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Contents | The mayfair Magazine
Contents April 2016 Fashion 36 | Style spy 38 | Style update 40 | On pure shores Make waves in a medley of bold prints
20
Features
Collection
20 | Making a splash Sophia Webster fuses fun with fashion as she opens her flagship store on Mount Street
28 | Jewellery news
24 | Life of the party Event planner Bruce Russell moves from weddings to parties 56 | Golden boy Francis Sultana talks about his new showroom, art, and island hopping 60 | Bentley does it The Bentley GT Continental V8 S is put to the test 8
50
30 | Work like a charm Fawaz Gruosi, founder of De Grisogono, on the future of diamonds
24
regulars
34 | Watch news 12 | Contributors
48
14 | Editor’s letter 17 | My life in Mayfair Omar Vaja, Bentley & Skinner
Art
48 | Art news 18 | Couture culture Our latest dispatch of the arts 93 | Remembering Mayfair St George’s Church
50 | Exhibition focus Bonheur de Vivre at Bernard Jacobson Gallery
30
52 | Prize lots s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s
AN ICON JUST GOT LARGER
THE NAVITIMER 46 mm
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Contents | The mayfair Magazine
Contents April 2016 Travel mayfair
Resident’s Journal
Our insiders’ guide to Mayfair in association with The Residents’ Society of Mayfair & St James’s (from page 89)
interiors 55 | Interiors news
70
76
65 | Travel news 66 | In the fields of Bali Take in the mesmerising views of The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas 70 | Another day in paradise Relax on Fregate Private Island in the Indian Ocean 74 | City break San Sebastián
110
76 | Suite dreams Foxhill Manor in the Cotswolds
Beauty 79 | Beauty news 84 | Spa review Lush Spa
Property 88
96 | Bright starts Harvey Cyzer, partner and head of Knight Frank Mayfair, reports on the local property market 108 | Dressed to let Camilla Molyneux, lettings manager at Jackson-Stops & Staff, on how to make your property stand out
Food & Drink
110 | Hot property South Audley Street
86 | Food & drink news 88 | Dining out Nobu Berkeley ST, 15 Berkeley Street 10
122 | Down the garden path Chestertons research on why outdoor living is so popular s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s
BOSS Stores 122 New Bond Street 178-182 Regent Street
HUGO BOSS UK LTD. Phone +44 (0)20 7554 5700 hugoboss.com
Contributors | The mayfair Magazine
The
APRIL 2016 s issue 055
contributors
Acting Editor Hannah Lemon Deputy Editor Katy Parker Jewellery Editor Olivia Sharpe Watch Editor Richard Brown Editorial Assistant Marianne Dick Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong Senior Designer Grace Linn Production Hugo Wheatley Jamie Steele Danny Lesar Alice Ford General Manager Fiona Fenwick Executive Director Sophie Roberts Managing Director Eren Ellwood
Proudly published by
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Members of the Professional Publishers Association
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Carol Cordrey Carol is an art critic and editor. She organises the annual London Ice Sculpting Festival and is very active within the art scene, bringing us the latest happenings. For April, she reviews two photography shows, including an exhibit on The Rolling Stones.
Penelope Sacorafou Penelope is a historian and co-founder of Fox & Squirrel, a company that offers creative walks for the culturally curious. In this edition, she delves into the wedding registry of St George’s Church in Hanover Square.
On the
Henry HopwoodPhillips An expert in culture and politics, Henry travelled to Bali on a mission to discover new territory. On this occasion, he found himself enjoying the delightful view of the Indonesian island from The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas.
Jennifer Mason Jennifer, an avid car fan and amateur racing driver, is the motoring editor for luxurylondon.co.uk. She is currently working through driving her ‘bucket list’ of dream cars and spending too much time obsessing over the latest Formula 1 results.
cover
Out of our heads From backstage: The Rolling Stones by Gered Mankowitz, published by Ormond Yard Press, and Off The Hook: The Rolling Stones by Gered Mankowitz at Snap Galleries (SNAPGALLERIES.COM) ©Gered Mankowitz (see page 48)
luxurylondon.co.uk A website. A mindset. A lifestyle.
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The Art of Tailoring BOSS Stores 122 New Bond Street 178-182 Regent Street
Editor’s Letter | The mayfair Magazine
editor W
From the
EDITOR’S PICKs
1
#1 Firehead fountain pen, £505, S. T. Dupont (stonegift.com)
2
#2 Silk scarf, £65, Weekend Max Mara (weekendmaxmara.com)
3
#3 Coin purse, £285, Bottega Veneta (bottegaveneta.com)
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e went to print with this issue on the first day of spring – a time for spring cleaning, new beginnings and warmer weather. Lucky for you, the following pages cover all three. If you fancy the former and are looking to replace a sad-looking sofa or a tired table with something special, Marianne Dick has found just the place (page 56). Having only been in the area since February, Francis Sultana is an interior design boutique with a difference. The man behind the self-named studio has ideas aplenty; working with artists at the David Gill Gallery, he has designed everything from furry armchairs to sleek bronze consoles. As for new beginnings, Bruce Russell, who has established himself as the ultimate guru for weddings, is now set to schedule the area’s social scene as a party planner (page 24); for a Wimbledon or Royal Ascot themed shindig, he’s your man. Meanwhile, Sophia Webster’s fresh start comes with the launch of a flagship store on Mount Street (page 20). Don’t expect sensible high-end haute couture; the accessories designer wants to add a bit of fun to fashion. Handbags and shoes decorated with pink flamingos, colourful coral and neon beachballs will make a perfect addition to your seaside attire. But which beach? Henry Hopwood-Phillips soaks up the sun in Bali to try out The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas and is wowed by the mesmerising views (page 66), while Natalie Blenford jets off to her very own secluded beach at Fregate Island Private (page 70). Or take a leaf out of Katy Parker’s travel journal with a sojourn to San Sebastián, named this year’s European Capital of Culture (page 74), and make April showers a thing of the past.
Gieves & Hawkes S/S16 photo CREDIT: Vincent Peters (SEE PAGE 36)
Hannah Lemon
Acting Editor Follow us on Twitter @MayfairMagazine
s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s
The mayfair Magazine | Regulars
My life in MAYFAIR O m a r Va j a DIRECTOR OF SALES, Bentley & Skinner
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“Jermyn Street is exceptional for gentlemen’s ties and clothes” – Omar Vaja
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: OMAR VAJA; BLAZER, £1,095, THOM SWEENEY (THOMSWEENEY.CO.UK); THE RITZ london DINING ROOM; JERMYN STREET, IMAGE COURTESY OF THE JERMYN STREET ASSOCIATION; ENAMEL, EMERALD AND DIAMOND PENDANT, £57,500; ART DECO OPAL, ONYX AND DIAMOND MOSAIC PENDANT, £9,750, BOTH BENTLEY & SKINNER (BENTLEY-SKINNER.CO.UK)
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or me, Mayfair is the centre of the world, the centre of everything that’s excellent. I love the fact that we’ve got art galleries, restaurants, wonderful shops, buildings, even parks and hotels – everything you could possibly want. It’s a very elegant, lovely, gracious part of London and a joy of life for me. When I first came to London at the tender age of 19 I walked down New Bond Street and I saw this little shop tucked away at number 65 called Bentley & Co. I loved the shop so much – it didn’t seem real; it was like stepping back in time. I was quite determined to work there. I had two weeks off and asked to sit with the company and see whether it was something that I really wanted to do. When I was there, I was able to engage quite easily with people, and the director said: “Maybe you and I should talk.” That was 22 years ago. The day my passion dies is the day I leave; I think it’s very important to be passionate about things. My favourite jewellery has to be the Belle Époque Edwardian jewellery: it’s not the size of the stones but the delicate workmanship. I also love Art Deco pieces; the little details and the jewel encrustment on the accessories, such as the cigarette holder, the bag, and the gloves. The whole jazz age was so romantic and beautiful. The thing that lifts my spirits is walking into the dining room at The Ritz London. I just think it’s the most beautiful dining room in the city. It’s so romantic with the gentle pastel colours and the service hasn’t changed. There is still an old-fashioned courtesy and you can go there and have your supper and forget all the horrors of the world around you – you’re transported back in time. If I want to relax, I take a gentle stroll down Green Park into St James’s Park; I find it’s especially beautiful when all the daffodils and the blossom are out. The grocers across the road – Fortnum & Mason – is a great shop, an institution, and of course Jermyn Street is exceptional for gentlemen’s ties and clothes. For a quiet night of conversation with people, I head to The Wolseley – it has good food and good tablecloths. If you go to a restaurant and like the look of the table next to you, it’s quite easy to strike up conversation here in Mayfair. Anyone who’s anyone will come to Mayfair for the mixture of styles and the elegance of architecture – it even smells of luxury, and it’s divine. 17
image courtesy of burberry
agenda Burberry has recently introduced its new monogramming service for fans of the fashion house. You can have up to three initials in a colour of your choice embroidered onto your beloved trench coat. This can be done either in store or online, where you will receive an instant preview of what your chosen monogramming will look like before the process is completed in Castleford, the home of the brand. Burberry’s ideas for personalisation have been implemented on various products, such as cashmere ponchos, so you can be sure of an excellent service and exceptional quality. With 15 shades to choose from, this is sure to be the most individual item for wardrobes to date. Burberry, 21-23 New Bond Street, W1S (burberry.com)
Couture culture We’re celebrating the best of British this month with Burberry’s monogrammed coats and our top picks from Mayfair’s Royal Warrant holders Sheridan Smith (Fanny Brice) by Marc Brenner
theatre
Funny Girl
D
ue to its immense popularity Funny Girl will be transferring from the Menier Chocolate Factory to the Savoy Theatre from 9 April to 8 October for a strictly limited run. Starring Sheridan Smith, Funny Girl is best-known as the Broadway smash that propelled Barbra Streisand to superstardom, and it tells the tale of Fanny Brice who rises from a Brooklyn music hall singer to one of Broadway’s biggest stars. While she was cheered onstage as a great comedienne,
offstage she faced a doomed relationship with the man she loved, Nick Arnstein – a well-known gambler in his day. Bringing Isobel Lennart’s story to life, Smith is an undeniable presence on the stage. It is clear to see why her portrayal of Brice, under direction from Michael Mayer, has been heralded as ‘glorious’. This heartfelt tale, which will have you crying and laughing, is certainly a must-see. Funny Girl runs until 8 October at Savoy Theatre (savoy-theatre.co.uk)
literary itinerary
Oscar de la Renta was one of fashion’s most influential designers and in this new book created in collaboration with his family, you can truly immerse yourself in the life and times of the couturier. With a touching introduction by Vogue editor and lifelong friend of the designer, André Leon Talley, the book thematically explores how de la Renta’s experiences shaped his epochal creations – from his upbringing in Dominican Republic to the plethora of supermodels and celebrities he dressed. Sumptuous illustrations and fabulous shots from the ’60s and ’70s beautifully document just how incredible his vast career was. This tome is a sensitive tribute to the late creative, which highlights not just his artistry and technique but the cultural influences that were fostered by his visionary work. Oscar de la Renta, £50, published by Prestel Publishing in association with the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (prestel.com)
The mayfair Magazine | Regulars
5 top picks
The Royal treatment
As the Queen celebrates her 90th birthday, we present Mayfair’s Royal Warrant holders #1 Chocolate, £180, Charbonnel et Walker (charbonnel.co.uk)
film
Eye in the Sky
P
remiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, Eye in the Sky is a gripping topical thriller that offers suspense at every turn. The drama stars the spectacular Dame Helen Mirren as Colonel Katherine Powell – a Londonbased military intelligence officer who leads a secret drone mission to capture a terrorist group living in Nairobi, Kenya. The mission suddenly escalates when Powell discovers the group is about to embark on a deadly mission of its own
helen mirren as katherine powell, image courtesy of eone films
and it is up to drone pilot Steve Watts in Nevada (Aaron Paul) to target the group for destruction. Paul, who rose to fame during his turn as Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad, is outstanding and more than holds his own against the heavyweight forces of Mirren and Alan Rickman. One of the last films to be completed by Rickman before his death in January, Eye in the Sky is sure to be remembered for more reasons than one. Eye in the Sky is in cinemas nationwide 15 April (eonefilms.com)
#2 Perfume, £88, Penhaligon’s (penhaligons.com)
#3 Cufflinks, £295, Purdey (purdey.com)
#4 Scarf, £69.95, Barbour (barbour.com)
Spice up your spring picnic with a Rolls-Royce Cocktail Hamper Rolls-royce cocktail hamper, £26,000, h.r. owen (hrowen.co.uk)
#5 Bangle, £30,000, Asprey (asprey.com) s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s
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The mayfair Magazine | Feature
Making a
splash Since launching her eponymous footwear brand in 2012, Sophia Webster has made waves in the industry with her whimsical designs. Olivia Sharpe speaks to the British shoe designer ahead of the opening of her first flagship store on Mount Street this spring
F
un is a word that can often be lost in the fashion industry. Few dare to show a bit of humour, perhaps for fear that they won’t be taken seriously, but that cannot be said for Sophia Webster. I have long been a fan of her collections because they have personality and this is
Photography: Charlotte Rutherford
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demonstrated perfectly in the designer’s new range of Speech Bubble handbags. Emblazoned with catchphrases such as ‘Don’t be Jelly’, they dare to be different from the sea of colourless accessories that currently flood the market and are part of the designer’s first dedicated handbag collection launching this month, encompassing totes, cross-body bags, pouchettes and bucket bags. This charisma is similarly captured in the British designer’s latest S/S16 collection, which has been inspired by a ‘Mermaid Launderette’. The live presentation saw washing machines, mermaid tails, life-size seashells and other ocean life swarm the set, which had been designed by Shona Heath. From vinyl mules with fish-detailing straps to coralembellished laser-cut heels and aqua print platform wedges, this is arguably her most elaborate and accomplished collection to date. Often influenced by old films, musicians and favourite artists, on this occasion Sophia drew reference to the 1984 box office hit, Splash, about a man (Tom Hanks) falling in love with a mermaid (Daryl Hannah): “Think Daryl Hannah at David Hockney’s poolside in California,” she comments. Since launching her company, the 30-year-old designer has been making waves in the industry, winning the Condé Nast Footwear Designer of the Year award in 2012 and the British Fashion Council’s internationallyrecognised NEWGEN award for three seasons in a row. Charging full steam ahead, Sophia opened a pop-up store in Burlington Arcade just a year later and
The mayfair Magazine | Feature
ever since then, the industry has been waiting with bated breath for the announcement of her first stand-alone store. Fortunately, the wait is finally over. Sophia Webster’s new boutique will open on Mount Street this spring, joining industry titans Christian Louboutin, Oscar de la Renta and Céline. Sophia explains how she wanted the store to reflect “the same feminine sensibility as my shoes”. You can therefore expect lots of playful, fun-loving touches in the design, from the “beautiful pastel pink onyx running throughout” to the “intricate flamingo detailing” on the cornices (the bird has become a symbol of the brand, having arisen from the designer’s love of its unusual shade of pink). In spite of her tongue-in-cheek designs and youthful appearance, you can be sure that Webster takes her business very seriously. She was fortunate enough to be talentspotted at a young age by designer Nicholas Kirkwood while she was studying at the Royal College of Art. Following a two-year stint as his assistant, she took away some valuable truths, the most important of which has been: “Mistakes are your best lessons, but you have to learn fast.” Despite the company only being four years old, to Webster it seems much older. “It actually doesn’t feel like an overnight success. It has taken a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get to where we are now.” The designer’s love of shoes dates back to when she was a girl – she still remembers the first pair that she was obsessed with: Patrick Cox jelly shoes that had a miniature Eiffel Tower inside the heel. From a young age, Sophia has been a keen dancer and she and her sister Claudia would travel around the world competing. However, work and other commitments got in the way of this dream and just as well it did, as this is what led Sophia to discover
