guests.” Given his linguistic analogy, it’s perhaps not surprising to learn that, before entering into the restaurant business, Russell was an English teacher; he asks me to forgive his indulgence when he explains how the root of the word ‘restaurant’ originates from the French verb ‘restorer’ meaning ‘to restore’ and so a restaurant should therefore be about restoring its patrons by creating the right atmosphere.

Although some people might consider it a hindrance that Russell has no formal training as a chef, the restaurateur believes this, in many ways, works in his favour. In his experience, badly-run restaurants are those which, more often than not, are headed up by chefs.

Russell is currently in the midst of transforming a row of old sex shops into a restaurant “I do love chefs and I hope they forgive me for saying but when they’re in the kitchen and they’re under a lot of pressure, they don’t necessarily make the right decisions because they’re focused on the food. By not being a chef myself I’m privileged to be able to see things from the customer’s perspective. What I often say to the chefs at my restaurants is ‘we serve food that people want to eat, not food that chefs want to cook.’” After his stint as a teacher, Russell worked as operations director of Caprice Holdings, which owns The Ivy, Daphne’s and J. Sheekey, and therefore had first-hand experience of what it takes to run a successful restaurant business.

Russell believes that the secret to any restaurateur’s success is hard graft, something which he has never shied away from: “A lot of people imagine opening a restaurant is like having a dinner party but with a till in

it - and they imagine it’s quite easy, but it isn’t. You’ve got to be prepared to do the hard work but also, perversely, be able to enjoy it too.” It is clear from the excitement in Russell’s voice as he begins talking about his latest venture that he gets an addictive buzz from the prospect of work. Returning to his roots in Soho, Russell and his team are currently in the midst of transforming a row of old sex shops, one of which is named Spankerama, into a restaurant, due to open in 2016. Unable to help myself, I ask Russell whether he has considered keeping the original name: “I must confess, I never went into Spankerama personally, but I love the name”, he says, laughing. “In truth, I am toying with the idea of having the basement level as a bar and calling it Spankerama but I think I’ll have to do some market research first!”

While some locals have voiced their concerns about Soho’s famed sleazy nature becoming lost due to gentrification, Russell believes that no matter how many new restaurants open, it will never lose its identity: “You could argue that removing the sex shops is chipping away at that dirty reputation and character, but I think what is taking their place is appropriate for Soho in 2015. I have spent most of my life working here and it feels just the same as it always has, like a village, and I think it’s better now than it’s ever been.”

In spite of all of his enterprises, Russell still finds time to be a family man. When he was younger, he was forbidden by his stepfather to ever enter the kitchen but this is something the 49-year-old hasn’t passed down to his own three children, mentioning how one of his perfect weekends is spent making “daddy bread”. With that, his restaurants and his wife’s imminent 40th birthday celebrations, Russell Norman certainly has a lot on his plate. But if anyone can handle it, it’s him.

Polpo, 81 Duke of York Square, SW3 020 7730 8900; polpo.co.uk

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www.bachet.fr

collection

Roll Camera He may not be James Bond but Eddie Redmayne is just as suave and sophisticated; so is the opinion of Swiss watch brand Omega, which has cast the Oscar-winning actor in the role of international ambassador. Redmayne, unsurprisingly, looks effortlessly stylish in the new campaign, pictured in a navy overcoat and holding a vintage camera, with the Omega Constellation Globemaster (unveiled at this year’s Baselworld) on his wrist. Having sported an Omega himself for many years, Redmayne seemed the obvious choice for its president Stephen Urquhart: “He brings true elegance and integrity, and is incredibly humble about his success – something that sits perfectly with the Omega spirit.” Joining the likes of George Clooney and Nicole Kidman who have previously been brand representatives, the actor is in very good company. Globemaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer, £4,785; omegawatches.com

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WORLD

of WATCHES

BY RICHARD BROWN

Knight time A mind-blowing display of miniaturisation from Roger Dubuis sees the Knights of the Round Table cast in bronze and reduced to the height of drawing pins.

The legendary figures form the focal point of the brand’s second Excalibur Knights of the Round Table timepiece. Positioned around a black jade dial, their swords replacing traditional hourmarkers, each knight stands 6.5mm tall and is completely unique. Proving that the mechanics underneath matches the artistry above, each of the 172 components that make up the watch’s movement is stamped with the prestigious Poinçon de Genève, the industry’s highest seal of approval.

Knights of the Round Table II, £205,600, rogerdubuis.com

Blue Steel Vacheron Constantin has updated its elegant leisure watch line with the introduction of two Overseas models. Both new references feature a deep blue dial and are delivered with two dark blue straps: one in vulcanised rubber, the other in alligator leather. The self-winding caliber of the Overseas Dual Time drives a dual-time display with day/ night indication and power-reserve indicator.

Water-resistant to 150 metres, both it, and the pared-back Overseas Simple Date, are designed with the active life in mind.

Overseas Simple Date, £9,550 Overseas Dual Time, £13,550 vacheronconstantin.com

One to Watch Each month we select our timepiece of the moment from the watch world’s most exciting creations:

The 1950s-inspired Breitling Transocean Chronograph oozes vintage cool and the less-is-more philosophy really adds charm to the piece. We particularly like the leather strap option, which makes it into a great summer all-rounder Transocean Chronograph, £5,970, Breitling, breitling.com

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On the Ball Following collaborations with DJ-supremo David Guetta and fashion it-girl Cara Delevingne, the latest megastar to lend his name to TAG Heuer is Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo. Part of TAG’s attempt to connect with a younger audience, the quartz-powered watch features a bold colour scheme and is available for £1,200. For that you get a chronograph that is accurate to a tenth of a second and water-resistant to 200m. The Formula 1 CR7 is available for the first month of sale online only on The Watch Gallery website.

Formula 1 CR7, £1,200, TAG Heuer thewatchgallery.com

One Man

Brand

FEATURE

Ahead of the 2015 World Championships in Athletics, Annabel Harrison meets Hublot ambassador Usain Bolt; despite being phenomenally gifted and increasingly dedicated to the pursuit of sporting perfection, the world’s fastest man comes across as a normal 20-something (well, almost)

s I approach Hublot’s boutique, the only hint that something is afoot is a jittery photographer outside. Inside, a small group of us wait in the air-conditioned timepiece treasure trove, between displays of the Big Bang watches and ‘H’ branded cupcakes (iced in green and yellow; a nod to their approaching guest’s Jamaican roots). When the man himself arrives, he strolls in quietly, with no fanfare or fuss. He’s clearly used to the media circuit now but it must have been strange for this man, as his sporting star ascended, to get used to being in front of eager groups of inquisitive journalists, all wanting to have a moment of time with Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world.

Now this superlative accolade interests me. There are very few sports today in which there is one competitor who is indisputably pre-eminent, in terms of both achievements and consistency. Take tennis, for example.

Roger Federer has won 17 Grand Slam singles titles but despite being the most successful male tennis player in the world, on paper, other top players are getting ever closer to his victory tally; Rafael Nadal, for example, has won 14 Grand Slams. Usain Bolt, on the other hand, is one-of-a-kind in the discipline of track sprinting. He is, literally and statistically, head and shoulders above the rest and with race times that none can dispute or, at present, overtake. He is the first man to hold both the 100m and 200m world records (since fully automatic time measurements became mandatory in 1977). Along with his teammates, he also set the world record in the 4×100m relay. He is the reigning Olympic champion in these three events, the first man to win six Olympic gold medals in sprinting, and an eight-time World champion. He was the first to achieve a ‘double double’ by winning 100m

and 200m titles at consecutive Olympics (2008 and 2012) and topped this all through the first ‘double triple’ (including the 4×100m relays).

These are the kind of achievements that could make some people unbearably self-satisfied; or prepared to rest on their laurels and sit back as the world marvels.

Usain exhibits no such behaviour: despite being an ambassador for Hublot, associated with big watches and big ideas, he is dressed in an understated fashion; black trousers and trainers, burgundy shirt, no jewellery and, of course, a black Hublot watch (it’s a Big Bang Unico All Black). After an hour in his company, I am seriously impressed. His self-belief is staggering – “I am gifted.

I have proven that. I have set the standard [in track and field]” – but he repeats again and again that this goes hand-in-hand with natural aptitude and hard work.

“I started out with talent, and then the work came.

Is there a limit to how fast the 100m can be run? “Right now there is room for improvement!”

My coach told me that everyone on the circuit has talent.

You have to work the hardest to become the greatest.”

He’s not particularly complacent either, coming across as hungry to better his own records. “There is always room for improvement; what can I do to make myself better?”

It is his coach who is responsible for answering this question. “He analyses the races, and figures out where we need to improve and what we need to do. It’s really technical. Sometimes you work so hard in one thing and it takes forever to get it right but the key thing is to be consistent and to practise and practise nurturing these things so when you get on the track, it happens automatically.” He’s funny when he’s not talking about serious training matters, though; he makes the whole room laugh when he admits that although he’s getting to that age where he should try to eat properly, “I’m a really bad example because I just eat what I want!”

This admission is immediately followed by “but it’s always key to get the right food in so you can get the energy you need”. I think this postscript is for the

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This page / Photography: Fred Merz

benefit of the 11-year-old Usain fan among us, who is a sprinter herself and hopes to represent the UK in Rio. Indeed, something Usain says not once but twice, when talking about his influence on kids, is the simple, heartfelt “I live to inspire”; this man may seem like a ready-made soundbite machine but somehow when you hear him say it, it sounds genuine. “When I was growing up, I looked up to Michael Johnson and all these guys, so for me to inspire kids, it feels good. These things motivate me and are fun.”

When it comes to his relationship with brands – he’s affiliated with big guns such as Puma, Gatorade, Virgin Media, Nissan and, of course, Hublot – he is either very smart or very well-trained. I suspect it’s a bit of both but am nonetheless impressed by his answer about his relationship with the watch company. “Hublot approached me and said they would like me to be an ambassador, so I was, like, ‘alright, cool’ and I checked it out. I was never initially a watch fan… [but] I’m really into it now. I’ve been to the factory, and all the technical things they do by hand are ridiculous… Watchmaking is

hard! It’s like me training and then I go on the track and I run and I see the finished product; that’s how I feel when I see these watches, because I’ve seen what they’ve gone through to get to that stage. This brand is on a different level. It’s all about the quality.”

This is why he likes Hublot. It’s a word he uses to describe himself too – “my brand is about quality, and high standards” – and the homepage of his website declares, in big capital letters, his brand message: WORLD’S FASTEST MAN. This is set over four images of Usain, dressed sharply in a grey suit but throwing some shapes, which just about sums up how he comes across in person. He’s composed and mature, patiently and thoroughly answering questions he’s certain to have been asked a hundred of times before, but his speech is still peppered with youth-speak like ‘awesome’, ‘whatever’ and IG [Instagram]. You can (almost) believe he’s a normal 28-year-old guy who loves PlayStation, has a crush on Rihanna and supports Manchester United. In terms of passions, “I used to be really into

FEATURE

cars when I was younger” but now “it’s just shirts, more shirts and videogames”.

What I am most interested to know is how he stays as relaxed as he seems now as when he’s competing. “In 2002, at the World Junior Championships in Jamaica, it was the most nervous I’d ever been in my life. I think that was a stepping stone for me; after that, I told myself there’s no reason I should be nervous again, if I can win in front of my home crowd… The pressure used to bother me but over time, I’ve learnt that people want me to run fast, to win and to continue doing great, which is the same thing I want.” He’s not in the slightest bit superstitious – “Yohan Blake doesn’t change his gear through the whole championship and I’m, like, ‘I don’t get it? Why?!’ If you’re confident in your talent, there’s no reason to be superstitious about anything” – and he is a natural entertainer. “When I go to a different country, I think about what people like there, so I can make it fun for the crowd. I live for the crowd; it’s what makes me enjoy performing and going out there and going fast.”

Is there a human limit to how fast the 100m can be run? “Maybe one day. Right now there is room for improvement!” Everyone laughs; Usain has charmed us all. “I just want to keep setting goals for myself and keep breaking those goals”, he continues, more serious now.

“I want to go for sub-19 [seconds in the 200m]; that’s going to be one of toughest goals but I want to get it done before I retire. I also want defend my titles again in Rio – for me that’ll put me on a different level, because no one has ever [won gold in the 100m and 200m in three consecutive Olympics] before.

“People talk about Muhammad Ali and Pelé and Maradona. I want to be in that group when I retire. When people are talking about sport in general, my name should be mentioned. I want people to say ‘Usain Bolt was one of the greatest athletes to ever grace the track’.

That’s what I want and that’s what I’m going to go for. If you want something in life you’ve got to work for it.”

With his track record to date (pardon the pun), I have no doubt that the name Usain Bolt is going to have its place in the record books for centuries to come, and deservedly so.

TEN YEARS OF hublot’s BIG BANG Usain Bolt launched the Big Bang Unico All Black model last year and this year the brand is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its iconic watch collection with three new models and a series of 16 ‘Manufacture’ photographs, each representing a key stage in the design of a Big Bang watch.

In 2005 Jean-Claude Biver, now President of Hublot and President of the Watch Division of LVMH, presented to the industry and watch fans worldwide the Big Bang Gold Ceramic. He was inspired by an idea which is central to the art of fusion, a concept championed by Hublot: the combining of objects and materials that never appear together under normal conditions. With 70 components, the Big Bang is larger than life, both in size and in ambition.

With thanks to Hublot

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box

JEWELLERY

BY OLIVIA SHARPE

Taking the Reins

Viva Forever Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe was Georg Jensen’s most iconic female muse, responsible for creating the Danish silversmith’s famous watch design, the Vivianna bangle, in 1967. To this day, her spirit continues to live on in the house’s creations and a case in point is the S/S15 Vivianna Dew Drop collection. Paying tribute to Torun’s love of natural forms, the contemporary range incorporates organic materials – including gold, blue topaz, prasiolite, rock crystal and pure silver – into its sculptural pendants. Innovative and free-spirited, we feel sure that this is a collection of which Torun would have been proud.

Vivianna Dew Drop collection, from £250; georgjensen.com

The Zara Phillips Collection by Calleija, available in The Royal Arcade store, Old Bond Street; calleija.com

A Life of Its Own

Cutting Edge 28 year-old designer Eugenie Niarchos may have only created two collections for her fine jewellery label Venyx thus far but these have been so well-received that she has chosen to update them. For Theiya, the jeweller’s second range which speaks to her love of all things sci-fi, Niarchos has continued the galactic theme:

“I am very inspired by mythology and Theiya is the mythological Mother of Light. I love the magical feel of dusk and dawn so I wanted to create pieces based on their beauty, as well as other natural visual phenomena. The stunning colours of the auroras, the effects of lightning and a falling meteorite” – Eugenie Niarchos

British royal equestrian Zara Phillips’ passion for both horses and jewellery has been harnessed in a new collection with internationally renowned jeweller Calleija. Together they have created Unbridled Elegance, following a meeting in 2013 at the Magic Millions Horse Racing Carnival in Australia, which Zara attended in her role as Ambassador of Racing Women Australia, sporting a dazzling array of Calleija jewels (the brand was the event’s official jeweller). The range currently comprises the Coronet and Saddle Suites, both of which pay tribute to Zara’s horsemanship skills and Calleija’s passion for beautifully shaped jewellery and the world’s finest gemstones.

Venyx, available at net-a-porter.com

There are few jewellers that can compare with Fabergé when it comes to the company’s rich history. Shrouded in mystery, intrigue and romance, the story of founder Peter Carl Fabergé’s royal patronage to the Russian Tsars in the 19th century has fascinated historians for more than a century. And now, this story has been retold in an awardwinning documentary, Fabergé: A Life of Its Own, which can be seen on London cinema screens from 29 June for a short time only.

Cinema listings and tickets available at fabergefilm.com

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COLLECTION

On the Fringe Channel your inner hippie as festival season arrives with floral accessories, leather bracelets, charms and fringing

1 Bud to Bloom necklace, £45,000, Pippa Small, 201 Westbourne Grove, W11 2 Crystal necklace, £665, Valentino, farfetch.com 3 Set of three woven diamond and turquoise bracelets, £490, Scosha, net-a-porter.com 4 Filigree clip-on earrings, £415, Dolce & Gabbana, farfetch.com 5 18-karat yellow gold Lunaria aquamarine ring, POA, Marco Bicego, marcobicego.com 6 18-karat yellow gold tassel necklace, £4,890, Dima, Talisman Gallery, 020 7201 8582 7 18-karat yellow gold earrings with diamonds, £2,979, Amrapali, 55 Beauchamp Place, SW3 8 Homsa bracelet (large), £115, Zayiana, farfetch.com 9 Diamond, turquoise and yellow gold ring, £5,715, Irene Nerwirth, matchesfashion.com 10 18-karat yellow gold Vine ring, £2,025, Pippa Small, as before 11 18-karat yellow gold and silver with diamonds, moonstone and turquoise bangle, £2,950, Amrapali, as before 12 Gold-tone, agate and quartz anklet, £105, Sabbia, net-a-porter.com 13 Gold-plated resin clip earrings, £180, Oscar de la Renta, net-a-porter.com 14 Gold-plated arm cuff, £230, Arme de l’Amour, net-a-porter.com 15 Jacquie Aiche bead and porcupine earrings, £140, Finds, net-a-porter.com 16 22-karat yellow gold and emerald Greek ring, £21,500, Pippa Small, as before

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ELIZABETH STREET ELIZABETH STREET SW1 SW1 Bespoke fine jewellery We invite you to visit our website www.devroomen.co.uk 59 Elizabeth Street, London, SW1W 9PP +44 (0)207 730 1901

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spotlight

audrey in london No matter how many times her visage appears on our screens, whether in classic films or as resurrected in the Galaxy advert, Audrey Hepburn’s beauty remains as commanding as ever. To mark the 65th anniversary of her performance at West End night club Ciro’s, an exhibition is being held at the National Portrait Gallery, tracing Hepburn’s rise to prominence. It will include rarely-seen photographs of the starlet, including those taken during her years in the UK in her early 20s, practising ballet and spending time with her family, as well as portraits of Hepburn taken by top photographers such as Richard Avedon and Irving Penn.

Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon, 2 July – 18 October npg.org.uk

Audrey Hepburn dressed in Givenchy with sunglasses by Oliver Goldsmith, 1966 © Douglas Kirkland

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Illustration: Mai Osawa

kensington

& chelsea

Prom Date Now in its 120th year, BBC Proms is the world’s largest and longest-running music festival, consistently entertaining audiences with the world’s greatest artists, composers, orchestras and ensembles. This year, the piano takes the spotlight – 25 solo pianists will be featured across the season – and Leif Ove Andsnes and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra will be showcasing their awardwinning performances of Beethoven’s concertos. Other notable highlights include a series of concerts in honour of Pierre Boulez’s 90th birthday, a series of matinee programmes that introduce classical music to new audiences, a Prom dedicated to the complex and musical mind of Sherlock Holmes and two appearances by the John Wilson Orchestra, marking the 100th birthday of Frank Sinatra, with Seth MacFarlane. The monumental musical impact of the Proms should be as strong as ever this year, and we expect the plethora of outstanding performances to prove the Proms' access to the best and widest breadth of classical music.

BBC Proms, 17 July – 12 September, Royal Albert Hall royalalberthall.com Leif Ove Andsnes © Holger Talins

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Night time queue at the Proms Photography: BBC / Chris Christodoulou

spotlight on Kensington, Chelsea & knightsbridge: news, events, reviews & local interest stories

SPOTLIGHT

Getting Arty The Chelsea Ram is giving visitors the opportunity to connect with their inner artist thanks to a new life drawing class, open to both beginners and experts alike. With professional artist Jonathan Ellis on hand to provide guidance and inspiration, participants can enjoy a drink whilst working from a live model, picking up new techniques in the process. All artistic utensils, including pencils and easels, are provided and the theme and model vary weekly. Described by director Benedict Romain as "a refreshing tonic after a hard days’ work", this opportunity to let creativity flow freely from one's fingertips in a local, convivial environment is simply one of a kind.

Life Drawing in the Pub, 6.30 – 8.30pm Thursday 2, 16 & 30 July, 1 August The Ram, 32 Burnaby Street, SW10 Thechelsearam.co.uk

Faith Restored One of Kensington’s most beautiful and historic buildings, St Mary Abbots Parish Church, has announced the launch of a fundraising appeal to raise £7 million for a comprehensive restoration, which will allow for its significant expansion as a community hub and will ensure its continued status as a peaceful place of worship for future generations. Reverend Gillian Craig, the vicar at the 140-year-old church, urges the public to contribute to this worthy effort: “The St Mary Abbots Appeal is an ambitious project... but it is crucial that we restore this building to its original splendour.”

Visit stmaryabbotsappeal.com to learn more about the church, community and Appeal. Email ideas@stmaryabbotsappeal.com to contribute fundraising ideas Peter Darrell / St Mary Abbots Trichinopoly: Musjid of Nutter Owleah, from the Head of the Lane Leading to it, January or April 1858, Linnaeus Tripe, courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Rangoon: Near View of the Shwe Dagon Pagoda, November 1855, Linnaeus Tripe, courtesy of V&A Museum, London

Tripe’s Travels The Captain Linnaeus Tripe exhibition marks the start of the V&A's India Festival, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Museum’s Nehru Gallery with a series of exhibitions, displays, events and digital initiatives throughout the autumn season.

This exhibition tracks the remarkable photographic work of Linnaeus Tripe and his documented travels throughout India and Burma, and showcases striking images of architectural sites, monuments, religious buildings, bridges, moats and geological formations, all in the form of a picturesque and telling landscape. Not only does the exhibition inform visitors about the breathtaking aesthetics of India in the 19th century but it also brings to light the technically complex advances in photography that Tripe mastered in his work, taking things a step further by retouching his negatives.

Captain Linnaeus Tripe exhibition, 24 June – 11 October; vam.ac.uk

spotlight on Kensington, Chelsea & knightsbridge: news, events, reviews & local interest stories

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Running Wild If you haven’t yet visited the 50th Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum, this summer is your last chance. The celebrated exhibition, displaying a number of brilliantly engaging images, will run until 30 August and is widely considered to be most prestigious photography event of its kind. Capturing the beauty and vulnerability of creatures and elements from around the world, the remarkable photographs range from hummingbirds in the midst of flight to sleeping lions sprawled across rocks. If you feel inclined to take a part of the compelling exhibition home with you, the accompanying book features the award-winning images from the last 50 years; 50 Years of Wildlife Photographer of the Year: How Wildlife Photography Became Art is available to purchase at the Natural History Museum bookshop or online.

Adult £12.60, child and concession £6.30, family £34.45 nhm.ac.uk/wpy; nhmshop.co.uk

Photography: Michael Nicholls

Virtuosi in Transit Blue plaque Kensington and Chelsea resident Oscar Wilde once professed that “progress is the realisation of Utopias”; this year’s inTRANSIT Festival is based on artists’ response to this idea of paradise in the form of an urban landscape. An exciting assortment of theatre, dance, art and music in the form of more than 20 productions and installations will pervade the streets and iconic buildings of the Royal Borough for ten days, and will expose the local residents to the spectacle of it all. Highlights this year will include MOBO and BAFTA award-winning hip-hop artist Akala performing an adaptation of his graphic novel, The Ruins of Empires, Art House's pop-up art school in Powis Square and the famous birdmen of Mexico soaring through the air. inTRANSIT Festival, 19-28 June Multiple venues; see rbkc.gov.uk for more information

Leading Ladies To mark 25 years of the organisation of prominent female leaders, the International Women’s Forum UK, The Chelsea Gallery held a two-week exhibition featuring four of its founders and the first 12 chairs. Portraits of inspiring local women such as Mary Baker, who was instrumental in establishing the London Marathon and the Thames Day Festival, and Mei Sim Lai, one of The Queen’s Representative, were created by local artists in oils or print and are an ode to the value of these formidable characters. This image is artist Sharon Low’s depiction of Pam Garside, a leading lady based in West Kensington who founded Newhealth in 1989, providing strategic advice to health sector organisations in the US and UK. Iwforumuk.org

spotlight on Kensington, Chelsea & knightsbridge: news, events, reviews & local interest stories

SPOTLIGHT

All for a Good Cause The Courtfield Gardens Summer Party is back! Now in its 11th year, with thanks to the generous support of Knight Frank, the fundraiser offers an evening of entertainment with live music, food stalls, drinks and a lively auction run by Nick Carter from Channel 4’s Auction House. All profits raised will be donated to the Children’s Hospital Trust Fund Pluto Appeal, which has been instrumental in establishing the first dedicated paediatric robotic surgical unit in the UK. This state-of-the-art equipment enables specialist paediatric surgeons in Chelsea & Westminster Hospital to perform intricate surgery on babies and children with enhanced precision and improved recovery times. For those keen to continue the feel-good fun the next day, there is the St Mary The Boltons Church Summer Fair, also sponsored by Knight Frank, which raises funds for a selection of local and international charities. This fun day out for families will include outdoor activities for kids and a BBQ with Pimm’s for the grown-ups. Don’t miss out.

Courtfield Gardens (West) Summer Garden Party, SW5, 19 June, 7–11pm Online tickets £10; chtrustfund.org.uk; theplutoappeal.com The St Marys Boltons Church Summer Fair, SW10, 20 June, 12.30–4.30pm From left/ Staff at The Chelsea Children’s Hospital Open Day 2015; Princess Marina Lobanov Rostovsky, CHTF trustee, the Mayor of the Royal Borough, Laurence Lai from Knight Frank and the Mayor’s wife

Liv Lowrie’s Telemark Trek Registered osteopath Liv Lowrie, who lives and works in Chelsea, embarked on a trip of a lifetime to Norway, undertaking a three-day cross-country challenge, skiing with the Royal Marines’ Special Boat service over a distance of approximately 100km across Europe’s highest mountain plateau. Inspired by her uncle, Hand Storhaug, she retraced his steps as one of six brave Norwegian soldiers who blew up a water factory that was said to be producing the world’s first atomic bomb, making him an undeniable hero. Naturally, these efforts were for a charitable cause; Liv has raised almost £40,000 for Parkinson's UK and the Royal Marines' Special Boat Service Association. Bravo.

with Roger Beckett, founder of Pintar Rapido, Europe’s largest outdoor painting festival competition and exhibition

Q: Why choose Kensington and Chelsea as a location?

A: Virtually every corner of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea offers inspiration. Parks, historic buildings, the river Thames, iconic industrial sites, busy streets and modern architecture all come together in a vibrant urban backdrop.

Q: What are the main purposes of Pintar Rapido?

A: To encourage a greater appreciation of our urban environment by celebrating its people, places and spaces through art; to donate to charities which encourage the use of creative skills as tools for individual and social development; and to encourage people to be more creative.

Q: Tell us more about the small Catalonian village that inspired Pintar Rapido?

A: In 2012 I was staying in a village called Horta de Sant Juan where Picasso painted several early Cubist paintings. As I walked through the village I saw artists with easels painting away on the streets. I was enthralled; they painted all day and their work was hung that evening in the town hall for the mayor and his judging committee to select winners. The whole village came to see the day’s work and celebrate their home.

Q: Do you believe an artist can paint a masterpiece in just one day?

A: Every picture is a masterpiece as far as I am concerned.

The event is designed to encourage artists of all skill levels to take part and to encourage the public to watch the artists working on the streets on 11 July, and then come to see the finished works at the exhibition on 12 July.

11-12 July Chelsea Old Town Hall, SW3 pintarrapido.com

uk.virginmoneygiving.com/livlowrie

spotlight on Kensington, Chelsea & knightsbridge: news, events, reviews & local interest stories

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Writing on the Walls

Rebecca Wallersteiner talks to west London filmmaker Hannah Rothschild about her gripping debut novel, becoming the first woman to chair the National Gallery and the British Museum’s stunning new gallery of Rothschild treasures, which opened on 11 June 2015 continues to be an exciting year for Hannah Rothschild. In May her first novel The Improbability of Love, dealing with skulduggery and murder in the London art world, was published by Bloomsbury.

From 11 June, the Waddesdon Bequest – a superb collection of priceless medieval and European Renaissance treasures collected by the Rothschild family – will be redisplayed in a new gallery at the British Museum. And in August, Hannah takes up her appointment as Chair of the National Gallery – the first woman ever to hold this role, following in the footsteps of her father Lord Rothschild, who held the post for six years, from 1985 to 1991.

Despite being born into one of the most famous Jewish dynasties in the world, Hannah has always been determined to find her own path and work for a living, instead of relying on a trust fund. “I grew up in Maida Vale with my brother Nathaniel and sisters Beth and Emmy, and still live in the same house with my three teenage daughters”, she tells me. Was she involved in curating the exquisite historical artworks and jewels gifted to the British Museum by her ancestor Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in 1898, currently housed in the new Rothschild gallery? “I was closely involved in

the competition for and appointment of the architect to redesign the room, Stanton Williams, but the display was the domain of the highly capable curator Dora Thornton”, Hannah answers. “The Holy Reliquary is an extraordinary object; this bejewelled casket was made in 1400 to display a thorn which had been detached from the crown allegedly worn by Christ at his crucifixion.

Trade in holy relics was such a profitable business in medieval Europe that kings would go to war to secure them. When Louis IX, King of France, bought it in 1239, for example, he paid nearly half the annual expenditure of his country to secure it.”

