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CONTENTS August 2017 Regulars 10 Editor’s letter 12 Five minutes with... S.T. Dupont CEO Alain Crevet 14 Couture culture The worlds of fashion, film and art collide 52 Into the wild Step out in khaki and animal print scarves 96 Remembering Mayfair Grosvenor Square through the ages

52 36

Features 16 22 26 30

Around the world in 80 chukkas Business meets pleasure at British Polo Day Sharp shooters Seek sage counsel for the Glorious Twelfth Baronness Mone of Mayfair, OBE An audience with the lingerie mogul The changing face of Albemarle Street The landlord spearheading the road’s future reveals its plans

48 Cave of wonders Matisse and his studio at the Royal Academy 60 Summertime spectacular Camilla Apcar finds the statement sunglasses throwing other frames into the shade 70 Say it with flowers Emma Love masters this season’s floral trends 80 At the table with: Jean-Georges Pull up a chair with chef Vongerichten 88 Great escape Visit unspoilt Botswana 90 The land of the long white cloud Marianne Dick reports on the finest lodges in New Zealand

34 Collection

50 Fashion

74 Health & beauty

83 Travel

44 Art

68 Interiors

76 Food & drink

98 Property

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editor

From the A U G U S T 2 0 1 7 s issu e 0 7 1

Editor Hannah Lemon Deputy Editor Camilla Apcar Contributing Editor Lauren Romano Jewellery Editor Mhairi Graham Watch Editor Richard Brown Acting Assistant Editor Marianne Dick Editorial Intern Tori Berkowitz Senior Designer & Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong Production Alice Ford Jamie Steele Hugo Wheatley General Manager Fiona Smith Executive Director Sophie Roberts Managing Director Eren Ellwood

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“Dream, work hard, never give up and you will get there in the end” Baroness Mone of Mayfair Much of my childhood was spent scrambling through hedges, riding horses or mastering the mudpie. This month, despite adulthood, we are encouraged to spend a similar amount of time in the great outdoors. While gun and rifle makers prep us for the Glorious Twelfth (p.22), further afield you can meet New Zealand’s notoriously shy kiwi (p.90), get hitched underwater (p.83) or drive through a game reserve in Botswana (p.88). Safari style has hit the catwalk, too: see our animalinspired outfits on the plains of Africa (p.52). Staying in London? Take a jaunt down the revamped and renovated Albemarle Street (p.30). If all else fails, bring the outdoors indoors courtesy of flamboyant florists who provide statement posies for any empty mantelpiece (p.70). As Baroness Mone of Mayfair tells us on page 26 – you can do anything if you put your mind to it.

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Hannah Lemon Editor Follow us on Twitter @MayfairMagazine and Instagram @themayfairmagazine

On the

cover

Also published by

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photography: Marc Hibbert; Art Director: Sam Wilson; gun and clothing: William & Son

luxurylondon.co.uk A website. A mindset. A lifestyle.

DISCOVER THE NEW AUTUMN WINTER COLLECTION

Regulars

5 minutes with...

The Windsor family became one of our best clients. For the Queen’s wedding in 1947, the French president gifted her a beautiful S.T. Dupont travel case with various bespoke accessories.

I live in Paris. I grew up and

Not long ago director Kenneth Branagh called. He is making a

studied there and did my postgraduate degree at Lycée Janson de Sailly.

new version of Murder on the Orient Express and wants us to create a special collection of products.

When I came to Britain in my late teens, I went to lots of gigs. I

My motto is: follow your instinct. When I took

love everything from classic rock by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, to the edgier punk sounds of the Sex Pistols and The Clash.

over the company in 2006, it was

I like playing guitar with my friends. I still perform

Alain Crevet

in my own rock band that plays cover versions of classic tracks.

One of my favourite places in London is Annabel’s club.

The CEO of French accessories brand S.T. Dupont talks pens, bags and rock ‘n’ roll

I remember my first S.T. Dupont lighter and feeling the cold metal and weight of the brass in the palm of my hand. I opened and closed the cap over and over again, just to hear the famous ‘cling’. Not long ago, I gave my 20-year-old daughter her first lighter, too.

Simon Tissot Dupont started the business in 1872. His The cellars have a carefully curated wine list to suit a variety of tastes and dishes.

If I was stuck on a desert island I would take my S.T. Dupont talisman. It is a Line 1 lighter my father gave me on my 18th birthday.

first clients were Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie.

“One of my favourite places in London is Annabel’s club”

in a bad shape with significant losses for almost six years in a row. We are now celebrating our 145th anniversary.

The atelier range is entirely handmade in France by our artisans. They start with the precious metal and then apply six layers of natural lacquer by hand.

My favourite quote is from Sir Winston Churchill. In 1945 he was quoted: “It’s not just France we are fighting for, it’s for champagne and its other luxuries.”

clockwise from top left: Paris, image credit: S.Borisov, shutterstock.com; Alain Crevet, Image Credit: Romeo Balancourt; Iconic document holder, £600; iconic grey cosy bag, £350, both st-dupont.com; annabel’s club, mayfair, image courtesy of annabel’s; Atelier Palladium finish Natural Lacquer lighter, £950, st-dupont.com; behind the scenes at S.T. Dupont, image courtesy of S.T. Dupont; iconic credit card holder, £115, st-dupont.com

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

Regulars

COUTURE CULTURE know your stuff

Sautter Cigars has maintained its popularity for more than 50 years for one simple reason – it’s an expert. Now the team is ready to share their wisdom in cigar training sessions: learn about tobacco maturation and how to cut, light and care for your favourite Cubans. And after a light breakfast, step inside a walk-in humidor. £150, 12 August, 106 Mount Street, W1K, sauttercigars.com

welcome back the eccentric, tattoed and supremely talented architect peter marino. but forget his buildings. he returns with a third bronze sculpture series, Fire and Water, at Gagosian Gallery. U nt i l 1 1 Au gus t, 1 7 - 1 9 Dav i e s St reet, W 1 K, g a g o s i a n . c o m

Espionage experience

2 start the engines Salon Privé’s Concours d’Elegance is returning to Blenheim Palace for the 12th year. Take a peek at rows of luxury motors, including Ferrari’s oldest model – and with a lobster luncheon and quintessentially British afternoon tea, it’ll be hard to drive us away. From £150, 31 August – 2 September, salonpriveconcours.com

from left: Rough Stone Box; Dragon Scale Commode, both marino, 2017

4 Art in the park

To celebrate 500 years of London’s Royal Parks, gather at Mall Galleries – where Parks: Our Shared Heritage is on show until 11 August – at 11am before venturing into St James’s Park to draw your own story. Art in the Park, free, 9 August, royalparks.org.uk