her passion for drawing. “I stopped dancing to focus on my exams and that’s when I really got into art. As a teenager, I enrolled into the Royal College of Art and discovered I loved drawing shoes.” The designer has long been an admirer of Manolo Blahnik, who is well known for his artistic approach of sketching beautifully detailed illustrations before his shoes are crafted. “It has always fascinated me, the way different designers draw shoes and Manolo is by far the best. His illustrations are so full of life.” Although Sophia has remained true to traditional craftsmanship elements, she is also part of a new pool of designers unafraid to experiment with bold creations. The S/S14 range saw the rise of the Butterfly collection, which notably featured the Evangeline heels and the Chiara sandals (which have since evolved into the popular Angel Wing design). “I think all my female customers appreciate the feminine sensibility in the way I design and the special details. It may be a crystalembellished heel on a black satin pump, or a hand-drawn print on the lining of a bag.” Sophia’s fun-loving spirit has undoubtedly been nurtured by the arrival of her daughter Bibi Blossom in 2014, who influenced her mini shoewear collection that launched last year. With the “relentless fashion calendar” being “unforgiving”, Sophia likes nothing better than spending time with her family in her spare time. “My weekends are best spent going for walks in Epping Forest.” While only time will tell whether Webster’s latest venture – her first stand-alone store – will sink or swim, given her current record I, for one, am certain that it will be the latter. 124 Mount Street,W1K (sophiawebster.com)
“It has taken a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get to where we are now”
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The Art of Fine Dining 2015 – a masterclass by the internationally renowned floral designer Karen Tran at Café Royal London, planned with Bruce Russell. Photo Credit: John Nassari
The life of the
party
bruce russell by jez dickson
T
Already a major player in the world of weddings, Bruce Russell is now branching out into lifestyle party planning. Katy Parker finds out why
he summer party season is nearly upon us and Bruce Russell, esteemed wedding and party planner extraordinaire, is dusting off the silver in his newly acquired Surrey home in anticipation. “My passions lie in entertaining,” he tells me, “whether it’s hosting at home or planning an event in a venue, for me it’s all about creating that perfect experience, not only for the guests but for the host too.” Russell started his career in hospitality, working for hotel chains across the world before starting off on a road that led him to planning weddings at The Savoy Hotel. Now, Russell is looking to
branch out into general party planning. He says of the move: “Weddings are intimate and personal celebrations – which I love – but parties enable you to be a little more creative, whether it’s a dinner party in your home or a birthday or special occasion. Plus it means you can spread events out throughout the year.” When I ask Russell what his top tips would be for preparing a summer festivity he reflects, “People are going back to that era of entertaining. There are so many occasions in the summer: Wimbledon, Royal Ascot – so there are lots of opportunities for theming. Pick one element to focus on and
The mayfair Magazine | Feature
Gold dining. photo Credit: Amara
conceptualise around that; so if that is Wimbledon, serve strawberries and cream and hire someone to greet people when they arrive wearing Wimbledon whites. I feel as though, currently, it’s almost as if people are tired of going out, so it’s about bringing the restaurant in; hiring a private chef to create dinner, or borrowing a mixologist from an awardwinning bar. It’s all about the little touches – these are what make an event memorable.” And what is Russell’s advice for enjoying your own get-together? “It’s all in the planning – and making a lot of lists. I think of it as a theatre production, divided into different acts, which represent the different processes. If you can, have a dress rehearsal.” Russell has applied his creativity and meticulous organisational techniques to an impressive portfolio, spanning everything from sumptuous weddings in Marrakech to an industry soirée themed around going to bed. In the midst of this ever-expanding repertoire is the prestigious The Mayfair Awards, which were held at The Ritz London last October. I asked Russell what it was like to work on the event. “It was great. The exciting thing for me was working out how I could put my own stamp on it. In the end it was working with the sponsors, creating concepts in different rooms so that the event offered so much more than just a glass of Champagne – and The Ritz London was the perfect space for that. Ultimately, we showcased each brand in a subtle, yet very luxurious, way.” When it comes to holding an event elsewhere in the area, which venues would make Russell’s shortlist? “I love Annabel’s for something quirky yet still sophisticated. I would love to host a house party in The Arts Club, or recreate Breakfast at Tiffany’s at one of the Bond Street jewellers.” Looking ahead, Russell is focused on world domination. “I want to grow the name internationally. I spent a long time building a business in the UK that was centred around weddings, but I would like to build on my international reputation, and more in the realm of lifestyle. For me it’s about having the opportunity to be creative and to push boundaries.” It seems that for Russell, the party has only just begun. (bybrucerussell.com)
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Marrakech wedding planned by Bruce Russell. photo Credit: Jez Dickson
Roberto Cavalli tableware. photo Credit: Amara
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112341 Penhaligons Equinox Bloom Ad Runwild Media 1
10/03/2016 15:56
The mayfair Magazine | Collection
Two Worlds Collide
T
o celebrate the 85th anniversary of the Reverso wristwatch, Jaeger-LeCoultre has given Christian Louboutin free reign to apply his own inventiveness to the timepiece. The original Reverso was designed by Jacques-David LeCoultre in 1931 at the request of British army officers in India. They wanted a watch that could stand the trials of a polo match. LeCoultre’s answer was a flip dial watch whose face could be concealed against the wrist
s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s
during play. Louboutin’s Reverso Classic Duetto is available in two sizes: 34.2mm x 21mm and 40mm x 24.4mm. It retains the watch’s emblematic face on the front, while the back takes on a far more Christian Louboutin feel – framed, as it is, by two rows of diamonds on either side of the dial. Reverso Classic Duetto, small (pink gold) £15,200, medium (steel) £7,950, Jaeger-LeCoultre (jaeger-lecoultre.com)
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Collection | The mayfair Magazine
Jewellery news WORDS: OLIVIA SHARPE
Vogue on British Vogue has been setting trends for a century. In light of this milestone, Royal jeweller Mappin & Webb – which appeared in the very first issue published in September 1916 – has chosen to collaborate with the publication on a unique piece of jewellery. The limited-edition Vogue 100 sterling silver bracelet pays tribute to the magazine’s centenary through the engraved medallion and diamond set charm, and honours Mappin & Webb as one of Britain’s leading silversmiths. This reputation was cemented in 1897 when it was granted a Royal Warrant. Vogue 100 bracelet, £295, Mappin & Webb, Old Bond Street, W1S (mappinandwebb.com)
Drama queen Never one to rest on her laurels, Lydia Courteille’s new Queen of Sheba collection reigned supreme at this year’s Paris Haute Couture Week. The jeweller has paid homage to the legendary biblical figure in 18 high jewellery pieces comprising precious stones that originate from Ethiopia, the country she famously ruled over. A ring featuring vivid tsavorites and tourmalines is set in earthy brown rhodium gold, while a green peridot tiara surrounded by diamonds, sapphires and tsavorites (that form two snakes in the centre) is the perfect tribute to the mythical queen. Queen of Sheba collection, POA, Lydia Courteille (lydiacourteille.com) 28
Bee Line There has evidently been a hive of activity at Theo Fennell’s Chelsea workshop because the company has just released a series of pieces in collaboration with Forevermark diamonds. “It has been wonderful to work with the best cut, most recognisable, ethically-sourced stones in the world. I believe we have done them justice,” Theo Fennell comments. Fusing the jeweller’s trademark meticulous craftsmanship with Forevermark’s diamond expertise, it is a partnership that has got the jewellery industry buzzing, with standout pieces including the Bee brooch. Featuring a 3.13-carat diamond with pavé stones and set in 18-carat gold, it also doubles up as a pendant. Bee brooch, £125,000, Theo Fennell, 169 Fulham Road, SW3 (theofennell.com)
Ahead of the Game As we await the 2016 Olympic & Paralympic Games in Rio, all eyes are on Brazil and how the country will shape up in preparation for the world-famous event. Brazilian-born jeweller Lily Elia, however, has already proven her weight in the fine jewellery industry. Since launching her company, Lily Gabriella, in London in 2011, it has gone from strength to strength and this year sees the arrival of her first website. Allowing customers to buy pieces online, the site also showcases the latest collection. Sassy Chic and Ouh Lala ear cuff, £750 each, Lily Gabriella (lilygabriella.com)
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Photography Philip Waterman | Stylist Jess Stebbings
A Website. A Mindset. A Lifestyle. @luxurylondonofficial
@luxurylondonofficial
@theofficialll
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Collection | The mayfair Magazine
Watch news WORDS: RICHARD BROWN
Gold Standard The world’s most iconic precious metal has been reintroduced to one of Audemars Piguet’s most iconic watches. Missing from collections for years, yellow gold returns to a range of the brand’s Royal Oak timepieces. Considered a purer alternative to red or rose gold, yellow gold versions of eight watches are now available, including the Royal Oak Chronograph, Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar and Royal Oak Selfwinding. The gentlemen of Mayfair will be thrilled. (audemarspiguet.com)
Strike three Ahead of Baselword 2016, the brothers behind British brand Bremont have announced the launch of three new core collection timepieces. The MBII (£3,595) is now available with a white dial and features a striking new look, with a distinctive knurled effect on the aluminium barrel; the ALT1-C Polished Black Chronograph (£4,695) adds to Bremont’s first non-limited edition polished steel range; while the ALT1-ZT/51 (£4,295) is one of the brand’s most handsome timepieces to date. (bremont.com)
Collector’s edition The recently revealed Luminor 8 Days Set is sure to make any self-styled ‘Paneristi’ weak at the knees. The collectible set contains two watches inspired by models created between 1993 and 1997 – the period from the brand’s first public collection, to the year it was acquired by the Richemont group. Only a tiny number of watches were produced in that time and they have become highly sought-after. The box contains a Luminor Black Seal Left-Handed 8 Days, a Luminor Daylight 8 Days, and a model of a slow-speed Siluro a Lenta Corsa torpedo. Luminor 8 Days Set, £15,200, Panerai (panerai.com)
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World Traveller Time travel is the watch world’s current buzzword du jour. Everyone from small independents to industry heavyweights is thinking up ways of keeping us on time wherever we are on the planet. While lacking second time zone or world time functions, Vacheron Constantin’s updated Overseas collection has been designed with the jetsetter in mind. The range includes five new models (12 references in total), all of which are equipped with manufacture movements and are water-resistant to a minimum of 50 metres. Available in steel or gold, the sporty timepieces can be dressed up or kept casual thanks to easily interchangeable bracelets and straps. (vacheron-constantin.com)
s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s
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Work like a
Charm Fawaz Gruosi has become a superstar on the international jewellery scene and at 63, he shows no signs of slowing down. The Geneva-based founder of De Grisogono discusses women, diamonds and the future with Olivia Sharpe
C
harm is an impossible thing to define, but very easy to spot. I can confirm that after meeting Fawaz Gruosi, founder of De Grisogono, he has it in diamonds. And judging from the steady stream of female celebrities pictured with him over the years, I am not the first woman to think so.
All store images courtesy of: Adrien Dirand
This year, De Grisogono opened its new London flagship and while the design project was undertaken by the David Collins studio, Fawaz played a big hand in terms of the overall look and feel. The sumptuous interior complements the vivid gemstones on display, from the emerald green and ruby red upholstery to the amethyst floors. The space is divided into three separate areas – the Corte, Stanza del Tempo and Grand Sala – based on the idea of a traditional Italian house to tie in with the founder’s Florentine heritage. At 63, Fawaz Gruosi hasn’t let standards slip, impeccably dressed in a custom-made suit courtesy of Milanese tailor A.Caraceni and a bespoke Turnbull & Asser shirt. As he talks airily, lightly waving a cigarette around and occasionally pausing to sip his coffee, I can see how the sophisticated jeweller, with his old school Italian glamour, has impressed so many female fans over the years. The store’s creation occurred in a record-breaking 12 months, making it very clear that the jeweller has not settled for life in the slow lane. Fawaz founded his company in Geneva in 1993 and it boasts 14 stores around the world, but he insists that he wants to cap the number at 30. “My principle from the beginning was for ladies at cocktail parties not to be wearing the same jewellery pieces,” he explains. “This is what has been happening in fashion for a long time, but it has almost never happened with us
The mayfair Magazine | Collection Photography: Toby Webb
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and I want to keep it that way. This is why I’m against opening too many shops. It will mean losing the charm of the company.” The jeweller’s playboy lifestyle has been welldocumented over the years, but make no mistake, he has never lost his shrewd business acumen. Having started De Grisogono on a shoestring, unable to afford “to open a chocolate shop never mind a jewellery company”, it made him resolute to steer his own path. “If you look in every major city – New York, London, Paris, Milan, Dubai – you see so much jewellery. I realised that the market needed something new, something different.” While financially hard-up when starting his business, Fawaz had a wealth of experience in the industry (albeit no formal training), starting aged 18 working for a jeweller before being taken on by two heavyweight brands: Harry Winston followed by Bulgari. As Winston’s representative in Dubai in the late ’70s, Fawaz looked after clients when the oil boom in Saudi Arabia resulted in “money falling from the sky”. He was taken out for lavish lunches and dinners and barely worked three-hour days, but soon got tired of it all. “Life was getting too easy and I was scared; scared because I realised I was starting to develop the same mentality as them. There is nothing wrong with that if you have the money, but I didn’t. If I had stayed another three years, I don’t think I ever would have left.”
He went on to work for Bulgari for eight years under the mentorship of then CEO Gianni Bulgari. After three months of being confined to Gianni’s office living off an apple and a yoghurt every day and “nearly dying from the cigarette smoke from six in the morning until midnight” (where he no doubt picked up his habit), Gianni gave the then 33-year-old Fawaz the post of looking after VIPs worldwide. “It was probably the best time of my life,” he reminisces. “Bulgari was considered God at the time and pieces were selling like hot cakes.” However, according to the jeweller, a family disagreement resulted in the CEO walking out in 1985 and Fawaz following him. Fawaz had learnt invaluable lessons, the most important being that he had to offer something different from the tired market. “There were a lot of rich people who bought a lot of jewellery, but they stopped buying because it had all become the same.” After splitting from his two partners, he took his first (of several) major business risks by buying black diamonds at a time when they had no market value. After receiving a lot of criticism, he nearly packed it in, but a big break in 1995 saved him when two big jewellers started using the stones too. Today, natural black diamonds are valued very highly, proving that his decision paid off.
The mayfair Magazine | Collection
After that, everything the jeweller touched turned to gold. Next, he invested in milky diamonds, which had been widely disregarded as “defective stones”, but Fawaz rebranded them ‘icy diamonds’ and they were an overnight success. Along with mixing unusual stones and materials, he was breaking new ground with design, experimenting with off-the-wall creations that were praised for their daring, playfulness and ingenuity. “I was coming out with a lot of craziness, but that craziness was quickly becoming something that was considered innovative.” A true artist, Fawaz has never sacrificed design in favour of a profit, putting shape first, stones second. “You have to be completely crazy to cut a 15-carat ruby because it is extremely unusual and rare to find, and you lose a lot of the weight by cutting it.” Fawaz’s motto is: “It is in the freedom of details that you find pure luxury.” In 2000, De Grisogono launched its first timepiece collection. A relative stripling in comparison to other historic Swiss watchmakers, I ask Fawaz what sets his contemporary designs apart. “It’s very simple. A lot of jewellers sell classic watches that are exactly the same style as their grandfathers’. For instance, I don’t do jewellery sets because the client ends up looking like a Christmas tree. It’s like clothes. You mix colours, styles, but you have to have a bit of taste to put them together properly.”