The Bequest is named after Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, a fairytale French chateau build by Baron Ferdinand in 1874, where the collection was housed during his lifetime. Hannah is the eldest child of Baron Jacob and great-great-great-greatgranddaughter of Mayer Amschel Rothschild, who in 1812 dispatched his five sons around Europe to build up the legendary family dynasty. He wrote: “The firm of Mayer Amschel Rothschild and sons belongs

From top/ Carved rosary bead or prayer-nut showing scenes of St Hubert; boxwood; 1490-1530 / Turquoise glass goblet - opaque blue soda glass. Late 1400s / Tin-glazed ceramic vase (maiolica) circa 1565-1571. All images courtesy of The Waddesdon Bequest. ©The Trustees of the British Museum

SPOTLIGHT

Photography: Harry Cory Wright

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SPOTLIGHT

to my sons exclusively.” In his opinion, women were to be wives and mothers only. Perhaps Amschel would turn in his grave to hear that, more than two centuries later, Hannah, one of the most gifted members of the family’s present generation, has been appointed to a highly prestigious role, although I hope he would be proud of her. Amschel would definitely raise an eyebrow if he read Hannah’s racy novel The Improbability of Love, inspired both by the London art world and “the wonder, the glory, the madness” and the agony and ecstasy of love.

Were the colourful characters based on real people Hannah has encountered? “They are inspired by people I know or have read about. I hope that any resemblances are seen as entirely complementary”, she says with a smile. A television documentary maker, Hannah has made insightful profiles of Nicky Haslam and former MP Peter Mandelson. She also produced The Jazz Baroness (2008), a compelling film about her music-loving great-aunt Pannonica Rothschild, who scandalously left her family to live with the black American jazz genius Thelonious Monk. Friendships with artistic geniuses seem

Pan statue and the Serpentine Gallery, near the huge mansion at 18 Kensington Palace Gardens, which in the 1900s belonged to the Rothschilds. Has Hannah ever discovered a lost masterpiece herself? “When I was at school I bought a print of Rembrandt’s mother for just £1 from a junk shop, convinced that it was an original. It turned out though to be just another copy – nevertheless I still have it hanging on my wall. A rebuke, or a reminder of an unrealised dream. I did not learn my lesson and am constantly scouring junk shops and sales catalogues for ‘sleepers’… so far no luck but I will keep trying!”

The Improbability of Love by Hannah Rothschild, published by Bloomsbury, available now

MORE INFORMATION The Waddesdon Bequest, Room 2a, British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG; britishmuseum.org Opens 11 June; admission free.

The illustrated accompanying publication

The novel opens with a young cook finding a lost masterpiece

by Jean-Antoine Watteau in a west London junk shop to run in the Rothschild family; her father, Lord Jacob Rothschild, was famously painted by his friend Lucian Freud in his Holland Park studio and the portrait can be seen in the National Portrait Gallery.

The central theme of Hannah’s gripping debut novel involves stolen Jewish art, with some similarity to the films The Woman in Gold and The Monuments Men. She has drawn, 70 years after the end of World War II, from her own family’s experiences of Nazi art theft. At his Nuremberg trial Reichsmarschall Hermann Goering, with his characteristic narcissistic pomposity, informed his interrogators that he owned a Memling taken from the Rothschild collection as part of his wife’s “nest-egg” and that “everybody loots a little bit”. Hitler, himself a failed artist of meagre talent, was passionate about art and in Hannah’s novel the fictional masterpiece passes through his hands before being rescued.

The novel opens with Annie, a young cook, coming across a dusty picture in a west London junk shop which turns out to be a lost masterpiece by the French Rococo painter Jean-Antoine Watteau. The narrative takes in well-known Kensington landmarks such as the Italian gardens in Hyde Park, the Peter

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A Rothschild Renaissance: Treasures from the Waddesdon Bequest, written by Dora Thornton, is being published in June by British Museum Press (hardback £30)

The Holy Thorn Reliquary - gold, enamelled, with sapphires, rubies and pearls, 1390s.

Image courtesy of The Waddesdon Bequest. ©The Trustees of the British Museum

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ART ANTIQUES

BY Rebecca Wallersteiner

Bright and Bold Over two days, 240 artists from around the globe working in a variety of media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, jewellery, glass and textiles, will be presenting their work at the Parallax Art Fair in Chelsea Town Hall.

Visitors can buy work directly from the artists who will be happy to talk about their art, inspirations and techniques.

Their works will be priced from an affordable £30, with prices going up to £15,000, so there will be something to suit every budget. Take home a postcard-sized drawing, a hand-made glass vase or a beautiful sculpture, knowing that you are also helping to support artists through buying an original piece of art.

Parallax Art Fair 25-26 July Chelsea Town Hall, Kings Road, SW3 Free entry parallaxaf.co Clockwise from above/ Derek Sim; Vasso Fragkou; Malcolm Morris

with Catharine Miller of Hollywood Road Gallery on her Midsummer Medley exhibition Q. For how long have you run this gallery?

A. My husband Patrick and I started the gallery in 1981 and began dealing in 19th and 20th century paintings. Our taste, and that of our clients, has greatly evolved and we now work almost exclusively with contemporary artists.

Q Which artists do you plan to showcase in your Midsummer Medley exhibition?

A. It will showcase several Argentine artists including the young and punchy Sofia Neptuno, whose vibrant abstracts have a theatrical quality. I grew up in Argentina and travel back once a year to buy art in Buenos Aires. We will also be exhibiting local artists including Sir Angus Stirling, who creates abstracted landscapes with the Scottish Colourist palette.

Q. Which of your achievements are you most proud of?

A. I am most proud that my daughter Claudia works with me. I used to bring her in her pram and she now runs the gallery. Together we are adapting to new art market trends.

Above, from top/ Me-Me Marey, Away with the Birds (acrylic and graphite on paper); Sir Angus Stirling, Desert Colours (oil on canvas)

Q. Your gallery is so friendly and vibrant that it makes it difficult to leave. Are all your visitors so comfortable?

A. We hope so! Anyone who visits and mentions this article will be welcome and offered a glass of wine. I am keen to take the mystique out of buying art and make it accessible to everyone.

We sell art priced from £50 to £5,000 so we hope there will be something for all budgets.

Midsummer Medley exhibition 21 June – 21 July Hollywood Road Gallery, 12 Hollywood Road, Chelsea, SW10, 020 7351 1973 catharinemiller.com

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ART ANTIQUES Sea Breeze An accomplished yachtsman, Julius Olsson lived in St Ives and painted around the coasts of Cornwall. Tom Rooth, Director and Head of Department for Victorian, Pre-Raphaelite and British Impressionist Pictures at Christie’s South Kensington, comments: “His works are famed for their mother-of-pearl translucence, and many – like the present painting – glow: a kaleidoscope of colours that dance off the waves, and fuse with the sky, from an artist who captured the very essence of the English coast.” Olsson set up a studio on Porthmeor Beach in St Ives, which in 1895 housed the School of Landscape and Marine Painting, where he taught. His work was first accepted at the Royal Academy in 1880. Olsson was portrayed by the critics of his day as a latter-day Viking, romantically roaming the Cornish shore with his easel and paintbrush and capturing the sea in its many states.

Evening Waves signed ‘Julius Olsson’ (1864-1942); oil on canvas. Estimate: £3,000-5,000 Victorian, Pre Raphaelite & British Impressionist Art, Sporting & Wildlife and Maritime Art, 8 July at Christie’s South Kensington

Art on a Summer Night Over the summer, as part of Christie’s South Kensington’s 40th anniversary celebrations, the auction house is opening its doors to the public late on the first Tuesday of each month. Each event will have a different theme, with talks by art experts accompanied by live music. On 7 July, Christie’s Late will explore The Great British Summer so stop by for a summer tipple, a talk from milliner Emily Baxendale of Emily-London, advising what to wear to the races, and a spot of croquet. If you are curious about art, auction houses and collecting, this free event will help you learn more, with friendly experts on hand to welcome you.

Christie’s South Kensington, 85 Old Brompton Road, SW7 christies.com/csk40

Buddha in Your Garden

The Art of Arabia From 11 July, The Mosaic Rooms will present I Spy with my Little Eye, an exhibition exploring the art of a fiercely independent new generation of Lebanese artists in their 20s and 30s. “With materials that range from intimate personal memorabilia to the unconfined elements of nature, their work is imbued with a sense of fleetness, transience and fragility,” explain the exhibition curators, Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath. This group of artists neither remember the Civil War nor choose to make it a central subject of their work. Instead they favour the personal over the collective and political, experimenting with combining elements of painting, photography and sculpture.

I Spy With My Little Eye, 11 July – 22 August The Mosaic Rooms, 226 Cromwell Road, SW5; mosaicrooms.org On Saturday 11 July (12-1pm) both curators are giving a talk; on 16 July (7-8pm) exhibiting artists will discuss their work. Both events are free to attend: email rsvp@mosaicrooms.org

From left/ His Passing Cover, George Awde; E.D.L, Siska (image courtesy of Architect Pierre Nehme)

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Throughout July, Opium, a jewelbox of a shop on the King’s Road, will place in the spotlight beautiful carved statues of Buddha, which are becoming increasingly popular with garden designers thanks to the meditative, relaxing quality they bestow. “In India statues of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, the Buddha and Mahavir Jain are worshipped and revered both in the temple and the home. We source deities, both antique and contemporary, worked in marble, bronze, aged brass, sandstone, silver, wood and painted clay,” says Tracy Kitching, Opium’s owner, who travels to India twice a year to find new treasures to tempt the Chelsea set. It’s a popular design trend: Emma Watson recently bought a hand-painted arch from a Rajasthani palace; John Hurt purchased a coffee table; and Rolling Stone Charlie Watts is now the proud owner of a bridal palanquin. Since opening her store in 1999, Tracy has supported craftspeople in Rajasthan, Orissa, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.

Opium, 414 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW10 020 7795 0700; opiumshop.co.uk

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15:47

State

Art of the

In an increasingly digitalised world, fine art and antiques are not exempt from the fast-paced life we’ve come to expect as standard. Mike Peake ventures into the world wide web to discover how auction houses have made the transition

ccording to The European Fine Art Foundation’s 2015 Art Market Report, released in March, online sales of art and antiques rose to around $3.3 billion last year. The sum equates to around six per cent of total global sales and means that roughly one in every 17 pieces sold now finds its buyer online.

If you’re not blown away by that figure, here’s a little context: 2013’s total was $2.5 billion, which indicates

that the market has grown by more than 30 per cent in just 12 months. While no one is suggesting the rise of online sales is guaranteed to continue at such an incredible rate, if it did, we could expect to see the total rocket to almost $20 billion annually by 2020.

Times are certainly changing – and for anyone still complaining that the art world is entrenched in outdated values, right now would probably be the moment to stand down quietly. It’s true that many buyers may never stop wanting to see precious items in the flesh before buying,

Above/ John Steven Dews, A Gusty Nor’ Wester (image courtesy of Bonhams) Opposite page, from top/ A famille rose bottle vase Daoguang (image courtesy of Bonhams); Pink topaz and diamond brooch (image courtesy of The Auction Room); A Napoleonic French gold, enamelled and cameo-set snuff box (image courtesy of Bonhams)

ART

but a new breed are just as happy to accept that certain reputable websites are giving them exactly what they want and they will bid or buy accordingly. In London, the epicentre of the UK’s art and antique market, this rising popularity of online sales has by no means not gone unnoticed, but there are multiple ways to make the most of the far-reaching internet – including sales that allow remote buyers to bid online in real-time at physical auctions that are being held in the auction houses’ galleries. To be part of the online auction revolution, you don’t, as the saying goes, have to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

London’s top auction houses, of course, all do things slightly differently. Last summer Sotheby’s announced it was finalising a partnership with eBay that aimed to “make it easier for millions of people to discover, browse and acquire exceptional works of art, antiques and collectibles”. The partnership went live in April.

Meanwhile in 2011, Bonhams invested heavily in an IT infrastructure for a proprietary online bidding platform. It says that around a quarter of participants in Bonhams’ sales now do their bidding online.

Online sales bring in new customers; in 2014, 32% of online buyers were new to Christie’s Christie’s, too, has embraced the internet. “Our online channel is helping to expand our global reach”, says John Auerbach, Christie’s International e-commerce managing director. “In 2014, clients from more than 100 countries registered to buy online. As the global client base for collecting art and luxury goods grows, online is the only practical way to meet demand.”

Christie’s is one of the few major auction houses to host dedicated online-only sales. Items that are typically earmarked for such events “have broad, approachable price points”, according to Auerbach, “and an international appeal”. But there are no firm criteria for price ranges; it’s not just ‘lesser’ lots that are offered for sale online. As Auerbach points out, estimates for certain pieces made available for online-only auctions have been just under $1 million and, crucially, online sales are bringing in new customers; last year 32 per cent of online buyers were new to Christie’s.

Of course, the rising popularity of online auctions does beg the question: is a physical auction still relevant?

The short answer seems to be yes; the thrill of standing in a room filled with priceless pieces and presided over by an avuncular man with a gavel won’t lose its lustre any time soon. And yet, with salesroom bids often coming

059

in by telephone, over the internet or as written bids, the need to be a physical presence in the room with a chequebook is undoubtedly less pronounced than it once was.

It’s an observation not lost on two former Sotheby’s employees who decided to set up The Auction Room, an online-only enterprise, in 2013. “People are becoming increasingly used to buying things online”, says The Auction Room co-founder Lucinda Blythe, “so we decided to launch an online-only business that retained some of the more traditional elements of an auction house, such as real live experts, being able to come in and look at things on exhibition and so on. With people travelling so much these days and having iPhones and iPads wherever they go, they just don’t have two hours to sit down at a physical auction.”

The business model of the Mayfair-based company is a combination of the live-bidding experience offered by the bigger auction houses and, to a degree, something akin to eBay. Lots are grouped into specialist categories or offered as single-owner collections, and typically go online for two weeks to a month, during which time people can bid and view the current winning bid on all lots. To add a final flourish of activity, and also to stop any annoying last nanosecond bids that often force potential buyers out, The Auction Room sales finish in a ‘Live Room’ where each lot is offered for a further 40 seconds, to accommodate last-minute bidders.

However, it’s not all about auctions. Art, antiques and other rare pieces can be picked up at fixed prices, too, and some of the websites in this market – such as the wildly popular 1stdibs – are doing a roaring trade.

A veritable treasure trove of vintage Louis Vuitton trunks, Picasso lithographs and WWII-era wristwatches, 1stdibs is where a multitude of global dealers, galleries and luxury shops come together under a single virtual roof.

Clockwise from top left/ After Valentin de Boulogne, 17th century, The Denial of St Peter; Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu M.B.E, Africa Dances; Michalis Economou, Houses in Hydra; Nikos Hadjikyriakos, Ghika Midday; A pair of Sri Lankan sapphire and diamond ear pendants; Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu M.B.E, Anyanwu simplified (all preceding images courtesy of Bonhams); Dong Son Ritual Bell from Lotus Gallery on 1stdibs; Picasso, Canard pique-fleurs (image courtesy of Christies); Stone tiki, Marquesas Islands, circa 1920 (image courtesy of The Auction Room)

ART

“Our customers tell us the thing they love most about us is access”, says 1stdibs spokeswoman Laura Schneider.

“More than 2,000 dealers across 16 countries use the site as their e-commerce platform, and we have more than three million visitors per month”.

Proving that the physical distance between a buyer and their intended purchase just isn’t an issue, Schneider points out that the average distance between the two is almost 2,000 miles. Strong photography and detailed descriptions of each item help to break down barriers, as do small but important touches such as each dealer being reviewed and selected by the 1stdibs team of specialists. “The cumulative effect is a luxury experience that’s unparalleled in the industry”, says Schneider. “Average purchase prices are getting higher, the frequency of purchases is increasing – it all seems to indicate that there is a lot of room to expand.” Which isn’t to say, of course, that visiting a gallery or standing in a real, live auction room is about to go the way of the dinosaur. While online sales undoubtedly have their place, the buzz, the theatre and the sheer ‘wow’ factor of a physical auction will always be hard to beat. theauctionroom.com; 1stdibs.com; sothebys.com; christies.com; bonhams.com

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fashion

All Eyes on Iris If there was one woman many of us secretly wish could be our grandmother, it’s Iris Apfel. Now 93 years old, the icon continues to delight and shock us with her flamboyant and outrageous fashion statements. Like her nonconformist style, Apfel is well-known for being a free spirit, as will be revealed in a new documentary due in UK cinemas this summer following a successful US debut. Legendary 87-year-old documentarian Albert Maysles has not only captured Apfel’s glamorous New York lifestyle but also the incredible work ethic she acquired from her Queens upbringing during the Great Depression.

He also depicts life with her doting husband Carl, whom she has been with for 67 years. We guarantee you will leave the cinema heart-warmed and truly inspired.

Iris, in UK cinemas from 31 July

Iris Apfel wears Comme des Garçons A/W 2012 for Dazed & Confused, Photography: © Jeff Bark The Fashion Book, mini edition, £7.95, Phaidon, phaidon.com

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Walker on the

Wild Side Kari Colmans meets New Zealandborn fashion designer Karen Walker as she launches her debut fragrances A, B and C. She talks beauty regimes, handbag essentials and not taking herself too seriously

FASHION

I’d been thinking about launching a fragrance for about 10 years but we only started working on it around 18 months ago. I travelled to Grasse in the South of France, which is recognised as the birthplace of fragrance. I worked closely with the oldest perfume house in the world, Charabot, which was established in 1799.

I loved learning about the history of the area, the heritage of the fragrance business and how it works today. It was great being able to go into the old factory that’s been there for 200 years, but also to the new factory, where there’s only one man and a line of robots; romance meets high-tech. The partnership is a perfect combination of traditional craft and modern attitude: we brought our New World sensibility to the mix, and voilà.

I really got involved in every single detail: testing 20 different pumps, the design of the bottle, which was created by world-renowned fragrance bottle creator Pochet du Courval. When it came to the juice itself, we set the brief for the noses to capture the essence of the Karen Walker brand – optimism, energy and enthusiasm in a bottle, along with a list of my favourite flowers. I tested around 200 different fragrances and A, B and C have each been reworked around six times. They are all quite different but they share a commonality, an energy. I love them all but I ran out of A first. I think that’s because we’ve just come out of summer back home in New Zealand and I just wanted that sparkly green excitement every morning.

My own beauty regime is based around getting the groundwork right. It’s not about using make-up to cover the flaws; it’s about diet, sleep, exercise and skincare, especially when I travel, which is a lot. I fly about 250,000 kilometres a year, so when I’m on and off planes and between time zones I’ve really got to focus on staying healthy.

You’ll find a fairly minimal number of products in my make-up bag: powder, lipstick, some lip balm. I have lip balm in every pocket, every bag, every room and every drawer; no matter where I am, there’s always one there.

I like Lucas Papaw but I’m not loyal to one particular kind.

On my skin I only use Osmosis Skincare, especially the Mineral Hydration Mist. I never get on a plane without the brand’s travel sets. Once I’m on board I take all my make-up off, get into my travel clothes, and moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. I put my make-up on again just before I land. I drink lots and lots of water.

My yoga teacher said to me once, “Every minute you spend upside down in a yoga pose takes a minute off your face”. I quite like that idea. Inversion for some reason is really good for your skin. I can’t stand the gym; I haven’t been in 25 years but I love yoga. I try to do an hour a day, even though I haven’t in the past two… or is it three…?!

I have a lot of fingers in a lot of pies when it comes to the KW brand; fashion, sunglasses, homeware and now fragrance. I’ve got eight fingers and two thumbs, so once those are all being used then I’ll stop. We only take on projects or products that we think will work with the brand’s personality. And it has to be something I’m genuinely interested in. We don’t do lots of things. It’s not about popping out back-to-back products, although we are already developing two more scents: D and E. I always try to make my campaigns fun. I think fashion can be guilty of taking itself a little too seriously sometimes, but I guess if that’s what’s right for the brand, then that’s what’s right for the brand.

Everybody should have their own point of view, and if it doesn’t speak to you as a consumer, then there are

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FASHION

millions of other brands out there. You’re never going to get something that every single person can relate to. The important thing is to have a unique point of view yourself, and if that’s a serious one, then that’s absolutely fine.

The KW woman is an interesting person looking for interesting ideas. I think fashion is so fragmented now; nothing’s in and nothing’s out. It all depends on how you put it together and who you are. There are a million trends at any given time; the high-low, the oldnew, it’s a free-for-all. Now, more than ever, it’s down to personal interpretation. It’s not about being dictated to by designers anymore; it’s about your individual version.

I’m wearing all KW today – shoes, trousers, shirt, necklace, earrings – but my watch is Omega.

Sometimes I mix it up but today I’m all KW. Other days it might be Prada, Dior or Balenciaga, or even Topshop matched with vintage pieces. When I’m shopping, if I like it, I buy it and figure it out later. I’ve got a lot of style icons but I think Jarvis Cocker’s probably my favourite. He’s got the best taste of anyone on the planet.

I get asked a lot about what it means now that women are getting more top jobs in the industry but I don’t really care too much if it’s a man or a woman doing the job – I just care about whether the work is interesting or not and whether it speaks to me. Is it new, groundbreaking and engaging?

I live in Auckland full time – when I’m not on a plane, that is. I come to London about once a year.

I try to stay close to where I need to be as I don’t like wasting time in black cabs. I always try and check out Harvey Nichols and I love Bond Street. Eating-wise, I have my little favourites, like Andrew Edmunds in Soho and Zuma, which is sensational. I do love a hotel afternoon tea, especially with a cup of Earl Grey.

I like the way the city of London looks. I find it uplifting because there’s so much beauty. I love the buildings and the parks and the heritage, but also what I love about London is that it makes such a stand for ideas and creativity culturally.

In terms of being a consumer, there’s always newness, there’s always something to surprise and delight.

A, B and C eau de parfum 50ml (£65 each) and 100ml (£85 each).

Exclusive in the UK to Harvey Nichols harveynichols.com

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It’s never too late...

LUXURY BODY BUTTER IN WHITE CASHMERE FROM THE BATH & BODY COLLECTION

www.lilouetloic.com

Free Spirit The house of Louis Vuitton has long been synonymous with travel, having become the luggage of choice for the world’s most stylish jetsetters since its first trunks were created in 1854, and it’s not hard to understand why. Renowned photographer Patrick Demarchelier has effortlessly captured this ‘Spirit of Travel’ in the house’s latest campaign, which reveals the new collection of aqua, raspberry and pastelcoloured leather goods and travel accessories, set against the backdrops of the African savanna and crystal-clear Caribbean waters. No matter what the terrain, the timeless luggage never looks out of place.

Louis Vuitton, 17-20 Bond Street; uk.louisvuitton.com

HER STYLE By olivia sharpe

The Next Chapter

Set Your Sights

The fashion gospel according to Vogue, otherwise known as Vogue On – the magazine’s covetable series of short books charting the careers of the most influential designers of the last century – will release two more instalments this month. This time, each volume will focus on the careers of two notable Italian designers: Gianni Versace and Giorgio Armani. With Armani celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, it seems particularly fitting for author Kathy Philips to examine the life of a small-town boy who created an eponymous fashion empire. Similarly, Charlotte Sinclair explores how Gianni Versace was destined for sartorial greatness, having been born into a dressmaking family. This September, Vogue On will release two more books, on Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino Garavani respectively. Watch this space.

Kristen Stewart shows off her specs appeal modelling for Chanel’s new S/S15 eyewear campaign. Transformed into a photo-reporter, the Hollywood actress effortlessly works the vintage camera while sporting the brand’s latest collection, which includes a 1970s pilot pair of sunglasses, reinterpreted in newlystretched lines encircled with chains, and a cat-eye frame inspired by Coco Chanel’s favourite pieces of jewellery, the temples having been embedded with pearls and cabochon set in metal and rhinestone.

Vogue On: Gianni Versace and Vogue On: Giorgio Armani, available from 4 July, £16.99 each (hardback) quadrille.co.uk

Pilot sunglasses, £475, Chanel chanel.com

Te Amo Dior

with founder of Biondi swimwear, Claudine Davies

Last month, Dior finally revealed the fourth instalment of its Secret Garden campaign, shot

by Stephen Klein in the chateau and gardens of Versailles and featuring Rihanna as its model.

The international singer’s sultry style and feminine allure proved the perfect accompaniment to the fashion house’s new Esprit Dior Tokyo collection, which includes the debut Diorama bag.

Set in metallic perforated calfskin and featuring graphic lines, the futuristic design signals the birth of a new Dior woman.

Q: What is the S/S15 collection inspired by?

A: Swimwear tends to follow fashion so for 2015 it was all about geometrics. We always try to make stories with our collections.

Q: Favourite style?

A: I love the black textured fabric bikini in the new underwire shape for 2015. We wanted to take inspiration from the sporty trend going on in swimwear so this has been specifically designed with D-cup plus sizes in mind.

A Multitude of Simms

Q: Do you have a signature piece?

A: My designer and I came up with a special design for a bikini top for mums who want the option of looking sexy when lying next to their husbands on holiday but also being able to cover up when with their kids. It has a drawstring in the middle so that the coverage can be adjusted. It has become so popular that we recently created a bandeau style.

For Tabitha Simmons’ Pre-Fall 2015 collection, the designer has truly outdone herself, having released a plethora of different styles to make the journey from summer into autumn as smooth as possible. Continuing some of the spring season’s most popular styles, the collection includes ‘buy now, wear now’ pieces, such as 70s-inspired embellished sandals and laid-back block heels, along with more practical suede and animal-print boots for autumn. There is also a range of prices to suit all budgets, with shoes starting from an affordable £250. You’re truly spoilt for choice.

Q: Two-piece or one-piece?

A: Two-pieces will always outsell one-pieces but one-pieces are definitely having a moment. Even though I’m slightly larger I love wearing a twopiece; often by wearing less you can actually look thinner and smaller than when you cover up.

Diorama bag in silver-tone perforated calfskin, available now dior.com

Q: Biggest beach faux pas?

A: Women choosing the wrong styles for their body shape. I remember just after having my daughter, we were on holiday and there were all these women on the beach who’d similarly just had children and I remember saying to my husband: ‘These women look amazing but they picked completely the wrong things to be wearing’. I think when your confidence is slightly down we have a tendency to cover up in fabric and it’s not necessarily the right thing to do.

From £250 to £895; tabithasimmons.com

Natural Flair The second instalment of Giambattista Valli’s capsule collection for 7 for all Mankind has now arrived in stores and, true to form, denim was the designer’s main muse. “I used denim as a canvas onto which project my vision, thinking of a decidedly young, multicultural clientele of glamorous Valli girls”, he comments. “I worked on both shapes and fabrics, delivering jeans with a strong identity, quite unique for cut and treatment”. As with his first collection, the fashion designer has reinterpreted contemporary styles – including high-waisted skinny and wide-leg flair jeans – through sharply feminine cuts, colours and prints, this time releasing varying shades of blue to suit all preferences.

Biondi Showroom, 55B Old Church Street, SW3; biondicollection.com

giambattistavalli.com 7forallmankind.com

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The Tide is High Abandon itsy-bitsy swimwear this summer and instead opt for sleek, chic one-pieces or simple, flattering bikini sets

Photographer:

Rachael Smith

Stylist:

Elizabeth Hoadly

Swimsuit, ÂŁ238, La Perla, laperla.com; Bangles, ÂŁ50-95 each, Amrapali, amrapalijewels.com

Scarf, £320, Alexander McQueen, alexandermcqueen.com; Earrings, £3,300, Dior Joaillerie, dior.com

Swimsuit, £140, La Perla, as before; Ring, £4,000, Dior Joaillerie, as before; Bracelets, £50-95 each, Amrapali, as before

Cotton bandeau, £40, and highwaisted briefs, £80, Asli Polat, aslipolatstudio.com; Coat, £375, Zeynep Tosun, zeyneptosun.com; Hoop earrings, £196, Vicki Sarge, vickisarge.com; 18-karat yellow gold necklace, POA, Dolce & Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com

Bikini, ÂŁ64, Triangl, international.triangl.com; Bracelets, ÂŁ50-95 each, Amrapali, as before

Swimsuit, ÂŁ144, La Perla, as before; 18-karat yellow gold necklace, POA, Dolce & Gabbana, as before

Swimsuit, £110, Paul Smith, paulsmith.com; Necklace, POA, Dolce & Gabbana, as before; Rose necklace, £4,000, Dior Joaillerie, as before; Bracelet, £50-95, Amrapali, as before

make-up ARTIST: Harriet Hadfield using Becca HAIR: Davide Barbieri using Catwalk by TIGI MODEL: Brittni Tucker @ Premier Model Management NAILS: Stephanie Staunton @ David Artists RETOUCHER: Sandra Ojuri PHOTOgrapher's ASSISTANT: Benny Johnson

Shot on location at Vila Vita Parc, Portugal.

Stay at Vila Vita Parc in a Deluxe room from £293 per room per night, room only (inc. VAT) Monarch operates flights to Faro from London Gatwick and London Luton with fares from £66.98 return. To book Monarch flights, holidays or hotels, visit monarch.co.uk

Novel Idea Bret Easton Ellis wrote in his novel Glamorama that “the better you look, the more you see”. It seems entirely fitting, then, that Easton Ellis was chosen to be the face of Persol’s latest campaign for a fourpiece collection of sunglasses and optics, entitled the Typewriter Edition. The black-and-white campaign includes a short video, which presents the American Psycho author speaking about his own literary success as the Persol specs rest on top of cast-aside sheets of text. Old keyboard letters have been etched on to the rivets of each pair, while the name of the collection has been written in American typewriter font on the inside of the frames to enhance the overall retro style. The range is available in a variety of colours, including black, Havana brown, streaked brown, beige and grey.