Go undercover on a walking tour of Mayfair that unveils Britain’s most notorious spies. From Russian plots to Ian Fleming’s best Bond moments, you’ll be shaken and stirred. £12, 24 August, eventbrite. com or footprintsoflondon.com

5 Love is in the open air We have date night sorted with Luna Cinema’s screening of La La Land at Regent’s Park outdoor theatre. Arrive at 6.30pm with a premium ticket for a drink and cosy blanket. From £16.50, 8pm, 27 August, openairtheatre.com

it’s your last chance to nab tickets for krug’s ‘into the wild’ festival. bubbles will be matched with an open-fire feast in hampshire’s remote grange estate. From £395, 29 July, krugfestival.com

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11/07/2017 12:42

Around the world in

chukkas A civilised afternoon of sporting pleasure, mixed with a little entertaining â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Nick Hammond discovers that the only way to do business is by the side of a polo field

FEATURE

DARK

sods of earth fly skywards in a rolling thunder of hooves. Great chunks of grass are violently ripped from the immaculate green sward. It’s harsh out there – but all part of a fast and furious game, exciting enough to induce a flutter in the stoniest of hearts. And you get to watch it with a glass of champagne in your hand. British Polo Day, sponsored by RJI Capital, has become a popular date on the international polo calendar. A celebration of the craft and heritage

of the sport, more than 50 events have been held in 15 countries since 2009. Today, its global series encapsulates ten annual fixtures that combine sporting prowess on the pitch, with networking opportunities on the sidelines. It’s a masterclass in high-end relationship building: multi-national CEOs, luxury brands, aristocrats and entrepreneurs mingle freely in a convivial atmosphere. I find myself at this year’s ‘home fixture’ in Henleyon-Thames and am blessed with the

company of the Cristiano Ronaldo of polo – the darkly mysterious Adolfo Cambiaso. The Argentinian player flew in his family for a run in the Oxfordshire sunshine (along with a few of his favourite horses), and he cuts quite a dash. “All I ever wanted to do is play polo,” Cambiaso shrugs laconically when we meet. He is perhaps the finest professional player ever to pick up a stick, was awarded a ten-goal handicap at 19 (of only two dozen in the world to do so), earns millions a

British Polo Day in Jaipur

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Nina clarkin and Adolfo Cambiaso

FEATURE

year as world number one, owns horse farming enterprises, and is devilishly handsome to boot. “My children learned to ride as soon as they could walk. It was never going to be any different. I love to ride with them.” What does their mother think about this equine obsession? “She has no choice!” he laughs. So Adolfo, son Poroto and daughter Mia are here today, nonchalantly thundering across the ground in terrifying fashion. Dad looks on proudly – and occasionally demonstrates why he’s regarded as a living legend. To watch him charge past at great speed, horse loosely reined in one hand, while playing keepy uppy with the ball and polo stick with the other, is to surely see one of the most exhilarating sights in world sport. Despite his country’s dominance of the game, there’s still something eccentric and somehow something very British about polo. True, we didn’t invent it, but we have the social side down to a fine art. We dine at Henley under billowing canopies, with British Polo Day managing director and partner Ben Vestey. He runs the impressive franchise alongside chairman Tom Hudson. The pair’s military background is evident in the fact that the entire day breezes past in delightful fashion without a hitch. While there are plenty of women among the spectators, it’s refreshing to find a sport displaying equality when it comes to on-field matters, too. “I’ve witnessed things get better and better for women as my career has progressed,” says Nina Clarkin, the British women’s number one player who is at Henley to hit the ball alongside Cambiaso in a charity game. “Now there is a defined path to a professional career.” Finding your way in polo isn’t without its hurdles, but as Clarkin readily admits, it does help to be married to a professional polo player from New Zealand who can lend you a horse when emergencies arise (John Clarkin). They now have a young child to consider, but this is another family hooked on the adrenaline rush that polo provides. “I’m not sure how I’d feel if my children wanted to do it,” she says. “It can be very dangerous if you’re not fully switched on, but if you start to worry about what could go wrong, you couldn’t possibly play the game properly.” While Clarkin and Cambiaso both assure me that these exhibition games are half as fast as a professional fixture, it all seems hazardous in the extreme to me: the jostling of sticks and horses, great swings of the arms, sudden changes of direction and thunderous cavalcading up and down the length of the pitch. Horses are changed several times during the exhausting eight chukkas but the riders

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R U L E S The aim of the game – originally a training exercise for the king’s guard – is to get a ball into the opposing team’s goal using the side of a long-handled mallet head. A polo match is either four, six or eight chukkas – a chukka being a period of seven minutes; the interval between each is three minutes. There are four players in a team, playing

O F

P L A Y

on a grass field up to 270m by 150m, with one or two umpires. Riders may make contact and push each other off the line of the ball, as long as elbows are not involved. Any time the ball crosses the line between the goalposts, it is considered a goal regardless of who knocks it through, including the pony itself.

F I X T U R E

L I S T

China: September 2017 Sumba Island, Indonesia: October 2017 Jaipur: December 2017 Jodhpur: December 2017 Abu Dhabi: March 2018 Dubai: March 2018 Great Britain: June 2018

FEATURE

A British Army Captain and horse in Jodhpur; all photography: sam churchill

British Polo Day is the ideal way to do business – once your champagne is topped up, of course

sweat on, utterly absorbed in the ferocious contest. Nothing illustrates the sport’s popularity better than British Polo Day. Once the last reveller from tonight’s afterparty is finally persuaded to leave and the stands, marquees, statues, drinks vehicles, caterers, staff, horse boxes and players have left the field, this travelling roadshow begins work on the next event – its 62nd – in China in September.

Sponsors, patrons, business partners and invited guests will later return in harness, so to speak, in places as evocative as India, Morocco, Thailand, Mexico and Russia to name but a few. A British afternoon at the polo – in far-flung, exotic locations. It sounds like the ideal way to do business to me. Once my champagne glass is topped up, of course. britishpoloday.com

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09/01/2017 10:54

WILLIAM EVANS autumn 2017 CAMPAIGN, williamevans.com

FEATURE

SHARP SHOOTERS ‘Tis the season to forage for fowl. Hannah Lemon joins the countryside’s elite to indulge in traditional field sports and asks the experts on how best to prepare

et ready to cock your guns and motor your Land Rover over to Cumbria, Wiltshire or the Scottish Borders: the Glorious Twelfth is upon us. Whether you’re an aficionado or a beginner, shooting etiquette throws up plenty of dilemmas, from your RSVP to what to pack. Firstly, there’s the problem of buying a gift for your host: peg finders or a bottle of plonk? Then what gun to take? Do you take your father’s hand-me-down or the new Beretta you had engraved? Forget what to wear – how do you accessorise? Alongside gun case, cartridge bag, ear protectors and binoculars, are whisky tots and a walking stick that doubles as a cigar holder too much? Naturally, the morning briefing will cover all aspects of safety, format of the day, how many pegs you’ll move up each drive, the quarry, whether you’re live on a peg or whether the drive starts and ends with a whistle. But for everything else? The top dogs on the hunting scene are here with some tips to ensure you get invited back. First things first: the prey. At least 600,000 people in the UK shoot live quarry, clay pigeons or targets according to the 2014 survey by Cambridge-based Public and Corporate Economic Consultants. “Pheasant and partridge are my normal quarry,” says James Horne, CEO of James Purdey & Sons, the gun and rifle makers. “However I enjoy grouse shooting as it is the most exciting.