While acknowledging that he knew nothing about the mechanics of watchmaking, he did understand design. Tired of traditional styles, Fawaz instead created simple, pared-back pieces that emphasised function. De Grisogono has since brought the watch industry forward with pioneering innovations, such as the Meccanico DG: the first mechanical watch to power a digital-style display. Fawaz teases that the one thing his female customers all share in common is jealousy: “When a lady comes into our shop, there is typically another woman with her saying, ‘no it doesn’t suit you’, or ‘no it’s too expensive.’ So I hate it when a few ladies come in because 90 per cent of the time we lose a sale.” However, it is his love of women that has enabled him to tap into what kind of jewellery they want to wear. And he admits that one of his longest-standing clients, Sharon Stone, shares many similarities with him. “She is the one I get along with most because she’s a bit crazy like me. She’s always fun, but very difficult at the same time,” he finishes, smiling. Today, De Grisogono is a truly global force and although its founder notes that the rest of the industry is afraid of how current political unrest will affect sales in the future, for the jeweller it is business as usual. “I’m going on like everything is perfect.” And considering Fawaz’s life experience, you can see why. 15a New Bond Street, W1S (degrisogono.com)
“It is in the freedom of details that you find pure luxury”
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Fashion | The mayfair Magazine photo: Vincent Peters for Gieves & Hawkes
Down in Havana No. 1 Savile Row has come over all Caribbean in its new S/S16 campaign shot by Vincent Peters and modelled by rising star Charlie France. Peters, who is well-known for his beautiful and dramatic portraits of A-listers and cinematic editorials, captures the essence of Gieves & Hawkes and the laid-back Cuban spirit in the images, which feature lightweight tailoring and modern neutrals. Now just add a daiquiri and a cigar, and you’ve got a combination as suave as a character from a Hemingway novel. Gieves & Hawkes, 1 Savile Row, W1S (020 7432 6403; gievesandhawkes.com)
Style spy WORDS: MARIANNE DICK
Modern classic Marc Hare founded his eponymous footwear company in 2008 and has since won over stylish fans such as Mark Ronson and Tom Hardy who represent the sharp, yet rebellious edge of the brand. In keeping with Mr Hare’s contemporary yet traditional ethos, the new Andreas style is an updated version of the classic double monk strap shoe with a sleeker higher-set buckle. Andreas shoes, £425, Mr Hare, 8 Stafford Street, W1S (020 7495 4200; mrhare.com)
A noble institution Bourdon House, the setting of many thrilling stories, is at the heart of Mayfair and its rich history. Still today, it remains a prestigious location as the home of Alfred Dunhill. The brand’s new collection is the quintessence of refinement and includes this truly extraordinary grooming set, handcrafted from fine materials including stainless steel and roebuck horn. Grooming set, from £250, Alfred Dunhill, Bourdon House, 2 Davies Street, W1K (020 7853 4429; dunhill.com) 36
Dressed to kill This month we meet Mr Burberry, the herbal and woody new fragrance inspired by the iconic black trench coat and our colourful capital city. To celebrate the launch, Burberry has released a capsule collection featuring grooming products such as beard oil for the thoroughly modern man. Also included is a new trench coat in a striking royal blue – classic yet bold, to represent the ultimate British gentleman. Chelsea Heritage Trench Coat, £1,195, Burberry, available exclusively at Harrods (020 3626 7020; harrods.com)
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Fashion | The mayfair Magazine Photography by Sofia et Mauro
New nudes A flattering neutral shoe is a staple for every woman’s closet, however problems often occur when it comes to the right shade of nude. Christian Louboutin has now expanded his revolutionary collection to a range of seven colours from porcelain to deep chocolate. He has also introduced a brand new pointed toe ballet style Solasofia in a meltingly soft matte nappa leather, for the ultimate comfort and fit. Louboutin fans need not fear though, it’s not all about plain Pantones, there’s still a glimpse of that famous red sole. Christian Louboutin, 17 Mount Street, W1K (christianlouboutin.com)
Style update WORDS: MARIANNE DICK
The Mount Street effect There’s a certain excitement that surrounds the news of fresh arrivals on Mount Street with names such as Céline, Loewe and Lanvin already gracing the ochre brickwork. J & M Davidson has recently settled in at number 104 with its elegant wares and minimal boutique, which features a striking ceiling artwork by Rebecca Louise Law. For the husband and wife team, John and Monique, this is less of a new beginning and more of a homecoming, as they used to work above the Medici Gallery in Mayfair in the ’80s. J & M Davidson, 104 Mount Street, W1K (jandmdavidson.com)
Fairy tale fashion Dream dressmaker Jenny Packham has refurbished her Carlos Place flagship store, bringing her whole collection under one roof. Her ready-to-wear pieces are located on the first floor, while bridal lights up the ground floor, and customers can also choose the perfect accessories and lingerie to complement their fairy tale gown. Jenny Packham London, 3a Carlos Place, Mount Street, W1K (020 7493 6295; jennypackham.com) 38
Hand candy Nathalie Trad has been quietly making a name for herself for the past few years, attracting a high-fashion clientele including Sienna Miller and Olivia Palermo. Trad begins designing a bag as if it is a work of art, before adding the functionality, resulting in stunning sculptural creations made out of unusual materials such as shell and wood that resemble pieces of intergalactic rock or 1920s jewellery boxes. For her most recent collection, Trad took inspiration from the Art Deco streets of South Beach Miami. Nathalie Trad, available at Selfridges (nathalietrad.com)
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42, Conduit Street - London
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Pure
Shores
Make waves this month as a medley of bold prints, neon brights and clashing patterns takes us into spring in superb style P h o t o g r a p h y: P h i l l i p W at e r m a n s t y l i s t: C a m i l l a T u r n e r
Dress, £1,340, skirt, £850 and shoes, £500, all Marni (marni.com). Necklace, £80, Moxham at Kabiri (kabiri.co.uk)
Fashion | The mayfair Magazine
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The mayfair Magazine | Fashion
ABOVE Top, POA, Mary Katrantzou (marykatrantzou.com). Top (worn underneath), £420, Natasha Zinko, 46 Maddox Street, W1S (natashazinko.com). Culottes, £295, Milly (milly.com). Belt, £380, Marni, as before. Shoes, £625, Paul Andrew at shoescribe.com. Bracelet, £85, by Vojd Studios at Kabiri, as before
Left Coat, £2,995, Burberry (burberry.com)
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Fashion | The mayfair Magazine
ABOVE Dress, POA, Christopher Kane (christopherkane.com). Cuff, £195, Noritamy at Kabiri, as before
Right Top, £610, and skirt, £800, both Roksanda Ilincic (selfridges.com). Shoes, £595, Paul Andrew at Matches Fashion (matchesfashion.com)
The mayfair Magazine | Regulars
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The mayfair Magazine | Fashion
ABOVE Top, £1,100, David Koma (davidkoma.com). Skirt, £270, Caterina Gatta at Matches Fashion, as before. Earrings, £120, Noritamy at Kabiri, as before
Left Dress, £1,000, Marco De Vincenzo at Matches Fashion, as before. Jacket, £1,545, Christopher Kane, 6 Mount Street, W1K (christopherkane.com). Shoes, POA, Paul Andrew (paulandrew.com). Necklace, £48, Cooee at Kabiri, as before
credits Hair and make-up: Rachel Jones at Terri Manduca using MAC and Kevin Murphy Photographer’s assistant: Kiti Swannell Stylist’s assistant: Sadie Kohler Model: Ineta at IMG
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Q&A with… Royal Academician, Ann Christopher, on her new show at Royal Academy of Arts
Art news Photography takes centre stage this month, with rock ‘n’ roll portraits at Snap Galleries and still lifes by Guido Mocafico words: carol cordrey
Moves like Jagger Veteran photographer Gered Mankowitz first became acquainted with The Rolling Stones after music manager Andrew Oldham, a fan of Mankowitz’s earlier work, invited him to shoot the band. Oldham proved his eye for talent once again, when the portraits developed into important album covers for the group. The exhibition of images spans 1965-67, revealing the Stones as relaxed or posed, youthful or as experienced performers. For fans of the group and of distinctive photography, this show is an unmissable event and the accompanying, rare book is a must-have collectors’ item. Rolling Stones by Gered Mankowitz, published by Ormond Yard Press, June 2016, £395; Off the Hook: The Rolling Stones by Gered Mankowitz, 1 April-28 May (snapgalleries.com)
A glass act Italian still life photographer Guido Mocafico’s subject emerged from Bohemian father-and-son master-craftsmen, Leopold (1822-1895) and Rudolf (1857-1939) Blaschka, whose careers were devoted to creating commissioned glass models of marine invertebrates and plants. They were a class act and their exquisite artefacts became revered by major global museums – yet they were held as hidden treasures due to their delicacy. Mocafico shared this sense of admiration and, as such, dedicated himself to bringing Blaschka’s masterpieces to public attention using his own medium of photography. The results are mesmerising, jewel-like images. Guido Mocafico: Blaschka, 18 March-24 May (hamiltonsgallery.com)
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Q: You are a distinguished sculptor; would you describe these drawings as independent works or as experimental designs for sculpture? A: They are very much independent works and equally important to me. I will start a series of works on paper often when my sculpture is going through a transition phase, I will complete the series and return to making sculpture or vice versa. I rarely draw and make sculpture at the same time. Q: Are the serene, soft effects from crayon, pastel and graphite an intentional contrast from the rest of your metallic work? A: No – in this instance the use of pastel allowed me to achieve the tonal effects I wanted. The graphite and crayon created the precision – which does reflect in my sculpture, and some of my sculptures are also patinated in pale colours, but the drawings are in no way a rest from the sculpture. Q: Your audience identifies you with abstract art but are your colour choices naturalistic? A: All colours are from nature, and my images are expressions of observed experiences; they invoke these rather than record them. Ann Christopher RA: Drawing – The Lines of Time, 25 February-29 May (royalacademy.org.uk)
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Clockwise from top left: the rolling stones, ormond yard, 1964 ©Gered Mankowitz; Ann Christopher RA, The Lines of Time, 2014-16 Drawings in pastel, graphite and crayon on Arches Platine paper, 270 x 290 mm ©the artist; LEOPOLD & RUDOLf BLASCHKA, Bougainvillia fruiticosa, ©Guido Mocafico, 2014, courtesy of the University Museum of Utrecht, The Netherlands; LEOPOLD & RUDOLF BLASCHKA, Porpita meditteranea, ©Guido Mocafico, 2013, courtesy of the Natural History Museum of Geneva,Switzerland; LEOPOLD & RUDOLF BLASCHKA, Octopus vulgaris, ©Guido Mocafico, 2013, courtesy of the Natural History Museum of London, UK
Art | The mayfair Magazine
Original, limited-edition Art Deco posters by leading artists
Limited to editions of 280, our newly-commissioned Art Deco posters feature glamorous holiday destinations around the world, ski resorts in the Austrian, French and Swiss Alps, and the world’s greatest historic automobiles. Over 100 designs to choose from, all printed on 100% cotton fine art paper, measuring 97 x 65 cms.
Priced at £395 each.
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Pullman Editions Ltd 94 Pimlico Road Chelsea London SW1W 8PL www.pullmaneditions.com Tel: +44 (0)20 7730 0547 Email: georgina@pullmaneditions.com
Our central London gallery
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11/03/2016 11:11
Art | The mayfair Magazine
Exhibition Focus
BONHEUR DE VIVRE at Bernard Jacobson Gallery
Renowned gallerist Bernard Jacobson has curated a long-awaited exhibition of his Modernist influences. Marianne Dick uncovers the colourful connections that link the five featured artists
W
hen one looks at the painting Le Bonheur de Vivre by Henri Matisse, where the story of this exhibition begins, there is a particular quote from the leader of the Fauves himself that comes to mind: “It is not enough to place colours, however beautiful, one beside the other; colours must also react on one another. Otherwise, you have cacophony.” One of the most striking elements of this Matisse masterpiece, a painting that is well-known for its astounding emotional presence, is the saturation and composition of colours that symphonise to create a surreal Garden of Eden scene, like a modern Michelangelo fresco. Modern art expert Bernard Jacobson has now put together a 16-piece exhibition that traces the progression from this iconic image to more
Joan Miro, Femme amoureuse de l’etoile filante, 1966, oil on canvas, 13 x 12 cm
contemporary compositions, which use colour as expression rather than representation. Jacobson’s show begins with the works of Matisse and specifically the soft-lined depictions of three females in Jeune fille à la mauresque, robe verte (1921), Jeune femme assise en robe grise (1942) and Nu au peignoir (1933). Moving on to Jean Miró, who was in fact represented by Matisse’s son Pierre, the theme of the female form is continued in the Femme et oiseau series, where figures are simplified to linear shapes, bold lines and colours. Also featured are interactive sculptures by the famously, and refreshingly, lugubrious Alexander Calder – floating constellations of red, black and yellow saucers, which were referred to as ‘mobiles’ by Marcel Duchamp. The penultimate player in Jacobson’s spectacle is Sam Francis and his Abstract Expressionist ‘open paintings’ in which the white space is considered as significant as the vivid sploshes of colour framing it. Finally, the exhibition concludes with an artist who titled one of his works Joy of Living in homage to the inspirational Matisse, and of whose work Jacobson has built up a vast collection, Robert Motherwell. Not only is Bonheur de Vivre a significant collection of Modern art to be displayed under the roof of a single Duke Street gallery, but it is also a bright and joyful exhibition to bask in as we celebrate the beginning of springtime in Mayfair. Until 28 May, Bernard Jacobson Gallery, 28 Duke Street, SW1Y (020 7734 3431; jacobsongallery.com)
The mayfair Magazine | Art
this page clockwise from top left: Joan Miro, Femme et oiseau devant le soleil, 1944, oil on canvas, 34.9 x 26.7 cm; Joan Miro, Paysage, 1974, oil on canvas, 130 x 97 cm; Sam Francis, E V, 1970-71, acrylic on canvas, 304.8 x 182.9cm; Henri Matisse, Jeune fille a la mauresque, robe verte, 1921, oil on canvas, 66 x 55cm; Joan Miro, Femme et oiseau devant le soleil, 1944, oil on canvas, 35 x 27 cm
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#1 Untitled (Let Go) by Barbara Kruger
#2 A late 19th-century diamond and cultured pearl brooch, circa 1880
#3 DJE-DJA-DJOU by Charles Hossein Zenderoudi
Barbara Kruger is one of the most important contemporary artists today, with her jarring slogans pasted across media-sourced imagery. Like other popular artists such as Andy Warhol, Kruger is heavily influenced by graphic design and produces statement pieces that criticise our consumerist world as well as compliment it. Estimated value £60,000-£80,000, New Now sale at Phillips, 13 April (phillips.com)
Bonhams London’s fine jewellery sale features this one-of-a-kind Victorian brooch containing a central old brilliant-cut diamond, which weighs an impressive 14.99 carats. The dazzling stone is framed with 14 old brilliant and cushion-shaped diamonds, and finished with a dangling cultured pearl set in an intricately detailed cap. Estimated value £100,000-£150,000, Fine Jewellery at Bonhams, 20 April (bonhams.com)
For the first time, the yearly Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art auction at Bonhams will be accompanied by The Art of Lebanon sale, which will include works dated from the late 19th century to the 21st century. This calligraphic acrylic piece by Charles Hossein Zenderoudi is inspired by Persian religious imagery. Estimated value £100,000-£150,000, The Art of Lebanon and Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art sale at Bonhams, 27 April (bonhams.com)
Prize lots
1 2
3 #1 Image courtesy of Phillips (Phillips.com) #2, #3 Image courtesy of Bonhams #4 Christie’s Images Limited 2016 #5 Image courtesy of GAVIN GARDINER LTD #6 Image courtesy of Sotheby’s
The mayfair Magazine | Art
#4 A Louis XIV ormolu-mounted, brass-inlaid, red tortoiseshell and boulle marquetry commode Private collections are arguably the most varied and exciting, as they can contain a spectrum of unusual items, such as this ornate Medici commode estimated to be from the 1700s at the time of Louis XIV. This chest would make a fabulous feature piece in any Mayfair room. Estimated value £50,000-£80,000, Noble & Private Collections sale at Christie’s, 26 & 27 April (christies.com)
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#5 John Wilkes gun
#6 Tripode by Pablo Picasso
Specialist firearms auctioneer Gavin Gardiner Ltd holds two inaugural London sales per year and this month an exceptional piece will be on offer: the last new gun that renowned gunmaker John Wilkes built. The firearm – engraved with a game scene and featuring a Prince of Wales grip – is unused and was previously on display at 79 Beak Street. Estimated value £24,000-£28,000, Modern & Vintage Sporting Guns & Rifles at Sotheby’s, 13 April (sothebys.com)
When Pablo Picasso began exploring the art of ceramics, he chose to work with the established husband and wife team of George and Suzanne Ramié at their Madoura atelier, where he produced thousands of pieces spanning a quarter of a century. This particular tripod vase is decorated with the face of Françoise Gilot – one of Picasso’s many lovers. Estimated value £80,000–£120,000, Important Ceramics by Pablo Picasso including Property from the Nina Miller Collection at Sotheby’s, 5 April (sothebys.com)
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The mayfair Magazine | Interiors
Williamson’s wonderland Prince of prints, Matthew Williamson, has teamed up with exceptional furniture maker Duresta to create a fantastical bespoke collection exclusive to Harrods. The range includes five upholstery options, which are available in any of the 40 new fabric designs by Williamson. In his recognisable yet far from typical style, the motifs are full of indulgent shades, such as emerald and amethyst, while the prints are splendidly wild and eccentric. We particularly love the tropical tables that perch on gilded flamingo legs – after all, life is too short to blend in. Duresta for Matthew Williamson, exclusive to Harrods (harrods.com)
Interiors news WORDS: MARIANNE DICK
FINISHING TOUCH
A new tradition In an innovative collaboration that sees one of Berkeley Street’s culinary haunts fused with a 400-year-old Japanese tradition, celebrated chef Nobu Matsuhisa has created a porcelain collection with Arita Plus: a new generation of potters whose skills are derived from centuries of craftspeople in Arita in western Japan. The range includes a sake set in a variety of minimal designs, including vermilion circles representative of the Japanese flag. Arita x Nobu (matsuhisa-japan.com)
Image credit: IOPIUSTUDIO
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Wall to wall Lavish Venetian textiles house Rubelli has launched its third wallcoverings collection titled In Wonderland. Influenced by ancient manuscripts, art and nature, Rubelli’s traditional fabrics have been reinterpreted to produce a diverse range of decorative effects for the wall. Highlights include this Travertino Wall design, which is inspired by the popular lampas Zanni – a pearlescent, antique-effect fabric – and comes in a range of neutrals and a commanding dark jade. Travertino Wall, £98 per metre, Rubelli (020 7349 1590; rubelli.com)
Gravity, the new show by Fredrikson Stallard, is currently on display at the David Gill Gallery until 9 April. The cutting-edge designs include this other-worldly Species II red velvet armchair, which looks as though it has fallen to Earth from the planet Mars, and has just been acquired by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art as part of its permanent collection. Species II armchair, POA, Fredrikson Stallard (fredriksonstallard.com)
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FRANCIS’S APARTMENT photo credit: RICARDO LABOUGLE
The mayfair Magazine | Interiors
Golden
boy
As he makes the move to Mayfair, Marianne Dick talks to interior designer Francis Sultana about his new showroom, art, and island hopping
“I
need sanctuary,” explains self-taught interior designer Francis Sultana as we walk through his immaculate new showroom above the David Gill Gallery on King Street. “It can start getting a bit manic and busy in here.” His office is a cool and airy haven, which overlooks Christie’s auction house through enormous, bright windows. A large, meditative José Yaque painting hangs behind his desk and a kaleidoscope of drawing tools are laid out beneath. On one wall there are neatly pinned sketches and phrases, a candle flickers gently and, of course, every item of furniture draws the eye. The showroom has only been here in Mayfair since February, but Sultana – who moved to England from the Maltese island of Gozo when he was 19 – has lived in the area for the past eight years. “I’ve lived in Kensington, Chelsea and Belgravia since I’ve been here, but I’ve been gradually heading this way. I would prefer to stay in Mayfair as I love the fact that I can walk everywhere; it’s the centre of London for me.” The move came as a natural and logical progression as Sultana is also the creative director of the David Gill Gallery downstairs – a relationship that has played a substantial part in his career. Sultana first walked into the gallery in 1991 when it was on Fulham Road, just four years after it had been set up by David Gill; he was
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FRANCIS SULTANA photo CREDIT: BILLAL TARIGHT
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“I would prefer to stay in Mayfair as I love the fact that I can walk everywhere; it’s the centre of London for me” only visiting the city at the time, but returned the following year to begin working there. The first clients to hire Sultana when he launched his own studio and brand in 2011 were those in the same circle, who shared his unrelenting appetite for art: “I’ve been fortunate in the way that I’ve worked for wonderful clients and now, as I’m in my fifth year of my own business, I’m doing second homes for them,” says Sultana. As creative director of the David Gill Gallery, he now works with current artists and designers to help them imagine the collectables of the future, encouraging them to stretch themselves creatively as much as possible. “I’m learning at David Gill every day still – I believe everyone has to learn every day – but I love the energy that I get with the different designers, and I think now I’m taking the gallery to a different level… it’s much more global. In a way, we’re pioneers in creating something that’s about luxury and the aesthetics of the design house, but we’re also cutting edge. It’s exciting because the work I do there translates to the work in my interior projects – what I’m creating downstairs, I’m using upstairs.” One of the most striking characteristics about Sultana is his affinity with his clients and on this particular day, he has been sketching an idea for a little girl’s first bed. “I love the idea. It’s such a precious thing, and maybe in 20 years’ time that young girl will be having her first apartment, so it’ll be another
generation. I consider myself an editor and therefore every home or project has to reflect the character of what or who it belongs to.” This is such a key part of his creative process that he often names his designs after clients and muses. One such example is the Yana collection, which is titled after the philanthropist CEO of Intelligence Squared Group and one of Sultana’s “dearest, dearest” friends Yana Peel. Sultana decorated Peel’s London home, but their friendship runs much deeper than design – they are both profoundly involved in the NSPCC and have raised millions of pounds through events such as the annual Art Gala. It’s quite clear that Sultana isn’t one to shy away from getting involved: whether it’s charity work, being on the Development Advisory Board for the Victoria and Albert Museum or even his interior design. He recalls one project on the Greek island of Hydra where the only means of installing the half-tonne sculptures was with donkeys and labourers: “I literally had blood on my hands it was that difficult – some things have to be seen to be believed! “Hydra, I suppose, reminded me of back home on the little island of Gozo; I liked that kind of life. I’m an island boy. I love islands wherever they are. Greek islands, Maltese islands, Caribbean islands, Britain – they are for me.” While he is at home on an island, as a man he cannot be compared to one. A mantra tacked up on his office wall reads: ‘If you are loved by three people, it’s like having money in the bank’, and it’s
THIS PAGE, ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT: ANITA DAY BED, POA; ANITA BANQUETTE, POA; ANITA CHAIR, POA, ALL AVAILABLE AT FRANCIS SULTANA, 2-4 KING STREET, SW1Y (020 7589 5946; FRANCISSULTANA.COM). PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRANCIS SULTANA Opposite page from top: LONDON TOWNHOUSE, photo CREDIT: MANOLO YLLERA; FRANCIS SULTANA STUDIO AND SHOWROOM, photo CREDIT: MARTIN SLIVKA
The mayfair Magazine | Interiors
easy to see that he flourishes with people around him, just as his clients, the artists at David Gill and the children helped by the NSPCC, undoubtedly thrive as a result of his actions. But according to the curiously modest designer, he hasn’t reached his career peak yet: “We just want to continue doing what we do with interesting homes. I think I’m getting my first approaches for some commercial work, which is interesting: I dabbled with one store last year for Armorial at Thomas Goode on South Audley Street. “There are homes going on from Mustique to New York to London; we’re doing a boat with Royal Huisman in Holland and I’m doing my first country house in Herefordshire. “I’m fortunate that my team is now based in a professional office and has great clients. I think we’re on another phase of growth and obviously we see ourselves as a very international firm.” The golden word for Sultana is ‘global’, but something tells me it’s the start of an exciting new chapter for Mayfair, too, now that he and his team have landed. (francissultana.com)
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Bentley does it Jennifer Mason puts the term ‘Grand Tourer’ to the test on the winding roads of Victoria, Australia in the 2016 Bentley GT Continental V8 S
The mayfair Magazine | Feature
S
ince its inception in 2003 the Bentley GT Continental has been a popular choice with discerning motorists thanks to its elegant design, powerful engine, and comfortable interior. You might even say that it boasts the ‘tri-fecta’, necessary to lure in potential customers from around the world. Recent months have seen the launch of the latest model, the 2016 V8 S, widely reputed to be the best GT Continental yet. Time to see whether the rumours are true. Considering Australia’s ‘nanny state’ attitude, one could argue that doing a road test of one of the most powerful tourers currently on the market in a country where speed limits are rigorously enforced is a waste of time.