Persol TypeWriter Collection at David Clulow davidclulow.com; persol.com

Photography: Tom Craig

HIS STYLE By ashiana pradhan

Tie Down A Mayfair Man For Dean Gomilsek-Cole, head of design at Turnbull & Asser, his earliest memory of Mayfair goes back to playing Monopoly throughout his childhood and the coveted midnight-blue space representing this postcode. Inspired by this colour, he has subsequently dreamt up a collection to coincide with the opening of the new Turnbull & Asser store in Mayfair this July. The pieces, all made in England, reflect the brand’s rich heritage and reputation for outstanding craftsmanship, and include classic smoking jackets and lavish paisley gowns made with exquisite silk jacquards. If you prefer a more informal look, check out the double-breasted blazers with signature horizontal-cut corduroy which incorporate soft cashmere.

Turnbull & Asser, 4 Davies Street; turnbullandasser.com

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There is a tie for all seasons; so is the belief of Italian brand Ferragamo, which has created a new range of ties, appropriately named Made To Order, which will all be fully customisable in terms of size, fabric and colour, resulting in an endless array of possible combinations.

In addition to this, the underside of the ties can be further personalised with up to three initials. In celebration of the new collection, the brand has released four short films directed

by Jean-Claude Thibaut in which ties play the starring role as emblems of diplomacy, timelessness and confidence.

Made To Order ties, from £130 ferragamo.com

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lifestyle

Under the Sun Sunuva has attracted the attention of celebrity mummies Victoria Beckham and Gwen Stefani (both of whom have dressed their own children in its high-end swimwear) and is the first brand of its kind to be validated by the British Skin Foundation. The S/S15 collection offers holiday attire for kids aged six months to 14 years, ideal for fashion-conscious boys, girls and young teens. With stylish espadrilles, bright neon-pink lace, nautical prints, cool skateboards and even matching sibling prints, there is something to suit all tastes. Most importantly, Sunuva’s UPF 50+ swimwear blocks out more than 97 per cent of the sun’s harmful rays, so children can play outside to their hearts’ content and be totally protected at the same time.

Available from Harrods; harrods.com

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HEALTH BEAUTY

BY OLIVIA SHARPE

Shower Power It has been ingrained into us that water and fake tan are not the best of friends so it seemed strange to us when we learnt that tanning brand expert St. Tropez had created a new gradual tan in the form of a shower lotion. However, the innovative new product is in fact activated only once it has come into contact with wet skin and should then be left on for three minutes before being washed off, leaving a glowing finish.

Ideal for those of us who are invariably in a rush in the mornings and do not have time for the whole fake tanning palaver, the convenient new lotion, designed to be used daily in order to build up the depth of your colour, delivers a natural sunkissed glow to one's skin.

St. Tropez Gradual Tan in Shower Lotion (200ml), £14.50 sttropeztan.co.uk

Leading Light Those of you who’ve checked out Charlotte Tilbury’s Instagram account will not have failed to notice her many posts of Norman Parkinson’s work. Indeed, this wasn’t lost on the legendary fashion photographer’s grandson Jake, a close friend of the make-up artist who subsequently approached her with the opportunity of visiting Parkinson’s archive and immortalising some of his most iconic images in a cosmetics collection. The new range – marking Tilbury’s first ever collaboration – includes a make-up bag featuring the iconic May 1975 Vogue Jerry Hall cover and the Filmstar Bronze & Glow contouring palette - designed to capture “the natural fall of sunlight and shade on one’s face” (as Parkinson succeeded in doing in his photographs).

Filmstar Bronze & Glow Sun Tan & Sun Light, £55; On Call Make-up Bag, £32 Available from August on net-a-porter.com

In One’s Element The iS Clinical Fire and Ice facial is now a well-established beauty treatment, having been tried and tested by the likes of Halle Berry and Gwyneth Paltrow prior to their red carpet appearances. Unlike most facials, it is recommended that you have Fire and Ice on the day of your event as the intensive clinical procedure (combining glycolic acid and retinol) has been designed to have instant brightening, lifting and smoothing effects. Due to its intense nature, do not expect it to be the most relaxing of experiences; clients are warned prior to the treatment that they may find the extreme cold and heat a little uncomfortable (although we didn't find this to be the case). Saying that, we can guarantee the best results. Post treatment, skin appears brighter and glows; the perfect pre-party fix.

Fire and Ice Facial, £250 (30 minutes) Bulgari Hotel, 171 Knightsbridge bulgarihotels.com

One’s True Colours

Take to the Floris

After having spent so many years focusing on our faces, the beauty industry is finally turning its attention to our bodies and a flood of luxury bathing and shower products have recently poured onto the market. Take recently launched Prismologie; new to Space NK, the brand promises to bring colour and vitality to your life every day with its debut body care range, consisting of six core items. Each product has been given its own unique colour and fragrance designed to impart a particular mood onto your skin that day, whether it be ‘White Beginning’ for clarity (with neroli), ‘Red Hour’ for energy (comprising red cedarwood) or ‘Yellow Day’ for confidence (featuring zesty bergamot). Including invigorating shower gel, body lotion, body scrub and more, the range covers all bases of one’s body skincare routine.

Founded in 1730, the world’s oldest family perfumer Floris London has a rich history of creating bespoke fragrances for its high-profile patrons (including members of the British Royal family) and this year sees the re-launch of its Fragrance Customisation experience. Step into the Belgravia boutique and you can receive a one-on-one, two-hour appointment with one of the in-house perfumers, who will take you on an olfactory journey to create your own signature fragrance based on an existing perfume base. The finished product will then be presented to you in a bottle engraved with your initials. Alternatively for those looking for a truly one-off experience, you can opt for the fully bespoke service whereby you work alongside the house’s official ‘nose’ Edward Bodenham (from the ninth generation of the Floris family) to create your own completely unique scent.

Fragrance Customisation, £450 Full Bespoke Perfume Design, £4,500 Floris Boutique, 147 Ebury Street, SW1W; florislondon.com

Prismologie, available at uk.spacenk.com

In Harmony

Soaked to the Skin For most of us, there’s nothing quite like a long soak in the tub for washing away the stresses of the day. With this in mind, Jo Malone London has added to its bath and body collection two new products that will not only help you relax but will also prep your skin for the summer months. The shower oil arrives in two different scents; energising lime, basil and mandarin to wake you up in the morning and calming peony blush and suede for winding down after a long day, while the gentle geranium and walnut scrub has been created to complement every Jo Malone fragrance.

Geranium & Walnut Body Scrub, £40 (250g); Shower Oil, £32 (250ml) Available from July; jomalone.co.uk

Beauty Works West offers such an extensive list of talented, experienced therapists that you may be stumped at the first hurdle on your journey to wellbeing. However, if you're looking for a more spiritual experience for body and soul, the aromatherapist and healer Michele Roques O'Neil is the one for you.

Her 90-minute bespoke session begins with life coaching to help you face up to any major life blocks. This is followed by a mixture of massaging techniques, aromatherapy and Reike learnt over three decades in the industry, which will leave you relaxed, fresh and with restored enthusiasm. But don't leave emptyhanded; a spritz of Michele's Restore Aura Spray at home will soon transport you back to this place of newfound calm.

Beauty Works West, 8-9 Lambton Place, W11 beautyworkswest.com

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FEATURE

& Verse Chapman

Skincare guru Sarah Chapman speaks the gospel truth to Olivia Sharpe about the secret to youthful skin, the pros and cons of surgical anti-ageing procedures and the future of Skinesis as she opens her new retail store and clinic in Chelsea

eading London facialist Sarah Chapman has long kept herself under the radar, working her magic in an inconspicuous clinic on a quiet street in Chelsea.

Despite this, over the past 20 years she has built up an impressive clientele of both celebrities (how else do you think Sienna Miller and Uma Thurman maintain their glowing complexions?) and beauty editors, which is no doubt testament to her skill. And yet, we predict her cult status as ‘beauty’s best-kept secret’ is rapidly about to change, as the skin expert has thrown herself into the spotlight with the launch of her new Skinesis Clinic on Pavilion Road this year. With its sleek, futuristic interior, ‘genius’ therapists and diagnostic cameras, it has already been heralded as the ‘Apple store of the skincare world’. The rest of the industry had better watch out.

How does the new store differ from your Draycott Avenue clinic?

Draycott was a little secret space with no shops around and nothing but a buzzer on the door, whereas now we have an entire retail boutique environment. Many clients were saying to me: ‘I’ve got a party tonight so

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I just want to drop in and have a half-an-hour LED Collagen therapy’ but we couldn’t cater to them because our treatments rooms were always busy. We can now provide lots of drop-in sessions, so you can simply turn up. We don’t have sales people in-store, just therapists who can take you through a full skin diagnosis. One of the things we get asked a lot is how to use the products so we’ve designed a special ‘Hub’ where you can have masterclasses, which is all complimentary apart from the LED Light Pod. We want to educate people about how to do the bespoke massage techniques at home.

Most common problems you see on a daily basis?

Upstairs in the clinic, we mainly deal with skin conditions such as pigmentation and more serious anti-ageing treatments. We look at all of the traditional ageing issues, like lines and sagging, but also pigmentation. We have many acne clients looking to address this and quite often they are in their 40s, which I think is down to people having more stressful lifestyles nowadays. Older

women are generally working or managing their kids, not necessarily looking after themselves or eating as well as they should be, so they suddenly get breakouts.

This leads to pigmentation and often the skin doesn’t repair itself properly because our healing rate at this age is much lower. So what we do is try and target the key things to get the skin back to a healthy glowing state and we have lots of advanced tools at our disposal here.

What’s your secret to great-looking skin?

Cleansing is a priority. SPF is the other most important thing, every single day! As we get older the skin looks duller because it’s blotchy and patchy due to sun damage. A lot of deeper sun damage takes between 10 to 15 years to show on the surface, but in our image Hub we can see this and that’s usually quite scary for people because they realise what’s happening at a cellular level.

To get the glow back into your skin, massaging at home really helps, as well as hydration. I’m a big fan of omega supplements, so things like flaxseed and fish oils.

FEATURE

What are your thoughts on surgical anti-ageing procedures?

I don’t believe you should say no to anything. My approach is to work with the skin to get it really healthy without dipping into that side of things. I think it should only be used to subtly enhance the other work you’re doing with your skin, rather than as the alternative. I was speaking to a plastic surgeon about it and he said you can actually delay having a facelift for another five to 10 years if you’re doing things like radiofrequency. He laughed and said ‘I’ll probably put myself out of business!’ because he had some potential clients who he told to go away, have radiofrequency and come back in five years. I think there are ways you can combine the types of treatments we do with some injectables and get yourself looking your best without looking peculiar; and then further down the line to opt for surgery if that’s what you need.

When did you first realise you wanted a career in beauty?

I was lucky to discover the world straight away. Even my mum says when I was younger I was mixing products like beeswax in the kitchen, so I think it was always inherent in me. As soon as I left school I trained as a makeup artist in London, and to discover that I could actually do this as a job was a revelation.

How did you come up with the concept for Skinesis?

I was working for different skincare companies in sales, business development and training but fell back into treatments. I was looking after a friend’s client when she moved to Australia, and while doing that I was using different products and being quite product-obsessive.

I was mixing them together, sourcing ingredients and working with ranges like Environ, which I still think is fantastic but quite clinical. I discovered there wasn’t really anything on the market which combined science and cosmeceutical performance, which also felt and smelt great, so this led me to create my own products.

How do your treatments differ from what’s already out there?

In terms of our Skinesis facials, what makes us different is that we have no step-by-step formula. I have clients who have been coming to me for more than ten years and they’ll still get up off the couch and say: ‘You did something different today’. I call my therapists “thinking therapists” because I tell them: ‘You’ve got to stop, you’ve

got to look, you’ve got to think and you’ve got to watch.’

From that we’ll then tailor the treatment accordingly.

You’ve been in the beauty industry for more than 20 years. Has it changed a lot?

Massively. It’s a fast-moving industry and a very exciting one, particularly in terms of what can be created now in comparison to skincare products 10 years ago; back then you only had plant oils and good conditioning moisturisers which couldn’t do anything deeper to change the skin at a cellular level. You look at the kind of technology we have today and the ways that we can enhance skin and it’s amazing. There’s nothing better than someone coming in and saying, ‘I’m really unhappy with my skin’ for whatever reason and knowing you’ve got the tools and products at your fingertips to change that.

What are your biggest career highlights?

The first day that I walked in and saw my products on the shelves in Space NK. The second highlight has been what we’ve just done with the new store and clinic. I believe it is so different to what everybody’s doing, and for me that’s so exciting because now everyone gets my vision.

Favourite Chelsea haunts?

When I’m not working (which is all the time at the moment!) I love mooching up and down the King’s Road. I’m such a local girl. I love going to Colbert and Bumpkin. The new Ivy Chelsea Garden is lovely. I’m also very much looking forward to the new Pavilion Road development. I think the area in general is getting a whole new burst of cool energy.

How do you envision your company in ten years?

We would like to become a global brand. We’re currently in Italy in some luxury five-star spas and also retail pharmacies, but we’re also in talks with various other European countries about bringing our products to them.

If you were to go down in history for something, what would it be?

For really pushing the boundaries of skincare and doing things differently.

Sarah Chapman London & Skinesis Clinic, 259 Pavilion Road, Sloane Square SW1X, 020 7589 9585 sarahchapman.net

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& GARDEN

HOME

BY ashiana pradhan

The Floating City Interior designer Elad Yifrach’s luxury homeware brand L’Objet, with its dedication to celebrating the rich history of other cultures and people around the world, has teamed up with classic Venetian textile house Fortuny to incorporate the original prints designed by Mariano Fortuny within a new collection, entitled Alchimie de Venise. The collection seeks to tell the age-old renaissance story of Venice as an incomparable city, with its direct link to the eastern world through the trading of goods; this has been manifested in the products, the brands say, through their vibrancy and underlying exoticism.

Alchimie de Venise collection, from £80 to £255 Available at Harrods; harrods.com

Surreal Stylings For her debut wallcoverings collection, textile connoisseur Jennifer Shorto has called upon the work of Mexican surrealist artist Pedro Friedeberg, having stumbled upon his pieces in a vintage furniture shop in Mexico City. Inspired by the colours, lines and ancient religious symbols in Friedeberg’s work and the incongruous juxtaposition of the objects in his home, Shorto decided to emulate his unique style in her first collection. The surreal wallcoverings certainly make quite the statement, using circular symbols with varied patterns to play on the concept of symmetry.

Jennifer Shorto wallpaper, from £158 Available at Redloh House Fabrics 2 Michael Road, SW6 2AD redlohhousefabrics.com; jennifershorto.com

Once Again Once Milano prides itself on its devotion to designing and producing the finest, most luxurious linen products. With simplicity and timelessness at their core, the soft linens can add a light touch to an elegant home in the form of an effortlessly draped, neutral-coloured blanket at the end of a bed, or a stylish yet understated linen tablecloth. In addition to this, the brand tailors its collections to individual specifications so customers can add personalised embroidery and monograms to ensure their home linens have a unified, personal feel. oncemilano.com

Bella Rubelli

Sloane Ranger David Hunt Lighting, the UK’s longest surviving lighting manufacturer, has introduced a new collection that is an ode to Chelsea itself, an area renowned for its fashion connections and sophistication. Entirely crafted and finished by hand, the pieces are all made using traditional methods and then given a sumptuous pewter or bronze finish. The collection (priced from £151.80) consists of a four and six-light pendant, a single and double wall lamp and a table lamp, finished with a 100 per cent silk shade and available in a choice of 12 colours that range from neutrals like nutmeg to more vibrant tones, including hot pink and firefly orange.

It would seem Venetian textiles are having something of a shining moment (a renaissance of a renaissance, if you will), as Rubelli recently launched its first Rubelli Casa collection at this year’s Milan Design Week. Designed by Milanese architect Luca Scacchetti, the series of furniture by the company unites the differing characteristics of passionate Venice and Milan, with each piece offering a sense of personality. The endless portfolio of Rubelli fabrics that cover each piece will be interchangeable, which means they can be custom-made to fit perfectly with your chosen interior setting.

Rubelli Casa collection, from £1,217 Rubelli/Donghia, Design Centre East, Chelsea Harbour, SW10 rubelli.com

Available from selected stockists thelightingstore.co.uk

Craft Collective Conveniently presenting a plethora of interior products from luxurious brands and designers from across the world, Treniq offers designers, architects and consumers the opportunity to peruse an eclectic selection in just one place.

Since launching less than a year ago, the website has provided a platform for 45 luxury brands from 11 different countries, showcasing products that exemplify craftsmanship at its finest.

The service not only provides an easy process of discovery and acquisition but also allows users to contact sellers directly for any bespoke requests, as well as tracking product and receiving event updates from favourite brands. treniq.com

Heading West A townhouse in the heart of Chelsea’s Design Quarter on the King’s Road is now the latest space for West One Bathroom’s ninth and newest showroom, housing the best of the best in bespoke bathroom design.

Four floors of the attentively-designed retail space, which includes an outdoor courtyard, offer customers the opportunity to roam around and peruse the luxury bathroom displays in surroundings that seek to emulate a home environment, so that the pieces can be easily visualised in a domestic setting. The showroom will present the latest collections from leading bathroom brands, including Burlington, Bauhaus, Crosswater and Simpsons, and will also have a space on the fourth floor in which customers may discuss their preferences with the team’s specialists in order to make their specific vision a reality.

West One Bathrooms Chelsea Quarter 610 Kings Road, SW6 westonebathrooms.com

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Kids KINGDOM

BY ASHIANA PRADHAN

Oh My Ears and Whiskers!

I think we can all agree that there is something timeless and delightful about Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland; to celebrate its 150th anniversary, Mary Gannon Design has collaborated with children’s literature publisher Walker Books to produce an immersive range of furniture that brings to life the fantastical world of Carroll’s Wonderland. All handmade in the Cotswolds by local craftsmen and decorated by illustrator Helen Oxenbury, it includes a four-door storage unit, a White Rabbit wardrobe (£3,100), a Caucus-race table and handmade cushions in four charming designs, our favourite of which has to be Tweedledum and Tweedledee.

Mary Gannon Design, 79-89 Lots Road, SW10 marygannondesign.co.uk

© Jake Eastham

Full Steam Ahead

Sweet Dreams Created by parents Hamish and Emma Dalrymple, who named it after their daughter and nephew, Isla & Wilbur is an adorable eco-friendly brand offering a range of bedding and delicate muslin swaddles. One can’t help but delight in the hand-drawn illustrations of the farmyard animals – lovable lamb Isla and highland calf Wilbur – which were dreamt up by the Dalrymples and inspired by their own childhood memories of growing up on farms. All bedding is made from 100 per cent organic cotton percale while the snugly soft swaddles are made from 100 per cent bamboo rayon fibre for extra breathability. What’s more, these materials have the added benefit of being entirely environmentally friendly!

Single swaddle from £18; islaandwilbur.com

A travel must-have for your little princes and princesses, the new mini cases by vintage-inspired luggage company Steamline are ideal for your next family holiday. For the next generation of city-hopping busy-bees, the Entrepreneur mini Vanity case provides plenty of space for essentials such as crayons, colouring books and sandals, while the Correspondent allows its owner to stow away sunglasses, hats and swimsuits most conveniently. Both pieces of luggage not only come in a range of colours, from mint green to baby pink, but are also available in Mummy and Daddy sizes as well, so the whole family can travel in true Steamline style.

The Entrepreneur, £120 The Correspondent, £195 Available at Selfridges selfridges.com

Fancy That At the heart of newly launched online platform Fancy Kids is an eco-friendly approach to children’s fashion and lifestyle. Products by designers including Marie Chantal, Melissa Odabash, Hucklebones and Margarita Kids have been handpicked by Fancy Kids founders Anna Bunina and Daria Mura, who view their website as “an emporium of organically produced children’s pieces, all chosen for their unique character and quality craftsmanship”. Ranging from mandarin and aloe vera toothpaste to a hand-knitted mobile, Fancy Kids is full of brilliant one-of-a-kind choices for all the eco-conscious parents out there. fancykids.com

A Gruffalo Adventure

Little Bumpkins Hip hip hooray! British bistro restaurant Bumpkin has collaborated with party planning company R.S. Currie & Co to create bespoke children’s parties in its various private dining rooms across Chelsea, South Kensington and Notting Hill. In charge of the entertainment and all-important decorations, R.S. Currie & Co will tailor each and every detail, from party bags to invitations, to the birthday boy or girl’s preferences. The restaurant will handle the party food; no nasties for the kids, however, with choices ranging from nutritious mini sandwiches to veggie sticks. Meanwhile, the adults can enjoy indulgent canapés and a glass of Pimms at ease, knowing that their Little Bumpkins are being taken care of by the attentive staff.

For more information call Bumpkin South Kensington on 020 7341 0802 or Bumpkin Chelsea on 020 3730 934; bumpkinuk.com

A family favourite since 1999, The Gruffalo will be appearing in London’s West End for its longest run yet.

The show will be entertaining parents and children alike throughout the summer season and will recount the misadventures of Mouse’s wanderings through a forest in search of hazelnuts, and his exciting encounters with wily woodland creatures. The much-loved picture book

by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler has been adapted for the stage by Tall Stories theatre company, which has made the most of a captivating musical score packed full of original music and lyrics. The whole family is guaranteed to walk away with a smile after revelling in the show’s wonderful blend of songs, laughter, physical theatre and a slice of scary fun, too!

1 July – 6 September Tickets from £14.50 gruffalolive.com

Minnie Me For ten years, Helsinki-based shoe designer Minna Parikka has consistently created adventurous and eccentric footwear that undoubtedly makes a statement. Branching out to baby feet, Minna Parikka has, for the first time, launched a collection just for little ones called Baby Bunny shoes, incorporating the designer’s trademark bunnies. This distinctive range comes in a choice of three colours – silver, powder pink and black – and are all made using a smooth leather material that guarantees both comfort and style. Made for daring dressers, we consider these to be the coolest shoes to be seen walking (or indeed hopping) around in.

Baby Bunny shoes, £85 minnaparikka.com

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high life Above & Beyond &Beyond Benguerra Island has just reopened its doors after a £3.5 million renovation and is now inviting guests to stay at the stunning Mozambique luxury lodge. With a magnificent new entrance and welcome area, guests will feel enraptured by the beauty of the outstanding ocean views upon arrival, while the newly-refurbished rim-flow swimming pool will provide an oasis of peace and quiet during their stay. The casinhas, cabanas and private villa have all been redesigned and kitted out with new furniture and large private pools, and the elegant interiors reflect the country’s Portuguese heritage. There’s also now a dive centre and the lodge’s team can organise an endless array of experiences such as horse-riding, dhow cruises, diving, snorkelling and catch-and-release deep-sea fishing. andbeyond.com

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Travel

THE WORLD BY annabel harrison

Peace & Quiet

On The Mark

The Nelson Mandela Centre for Reconciliation, a private home built for Mandela by a close friend on the Shambala Reserve, has been closed as a mark of respect since the former President’s passing in 2013.

However, it is now available for public booking for the first time. Shambala means ‘paradise on earth’ and the reserve is a two-and-a-half hour drive (or 55-minute helicopter flight) from Johannesburg in South Africa. It has six double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, an indoor heated pool overlooking a private waterhole, a large outdoor deck and multiple living and dining areas. At the specific request of Nelson Mandela, the house is simple in its design, with a pleasingly African look and feel. As Mandela himself once said: “The peace, tranquillity and natural harmony of Shambala serves to remind us of our own striving for reconciliation and togetherness. I am delighted to share my home here with you and hope that you will feel refreshed and inspired by your visit to this special place.” £3,794 – £4,607 per night zulucamp.co.za

In the Lap of the Gordes There’s almost nothing we like more than retreating to the south of France for some R&R, accompanied by great weather and fine wine, bread and cheese. On 24 June, a hotel ideally suited to such pursuits – La Bastide de Gordes – is re-opening following a refurb. Gordes is a picturesquely pretty French village overlooking the Alpilles and Monts de Vaucluse and, thanks to a new Eurostar route to Avignon, British guests can now travel here by train. Set atop 12th century ramparts, the hotel offers beautiful views of the Luberon Valley and mountains; sip a glass of wine in the fragrant gardens and allow yourself to relax. bastide-de-gordes.com

Limalimo Luxury Ethiopia may not be the first African country that springs to mind when mulling over the continent’s luxury offering but it’s certainly worth consideration.

This September, Limalimo Lodge, in northern Ethiopia, will open amid 10 hectares of land in the Simien Mountains National Park, one of UNESCO’s Outstanding Places of Natural Beauty. Built by local community members, the lodge boasts superb eco-credentials, as well as total privacy; all 14 rooms, each with their own terrace, will be set apart within the lush grounds. Guests can trek through the highlands and lowlands to observe local wildlife and we like the sound of early morning yoga sessions and hammocks in the grounds. Scott Dunn recommends visiting Ethiopia between mid to late October and May; get in touch with the experts there to find out more about these luxury itineraries in Ethiopia. limalimolodge.com; scottdunn.com

In NYC the restaurant race is fierce. It’s a trend-eat-fad world where cronuts are outdone by ramen burgers, which are then outclassed by bacon Caesar sushi in the space of a fortnight.

But Michelin-starred chef JeanGeorges Vongerichten seems to have found a secret formula for success. He runs 10 restaurants in NYC including his flagship Jean-Georges, enduring hotspot ABC Kitchen (where it’s still an art form to get a table earlier than 10pm five years after its opening) and The Mark on the Upper East Side. The menu here has a light Asian feel and plays impeccably to the chef’s strengths. We start with spiced chicken samosas and crispy sushi; a deep-fried, and delicious, take on the usually heathy Japanese dish. Next comes a raw tuna and wasabi pizza, heaped with pickled ginger, and grilled sea bass with fennel.

We then manage to get through an entire Grand Marnier soufflé, profiteroles and a warm melt-inthe-middle chocolate cake and we have already made a reservation there next week; there are three desserts left to try and it just wouldn’t be right to leave the job unfinished. Sarah Collinson themarkhotel.com

A Brave New World Annabel Harrison visits the renowned medical health spa Lanserhof Tegernsee in the beautiful Bavarian countryside to experience its Lans Med Concept, inspired by Mayr therapy

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T’S ONE OF the first things we learn to do. By the time we’re toddlers, we’re in possession of a full set of molars and have begun to master the art of chewing. We do it slowly and carefully, with little or no thought of past or future events or emotions.

This strikes me as I finish my first supper at Lanserhof Tegernsee which, although just parsley soup and vegetables (granted, there are eight different kinds on my plate), takes me 40 minutes. One of the main things you will (re)learn here is how to chew properly. Be honest; can you recall a recent meal during which you didn’t talk, look at a screen, guzzle fluids or drift into a daydream?

This is the third Lanserhof property, following those in Lans (near Innsbruck) and Hamburg, and for more than three decades, ever-loyal ‘patients’ have come flocking to put themselves through the Lans Med Concept, billed as an “integrated prevention and regeneration programme for health”. Originally developed

by Austrian doctor F.X. Mayr, the “intensive fasting regime lasting several weeks” includes therapeutic fasts “to rest the digestive tract” and a special diet “to train proper mastication”, plus abdominal massage, hydrotherapy and exercise. I am staying only four days, which means I don’t undergo the full experience, but I am certainly given a good taste of it.

Firstly, if you’re going to lock yourself away to fast, you had better well be in a nice place, and the Lanserhof ticks all the boxes. Fly into Munich from Heathrow and during the 50km transfer, city sights will give way to green fields, tall skinny trees and, in the distance, snow-flecked mountains. Tegernsee is the name of the picturesque lake nearby and you’ll be able to enjoy the area’s verdant, rolling land and pine-fresh air while Nordic walking or taking part in the gentle group exercises at 7am every day. The hotel’s design has been described as monastic, but I find it rather more comfortable than that term suggests. The design aim “was to protect people from stimulus overload” and guests waft through open, neutral spaces like white-robed disciples, marshalled by staff with glowing skin, immaculate outfits and ready smiles who practice what they preach.

Secondly, attitude is everything. Dr Erich Rauch refers to Mayr therapy in a book on the subject as a “character cure” because “committed cooperation is an indispensable prerequisite for its outstanding curative effect”. Basically, don’t come here expecting it to be easy, or to be molly-coddled. Fasting is hard. You’re not used to it. Treatments will occupy blissful pockets of time during the day but you can’t eat them. For those used to a hectic lifestyle, punctuated by coffee shots, sugar hits, ready meals and alcohol, this will be an almighty challenge. However, the Lans team members know this and do all they can to make you happy and comfortable,

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so you can get the most out of your experience.

Thirdly, mealtimes are incredibly important, not because of what you can have but because of what you can’t. Everything hangs on a small white card at your table, next to your prescribed pill supplements, powders and drops, which indicates which meal you will be served.

It starts at Level 0 (tea fasting) up to Level 3/2 and the most substantial of all: the Energy Cuisine Active menu (an additional ¤20 per day). Breakfast and lunch are at the reasonable times of 7 to 8.30am and 12 until 1.30pm but supper is during the child-friendly (and daylight-filled) window of 5pm to 6.30pm; even for someone like me – I am usually hungry enough to eat as soon as I get home from work – that is pretty early. And given the fact that most guests (the ones who are eating, not fasting) turn up well past 6pm and the restaurant is still half full at 7, everyone agrees. Then again, we must trust that the medical team knows what’s best for us better than we do – that’s why we’re all here – so obedience is key.

I am confused at first when it comes to breakfast, which comes half an hour after taking Epsom salts (which do not taste great and result in rather loose movements), when I discover that a ‘chewing trainer’ is not a dog toy and there is a baffling array of milk alternatives. I can mix and match from a variety of plain yoghurts, breads, spreads and porridges; the oatmeal porridge is most appetising, flavoured with cinnamon and a little pot of maple syrup, and although the spelt bread is tough, the cheese spread helps to add flavour. I ask to sit by myself rather than on a group table so I can concentrate on chewing every mouthful the recommended 30 to 40 times. The group tables, I observe, usually contain at least one chatterbox and someone looking a bit dejected at having less to eat than their neighbour; couples talk less than usual as they concentrate on their meals; and some ladies are dressed up for supper, making a lovely effort to create a proper dining experience out of a meal that comprises only soup. My favourite dishes are king prawns on steamed vegetables and a terrine of bitter chocolate (hallelujah!), and I also discover that both celery soup and tofu can be delicious.