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JAMES PURDEY & SONS A/W17 COLLECTION, purdey.com

Collectively, shoot providers conserve nearly two million hectares of land remembers shooting nearly 80 days during one season with his father. “We travelled all over the country and were occasionally joined by my son. LEARN THE LINGO Having three generations together with everyone of equal shooting ability is a truly Over: a bird is coming your way special event.” Side-by-side/over-and-under: It’s this familial attitude that keeps the refers to the layout of the industry alive. Collectively, shoot providers barrels in different shotguns help manage an area the size of Wales, A peg: where you stand investing their time and money into preserving on a drive the countryside. Nearly two million hectares Butt: where you stand on a are actively managed for conservation. grouse shoot Many locations across the UK hold events Blind: where you stand on a just for women, beginners or businesses. “The partridge/duck shoot commercial world has really kicked off and Pickers-up: the people who more estates are doing lots of days,” says collect game Hogan. “It means our sport is attracting more Beaters: people who flush birds people, which can only be a good thing. We into the air need to stick together despite what some may Flankers: beaters who push think about commercial shooting.” birds in from the side Flushing point: where the birds come from A flush: a bunch of pheasants or duck A covey: a bunch of partridges or grouse A pack: a large covey of grouse A squib: slang for cartridge

The beauty of the surrounding countryside, the silence and the adrenaline all contribute to the thrill of the occasion. Grouse are the fastest game birds you’ll ever shoot.” That makes it easy to enjoy the Glorious Twelfth, the marker for the first day of grouse season. A month later, welcome partridge, duck and goose; then pheasant and woodcock from October. “I love the January days, because birds are strong and wily then,” says Will Hogan, assistant retail manager at Farlows, the shooting and country clothing specialist. “It is always satisfying catching those birds that break out of the drives on beater’s days.” No matter what happened last year, though, always check what you’re allowed to snipe, where and when (more information is available through the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust). And remember, no shooting on Sundays – ever. While some years have seen low stock levels (2015 due to bad weather), trends for bird don’t seem to have changed that much, although “there is far more high-bird shooting available and there is much more information about ballistics and what cartridges to use”, says Horne. He

Farlows country wear collection available at farlows.co.uk

FEATURE Farlows country wear collection available at farlows.co.uk

Further afield, companies such as Farlows, GunsOnPegs and Scott Dunn offer trips around the world to experience the best in hunting, shooting and fishing. “Rathmoy Lodge in New Zealand is one of the greatest settings for spectacular scenery and a great shoot,” says Hogan. However, during the summer months, the UK’s clay shooting is the field sport of choice. It’s the ideal time for a dab hand to oil any rusty hinges before the season gets underway or for beginners to learn how to hit the target. “I would always advise getting some lessons beforehand,” remarks Hogan on the latter. “Driven shooting is not as easy as some may think; there is a lot of sky around them!” Gunmakers are willing to direct newbies towards their first rifle purchase. Alastair Phillips, general manager at William Evans in Bisley, recommends an over-and-under as a failsafe; Daryl Greatrex, managing director at Holland & Holland, suggests a modestly priced model from either Belgium or Italy; while Karl Waktare, managing director at Beretta, recommends the brand’s Silver Pigeon: “It is outstanding value for money and retains its second-hand value really well.” Really, it’s about individual taste. Horne uses a rebuilt 1896 side-by-side Purdey shotgun, while William Asprey opts for one of his own, a William & Son 12 bore side-by-side, double trigger with 28-inch barrels. Others use a SO10 Beretta (Waktare), a Boss & Co over-and-under (Hogan) or a Holland & Holland ‘Royal’ model game gun (Greatrex). Off-the-peg is obviously cheaper and quicker than bespoke and most can be made to fit with minor adaptations. If you’re opting for this tack, stock fit is by far the most important

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thing to get right, says Waktare, who recommends the Beretta 687 EELL at around £6,500. Good stock fit coupled with great trigger pulls in a bespoke gun, adds Greatrex, and you’ll be laughing all the way back to the lodge. If you are willing to invest in engraving and handcrafted manufacturing techniques, a Purdey gun can cost you from £110,000 or £150,000 for a pair at William & Son. All in all, there’s a strong demand for guns by well-known makers, and they don’t have to be new. “I like an old William Evans gun that is still in good condition,” says Phillips. “I currently own a boxlock 12 bore with 30-inch barrels that was made in 1924. I can see in the records that it is still the same spec as the original and has the initials of the first owner on the case.” While you may want to expand your collection, Phillips recommends picking one gun and sticking to it. “Beware the man with one gun. Practice is so important.” Regarding fashion in the field, it’s down to personal preference – there are endless options for jackets, shooting cases and all the gadgets. Firearms owners are fussy: they contribute around £2 billion to the UK economy. So when you’re ready to fill your trolley, head to Purdey for wellfitting tweeds, Farlows for a waterproof Swazi Wapiti jacket or Le Chameau for rubber boots. While you’re at it, add a gift for your host to the list: a sterling silver flask shaped like a cartridge for £2,100 can be found at William & Son if you’re feeling generous. Then it’s all about the actual day and indulging in a plate of partridge Wellington and a glass of King’s Ginger. Whatever you do, don’t forget to bring a cash tip for the keeper, never pick off low birds and refrain from poaching the next peg’s flying fowl. Although, Hogan cheekily adds, “it can be great fun shooting your mate’s bird before he has a chance”.