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I disagree. If I wanted to hoon the Bentley round a track at a gazillion rpm, as countless others have done before, I could have stayed in Blighty. No – getting this beautiful beast out on the open road to discover why it truly merits the name GT was an infinitely more enticing proposition, even if it meant sticking religiously to the speed limit – not least of all for the promise of a little sunshine. February in London? No thanks, I’m off down under. I collect the Candy Red V8 S convertible from Melbourne’s Lance Dixon Bentley and, after stowing away my luggage (the boot is surprisingly roomy for a convertible) hit the open road towards my first destination: Inverloch, a few hours’ drive along the coast.
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The two-and-a-half-tonne GT V8 S convertible does a remarkable 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds It’s immediately apparent that the sight of a Bentley is far more common in Mayfair than Melbourne. I soon lose count of the number of admiring glances (and jealous glares) of my fellow road users as I cruise along the highway. They’d be even more envious if they knew I’m currently using only four cylinders of the Bentley’s 521bhp twin-turbo V8 engine. It’s a clever modification that, while the car is in cruise control, shuts down four of the eight cylinders to save on petrol and emissions, but keeping the all-important sound. During the 700-odd km trip, I use just over one full tank of petrol. The beauty of the Bentley, I’m discovering, is its vocal range. When cruising, it purrs like a contented cat basking in a patch of warm sunshine. When you flick it into sport mode and put your foot down, the resulting growl wouldn’t be out of place on the Serengeti.
The two-and-a-half-tonne GT V8 S convertible does a remarkable 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds. While it’s hard to test those numbers outside a private track, the response from the ZF eightspeed automatic transmission, particularly in S mode with its sharpened throttle response and faster shift, is impressive. So impressive, in fact, that although I have a play with the manual paddle-shifters on the steering wheel, I quickly realise that, in all honesty, I’m better off letting the car do the work. My trip took me from Melbourne to Inverloch, then along the coast to Wilsons Promontory National Park, a peaceful, scenic route perfect for wildlife spotting – until I break the silence along the curving roads by testing the Bentley’s handling. The chassis is fantastic, and the upgraded sharper steering, as well as lowered and retuned sports suspension mean
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the V8 S grips the road snugly and securely, practically begging you to put your foot down out of the turns. Which I do, as often as possible. Inside, too, the V8 S has all the refinements you’d expect from a Bentley; sat-nav, cruise control, cup holders (all the mod cons!) – but there are one or two treats that I thoroughly recommend. Climate-controlled seats are a must (whether you’re using them for a warm posterior in London or an air-conditioned back in Australia) and if you’ve got the option to upgrade to the massage chairs, these make for a supremely luxurious ride. Bentley designers have come up with a few clever ways to ensure the back seats are almost as good, too. A fold-down Naim speaker between the seats means sound coverage is equally as tuneful in the back as the front – even with the top down – and indents in the back of the front seats for knees mean that adults can sit comfortably – a big plus point for the Bentley’s practicality rating. If you’re not inclined to fill your back seat with grateful passengers (and you’re protective of
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your barnet), you can put up the windbreaker, which cleverly diverts air flow away from your ‘do. A welcome addition for many Bentley customers, I imagine, although personally I rather like feeling the warm breeze of the Australian coast blowing away the last few London cobwebs. To sum up, the GT Continental V8 S is, frankly, superb – in my opinion superior to the W12 version, (which I drove recently in England) that felt less coordinated; a youthful, gangly Usain Bolt as opposed to the more experienced powerhouse. So would I have room for one of these beauties in my fictional garage? For sure. And I’d save it for those long journeys when you really need a car with absolute class and comfort (plus a little – or in this case, a lot – of power to keep things interesting). The Continental is a dream drive – whichever continent you’re on. This road trip was completed with the assistance of Lance Dixon Bentley, 6 Hood Street, Collingwood, Melbourne, Victoria, 3066, Australia (+61 3 9848 9000, lancedixon.bentleymotors.com; bentleymotors.com)
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WELLNESS
as an Art
Oasis gives you a moment to stop and take a breath. Feel the freedom and relaxation in your body and mind. Let your senses be inspired in a private paradise. It is all waiting for you. The art of wellbeing.
The Oasis by Don Carlos Resort · Boutique Hotel Experience · Marbella T (+34) 933 271 455 · dcreservas@expogrupo.com · www.doncarlosresort.expohotels.com/en/the-oasis · www.expohotels.com
The mayfair Magazine | Travel photo credit: Nicole Franzen
Long Haul
Hotel Emma, Texas
Travel news
A 19th-century brewhouse in the thriving city of San Antonio has been converted into a magnificent 142-room hotel that combines heritage features and stylish decor with unrivalled South American cuisine. Designed by Roman and Williams, the interior team behind the Ace Hotel in New York, Hotel Emma is all about laid-back luxury. Make good use of the ‘Culinary Concierge’ who are on standby to fulfil your wildest gastronomic needs; although, it’s doubtful you’ll need any more than the three epicurean outposts: the seasonal restaurant Supper, the in-house bar and clubroom Sternewirth and the decadent, gourmet market Larder. (thehotelemma.com) image courtesy of fendi
This month we travel from seven sartorial suites in Rome to a majestic refurbished Texan brewhouse WORDS: MARIANNE DICK
TRAVEL TIPS Don’t leave home without…
Fine jewels deserve the best care – this butter-soft china blue jewellery envelope from Asprey comes with a padded ring roll and is lined with soft suede to protect your trinkets from the beginning to the end of your trip. It’s almost too exquisite to keep hidden away. Jewellery envelope, £275, Asprey, 167 New Bond Street, W1S (020 7493 6767; asprey.com)
There’s an app for that… Hyperlapse
From the creators of Instagram comes a photography application that is bound to start dominating your news feeds as the weather gets brighter and the days get longer. Hyperlapse speeds up videos to create arty snippets in an instant – perfect for capturing gorgeous sunsets or scenic, winding journeys. Free on the iTunes app store
“Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience” – Francis Bacon s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s
Short Haul
Fendi Private Suites, Rome This year sees the opening of the exclusive Palazzo Fendi suites in Rome. The third floor of the hotel has been transformed by architect Marco Costanzi into seven beautifully finished rooms; intimate and luxurious in order to make guests feel as though they are in a private apartment. Bespoke Fendi Casa pieces are featured throughout including one-of-akind fur tablets, which hang above each bed, and each suite is decorated differently to complement the unusual architecture of the previous Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana. Situated in one of the most stylish districts of this sartorial city, these fantastical offerings are bound to make guests feel like fashion royalty. (fendiprivatesuites.com)
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In the fields of
Bali
Henry Hopwood-Phillips is impressed by the extravagant opulence of The Mulia – one of many Indonesian wonders – with its epic panoramas and extensive cuisine
The mayfair Magazine | Travel Images courtesy of The Mulia, Mulia Resort & villas
B
ali: ‘The island of the gods’. The name evokes holiday adverts of turquoise beaches, white sands and idyllic tropical travel. Set between the Indian and Pacific oceans, I picture a scene of Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider-esque temples, mixed with a distant historical Dutch influence from the days of colonialism. Flying club class with Garuda, the national carrier, means that instead of headbutting some grimy headrest every time turbulence hits, I get a seat,
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table, food, plates, cutlery and service, not dissimilar to those found at The Dorchester. Indeed the whole thing resembles a floating five-star hotel operation, which lands in the capital, Denpasar. The island is part of Indonesia, a country made of islands: it has 18,307 of them to be exact and only ten per cent of the land is arable. The Balinese population stands at more than four million and the people account for most of Indonesia’s Hindu minority. That much any
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The most beautiful thing at Mulia is undoubtedly the view – sky, sea and sand two-a-penny guide book can tell you. But I don’t remember being told, as I step off the plane, about the overwhelming, but delightfully reassuring, hot and humid air. The driver spots my surprise and hands me an iced flannel, preparing me for the next leg of the trip to The Mulia. It’s a 20-minute drive on Nusa Dua – a southern enclave of the best hotels on the island known as ‘the tourist district.’ Word has it that this is the culturally barren part of the island but, as I draw through the top gates of The Mulia, it quickly becomes apparent that this must have been a diversion tactic from someone eager to keep the place to themselves. The retreat, at 15 acres, is split into three: the Mulia Resort (a 526-room hotel), the Villas (108 luxury homes nestled into the hillside), and The Mulia (a hotel with 111 very grand suites) – taken together it’s the largest hotel complex on Bali. But intimacy is restored by the fact that a butler is on hand at the last two of these, and a golf cart driver is virtually assigned to you from the off. As a result, you make friends and gain knowledge. Much of the architecture, though modern, has an Indonesian flavouring, and size is the order of the day. Elsewhere this might not work, but here the magnitude generates shade, a chilled ambience and ensures that visitors are impressed. Particularly splendid are the colossal statues of Hindu values, inside water-features, and blue
Azul Bahia furnishings. In some parts, it’s a little over-exaggerated for my more modest taste; an aesthetic not dissimilar to how I imagine the Hanging Gardens of Babylon to look. There is a giant dragon formed of flowers, a bike made of coins, and random bits of concept art are hung around the place a little bit too enthusiastically. But it’s all quite fun and certainly makes an impression. However, something nobody could possibly find fault with at The Mulia is undoubtedly the view. In an age when every sort of photo needs to be altered, filtered and generally photoshopped to within a pixel of its life, the panorama – five horizontals of sky, sea, sand, infinity pool and balcony jacuzzi – cannot be bettered. After filet mignon for breakfast (menus here are so large, you can eat what you like throughout your stay) I tick a few tourist boxes and visit Bali’s answer to Monkey World: Ubud Monkey Forest. It is an important spot for research and conservation programmes and, should you wish to bring along a banana, a great place to interact with these kings of the jungle. They’re simply adorable. On the south-west coast, tenth-century Uluwatu temple looms. It’s one of the Sad Kahyangan – six holiest places of worship on the island. The sunset here looks like a riot of smudgy fireworks. I’m not here for that though. Tonight, a kecak performance re-enacts the Ramayana. This is
The mayfair Magazine | Travel
bewildering, hilarious and scary in turns and sometimes all at once. Spoiler: my favourite part involves a celebrity monkey throwing fireballs literally anywhere it pleases. Back at The Mulia I’m starving, which is an unusual state of affairs at a resort that has four restaurants: the Café (pan-everything), Soleil (Mediterranean), Edogin (Japanese) and Table 8 (Chinese). By far the best out of these is the Café, which offers roughly eight types of cuisine and yet it’s an ensemble of prima donnas, not understudies. The crowd-pleaser is undoubtedly ice-cream teppanyaki, ‘cold stone’ style, arriving in flavours I’ve never tried before. Adzuki, yuzu and matcha, for instance, are slathered, chopped and blended sushi-style and rubbed in toppings only found this side of the Suez. It’s a good job there’s a state-of-the-art gym to burn it all off in. Reluctantly rising from my jumbo bed, the irony of getting to circuit training via a golf buggy is not lost on me. But at the spa that
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follows, I stop caring. Sloping from ice-room to sauna, shaded pool to massage room, I can understand now why it’s called the island of the gods: because they make you feel like one.
THE ESSENTIALS sleep & stay The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Mulia Villas, Nusa Dua, Bali has accommodation available from £475/ US$750 per room per night based on two adults sharing, including breakfast and afternoon tea (themulia.com) fly away Garuda Indonesia offers flights from London to Denpasar from £468 per person in Economy Class and £1,852 per person in Business Class (garuda-indonesia.com)
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Another day in
Paradise Is a private island in the middle of the Indian Ocean the ultimate place to relax a stressed-out city dweller? Natalie Blenford finds out All images courtesy of fregate island private
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t’s 4pm on a blissfully hot Monday, and I’m commuting by golf buggy to the Rock Spa on Fregate Island Private for a rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatment. In my khaki onesie and sandals I could be off-roading though Jurassic Park, so rugged and unspoilt is the landscape around me. As I traverse the twists and turns on Fregate’s one road, the sun is beating down, the birds are chirping away and my spirits – once repressed by the unremitting nature of city life – are soaring. As I meander up hills, down hills, past presidential villas and deserted beaches, I
suddenly come face to face with an island celebrity. It’s not George Clooney, Brangelina, or any of the other A-listers rumoured to have visited Fregate in recent months. It’s actually Theo; the second largest of the 2,000 Giant Aldabra Tortoises that roam this eco-paradise, hypnotising guests as they wander. Theo and his equally huge stablemate, James, have been talked about non-stop since I arrived, and as he peeps his head out of his 25-year-old shell to look at me, I fall quickly under his spell. He’s enormous and majestic and totally unthreatening, and he poses for a photo with what looks like a tiny hint of a smile.
The mayfair Magazine | Travel
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Luckily for me and my search for calm, tortoises and birds massively outnumber people on Fregate. Due to its remote location in the Indian Ocean, four degrees south of the equator – a two-hour boat ride or 25-minute helicopter flight from the Seychelles mainland of Mahé – Fregate Island Private remains an unspoilt and exclusive island hideaway for discerning guests who want to get back to nature, with a luxury twist. Often described as a ‘jewel of conservation’, the island is a haven for rare creatures, such as the Seychelles magpierobin, the endangered hawksbill turtle and more than 100 species of tropical bird. But it’s absolutely not a backpacker island. Now part of the esteemed Oetker Collection of masterpiece hotels, Fregate teams rugged and basic eco-experiences with five-star services. You can get up early and go on a jungle walk with an island ecologist and meet rare beetles and baby tortoises before breakfast. You can then spend the afternoon reclining on a sun-lounger on one of the island’s seven award-winning white-sand beaches (yes, seven) and let the sights and sounds of this tropical paradise work their healing magic. If you need anything – be it a blood-purifying smoothie, a platter of fresh sashimi, or (my favourite) a tea-flavoured ice cream cocktail – you
simply dial eight from any phone and your private butler will appear bearing gifts. There’s a golf buggy parked outside your villa at all times and a collection of mountain bikes if you fancy traversing the island’s undulating landscape the old-fashioned way. The Fregate philosophy is ‘anything, anytime, anywhere,’ so if you want dinner on an isolated beach at midnight, or a freshly caught Bonita fish with its eyes still in for breakfast – you’ll get it, with nothing but smiles along the way.