You’ll spend plenty of time in your room and mine is beautifully minimalist. The amount of storage nods to the fact that guests should stay for a minimum of seven nights and ideally longer to get the full benefits of the Mayr regime. The predominant colour is, unsurprisingly, bright white but soft mushroom-grey sofas, bed throws and dressing gowns (with a thoughtful zip pouch inside the pocket for your room key card) add cosy touches.

I like the fact that lighter-weight dressing gowns are provided too, and a hot water bottle to soothe turbulent stomachs. The floor-to-ceiling windows open out onto a chic wooden balcony with gorgeous views. There’s a huge rain shower and generous bath, although rather hard to lie in and read (First-World problem, agreed).

Behind it is the only design element I don’t like – an expanse of a brown-yellow blurry print that’s used in the LansMed area too – but otherwise I’m very happy.

On the medical side of things, you’ll start with a bioimpedance measurement where your body composition is assessed and your weight and height etcetera recorded, followed by a medical exam. I wait to be collected on the ‘Blue Sofa’, aka the epicentre of the LansMed area, by Dr. Elke Benedetto-Reisch, who reminds me of a blonde Edna Mode from The Incredibles. She is undoubtedly very knowledgeable but she is also intimidating. I strip down and am poked, prodded and peered at until she declares: “You’re not even… What’s the English word for that?” “Asymmetric?”

I suggest. “Yes.” I am also told I am pale and that my stomach is swollen, neither of which I can disagree with.

However, the Lady Doctor (as staff refer to her) is impressed with my progress after a few days and, because I’ve been on a fuller meal plan, the treatments definitely play a part in my improvement. The Detox Pack & Bath is done by the lovely Michael (he’s on the regime too and has lost four kilograms in five days). There’s somewhat of a language barrier (we spend an amusing minute working out what the word for ‘claustrophobia’ is in each other’s language, only for Michael to learn that I am in fact not claustrophobic). It’s perfectly pleasant though. Embrace your European side as there is no time for being coy.

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Michael expects me to strip off, put on paper pants and have lotion rubbed over my back, stomach, arms and legs. I’m cocooned in a steam pod and left to sweat for 15 minutes then, after a shower – in paper pants, Michael present – I have a bath. It’s lit up neon pink and smells like chamomile. Head back, eyes closed, I relax.

During my deep tissue massage, I like the asymmetrical approach; my therapist targets mainly the sorer spots. The music is relaxing but not too quiet and the curtains are kept open, letting the light flood in. The back training therapy class (you can partake in group work as well as individual treatments) caters for a mix of abilities so don’t expect it to be too challenging. However even though I find most of it easy, I struggle with a couple of the exercises so it’s worth going and finding out where you could improve in terms of back and core strength.

I take a standard food intolerance test – I am told to avoid cow’s and sheep’s milk – but it’s possible to add a huge number of additional treatments and assessments onto your stay (each priced individually). I opt for a more

detailed test and two weeks after my stay, an envelope containing my Allergo-Screen Plus test results arrives in the post. There’s about 100 pages, including a diagnosis pack, based on my reaction to 268 basic foods. It also contains recipes, general nutrition recommendations and a very technical-looking summary of my test results. What I discover: pineapple, fig and almond are not friends to my stomach, as well as most cow- and sheep-milk products.

I leave the Lanserhof feeling lighter and brighter with the best of intentions. Its regime is definitely not for the faint-hearted but then whoever said self-improvement was easy? Pack plenty of books, download the box-sets you’ve been meaning to watch and summon up some serious determination. You’ll leave with a new outlook, and it’s possible that your life’s health and wellbeing trajectory will have changed forever, for the better. £2,824* per person for seven nights with basic programme (*prices vary depending on programme level / duration of stay); lanserhof.com/tegernsee

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Rules

Aussie

Annabel Harrison spends a long weekend in Sydney, slowing down and soaking up the laidback vibe of its beaches, bars and boutique hotels, while Kate Vandy finds out why Melbourne consistently tops the polls as one of the world’s happiest cities

ost big cities play host to an iconic landmark that has graced the front of its local postcards for decades and, nowadays, features in the background of countless selfies: the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Statue of Liberty in New York, to name but a few. If you were to consider Sydney’s equivalent, the Opera House will probably spring to mind – and it is undoubtedly an outstanding building – but having spent a few days walking, running and being ferried around it, I have a soft spot for the marvel that is the Sydney Harbour

Bridge (and sent a postcard of that home instead).

Although the stats and facts astound me, I won’t bore you with them in case you want to find out yourself (or you’re just not as intrigued!); suffice to say that it’s AUD $13 (less than £7) very well spent to go up to the Pylon Lookout and discover the backstory of this incredible structure that took nine years to build. Plus it has an incredible panoramic view of this seaside city (provided there’s not an enormous cruise ship in port; it seems there are a huge number of cruise-goers who want to see Sydney as much as my husband and I do).

However, we’re not staying in a cabin but in the funky, full-of-personality boutique hotel that is the QT

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Sydney. The city does have its fair share of big-name hotel groups, which reside in a number of the towering buildings in the CBD, emblazoned with their brand’s logo, but the QT is set back a bit, although still only a 20-minute walk from the Opera House, on buzzing Market Street. I’m amazed to learn it houses 200 rooms; it certainly doesn’t feel like it. A girl in what looks like a costume rather than a uniform – an all-black, burlesqueesque ensemble complete with flat cap and red bobbed wig – greets us on street level and we head up to reception in a lift that only serves to enhance the Art Deco feel of decadence (and just a touch of debauchery).

The luxe-Shoreditch vibe extends to our room too, which is contemporary in a cool, pared-back, blacklacquer kind of way, with an extremely comfy bed, large bathtub and free Wi-Fi. There are eclectic knick-knacks and furnishings (including ceramic animal head coat hooks) and a well-stocked mini-bar for those looking for a snack or drink prior to supper. Don’t have too much though; eating at Gowings Bar & Grill downstairs will more than satisfy you. Its staff are young, cool and dressed head-to-toe in black, with a range of accents; Sydney is a truly global city. It’s a Sunday night and there’s a good mix of customers, although despite the size of the hotel, it’s not overly busy; families in for an early supper, and several couples and groups of friends.

I recommend the bresaola and white nectarine salad while my husband likes the quail egg and trout, served on spoons as bite-sized portions. The chef is very accommodating when the waiter explains that, fussily, I’m not keen on the suggested seasonings and cooks my tuna steak perfectly, served with inventive, American-sized sides; I devour green beans with sesame, mushrooms cooked beautifully, and squash, asparagus and feta salad. I finish off with a naughty-but-oh-so-nice mound of flaky, cream-filled chocolate profiteroles.

Despite this three-course supper (with a glass or two of wine too), we rise early and head out for a run. If you like running, Sydney is an absolutely brilliant place to do it. Go through the Botanical Gardens and along the waterfront, soaking up the early-morning happy vibe of the other exercisers out and about, running, cycling

and even swimming. After this we easily make space for breakfast, which rather more accurately reflects the Sydneysiders’ obsession with healthy food than supper did; I haven’t seen as many juice bars, vegan/veggie restaurants and ‘free-from…’ menu items since being in LA. You can choose whether breakfast is included in your room rate or not, and I’d suggest you do: delicious juice (carrot, apple, beetroot, ginger, lime) is followed by eggs and soldiers done to perfection. For the carb-fearing among you, you can’t do better than the egg-white omelette loaded with spinach and mushrooms.

I just have time to visit the QT Spa, which is small but does the trick. Use the hammam before your treatment or chill in the relaxation space. The design reflects the rest of the hotel and it’s a refreshing change from stark white, Asian-inspired spas; it’s dark and moody with fluffy black throws cast over scoop chairs.

The spa offers everything from facials and massages to options for men and every kind of beauty treatment (tanning, waxing etc). The treatment room is gorgeous and has a very comfortable bed (which is not always so, even if you’d expect it in this standard of spa) and the Mastery Massage is really good (£80 for 60 minutes).

If you have a day to get out and about a bit more, do the spectacular coastal walk from Coogee Beach to Bondi – which will take about an hour – and go by ferry to Manly; when we visit, an annual surfing competition is taking place and the area is awash with tanned, toned surfers (and equally tanned, toned locals). A bar-café-pub crawl in the historic central area known as The Rocks is the perfect way to while away a sunny Friday afternoon, and I must warn you; as you look out over the sunshinesoaked city, and commuters file into Circular Quay to board the ferry home, glass of wine or beer in hand, you may well wonder why you haven’t moved here.

QT Sydney King room from £196 (qtsydney.com.au). QT also has properties on the Gold Coast, in Port Douglas, Canberra and Falls Creek. QT Bondi will open in August)

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t the head of gorgeous Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city and the capital of the south-eastern state of Victoria. It is also without a doubt Australia’s cultural capital, with Victorianera architecture, boutique shopping, museums, galleries, theatres, and large parks and gardens. Its four million residents are both multicultural and sports-mad, which is convenient, as the city hosts an impressive calendar of international events, including the Australian Open Tennis Championships.

It is about 25 hours into my journey that I start hoping against all hope that Melbourne will live up to its reputation. Admittedly, the trip there is made easier thanks to flying business class with the ever-flawless Singapore Airlines, but it is nonetheless a long one: 33 hours after leaving London, I finally touch down in Melbourne and make my way to the glamorous Crown Plaza Hotel. It’s midnight and I am delighted at the sight of the ridiculously large bed in front of me once I reach my room.

I awake refreshed the next morning after a deep, jet-lagged sleep and make my way to the area of Brunswick, drenched in the kind of sunshine and blue skies of which only Australia can boast, and straight into Code Black Cafe. Somewhat of an institution, this café has its own coffee roastery and I order a flat white, followed by another, to go alongside my ‘traditional’ Australian breakfast staple of smashed avocado on toast.

Code Black serves its offering with preserved lemon, chia

and pistachio dukkah, plus a poached egg to top it all off.

Now fuelled to take on 36 hours in Melbourne, I meet guide Fiona Sweetman for a walking tour of the city’s famous network of laneways. We dip and dive through lanes and arcades which are home to local designers and specialty coffee roasters (the best: Two Birds) that only a local would know. We also spend time admiring the area’s pride and joy: the stunning street art that surrounds us. I don’t normally go in for tours but this one is a definite highlight of my time in Australia. We stop for lunch at one of Melbourne’s trendiest restaurants: Chin Chin’s menu is Thai, with delightful Vietnamese influences creeping in. We feast on a divine pork and

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barramundi salad, banana leaf salmon, sticky pork, and black bean and banana pudding.

After lunch we check out Melbourne’s rooftop bars, which dot the city’s New-York-esque skyline: two of the best for a few idyllic cocktails in the sun are Swanston Street’s Rooftop Bar & Cinema, and Madame Brussels.

A quick detour to the hotel and a change of clothes later, I find myself staring down the barrel of a 10-course

Melbourne’s four million residents are multicultural and sports-mad degustation menu at the Michelin-starred Vue de Monde.

Given its reputation, a meal at the restaurant comes with expectations nearly as high as its location (the 55th floor). Luckily, celebrity chef Shannon Bennett hits the mark with some of the best food I’ve ever experienced, alongside its impressive 360-degree view of the city. Each dish is explained by one of the charming and insightful chefs, and highlights include the salt-cured wallaby, and duck tongue with mountain pepper. A definite must-visit if you can get a booking when you’re in town.

After another sound sleep, I decide to start my second day in Melbourne with an extravagant breakfast.

The only place for this is the trendy area of Fitzroy, and the Hammer and Tong Café, where I’m served up a breakfast ramen – egg, bacon, mushroom, spring onion with bacon dashi – and another stellar coffee. The

Melburnian meeting point of Federation Square is next on the map, to take to the roads with the magnificent Brian from Real Melbourne Bicycle Tours. Melbourne is a cycle-friendly city; it’s compact, has designated bike lanes and doesn’t have too many cars. Brian takes me along the beautiful Yarra River until I reach the mighty MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) or the ‘Gee’ as locals call it, passing ‘Aussie Rules’ footballers training as we go. We soak up the varied architecture and vibes of the St Kilda, Brunswick and Fitzroy areas, stopping for many a coffee and snack along the way. This type of tour will show you more of the city in a few hours than could possibly be achieved touring alone and on foot.

Brian drops me off four hours later outside the very trendy Adelphi Hotel Bar in order to have another oh-so-sunny drink (the hotel even has a rooftop pool).

It’s only a short visit this time, Melbourne, but I definitely leave feeling happy.

Singapore Airlines operates 28 weekly flights from Singapore to Melbourne. Fares to Melbourne start from £685pp return including taxes (singaporeair.com).

Stay at Crown Towers (crowntowers.com.au) or The Adelphi (adelphi.com.au). For more tour information visit hiddensecretstours.com and rentabike.net.au/biketours

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thousands upon thousands of pages, in print and online, have been dedicated to advising visitors about the jewels in Rome’s crown so here I will share some of the lesser known anecdotes about the ‘Eternal City’, in the hope that you’ll return with renewed interest.

On Film: James Bond was knocked out by Rome the other day.

Quite literally. The on-screen embodiment of 007, Daniel Craig, found a tougher enemy on the streets of Rome than Goldfinger, Dr No or any of Bond’s other nemeses; he was taken to hospital after the silver-grey Aston Martin he was driving in a chase scene along the banks of the River Tiber, during a night shoot for the 24th Bond film Spectre, hit a pothole. The star banged his head on the car’s interior and was unable to carry on filming.

Well, even without starring in a Bond film, it’s not difficult to be stirred and shaken by this ancient city; in fact, with so many theatrical locations offering architectural and aesthetic beauty spots perfectly suited to the silver screen, it’s a wonder Bond hadn’t arrived earlier. Many of us feel that we know Rome, even if we’ve never visited. It’s in our vernacular: “When in Rome do as the Romans do” and “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, for example. And that’s without the vivid cinematic images that for most of us have come to define the city as much as the Caesars who built it: Quo Vadis, Ben Hur,

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Behind the Scenes

Roderick Gilchrist takes us on a rather alternative tour of the eternally popular city of Rome, featuring the unusual pairing of James Bond and the Pope, and exceptional Italian hospitality

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Cleopatra, Gladiator, Roman Holiday and La Dolce Vita.

Speaking of Ben Hur, I bumped into Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman on my most recent trip; he was staying just down the corridor from me at La Cavalieri Hotel. The Oscar winner was in town filming a remake of the classic movie about a Roman slave who becomes a champion chariot racer but, when he wasn’t needed on set, he liked to sip Bellinis on the flower-bedecked terrace of the hilltop hotel and gaze down at the gold and green dome of St Peter’s, shimmering in the early summer heat.

On the Pope: It is said that the Pope has been taking a keen interest in the filming of Ben Hur and Spectre. He’s a surprising gentleman, so pious he refuses to wear the traditional (£3,000 a pair) red velvet shoes of office, preferring cheap Argentinian slip-ons, and he said no to the lavish Papal apartments; instead he roughs it in a small Vatican flat. The other day he even hosted a cricket match between a team of English authors against a Vatican XI on a ground beside the Apinine Way. The Pope did, however, put his papal foot down when told there were plans for Bond to jump from Rome’s prettiest bridge, the Ponte Sisto, onto a speedboat surfing the Tiber. The bridge, which leads to St Peter’s and other holy sites, is considered sacred.

The director of Spectre was hoping to shoot at the Trevi fountain but discovered Neptune, who towers over snorting sea horses, covered up with scaffolding, as the landmark site undergoes renovation.

On Tradition: The scaffolding doesn’t seem to make any difference to the tourists, all happily taking selfies, laughing and obeying the instructions in the film Three Coins In A Fountain which promised if you turned your back and threw coins into the fountain you would always return to Rome. “Do you know how much money they take out every day?” my guide Benedetto asked, before replying with the (almost unbelievable) answer, “€40,000!”

It’s a short passeggiata from here to the Spanish Steps, an elegant, off-centre, sweeping staircase, where the voluptuous young are often seen lounging; flirting, the men, shiny and wolfish, confident in their appeal to the Lollabridgida-like senorinas who seem to offer the possibility of a tryst for every appreciative glance. It was at the foot of the steps a year ago that a British family were charged ¤64 for four ice creams, igniting a scandal about rip-offs in Rome. Today I report a new sensation

in the city’s gelato bars. Blue-coloured Viagra gelato; didn’t try one myself but plenty were, to much laughter.

On Hospitality: The appetising aroma of garlic, olive oil and pasta wafting from trattorias sent me scurrying back to sample the offering at La Pergola, La Cavalieri’s rooftop restaurant, where Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck stirs the pots.

When he cooked for the wives of the G7 leaders, it’s said that both Michelle Obama and Cherie Blair requested the recipe for his signature fagottelli, a fabulous dish in which pecorino cheese, black pepper, egg yolk and whipped cream are cooked inside pasta. Bellisima.

Like Rome itself, La Cavalieri is gloriously over the top. It perches on a verdant hilltop, in 15 acres of parkland, and a shuttle bus makes passage in and out of the city effortless. The gardens are decorated with umbrella pines, statues of emperors and 17 life-sized stone lions. In the early morning, steam rises from the enormous swimming pool; on Sundays the beautiful people of Rome, and one or two who look as if they have come straight out of The Sopranos, sit beside it enjoying a languid lunch while checking each other out.

A £30 million painting by the Venetian master Tiepelo hangs in the gold and marble reception and an Andy Warhol silk screen of dollar signs in the penthouse; his little joke about the madness of art prices.

The concierge will arrange the most extraordinary amusements. On my last visit I was taken to gladiator school, handed a beaten-steel helmet, tunic, breast plate and wooden sword and taught to fight like Sparticus. This time I headed to La Bocca Della Verita, the Mask of Truth. Legend has it if you put your hand in the mouth of this face and tell a lie it will bite it off.

Fooling about while shooting Roman Holiday Gregory Peck tried this and pulled his arm out with his hand apparently missing, hidden up his sleeve. Audrey Hepburn didn’t know he was improvising and screamed in horror. This wasn’t in the script but worked so well they kept it in the film. Today everyone’s trying the trick.

The actor Peter Ustinov described Rome rather poetically as “a delicious glut of honey-soaked peaches in a dish of hills”. Actually, to my mind, it’s even more appetising than that.

Citalia is offering a four-night city break to Rome at the five-star Rome Cavalieri on a B&B basis from £779pp (saving up to £415 per couple), including one free night, an airline discount and return flights from London Gatwick with BA (01293 731753; citalia.com).

TRAVEL

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More than just a name, Snow Lepoard vodka was created to help save this beautiful creature from extinction. 15% of profits from the brand are given directly to Snow Leopard conservation projects.

Award winning Snow Leopard vodka is the first luxury vodka to be made from the Spelt grain, which provides a unique and distinct, nutty fresh taste.

Available from Selfridges, Hedonism Drinks and Fortnum and Mason

www.snowleopardvodka.co.uk

& DINING

DRINKING

BY ashiana pradhan

Play

States of

Calling all our patriotic American readers, or those of you who simply wish to take part in celebrating Independence Day; we’ve got it covered. Ashiana Pradhan sums up the best places in the Royal Borough to visit this 4 July, which happily falls on a Saturday Whether you’re entertaining at home or looking for a fun day/night out, why not make the most of what London has to offer to mark this star-spangled occasion? Starting the proceedings off, wine master Ted Edwards has selected two Freemark Abbey wines from California as the perfect accompaniments for a special celebration at home. Enjoy a glass of the berry-centric, velvety Merlot with an indulgent American meal or open a bottle of the refreshing, citrusy Chardonnay to enjoy in the garden (weather permitting, of course).

Got itchy feet and want to go out? Pay a visit to Dirty Bones for the best of American comfort food; the laid-back vibe and retro décor will have you feeling both patriotic and nostalgic. What’s more, Dirty Bones has created a special 4 July burger for the occasion with Monterey Jack & Craft Beer Cheese, Coca-Cola onion rings, onion confit and onion seeds.

Alternatively, for those who fancy dressing up, why not mosey on down to Pont Street restaurant at the Belgraves Hotel, headed up by Sophie

Michell? Britain’s youngest female executive chef has dreamt up a special 4 July burger menu. There are so many delicious options to choose from but the Belgraves Bespoke burger with truffle mayonnaise, crisp onions and Ogleshield cheese on a brioche bun, served with truffle fries, has caught our eye and for veggies, the chargrilled beetroot burger with garlic cream cheese sounds incredible.

Want to take the celebration that extra step further? Streaky Gin is your spot. As its concept is inspired by a British/American fusion, it would be a crime not to hold a 4 July blowout. The all-day party will have Independence Day films playing on the in-house screens, interactive games, beer tubs and authentic American comfort food. Stick around for Kalvarise’s DJ set, or alternatively grab one of Streaky’s new ‘Hyde Park Hampers’ full of beers, champagne and Streaky Gin snacks, and make a beeline for the park!

Freemark Abbey Wines, available at Handford Wines, 105 Old Brompton Road, SW7 dirty-bones.com; pontst.com; streakygin.com

Loosey Goosey Experience a taste of the South of France on the 5th Floor of Harvey Nichols this summer; Grey Goose has launched an immersive Pop-Up Summer Terrace called Boulangerie François Terrasse, inspired by the lavish elegance of the French Riviera. The terrace is now serving up the Grey Goose summer martini collection, a light, zesty and flavourful range of cocktails which are accompanied by various treats, including mini patisseries and tarts that have been made from the same fruits used to create the vodkas. Délicieux!

Boulangerie François Terrasse, until 6 September Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor greygoose.com

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& DINING

DRINKING

Bean to Bar Masterfully crafted using chocolate from Alain Ducasse’s Manufacture de Chocolat by his protégé and head pastry chef Alexandre Talpaert, a new ice cream available at the Bulgari Hotel combines two chocolate flavours – the subtle Cocoa Nibs and the Intense Dark Chocolate – both of which are then served in a light and crispy waffle cone. The chocolate itself originates from Ducasse’s artisanal ‘bean to bar’ factory in Paris, where skilled chocolatiers use authentic, vintage machinery and handpicked cacao beans to make small batches of chocolate by hand, resulting in a distinctive taste. These indulgent flavours are exclusive to Bulgari Hotel & Residences for the summer season and are available to order at the bar and lounge or on the sunny terrace.

Mission to Michelin A feast for the eyes, and the stomach, South Kensington’s iconic restaurant Bibendum has just reopened its doors to the public, revealing a respectful restoration and fresh menu devised by new head chef Peter Robinson. Residing in the Art Deco landmark of Michelin House, the former London headquarter of Michelin Tyres, the restaurant has become a local, and national, dining institution.

The shiny new first-floor restaurant casts vibrant coloured shapes across the space through its famed stained-glass windows featuring the restaurant’s adorable (and portly) mascot, Monsieur Bibendum (Michelin Man). The menu changes daily but guests can expect classic, seasonal, British fare with a strong French influence, presented in a simple and understated manner; think escargot de Bourgogne, tranche of turbot with béarnaise sauce and deliciously light panna cotta.

15 June – 31 August, priced at £6 Bulgari Hotel & Residences, 171 Knightsbridge, SW7

Bibendum, 81 Fulham Road, SW3 6RD bibendum.co.uk

Photography: Laura Mott

Fulham’s Stroke of Luck Decked out in an Art Deco style, The Lucky Pig is the latest all-day spot to hit the South West scene. Inspired by the debauched speakeasies of the Roaring 20s with antique mirrors and black and white marble floors, the sumptuous space radiates nostalgic vibes. At the helm in the kitchen is the supremely talented Michael Mannion who, from morning till night, is serving up delicious dishes using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.

Despite being a delightful breakfast and lunch spot, The Lucky Pig truly shines at sundown when the venue goes into overdrive; devilishly moreish cocktails flow freely as the live jazz and blues music propel discerning guests back into the decadent era, a time when pure hedonism and folly were at the top of the to-do list.

The Lucky Pig, 374 North End Road, SW6 theluckypig.co.uk

Blooming Lovely The Jumeirah Carlton Tower has added a touch of extra charm to its afternoon tea in the Chinoiserie room, with Chelsea Flower Show-inspired sandwiches and cakes. While you listen to the harpist playing in the foyer and sip on your favourite teas, you can enjoy a chocolate and elderflower window box or a mini plant pot filled with chocolate mousse and topped with chocolate soil. The more savoury delights include smoked salmon and goat’s cheese on lemon thyme muffins and brioche buns with peppered roast beef and watercress. The afternoon tea is £42 and runs until 22 June; opt for champagne and fresh strawberries for an extra £10.

If you’ve missed the floral option, don’t fear, as the Jumeirah Carlton will be knocking up a Wimbledon-themed tea from 23 June just in time for the Championships. jumeirah.com

Clean Cocktails Living off the Land The latest addition to the Portobello Road scene, Farm Girl is based on quite a unique concept. Its inspiration comes from a childhood spent growing up on a rural farm outside Melbourne, which has resulted in a laid-back, healthy vibe that originates from an outdoorsy Australian lifestyle. In keeping with this, the relaxed, airy space will serve up a menu created by Benoit Marmoiton.

Naturopathic Doctor Melly Lou has contributed her valued opinion to the menu and its nutritional benefits; as a result, the dishes are carefully thought through and will include roast beetroot salad and a BLT with a vegan twist, while the signature drink is Coconut Drip, a cold brew coffee with toasted coconut served with ice and either coconut or almond milk.

Farm Girl, 59A Portobello Road, W11 thefarmgirl.co.uk

The Way of the West If you are searching for a spot in the sun this July, head to West Thirty Six for a few cocktails on the terrace.

The restaurant, bar and bistro, under the rather rock ‘n’ roll direction of Rex Newmark, executive chef of Beach Blanket Babylon, offers a quiet alfresco space in North Kensington. For the perfect summer afternoon tipple, browse the enticing list of drinks, which includes mimosas and the house special 36 Collins cocktail; or simply settle down with a bottle of Nyetimber sparkling wine as you enjoy the sunshine.

Clean cocktails? This phrase may sound like a bit of an oxymoron but Belvedere’s mixology expert Claire Smith-Warner has in fact proven that drinking doesn’t have to be a naughty indulgence. As an advocate of healthier alternatives that allow alcohol drinkers to enjoy the perks of drinking without all of the downsides, Smith-Warner has created a selection of low fructose and lower alcohol cocktail recipes for the summer.

Part of an ongoing intuitive entitled ‘Drink, Eat, Live’, Belvedere has collaborated with cold-pressed juice company Imbibery to invent two cold-pressed cocktail mixers that are a play on a Pina Colada and Bloody Mary, using ingredients such as spinach, coconut water, tomatoes, beets and cayenne pepper.

Belvedere vodka itself doesn’t contain any nasties like sugar, glycerine, additives or enhancers, making it the ideal alcoholic addition to enjoy with these healthy ingredients.

Belvedere Unfiltered 70cl bottle, £40.95 Belvedere Pink Grapefruit 70cl bottle, £37.95 Belvedere Citrus 70cl bottle, £37.95 belvederevodka.com

West Thirty Six, 36 Golborne Road, North Kensington, W10; w36.co.uk

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Photography: Getty Images / Richard Young Pixie Geldof

George Lamb

Otis Ferry

Laura Jackson

Lily Cole

Alistair Guy

Jade Parfitt and Jasmine Guinness

Jack Guinness

Lilah Parsons

Jade Parfitt

James Righton

Annabelle Wallis

Laura Mvula

Ella Catliff

Daisy Lowe

Jasmine Guinness

Dan Stevens

Richard E. Grant

LONDON LIVING Photography: Getty Images

A Heart of Goldie WHAT: The Hawn Foundation UK Fundraising Dinner sponsored by De Grisogono WHEN: 1 June WHERE: Annabel’s, Mayfair WHO: Naomi Campbell, Natalie Imbruglia, Tess Daly and Vernon Kay WHY: Not only an Academy Award-winning actress and mother to Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn is also the founder of the Hawn Foundation for children, whom she describes as the “jewels of our future”. This year, the annual fundraising dinner was sponsored by Swiss jeweller De Grisogono and was attended by a number of high-profile supporters of the cause, which employs the use of MindUP to improve children’s positivity and reduce stress or anxiety. During the evening, guests partook in an auction to raise funds and were entertained by a live performance by soul singer Nicole Slack Jones and Strictly Come Dancing stars Aljaž Škorjanec and Janette Manrara.

Goldie Hawn, Naomi Campbell and Kate Hudson

Heather Kerzner

Kate Hudson Vernon Kay and Tess Daly

Natalie Imbruglia

Super Troopers WHAT: Harrods Superbrands Launch WHEN: 3 June WHERE: Harrods, Knightsbridge WHO: Daisy Lowe, Pixie Geldof, Jack Guinness, Laura Jackson and Lily Cole WHY: With impossibly handsome waiters, multiple martini stations from the Legendary Sliver Foxes and a sublime selection of canapés, those who didn’t make it to the launch of Harrods’ Superbrands floor certainly missed out. The new luxury womenswear area sees all of the most coveted fashion labels, from Gucci and Prada to Valentino and Louis Vuitton, housed together and has been modelled in a similar fashion to the recently opened Shoe Heaven department, with each brand having its own retail boutique. Fuelled by a number of champagne and cocktail options (except for model Lily Cole who was positively blooming in the midst of her pregnancy), guests also enjoyed an exclusive DJ set by James Righton and 2 Many DJs.