Lingerie empress turned interiors guru, Baroness Mone of Mayfair, OBE is an entrepreneurial force to be reckoned with and has just branched out into home décor. She talks to Kari Colmans about her greatest achievements and what she loves about living in London’s most exclusive district

Baroness Mone

of Mayfair “I

“The drive for success is inside me. I feel fortunate that I can now pass on my learning and experiences to young entrepreneurs”

always knew I had to succeed,” says Baroness Mone of Mayfair. “The fear of failure has always driven me.” Having established one of the country’s most successful lingerie brands in 1996 with her company Ultimo, it wasn’t long before Lady Michelle Mone had proved herself as one of Scotland’s most valuable exports. A serial entrepreneur, she is also on the board of directors for The Prince’s Trust and was given a Life Peerage in 2015, after being asked by the then-Prime Minister David Cameron and the former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith, to conduct The Mone Review, to give insight into helping start-up businesses in deprived areas. “I’ve always wanted to achieve great things, from my first business to now,” says Mone. “The drive for success is inside me. I’ve worked very hard and feel fortunate that I can now pass on my learning and experiences to young entrepreneurs and those starting out, whether that’s through my role in parliament, through my books, speaking at events or through social media.” With Ultimo’s aquisition by global lingerie giant MAS Holdings – which has a $1.4 billion turnover and 63,000 employees – in 2014, Mone’s is a truly impressive story, the highs and lows of which she revealed in her autobiography My Fight to the Top. Hailing from Glasgow’s East End, life for the Baroness hasn’t always been edged in gilt. When at the age of 15 her father became ill and was no longer able to work, the young Mone was forced to leave school and get a job without any qualifications. She attributes this to sparking her “instinct for

INTERVIEW

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mone’s isle of man residence. all images courtesy of Michelle Mone Interiors. Photo credit: dan kennedy

“When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like hard work”

INTERVIEW

entrepreneurship”. By the age of just 22, she was already excelling in sales and marketing for the Glasgow-based Labatt Brewing Company. “My parents were my role models,” she says fondly. “They taught me a lot and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. They taught me my values and the importance of hard work… dream, work hard, never give up and you will get there in the end.” In October 2005, Lady Mone attended a speaking event with former US president Bill Clinton and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, which led to her involvement in setting up the Women’s Enterprise Project in the Middle East. It was then that she realised how her experiences could inspire others in the face of adversity. “It’s a really great thing to see women making such important moves within business,” she says. “It has changed and is changing for the better. I’m really looking forward to seeing a new generation of exciting female talent in business.” Receiving an OBE and becoming a lifetime member of the House of Lords were also special achievements for Mone. “I feel very honoured to be recognised on this level considering my humble Glaswegian background. It means a lot to me and my family. For me though, this is for all the young children and young adults who don’t have hope.” I ask if she sees herself as an inspiration for other working women, to which she replies coyly: “It’s great to hear that working women – and men – see me as a role model. I love meeting them, speaking to them, and hearing their stories... often stories I can really relate to, whether that’s dealing with the highs and lows of managing a start-up to running a business and having children to look after.” As well as juggling a multitude of careers, she is also a devoted mother to her three children: Rebecca, 24, Declan, 21, and Bethany, 17. Conversation turns to her latest venture: interiors. “Design and interiors have long been a part of my life,” says Mone. “From the intricate design of the perfect bra with Ultimo and my own bestselling jewellery range with QVC, to renovating my own homes to an exceptionally high standard. My own luxury interiors company was always the next step.” The move sees Mone collaborate with designer Julie Chapman, who will take up the position as head designer for Michelle Mone Interiors, a smart move considering the competitive market. “Although there will always be the established

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traditional greats in the industry, it’s always changing and evolving,” says Mone. “That’s what makes it so exciting – new materials, concepts, architectural changes. My personal interior design and flair has remained consistent: British inspired elegance, with a contemporary design twist and functionality that is created from the highest quality materials.” While most of the time, home is the Isle of Man with her husband, businessman Doug Barrowman, she has a number of other properties, including one in Scotland. But as her title suggests, she also spends a lot of time in her Mayfair abode. “I love the class, elegance and location of Mayfair,” Mone enthuses. “I’ve had many wonderful years living here. My official title suggests how fond I am of the area. There’s a lively blend of old and new when it comes to shops and restaurants. I spend a lot of time in The

The decor of her residence is remarkable – the spa was actually blessed by a priest Dorchester for meetings, food and drink – it’s my favourite hotel in London.” The décor of her main residence is remarkable and when I press to know more, she describes the “handembossed silk wallpapers, bespoke furniture by talented craftsman and a soft grey and cream colour palette”. On top of this, pieces by Picasso, Dalí and Chagall hang from the walls thanks to Barrowman’s passion for art, while the spa was actually blessed by a priest. “I’m quite religious and something just didn’t seem to click in the space,” Mone muses. The grounds, sculptures and vegetable patch are equally cherished. “We spend a lot of time in the garden. It’s very relaxing and I come up with some great business ideas there.” The majority of Mone’s interior design is focused on residential and commercial properties in London and around the UK, but international commissions in the Middle East and Caribbean take her all over the world. So she really appreciates the time spent at home with her family. I ask her how, with seven children between her and Barrowman, she achieves the balance. “When you love what you do,” she answers, “it doesn’t feel like hard work.” michellemoneinteriors.com

The changing

face of

Albemarle Street

ISABEL

ILLUSTRATIONS BY MAI OSAWA

NO. 26 isabelw1.london

FEATURE

From Lord Byron to Thomas Browne, Albemarle Street in Mayfair’s artisan district has long attracted creative types. Marianne Dick takes a walk through the street’s past, present and future with the landlord working hard to revive the area

jaunt along Albemarle Street in the early 1800s and you might have witnessed a presentation by the Cornish chemist and inventor Sir Humphry Davy at the Royal Institution. Built in 1799, this centre of scientific research gained so much popularity that it led to Albemarle becoming one of the first one-way streets in the world due to the chaos that horse-drawn traffic caused on lecture nights. On the same stroll you might chance a sighting of Lord Byron or Sir Walter Scott on their way to tea at number 50 – the John Murray publishing house where John Murray II would host meetings with the literary elite. Scott coined these gatherings ‘4 o’clock friends’. After Byron’s death,

Aquazzura

NO. 38 aquazzura.com

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Murray infamously burnt the ‘mad, bad and dangerous to know’ poet’s presumably salacious memoirs in the fireplace. Opened in 1837, Brown’s Hotel – made up of 11 Georgian townhouses centred around number 33 and alleged to be London’s first hotel – became a beacon for the influential. In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made Britain’s first successful telephone call from Brown’s to Ravenscourt Park because the hotel’s then-owners, James John Ford and his son Henry, were in possession of one of the only privately owned telegraph wires in the city, which Bell needed to test out his invention. Agatha Christie was also a regular guest: she actually based her novel At Bertram’s Hotel on Brown’s.