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When Emmanuel, my private butler, shows me to Villa 10, I suppress an enormous giggle of delight. My London flat could fit into this vast villa three times over. Once Emmanuel has shown me the enormous master bedroom, huge lounge, indoor shower and bathroom, two outdoor showers, Nespresso machine, TV/DVD player and study, he throws the back doors open to reveal a gazebo, a giant outdoor day-bed and the most beautiful infinity pool I’ve ever seen. I suspect honeymooners on Fregate might never leave their villas – there’s no real need to – but I wrench myself away from my deck at sunset and buggy over to the main house for an exquisite dinner with the hotel’s general manager, Wayne Kafcsak. Kafcsak is new to Fregate and has more than 20 years’ experience managing luxury hotels in the Caribbean under his belt, as well as a stint working with Richard Branson on Necker, so he really knows how to make private islands tick, and he’s fascinating company. Dinner included the best green tomato gazpacho soup I’ve ever tasted (served in an extravagant ice sculpture and sipped through a straw), fresh grouper fish and a neverending supply of chilled white wine. And this is just the beginning of my culinary journey. The following evening, I enjoy a barbecue dinner at La Cour beach after a round of sweet martinis under the stars. The chef, who sets up his kitchen just for my group of four, dazzles with a succession of dishes including red snapper pavé marinated with fresh ginger and salads so delicious my taste buds feel as if they’ve been reborn. The next morning, after a tasty detox cocktail of celery, lime and cucumber (plus more freshly baked croissants than I care to remember) I turn my attention to the seven beaches. Anse Victorin is tricky to get to – I have to tiptoe down more than 100 steps to get there – but as I emerge from the forest on to white sand, I am instantly gratified. This beach is famous internationally for its picture-postcard looks, regularly winning ‘best beach in the world’ accolades. And to top it all, there is no one on it but me. Two days, one snorkelling trip, a private yoga class and a traditional Creole night later, it is time
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to pack up. Arriving at the helipad for my 5pm flight, I am greeted by Kafcsak, Emmanuel and half of the staff to say goodbye. A strange sensation washes over me: sadness. I want to go home, see friends and share pictures of my private island bliss, but I don’t actually want to leave. I’ve got used to the sound of fruit bats and to the stars shining so bright above me. And although I might never quite learn to love the millipedes and mosquitoes (there are lots of the latter – the one chink in Fregate’s charm), I’ve certainly adapted to life with a butler. Kafcsac tells me that Fregate affects people deeply; that 20 years after a first visit, guests come back desperate to check up on a tree they planted or see a particular beach again. As I take my seat in the helicopter, I understand exactly what he means. Fregate Island Private is as close to ecoparadise as I’ve ever been. Here’s hoping it’s in my shiny stars to make it back again for a second sojourn one day. Scott Dunn offers seven nights at Fregate Island Private, from £10,500 per person, based on a couple sharing on a full-board basis, and including international flights and private transfers (020 8682 5020; scottdunn.com)
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S
et in the heart of Basque Country, San Sebastián is a foodie Mecca, with a host of Michelin-starred restaurants and an almost unparalleled pintxo (tapas) culture. So great are its gastronomic and cultural credentials that the city has been named the European Capital of Culture for 2016 by the European Union and, as such, there can be no better time to visit this coastal locale. Rich in Belle Époque architecture, this beautiful getaway on the Bay of Biscay has been graced with two identities: while we know it as San Sebastián, to the locals it is Donostia. La Concha, the curved beach backed by the verdant green hills of Monte Igueldo and Pasaia, makes the perfect spot for blissful days soaking up the sun and walks by sunset; while the sandstone columns of the Victoria Eugenia Theatre and the shuttered balconies of the Plaza de la Constitucion in the old quarter seethe with Spanish charm. When it comes to food there is something for everyone, from Michelin-starred eateries to exquisite pintxos, which are served in every bar and are prepared using marketfresh ingredients. To get the most out of the area’s foodie offerings, embark on a culinary adventure and book on to a food tour of the city’s finest pintxo bars. If you don’t mind heights, be sure to hitch a ride on the old-world funicular railway to the summit of Monte Igueldo, just west of the town, which boasts expansive views of the Bahía de la Concha and the surrounding coastline and mountains. In line with its newly awarded accolade, the city is staging a string of bold art projects over the next 12 months, including performances by choral groups in the open air and Waves of Energy – an art project that will bring to life a compilation of ideas inspired by the public. In addition to this, there will be performances and exhibitions hosted by local venues such as Musikene music school and the cube-shaped Kursaal concert hall.
[ city break]
san Sebastián Internationally renowned for its gourmet offerings and rich in architectural gems, Katy Parker looks at why San Sebastián has been named this year’s European Capital of Culture
HOTEL images courtesy of Hotel Maria Cristina
The mayfair Magazine | Travel
Where to stay The hotel of choice for a string of Hollywood stars during the yearly San Sebastián International Film Festival, the undeniably chic Hotel Maria Cristina enjoys an enviable location, just minutes from sites such as the Victoria Eugenia Theatre. Decorated in a sophisticated palette of greys and whites, the rooms are understated yet stylish and many boast superb views of Kursaal, the Urumea River and the Cantabrian Sea. (hotel-mariacristina.com)
Where to eat You are completely spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out in San Sebastián, but there are a few spots which stand out from the crowd. Among these is Arzak – a restaurant with three Michelin stars to its name. Something of a local institution, the restaurant offers Basque cuisine with a contemporary twist, serving up dishes such as pigeon with hibiscus flowers and pineapple bubbles. (arzak.info)
SUITCASE E S S E N T I A L S
#1 Sunglasses, £190, Prada (harrods.com)
#2 Eau de Toilette, £61, Acqua di Parma (acquadiparma.com)
#3 Bag, £395, Paul Smith (paulsmith.co.uk)
Mayfair recommends If you’re visiting San Sebastián this year, be sure to make the most of the cultural programme surrounding its reign as the Capital of Culture. There will be home-grown performances among international names, and most of the events will take place in the city’s grandiose streets. During the summer solstice visitors can watch an English-language performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the park. (dss2016.eu)
s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s
#4 Swim shorts, £55, Ralph Lauren (ralphlauren.co.uk)
#5 Shoes, £295, Tod’s (tods.com)
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Suite dreams Foxhill Manor, the Cotswolds Words: Annabel Harrison
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he wind is whistling and the rain is hammering down, as it has been for hours, but I am smug. I am inside. Ordinarily, a Saturday as dismal as this would be a cause for dismay, however, on this occasion I’m actually thankful for this god-awful British weather. I’m not in London, but on the rolling-hilled, sheepspeckled Farncombe Estate. Here Champagne flows freely and being lazy is positively encouraged. On a day like today, reading the papers and drinking tea in bed while a happy husband watches the cricket is the very best of options. Manor butler Mirek, faultlessly polite and helpful, makes Foxhill Manor feel like a home from home and there’s not an iota of the awkwardness that can sometimes arise from having other people attending to your every whim. This Grade II-listed manor house has quite the pedigree; it was built in 1909 by local Cotswolds
craftsmen and designed by Yorkshire-born architect Joseph Lancaster Ball. Remarkably, it has already been named The Sunday Times’ Hotel of the Year, even though it only opened last March. Why? Because Foxhill’s secluded, indulgent and laid-back offering is utterly conducive to romance and relaxation. All eight rooms and suites, named after trees, are individually styled and the finest of these is the Oak Suite. Its big, open-plan sleeping/living areas are done in a Scandi-cool palette of white, light wood, dark mushroom-grey and tan, with the odd leopard print cushion here and there, and mirrored units give it a modern feel. Twin tubs stand side-by-side, perfect for soaking in while soaking up the sweeping views across the Vale of Evesham. Room rates include Champagne, beer, wine, spirits housed in glass decanters and soft drinks
Foxhill’s secluded, indulgent and laid-back offering is utterly
c
The mayfair Magazine | Travel
along with ‘help yourself’ cakes and snacks 24/7 from the Pantry. Foxhill is not the place for any kind of abstinence and it’s so refreshing to find somewhere that has just done away with the annoyingly inflated prices of a minibar and thrown it all in. Leave a reasonable gap between plundering the Pantry and supper, though, as you’re going to be very well fed. The dining room has a crackling fireplace and seats just 16. Chef’s four-course offering (with a choice for starters and dessert) sounds so good we don’t ask for anything off menu. An amuse-bouche is trumped by the arrival of Marmite butter with hunks of bread. It’s so good you could eat it with a spoon (and I am only marginally ashamed to admit that we do). My starter is a square of melt-in-the-mouth brill that’s cooked so well it needs no accompaniment and my husband enjoys a goat’s cheese and beetroot salad. The main course is a knock-out beef Wellington with truffle mash and I could have eaten it twice, if it weren’t for the desserts, which were outstanding. Foxhill has hit the nail on the head. After this feast, we sleep a solid ten hours, which is the perfect tonic after weeks of work-dictated early mornings and long days. In the morning, a click of the iPad results in a smiling Mirek delivering fresh milk and the papers and although we could have eaten in our room, we make the slightly longer (20 steps) pilgrimage back to the dining room. Appetites whetted by ham, fresh bread, smoothies, Chelsea buns and croissants – abstinence is still not recommended – we tuck into top-notch full English breakfasts. You could reasonably be expected to do some activity after this amount of fuel – a walk to postcard-pretty Broadway nearby, perhaps? Book in for quad biking, clay pigeon shooting or archery on the estate, or head to House Spa at Dormy? Actually, I think I’ll just stay right here. Foxhill Manor, Farncombe Estate, Broadway, The Cotswolds, WR12 7JL (01386 852 711; foxhillmanor.com)
conducive to romance and relaxation s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s
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The mayfair Magazine | Beauty winona ryder for marc jacobs beauty
Making his Marc The latest in a long line of designers to release an eponymous beauty range, Marc Jacobs has announced the UK launch of his cosmetics collection, which is available exclusively at Harrods. Designed to embody the spirit of youth and confidence, the range includes innovative foundation formulas and nail colours, eye shadows and eyeliners in vibrant shades. The packaging is sleek and simple – and distinctly Marc Jacobs, while our favourite product is undoubtedly the Charlotte lipstick, named after our adorable princess and exclusive to the UK market. Marc Jacobs Beauty, available at Harrods (marcjacobsbeauty.com)
Beauty news Step into spring with a light new fragrance from Illuminum and a vibrant beauty range from Marc Jacobs W o r d s : K at y Pa r k e r
Colour chameleon With its scientific approach to beauty Algenist has made great strides in the beauty industry – and now it is breaking boundaries with the launch of its new skin-perfecting make-up. Reveal utilises a microalgae-based formula to colour correct and improve your skin’s overall tone. Worn under foundation, the product camouflages skin imperfections, while also delivering powerful anti-ageing skincare benefits. Reveal Concentrated Colour Correcting Drops, £30, Algenist (algenist.com)
Get lippy The trend for full, luscious lips shows no sign of slowing down and this month Burberry is on hand to help us perfect our pouts. Burberry Full Kisses is a selection of lip pens that delivers long-lasting colour and defines, shapes and enhances lips in one stroke. The Peony Rose is our favourite. Full Kisses, £24, Burberry (burberry.com) s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s
Heaven scent Certain fragrances can evoke memories of days gone by and Mayfair-based perfumer Illuminum is acknowledging this fact with its new release, White on White – a recent addition to the brand’s current core range of 11 distinctive scents. The innovative perfume has been composed in such a way as to be reminiscent of the enigmatic artist’s studio, representing the brand’s close association with the worlds of art and culture. In the same way, the perfume’s monochrome packaging was inspired by the abstract modes of the Suprematism expression, which was a movement dominated by simplistic shapes and outlines. Illuminum, 41 Dover Street, W1S (020 7018 2000; illuminumfragrance.com)
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The art of
Perfume
As Burlington Arcade welcomes another new perfumery, Marianne Dick talks to Kilian Hennessy about his brand new boutique and art gallery
H
ow would you define Mayfair’s aroma? For Kilian Hennessy, it’s inspired by the Horse Guards’ uniforms displayed at No. 1 Savile Row. “The Gieves & Hawkes dressing room is just so gorgeous; I wanted to have a perfume that would have a feeling of leather, like the guard, and at the same time something feminine, like the peacock feathers,” explains Hennessy. Hennessy’s new scent, Royal Leather, was created in celebration of the opening of his first British stand-alone boutique in the prestigious Burlington Arcade, and includes notes of oud from Laos, a unique rich leather accord and a hint of delicate heliotrope flower.
The space is considered both a boutique and an art gallery: many of his exclusive creations are displayed upstairs, reinforcing the brand’s philosophy of perfume as an art. For Hennessy, grandson of the co-founder of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA, his creations are an extension of himself. He began his career making perfume for the likes of Alexander McQueen, Paco Rabanne and Armani before he branched out alone and launched his first scent collection in 2008. “When you work for designers you really have to step into the DNA of somebody else but at the end you’re not going to be entirely happy with the final product.”
The mayfair Magazine | Beauty
“When you work for designers you really have to step into the DNA of somebody else” Hennessy doesn’t just offer bottled perfumes – albeit beautiful black lacquer bottles with engraved plaques – his brand also encompasses chic clutch bags, innovative scented jewellery and perfumed tassels to hang in the home. Despite his entrepreneurial approach to the business, his premise remains to: “recreate perfume the way it was done back in the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, at a time when perfume was really considered an art”. Where better to open his first London store then, than the Burlington Arcade: a destination that is so rich with history and objets d’art, yet has always remained the height of fashion? Defining Mayfair through a single scent proves difficult; however, taking a stroll along Burlington Arcade – from the sugary sweetness of Ladurée past the rich leather of Crockett & Jones and on to Hennessy’s sensual and heady boutique – seems like an excellent place to start. Kilian Hennessy, 26 Burlington Arcade, 51 Piccadilly, W1J (bykilian.com)
photo credit: deivydas lekavicius
Three of the best from Kilian Hennessy
By Kilian Moonlight in Heaven Mini-carafe, £440, Kilian Hennessy
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By Kilian Royal Leather, £245, Kilian Hennessy
By Kilian Moonlight in Heaven, £215, Kilian Hennessy
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A healthy Forecast A basic wellbeing screening can give an overview of health issues and help you make informed decisions about your wellbeing. We talk to two private GPs based at The Wellington Hospital, Dr Tim Lebens and Dr Ruth Whitby, about this important health service
The mayfair Magazine | Health Promotion
Who would benefit most from a general health screening?
Dr Lebens: A general health screen can be beneficial in picking up early or latent conditions. This is particularly important in those with a strong family history of common conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, cancer and autoimmune conditions (i.e. thyroid). It is also useful as a benchmark and indicator of your current general health, giving you the chance to map out personal health goals with your doctor. If you already have a regular GP, this can be extremely useful information for them too. Despite it being a ‘general’ health screen, it will be tailored to the individual and certain investigations may be more appropriate than others depending on your age, sex, family history and symptoms.
Are there particular tests for women?
Dr Whitby: Yes, and depending on your age these tests can be very specific. Every health screen will look at your general health, but it is beneficial for women to be offered a breast examination, cervical smear and test for markers of many gynaecological cancers, including ovarian and breast; particularly if a patient has a family history of these diseases. Screening provides the opportunity to discuss any gynaecological issues, including contraceptives and sexual health screens. From the onset of menopause, we also include a bone scan to assess the risk of osteoporosis, and advise women on urinary problems, incontinence or prolapse. Fertility tests and hormonal analysis are also available and can help with issues such as premenstrual syndrome and polycystic ovaries. Results from a health screening help us to provide tailored advice on diet and lifestyle, too.
What tests are available for men?
Dr Lebens: Low testosterone can lead to the ‘male menopause’ also dubbed the ‘man-o-pause’. If you have noticed low mood, irritability, fatigue and loss of libido, it may be worth having your testosterone levels checked. In men, testosterone levels wane over time, especially in their late 40s /early 50s, and in some circumstances may require supplementation. It is also useful to check for testicular and prostatic disease. Depending on the presentation and symptoms, examination and specific blood tests such as a PSA may be necessary. Male health screens often pick up health issues which have been overlooked, due to the very nature of men’s reluctance to visit their doctor; especially given our time-poor, overstretched lifestyles.
Is there anything I should consider before booking a health screen?