Mary Charteris

Natalia Barbieri

Above and Bionda WHAT: Bionda Castana Store Launch WHEN: 4 June WHERE: Bionda Castana Store, 73 Elizabeth Street WHO: Mary Charteris, Amber Atherton, Laura Hayden, Zara Martin and Martha Ward WHY: The much-anticipated launch of the luxury shoe brand’s debut flagship was not solely a social affair and housewarming for the new Belgravia store, but also a chance to take a look at the new Pre-Fall collection.

While sipping on Perrier-Jouët champagne and Jax Coco coconut water, excitable conversation from guests centred on the delightful summer evenings to come and which of the gorgeous pairs withinin the collection they would be donning for Royal Ascot.

Laura Hayden

Zara Martin

Amber Atherton and Jennifer Portman

Photography: Getty Images

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Photography: Marcus Dawes Savannah Miller

Zoe Zimmer

Natalie Coyle

Mary-Elizabeth Ballantyne, Alistair Guy and Arabella Ballantyne

Olivia Inge

Ella Catliff

For the Love of Lingerie WHAT: Rigby & Peller 'The Art of Lingerie' Private Relaunch Party WHEN: 3 June WHERE: Rigby & Peller Flagship Store, Knightsbridge WHO: Ella Catliff, Olivia Inge, Natalie Coyle, Savannah Miller and Henry Conway WHY: Armed with 76 years of expertise, Britain’s leading lingerie brand Rigby & Peller re-launched its flagship store and marked the occasion with a delightful summer soirée at the beginning of June. The evening showcased the brand’s devotion to innovation and the art of lingerie, with a renewed focus on made-to-measure; the good old tape measure may be on its way out, with Rigby & Peller having introduced a technologically-advanced 3D mirror designed to take one’s measurements that guests could test out on the night. The evening was in association with Chapel Down, so those in attendance enjoyed glasses of Chardonnay Blanc des Blancs, accompanied with salmon blinis and chargrilled tiger prawn canapés. The real showstopper, however, had to be the stunning tutu

by Maison Lejaby, part of the couture range, which had pride of place in the shop window.

Eddie’s Evening

Zara Martin

Olivia Palermo and Sandra Choi

Jasmine Hemsley

WHAT: VIP Dinner for Eddie Redmayne hosted by Omega WHEN: 4 June WHERE: Quaglino’s, Mayfair WHO: Eddie and Hannah Redmayne, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Stephen Urquhart and Marcus Wareing WHY: Having scooped up the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything, 2015 is clearly Eddie Redmayne’s year. So it comes as no surprise that Omega has chosen the talented actor to join fellow stars George Clooney and Nicole Kidman as an International Ambassador for the brand. To honour this new partnership, VIPs including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Dan Stevens attended an intimate private dinner at Quaglino’s, where they enjoyed a four-course meal that comprised foie gras terrine and toasted brioche, accompanied by indulgent wine pairings. The remarkable seven-piece orchestra of French singer Benoit Viellefon and Londonbased trio The Nightingale Girls also performed.

Choo Let the Dogs Out? Donna Air

Caroline Issa and Alice Naylor-Leyland Photography: Nick Harvey / Jimmy Choo

Hugo Heathcote

WHAT: Jimmy Choo Tea Party WHEN: 21 May WHERE: The Ivy Chelsea Garden WHO: Olivia Palermo, Sandra Choi, Caroline Issa, Martha Ward, and Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley WHY: Accompanied by their pups in Jimmy Choo collars, VIP guests attended the event at The Ivy Chelsea Garden to celebrate the launch of the Jimmy Choo Pre-Fall 2015 collection. The collection was designed in collaboration with artist Rafael Mantesso and was inspired by his English bull terrier, fittingly named Jimmy Choo. A distinct effort was made to reflect the collection's monochrome theme, with white macaroons with black filling and a black-and-white Chelsea flower market installation.

Everything was done with a special canine twist, with the inclusion of a doggy photo booth, a doggy water fountain and traditional English afternoon tea with paw-print cappuccinos.

LONDON LIVING Photography: Mike Marsland

Eddie and Hannah Redmayne

Kim Johnson and Arun Nayer

Eddie Redmayne and Clemency Burton-Hill

Dan Stevens

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Jade Parfitt

Marcus and Jane Wareing

Eddie Redmayne

Hannah Redmayne and Clemency Burton-Hill

Robert Angell

Stephen Urquhart and Clemency Burton-Hill

Rasha Khawaja

115

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

Ligne Roset

Hydrohealing Spa

Bibendum

Repairs & Cleaning

23/25 Mortimer Street, W1T 3JE 020 7323 1248 ligne-roset.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

April Russell Design

Strip Wax Bar

Le Café Anglais

13 Cheyne Court, SW3 5TP 020 3055 0090 aprilrussell.com

112 Talbot Road, W11 1JR 020 7727 2754 stripwaxbar.com

8 Porchester Gardens, W2 4DB 020 7221 1415 lecafeanglais.co.uk

Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture 202 Kensington Park Road W11 1NR, 020 7792 9022 rachelashwellshabbychiccouture.com

Urban Retreat at Harrods

Chelsea Brasserie

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

Medical & Dental Services

The Cow

251 Brompton Rd, SW3 2EP 0845 250 0010 subzero-wolf.co.uk

Cadogan Street Dental Office

89 Westbourne Park Road, W2 5QH 020 7221 0021 thecowlondon.co.uk

Nina’s House

Chelsea Consulting Rooms

Cartier

281 King’s Road, SW3 5EW 020 7751 5827 ninashouse.com

2 Lower Sloane Street, SW1W 8BJ 020 7763 9100 chelseaconsultingrooms.com

143-144 Sloane Street, SW1X 9BL 020 7312 6930 cartier.co.uk

Pampering & Wellbeing

Medicare Français

Jewellery Valuation & repair

Sub-Zero & Wolf Hawkes and Son 50-52 Walton Street, SW3 1RB 020 7589 2523 hawkesandson.com Watch Repair

Electric House

Hairdressers

The Watch Gallery 129 Fulham Road, SW3 6RT 020 7952 2731 thewatchgallery.co.uk

47 Cadogan Street, SW3 2QJ 020 7581 0811

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

Vintage Watch Sellers

305 Brompton Road SW3 2DY 020 7581 5211 harissalon.com

146 Holland Park Avenue, W11 4UE 020 7727 5810 smilestyledental.co.uk

Watches of Knightsbridge

Light Hair Studio

42 The Dental Practice

64 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7JF 020 7590 3034 watchesofknightsbridge.com

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

For the Home

Richard Ward

& APPLICANCES

82 Duke of York Square SW3 4LY 020 7730 1222 richardward.com

Hutch Interiors

The Mitre The Portobello Clinic

FurniturE, SOFT furnishings

61 Golborne Road, W10 5NR 020 3659 4320 hutchinteriors.com

Beauty Salons & Spas

Katharine Pooley

The Chelsea Day Spa

160 Walton Street, SW3 2JL 020 7584 3223 katharinepooley.co.uk

69a King’s Road, SW3 4NX 020 7351 0911 thechelseadayspa.co.uk

48 Lonsdale Road, W11 2DE 020 7727 4080 thelonsdale.co.uk

12 Raddington Road, W10 5TG 020 8962 0635 portobelloclinic.com

Haute Cuisine Dining

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

Chelsea Arts Club

Hillside Clothes Care

Abels Moving Services

143 Old Church Street, SW3 6EB 020 7376 3311 chelseaartsclub.com

118 Kensington Park Road W11 2PW 020 7243 6900 hillsidedryclean.co.uk

UK Residential, European and International Removals & Storage 020 3773 5796 info@abels.co.uk abels.co.uk

The Sloane Club Infusion Haberdashery and Dry Cleaners

Delicatessens

Lower Sloane Street, SW1W 8BS 020 7730 9131 sloaneclub.co.uk

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

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

Couriers

Runners 4 U Couriers

Pets

15 Elgin Mews, W11 1PU 020 6305 8941 runners4u.com

Purple Bone

Selena Courier Service

Chocolatiers

Melt Chocolates

Luxury Car Services

59 Ledbury Road, W11 2AA 020 7727 5030 meltchocolates.com

Avolus Luxury Transport

95 Notting Hill Gate W11 3JZ 020 7985 0903 purplebone.com

Little Luxuries

Suzanne Thomas 07770 378791 suzannethomas@suzannethomas.co.uk suzannethomas.co.uk

Westminster Security Ltd 34 Buckingham Palace Road SW1W 0RH 020 7123 4544 / 0755 4000 300 westminstersecurity.co.uk SHORT-LET RENTAL MANAGEMENT

Nikki Tibbles Wild at Heart

Easy Rental Services

222 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RH 020 7727 3095 wildatheart.com

aurelie@easy-rental-services.com +44 7817 722073 easy-rental-services.com

specialist services

198 Ebury Street, SW1W 8UN 020 7730 5522 williamcurley.co.uk

lifestyle services

Drinking

White Circle Collection

Boujis

71 Walton Street, SW3 2HT 020 7989 9890 whitecirclecollection.com

Basement, Loft & Extension Specialist 28 Imperial Square 020 7078 8874 williamgazeltd.com

Childcare

dog training

The Cadogan Arms

Kensington Nannies

M.A. Dog Training and Services

298 King’s Road, SW3 5UG 020 7352 6500 thecadoganarmschelsea.com

3 Horton Place, Kensington High Street, W8 4LZ kensington-nannies.co.uk

07547 716076 madogtraining@gmail.com madogtrainingandservices.co.uk

BUILDER

london lifestyle service

William Gaze Ltd

43 Thurloe Street, SW7 2LQ 020 7584 2000 boujis.com

Frame Set & Match 111 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3LE 020 7589 7635 sk@framesetandmatch.com

security services

Flowers

38 Lombard Road, SW11 3RP 020 7978 6506 avolus.com

PICTURE FRAMER

psychotherapist

19 Bolsover Street, W1W 5NA 020 3397 7495 stanneshousekeeping.com

27 Eardley Crescent, SW5 9JS 020 7912 0062 selenacourier.co.uk

William Curley

moving services

EMOTIONAL WELLBEING THROUGH WRITINg

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117

AN EIS INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY IN INDEPENDENT BRITISH FEATURE FILMS 16 Brune street, London, EC1 7NJ. Tel: +44 (0)20 7148 0714

www.molifilms.com

from the executive producer of ‘The King’s Speech’, 16 Brune street, London, EC1 7NJ. that toTel: date has7148 grossed +44 (0)20 0714 in excess of £250M worldwide www.molifilms.com

A unique opportunity to be involved in and support the british film industry

ExECuTIVE PrOduCEr PACkAgE £50,000 TAX BENEFITS ........................

lifestyle BENEFITS ...................................

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• Chance to attend BAFTA’s, CANNES and other Film Festivals

• Any profits realised TAX FREE As part of MoliFilms’ Executive Producer Package, available from January 2014, we are Invitations to regularly held VIP EVENTS able to offer the following privileges.

These investment. ckage, available from January 2014, weare areexclusive to one film per •

• Capital Gains deferral relief are exclusive to one film per investment.

■

■

■

• Inheritance Tax Exemption (IHT) INVITATION TO… ACCESS TO… Conditions apply

INVITATION TO…

Film set

During the filming of the • GAP Investment feature, investors will be invited ■ Festival De Cannes to visit the set where they will Investorstowill beand invited be introduced cast crew.to

■

Investors will be invited to available to all investors join us in celebrating the film during the world-renowned festival in France.

join us in celebrating the film

Castduring read-throughs and the world-renowned rehearsals festival in France.

Festival De Cannes

■

Premiere

including Premieres/Screenings/Red carpet events/onset days with cast and crew

• Participation as supporting actors or within production crew for investors family and friends • Associate and Executive Producer Credits available

Investors will receive tickets An opportunity to learn more to the premiere of the film in For process further information and your chance to attend London an exclusive and meet the about the rehearsal to whichscreening they may be ■ Premiere molifilms team, and meet members of the cast. accompanied by one guest.

Investors will receive ticketsplease email: enquiries@molifilms.com

to the premiere of the film in ■ Castings Wrap Party Please include your fullname, phone number and Investors the bestwill time to contact you. be invited to

London to which they may be The Executive Producer accompanied one guest.

Package also entitlesbyinvestors to observe part of the casting ■ Wrap Party process and meet the film’s Investors will be invited to casting directors.

attend the official wrap party of the film with cast and crew to which they may be accompanied by one guest.

Street, London, London E1 16 Brune street, EC17NJ 7NJ. 3750 0714 2323 Tel: +44 (0)20 7148

www.molifilms.com

HOMES showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY from the best estate agents

A Bright Future Experts offer up a positive forecast for the Royal Borough

Image courtesy of HLR

Property News PRIME RESI provides us with a comprehensive monthly round-up of key news about the local luxury property market

Queensway Renovations Luxury development ready to view in Queensway: Under a Brunei billionaire’s £500 million plan to transform Queensway into the Covent Garden of west London, Bayswater has steadily shed its former image as a cost-conscious tourist destination. Led by the bespoke developer Alchemi Group one such property is being converted into luxury apartments sold through the agent Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL).

Developed by Alchemi Group and designed by award-winning architects Stiff + Trevillion, Westbourne House W2 is one of the very first luxury residential developments in the area. It is at the forefront of Bayswater’s emergence as a super-prime residential location and set to become a new landmark building in the area.

Marking the first phase of the development’s completion, the Westbourne House Show Home is one of 20 spacious, exquisitely detailed, luxury apartments, including a stunning split-level penthouse with 360 degree views from its 1,386 square foot terrace. Alchemi Group’s ambitious design has created an elegant development and one which has already been shortlisted for a prize at the International Design and Architecture Awards 2015.

Market Comment Market Intelligence Nick Crayson, founder of Crayson, talks stats and the effect Stamp Duty Land Tax has on buying costs

There is certainly more buyer activity than we have seen for over a year and this only really showed itself from 1 June, right after the half-term break. We are seeing a surge in viewings and buyer registrations and an increase in offers at more sensible and less speculative levels. In the house market we forecast that there will be more transactions in the June/July period than in the entire year to date. However, I would urge caution regarding prices.

The market is still absorbing the rise of the highest band of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) from 7% to 12%. What many have not factored in is that the increased SDLT has not only reduced buyers’ buying power – in terms of the difference between the old and new SDLT rate – but the effect of reducing buyers’ cash contribution has also meant that buyers have less money to leverage mortgage borrowing. So, for example, if a buyer now has £200,000 less cash available as a deposit, that has also taken away their ability to leverage almost £470,000 of mortgage borrowing on a 70% loan-to-value mortgage. At Crayson

The market is still absorbing the rise of the highest band of SDLT our average selling price is £4.5m and at that level SDLT has increased from £315,000 to £453,000. Therefore buyers have £138,000 less cash and £322,000 less leverage-able mortgage at a 70% loan-to-value ratio. That is effectively, in this case, £460,000 of buying power removed.

I think that overall we have not seen the full effects of the SDLT rise and the overall long-term ramifications, which must include the fact that people are not going to move as often as they have in the past with these levels of buying costs. I think that this factor will affect HMRC’s SDLT revenues and I am hopeful that when the Treasury has full year comparisons at the end of December, the Chancellor may take another look at the bandings.

Westbourne House, Queensway

Crayson, 10 Lambton Place, W11 2SH; 020 7221 1117 crayson.com

PROPERTY

PrimeQResi Journal of Prime Property

primeresi.com

Chelsea Barracks Phase Four Next phase architects appointed for £3bn Chelsea Barracks scheme: Qatari Diar has handed the design brief for the next phase of its Chelsea Barracks development to Eric Parry Architects.

Construction on Phase One, designed by Squire & Partners, and pictured here, is already underway on site; this section will deliver 74 residences. Phase Two – 14 townhouses designed by Paul Davis & Partners – and Phase Three(a) – the marketing suite and show apartments, designed by Ben Pentreath & Associates – are due for completion in early 2018. Eric Parry will work within the remit of the Chelsea Barracks Masterplan, designed by Michael Squire, Professor Edward Jones CBE, Sir Jeremy Dixon and award-winning landscaper Kim Wilkie.

Formal planning for Phase Four, which sits in the middle of the prime Belgravia site and includes the development’s biggest landscaped public square, is due to be submitted to Westminster Council later this year.

CGI Image: Squire & Partners

Market Comment Slow and Steady The result of the election was a victory for the property market therefore there is no time to rest at Carter Jonas, as Lily Terrell reports

Although the market in Knightsbridge and Chelsea has been a difficult one this past year, things are beginning to change. The strong result of the election is the principle reason behind this with a reduction in concerns over future property taxation; the proposed mansion tax on properties over £2 million, the tax treatment of ‘non-doms’ and Labour’s plans for rent controls have all diminished. The confidence that was created from £50 billion having been added to the Stock

Our stock has nearly doubled in the past month

James Bond author’s flat up for sale: Carlyle Mansions is known locally as The Writers’ Block; the handsome, red-brick building has a long and distinguished list of literary luminaries who have lived there, including Ian Fleming (No .

24), TS Eliot (No. 19), Henry James (No. 21), and Somerset Maugham (No. 27).

Fleming is said to have begun writing Casino Royale here, in 1952, to distract himself from his forthcoming wedding. The manuscript was typed out by two women, one of whom was his red-haired secretary, said to be the model for Miss Moneypenny.

Fleming’s former property is now up for sale. The stunning four bedroom penthouse apartment is set within a portered Victorian block that has incredible views up and down the River Thames. The flat is in excellent condition and has been designed by Fiona Barratt Interiors. All of the accommodation is on a single floor and unusually for Carlyle Mansions, the kitchen and interconnecting reception room are at the front of the building.

Exchange overnight in response to the Conservative victory is expected to release the backlog of transaction activity.

Despite this blessing, it does not mean that property prices are set to suddenly increase because, currently, the supply exceeds the level of demand. It will inevitably take time for the market to pick up for a number of reasons, for instance, those renting prior to the election may still be tied up in rental contracts. Having said this, the 0.5 per cent increase in property prices this quarter in Prime Central London is the first steady incline since the peak of the market this time last year. Slowly but surely the post-election interest is increasing; we are hoping that this will continue to increase until the gap between supply and demand is bridged.

Knightsbridge, Kensington and Chelsea remain ideal areas to buy in London, with their continuous growth despite the market having suffered a great deal this past year. Our available stock has nearly doubled in the past month, with some fantastic new properties at varying price levels. All our on-market properties are listed on our website or at onthemarket.com.

In order to find out what properties we have off-market, which currently represent almost half of our sales instructions, please call me on 020 7225 1237.

Bodens, 102 Draycott Avenue Chelsea, SW3 3AD bodensresidential.com

Carter Jonas LLP, 47 Beauchamp Place, Chelsea, SW3 1NX carterjonas.co.uk

Writers’ Block

121

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Iverna Court, W8

ÂŁ895 Per Week Unfurnished

A bright three bedroom apartment on the top floor (with lift) of this highly sought after mansion block in the centre of Kensington, featuring wooden floors, two bathrooms and fabulous roof terrace. (940 Sq ft/87 Sq m) EPC: D

Cromwell Crescent, SW5

ÂŁ475 Per Week Furnished

A superb newly refurbished one bedroom apartment on the 2nd floor of this period conversion close to Kensington High Street and Earls Court tube station, benefiting from brand new stylish furniture and two sunny balconies. (485 Sq ft/45 Sq m) EPC: D

Hamptons Kensington Office Sales. 020 7717 5461 | Lettings. 020 7717 5459

Gloucester Walk, W8 The apartment is beautifully finished to exacting details using the very best materials adding to the already voluminous and light framework of an imposing red brick Victorian building. The reception and principle rooms are flooded with light and provide wonderful voluminous and versatile space. EPC: D

Hamptons Kensington Office Lettings. 020 7717 5459 | Sales. 020 7937 9371

£3,850,000 Share of Freehold • • • •

Master bedroom with dressing room & en suite Two further double bedrooms Access to communal garden Large roof terrace

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Basil Mansions, SW3

£6,250,000 Leasehold

A beautifully presented three bedroom raised ground floor apartment offering a timeless blend of contemporary styling and period features in the heart of Knightsbridge. This stunning property features an iLight intelligent lighting system, integrated sound system, air conditioning and under floor heating to the bathrooms and entrance hallway.

•

EPC: C

•

• •

• •

Hamptons Knightsbridge Office Lettings. 020 7717 5461 | Sales. 020 7717 5461

Generous reception room with stunning parquet wood flooring Modern kitchen and dining hall Master bedroom with en-suite Two further bedrooms Study room and cloak room JSA with Marler & Marler: 02072359641

Montpelier Square, SW7 This beautifully refurbished property is situated on one of the most sought after garden squares in Knightsbridge offering a contemporary style. (3,713 sq.ft/ 345 sq.m). EPC: E

£6,500,00 per week (charges apply)* Furnished • • • • •

*Tenant Charges Tenants should note that as well as rent, an administration charge of £216 (Inc. VAT) per property and a referencing charge of £54 (Inc. VAT) per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit www.hamptons.co.uk/rent/tenant-charges

Hamptons Knightbridge Office Lettings. 020 7584 2014 | Sales. 0207 835 1444

•

Six bedrooms Three bathrooms Balcony Hardwood floors High ceilings Communal garden access

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Chelsea, SW3 A meticulously refurbished Grade II listed house providing well planned, bright and flexible accommodation, leading onto a delightful south west facing secluded garden.EPC: D

£4,750,000 Freehold • • • • •

*Tenant Charges Tenants should note that as well as rent, an administration charge of £216 (Inc. VAT) per property and a referencing charge of £54 (Inc. VAT) per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit www.hamptons.co.uk/rent/tenant-charges

Hamptons Sloane Square Office Lettings. 0207 717 5483 | Sales. 020 381 7220

•

(charges apply)*

Three bedrooms Three reception rooms Garden Grade II listed period house End of terrace 1921 Sq. Ft.

Silverlight, W10 A remarkable four bedroom David Adjaye designed house. The unique contemporary space is quite breathtaking with the added bonus of great views from the terraces of the West Union Canal. The 5209 sq.ft house has an integral garage and offers the rare opportunity to own a property like no other. EPC: C

£5,500,000 Freehold • • • • • •

Hamptons Notting Hill Office Sales. 0207 717 5311 | Lettings. 020 7717 5433

Four bedrooms Two reception rooms Waterside views Roof garden & wet bar Integral Gaage Approximately 5,209 Sq. Ft

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Cheyne Walk, SW3 This newly refurbished first floor two bedroom apartment offers over 1200 sq ft of space that includes an eat in kitchen leading onto the south west facing decked terrace. With an 18’ reception room, two double bedrooms both with ensuite bathrooms and a separate cloak room, it would ideally suit a couple in SW3. EPC: C

£895 per week • • • • •

Hamptons Chelsea Office Sales. 020 7717 5481 | Lettings. 0207 3700 774

Two bedrooms Two bathrooms Balcony Furnished Day porter

Courtfield Gardens, SW5 A beautifully presented split level apartment, forming part of a stunning stucco fronted period building. This impressive two bedroom flat offers a main reception room with communal garden aspect, second reception room/dining room, fully fitted modern kitchen, master bedroom suite (located on the lower ground floor) and bedroom two with en-suite. EPC: B

£2,495,000 Share of Freehold • • • • • •

Hamptons Chelsea Office Sales. 020 7717 5431 | Lettings. 020 7717 5433

Two bedrooms Two reception rooms Stunning views over gardens Split level ground and lower ground floors Lift 1381 Sq. Ft.

Paws for Thought Knight Frank lettings manager Sophie Woolfenden speaks to lauren romano about the increasing demand for pet-friendly rental properties in Notting Hill and Holland Park

Jessica Jordan, Senior Negotiator, shows Bree, Frankie and Rolo around the flat Photography: Rob Cadman

Today’s viewing isn’t anything out of the ordinary for this particular neck of the woods. At a newly refurbished apartment in Ladbroke Grove, Sophie Woolfenden is showing around prospect clients. Bree the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and her canine sidekicks Frankie the Lurcher–Collie cross, and Rolo, an energetic 18-month-old Working Cocker Spaniel are nosing about the flat’s nooks and crannies.

The split-level apartment actually belongs to Frankie’s owner and is being offered as a pet-friendly let. “We’ve seen a huge rise in the number of tenants looking for landlords who welcome their cats and dogs,” Sophie, lettings manager of Knight Frank’s Notting Hill office, explains, dishing out doggy treats in an attempt to tempt her furry viewers into posing for a photo,

as the photographer snaps away, muttering something about never working with animals or children. “Getting pets over here is so much easier these days,” she continues. “I was involved with a short let on Lansdowne Road and the tenants bought their dog along with them all the way from America.”

Brits have long been renowned as a nation of dog-lovers and the statistics do nothing to contest that reputation. Sophie and her team have noticed that approximately a third of all tenants in the Notting Hill and Holland Park area are searching for a pet-friendly pad. To meet the rising demand, Sophie decided to collaborate with the Dogs Trust’s Lets with Pets scheme and joined the Letting Agency Supporter Scheme which provides owners, landlords and perspective tenants with helpful tips for searching and securing homes with their pets in

PROPERTY

Lets with Pets Top Tips Don’t leave your house hunting until the last minute Begin searching at least 6–8 weeks before you need to move out of your current home.

Sophie Woolfenden with the pets

tow. “We ask all our landlords if they are open to animals,” she explains. “And we had the Knight Frank website adapted, so we now have a paw print next to pet-friendly properties which makes them easy to identify.”

While some landlords are more amenable towards pets, Sophie admits that others are not as easily swayed. “If people have got pets of their own then they tend to be more sympathetic,” she says. “But if not, they tend to worry that dogs are going to chew things and cats will sharpen their claws on the carpet.” She suggests that the solution is to get a reference from a previous landlord so you can move quickly as we head to the busier summer market.

“We have really good stock levels at the moment,” she says, adding

“In some of the porter apartment blocks pets even have to be interviewed to see if they are well-behaved”

Write a CV for your pet Provide your prospective landlord with as much information about your pet as you can. Include the contact details of your veterinary practice and someone who can care for your pet in an emergency.

You could also include details of your pet’s last vaccinations and any flea and worming treatments they have had.

Get a reference for your pet By providing a reference from your previous landlord, you can show that your pet is well behaved and has caused no problems at your previous property.

Introduce your pet to your landlord Meeting your pet in advance may put your landlord’s mind at ease.

You could invite your landlord to your current home so they can see that your pet has caused no problems there.

Get written permission If your landlord has given you permission to keep a pet in the property, make sure you get it in writing. You should ask for a clause to be added to the tenancy agreement and make sure that any ‘no pets’ clauses are removed. This will prevent problems from arising in future.

that the pace will start to pick up as families look to secure properties before the start of the new school term. “Pricing and presentation remain key and landlords should be prepared to be on the ball as we head into July and August,” she advises.

As the viewing draws to a close, the dogs seem suitably impressed with this particular pet-friendly property, but Sophie stresses that maximising your chances of securing a pad for you and your pets is necessary in the competitive local market. “In some of the porter apartment blocks pets even have to be interviewed to see if they are well-behaved. They now need passports and CVs!” she laughs.“So take a leaf out of the Lets with Pets book and avoid ending up in the dog house by drawing up a résumé to put landlords’ minds at rest”.

Knight Frank, 298 Westbourne Grove, W11 2PS; 020 7985 9990 knightfrank.co.uk; letswithpets.org.uk

131

Holland Park, Holland Park W11 Beauitful maisonette with private garden A sensational lateral garden apartment spanning the raised and lower ground floors of this imposing Grade 2 listed Italianate villa. 4 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, further kitchen area, utility room, terrace, garden. Approximately 372 sq m (4,011 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide price: £9,750,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/Kensington kens@knightfrank.com 020 7938 4311

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/KEN150027

holland park - k and c

08/06/2015 15:34:54

K&

4

Oakley Street, Chelsea SW3 Immaculate Grade II freehold family house for sale in Chelsea A beautifully presented fully refurbished family house that has been sensibly and thoughtfully arranged for family living with an excellent balance of entertaining and private accommodation. 5 to 6 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, 4 bathrooms, garden, private parking. EPC: E. Approximately 298 sq m (3,218 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide price: £5,950,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/chelsea chelsea@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5903

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/CHL130353

K & C July - Chelsea

08/06/2015 11:18:31

Cheval House, Knightsbridge SW7 Three bedroom apartment in Knightsbridge Village A superb apartment which has been comprehensively refurbished to a very high standard offering contemporary open plan living. Master bedroom with sitting area, dressing lobby and en suite bathroom, two guest suites, open plan double reception room, kitchen, entrance hall, cloakroom, air cooling to principal rooms, lift. EPC: B. Approximately 246 sq m (2,650 sq ft).

KnightFrank.co.uk/knightsbridge knightsbridge@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5913

Share of freehold

Guide price: £6,950,000

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/SLA130287

K&C July 15 Cheval House

09/06/2015 10:37:48

K&

48

Elvaston Mews, South Kensington SW7 A stunning four storey freehold house This beautifully presented house offers excellent and comfortable living accommodation with particular emphasis on spacious entertaining spaces with solid walnut flooring. Some of the many features include; bespoke handmade kitchen, bespoke fitted wardrobes and a 2.6m ceiling on the lower ground floor. 4 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, 3 bathrooms. EPC: D. Approximately 262 sq m (2,820 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide price: £5,250,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/southkensington southkensington@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6122 Farleysres.com 020 7589 1234

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/STK150087

K&C July South Ken

08/06/2015 16:16:58

Thornbury Court, Notting Hill W11 Stunning three bedroom penthouse A rare opportunity to acquire an immaculately presented three bedroom penthouse flat with a private roof terrace located in this prestigious portered mansion block in the heart of Notting Hill. 3 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining room, roof terrace, portered building. EPC: E. Approximately 183 sq m (1,974 sq ft).