Alexander Wang

NO. 43-44 alexanderwang.com

Fast-forward to the present day, and London-based landlord Trophaeum Asset Management has started a carefully curated regeneration of the street. Trophaeum intends to lift retailers up to the luxury standards now set by Mount Street and Bond Street, while celebrating its former glory in artistic, scientific and literary circles. Retaining the distinctive architecture is a high priority, too, such as the orange and white Royal Arcade constructed in 1879, the first purpose-built arcade in London. “Every major city has a luxury shopping district and a lot of them have the same sort of stores, but what is it that makes them different?” asks Matt Farrell, a director at Trophaeum, who played a major role in Grosvenor’s regeneration of Mount Street. “It’s a lot more interesting when there are still places that make it unique: Albemarle Street has a lot of rich history. Much of that is art, which plays a really important part in our strategy.” Some of Albemarle Street’s most influential galleries include Marlborough Fine Art, which has been there since 1946; Mazzoleni, which has extended into the basement; and John Martin, now on the first floor to make way for Italian shoe brand Aquazzura on the ground floor. The inevitable rising rents can prove challenging for smaller boutiques but Farrell cites the movement of John Martin and the entrance of Aquazzura as a useful solution to keep “the charm of the street” intact. “If the street doesn’t move on then it’s not going to improve,” he adds. The Aquazzura boutique, which opened in October 2015, makes a striking addition to the streetscape – even if you’re only window shopping. The interiors were designed by Portuguese sisters, Cláudia and Catarina Soares Pereira, the brains behind the company Casa do Passadiço, and have fitted a number of Aquazzura stores. According to Farrell, they designed and built the set-up in Portugal, brought it over and put it together in five days. Another fashion heavyweight, Alexander Wang, opened his first European flagship on the street at a similar time, in a building that used to be a post office. “It’s a spectacular

Thom Browne NO. 3 thombrowne.com

“When Robin Birley said ‘I really love

Casadei NO. 48 casadei.com

FEATURE

transformation. The copper [exterior] is still original, which contrasts with the stark white interior,” says Farrell. Paul Smith’s imposing boutique across the road is equally impressive, encased in iridescent metal and engraved with a pattern that has become his signature Albemarle print. At number 48, glitzy shoe shop Casadei is one of the most recent retailers to move in – it replaced Ryman, the stationer – and was carefully selected by Farrell as an up-and-coming brand. “We love Casadei because they’re a proper Italian heritage brand and still family-owned.” Thom Browne, the street’s most recent addition and the designer’s first UK outpost, is another surprising acquisition. “Thom Browne’s not a mega brand; it’s quite niche,” says Farrell. “He builds the most beautiful stores that are typically very sleek – fitted with marble and terrazzo – and he has a fantastic stock of vintage furniture, so every store has unique pieces.” Other developments in the pipeline include the expansion of Bond Street’s Moncler through to Albemarle

over about a year,” says Farrell. “We really wanted something that was buzzing all day. Mayfair’s got quite a big breakfast and lunch scene, but also elegant and not too business-like.” When I meet Farrell, there is a pop-up exhibition on the first floor of number 48 (above Casadei), called The Focusing Room, but Trophaeum has plans to turn the first and second floors here into a more casual all-day style café bar. Another particularly notable development is Robin Birley’s new wine-focused members’ club, which is set to open next door to Isabel towards the end of the year. “When Robin said, ‘I really love Albemarle Street’, it was like a seal of approval because he is so Mayfair,” says Farrell. “What they found in the club on Hertford Street is that people aren’t drinking fine wines like you would expect. So here they’re going to create a fantastic wine list and let you bring your own and pay corkage, because so many people have really impressive wine collections.” Farrell tells me he has just received the renderings of the public realm scheme that he has begun to put in motion.

Albemarle Street,’ it was like a seal of approval because he is so Mayfair”

Street, a trend started by Tiffany & Co. and Boodles. “When we have brands that want to come to the street, we always ask them about their retail strategy,” says Farrell. “Quite often they are driven by Harrods and Selfridges, but some, such as Amanda Wakeley, treat it as a real flagship. For example, they have in-store events and a wellbeing series. Globe-Trotter even has a little museum on the first floor.” Retail isn’t the only focus for Trophaeum, though. “We’re quite inspired by Via Monte Napoleone in Milan – the main shopping street. What you have there, which places like Bond Street don’t have, is somewhere you can go and have lunch,” says Farrell. “You have to create lifestyle destinations. If you only have shops, people will go on the internet. We say in the office: you can’t eat a hamburger on the internet. It’s a reason to go out of the house rather than just sit there on Amazon.” One of the street’s latest hot spots is Isabel, the lemon yellow-fronted sister restaurant of Casa Cruz in Notting Hill, ideal for people-watching the fashion crowd that it has begun to attract. “We undertook quite a specific search

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He was involved in a similar project for Mount Street, which saw the pavements widened and the laying of York stone paving and granite setts: a look that has become characteristic of the area and has been replicated across London, such as on Marylebone Lane. For Albemarle Street, Farrell intends to widen the pavements, pedestrianise Stafford Street (subject to much debate with the council), and add planting and greenery at first-floor levels to counteract the traffic pollution. And to help the street ‘move on’? Farrell has proposed pink granite and green terrazzo. “In the summer on Via Monte Napoleone there is a boat show, where beautiful Italian boats are brought in and shown on the street. All the boutiques open late and everyone has a glass of champagne and it brings a real buzz to the street. We want Albemarle Street to be this sort of space where you get exhibitions or temporary public art, and we can have tables and chairs and lights,” adds Farrell. If all goes to plan, in another 200 years’ time people will surely be talking about the movers and shakers who met on Albemarle Street in the early 21st century.

image credit: Betina DuToit for Dior

Star quality

Dior has updated its Rose des Vents collection, inspired by the lucky star charm that Christian Dior carried when he travelled around the world. Mix and match dainty medallions, and go wherever the wind may take you. From ÂŁ980, dior.com

collection

COLLECTION Jessica Chastain in the Piaget Sunlight Journey collection

Diamond necklace, POA

A Diamond Den Samer Halimeh NY is renowned for its unrivalled diamond jewellery, favoured by sultans and A-listers. For a closer look at the collection, head to its multi-storey mecca in Knightsbridge – a bedazzling bomb-proof boutique, complete with James Bond-style vaults below ground. From £5,000, 161 Knightsbridge, SW1X, samerhalimeh.com

Catch the sun Unveiled at Paris Haute Couture Week, Piaget’s scintillating new Sunlight Journey high jewellery collection brings together fine marquetry and rare, sun-kissed gemstones that capture the spirit of summer, modelled by brand ambassador Jessica Chastain. POA, 169 New Bond Street, W1S, piaget.com

Piaget diamond Viva l’Arte ring in 18K pink gold, set with red spinels, purple sapphires and diamonds

Time to be charmed

Bracelet, £3,200; Earrings, £17,000

A Festival of Colour Lily Gabriella’s vibrant new Holi collection is inspired by the Hindu festival of colour and love. Intricate handcrafted designs are resplendent with diamonds and vivid gemstones, including gloriously green peridots – the birthstone of August. Each piece can be customised with the stone and gold tone of your choice. From £1,800, lilygabriella.com