Dr Whitby: There are different packages available, from basic to more specific testing (including audiology, Vitamin D and allergies), which we at The Wellington Hospital will tailor to your personal requirements. Talking to your GP first will give you a clearer idea of which tests are best for you. It is also worth approaching your employer, as many companies offer employees access to wellness screenings, as every job holds different pressures affecting physical and particularly mental health issues. A health screen provides a non-judgemental, discrete environment where you should feel free to discuss any issues, as all are handled confidentially, particularly when dealing with employment related concerns. The Wellington Hospital have a team of experienced private GPs available daily, if you would like to make an appointment or have any questions about health screening, you can call the Enquiry Helpline team on 020 7483 5004
Beauty | The mayfair Magazine photo credit: Richard Skins
Spa review Lush Spa
WORDS: Elizabeth Finney
T
he Lush Spa is nothing like any spa I’ve been to – it’s inspired by beautiful Britain, and I’m strongly reminded of an old-fashioned cottage in a seaside village. There’s mismatched wooden furniture, tulips spilling out of water jugs and glass jars filled with lotions and potions. I’m greeted with a glass of cucumber water and a slate of Lush massage bars, from which I select my favourite (Each Peach and Two’s a Pair), and my therapist explains The Good Hour, which is based on the idea of life on the ocean. My limbs are stretched out and creak like appendages of a ship at sea – this is a full-body massage with a twist. I enter a treatment room filled with the sound of lapping waves and gulls while dry ice and the scent of a Big Blue bath bomb billows from beneath the bed. Arame seaweed, lemon and lavender oil fills the air as I tuck myself under fluffy towels on the heated bed. I’d been warned not to expect the typical dulcet tones of a treatment room – sea shanties punctuated with lively oceans and birdsong accompany my experience, which adds a sense of nostalgia to the intense relief of having my muscles untangled. Using the massage bar, which is an
intoxicating blend of lime, mandarin, and grapefruit with a cocoa butter base, the therapist uses trigger point techniques to uncover and treat an alarming number of knots, kneading them out with deft skill. The pressure has a level of no-nonsense hardness that my plank-like muscles find extremely agreeable, though the intensity can be tailored to preference. Seventy minutes later and I’m floating – tensions I hadn’t even noticed have evaporated and I’m in a comfortable stupor listening to ebbing ocean waves. I drift back into the spa’s reception room where I gratefully receive a cup of tea and shortbread. This is a treatment so heavily loaded with memory triggers and expert massage techniques that I can only assume that everyone who has received it might believe it was made specifically for them. The Good Hour, £90, Lush Spa, 175-179 Oxford Street, W1D (020 7789 0001; lush.com)
Arame seaweed, lemon and lavender oil fills the air as I tuck myself under fluffy towels on the heated bed 84
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Food & Drink | The mayfair Magazine
A pirate’s life Lord Byron once wrote that “There’s naught, no doubt, so much the spirit calms as rum and true religion.” And in that vein, there are sure to be many relaxed drinkers in Mayfair this month, as the area’s speakeasy-style bar The Luggage Room unveils its limited-edition rum, Plantation. With only 144 bottles in existence, this 12-year-old Reunion Island distilled rum was exclusively commissioned by The Luggage Room and is a dark, deep liquor with aromas of burnt fudge and butterscotch with liquorice and orange. The Luggage Room, Grosvenor Square, W1K (020 7514 1507; luggageroom.co.uk)
Food & drink news We’re indulging our sweet tooth this month with London’s first dedicated dessert restaurant and a regal afternoon tea W O R D S : K a t y P a rk e r
All at sea If you haven’t been to Sexy Fish yet then schedule in time this month to visit the restaurant’s bar, where expert mixologists are serving classic cocktails and unusual concoctions inspired by the flavours of Asia on a nightly basis, in addition to Europe’s largest collection of Japanese whisky. Bar at Sexy Fish, Berkeley Square, W1J (020 3764 2000; sexyfish.com)
A Royal affair Thursday 21 April marks the 90th birthday of our beloved monarch, and could there be a more apt way to celebrate than with afternoon tea? Prêt-à-Portea – The Royal Collection at The Berkeley features a selection of fancies, biscuits and choux buns that puts a regal twist on the quintessentially English treat. Drawing on inspiration from the Royal Family’s famous headwear, the selection includes Queen Elizabeth’s coronation crown recreated as a vanilla biscuit with edible diamonds. The Berkeley, Wilton Place, SW1X (020 7235 6000; the-berkeley.co.uk)
Sugar rush Here at The Mayfair Magazine, we firmly believe that no supper is complete without something sweet. Fortunately, Café Royal has launched the city’s first restaurant dedicated to desserts. Executive pastry chef Sarah Barber is cooking up a selection of tantalising tasting menus at The Café; don’t miss the Queen of Hearts dish with raspberries, Champagne and roses. The Café at Café Royal, 68 Regent Street, W1B (020 7406 3310; hotelcaferoyal.com) 86
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Food & Drink | The mayfair Magazine
DINING OUT Nobu Berkeley ST WORDS: LILLIE ASHTON
A
ccording to Madonna, “You can tell how fun a city is going to be if Nobu has a restaurant in it.” So I guess that means for us lucky Londoners, we get to have double the fun. And what could possibly be more enjoyable than leaving the office early on a Friday for lunch at Nobu Berkeley ST? When my colleague and I arrive at number 15, and enter the 200-cover restaurant, we are warmly greeted by our host and seated at a table that allows us to appreciate the vast area, which spans two levels and boasts a 12-seater sushi bar and an adjacent hibachi table. On this occasion we are sampling a specially tailored menu from executive chef Mark Edwards, which consists of a few Nobu signature dishes and a couple of new items too. To start, an assortment of sushi and sashimi is laid on the table. The tuna, salmon and soft-shell crab goes down with absolute ease, and before we know it, our next course arrives
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– Nobu’s famous sashimi tacos with a selection of fillings: lobster, scallop and tuna. The lobster is a highlight for me, but the tuna wins my guest’s vote. That is, until the hot dish arrives; another speciality – in fact the dish by which Nobu Matsuhisa made his name – the Black Cod Den Miso. For a dish I’ve heard so much about, I have to admit, I had doubts it would live up to the hype. I needn’t have been concerned though; sweet, yet savoury and both light and filling, it is a beautifully cooked piece of fish. When it comes to dessert in a fusion restaurant, I’m always somewhat wary. I have a sweet tooth that yearns after classic choices and so I am immediately intrigued by the Berkeley cheesecake and Nobu chocolate tart that are presented as the finale. The former, with a vanilla centre and oat cookie crumble, is paired with a delicious raspberry foam and ginger ice cream, while the latter is accompanied by Sake Kasu ice cream, cinnamon custard, almond crumble and hot chocolate sauce. As I take the final mouthful (more than my share) I wonder just how much fun could be had in one weekend; dinner at Nobu Old Park Lane? Nobu Berkeley ST, 15 Berkeley Street, W1J (020 7290 9222; noburestaurants.com)
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mayfair
Resident’s Journal
Drawing by Jonathan Addis
In Association with The Residents’ Society of Mayfair & St James’s Committee Members (enquiries@rsmsj.com) Chairman Lois Peltz (Policy & Traffic)
Secretary Richard Cutt (Crossrail & Finance)
Planning Applications Ronald Cottee (Planning)
Membership Howard Evans (Events & Membership)
Traffic Lois Peltz
Police Marie-Louise Burrows
Licensing Derek Stratton
mayfair
Resident’s Journal
The Notebook Our latest dispatch of local news from around Mayfair
WHISTLER’S WORK American-born artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler first arrived in London in 1859 and became fascinated by the changing moods and landscapes of the River Thames at different times of day. This month, in celebration of its 140th birthday, The Fine Art Society will be showing the largest exhibition of Whistler’s work in more than 40 years. The gallery has always had an affinity to Whistler’s etchings: it commissioned his Venice Set in 1880 before presenting Arrangement in White and Yellow in 1883. James McNeill Whistler, 5-28 April (faslondon.com)
FEEL-GOOD FOOD Brooks Mews has welcomed a new café that provides a laid-back retreat from the bustle of the city at any time of the day – whether it’s fresh coffee and French toast to ease in the morning or a shared mezze and a glass of wine after work. Spring Workshop was set up with the help of KPMG to support social mobility in London; it cares as much for the welfare and training of its employees as it does the enjoyment of its customers. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming poetry evenings and book clubs. Spring Workshop, 19 Brooks Mews, W1K (020 7493 5367; springworkshop.co.uk)
ABOVE FROM LEFT: The Pool, 1859, Etching and drypoint, 140 x 217 mm; Maud, Standing, 1876-78, Drypoint, 22.6 x 14.9 cm Below from Left: Reading by Lamplight, 1859, Etching and drypoint, 16 x 12 cm; Rotherhithe, 1860, Etching and drypoint, 278 x 203 mm IMAGEs COURTESY OF THE FINE ART SOCIETY
Photo credit: ILARIA CANNAVA
The mayfair Magazine | Regulars
ALYN WILLIAMS photo CREDIT: JOHN CAREY
ALYN WILLIAMS AT THE WESTBURY. photo CREDIT: JOHN CAREY
PERFECT PAIRS There are food festivals, and then there are fine food festivals; CHEFstock hosted by Alyn Williams at The Westbury is undoubtedly the latter. The revered chef will invite four exciting names to join him in the kitchen this month including the musically inclined Marc Wilkinson and connoisseur of northern soul food, Nigel Haworth. Sasu Laukkonen from Finland and Riccardo Camanini from Lake Garda will also be collaborating with Alyn to concoct some completely one-off tasting menus for a select group of diners. (020 7183 6426; alynwilliams.com)
IMAGE COURTESY OF SWORDERS FINE ART AUCTIONEERS
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STEVE LAZARIDES photo CREDIT: LARS FASSINGER
A MOVE TO MAYFAIR Lazarides, the famously nonconformist gallery based in a former Fitzrovian gin palace, has recently celebrated its tenth birthday. Coinciding with the celebrations, founder and owner Steve Lazarides has announced that the gallery will be moving its premises to Mayfair – an arrival that is sure to shake up the local art scene once again. Lazarides also revealed new partnership plans with art enthusiast and businessman Wissam Al Mana, as well as his intention to change the gallery’s name to LazInc. (lazinc.com)
COMMUNITY KICK-START The seasonality of fashion collections can have a devastating, and largely unseen, effect on our British factories. Last year Patrick Grant, the man behind E. Tautz, bought the factory Cookson & Clegg, which manufactures his pieces after it was due to close down. Community Clothing (launched by a Kickstarter campaign) is a new line of garments currently made by Cookson & Clegg: the collection is small but excellently formed and offers staples such as jeans and Harrington raincoats. There’s nothing quite as comforting as a carefully crafted raincoat to brace us against the April showers, especially when it’s upholding our Raincoat, £119, Community Clothing British trades. (communityclothing. co.uk) (communityclothing. co.uk)
A FINE LOT The Clubhouse on Grafton Street is set to host a valuation day this month on behalf of Sworders Auctioneers, where expert in the field Prudence Hopkins will be on hand to evaluate the potential lots. Last year’s auction saw more than 240 items from a range of desirable international fashion brands go up for sale. The Clubhouse, 11-14 Grafton Street, W1S (020 7183 7210; theclubhouselondon.com)
THE GRAYS GATSBY One of Mayfair’s favourite antique destinations, Grays, has introduced a new dealer to its treasure trove of retailers. Decart7 specialises in collectables from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods, with a particular focus on bronze, glass, ceramic and silver wares. Featured pieces include enigmatic bronze figures by Claire Jeanne Roberte Colinet, and the refined feminine sculptures of Josef Lorenzl. Grays Antiques, 58 Davies Street & 1-7 Davies Mews, W1K (020 7629 7034; graysantiques.com)
THE JUGGLER BY COLINET, IMAGE COURTESY OF DECART7 AT GRAYS ANTIQUES
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Regulars | The mayfair Magazine
mayfair
Resident’s Journal
Planning & Development Ground-level developments and structural changes this month
Boutique hotel proposed for Grosvenor Square
Planning applications in the local area DATE RECEIVED: 2 February PROPOSAL: External repairs and redecorations, including the installation of lead cappings to improve weathering of terracotta. ADDRESS: 117 Mount Street
image courtesy of grosvenor
Grosvenor support planning application made by owner of Blakes Hotels
Navid Mirtorabi, owner of the stylish Blakes Hotel in South Kensington has submitted a proposal for a new 30-room boutique hotel, brasserie and private members’ club in the centre of Mayfair. Mirtorabi intends to redevelop the early 1900s buildings of 22 Grosvenor Square, 43 North Audley Street and 1 Lees Place, which preside on the corner of the square adjacent to the US Embassy. In keeping with the understated luxury appeal of the original Blakes, the private members’ club is intended only for Mayfair residents and those in the creative sector, while the Parisian brasserie will be strictly informal and menus will be created from locally sourced ingredients. Mirtorabi states: “We see it as a social and cultural catalyst. In the tradition of great European art hotels we will create an accessible offer for creative and interesting individuals”. (grosvenor.com)
DATE RECEIVED: 2 February PROPOSAL: Erection of 19 marquees on the north side of Berkeley Square for a temporary period between 1 June 2017 and 19 June 2017 and for unspecified dates in years 2018 to 2021. ADDRESS: Berkeley Square DATE RECEIVED: 17 February PROPOSAL: Use of ground floor as a restaurant, installation of a fully openable shop front. ADDRESS: 10 Heddon Street
Planned roadworks and closures in April STREET
PLANNED WORK
DATES
WORKS OWNER
Farm Street
Lay new non-domestic service 6m from main in carriageway
5 – 8 April
National Grid Gas 0845 605 6677
Jermyn Street
Repaving footway and redoing road markings
11 – 25 April
City Of Westminster 020 7641 2000
New Bond Street
Replacement of a very poor condition Link Box in the footway
12 – 18 April
UKPN East & Lon LTD (formerly EDF Energy Networks) 0800 028 4587
Pall Mall
De-stilt chambers and complete cabling
16 April
Vodafone Group
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If you have a view that you would like to share with the Residents’ Journal team, we would be delighted to hear from you. 020 7987 4320; mayfair@residentsjournal.co.uk
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The mayfair Magazine | Regulars IMAGE COURTESY OF ST GEORGE’S CHURCH
Remembering
MAYFAIR ST GEORGE’S CHURCH
H
anover Square was built on farmland to the north-east of Mayfair and completed at the beginning of the 18th century. Spacious properties lined its quiet streets, and eventually a concert hall appeared, where Bach performed his first of many London concerts. Following the Act of 1711 issued by Queen Anne, no neighbourhood was complete without a parish church, and so the construction of St George’s of Hanover Square commenced. One of 50 newly built churches in London, it was designed by John James, an apprentice to Christopher Wren, and funded with money raised from a tax on coal. The works were completed in 1724 and it quickly became the place of worship for the fashionable residents of Hanover Square: Whig soldiers, the emerging political elite and the landed gentry. James Boswell, the Scottish diarist, recalls in 1762 attending a good sermon at the church. He noted, though, that the Duchess of Grafton attracted his eyes too much, making him doubt his overall devotion. But it wasn’t just a place for holy lectures; the establishment also enjoyed a monopoly on society weddings. Among those married here were the Romantic poet Percy Shelley in 1814 to Harriet Westbrook in order to affirm their Scottish elopement, two future prime ministers – Benjamin Disraeli in
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1839 and Herbert Henry Asquith in 1895 – and the poet Mary Ann Evans in 1880, whose pen name was George Eliot, to John Walter Cross. Interestingly, Eliza’s father Alfred Doolittle, of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion fame was also joined in union with his partner here, but this date, of course, fails to appear in the register. By the end of the 19th century, St George’s had attracted a new clientele in need of a wedding venue: visitors from the US. Theodore Roosevelt, the future US president, set the trend in motion on 2 December 1886, when he wed his childhood love Edith Carow in an intimate ceremony, qualifying for marriage by staying for the required period at Brown’s Hotel in Dover Street. Following the matrimony, The New York Times regularly reported on Anglo-American weddings that took place at the church. Mentions include: Lulu Pfizer, daughter of the pharmacist Charles; Elizabeth Berlin, daughter of the famed composer, Irving; as well as the oil and railroad magnate, Henry Clay Pierce. Long gone is the Hanover concert hall, and, sadly, so too are the beautiful brick mansions. But, tucked away behind the hustle and bustle of Regent Street and overlooked by office blocks, remains St George’s, standing resolutely as Mayfair’s parish church. Words: Penelope Sacorafou
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Property | The mayfair Magazine
Mayfair estate agents Knightsbridge 168 Brompton Road SW3 1HW 020 7717 5463 (lettings) Beauchamp Estates 24 Curzon Street, W1J 7TF 020 7499 7722 (beauchamp.co.uk)
Mayfair 32 Grosvenor Square W1K 2HJ 020 7717 5465 (sales) 020 7717 5467 (lettings)
Paddington & Bayswater carter jonas
4C Praed Street W2 1JX 020 7717 5473 (sales) 020 7717 5343 (lettings)
127 Mount Street W1K 3NT 020 7493 0676
Pimlico & Westminster
London, Mayfair & St James’s
London, Hyde Park & Bayswater 44 Connaught Street W2 2AA 020 7402 1552 (sales) 020 7371 3377 (lettings)
50 Belgrave Road SW1V 1RQ 020 7834 4771 (sales) (hamptons-int.com)
JACKSON STOPS & STAFF 17c Curzon Street W1J 5HU 020 7664 6644 (jackson-stops.co.uk)
Savills
Mayfair & St James’s John taylor 48 Berkeley Square W1J 5AX 020 3284 1888 (john-taylor.com)
London, Marylebone & Regent’s Park 37 New Cavendish Street W1G 9TL 020 7486 8866 (carterjonas.co.uk)
Mayfair
47 South Audley Street W1K 2QA 020 7629 4513 (sales) 020 7288 8301 (lettings)
Hanover
West End 49 Welbeck Street W1G 9XN 020 3540 5990
102 St John’s Wood Terrace NW8 6PL 020 7722 2223 (hanover-residential.co.uk)
Marylebone & Fitzrovia 22 Devonshire Street W1G 6PF 020 3527 0400
Knight Frank
139 Sloane Street SW1X 9AY 020 7730 0822 (savills.co.uk)
Mayfair
120a Mount Street W1K 3NN 020 7499 1012 (sales & lettings) (knightfrank.co.uk)
Hyde Park 1 Craven Terrace W2 3QD 020 7871 5060 (sales) 020 7871 5070 (lettings)
Marylebone
Westminster & Pimlico 10 Gillingham Street SW1V 1HJ 020 3411 8386 (sales) (chestertons.com)
36 North Audley Street W1K 6ZJ 020 7578 5100 (sales & lettings)
Sloane Street
St John’s Wood ChestertonS
Rokstone 5 Dorset Street W1U 6QJ 020 7580 2030 (rokstone.com)
55 Baker Street W1U 8EW 020 3435 6440 (sales) Harrods Estates
Strutt & Parker
London Head Office 13 Hill Street, W1J 5LQ 020 7629 7282
Knightsbridge 66 Sloane Street, SW1X 9SH 020 7235 9959 (struttandparker.com)
Knightsbridge
82 Brompton Road SW3 1ER 020 7225 6506
Mayfair Hamptons International
Chelsea
134 Fulham Road, SW10 9PY 020 7717 5433 (lettings)
61 Park Lane W1K 1QF 020 7409 9001 (harrodsestates.com)
Pastor Real Estate Ltd 48 Curzon Street W1J 7UL 020 3195 9595 (pastor-realestate.com)
Wetherell 102 Mount Street, W1K 2TH 020 7493 6935 (wetherell.co.uk)
For estate agent listings please contact Sophie Roberts at s.roberts@runwildgroup.co.uk
94
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showcasing the
finest HOMES & PROPERTY from the best estate agents
Trading
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Local property experts advise on how to make your property stand out in a competitive market image: Rokstone (rokstone.com)
all images: Charles Street, £6,975,000, knight frank (knightfrank.co.uk)
Bright starts Katy Parker asks Harvey Cyzer, proprietary partner and department head of Knight Frank Mayfair, to report on how the property market has fared in the first part of 2016
H
arvey Cyzer has a long history with Mayfair. Having grown up in the area, he was initially drawn to working at Knight Frank because he “wanted to work for the very best company in property”. He is now department head and proprietary partner at Knight Frank Mayfair, an office that sets itself apart thanks to its high level of service. “The quality and quantity of buyer profile that we can introduce to a vendor’s property is exceptional,” Cyzer tells me. “Since 1896, people working for Knight Frank have given their entire life’s career to the company and this understanding of its legacy has propelled us – keeping us the leading agent in Mayfair and St James’s. In fact, globally, we currently have 440 offices.” I meet Cyzer in Mayfair’s 34, an environment in which he is very much at home. He’s relaxed and charming, and as we work our way through our starters I start to quiz him on the state of the current market in prime central London. He insists
The mayfair Magazine | Property
that it is going strong, in spite of the recent inflation on stamp duty prices for homes over £1.5 million. “We have definitely seen as much activity as we thought we would for this time of year. We’ve had a strong start to the year; Mayfair is very much continuing in terms of progress.” And speaking of progress, it seems as though Mayfair is consistently outperforming other areas in prime central London. I ask Cyzer why he thinks this is. “Mayfair, more so than ever before, is attracting international buyers because of the facilities, services, restaurants and so on. For most people buying in the area, this is their second or third home and they’re buying here because they want entertainment. As such, we are seeing it overtake other addresses in terms of a destination focus for international buyers.” By now we have moved on to our main course and, having spoken at length with Cyzer about Mayfair and the local market, it is clear that he is a veritable tour de force on the property scene, and I am interested in how he sees the area shaping up over the next three years. “The area south of Curzon Street has huge potential for change over the coming years. It’s largely down to 5 Hertford Street, which has drawn an enormous amount of people into that area. Another area to watch is the locale directly around Hanover Square, due to the arrival of Crossrail.”