Share of freehold

Guide price: £3,750,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/nottinghill nottinghill@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5449

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/NGH150027

K&C July- 41 Thornbury Road

08/06/2015 17:59:01

K&

01

Lansdowne Road, Notting Hill W11 Beautifully presented four bedroom house Arranged over five floors, this stunning family house offers wonderful open plan accommodation and excellent entertaining space with direct access to the communal gardens behind. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 2 offices, utility room, wine cellar, terrace, garden. EPC: D. Approximately 305 sq m (3,279 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide price: £8,750,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/nottinghill nottinghill@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5449

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/NGH130158

K&C July- 69 Lansdowne Crescent

08/06/2015 17:57:47

Lansdowne Road, Notting Hill W11 Beautiful two bedroom oommunal garden flat A rare opportunity to acquire a charming, newly refurbished and well‐presented top floor flat set on arguably one of the best streets in Notting Hill. This beautiful flat is flooded with natural light and has the advantage of enchanting views. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, kitchen, 2 balconies, access to communal gardens. EPC: D. Approximately 65 sq m (697 sq ft).

Leasehold

Guide price: £1,050,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/nottinghill nottinghill@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5449

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/NGH150017

K&C July- 104 Lansdowne Road

08/06/2015 17:56:49

K&

9

St. James's Lodge, Holland Park W11 A delightful Grade II listed four bedroom house This house is situated on the southern terrace of this highly sought after and charming garden square.

Immaculately presented, the house offers flexible and elegant accommodation, wonderful natural light, an additional studio/storage facilities, access to the garden square and air cooling in all bedrooms. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, double reception room, kitchen, dining room, utility room, patio garden, terrace communal gardens.

EPC: E. Approximately 252 sq m (2,170 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide price: £5,300,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/nottinghill nottinghill@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5449

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/NGH150035

K&C July - St James Lodge

08/06/2015 17:55:43

Sheffield Terrace, Kensington W8 A classically refurbished 5 bedroom family house The house comprises a beautiful double reception with wooden floors and high ceilings which leads out to a private terrace, and in addition the spacious family room and open plan kitchen lead out onto a larger patio garden. Master bedroom suite, 4 further bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, terrace. EPC Rating E. Approximately 278 sq m (2,993 sq ft)

Available unfurnished

Guide price: £2,950 per week KnightFrank.co.uk/KEQ86403

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings kensingtonlettings@knightfrank.com 020 7937 8203

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

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

KC July

08/06/2015 16:04:10

Pa

10

Paultons Square, Chelsea SW3 Four bedroom family house An exceptional family house which has been architecturally renovated throughout to the highest level while retaining most of its original features. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms, kitchen, utility room, study, media room, gym, garden patio, communal garden access. Approximately 352.3 sq m (3,792 sq ft).

Available unfurnished

Guide price: £5,500 per week KnightFrank.co.uk/CHQ155698

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings chelsealettings@knightfrank.com 020 7349 4300

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

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

Paultons Square 5, K&C Mag July

04/06/2015 11:10:04

Stanley Gardens, Notting Hill W11 Contemporary apartment A bright apartment located on the second floor of this white stucco fronted period building. The property comprises 2 bedrooms, bathroom, large reception room, separate kitchen, cloakroom and access to communal gardens. EPC: C. Approximately 66 sq m (710 sq ft).

Available unfurnished

Guide price: £750 per week KnightFrank.co.uk/NHQ175818

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings nottinghilllettings@knightfrank.com 020 7985 9990

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

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

Kensington and Chelsea Stanley Garden July Edition PH

09/06/2015 14:44:38

18 Astwood Mews, London SW7 4DE

Ennismore Gardens, SW7 A beautifully refurbished West facing FIRST FLOOR apartment overlooking this Knightsbridge garden square.

The property includes a 23” reception room, 16” double bedroom with en-suite shower room, cloak room and terrace.

Also included is a separate self contained studio on the half landing with shower and kitchenette. The flat is within walking distance of Hyde Park and the amenities of Knightsbridge. Access to communal gardens by separate arrangement.

£2,750,000

Onslow Gardens, SW7 Two bright and spacious flats, a two bedroom FIRST FLOOR and a one bedroom on the RAISED GROUND FLOOR, located in this stucco fronted, Victorian building. Onslow Gardens is one of the most sought after addresses in South Kensington.

£750 & £1,250 per week

Sales: +44 (0)20 7835 2888 Lettings: +44 (0)20 7835 2889

info@miltonstone.com

WELLINGTON CLOSE NOTTING HILL LONDON W11

AN EXC I T I N G C OLLE CTION OF FOUR NE W HO US ES LOC AT E D OFF LE DBURY ROAD A ND M OMEN T S FR O M WE STBOURN E GROV E

LHP_325541_KCMag_Savills KF_WellingtonClose_Jul15.indd 1

03/06/2015 18:08

RHP

ACCOMMODATION | 2-5 bedrooms | All with garages | 213 sq m (2,289 sq ft) - 377 sq m (4,055 sq ft) | EPC ratings = C | Freehold

Prices range from £4.95 million - £8.5 million

5V[[PUN /PSS

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18:08

RHP_325541_KCMag_Savills KF_WellingtonClose_Jul15.indd 2

03/06/2015 18:08

savills.co.uk

1 SPECTACULAR FAMILY HOUSE MOMENTS FROM HOLLAND PARK

ilchester place, w14

4 reception rooms ø 2 kitchens ø 7 bedrooms ø 8 bath/shower rooms ø gym ø swimming complex with sauna and shower room ø 2 guest cloakrooms ø lift ø south-facing garden ø 938 sq m (10,101 sq ft) ø EPC=D Price on application Freehold

1 Knight Frank

Savills Notting Hill

Mark Redfern mark.redfern@knightfrank.com

Oliver Lurot olurot@savills.com

020 7361 0183

020 7727 5750

savills.co.uk

1 WONDERFUL SEMI-DETACHED VICTORIAN VILLA victoria road, w8 Double reception room ø study ø dining room ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 5/6 bedrooms ø 4 bathrooms ø utility room ø guest cloakroom ø off-street parking ø west-facing garden ø planning permission for mansard conversion ø 351 sq m (3,773 sq ft) inclusive of loft eaves and storage ø EPC=E Guide £7.75 million Freehold

Savills Kensington Kit Allen kallen@savills.com

020 7535 3300

savills.co.uk

1 PRIME PROPERTY SITUATED IN AN ICONIC LONDON LOCATION notting hill gate, w11 Private entrance ø open plan reception room/kitchen ø study ø 3 bedroom suites ø further bedroom ø further bathroom ø utility room ø 79 sq m (850 sq ft) south-facing roof terrace ø private lift ø access to Pembridge Garden Square (subject to usual consents) ø 355 sq m (3,824 sq ft) ø EPC=C Asking £7.95 million Leasehold, new 125 year lease

Savills Kensington Thomas Holcroft tholcroft@savills.com

020 7535 3300

1 2

savills.co.uk

ILFIELD ROAD, sw10

STANLEY MANSIONS, sw10

Reception room/dining room ø kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø 2 further double bedrooms ø bathroom ø terrace ø 142 sq m (1,530 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Entrance hall ø open plan reception room/kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø 2 further bedrooms ø shower room ø communal patio and roof terrace ø 106 sq m (1,139 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Guide £2.15 million Leasehold

Guide £1.95 million Leasehold

Savills Chelsea apwright@savills.com 020 7578 9004

Savills Chelsea akaruzaite@savills.com 020 7578 6903

TREGUNTER ROAD, sw10

LADBROKE GARDENS, w11

Reception room ø study ø dining room ø kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø 3 further bedrooms ø bathroom ø guest cloakroom ø 155 sq m (1,672 sq ft) ø EPC=F

Reception room ø kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø access to communal garden ø 67 sq m (713 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Guide £2.8 million Share of Freehold

Guide £1.395 million Share of Freehold

Savills Chelsea apwright@savills.com 020 7578 9004

Savills Notting Hill afrankish@savills.com 020 7727 5750

3 4

1 2

savills.co.uk

WESTBOURNE GROVE, w2

ABINGDON ROAD, w8

Reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bedroom suites ø access to gym, swimming pool and squash court ø porter ø underground parking space ø 130 sq m (1,401 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Double reception room ø open plan kitchen/dining room/ family room ø 2/3 bedrooms ø 3 bath/shower rooms ø cloakroom ø landscaped front garden ø rear patio garden ø 127 sq m (1,366 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Guide £2.45 million Leasehold

Guide £2.85 million Freehold

Savills Notting Hill afrankish@savills.com 020 7727 5750

Savills Kensington sbirch@savills.com 020 7535 3300

AIRLIE GARDENS, w8

QUEEN'S GATE, sw7

Reception room/kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø further bedroom ø family bathroom ø storage room ø lift ø communal gardens ø 88 sq m (950 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Reception room ø dining room ø kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø 2 further bedrooms ø 2 further bath/shower rooms ø 164 sq m (1,763 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Asking £1.7 million Leasehold

Guide £2.95 million Share of Freehold

Savills Kensington bharvey@savills.com 020 7535 2980

Savills Kensington bharvey@savills.com 020 7535 2980

3 4

savills.co.uk

1 HISTORICALLY INTERESTING CHELSEA HOUSE glebe place, sw3 First floor drawing room ø office ø study ø reception room/kitchen ø dining room ø 6 bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms ø staff reception room/kitchen ø courtyard ø roof terrace ø 343 sq m (3,692 sq ft) ø EPC=E Guide £7.5 million Freehold

Carter Jonas

Savills Knightsbridge

Tom Lewis Tom.lewis@carterjonas.co.uk

Barbara Allen baallen@savills.com

020 7590 4697

020 7581 5234

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

1

IMMACULATE CHELSEA TOWNHOUSE OVERLOOKING THE GARDEN SQUARE paultons square, sw3 4 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø 3 reception rooms ø kitchen ø bathroom ø guest cloakroom ø garden ø access to garden square ø 248 sq m (2,672 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=E

Savills Chelsea Sophie Tiarks stiarks@savills.com

020 7578 9011 Unfurnished £3,950 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* *£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.

1 2

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

LANCASTER GATE, w11

KENSINGTON HIGH STREET, w8

2 bedrooms ø reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bathrooms ø penthouse ø direct lift access ø 118 sq m (1,267 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=E

2 bedrooms ø 2 reception rooms ø bathroom ø wooden flooring ø lift ø opposite hyde park ø 108 sq m (1,166 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=C

Furnished £1,100 per week

Furnished £1,050 per week

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Notting Hill ndennis@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

ST ANN'S ROAD, w11

FORDHAM COURT, w8

2 bedrooms ø reception room ø kitchen ø bathroom ø guest cloakroom ø roof terrace ø 70 sq m (760 sq ft) ø Council Tax=F ø EPC=D

3 bedroom suites ø reception room ø kitchen ø guest cloakroom ø integrated sound system ø 171 sq m (1,850 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=D

Flexible furnishings £795 per week

Furnished £3,950 per week

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Notting Hill ndennis@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.

L L O

1 2

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

PARK MANSIONS, sw1

MALVERN COURT, sw7

2 bedroom suites ø reception room ø eat-in kitchen ø guest cloakroom ø 24 hour porter ø heating and water charges included ø 139 sq m (1,500 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=C

3 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø reception room ø dining room ø separate kitchen ø family bathroom ø lateral layout ø 159 sq m (1,711 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=D

Furnished £2,150 per week

Unfurnished £1,750 per week

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Knightsbridge cbshanahan@savills.com 020 7584 8585

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Chelsea stiarks@savills.com 020 7578 9011

RADNOR WALK, sw3

QUEEN'S GATE, sw7

3 bedrooms ø reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bathrooms ø wooden floors ø newly refurbished ø 118 sq m (1,279 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=D

3 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø double reception room ø kitchen ø shower room ø guest cloakroom ø terrace ø 192 sq m (2,068 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=E

Unfurnished £1,850 per week

Unfurnished £2,500 per week

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Chelsea acalder@savills.com 020 7578 9012

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Knightsbridge cfgladwin@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.

Spectacular rooftop garden in South Kensington Matching people and property in London for over 150 years.

Bark Place W2 £3,800,000 A beautifully presented four-bedroom and rarely available family home, just a stone’s throw from the wide green open spaces of Kensington Gardens. Freehold. EPC=D

Notting Hill: 020 7313 2890 sales.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

Milner Street SW3 ÂŁ3,500,000 A fabulous and newly refurbished five-bedroom Chelsea town house. Centrally situated within walking distance of Sloane Square, South Kensington and Knightsbridge. Freehold. EPC=D

Chelsea: 020 7591 5570 sales.chs@marshandparsons.co.uk

Brompton Road SW3 ÂŁ2,995,000 A wonderfully light and airy triplex apartment with its own private entrance, moments away from South Kensington tube station. EPC=E

Chelsea: 020 7591 5570 sales.chs@marshandparsons.co.uk

Wilby Mews W11 ÂŁ2,950,000 A wonderful opportunity to acquire the centre piece house in prime Notting Hill with access to the prestigious private communal gardens. Freehold. EPC=C

Notting Hill: 020 7313 2890 sales.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

Airlie Gardens W8 ÂŁ2,800,000 A truly unique and recently refurbished two-bedroom split level maisonette, situated on the fifth and sixth floor with amazing views. Share of Freehold. EPC=D

Kensington 020 7368 4450 sales.kns@marshandparsons.co.uk

Onslow Gardens SW7 ÂŁ2,475,000 A classy first floor period conversion beautifully presented and maintained throughout, with the benefit of communal garden views and roof terrace for entertaining. EPC=C

South Kensington: 020 7590 0800 sales.skn@marshandparsons.co.uk

Palace Gardens Terrace W8 ÂŁ1,650,000 A truly stunning, recently refurbished, two-bedroom garden flat with its own private entrance and beautiful walled garden on a hugely sought after residential street. Share of Freehold. EPC=C

Kensington: 020 7368 4450 sales.kns@marshandparsons.co.uk

Chester Street SW1 ÂŁ1,700 per week A bright and spacious three-bedroom lateral apartment in an immaculate condition, situated in this prestigious location in the heart of Belgravia. EPC=C

Chelsea: 020 7591 5570 lets.chs@marshandparsons.co.uk

Courtfield Gardens SW5 ÂŁ1,250 per week A truly stunning property, which has been finished to exacting standards, ideally located for easy access to Gloucester Road, South Kensington and Earls Court. EPC=D

Earls Court: 020 7835 0620 lets.ect@marshandparsons.co.uk

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CORNWALL GARDENS, SW7 ÂŁ1,450 PER WEEK A wonderfully light and bright first floor flat, comprising master bedroom with en-suite shower room, second bedroom, family bathroom, large reception room with fantastic high ceilings and access to a south facing balcony, brand new separate kitchen and access to communal gardens.

The property also benefits from wooden flooring in the reception room and excellent storage throughout.

First Floor | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Access to Communal Gardens | Balcony | 1,143 Approx Sq Ft

SOUTH KENSINGTON | 020 7370 6767 southkensington@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/south-kensington

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GRENVILLE PLACE, SW7 ÂŁ2,550,000 SHARE OF Freehold A simply stunning ground and lower maisonette that has been the subject of an extensive refurbishment programme and has been completed to exacting standards throughout. This wonderful apartment extends to 1225sq/ft (114sq/m) and is positioned on the corner of Cornwall Mews South and as such benefits from a light and bright double aspect. Of particular mention is the impressive double aspect reception room with two large East facing sash windows that offer a wealth of natural light into this ideal entertaining space that is almost thirty feet in length.

Reception rooms | Kitchen | Master bedroom suite with an adjoining bathroom and separate dressing room | Second bedroom | Shower room | Utility cupboard | Separate storage | EPC-C

SOUTH KENSINGTON | 020 7370 6767 southkensington@winkworth.co.uk

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Campden Street, London, W8 ÂŁ2,900,000 FREEhold An attractive and very well-presented three bedroom Victorian terraced house (1440 sq ft/ 133 sq m) with two floors of entertaining space including double reception room, kitchen/dining room and study. The principal bedroom has en suite bathroom and folding glass doors to balcony. The two further double bedrooms are served by a family bathroom and a cloakroom. There is a patio garden to the rear.

Double Reception Room | Kitchen/Dining room | Study | Principal Bedroom with En-Suite Bathroom and Balcony | Two Further Double Bedrooms | Family Bathroom | Cloakroom/Utility Room | Patio Garden

KENSINGTON | 020 7727 1500 kensington@winkworth.co.uk

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GORDON PLACE, LONDON, W8

ÂŁ2,175,000 SHARE OF FREEHOLD

An impressive and very well presented three bedroom garden maisonette (1291 sq ft/ 119.94 sq m) situated on the raised and lower ground floors of an attractive Victorian end-of-terrace house. The reception room has high ceilings and views from the west facing bay window along Pitt Street. Double doors lead through to a well-equipped kitchen/breakfast room. On the lower ground floor the principal bedroom has an en suite shower room and the two other bedrooms are served by a bathroom and a guest cloakroom. The pretty courtyard garden is decked and has a door onto Pitt Street.

Entrance Hall | 21’ Reception Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Principal bedroom with en suite shower room | Further Bedroom | Bedroom 3/Study | Family Bathroom | Cloakroom | Utility Cupboard | Courtyard Garden

KENSINGTON | 020 7727 1500 kensington@winkworth.co.uk

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Tedworth square £1,450 per week A contemporary redevelopment of this exquisite two double bedroom, two bathroom, split-level apartment, ideal for entertaining, and with access to communal gardens.

Modern Ground and Furnished First Floor Flat |Two Bedrooms | Two Reception rooms | Two Bathrooms | Communal Gardens | Resident Parking | 1,339 Approx Sq ft.

Ennismore Gardens £950 per week

Rutland Gate £795 per week

A truly spectacular one bedroom apartment finished to an

Furnished Lateral Third Floor Flat. An extremely well presented

extremely high standard throughout, with a mezzanine bedroom

two bedroom conversion flat in this attractive white stucco period

overlooking the spacious reception room below.

building.

Period Maisonette | Three Bedrooms | Two Reception Rooms | Two Bathrooms | Roof Terrace | Balcony | Un/Furnished | 1,459 Approx Sq ft | EPC Rating D

Furnished Lateral Flat | Third Floor | Reception Room | Two Bedrooms | Two Bathrooms | Communal Gardens | Qualification for COW Parking Permits

Knightsbridge & Chelsea | 020 7589 6616 knightsbridge@winkworth.co.uk

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Malvern Court, SW3 ÂŁ2,750,000 LEAsehold Situated in a handsome pre-war mansion block in the heart of South Kensington, this three bedroom lateral flat enjoys an excellent reception room, plus a kitchen with a dining area granting direct access to the substantial private garden area.

Ground Floor Period Flat | Three Bedrooms | Two Reception Rooms | Two Bathrooms | Private Patio | Garden | Communal Garden Access | Resident Parking | Lift | Concierge | Approx 1,571 Sq ft | EPC rating E

Knightsbridge & Chelsea | 020 7589 6616 knightsbridge@winkworth.co.uk

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artesian road, W11 ÂŁ1,250 Per week A stunning and wonderfully bright three double bedroom maisonette laid out over four floors of this period house located just off Westbourne Grove . The property comprises of its own entrance, large eat in kitchen and dining room, separate utility room/cloakroom and a double reception room with lovely high ceilings, wooden floors and sash windows leading out to a pretty balcony. The master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and there is a second double bedroom with separate shower room. The top floor has a fantastic double bedroom/additional reception room.

Available furnished from early July 3 Bedrooms | 2 Reception Rooms | 2 Bathrooms | Flat | Upper Floor | Furnished | Available from early July.

notting hill | 020 7727 3227 nottinghill@winkworth.co.uk

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Stanley Lodge, Stanley Crescent, W11 £2,950,000 Share of Freehold A beautifully redesigned three bedroom lateral apartment occupying the whole of the second floor (with lift) of this impressive end of terrace building looking out over and with use of communal gardens. The apartment’s triple aspects provide open outlooks all round, and its excellent ceiling heights, a wonderful sense of space and light. Just some of the specifications include Gaggenau kitchen appliances, a water filtration system, sound/ energy efficient double glazing throughout, concealed security safes, and CAT 7 wiring throughout.

Three Bedrooms | Two Reception Rooms | Two Bathrooms | Communal Gardens | Lift | 1,319 Sq ft | Share of Freehold

notting hill | 020 7727 3227 nottinghill@winkworth.co.uk

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BARK PLACE, W2 £5,495,000 Freehold

A rare four-storey Victorian house with an attached mews and private rear garden, which has been the subject of a recent extensive refurbishment.

Bark Place is a residential street located in Bayswater, perfectly positioned for Kensington Gardens and neighbouring Notting Hill.

– – – – – – – –

Formal reception room Stunning kitchen / dining room Master bedroom suite Three guest bedrooms Three modern bathrooms Cinema room and gym Private garage Approx. 3,223 sq ft / 299 sq m. EPC=D

Domus Nova Bayswater 78 Westbourne Grove W2 5RT 020 7221 7817 bayswater@domusnova.com

K+C mag JULY Edition.indd 26-27

vv THE YOO BUILDING, NW8 £3,950,000 Leasehold

An awe-inspiring penthouse apartment set on the fifth and sixth floors of an iconic building, designed by Yoo and inspired by Philippe Starck Architecture.

The property offers in excess of 3,000 sq ft of awesome penthouse living and is located close to Regent’s Canal and Little Venice.

– – – – – – – –

Vast reception space Bespoke kitchen Four bedrooms Four bathrooms Guest cloakroom Private roof terrace Residents parking and 24-hour porter Approx. 3,034 sq ft / 281.9 sq m. EPC=C

05/06/2015 15:15:57

SALUSBURY ROAD, NW6 £2,950,000 Leasehold

A magnificent and newly developed loft-style apartment presenting incredible doubleheight studio space, private parking and a roof terrace.

Forming the upper f loors of a historic armaments factory, this outstanding Queen’s Park property is incredibly rare to the market.

– – – – – – – –

Expansive open-plan living space Contemporary kitchen Luxurious master bedroom suite Two guest bedrooms Mezzanine level Roof terrace Off-street parking Approx. 3,283 sq ft / 305 sq m. EPC=B

Domus Nova Notting Hill 17 Kensington Park Road W11 2EU 020 7727 1717 nottinghill@domusnova.com

K+C mag JULY Edition.indd 28-29

w THE TALISMAN BUILDING, SW6 £6,500 per week – admin fees apply* Long Let

A rare opportunity to rent the penthouse apartment in the iconic Art Deco-style Talisman Building.

Designed by Gumuchdjian Architects, the home has immense style, character and the very best in quality and finish, with a much-envied location too.

– – – – – – – –

Impressive living space with vaulted ceilings Super-sleek kitchen Master bedroom suite Three additional bedrooms Four en-suite bathrooms South-facing terrace Off-street parking for one car Approx. 4,979 sq ft / 462.6 sq m. EPC=B * domusnova.com/administrationfees

05/06/2015 15:16:14

WARWICK AVENUE, W9

£795 per week – admin fees apply* Long Let This exceptional two-bedroom property has been completely refurbished to offer a unique and modern home in the heart of Maida Vale.

Warwick Avenue is near to the boutiques, shops and restaurants of Formosa Street, as well as the beautiful waterways of Little Venice.

– – – – – – –

Central open-plan reception space Modern, well-equipped kitchen Master bedroom with en suite Additional double bedroom Family bathroom Decked patio Approx. 975 sq ft / 90.6 sq m. EPC=D * domusnova.com/administrationfees

Domus Nova Notting Hill 17 Kensington Park Road W11 2EU 020 7727 1717 nottinghill@domusnova.com

K+C mag JULY Edition.indd 30-31

w CHEPSTOW VILLAS, W11

£1,395 per week – admin fees apply* Long Let An immaculate two-bedroom property that has been finished with no expense spared, offering the best in modern design and living.

Located on one of Notting Hill’s premier streets, Chepstow Villas is perfectly located for all that Westbourne Grove, Ledbury Road and Portobello Road have to offer.

– – – – – –

Large open-plan living area Contemporary Miele kitchen Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom Additional double bedroom Rear patio and south-facing garden Approx. 878 sq ft / 81.6 sq m. EPC=D * domusnova.com/administrationfees

05/06/2015 15:16:33

Straight Talking Nick Crayson, founder of Crayson, is looking to transform the reputation of the property industry. Hannah Lemon reports

“I wanted to do something a bit more creative than the regular agency approach,” says Nick Crayson, describing the inception of his eponymous estate agency tucked away in Lambton Place.

“Buying a house should be enjoyable but people find it stressful. It is a serious business but at the same time I want it to be authentic and fun.” Which is why he invests a great deal of time and money into developing a unique approach to marketing. I, however, am already familiar with his success at rejuvenating the property market through his regular columns for The Kensington & Chelsea Magazine and The Notting Hill & Holland Park Magazine, which cover everything from politics to hummus. This is all part of a bigger ambition to change the perception of the industry.

Crayson, comprising a small team of five, is only four years old but has dominated the Notting Hill market with its innovative approach. “We spend vast but proportionate amounts of money on marketing properties. I would say our marketing collateral is the most expensive in the business.” As part of this package, Nick uses

Crayson makes the process of trawling through property pictures a lot more exciting a professional architectural photographer to take pictures of clients’ properties and an experienced copywriter for the descriptions.

“I just don’t like the language used in estate agency,” he admits.

“Words are thrown about such as ‘beautiful’, ‘fabulous’, ‘boast’ and ‘refurbished to exacting standards’, which are so dry. Last year we advertised a property as a ‘complete wreck’. People went mad for it on the internet and we had 120 people sign up to view it.” Sure enough, I look through our archives and there is an advertisement entitled “Welcome to Wrecksville”. The photographs showcase a large, rundown property, which, of course, is a perfect investment for a buyer hungry to refurbish.

Nick’s candour is refreshing and is aimed at reducing a client’s time by preparing his or her house for appropriate and vetted candidates, and a buyer’s by avoiding properties that are unsuitable.

It also makes the process of trawling through property pictures a lot more exciting. The unique part of this transaction is that Nick sees vendors as business partners. “We look at it rather like a joint venture; a commercial arrangement between both parties.” With this comes the need for a transparent discourse on everything, including the need to set a realistic price, which Nick finds is often ignored.

“Last year, our average price was £4.5 million. This year we have sold a £900,000 flat and a £17.5 million house. We do the whole range of bricks and mortar. We’re not fussy. I’m about to instruct on

Photography by: Sarel Jansen

PROPERTY

a £750,000 flat. No matter how big or small it is, we offer the same services.”

The £17.5 million instruction was on Hereford Road and was sold earlier this year despite having been on the market with several other agencies previously. “Someone did one viewing between Christmas and New Year and bought it. Maybe we got lucky – but we worked really hard on this and did over 80 viewings. Bella [the sales director at Crayson] and I worked out that combined we walked something like 60km around the house.”

Nick remarks that Notting Hill’s healthy property market is switching from a creative clientele of arts and media types to a more international one, but properties are always sold to the end-user. “Crayson has the highest conversion rate in the area of instructions to sales. We are in the business of selling. The percentage or market share of listed properties for sale is unimportant to us; what matters is the percentage of properties that have been sold by Crayson.” He also divulges, “At the moment we are having a little bit of a run in W8.”

I ask if this is to do with the election, as many estate agents have reported an increase in interest for Prime Central London after the Conservatives came out on top. “There is certainly more buyer activity and this only really showed from 1 June after the half-term break. We are seeing a surge in viewings and buyer registrations. I would, though, urge caution regarding prices.” Nick reiterates that it all comes back to transparency. “It would have been stupid to rush in on 8 May and put up prices by 10 per cent. The market is going to stabilise, but it’s not going to have a massive bounce. It is still absorbing the rise of the highest band of Stamp Duty Land Tax from seven to 12 per cent.”

Although he keeps an eye on trends in the market, Nick doesn’t let them hang over every decision. “Forecasts are wrong all the time.

My position is to advise clients as to how it is at the time. Sometimes you have to be quite tough with them and often give advice that they really don’t want to hear. The philosophy at Crayson is based on ‘client before company’ – it is a core tenet and we often advise clients on things that are not in the commercial interests of the company. It just has to be that way.”

A Notting Hill man through and through, I can’t help but think that Nick’s knowledge of the borough must comfort clients. “I was born and brought up in the area. I live near Holland Park. I love the greenery and the parks. And the £20 sandwiches,” he adds, laughing. However, Nick claims that clients are just as knowledgeable as him. “This business is becoming a lot more transparent. People can find out what other properties are being sold for in the area. Clients and buyers have a much clearer idea and the market is much healthier for it. We are just here to present properties in the best possible way we can, using an honest, highly-informed, hopefully intelligent, and certainly straightforward approach.”

Crayson, 10 Lambton Place, W11 2SH; 020 7221 1117 crayson.com

181

020 7221 1117 www.crayson.com

Alma Terrace, Kensington W8 An excellent Kensington house that will vindicate dreams of any aspiring Dick Whittington and their pre-conceived ideas of London living...