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Mary Ching’s talismanic Treasured Amulet collection is now available at Frost of London in Mayfair, offering bespoke fine jewellery for watches. Customise your cuff with precious gems and curious charms, from ornate angel wings and playful creatures, to the all-seeing Eye of Protection. From £750, 108 New Bond Street, W1S, frostoflondon.co.uk

Charms from left: £6,500; £7,600; £11,600

T he

f i ne s t

Pe a r l s Yoko London’s new flagship boutique in Knightsbridge is a rare gem in the world of fine jewellery. CEO Michael Hakimian discusses the jeweller’s history and why pearls are so universally loved. Olivia Sharpe reports

or centuries, people have been fascinated by pearls. It might seem surprising that such allure can come from a piece of grit that has worked its way inside a mollusc, but the beauty and history of this rare gem continue to captivate. One man who has no difficulty explaining why pearls are so special is Michael Hakimian, CEO of leading pearl jeweller Yoko London. To him, pearls “have no rivals as they represent the beauty of nature at its best”. This year marked an important moment for Yoko as it opened its new London flagship boutique in Knightsbridge. Although a leader in its field, with four decades of experience and many millions of pounds worth of pearls passed through its hands, Yoko has remained relatively under the radar over the years. The turning point came in 2013, when the Victoria and Albert Museum commissioned the jeweller to create four masterpiece necklaces showcasing the finest South Sea pearls for its Pearls exhibition. The CEO acknowledges that this was “a very important milestone in the brand’s development”, marking the first time Yoko had been put under the international spotlight. Opening the boutique on Knightsbridge Green has proved to be another crucial moment. “We were always looking for a key

necklace from the belgravia collection

location that would bring us closer to the luxury world,” Hakimian explains. Inside, the store is spread across three levels. The ground floor displays one-of-a-kind pieces from the Masterpieces collections, alongside contemporary collections, such as Novus and Pendulum, while downstairs is reserved for bespoke appointments. Here, clients can work closely with a member of the Yoko team on a custom piece or a pre-existing creation that they would like to have redesigned, choosing from the brand’s inventory of loose pearls and strands. Yoko London was established by Hakimian’s father 44 years ago and pearls are very much in the CEO’s blood. His father was originally involved in both gemstones and pearls, but Hakimian convinced him to expand on the latter. It began as a wholesale business, buying bulk pearl orders and dividing stock into categories depending on the gem’s quality. Only the best would be stored in the company’s vaults. “I wanted to create jewellery that only used the finest pearls, and to do that you have to build your stock and be patient,” he says. Unlike other gemstones, pearls originate entirely from nature. They cannot be cut or shaped like diamonds to remove impurities. Farmers must open hundreds of oysters before they find one containing a pearl and, even then, it might be a dud. Hakimian explains that, in order to make a

COLLECTION Model wears necklace, earrings and ring from the Feronia masterpieces Collection

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COLLECTION

Yoko London long necklace, the team needs to have at least 5,000 pearls at hand to find 100 matching ones, and to acquire an AA or AAA pearl (the highest quality), you need between 20,000 to 50,000 pearls at your disposal and, even then, only one of them would be suitable. While patience is a virtue in the pearl-farming world, time is of the essence in the luxury industry. One of Yoko’s recent commissions was for a two-metre necklace made of AA- and AAA-quality South Sea pearls. “While not difficult in itself, the challenge was that the client needed it in 24 hours because he wanted to present it to his wife,” Hakimian smiles. By setting pearls into modern pieces such as twofinger rings and ear cuffs, Yoko has cast the net wide for this versatile gem, highlighting its continued relevance. “We’re constantly breaking the rules by mixing origins, sizes and natural colours and the more we do that, the more success we get.” As a result, the brand counts the likes of Katy Perry, Beyoncé and Michelle Obama – who famously wore a pair of Yoko earrings when she was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey in 2016 – as its supporters. “The word ‘cool’ is not something I would have used 20 years ago to describe luxury jewellery, but now, even at the highest end, it has to be.” Of course, like the unpredictability of nature, Hakimian understands the fleetingness of trends, which is why Yoko will always continue to create pieces that withstand the test of time. Pearls may have waxed and waned in popularity over the years, but their timelessness is undeniable.

“I wanted to create a jewellery company that only used the finest pearls ” from top: Model wears necklace, earrings, ring and bracelet from the capri collection; Earrings from the Pendulum collection; Cuff from the Mayfair collection; Yoko London’s Knightsbridge store; Ring from the Calypso collection; all poa

8 Knightsbridge Green, SW1X, 020 3887 7237, yokolondon.com

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Photography by Levon Biss - www.microsculpture.net

Moooi presents a life extraordinary! Moooi London · 23 Great Titchfield Street · London, W1W 7PA Moooi Amsterdam · Westerstraat 187 · 1015 MA Amsterdam Moooi New York · 36 East 31st Street · New York, NY 10016 Moooi Tokyo · Three F 6-11-1 Minami Aoyama · Minato-ku, Tokyo www.moooi.com

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Magnum

Opus

How the King of Diamonds became one of the leading names in haute horology words: Richard Brown

s perhaps the 20th-century’s primary purveyor of exceptional gemstones, it was always going to be a challenge for Harry Winston to unshackle itself from an image that revolved solely around spectacular sparklers. When the brand entered the watch world in 1989, it was, therefore, a shrewd move to set course for the most serious end of watchmaking. Two series of watches came to embody the ambition, as well as the sincerity, with which Harry Winston diversified into haute horology. The first, project Opus, launched in 2001, under the stewardship of then-managing director of rare timepieces Max Büsser (now of MB&F fame). Each year, said Harry Winston, an independent rock-star watchmaker would be given carte blanche to collaborate on a supercomplicated, ultra-contemporary game changer of a timepiece. Each spring, for 13 consecutive years – during which time Harry Winston established a state-of-the-art workshop in Geneva – journalists and watchmakers awaited the unveiling of Harry Winston’s latest piece of wizardry. Aesthetically, the results were varied and polarising. Mechanically, they were always astounding. On the dial of Opus 11, for example, four rotating jigsaw pieces would spring to life every hour, meeting at the centre of the dial to reveal the time. Elsewhere, Opus 8 displayed hours and minutes through a complex system of 59 pivoting hands and 11 rotating triangles. In 2013, Harry Winston was acquired by Swatch Group, and mission Opus was suspended until 2015, when the jukeboxinspired Opus 14 was revealed by new CEO Nayla Hayek. Hayek has subsequently said that the Opus family will continue to be updated, but will follow no particular schedule.