s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s
Cyzer’s outlook on the future of the market remains optimistic. “Mayfair has always increased year on year and I don’t see it changing. It is harder and harder to find those ‘best in class’ properties that we specialise in at Knight Frank, but demand will continue to grow and apartments and houses will perpetuate. I don’t think that there will be any slowing of the market in the autumn of this year. There has been a degree of instability in the market caused by the Brexit vote, but stability will return after 23 June, regardless of what the outcome is.” Knight Frank Mayfair, 120A Mount Street, W1K (020 7499 1012; knightfrank.co.uk)
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Hill Street, Mayfair W1J A great one bedroom apartment with secure parking A lateral apartment situated on the first floor of a popular residential building, benefiting from a private balcony, secure parking and share of the freehold. Bedroom, bathroom, reception room, kitchen, guest WC, caretaker, balcony. 2 garages, lift access. EPC: C. Approximately 72 sq m (775 sq ft). Share of freehold
Guide price: £2,150,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/WER140035
MM April - Hill Street
KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7484 Wetherell.co.uk sales@wetherell.co.uk
@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk
10/03/2016 11:23:31
MM
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Bourdon Street, Mayfair W1K A fantastic two bedroom apartment with 24 hour uniformed porter Just off Berkeley Square a second floor apartment of 1,266 sq ft benefiting from a long lease, 24 hour porter and fantastic views of Mayfair. Master bedroom suite, bedroom 2, bathroom, open plan reception/dining room, kitchen, lift access, 24 hour porter. EPC: D. Approximately 117 sq m (1,266 sq ft). Leasehold: approximately 175 years remaining
Guide price: £3,750,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7484 Wetherell.co.uk sales@wetherell.co.uk
@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk
KnightFrank.co.uk/WER160002
MM April - Hill Street
10/03/2016 11:23:31
Whitehall Court, St James's, SW1 A well proportioned lateral apartment within a Grade II listed building A generous two bedroom apartment located within an imposing Victorian building, benefiting from views over Horse Guards Parade, lift access and 24 hour concierge. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, balcony, lift, concierge. EPC: C. Approximately 120 sq m (1,296 sq ft). Leasehold: approximately 160 years remaining
Guide price: £2,850,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7484
@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk
KnightFrank.co.uk/POD160005
MM April - Hill Street
10/03/2016 11:23:31
MM
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Green Street, Mayfair W1K An elegant duplex apartment with private roof terrace A stylish three bedroom duplex apartment on the third and fourth floors of an historic Mayfair apartment block. With both a balcony and a private roof terrace, the property offers an abundance of outside space. 3 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, reception room, open plan kitchen/dining room, guest WC, loft storage, balcony, roof terrace, lift access. EPC: E. Approximately 203 sq m (2,181 sq ft). Leasehold: approximately 123 years remaining
Guide price: £5,850,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7484
@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk
KnightFrank.co.uk/WER130191
MM April - Hill Street
10/03/2016 11:23:31
Orchard Court, Marylebone W1 A substantial four bedroom lateral apartment A newly renovated and remodelled lateral apartment of classic proportions occupying an enviable corner location on the third floor of one of Marylebone's most exclusive mansion blocks. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom and walk in wardrobe, 2 further bedroom suites, gym/4th bedroom, double aspect open plan living and entertaining space with dining area and fully fitted kitchen, library/family room, study, guest cloakroom, 24 hour concierge, lift. EPC: D. Approximately 261.4 sq m (2,814 sq ft). Leasehold: approximately 85 years remaining
KnightFrank.co.uk/marylebone marylebone@knightfrank.com 020 3435 6440 Sandfords.com sales@sandfords.com 020 7224 4994
@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk
Guide price: £8,950,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/MRY160021
Mayfair Magazine April - Orchard Court, Marylebone W1
16/03/2016 17:30:16
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Gloucester Square Hyde Park W2
A generously proportioned family house on an attractive garden square This south facing family home benefits from a double garage, 2 self-contained apartments and a large patio garden and is situated within close proximity to Connaught Village and the open spaces of Hyde Park. 6 bedrooms • 4 bathrooms • Drawing room • Library • Dining room • Study • Kitchen/breakfast room • Utility room • Cloakroom Wine store • Patio garden • Terrace • Self-contained 1 bedroom apartment • Double garage with 1 bedroom self-contained flat above Main house EPC: C Apartment EPC: D • Including flats and garage approximately 586 sq m (6,308 sq ft). House and lower ground flat: Freehold Garage and first floor flat: Leasehold, approximately 109 years remaining Guide Price £9,750,000
Hyde Park
020 7871 5060 KnightFrank.co.uk
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LETTING HOMES LIKE YOURS ALL YEAR ROUND We pride ourselves on exceptional service and unrivalled market knowledge, with a global network of 417 offices across 58 countries that can showcase your property to the widest possible audience. To arrange a free market appraisal, call +44 20 8166 7799 or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair Guide price: £950 per week
Dover Street, Mayfair W1S
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A bright and spacious 2 bedroom apartment finished to a high standard throughout. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room and dining area, open plan kitchen, guest WC, lift. EPC: C. Approximately 93 sq m (1,002 sq ft). Available furnished. mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 7799
All potential tenants should be advised that as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges
@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk
Guide price: £1,650 per week
St George Street, Mayfair W1S A two bedroom duplex apartment situated in a superb location close to Regent Street and Oxford Street. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room and dining area, kitchen, lift. EPC: C. Approximately 126 sq m (1,355 sq ft). Available furnished. mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 7799
Mayfair Mag - Lettings - Feb 2016 1
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Ma
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LETTING HOMES LIKE YOURS ALL YEAR ROUND To arrange a free market appraisal of your property please contact us: KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings marylebonelettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5853 KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings hydeparklettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 7941
Guide price: £1,850 per week
Montagu Square, Marylebone W1
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A beautifully finished three bedroom duplex apartment of Georgian proportions, located on one of Marylebone's finest garden squares. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 en suite), reception room, dining room, kitchen, guest cloakroom, entrance hall, integral garage. EPC: C. Approximately 225 sq m (2,422 sq ft).
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
@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk
marylebonelettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 3435 5853
Guide price: £995 per week
Cleveland Square, Hyde Park W2 A fantastic two bedroom apartment situated on Cleveland Square, one of London's finest private garden squares. 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large open plan reception room, modern kitchen with breakfast bar, lift, terrace. EPC: C. Approximatley 86 sq m (926 sq ft). hydeparklettingslettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 3641 7941
Mayfair Mag April 2016
17/03/2016 09:51:03
Open new doors in Mayfair & St James’s Move with Savills
MAYFAIR
£1,000 pw + fees apply*
HERTFORD STREET W1J 2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 1 reception room
1,033 sq ft EPC=C
MAYFAIR
£1,650 pw + fees apply*
SOUTH AUDLEY STREET W1K 1,259 sq ft 2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 1 reception room EPC=D
MAYFAIR
£2,950 pw + fees apply*
GREEN STREET W1K 1,989 sq ft 3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 2 reception rooms EPC=B
* Fees to include drawing up the tenancy agreements and reference change for one tenant – £282 inc VAT one-off fee. £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 dependant on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details visit savills.co.uk/fees
6504 Mayfair Magazine DPS Advert ART.indd 1
15/03/2016 11:16
6504
Contact us on 020 7578 5100 or mayfair@savills.com savills.co.uk
SPECTACULAR DUPLEX PENTHOUSE WITH LARGE TERRACE AND VIEWS ACROSS HYDE PARK
CONNAUGHT PLACE W2 – JSA Knight Frank Entrance hall | reception room | media room | study | dining room | kitchen | master bedroom suite
Guide £17.5 million
5,386 sq ft
with dressing room | 4 further bedroom suites | staff area | guest cloakroom | roof terrace
11:16
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Ten Broadway, Aerial Night Time View. Image courtesy of BL Development Ltd and Northacre
Property News
PrimeResi brings you the latest news in prime property and development in London
Dressed to let Camilla Molyneux, lettings manager at Jackson-Stops & Staff, advises on how to make your property stand out in a competitive market
W
ith spring now upon us, we are experiencing a flurry of prospective tenants looking to begin their search in advance of their move during the months of April, May and June. To ensure your property stands out within this competitive market, it is key that at the time of bringing the property to the market the internal decoration is in good order and the furnishings are of a high quality. The average tenant in Mayfair is looking for a ‘home from home’ when taking a property and convenience is integral, with tenants preferring a property that is ready to move into straight away. While the presentation of the photos and marketing information online is vital to generate interest and viewings, first impressions are so important when a prospective tenant walks through the door. Neutral tones are preferable to bold colours, with wooden floors being
PrimeQResi Journal of Luxury Property
favoured over carpet, especially in the living space. Highspecification furniture in ‘like new’ condition is important, as are good-quality dressings that frame the windows well. If undergoing refurbishment works, it is always advisable to retain period features where possible. Properties with character that have been restored to a high standard are always popular with tenants relocating from overseas and are seen as part of the quintessentially ‘London living experience’. At Jackson-Stops & Staff we offer a complimentary service to advise on prospective refurbishment works or redecoration works to help maximise interest levels for a property currently on the market that is struggling to let. We are also affiliated with local interior design and furniture hire companies that can provide quick and comprehensive advice and bespoke packages at short notice. Jackson-Stops & Staff, 17c Curzon Street, W1J (020 7664 6644; jackson-stops.co.uk)
The mayfair Magazine | Property
Full steam ahead Green light for Abu Dhabi’s New Scotland Yard development
W
estminster planners have given Abu Dhabi-owned BL Development Ltd the green light to knock down New Scotland Yard and build its hyper-luxury Northacre-managed scheme, Ten Broadway. The developer, which bought the site in late 2014 for £370m, won approval despite a fair amount of Ten Broadway, Aerial Nighttime View. Image courtesy opposition to the plan, and is now in line for a of BL Development Ltd and Northacre £10m off-site affordable housing contribution. Squire & Partners-designed plans, which were submitted last summer, detail the demolition of all three existing 1960s buildings (of seven, nine and 21 storeys) on the 1.78-acre triangular site just south of St James’s Park, replacing them with six residential-led buildings ranging from 14 to 20 storeys. The scheme, now approved, will deliver 246 apartments with a total residential gross internal area (GIA) of 44,456 sq m (plus another 3,990 sq m for residential facilities). Northacre, the firm behind ultra-luxury developments The Lancasters and One Palace Street, was brought on as development manager last September. The whole scheme is carved broadly into two halves, and will sit on two four-storey ‘podiums’, housing retail units on the ground and three storeys of office space, with the residential buildings coming in three-a-piece on top. There will also be four basement levels for parking, plants and residents’ facilitates including a gym, pool and spa.
Going, going, gone Sub-£1m properties ‘face extinction’ in Mayfair and the West End
T
he sub-£1m home is soon to become a thing of the past in Mayfair and the wider West End. Within the next 12-24 months, sub-£1m apartments and sub-£2m houses will become ‘totally extinct’, according to new research, which has found that less than five per cent of homes now sold in the area are priced at below seven figures. None are priced below £750k, with the majority (49 per cent) now going for between £2m to £10m. The study, commissioned by Wetherell and carried out by Dataloft, went all the way back to 1985 to show just how much things have changed. The same year that Back to the Future first hit our screens, more than 90 per cent of homes sold in Mayfair were priced below £1m, with 80 per cent of one- and two-bed apartments going for under £300k. The average price of a one-bed was £85k-£150k, with a two-bed averaging £150k-£275k.
Fast forward to 2015, and 49 per cent of homes in Mayfair were sold for £2m to £10m, with another 11 per cent selling for £10m+. Of the 41 per cent sold below £2m, 95 per cent were in the £1m-£2m range. A handful were priced below £1m, and of those, 60 per cent went for more than £950k. Looking at prime central London as a whole, 73 per cent of the properties sold in 2015 went for £1m+, with 13 per cent achieving more than £5m.
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[ hot property]
South Audley Street, W1
The mayfair Magazine | Property
P
ositioned in the heart of the picturesque Mayfair village, this exclusive 1930s stripped Art Deco building designed by Ernest Martin Joseph has been the residency of some of the most captivating members of the British noble classes. One such member was Daisy Greville, the Countess of Warwick – an original aristocratic ‘It’ girl and mistress of King Edward VII – who was said to have thrown the most lavish parties and was well-known as the inspiration behind the popular jingle Daisy Bell. Other inhabitants include the Earl and Countess of Southesk and the Earl and Countess Fortescue; however, the colourful history of the address seems a lifetime away from the sleek, modern interior of the 1,585 sq ft second-floor flat that has recently become available on the market. The three-bedroom apartment opens up into a spacious reception room and dining area, which is a magnet for natural light thanks to the two generous windows overlooking charming South Audley Street. The standout features of the building include its Juliet balconies and, in this particular property only, the main terrace that extends to almost the entirety of the flat: connecting the reception area and one of the two double bedrooms to prestigious effect. In the reception area and bedrooms, blanched walls and neutral furnishings are offset with metallic accessories, wooden flooring and pops of colour in the featured artwork. The kitchen is dazzlingly white and minimal from floor to ceiling, kitted out with integrated Miele appliances. Whether you’re an avid socialite like Daisy, or prefer peace and privacy, this South Audley Street gem is impeccably positioned between a trio of London’s most remarkable green spaces – Hyde Park, Grosvenor Square and Mount Street Gardens – as well as being within walking distance of stylish Scott’s, Mount Street and The Connaught. For further enquiries contact Knight Frank, 120a Mount Street, W1K (020 7499 1012; knightfrank.co.uk)
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jackson-stops.co.uk
Albert Hall Mansions, SW7 A raised ground floor apartment measuring approximately 1,000 sq ft in a mansion block adjacent to, and with views over, the Royal Albert Hall. The block itself is located 0.6 miles from South Kensington underground station and 0.7 miles from Knightsbridge underground station, whilst being positioned just opposite the southern entrances to Hyde Park. Reception room, kitchen, double bedroom, bathroom; 24 hour concierge.
Asking price: ÂŁ1,350,000 Leasehold
People Property Places
Mayfair 020 7664 6644 mayfair@jackson-stops.co.uk
Offices in London and across the country
Valentine Place, SE1 Valentine Place comprises a unique blend of new build 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments & mews houses; some sympathetically crafted around the retained facade of a former bakery located just 280m from Southwark station and 450m from Waterloo station. The Cut is 250m away offering a collection of restaurants, cafes, and bars as well as the The Old & Young Vic Theatres. Contact Jackson-Stops & Staff to arrange an appointment to view the show apartment.
Prices from ÂŁ735,000
People Property Places
Mayfair 020 7664 6644 mayfair@jackson-stops.co.uk
Offices in London and across the country
jackson-stops.co.uk ‘Luxury Short Lets’, both have outside space and are ideal for spring/summer short stays
Hertford Street, W1J A split level serviced apartment in a town house forming part of a five star hotel, located 0.3 miles from Hyde Park Corner. 2 reception rooms, separate fitted kitchen leading onto a private patio, 2 double bedrooms also with access to the patio, 2 bathrooms, guest cloakroom.
£5,250 per week (fees apply)*
Half-Moon Street, W1J A split level garden apartment located in central Mayfair, 0.2 miles from Green Park underground station. Reception room, kitchen/dining room, 2 en suite double bedrooms; 2 patios, full use of all hotel facilities including restaurant, bar, and 24 hour porter service.
£5,335 per week (fees apply)* *For full details of all associated fees please visit our website: www.jackson-stops.co.uk/london/tenants-service-charges.html or contact us for further details.
People Property Places
Mayfair 020 7664 6644 mayfair@jackson-stops.co.uk
Offices in London and across the country
Mayfair you stay sheltered from the showers Here to help with all your property resolutions this year. Sales • Lettings • Property Management • International • Residential Development Land & New Homes • Surveying & Consultancy • Country Houses • Professional Services • JSS Private Client
T: 020 7664 6644
jackson-stops.co.uk mayfair@jackson-stops.co.uk
IMPOS
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Why should selling or buying a property be formulaic or even torture? We’re not different for difference sake. We do business differently to get great results which is why we’re statistically so effective at selling and buying in our particular patch. Give us a call today and find out how.
020 7221 1117 www.crayson.com
10 Lambton Place London W11 2SH
Holland Park Avenue Notting Hill W11 House for great parties, inside and out. Home to work, rest and play... A charming house at the centre of the Notting Hill universe, yet in a world of its own.