Reception room, kitchen/ dining room/ family room, master bedroom suite, three further bedrooms, two further bathrooms, utility room, cloakroom, study, garden Separate three car garage: Leashold, 689 sq ft/64.01 sq m House: 2,601 sq ft/241.6 sq m The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea EPC rating band E Freehold Joint Sole Agent - Savills Kensington House Guide Price ÂŁ5.25 million Garage Guide Price ÂŁ375,000

10 Lambton Place, London, W11 2SH

020 7221 1117 www.crayson.com

Russell Garden Mews, Holland Park W14 Your basic London Mews House would do Mrs Tiggy-Winkle very well. This one has basketball players in mind.

Reception room, kitchen/dining room, master bedroom suite, two further bedrooms, one further bathroom.

Utility room/ study Entrance Hall 1,915 sq ft/178 sq m The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea EPC rating band E Sole Agent Freehold Guide Price ÂŁ2.9 million

10 Lambton Place, London, W11 2SH

020 7221 1117 www.crayson.com

Russell Garden Mews, Hill Holland Vernon Yard, Notting W11 Park W14 Your basicpied London Mews House would dopermanent Mrs Tiggy-Winkle very well.

Thisquirky one A perfect a terre, lock up and go or home in this cool and has basketball players in mind. mews. Line up...

Reception room, kitchen/dining room, master bedroom suite, two further bedrooms, one further bathroom.

Reception room, kitchen, master bedroom suite, one further bedroom and bathroom, roof terrace Utility room/ study 973 sq ft/ 90.4 sq Entrance Hall m The Borough 1,915Royal sq ft/178 sq m of Kensington and Chelsea EPC rating band C of Kensington & Chelsea The Royal Borough EPC rating band E Sole Agent Freehold Sole Agent Guide Price ÂŁ1.95 million Freehold Guide Price ÂŁ2.9 million

10 Lambton Place, London, W11 2SH

carterjonas.co.uk

ELYSTAN PLACE

KINGS ROAD

Chelsea SW3

Chelsea SW3

A superb, extended and immaculately refurbished family home in this prime location in the heart of Chelsea.

A spectacular and very spacious flat offered to the market in newly refurbished order.

3 reception rooms • 3 bedrooms • 3 bathrooms Refurbished • Terrace • EPC rating D

£2,450 per week*/£10,616.67 per month*

Double reception room • 2 bedrooms, both en suite Newly refurbished • Roof terrace • EPC rating F

£1,695 per week*/£7,345 per month*

Knightsbridge & Chelsea

Knightsbridge & Chelsea

020 7590 4696 | laurelin.taylor@carterjonas.co.uk

020 7590 4696 | laurelin.taylor@carterjonas.co.uk

WARWICK ROAD

EDITH GROVE

Earls Court SW5

Chelsea SW10

A very well presented flat on the second floor (with lift) of a handsome red brick building only two minutes walk from Earls Court underground.

This newly refurbished flat has been finished to the highest of standards and makes very clever use of layout and storage to create a well presented and very functional space.

Reception room • 2 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms Approximately 1,279 sq ft • Lift • EPC rating E

Double reception room • Bedroom • Bathroom • Newly refurbished • EPC rating C

£795 per week*/£3,445 per month* Knightsbridge & Chelsea

£340 per week*/£1,473 per month*

020 7590 4696 | laurelin.taylor@carterjonas.co.uk

Knightsbridge & Chelsea

020 7590 4696 | laurelin.taylor@carterjonas.co.uk

HYDE PARK SQUARE

HYDE PARK GARDENS

Hyde Park W2

Hyde Park Estate W2

This stunning apartment is located in the highly sought-after Hyde Park Square.

Set on the first floor of a stunning period building with views over Hyde Park, a fantastic lateral apartment.

Reception room • 3 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • Kitchen/ dining • EPC rating D

£990 per week*/£4,290 per month*

Reception room • 3 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • Kitchen Dining room • 2 balconies • EPC rating D

£2,150 per week*/£9,316.67 per month*

Holland Park & Notting Hill

Holland Park & Notting Hill

KENDAL STREET

IVERNESS TERRACE

Hyde Park Estate W2

Bayswater W2

A stunning Grade II listed family home located on the prestigious Hyde Park Estate within moments of Hyde Park.

A simply outstanding split level penthouse apartment with large private terrace.

020 7371 3377 | jon.gittins@carterjonas.co.uk

020 7371 3377 | jon.gittins@carterjonas.co.uk

2 reception room • 5 bedrooms • 3 bathrooms • Kitchen/ dining room • Wine cellar • Roof terrace • EPC rating D

2 reception rooms • 3 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • Open plan living room/kitchen • Terrace • Approximately 1,300 sq ft • EPC rating B

£1,995 per week*/£8,645 per month*

£1,250 per week*/£5,416.67 per month*

Holland Park & Notting Hill

Holland Park & Notting Hill

020 7371 3377 | jon.gittins@carterjonas.co.uk

020 7371 3377 | jon.gittins@carterjonas.co.uk

*Rent excludes administration fees. Please contact our branch who can provide this information.

carterjonas.co.uk

GLEBE PLACE Chelsea SW3

Glebe House is a beautiful house of over 3,850 sq ft located on the east side of this historically fascinating street of town houses, villas and artists’ studios running off Kings Road in the heart of Old Chelsea.

3 reception rooms • 6 bedrooms • Kitchen Dining room • Staff accommodation EPC rating E

Guide price £7,500,000

Knightsbridge & Chelsea 0207 225 1237 lily.terrell@carterjonas.co.uk

JSA Savills Knightsbridge 020 7590 5059 ballen@savills.com

PONT STREET Chelsea SW1

A beautifully styled apartment on the 2nd floor of a period conversion in the heart of Knightsbridge.

Reception room • Kitchen • 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms • EPC rating C

Guide price £3,100,000

Knightsbridge & Chelsea 0207 225 1237 lily.terrell@carterjonas.co.uk

carterjonas.co.uk

HOLLAND PARK GARDENS Holland Park W14

A spectacular garden maisonette with in the heart of Holland Park.

Spanning around 2,078 sq ft the apartment has extraordinary entertaining space with a high ceilinged double reception room.

3 reception rooms • 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms • Kitchen • Patio Communal gardens • EPC rating D

Guide price £3,500,000

Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 1111 gareth.jones@carterjonas.co.uk

ASHCHURCH TERRACE Ravenscourt Park W12

Ashchurch Lodge is one of the most important villas in the Ravenscourt and Starch Green conservation area. This end of terrace house has a spectacularly large garden along with generous gated parking.

3 reception rooms • 7 bedrooms 3 bathrooms • Kitchen/dining room Studio apartment • Large garden EPC rating E

Guide price £4,950,000

Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 1111 gareth.jones@carterjonas.co.uk

Chelsea Harbour

ÂŁ2,350,000

London SW10

leasehold

A stunning 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom duplex penthouse apartment in this riverside portered development. This well proportioned apartment is extremely bright. It further benefits from a large balcony & open plan reception/dining room. This development offers 24 hour porters & security & also 1 parking space. It is located by the river, moments away from the popular Harbour Club, Chelsea Harbour Marina, Chelsea Design Centre, luxury hotels & Imperial Wharf. EPC rating C

You can now collect thousands of with Chestertons Contact your local branch or visit chestertons.com/avios to find out more.

Terms and Conditions apply see chestertons.com/avios for details

Chelsea

020 7594 4740

sales.chelsea@chestertons.com

chestertons.com

Cheyne Walk

Chelsea SW3

A truly special & extremely rare, lateral, south facing penthouse apartment, with a spectacular 37ft roof terrace, with uninterrupted views of the River Thames & the iconic Albert Bridge.

Located on the 6th floor (with lift), this incredibly bright apartment offers unrivalled entertaining space, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a 40ft wide reception room & 2 private garages. Pier House is a prestigious, purpose built portered building with 24 hour security.

EPC rating G

Chelsea

020 7594 4740

sales.chelsea@chestertons.com

price on application share of freehold

Elvaston Mews

ÂŁ5,900,000

London SW7

freehold

A contemporary mews house & wonderful family home which received a 2013 International property award as “best single residential development�. Spread over 3,300 sq ft, the property comprises a glass lift to each level, a double height galleried space with a dining area, modern fully fitted kitchen, a wine room, laundry room & guest cloakroom. There are 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an open plan reception room & a garage with stacking system for 2 cars.

EPC rating C

Kensington

020 7937 7244

sales.kensington@chestertons.com

chestertons.com

Iverna Gardens

Kensington W8

A stunning 3 double bedroom lateral apartment on the 3rd floor (with lift) of this highly regarded portered mansion block, benefitting from access to the communal gardens. Spread over 1,761 sq ft, the accommodation comprises 2 spacious reception rooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite) & a modern fully fitted eat in kitchen. Further benefits include solid wooden floors throughout, high ceilings, a balcony, rear storage room & superb rooftop views of Kensington.

EPC rating D

Kensington

020 7937 7244

sales.kensington@chestertons.com

ÂŁ3,750,000 share of freehold

Ledbury Road

ÂŁ3,950,000

Notting Hill W11

leasehold

A beautifully refurbished 3 bedroom flat on Ledbury Road. With its own front door & split level accommodation this property has the feel of a whole house. Having undergone extensive refurbishment, this lovely home is ready to move into.

EPC rating D

You can now collect thousands of with Chestertons Contact your local branch or visit chestertons.com/avios to find out more.

Terms and Conditions apply see chestertons.com/avios for details

Notting Hill

020 3040 8585

sales.nottinghill@chestertons.com

chestertons.com

Horbury Crescent

Notting Hill W11

This stunning spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom duplex apartment is set on Horbury Crescent in a beautiful period building in the heart of Notting Hill. It benefits from a balcony, roof terrace (non-demised) & access to Ladbroke Square Gardens (subject to consent).

EPC rating E

Notting Hill

020 3040 8585

sales.nottinghill@chestertons.com

ÂŁ2,800,000 Share of Freehold

BODENS 102 Draycott Avenue

bodensresidential.com

Chelsea SW3 3AD

cheyne walk, SW3 ÂŁ6,750,000 SHARE OF FREEHOLD Stunning Chelsea Penthouse Entrance Hall | Reception Room | Kitchen/Dining Room |4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Utility Room Study Area | Lift | EPC F

sales@bodensresidential.com

020 7589 2000

Informed, Tailored service for Landlords.

BODENS bodensresidential.com

BODENS 102 Draycott Avenue

bodensresidential.com

Danvers Street, SW3 ÂŁ1,300 Per Week Spacious Accommodation in a

Chelsea SW3 3AD

Three Double Bedrooms | Three En-Suite Bathrooms | Cloakroom | Patio Terrace | Off Street Parking Space | Unfurnished | EPC D

Wonderful Location

lettings@bodensresidential.com

Entrance Hall | Reception Room | Interconnecting Dining Room | Fully Fitted Eat-In Kitchen |

020 7225 0433

Utmost Discretion. Unrivalled Knowledge.

BODENS bodensresidential.com

PROPERTY

The Extra Mile Bethan Rees meets Strutt & Parker Notting Hill’s partner and head of lettings Emilie Beard, whose passion for interiors makes her a great resource for landlords Photography by: Sarel Jansen

Emilie Beard is somewhat of a rental market stalwart, although, for someone who’s been working remorselessly in the industry for the past decade, there’s no sign of it on the exterior. With a gleaming smile, perfectly tousled Hollywood blonde hair and an infectious laugh that you can’t help but mirror, she’s not your average agent.

Arriving in London to start working in the property field, she began her career at an estate agency in Primrose Hill but moved to Strutt & Parker Notting Hill just under three years ago. You could say that property is in her blood as her family owns an estate agency in Kent, and she worked there for a while after finishing university.

When discussing her advice for landlords, Emilie has one clear nugget of wisdom: “Ensure your property is well presented and invest money in it.”

However, she takes this one step further than most agents I’ve met before.

“I love getting involved in the interior design side of things,” she explains.

Emilie admits that some people are resistant to her advice, but others take everything on board. “Even if you just give a property a fresh lick of paint and put some new neutral blinds up, it makes a world of difference,” she continues. For example, Emilie gave a landlord a few pointers for a house recently. “I advised the landlady to get rid of the dated curtains and put grey blinds in every room, replace the old multi-coloured tiles in the bathrooms with white ones, paint all the walls light grey and varnish the floors; it completely transformed the house.”

206

Summer for the lettings market in Notting Hill is a particularly busy time for Emilie as many of the potential tenants are families due to the area’s great selection of schools. “Now is the active time for the family market as lots of people start their search in May or June with a view to move in August before the school term starts in September,” Emilie enlightens me. Pre-election, the market for potential buyers appeared to be in undecided limbo for the £2m+ properties as the threat of a mansion tax loomed over the stock, and now this proposal has been extinguished with the Conservative win, letting the market pick up again. However, how would this affect the lettings market? “I didn’t think the election would have much of an impact on us, but that said, the house market normally would get going earlier than it did this year. Since the election, activity has really picked up; I think a lot of people were waiting to see what happened before making any decisions,” she elucidates.

With extensive local knowledge and years of experience working in Notting Hill, has Emilie seen the demographic change? “We’ve noticed a real increase in the number of French people moving to the area. I think there’s a really nice community here, which some areas in central London might lack, and there’s a lot of gated communal gardens so it’s safe for children to run around. It’s almost like being in the countryside,” she says. Vive la Notting Hill.

Strutt & Parker, 303 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, W11 2QA struttandparker.com; 020 7221 1111

WESTBOURNE GROVE. ELEVATED.

A COLLECTION OF 20 BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED LATERAL APARTMENTS ON WESTBOURNE GROVE. MODERN LIVING IN ONE OF LONDON’S MOST ICONIC NEIGHBOURHOODS, JUST MINUTES FROM GLOBAL TRAVEL CONNECTIONS AND A VIBRANT WEST END LIFESTYLE

DESIGNED BY AWARD-WINNING ARCHITECTS STIFF + TREVILLION COMPLETING SUMMER 2015, AVAILABLE TO VIEW BY PRIVATE APPOINTMENT ONLY

TEL: +44 (0)20 7499 3881 sales@alchemigroup.com westbournehousew2.com SALES REPRESENTATION

Computer generated image for illustrative purposes only

A DEVELOPMENT BY

TRINITY HOUSE, KENSINGTON HIGH STREET, W14 • 3 Bedrooms • Resident only leisure suite • 2 Bathrooms • Open plan kitchen & living room • 2 x General right to park • Approx. 1,129 sq ft (104 sq m) • Private balcony • EPC: current (B) potential (B)

GUIDE PRICE £2,500,000 LEASEHOLD For more information, call Jessica Conway 020 7087 5696 or email Jessica.Conway@eu.jll.com

JLL 387 Kensington High Street London W14 8QA

JLL.CO.UK

W.A.Ellis will make an initial one-off tenancy agreement charge of £240 per tenancy plus £60 referencing charge per tenant. A minimum of six weeks’ rent will be required as deposit for all properties. For further details of our services and charges please visit waellis.com.

PRINCE GATE MEWS, KNIGHTSBRIDGE SW3 • 1 Bedrooms • 1 Bathrooms • Private balcony • Resident only leisure suite

• Superb rental investment • Approx. 520 sq ft (48 sq m) • EPC: current (B) potential (B) • Open plan kitchen & living room

GUIDE PRICE £850,000 LEASEHOLD For more information, call Jessica Conway 020 7087 5696 or email Jessica.Conway@eu.jll.com

JLL 387 Kensington High Street London W14 8QA

JLL.CO.UK

W.A.Ellis will make an initial one-off tenancy agreement charge of £240 per tenancy plus £60 referencing charge per tenant. A minimum of six weeks’ rent will be required as deposit for all properties. For further details of our services and charges please visit waellis.com.

WOLFE HOUSE, KENSINGTON HIGH STREET, W14 • 2 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • Open plan kitchen & living room • Private balcony

• Resident only leisure suite • General right to park • Approx. 1,131 sq ft (105 sq m) • EPC: current (B) potential (B)

GUIDE PRICE £1,100 PW FURNISHED For more information, call Kyle Best 020 7087 5696 or email Kyle.Best@eu.jll.com

JLL 387 Kensington High Street London W14 8QA

JLL.CO.UK

W.A.Ellis will make an initial one-off tenancy agreement charge of £240 per tenancy plus £60 referencing charge per tenant. A minimum of six weeks’ rent will be required as deposit for all properties. For further details of our services and charges please visit waellis.com.

TRINITY HOUSE, KENSINGTON HIGH STREET, W14 • 3 Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms • Open plan kitchen & living room • Private balcony

• Resident only leisure suite • General right to park • Approx. 1,058 sq ft (98 sq m) • EPC: current (B) potential (B)

PRICE £1,650 PER WEEK FURNISHED For more information, call Kyle Best 020 7087 5696 or email Kyle.Best@eu.jll.com

JLL 387 Kensington High Street London W14 8QA

JLL.CO.UK

W.A.Ellis will make an initial one-off tenancy agreement charge of £240 per tenancy plus £60 referencing charge per tenant. A minimum of six weeks’ rent will be required as deposit for all properties. For further details of our services and charges please visit waellis.com.

CHEVAL PLACE, KNIGHTSBRIDGE SW7 ● ● ● ●

1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Kitchen Reception room

● ● ●

Lift Approx. 668 sq ft (62 sq m) EPC rating: (C)

Guide price £1,450,000 Leasehold; with 160 years remaining For more information, call Simon Green 020 7306 1610 or email sgreen@waellis.com

174 Brompton Road London SW3 1HP

waellis.com

QUEEN'S GATE PLACE, SOUTH KENSINGTON SW7 ● ● ● ●

4 Double bedrooms 4 Bathrooms (3 en suite) Drawing room Open plan kitchen / living room

● ● ● ●

Study and dining areas Lateral terrace Access to Queens Gate Gardens Approx. 3,014 sq ft (280 sq m)

Guide price £6,500,000 Share of freehold For more information, call Simon Godson 020 7306 1610 or email sgodson@waellis.com

174 Brompton Road London SW3 1HP

waellis.com

OLD CHURCH STREET, CHELSEA SW3 ● ● ● ●

3 Double bedrooms 2 Bathrooms (en suite) 1 Shower room Double reception room

● ● ● ●

Fully fitted kitchen Allocated parking Approx. 1,672 sq ft (155 sq m) EPC: current (B) potential (B)

Price £2,250 per week Furnished For more information, call James Grant 020 7306 1630 or email jgrant@waellis.com

Potential tenants are advised that administration fees may be payable when renting a property. Please ask for details of our charges.

174 Brompton Road London SW3 1HP

waellis.com

HOLLYWOOD ROAD, CHELSEA SW10 ● ● ● ●

4 Double bedrooms 3 Bathrooms (1 en suite) 2 Reception rooms Kitchen/dining room

● ● ● ●

Study Paved garden Approx. 2,485 sq ft (230 sq m) EPC: current (E) potential (D)

Price £2,500 per week Unfurnished For more information, call Kerry Morley 020 7306 1630 or email kmorley@waellis.com

Potential tenants are advised that administration fees may be payable when renting a property. Please ask for details of our charges.

174 Brompton Road London SW3 1HP

waellis.com

Established 1897

CREMORNE ROAD, Chelsea SW10 A bright and well-presented one bedroom apartment (approximately 527 sq. ft. / 49 sq. m.) on the second floor of a redbrick mansion block in Chelsea.The accommodation comprises reception / dining room with wood flooring and plenty of natural light, a modern kitchen, a double bedroom with built-in wardrobes and a beautifully finished bathroom. Cremorne Mansions is well located for access to the amenities and transport links of the King’s Road and Lots Road, with the River Thames only moments away. Lots Road is currently undergoing regeneration which will bring a wealth of new shops, restaurants and amenities to the area. EPC rating E. Share of Freehold Guide Price: £645,000 020 7225 6700 john.harris@harrodsestates.com

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 (0)20 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 (0)20 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0)20 7225 6700 KENSINGTON OFFICE: 48-50 KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET W8 4DG T: +44 (0)20 3650 4600

HARRODSESTATES.COM @harrodsestates

Established 1897

THE KNIGHTSBRIDGE APARTMENTS, Knightsbridge SW7 Located within one of Knightsbridge’s most prestigious buildings, this two bedroom, two bathroom apartment is located in the East Mews section of the development. 199 The Knightsbridge boasts impressive reception rooms, 24-hour concierge and security and secure underground car-parking with valet service.There is a world-class leisure suite with gym, spa and swimming pool and an exclusive business-suite available for residents’ use. EPC rating C. Leasehold Approximately 989 Years Remaining Guide Price: £5,000,000 020 7225 8343 leila.dyominova@harrodsestates.com

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 (0)20 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 (0)20 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0)20 7225 6700 KENSINGTON OFFICE: 48-50 KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET W8 4DG T: +44 (0)20 3650 4600

HARRODSESTATES.COM @harrodsestates

Established 1897

PONT STREET, Knightsbridge SW1X A tastefully finished and spacious studio apartment in Knightsbridge, just a stone’s throw away from Harrods.The apartment benefits from high-ceilings, a well-fitted kitchen and wood flooring throughout.The property is situated on the lower ground floor at the rear of the building so enjoys peace and quiet as well as a small decked area that catches the sun. Available now for short term lets of a furnished basis (the rent includes all utilities). EPC rating C. Price Per Week: £700 per week Plus Property Fees: £180 Admin & £165 Checkout.

References: £42 per person* *http://www.harrodsestates.com/tenants

020 7225 6759 candice.fletcher@harrodsestates.com

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 (0)20 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 (0)20 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0)20 7225 6700 KENSINGTON OFFICE: 48-50 KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET W8 4DG T: +44 (0)20 3650 4600

HARRODSESTATES.COM @harrodsestates

Established 1897

LANCELOT PLACE, Knightsbridge SW7 A stunning, beautifully presented three bedroom designer apartment in this modern Knightsbridge portered block. Accommodation of approximately 2702 sq. ft. comprises west facing reception / dining room, three double bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms, kitchen and utility room. Lancelot Place is conveniently located for the shopping, transport and entertainment facilities of Knightsbridge and minutes away from the open spaces of Hyde Park. Parking is available by separate negotiation. Available Mid July on a furnished basis for long term let. EPC rating D. Price Per Week: £5,355 per week Plus Property Fees: £180 Admin & £252 Checkout.

References: £42pp* *http://www.harrodsestates.com/tenants 020 7225 6602 ed.woolgar@harrodsestates.com

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 (0)20 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 (0)20 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0)20 7225 6700 KENSINGTON OFFICE: 48-50 KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET W8 4DG T: +44 (0)20 3650 4600

HARRODSESTATES.COM @harrodsestates

Elvaston Place SW7 ÂŁ4,500,000 Share of Freehold South Kensington Sales 020 7581 8888 | sthkensales@dng.co.uk

South

Balham

Battersea

North

Chelsea

Fulham

Battersea Park

A beautifully presented, white stucco fronted, triplex apartment with high ceilings and period features throughout.

The property has a private balcony as well as access to Queens Gate Gardens communal gardens.

Clapham

East Putney

Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush

Kensington

4 double bedrooms, 4 bathrooms (3 en suite), 2 reception rooms, Kitchen, Study/fifth bedroom, Balcony, Access to communal garden, EPC: D

Southfields & Earlsfield

West Putney

Kensington Gate

South Kensington

Notting Hill

Pimlico & Westminster

douglasandgordon.com

Tregunter Road SW10 ÂŁ1,100,000 Leasehold Chelsea Sales 020 7225 1225 | chelseasales@dng.co.uk

A stunning 684 sq. ft, third floor flat located on one of the area's premier streets. The property has been meticulously finished throughout and offers stylish and contemporary accommodation.

2 bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen, Terrace, EPC: D

Norland Square W11 ÂŁ3,500 per week + admin fees* Unfurnished Notting Hill Lettings 020 7727 8000 | nhlets@dng.co.uk

South

Balham

Battersea

North

Chelsea

Fulham

Battersea Park

A fabulous family home situated on one of Holland Park's most desirable garden squares. The property boasts views over the fabulous communal gardens, to which it has access, along with the square's tennis courts.

Clapham

East Putney

Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush

Kensington

4 double bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, Kitchen, 2 studies, Media room, Balcony, Private and communal gardens, Tennis court, EPC: E.

Southfields & Earlsfield

West Putney

Kensington Gate

South Kensington

Notting Hill

Pimlico & Westminster

douglasandgordon.com

Pembridge Gardens W2 £1,350 per week + admin fees* Furnished/Unfurnished Kensington Lettings 020 7792 1331 | kenlets@dng.co.uk

A stunning first floor flat which has been refurbished throughout to an extremely high standard. The property boasts high ceilings, wooden floors and many original features.

3 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite), Reception room, Kitchen/ breakfast room, Balcony, Direct lift access, Porter, EPC: D

Good to know... *An initial one-off tenancy agreement fee of £240 (inc VAT) per property and a £45 (inc VAT) referencing charge per person will apply. At the end of the tenancy an inventory check-out fee will be charged, this amount will depend on the size of the property and whether it is furnished/unfurnished.

For more details visit www.douglasandgordon.com/tenants/infoandcharges

London property.

Capital services.

Now at home in So u

0 5 %

commission on property sales.

% letting fee.

kfh.co.uk/southkensington

For full terms and conditions visit www.kfh.co.uk/southkensington

South Kensington Creative ARTWORK_DPS.indd 2

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Sout

o uth Kensington.

To celebrate the launch of our new South Kensington branch, we are offering an exclusive 0% commission on property sales and 5% letting fee for landlords for a limited time.

With over 35 years’ experience in the London property market, and more than 50 branches across the Capital, we will draw on our existing London-wide network and local expertise to deliver the right result, whatever your requirements.

Contact us today for a free no obligation valuation.

Visit us at: 29 Harrington Road SW7 3HD Sales 020 3199 8394 Email southkensington.sales@kfh.co.uk

18:02

South Kensington Creative ARTWORK_DPS.indd 3

Lettings 020 3199 8395 Email southkensington.lettings@kfh.co.uk

09/06/2015 18:03

Wandsworth Bridge Road, Fulham, SW6 £750,000 Fulham 020 7731 0051 fulham.sales@kfh.co.uk

07.15 KFH Kensington & Chelsea.indd 2

Recently refurbished to a high standard throughout is this two double bedroom Victorian conversion flat set within a Nichols Lion House.

The property is ideally located for Fulham Broadway, Parsons Green, local amenities and transport links.

• • • • • • •

Two double bedrooms Open plan kitchen/reception room First floor Recently refurbished No onward chain Shared freehold EPC rating D

03/06/2015 17:59

07.1

Pitt Street, Holland Park, W8 £3,445pcm Holland Park 020 3542 2120 hollandpark.lettings@kfh.co.uk

A bright two bedroom, two bathroom apartment located in a prestigious and desirable mansion block minutes from Kensington High Street, Kensington Gardens and excellent transport links.

• • • • • • • •

Two bedrooms Two bathrooms Excellent finish Resident caretaker Close to Kensington High Street Excellent transport links Furnished EPC rating C

£210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

17:59

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02/06/2015 12:51

SLOANE AVENUE, CHELSEA, SW3

£875 PER WEEK • DOUBLE BEDROOM • RECEPTION ROOM • BATHROOM • OPEN-PLAN POGGENPOHL • • UNDERLOOR HEATING • SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM • HIGH CEILINGS • EPC E 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

WHITEHEADS GROVE, CHELSEA, SW3

£3,000,000 FREEHOLD • THREE BEDROOMS • TWO BATHROOMS • EN-SUITE • UNIQUE FREEHOLD HOUSE • • CHELSEA GREEN LOCATION • GRADE II LISTED • GARDEN • EPC TBC

CHELSEA OFFICE 2 Cale Street, London SW3 3QU +44 (0)20 7581 5011 chelseaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk

henryandjames.co.uk

Sheffield Terrace Kensington W8

A rare opportunity to purchase a spacious one bedroom apartment with a large outstanding south facing roof terrace leading onto an immaculate communal garden.

Entrance Hall • Drawing Room • Kitchen • Double Bedroom • Bathroom South Facing Roof Terrace • Communal Garden • EPC Rating D

LEASEHOLD, WITH APPROX. 947 YEARS REMAINING PLUS SHARE OF FREEHOLD

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GU ID E P R ICE £ 1 , 6 9 5 , 0 0 0

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10:59

Cheyne Place Chelsea SW3

With views over Chelsea Physic Garden, the Thames, Battersea Park, and with the Shard, the London Eye and Wembley Stadium in the distance, you are spoilt with the best aspect we have seen in Chelsea.

Penthouse: Living Room • Open-Plan Kitchen/Dining Area • Master Bedroom with Ensuite Bathroom • Bedroom Two with Ensuite Shower Room Bedroom Three/Study • Shower Room • Utility Room • Direct Lift Access • Resident Caretaker • Roof Terrace • Predicted EPC Rating C Flat: Living Room/Open-Plan Kitchen • Bedroom • Bathroom • Residents’ Parking • EPC Rating D

LEASEHOLD, WITH APPROX. 144 YEARS REMAINING

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GU ID E P R I C E £ 6 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0

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PALACE GATE KENSINGTON W8

ÂŁ1,400 per week

2 bedrooms | double reception | 2 bathrooms | kitchen | first floor | high ceilings | lift | balcony | Epc E

www.century21uk.com/nottinghill

nottinghill@century21uk.com

QUEEN’S GARDENS BAYSWATER W2

£1,750,000 share of freehold

2 bedrooms | reception | kitchen | 2 bathrooms | high ceilings | fireplace | communal gardens | Epc F

10 Clarendon Road London W11 3AA

020 7229 1414

West Halkin Street, Belgravia, SW1X An exceptionally well presented and well planned 2 bedroom apartment situated on the raised ground floor of an impressive period building. The property features a spacious entrance hall, large south facing reception room with study area, guest cloakroom, a wellappointed kitchen and utility area. Master en suite bedroom with door leading onto the demised terrace and 2nd en suite bedroom. The apartment is situated in one of the most sought after streets in the heart of Belgravia, has the added advantage of a resident caretaker and long lease, and is therefore ideal as either a home or as a long term investment. JSA Henry & James, Belgravia. EPC Rating C

£3,650,000 LEASEhold AIX-EN-PROVENCE • BROOKLYN • CANNES • COURCHEVEL • DOHA • GENEVA • GSTAAD • LAKE COMO • LONDON • MADRID • MANHATTAN • MAURITIUS • MEGEVE

www.john-taylor.com

Onslow Crescent Kensington, SW7 This lateral apartment, furnished in a very sophisticated style, is situated on the 2nd floor of a well maintained purpose built block with lift and 24 hour porter services. The apartment has four bedrooms, but is presently configured with a separate dining room and an office.