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Project Z, Harry Winston’s second series of world-first wristwatches, launched in 2004. The collection took its name from Zalium, a zirconiumbased alloy developed by Ronald Winston, the son of Harry Winston and a talented chemical engineer more used to working with rocket propellers. Ronald realised that Zalium’s properties – it is extremely hard, strong and corrosion resistant – made the material perfect for watchmaking. He presented Zalium to the brand his father had founded, which chose to use it exclusively in a line of space-age sports watches, aka Project Z, the latest of which is this year’s Z11 (above). A skeletonised, matte-finish, twin-barrelled automatic, the openwork dial of the Z11 is intended to mirror the steel beams and superstructures of Harry Winston’s hometown, New York City. From Manhattan, Harry Winston grew an empire that saw him become the ‘King of Diamonds’. From its watchmaking base in Geneva, the brand has become a leading light in the world of fine horology. Project Z11, £17,200, harrywinston.com

the thrill of it When conquering the world, you need a watch that’s been tested to the limit W O R D S : R i c h a rd B row n

F o r d e e p- s e a d i v e r s

Fo r r ac i n g d r i v e r s

For jet pilots

Grand Seiko’s first mechanical diver’s watch is built to withstand a depth of 600 metres. A high-beat movement (36,000 vibrations per hour/ten beats per second) is accurate to +5/-3 seconds a day. The sliding bracelet extension accommodates pressure changes and can be worn over a wetsuit. Hi-Beat 36000 Professional 600m Diver’s, £10,195, grand-seiko.com

Zenith’s new Defy El Primero 21 integrates two separate escapements into one movement. The first tells the time and runs at 36,000vph; the second is the stopwatch and beats at 360,000vph. This enables a central seconds hand to complete one revolution per second. Press the button and the hand will stop at one of 100 split-second markers. Defy El Primero 21, £9,100, zenith-watches.com

The latest in G-Shock’s line of Gravitymaster watches, the GPW2000 can withstand external shocks, centrifugal gravity and extreme vibrations. Radio wave reception, GPS and Bluetooth make it one of the world’s most accurate timepieces. Alongside latitude and longitude it will tell the time in more than 300 cities. G-shock Gravitymaster GPW2000, £635, casio-watches.com

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F o r at h l e t e s

For explorers

Rafael Nadal’s RM 27-03 is capable of withstanding 10,000 Gs of shock thanks to a ‘unibody’ baseplate where the case middle is removed and, instead, the bezel and caseback is assembled directly onto the baseplate – a type of racing-car construction that ensures maximum rigidity and greater resistance to impacts. RM 27-03, £698,500, richardmille.com

Breitling’s Emergency was the first timepiece to be equipped with a personal locator transmitter. Unscrew a protective cap and broadcast a distress signal to the closest search-and-rescue team. To date, it has helped rescue more than 20 individuals, including Richard Hammond from a mountain top in British Columbia on Top Gear. Emergency Night Mission, £16,870, breitling.com

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IMAGE CREDIT: Breitling ambassador Yves ‘Jetman’ Rossy completes a flight above Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 2012. His carbon-kevlar jetwing is equipped with four jet engines, each with a 22 kg thrust, propelling the Swiss aviator to speeds of 300 km/h ©Breitling

ART

Do not pass go Saunter down New Bond Street this summer, and somewhere between Mulberry, Dolce and Montblanc, you will stumble upon the familiar figure of Mr. Monopoly gleaming from Eden Fine Artâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s window. Its creator, graffiti artist Alec Monopoly, combines wealth and whimsy in all his paintings and sculptures: step inside to meet Richie Rich and Uncle Scrooge. 123 New Bond Street, W1S, eden-gallery.com

Alec Monopoly, Monopoly life is a movie, 2017

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Prize lots

Sold £1,565,000 E sti m ate : £ 1 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 – £ 1 , 5 0 0 , 0 0 0

Dream Deferral, Mark Bradford, 2009 “The top lot at our Post-War & Contemporary Art sale was this painting by Mark Bradford, who is indisputably the man of the moment. His critically-acclaimed exhibition at this year’s Venice Biennale cemented his reputation as one of the most singular voices in contemporary art and culture. His work is beautiful, in short supply, but with a strong gallery representing him and almost universal museum interest. As a result, a work of this quality inspired global interest and voracious bidding.” – Ralph Taylor, director of Post-war and Contemporary art at Bonhams

m pco

ing

E sti m ate £20, 000 – £ 3 0 ,0 0 0

Sold £24,245,000 Estimate: £12,500,000 – £ 1 6 , 5 0 0, 00 0

Le moissonneur (d’après Millet), Vincent van Gogh, 1889 “This painting is one of ten that van Gogh made of a series of drawings by Jean-François Millet entitled Les Travaux des Champs, while he was in an asylum in Saint-Rémy. Seven now reside in Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum; one in the Tel Aviv Museum of Art; the other is on loan to Kunsthaus Zürich. A strong bidding battle ensued. We had tremendous pre-sale interest and it richly deserved to make well over the top estimate.” – Jay Vincze, head of Impressionist and Modern art at Christie’s London

Men Have Lost Their Spirits, Grayson Perry, c.1988 This hand-built, sculptural work was acquired directly from the artist by the owner in the 1980s, and has been unseen since. Made in Britain sale, 13 September, sothebys.com

E s timat e £ 4 ,0 0 0 – £ 6 ,0 0 0 A late Victorian sapphire and diamond bangle With an intricate openwork design of old and rose-cut diamonds arranged in a foliate pattern, this romantic piece would make a striking finishing touch to a ball gown, or a bride’s ‘something blue’. Antique & Modern Jewellery sale, 10 August, fellows.co.uk

sold, from Top: Mark Bradford, Dream Deferral, signed with the artist’s initials, titled and dated 2009 on the reverse, mixed media collage with metallic elements on canvas, 122.2 cm X 152.2 cm, Post-War & Contemporary Art sale, 29 June, bonhams.com, image courtesy of Bonhams; Vincent van Gogh, Le moissonneur (d’après Millet), painted in Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy in 1889, oil on canvas, 43.3 cm x 24.3 Cm, Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Sale, 27 June, Christie’s King Street, image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd 2017 upcoming, from top: Grayson Perry, Men Have Lost Their Spirits, c.1988, earthenware, height: 61 cm; 21 CM, image courtesy of Sotheby’S; A late Victorian Ceylon sapphire and diamond-hinged bangle, sapphire of Ceylon origin, estimated total old-cut diamond weight: 1.80cts, inner diameter: 6 cm, weight 27.2 gm, image courtesy of Fellows