020 7221 1117 www.crayson.com
10 Lambton Place London W11 2SH
Double reception room Kitchen/dining room Master bedroom suite One further bedroom One further en-suite bathroom Bedroom/office/playroom Cloakroom Utility room Front and back gardens 2,390 sq ft/ 222 sq m Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea EPC rating band F Sole Agent Freehold Guide Price ÂŁ4.25 million
Proud sponsors of
3rd | 4th | 5th June
Market Mews
ÂŁ1,295,000 leasehold
Mayfair W1J
A delightful 1 bedroom apartment benefiting from a bright reception room & open plan kitchen which leads onto a decked internal roof terrace. The apartment has a built in Sonos sound system & a good size bedroom with a well-appointed bathroom. EPC rating D
chestertons.com
Mayfair
020 7269 4513 sales.mayfair@chestertons.com
Mount Street
Mayfair W1K
£2,250 per week / £9,750 per month
A stunning newly refurbished & interior designed 2 bedroom apartment finished to the highest of standards on Mayfair’s most premier street. The property benefits from gorgeous light parquet flooring in the principal rooms & high ceilings. EPC rating D
Mayfair
020 7288 8301 lettings.mayfair@chestertons.com
Additional tenant charges apply: Tenancy agreement fee: £222 (inc. VAT) References per tenant including credit check: £60 (inc. VAT) References per guarantor including credit check: £60 (inc. VAT) Inventory check (approx. £100 – £250 inc. VAT dependent on property size) chestertons.com/property-to-rent/applicable-fees
Property | The mayfair Magazine Kingwood Road , SW6, £1,895,000
Down
the Garden Path For the kids, for sunbathing or for a spot of gardening – the latest research from Chestertons shows that Londoners love an outdoor area. Ella Harris reports
C
hestertons surveyed 1,743 UK residents in November last year to reveal the qualities most admired by potential buyers: the size of the property, amount of outdoor space, proximity to local amenities, level of noise pollution and effective use of space. It turns out that London house-hunters will pay a premium for outdoor space – which is considered the second most influential factor on this list – when purchasing a new home. Caspar Bell, research analyst at Chestertons, says: “Across London there are many examples of the impact outdoor space can have on the price of a property, even as small a space as a balcony. For example, in Barnes a two-bedroom flat measuring 1,265 sq ft situated in Harrods Village sold on the open market for £1.16m. However, a two-bedroom flat measuring 1,418 sq ft with a balcony and a terrace on the same development sold for £1.4m.
Hugh Street, SW1V, £1,425,000
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This difference between £917/sq ft and £987/sq ft is £70/sq ft, indicating an eight per cent increase in value created by having this outside space, showing that outside space does indeed add extra value to the overall value of a property.” In-keeping with this increased value, Londoners are also the most willing to invest in their outdoor space. According to Lloyds Bank Insurance’s report Britain at Home, the average amount a person spends on maintaining and improving a garden and outside space in the capital is £561 a year, compared to £366 across the rest of the UK. The 2014 report suggests that the cause of this is perhaps the time we spend in our gardens, with recent research showing that 37 per cent of Brits are spending more time in the garden than they did five years ago. And with the weather beginning to brighten, there’s no better time to head outdoors. (chestertons.com)
Walham Grove, SW6, £2,695,000
s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s
SALES LETTINGS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY INVESTMENT ARCHITECTURE COMMERCIAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT
www.pastor-realestate.com Headline sponsor of
PASTOR REAL ESTATE 48 CURZON STREET, LONDON, W1J 7UL • T +44 (0)20 3195 9595 F +44 (0)20 3195 9596
FOR SALE EATON GATE, BELGRAVIA, SW1
FOR SALE CHESTERFIELD GARDENS, MAYFAIR, W1
£10,800,000
£1,450,000
A magnificent house with listed building consent and full planning permission to create an exquisite family home. Arranged over six floors with 9 bedrooms, this unique property also includes a four person lift servicing all levels. Leasehold approximately 126 years.
A newly refurbished one bedroom apartment extending to approximately 650 sq ft (60 sq m) with solid wood flooring, fully fitted eat-in kitchen, designer bathroom, quality appliances and 24 hour porter. Leasehold plus Share of Freehold.
FOR SALE HAY HILL, MAYFAIR, W1J
FOR SALE SHEPHERD MARKET, MAYFAIR, W1J
£895,000
£775,000
This charming one bedroom apartment is situated on the second floor of a popular period portered block, a stone’s throw from Berkeley Square and Green Park. The apartment benefits from high ceilings and would make an ideal pied-à-terre. Leasehold approximately 149 years.
A stunning one bedroom apartment accessed via a private entrance at ground floor level and arranged over the first and second floors extending to approximately 460 sq ft (43 sq m). The property is perfectly positioned within the heart of Mayfair. Leasehold approximately 38 years.
FURTHER DETAILS: Simon Green T +44 (0)20 3195 9595 E sales@pastor-realestate.com
PASTOR REAL ESTATE 48 CURZON STREET, LONDON, W1J 7UL • T +44 (0)20 3195 9595 F +44 (0)20 3195 9596
www.pastor-realestate.com Headline sponsor of
TO LET CHESTERFIELD GARDENS MAYFAIR W1
TO LET SACKVILLE STREET MAYFAIR W1
£850 per week
£950 per week
Newly refurbished two bedroom apartment near Park Lane and Berkeley Square extending to 840 sq ft (78 sq m). Reception room, bedroom with en-suite shower, second double bedroom, eat-in kitchen, bathroom, 24 hour porter.
Interior designed 7th floor two bedroom apartment close to Old Bond Street and Piccadilly. Accommodation extends to 915 sq ft (85 sq m) with reception, open plan kitchen, second double bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, A/C and basement storage.
TO LET HAY HILL, MAYFAIR W1
TO LET BRICK STREET, MAYFAIR W1
£980 per week
£2,995 per week
Impressive newly refurbished two bedroom apartment in a popular period block close to Bond Street and Berkeley Square. Accommodation of 805 sq ft (75 sq m) comprises: reception room, two en-suite bedrooms, fully fitted kitchen, 24 hour porter.
Luxurious 5 bedroom Mayfair town house close to Green Park with private off street parking. Ideal for entertaining. Accommodation: sitting room, reception room, eat-in kitchen, 5 double bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, guest WC. Maid service on request.
FURTHER DETAILS: Spencer Taffurelli or Mollie Crowley T +44 (0)20 3195 9595 E lettings@pastor-realestate.com
Lancaster Gate Hyde Park W2 A perfect pied à terre mezzanine apartment, situated on the first floor of a beautiful Grade II listed white stucco building, located moments from the open spaces of Hyde Park. Drawing Room with Dining Area • Kitchen • Guest Shower Room • Bedroom with Dressing Room and Ensuite Bathroom • Lift
S H A RE OF F REE H OLD
JS A K ni g h t Fr a nk 020 3544 2488
A S K IN G P R I C E £ 1 , 6 5 0 , 0 0 0
Lexham Mews Kensington W8 A beautifully refurbished three bedroom freehold house offering 2,150 sq ft of accommodation over four floors, with excellent entertaining space in this pretty cobbled mews situated to the south of Kensington High Street. Entrance Hall • Drawing Room • Kitchen/Dining Room • Master Bedroom with Bathroom Ensuite Two Further Bedrooms with Bathrooms Ensuite • Cloakroom • Patio • EPC Rating D
FR EEHOLD
JS A M i l t on S t one 020 7835 2888
P R IC E O N A P P L I C AT I O N
020-7225 0277 www.russellsimpson.co.uk
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RHP
Cheyne Court Chelsea SW3
Set within a highly regarded gated mansion block, this contemporary penthouse apartment offers five bedrooms, a roof terrace and exceptional living accommodation with vaulted ceilings. Three Reception Rooms • Five Bedrooms • Four Bathrooms • Kitchen • Roof Terrace • Residents’ Parking • Lift 24 Hour Porter and Security • Beautiful views over Chelsea Physic Garden • EPC Rating E
SHAR E OF F R EE H OLD
JS A: D omus N ova 020 7727 1717
£7,750,000
020-7225 0277 www.russellsimpson.co.uk
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BEDFORD STREET, COVENT GARDENS, WC2E Behind a classic period facade, this 1st floor lateral apartment has an internal space of approx. 1152 sq.ft, and has a large terrace which is also as large as the apartment. There are two bedrooms and a 3rdbedroom which is currently used as an office, two bathrooms (one en suite), and an open plan reception room/dining room/kitchen. There is also planning for an external barbecue kitchen area on the terrace. Day porter and lift. Separate bike storage. Long leasehold of approx.998 year lease. 200 yards from very popular Covent Garden Piazza and in the heart of London’s famed theatre district. EPC Rating B
PRICE: £1,850,000 LEASEHOLD
John Taylor UK 48 Berkeley Square, London W1J 5AX Tel: 020 3284 1888 Email: london@john-taylor.com
AIX-EN-PROVENCE • BERLIN • BROOKLYN • CANNES • COURCHEVEL • DOHA • GENEVA • GSTAAD • LAKE COMO • LONDON • MADRID • MALTA • MANHATTAN • MAURITIUS • MEGEVE MERIBEL • MIAMI • MILAN • MONACO • MOSCOW • PALM BEACH • PARIS • ST JEAN-CAP-FERRAT • ST PAUL DEVENCE • ST TROPEZ • THE HAMPTONS • VALBONNE
www.john-taylor.com
PONT STREET, KNIGHTSBRIDGE SW1X A spectacular family apartment of ambassadorial proportions that has been meticulously refurbished to exacting standards by renowned interior designer Argent. Spanning two large, period buildings the apartment offers balanced informal and formal entertaining space with a four metre ceiling height. The property also boasts four luxurious, large bedroom suites, private south-facing garden, double garage and separate staff accommodation. The latest technology and home automation systems have been employed throughout. Underfloor heating to the entire apartment and hidden airconditioning ensure perfect temperature control. Fully integrated audio/visual systems can be controlled room by room or centrally from an iPad, and also remotely via smart phone.
020 7580 2030 WWW.ROKSTONE.COM 5 Dorset Street, London, W1U 6QJ enquiries@rokstone.com
Price: £19,950,000 »»Five bedrooms »»Five bathrooms »»Private south facing garden »»High ceilings »»Double private garage »»Separate staff accommodation »»6,082 SQ FT
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Surf
Putt
Dive
Dine
Here in Barbados, every day is just waiting for you to design it. From diving our wrecks and working up an appetite for the day’s catch. To sporting action on land and sea – or total inaction involving a lounger, a book and a glass. We’ve also taken the magic inside. Our architect-designed two to five bedroom residences are exquisitely finished, and located right on the shoreline.
UNNA Luxury Resorts & Residences
For holidays and home ownership visit portferdinand.com and stpetersbaybarbados.com. Then call 0800 097 0847.
Beautiful places to press pause
Rear exterior of the Idyll MomentS Villa with pool
The point of
no return
ucked in the hills on the prestigious west coast of Barbados, Royal Westmoreland T is the exclusive hideaway where residents lead the lifestyle of dreams
T
his is a cautionary tale – when holidaying in Barbados, you may find yourself taking extreme measures to extend your stay. If that fails, you’ll most certainly be booking your next trip before the first is over. So what is so special about the Caribbean isle? It could be the idyllic year-round climate, excellent restaurants, beautiful beaches, and flourishing gardens, or perhaps the varied cultural calendar. Perhaps the better question to ask is: what’s not to like about Barbados? Because the answer is simple – nothing. Royal Westmoreland private estate and worldrenowned golf resort is perfectly positioned in the rolling hillsides of St James, which is situated on the prestigious west coast. The properties are sold freehold and range from luxurious one-bedroom apartments to stunning seven-bedroom villas, scattered among 750 acres of landscaped grounds.
The Royal Apartments start from US$395,000, while the latest Sugar Cane Mews four-bedroom semidetached villas fetch around US$1.75m. If you’re looking for something specific, don’t be misled into thinking you’ll be forced to select from a catalogue of properties – that’s not the case at Royal Westmoreland. Custom-built properties give buyers the freedom to create a luxury retreat to meet their needs at the most sought-after addresses on the island. At the elite end of the estate, plots spanning up to 50,000 sq ft are available freehold from US$975,000 to US$3.96m. There’s even the opportunity to employ your own team of architects and engineers. If you prefer the idea of buying off-plan, the design team has gone to great lengths to meet the varying needs of different buyers, so you’re bound to find something that fits the bill. The Royal Apartments offer a choice of one-, two- and three-bedroom
The mayfair Magazine | Property
Idyll Moments Villa
residences ranging in size, from 830 sq ft to 2,000 sq ft. However, if the living space of a villa appeals, there’s the option of a Royal Villa or a Sugar Cane Ridge Villa. The former is a threebedroom residence, boasting French doors that open up to a living and dining area, and a terrace that’s perfect for entertaining. But you’d better be quick; there’s only one Royal Villa remaining for sale, so don’t delay. Finally, the Sugar Cane Ridge Villas are semi-detached properties with views of the golf course, and the option of a four-metre plunge pool or sun terrace. As an owner or guest at Royal Westmoreland, you’re granted access to the 7,045-yard golf course that was designed by acclaimed course designer, Robert Trent Jones Junior. And for true enthusiasts, lessons are available from the director of golf, British professional golfer Bill Longmuir. Membership benefits also extend to the use of the Sanctuary pool, gymnasium and tennis courts. And for those in search of some rest and relaxation, the Beach Club at Mullins Bay serves up local cocktails as you watch the ocean wash up on the pristine beach. For those not quite ready to make the full commitment, Royal Westmoreland offers a fractional ownership program that starts at US$53,600, and when it’s time for an upgrade, the resort will buy it back at ten per cent uplift. Furthermore, the Barbados economy has long been one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean and it is regularly included among the best foreign places to invest for a number of reasons. As a member of the British Commonwealth, investors benefit from a stable government, a low rate of tax for those whose income comes only from foreign sources, an efficient and transparent judiciary system, and high standards of medical care. Add to this a resort-wide increase of eight per cent over the last two years, not to mention, two of the highest possible awards in the categories of ‘Best Golf Development’ and ‘Best Single Property’ at the International Property Awards 2015-2016, and you have every justification one rational mind could possibly need. For more information, contact the sales team on 01524 782649 (royalwestmoreland.com)
s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s
Idyll Moments Villa
The Clubhouse
Fairway view
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South Audley Street £650 per week
Park Lane £725 per week
Clarges Street £750 per week
One Bedroom Flat with Balcony
Pied-à-Terre with 24 Hour Porter
High Ceiling One Bedroom
Mount Street £950 per week
Hertford Street £1,100 per week
Balfour Place £1,150 per week
Newly Renovated Two Double Bedroom Apartment
Contemporary One Bedroom
Two Bedroom Corner Flat
Curzon Street £1,950 per week
Mount Street £2,000 per week
Grosvenor Square £2,350 per week
Two Bedroom Penthouse
Mayfair Village Two Bedroom
Newly Refurbished Portered Two Bedroom
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Weth
E N C IO I T PRUC D RE
DUKE STREET £1,000,000
HERTFORD STREET £1,350,000
South Audley Street £1,995,000
Spacious One Bed Off Grosvenor Square
Chic Shepherd Market Flat
Mayfair Village Pied-à-Terre
E N IC TIO R P UC ED
R
Hill Street £2,150,000
DUKE STREET £2,500,000
Curzon Street £2,525,000
Exceptionally Large One Bedroom with Parking
Newly Refurbished Second Floor Apartment
Stunning Two Bedroom with Parking
E N IC TIO R P UC ED
E N IC TIO R P UC ED
R
R
DUKE STREET £3,500,000
Green Street £3,500,000
Reeves Mews £4,750,000
Second Floor Apartment with Long Lease
Two Bedroom Overlooking Secret Gardens
South Facing Three Bedroom with Private Terrace
Wetherell have Mayfair’s finest portfolio of properties under £5 million and a superb selection of rental apartments. 102 Mount Street, London W1K 2TH T: 020 7493 6935 E: info@wetherell.co.uk
wetherell.co.uk
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Property | The mayfair Magazine IMAGES COURTESY OF WETHERELL
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR A third-floor apartment in an original Mayfair Village mansion offers prospective buyers a private outdoor oasis
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here’s such an abundance of beautiful property in Mayfair that one can almost become inattentive to each magnificent new potential home. Occasionally, however, there is an addition to the market that offers something quite unusual. Even from the outside, 10 Upper Grosvenor Street is impressive; the stucco-fronted building was originally constructed in 1843 as a mansion for philanthropist and businessman Henry Kingscote. The property then became the pied-à-terre of the Dowager Duchess of Northumberland, Lady Eleanor Percy, in 1870 until the early 20th century, and the entire 2,212 sq ft third-floor apartment that is now on the market, was actually only her bedroom suite. It was while Lady Eleanor resided in the property that the sui generis feature was constructed. The Duchess was a great lover of the outdoors and during her life she lived at both Alnwick Castle – with its resplendent gardens – and the scenic Stanwick Hall. A private al fresco oasis was therefore
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created for the Duchess in her London home, consisting of a generous conservatory and a patio overlooking the Mayfair rooftops. The rest of the flat is equally as grand, open and illuminated – ideal for entertaining guests. The 600 sq ft drawing room stretches the width of the property and overlooks Upper Grosvenor Street through three sash windows. Each of the two lofty bedrooms are accompanied by sleek en suite bathrooms, and a state-of-the-art designer kitchen has been fitted with a central island. The property also offers several options in terms of space: the capacious entrance hall is ideal for displaying artwork, and there is an airy and versatile day room with an exquisite feature fireplace. This property has catered excellently for the needs of its previous high-profile residents, providing extensive room for entertaining as well as secluded spots to reflect, and ultimately the canvas to make it entirely one’s own space. Guide price £5.6m. Wetherell, 102 Mount Street, W1K (020 7529 5566; wetherell.co.uk)
s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s
GREEN STREET MAYFAIR W1 Superbly Appointed Seven Bedroom Family Home with Roof Terrace and Direct Access to Green Street Gardens ÂŁ14,950,000
T: 020 7529 5566 E: sales@wetherell.co.uk JSA: Knight Frank
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102 Mount Street, London W1K 2TH
wetherell.co.uk
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