There is a grand drawing room, large enough for a dining area, with windows looking onto trees and the private driveway and the kitchen has been fully renovated with modern appliances. The master bedroom has an en suite, and there is a further bathroom and a separate cloakroom. Long leasehold of approx. 998 years. Parking is available by separate negotiation. EPC Rating C John Taylor UK 48 Berkeley Square, London W1J 5AX Tel: 020 3284 1888 Email: london@john-taylor.com

£5,490,000 LEASehold

MERIBEL • MIAMI • MILAN • MONACO • MOSCOW • PALM BEACH • PARIS • ST JEAN-CAP-FERRAT • ST PAUL DEVENCE • ST TROPEZ • THE HAMPTONS • VALBONNE

www.john-taylor.com

E XCLUSIVE L AUNCH

RIVERSIDE LIVING IN CHELSEA

CIR0030_CW_Ken&ChelMag_DPS297x420_16June.indd 1-2

L O N D O N S W 10

LONDON’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS RIVERSIDE ADDRESS World class architecture by Sir Terry Farrell.

Sophisticated riverside apartments with unrivalled views over London.

Signature restaurant, shops, café and residents’ health club.

Five star 24 hr concierge services.

SETTING NEW STANDARDS IN WATERSIDE LIVING 2 TO 5 BEDROOM APARTMENTS AVA I L A B L E EXCLUSIVE LAUNCH 19TH & 20TH JUNE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL

020 7352 8852 WWW.CHELSEAWATERFRONT.COM Computer generated image.

JOINT SELLING AGENTS

A DEVELOPMENT BY

5/6/15 14:52:51

CHEYNE ROW E ST G R TNO O PREO GG AA RR DD EE NN SS C HAEN YH EN W CHELSEA SW3 | £1,395,000

C SO HE U LT SHE A K ESNWS 3I N| G£T2 ., 3Nm 1O 9 5S,W 0 07 0 | £ 3 . 9 5 m This well appointed, bright and airy garden apartment is This wellamongst appointed, and airy garden is nestled the bright quiet residential streetsapartment of Chelsea’s nestled amongstWalk the quiet residential streets of Chelsea’s historic Cheyne and Chelsea Embankment.

The Apartment historic and Chelsea The Apartment boasts aCheyne wealth Walk of modern fixtures Embankment. and fittings, under floor boasts a wealth of modern fixtures and fittings, under floor heating, an elegant feature fireplace and bi-folding doors heating, an elegant feature and bi-folding leading onto it’s tranquil andfireplace secluded private patiodoors garden. leading onto it’s tranquil and secluded private patio garden.

This newly bright refurbished three bedroom two apartment bedroom apartment on the fourth in Prime floor has Knightsbridge spectacular has views high over ceilings Stanhope and Gardens access toand stunning two secure communal car parking gardens. spaces.

Address Address

1st Asset Management 1st Asset 7-9 Tryon Management Street 7-9 TryonSW3 Street London 3LG London SW3 3LG

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• 2 double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes 3 double Double bedrooms bedrooms with fitted wardrobes •2 • 2 modern bathrooms Grand 3 modern bathrooms highbathrooms ceilings •2 • 2 reception rooms including dining area Raised interconnecting ground floor receptions roomsarea •2 reception rooms including dining • Share of freehold (lease expires 3014) Long Overlooking lease Stanhope • Share of freehold (leaseGardens expires 3014) • Bright & airy Recently Lift access refurbished • Bright & airy • 829 sq/ft • 829 Newly 24 hour refurbished porter common parts sq/ft • Separate storage room Access 2 securetounderground communal gardens parking spaces • Separate storage room • Private and secluded terrace • Private Classical Purposeand built redbrick block building behind period façade secluded terrace • Central Use of communal Knightsbridge gardens location

Telephone Telephone Email Email Web Web

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T o v t

+ 44 (0) 207 014 3800 + 44 (0) 207 014 3800 info@1stasset.co.uk info@1stasset.co.uk www.1stasset.co.uk www.1stasset.co.uk

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•2 bedrooms 4 Double bedrooms • Grand high ceilings 3 bathrooms

C H E L S E A S W 3 | £ 2 .335m 0pw

This elegant Chelsea townhouse positioned moments from both the King’s Road and The River Thames makes it the ideal family home. Offering excellent proportions and uncompromised location, the property boasts four generous bedrooms, a well appointed kitchen and family dining room which in turn opens up grand main reception room and rear garden.

This newly refurbished two bedroom apartment in Prime Knightsbridge has high ceilings and access to stunning communal gardens.

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• Raised ground floor Grand reception room leading private • to Long leaserear garden

•• Elegant room Recentlydining refurbished Separate fitted kitchen • Newly refurbished common parts

• Utility and garage Accessroom to communal gardens Quiet street close building to King’s Road • Classical redbrick & Cheyne Walk • Central Knightsbridge location • Furnished or unfurnished by negotiation

T T n n h h b b h h l l

T a o h v st

• Available mid August

Address

1st Asset Management

Telephone

+ 44 (0) 207 014 3800

London SW3 3LG

Web

www.1stasset.co.uk

7-9 Tryon Street

Email

info@1stasset.co.uk

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On Home Ground Launching their new estate agency Milton Stone, founders Sacha Moussaieff and Rupert Carr, highlight the importance of their little black book of contacts. Hannah Lemon reports

Sacha Moussaieff, Phoebe Metcalfe and Rupert Carr Photography: Rob Cadman

Astwood Mews, in the heart of Kensington and Chelsea, is like any other picturesque cul-de-sac. A cobbled street with potted plants decorating the properties on either side, with no sounds from the surrounding bustling city, it’s as though you’ve stumbled across a local secret. This setting has been picked out as the spot for Milton Stone’s headquarters, a new estate agency venture initiated

by Sacha Moussaieff and Rupert Carr. However, I begin to wonder whether such a secluded area is the best place to start a business. “We wanted to work from behind closed doors, and have our time less restricted by walk-ins that 90 per cent of the time don’t actually lead to anything,” explains Sacha. “People who come and seek you out are serious. Quite often people who wander in from the street are either asking for directions or wanting a bit of advice.”

The two estate agents have more than 45 years’ experience between them, specialising in sales, rentals and acquisitions of residential properties,

and have spent the majority of that working together already. With such in-depth knowledge of the industry, it means that the partners already own an extensive list of clients. “Some of our long-term clients will only work with us, which is why we set the company up,” explains Rupert. “We’re not doing anything different to what we used to do, but we’re doing it from an environment that’s more suited to agents who are established.”

As such, they’ve had an impressive few months following the launch in September, including selling three flats in Onslow Gardens, “probably the most prime address in South Kensington,” comments Sacha, with one going at record price. “We’re keeping up with our competitors and doing as many deals as them already. It’s what we’re most proud of. Rupert sold a house in Kensington Gate for £8 million within three months of us opening.” So far the focus has been on sales between £2 million and £4 million, but lettings is also

PROPERTY

on the Milton Stone to-do list, with another recruit to the team due to start imminently. “The majority of our lets have been at £800 to £1,200 a week,” explains Sacha, “but we want to form an established department to work on rentals.”

The clients who have worked with Sacha and Rupert in the past are a faithful group, mainly because the founders invest time in finding out what they are looking for. Rupert explains his relationship with one vendor: “We’ve acquired eight properties for him this year, which have short leases. They will come back on the market with us as sole agents in the coming months once they have been refurbished and the leases extended. On top of that we have five current instructions with the same client. We invest a great deal of our time and as a result have a potential 13 instructions from one client in the space of nine months.”

Despite focusing on the Royal Borough, Rupert and Sacha have helped clients source property further afield, such as in Fulham, Mayfair and Marylebone; having one’s own business allows for this flexibility. “We have nurtured strong, enduring and fruitful relationships with many property

“The fact that we’re new doesn’t matter.

We’ve slotted straight in; just carried on as we were” professionals, lawyers and surveyors, which over the years has given us the ability to consistently source off-market properties for many of our clients,“ adds Sacha.

The pair find that the majority of new business comes through online portals, which is why they have designed a state-of-the-art website, allowing for easy access to their properties. For clients who do drop by the office, Rupert, Sacha or lettings negotiator Phoebe Metcalfe are more than happy to talk about investment opportunities over a cup of coffee on the cobbled terrace outside. And if the small team are all out at viewings, office phone calls and even the doorbell link straight to their mobiles, so they never miss an inquiry. “The fact that we’re new doesn’t matter,” states Sacha. “We’ve slotted straight in; just carried on as we were.”

People who stumble across Milton Stone assume it’s been around for a few generations. “With a long-standing agent you receive a good service, and people think we have been around forever,” Sacha laughs. Although this is predominantly because of their expertise in the field, it also has a little to do with the name. However, Sacha divulges that its origins are not deeply-rooted in a rich heritage of property. “Before we started the company, Milton was the name of the client we sold our first instruction to as a partnership, and Stone was the last.” I’m sure it won’t be long until Milton Stone firmly establishes itself as a household name.

Milton Stone, 18 Astwood Mews, SW7 4DE; 020 7835 2888 miltonstone.com

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Does Dust Ever Settle?

Now that the General Election has answered many of the questions posed by a dubious property market, Michelle van Vuuren says that this is not the time to stand still

LONDON IS a city that grows fast, with cranes consistently crowding the skyline, so it is often hard to imagine a time when the property market takes a momentary pause. During the early hours of 8 May, the London property market breathed a sigh of relief and basked in a moment of quiet reflection ahead of an ensuing storm of sales enquiries. The election result was the one we required to reactivate the market and nullify the threat of a Mansion Tax that had loomed on the horizon for most of the last Parliament.

With the doubts over a hung Parliament dispelled, the property market went into overdrive. Berkeley Group’s stock rallied by 11 per cent in the first day alone. At United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty offices the phones were red hot. We were inundated with buyers looking to purchase and sellers looking to the market; the Mayfair office alone saw more than 40 enquiries for valuations on 8 May. Calls from international buyers started during the night as they looked to get ahead of the inevitable price increases as confidence rushed back into the market.

It is our expectation that prices will increase by about five per cent over the coming six to eight months. This rebound in the market from a single

election is unprecedented. But as the adage goes, there is no time like the present. Markets move quickly. The flood of enquiries has left some buyers out in the cold as bidding wars on key homes have returned almost overnight.

And bargains that were there to be had four weeks ago have swiftly been replaced with competition from other buyers.

From Kensington to Chiswick and from Clapham to Cobham, the property market has responded euphorically to the election result. Whether you are looking for a studio, pied-à-terre or a stately home, the upswing has returned. For those who think that the dust from the various construction sites will ensure that there is ample opportunity to purchase, I would advise that this is simply not the case.

London, in particular, is still suffering from constrained supply and escalating demand from both the domestic and international market. This pressure on the availability has an escalating effect on the price of central London homes.

Despite the plethora of cranes, there simply is not enough construction to provide the amount of homes required for the capital’s burgeoning population. So for those with the desire to purchase in this greatest of cities, this is no time to let the dust settle, but rather to dig in and be part of one of the most exciting and inspiring times in London’s property history.

For more information please call Michelle van Vuuren on 020 7495 9580 or email michelle.vanvuuren@sothebysrealty.co.uk sothebysrealty.co.uk

55 Victoria Street, London

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With 3 bedrooms Or 2 bedrooms & a studio Or 2 bedrooms & a home cinema Or 2 bedrooms & a gym Or 2 bedrooms & music room...

The Townhouses, split over 4 levels, give you the flexibility of space to use as you choose.

Visit the marketing suite at 34 Bonchurch Road or to book an appointment please call 020 7758 8478. www.portobellosquare.co.uk

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PROPERTY

Prime Mover Hannah Lemon stops by the boutique estate agency Malverns to meet the newest member, Nigel Humphriss, Head of Sales and Marketing Photography: Rob Cadman

Alfie the Westie is not in the office to greet me as I walk into Malverns.

This is most unusual, as Alfie has a sterling reputation when it comes to his role as office manager. But today is not about Alfie, it’s about Nigel Humphriss the Head of Sales and Marketing. Although, Nigel can’t help but revert to the topic of the dog either. “I’ve established a little blog on the website called Alfie’s View. A lot of people are reading it, which is amazing. It’s about the property market but also what it’s like to be a dog in the office. It’s quite comical, even if I say so myself,” laughs Nigel.

Nigel only joined the company at the end of last year, but his easygoing nature coupled with decades of experience in the industry have firmly cemented him as one of the family. An exciting career path has included a stint in the police force, followed by a few years in the Canary Islands selling villas in Lanzarote and Tenerife. With a keen interest in the property market, Nigel returned to England in 1999 to set up his own estate agency in Locksbottom, Kent. Savills sniffed out what he was on to and bought the company in 2008. “For me, it was like reaching the Promised Land. It was brilliant,” remarks Nigel.

However, after a short sojourn to Florida, Nigel realised a void had been left in his career and he was keen to fill it. Cue Malverns. “Part of the reason I fell in love with Malverns was because when I set my own agency up I had tried to mould it in a similar way. It stands alone from corporate companies and people warm to that. I’d ticked the box of having my own business; the next box to tick was to work in Kensington, Chelsea and Mayfair – Prime Central London.” He recalls how he met Ria Geerling, the Head of Lettings, on Homes Under the Hammer. “It’s our claim to fame. It was such fun to do!”

Joining at the end of last year meant that Nigel was faced with the uncertainty of the General Election, but the property market has since exhaled a sigh of relief with the Conservative win on 8 May. “I think the interest in £2m instructions have doubled since the election. I’m registering more people this week probably, than I registered in the last month working here. It’s really quite

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localised.” This includes everything from a car parking spot worth £200,000 to a property at £3.5 million, the majority of which are sold as buy-to-lets for foreign investors. “Something that is very new to me is the retained buyer, who will pay me a fee for finding them a property. I arrived thinking I couldn’t change my job but I’ve now moved into acquisitions!”

Now that the election has passed and there is a backlog of buyers and sellers who had been waiting in the wings, Nigel is braced to see the flurry in the market continue. “It’s been the best move ever for my career. I love this market and I love the people we deal with. I’m happy.”

Malverns, Malvern Court, Onslow Square, SW7 3HU; 020 7589 8122 malverns.co.uk

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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

Billionaire Buyers Billionaires forced to improvise as London runs out of private palaces: It seems another, very different, housing crisis is going on right at the top of the market. And by right at the top, we mean above ultra-prime. Agents are reporting a dearth of 30,000+ square foot options for London’s billionaires, which means they’re having to convert unloved former Embassies and offices instead.

Research by Dataloft and Beauchamp Estates has identified 142 billionaires with first or second homes in the UK capital, but only around 20 properties in existence across Prime Central London that could be classed as ‘private palaces’. This handful of residences are collectively worth £427.05m – an average of £20.3m each – according to the findings.

But on top of this lot, there are eight 30,000+ square foot epic residences under construction in central London, with another eight going through planning. Price-wise, we’re talking £50m–£100m+ a pop, and certainly nothing dipping below £35m.

primeresi.com

Market Comment It Runs in the Family Elena Dimova, managing director of CENTURY 21 Sophia Elena, is investing time in future generations of property buyers

London is a city where young people thrive, drawn in by the world’s most prestigious universities and the opportunity to start their careers with leading global companies. The cultural history of our city as well as its spirit and character add to the appeal. The range of restaurants, cafés and entertainment options make it an exciting place to be.

Affluent parents aspire for their children to study in the best schools in London. They want to give their children a head-start in life by purchasing a property for them to live in while at university and to invest in at the same time. For overseas buyers from the Far East, Middle East or Russia, their children’s stint in London may be temporary, until they have gained sufficient educational and professional experience to go back to their home countries and apply what they have learned. For local buyers, it is an opportunity to invest the money, which would have otherwise been spent on rent, and help their children get on the property ladder. We are seeing a clear and powerful increase of the amount of purchases taking place on this basis.

These young buyers are discerning. They look for modern living, a good location and convenient transport links.

Proximity to amenities is crucial. Fashion trends dictate. Much like having the latest handbag or the slickest car, owning the right property is very much a status symbol. The specification and quality of interiors, the presentation of the common parts and the facilities within the building do impress the next generation and their friends.

As part of the education they receive from their parents, these young buyers are involved at every stage of the decisionmaking, from choosing the property to negotiating the transaction. Most commentary on the property market tends to be oriented around what happens in the next three to six months. What better endorsement is there for the confidence in the London property market than it is a choice made by generation after generation?

CENTURY 21 Sophia Elena, 10 Clarendon Road, W11 3AA, 020 7229 1414; century21uk.com

1 Cornwall Terrace, Photography: Ed Hill

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Grenville Place, SW7 1,065 SQ.FT/99 SQ.M

On the market for the first time in over 40 years, this super three bedroom, split level flat is situated on the first floor of a superbly maintained period building and now requires refurbishment.

Dining Hall | Reception Room | Kitchen | 3 Bedrooms | EnSuite Shower Room | Shower Room | Balcony

Price: ÂŁ1,795,000

share of FREEHOLD

020 7590 9339

38 Gloucester Road, SW7

www.dominic.london

sales@dominiclondon.com

=AG GINNY TIARKS HICKS SOPHIE

SYDNEY STREET,LONDON, LONDON SW3 020 7351 7822 FAX:M: 020 7351 2274 117117 SYDNEY STREET, SW3 6NR 6NR TEL: TEL: 020 7351 7822 07530 689536 e-mail: ginny@hlrlets.com website: e-mail: sophie@hlrlets.com website:www.hlrlets.com www.hlrlets.com

Dr aycott Place, Chelsea, SW3

Pimlico Road, Chelsea, SW1W

This spacious ground and lower maisonette features an excellent reception room with high ceilings and wood floors. The open plan kitchen incorporates a dining area which leads on to a small patio. The flat is newly decorated throughout with well fitted bathrooms and the advantage of an additional study / single bedroom.

A fabulous second floor flat (with lift) recently refurbished to an extremely high standard.

The property is over 1000 sq ft, has wood floors throughout an extremely spacious reception room and a good sized double bedroom. There is plenty of storage and the bedroom has an en suite bathroom, as well as a guest cloakroom. The flat is located just off Pimlico Green which is within easy reach of Sloane Square and Victoria Stations.

TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS - TWO BATHROOMS - OPEN PLAN KITCHEN - DINING AREA - RECEPTION ROOM - STUDY

£1,350

per week UNFURNISHED

DOUBLE BEDROOM - KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM RECEPTION ROOM - EN-SUITE BATHROOM - GUEST CLOAKROOM - LIFT

£825 PER WEEK

UNFURNISHED

Elizabeth Street, London, SW1W

One Denman Place, Soho, London, W1D

This stylish maisonette has been totally refurbished by one of London’s top Interior Designers . The first floor reception room has been beautifully decorated and leads onto an open plan eat-in kitchen which has been designed to an exceptionally high standard, with no expense spared. Situated on the popular Elizabeth Street and a stone’s throw from the boutiques and cafes, this property certainly exudes character & charm.

This stunning third floor apartment has been individually designed and furnished by award winning designer Kit Kemp. It is light and airy with floor to ceiling windows, beautiful oak floors in the living space and a sleek Boffi kitchen. The king size double bedroom has an ensuite bathroom beautifully designed in marble and oak. There is also a fully integrated AV control system.

TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS - SHOWER ROOM EAT-IN- KITCHEN - RECEPTION ROOM INTERIOR DESIGNED

DINING AREA - ONE BEDROOM - ONE BATHROOM WALK-IN-WARDROBE - DAILY LINEN AND HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES - ROOM SERVICE - CONCIERGE - ON-SITE SECURITY ALL UTILITIES - COUNCIL TAX - GYM, STEAM ROOM AND SPA INCLUDING BEAUTY AND BODY TREATMENTS - WIFI

£1,200 PER WEEK

FURNISHED

117 Sydney Street London SW3 6NR Lettings: 0207 351 7822 or info@hlrlets.com

£2,750

per week

Furnished

20 Montpelier Street Knightsbridge London SW7 1HD

Godfrey Street Chelsea | 3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | EPC: D | 961 sqft A well-presented three bedroom house to rent in Chelsea. The house has been newly refurbished with wooden floors throughout. The property comprises of kitchen/dining, reception room, two double bedrooms, one single, two bathrooms, cloakroom and a lovely west facing roof terrace.

The house is located on this quiet street close to the shops and restaurants of Kings Road and Chelsea Green. Sloane Square underground station is within easy walking distance.

ÂŁ1,200 per week Tregunter Road Chelsea | 6 bedroom | 3 bathrooms | Freehold | EPC: F | 4606 sqft A great opportunity to acquire a magnificent freehold corner house extending over 4600 sqft currently arranged as two apartments. The building benefits form great proportions and plenty of natural light due to having a wonderful triple aspect. On the lower ground there is a two bedroom apartment with its own separate entrance and patio garden. The upper maisonette, with its own separate entrance, boasts a plethora of period features, grand rooms with high ceilings and proportions which are rare to find.

This property has 5-6 receptions rooms, 6 bedrooms and a small roof terrace which is accessed via the turret.

ÂŁ7,750,000 T: +44 (0)20 3770 3474

info@nicolasvanpatrick.com

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SHELL POINT

TRANQUIL ELEGANCE IN TUCKER’S TOWN A private promontory surrounded by a stunning turquoise reef and vistas across Castle Harbour to the Tucker’s Town peninsula, Shell Point enjoys a magical setting comprising 2 acres and 6500 square feet of accommodation between the elegant main house, the guest cottage and apartment. This is one of the most private estates in Tucker’s Town, yet it is within a walk or golf cart ride of the Mid-Ocean and Tucker’s Point golf clubs, their beaches and restaurants. A substantial dock, jetty, boat slip and mooring make this home especially well suited for boaters.

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WHY SINCLAIR REALTY? As Bermuda’s exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, Sinclair Realty offers the finest cache of properties in Tucker’s Town and island-wide. We look forward to welcoming you to our island with the depth of expertise and ‘above-and-beyond’ service that is the Sinclair hallmark.

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THE CHELSTON ESTATE

A WORLD-CLASS PRIVATE BEACHFRONT COMPOUND Overlooking the pink sands and turquoise waters of Grape Bay, the 14-acre Chelston Estate is a beachfront compound of rare magnitude. For 30 years it served as the official residence of the U.S. Consul General, hosting a distinguished list of guests including presidents and foreign dignitaries. Understated elegance defines the 10,000 square foot main house and its three guest houses.

The outstanding grounds include a spectacular 75- by 40-foot saltwater pool and pool house, croquet lawn, walled gardens, a beach pavilion and staff accommodation.

Offered at US$ 45 million.

Tel +1 441 296 0278 | estates@logic.bm | www.sinclairrealty.com

5/7/15 11:20 AM

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All properties will have amazing sea views across the bay of Gibraltar towards Spain and across the Straits of Gibraltar to North Africa. One of the few places in the world that offers views of two continents.

Townhouses from £1,850,000 Villas from £2,900,000 Gibraltar is a british overseas territory, where the language is english, the currency is sterling (£) and education and law are based on the british system.

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FIND YOUR LUXURY HOME IN VIENNA

Trophy Penthouse

A luxurious 6243 ft² penthouse in Vienna‘s city center with superb sky terrace providing monument views.

Price on request

Design Condo

Private pools and panoramic views for a lifestyle of luxury. € 1.420.000,-

LUXURY LIVING IN THE WORLD‘S MOST LIVEABLE CITY Sky-High Living

Panoramic glazing and vast terrace space characterize this light and airy home. € 2.650.000,-

Vienna is the No.1 city offering the world‘s best quality of life. The Austrian capital is known for its cultural attractions and historical architecture and apart from being a desirable place to live offers one of the most stable and promising markets for home buyers and property investors.

Luxury Garden Apartment

A one-of-a-kind urban home spreading over 2 floors and featuring classic architecture and park-like garden. € 5.500.000,-

Family Mansion T. +43 (0)1 890 5533 | M. +43 (0)676 394 0837 office@avantgardeproperties.com www.AvantgardeProperties.com

From a unique hillside location this dream home overlooks the entire city of Vienna.

Price on request

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Drayton Gardens, Chelsea SW10

A very special low-built five bedroom house offering a fabulous drawing room which opens onto the garden, off-street parking and planning permission to extend.

2,276 sq ft (211.4 sq m) Entrance hall | Drawing room | Kitchen/ breakfast room | Master bedroom with en suite bathroom | Four further bedrooms | Two further bathrooms | Cloakroom | Cellar | Garden | Off-street parking | EPC rating E

Chelsea SW10 - 020 7373 1010 chelseaSW10@struttandparker.com

ÂŁ4,750,000 Freehold

Durham Place, Chelsea SW3

This wonderful elegant five bedroom family home with stunning views over Burton Court, benefits from great volume, providing generously proportioned space throughout, a lift to all floors and off-street parking.

ÂŁ10,950,000 Freehold

4,231 sq ft (393.1 sq m) First floor drawing room | Dining room | Study | Kitchen with breakfast/sitting room | Master bedroom with en suite dressing room and bathroom | Four further bedrooms | Family bathroom | En suite shower room | Wine store | Separate street entrance | Lift to all floors | Garden | Off-street parking

Chelsea 020 7225 3866 chelsea@struttandparker.com

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Tite Street, Chelsea SW3

A stunning and generously proportioned six bedroom low built family house extending to 4,247 sq ft with the benefit of a leasehold garage.

ÂŁ11,500,000 Freehold

4,247 sq ft (394.6 sq m) Drawing room | Dining room | Kitchen and family room | Master bedroom with en suite bathroom and his and her dressing rooms | Four further double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms/shower rooms | Study/sixth bedroom | Media room | Gym | Shower room | Decked terrace | Separate leasehold garage | Access to Burton Court by separate arrangement

Chelsea 020 7225 3866 chelsea@struttandparker.com

Clabon Mews, Knightsbridge SW1X

An exceptional newly refurbished Mews house that has been completely re-designed and substantially re-built to exacting modern standards.

3,220 sq ft (299 sq m) Drawing room | Kitchen/dining room | Media room | Master bedroom suite with terrace room | Two guest bedroom suites | Bedroom 4/study | Guest shower room |Gym with changing and shower room | Wine store | Garage | EPC Rating D

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 knightsbridge@struttandparker.com

ÂŁ8,950,000 Freehold

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Cathcart Road, Chelsea SW10

Presented in immaculate condition, a beautiful family home, with a delightful south facing garden, with the added benefit of off street parking and a double garage.

ÂŁ3,500 per week* Unfurnished

3,286 sq ft (305 sq m) Dining room | Kitchen | Double reception | Five bedrooms | Three bathrooms | Separate WC | Dressing room | Garden | Terrace | Double garage | EPC Rating E

Chelsea SW10 - 020 7373 1010 chelseaSW10@struttandparker.com

Portland Road, Holland Park W11

A stunning four bedroom family home ideally situated on this quiet residential street in Holland Park.

ÂŁ2,250 per week* Unfurnished

1,984 sq ft (184.3 sq m) Double reception | Kitchen/ dining room | Master bedroom suite | Three further bedrooms | Further bathroom | Garden | Roof Terrace | EPC rating D

Notting Hill 020 7221 1111 nottinghill@struttandparker.com

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Grandview Crescent, Killcare Beach, Sydney

“Beachside luxury at its best; 5 bedroom home 1 hour and 30 minute drive of the Sydney CBD�

Guide price AUS $5,000,000

Spanning a generous 583 sq metres over three storeys the home is impeccably refurbished and masterfully built. The property boasts sweeping uninterrupted views over the broad expanse of Killcare Beach and has direct pathway access down towards the beachfront. Killcare is loved for its laidback coastal lifestyle known for its surfing, kayaking, boating and superb fishing.

885 sq m total area (583 sq m internal area) Extensive living and dining area | Custom designed kitchen | 5 bedrooms, each opening to a balcony | 4.5 designer bathrooms | Outdoor pool with terrace | Barbecue station | Ceiling heaters | Two outdoor showers | Vast storage | Security cameras

Lulu Egerton 020 7225 3866 lulu.egerton@struttandparker.com

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Upper Upper Phillimore Phillimore Gardens, Gardens, Kensington Kensington W8 W8

“The house has only had f ive families in residence since it was built circa 1861 by Henry Burton.�

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Price Price upon upon application application Freehold Freehold

A very special seven bedroom corner house with a lovely south-facing garden and off-street parking for two cars situated in the heart of the Phillimore Estate.

5,754 sq ft (534.55 sq m) Entrance hall | Drawing room | Dining room | Kitchen/breakfast room | Master bedroom with two en suite bathrooms | Six further bedrooms | Four further bathrooms | Study | Utility room | Two cloakrooms | Wine cellar | South-facing garden | Car lift | Off-street parking | EPC rating C

Kensington 020 7938 3666 Kensington@struttandparker.com

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TONDA METROGR APHE

Steel Automatic chronograph movement Hermès calf strap Made in Switzerland www.parmigiani.ch

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