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ART

palette and plough Benappi Fine Art Victorian watercolours may not inspire the greatest enthusiasm at first glance, but the work of William Henry Hunt is in a league of its own. Landscapes and fruit basket still-lifes occupied most of his paintings and drawings; Hunt also painted a humble, sympathetic vision of rural society through the likes of The Broom Gatherer, The Vegetable Man and The Miller in his Mill. Clock a collection of 20 from the 1820s and 1830s at The Courtauld Gallery. Until 17 September, Somerset House, Strand, WC2R, courtauld.ac.uk william henry hunt, The Broom Gatherer, c.1835, ©Harris Museum and Art Gallery Preston

of warmer climes If your latest Italian escape has left you with the holiday blues, hot-foot it to Repetto Gallery. A display of mid-century creations by designer Gio Ponti draws on his musing that colour is the Mediterranean law: from Murano glass bottles to pieces by the late artist’s contemporaries including Lucio Fontana and Fausto Melotti. Until 15 September, 23 Bruton Street, W1J, repettogallery.com

clockwise from below: Fausto MELOTTI, Vaso Pavone, 1955; GIO PONTI, Gatto rosso, 1956; Gatto blu, 1956

don’t miss... An exhibition of a different sort: The Great Eight Phantoms (eight Rolls-Royces on show in celebration of the new Series VIII). 29 July – 2 August, 101 New Bond Street, W1S, bonhams.com

What characterises Benappi? Our mentality is to show only the highest quality objects. This meticulous process of selection has been passed down through generations – a rich tradition inversely proportional to the age of the team here in London, under the leadership of Filippo Benappi who, at only 29 years old, is one of the youngest dealers in Old Masters. What sets Dover Street apart from your gallery in Turin? The space in Turin is situated in the heart of the city centre in a historical palace, an artist’s studio constructed for the owner of the former palace in the 19th century. It has all the charms of a historical building and spans three floors. Our London gallery is simpler and more businessfocused. However the history of the space has been carefully reinstated through our restoration, taking it back to its original Georgian layout. Do you have a favourite sale? The Matthias Stomer we recently presented here was a lucky charm for our opening in June: the centrepiece of our exhibition and the first work hung. It was also an important discovery in art historical terms, repositioning the artist’s later Sicilian period as one of great substance. 27 Dover Street, W1S, benappi.com

Promotion

Off the Wall From ski resorts in the Swiss Alps to classic automobiles, Pullman Editions’ Art Deco-style posters capture the glamour of a bygone era

he allure of heading off-piste in the Alps, or cruising the Côte d’Azur in a classic car will never fade. Glamorous destinations such as these, immortalised in travel posters from the ’20s and ’30s, are the inspiration behind Pullman Editions. Founded in 2010 by Georgina Khachadourian and her husband Simon, an art dealer and owner of Pullman Gallery in St James’s, Pullman Editions recreates travel posters in an Art Deco style for a contemporary audience. The idea for the business came about after Simon noticed a growing demand for vintage posters, which were fetching high prices at auction. “The Art Deco era has an enduring appeal,” says Georgina. “It’s often associated with the golden age of travel and vintage posters capture that sentiment. We have updated the concept, designing artwork in the same style but with a more vibrant colour palette.” Created by house artist Charles Avalon, every poster is hand-painted to about half the size of the finished piece, then printed using traditional methods onto 100 per cent cotton paper before being signed and hand-numbered – each is available in a limited edition of just 280. The finished artworks, which cost £395, are then displayed in the Pullman Editions shop on Pimlico Road. There are currently 110 posters in the collection, spanning both ski and summer resorts and classic cars. Two of the most recent editions include a poster of supercars (a Lamborghini Aventador and a Porsche Spyder

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Branagh. More than 83 years after Agatha Christie first published the detective novel, the story and the illustrious train continue to fuel the imagination – and the new Pullman Editions poster looks set to keep the intrigue alive a little longer still. 94 Pimlico Road, 020 7730 0547, pullmaneditions.com

among others) in Knightsbridge, and another of a Maserati with the Italian Riviera in the background (pictured, right). Meanwhile, the current bestsellers include the Val d’Isère Off-Piste Skier and L’Été sur la Côte d’Azur, depicting a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider on a quayside in the South of France (above, right). Pullman Editions caters for private commissions, too. “One of Charles Avalon’s specialities is cars and we get a lot of requests from customers who want their car depicted in an artwork,” says Georgina. “We’re also creating a wedding poster this summer for a couple who want an Art Deco interpretation of their big day.” Also in the pipeline is a poster for the new film release of Murder on the Orient Express, directed by Kenneth

“I Cave of

have always tried to hide my efforts, and wished my works to have the light joyousness of springtime, which never lets anyone suspect the labours it cost me,” Henri Matisse once said. It’s a typical comment from an artist who invariably shunned the limelight. With his gold-rimmed spectacles and three-piece suits, he was always an unlikely candidate for celebrity. Initially training as a legal clerk, he only turned to art when, recovering from appendicitis, someone gave him a box of paints. He was only 21. Yet by the early 20th century he was one of a select group of artists that dominated the Parisian avant-garde. If the artist himself was never happier than when confined to his studio, his work was brimful with the light of the outdoors, of the Mediterranean and beyond. The Royal Academy’s Matisse in the Studio exhibition examines how crucial Eastern and so-called primitive art was to his creativity. The show features objects drawn from his wideranging personal collection that enabled him to gain ideas from Buddhist statues from Thailand; masks, textiles and furnishings from Africa; abstract Chinese calligraphic patterns; and Islamic tiles and textiles. Matisse was born in France’s most northerly tip in chilly, grey Le CateauCambresis, on the Belgian border. Here, his inspiration was fertilised by the sunshine and colour of southern Europe. Despite financial hardship, when he first moved to Paris he began to visit second-hand shops where he picked up fragments of tapestry and faience pottery. Only late in life, however, did he become a serious collector, sourcing from European art dealers and an assortment of far-flung merchants and market places in Algeria and Morocco. The first major step in that direction occurred in 1906, when he bought a small seated Congolese figurine from a Parisian dealer. His discovery of Islamic art at an exhibition in Munich inspired a trip to visit Andalusian mosques. A visit to Morocco soon followed, and the Moorish and Persian emphasis on patterns and strong but subtle colours became a growing influence, seen in works such as The Moorish Screen.

wonders A new exhibition at the Royal Academy reveals Henri Matisse as a serious international collector, says Jack Watkins

Matisse took his lead from nature, seeking inspiration from the world beyond the studio

ART

When Matisse moved to Nice, he recreated images of Islamic harems through his famous feminine images such as Yellow Odalisque, putting his French models in Oriental costume, and setting them against backdrops of Eastern fabrics, screens, carpets and furnishings. Some criticised Matisse for the lack of confrontation in his art. The painter explained that he “dreamt of an art of balance and purity and serenity, devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter… a mental soother… like a good armchair”. Yet it would be wrong to say that he didn’t conform to the romantic image of the painter who suffers for his art. Once describing a disturbing picture, with a likely large degree of self-reference, he called the artistic type “an unhappy creature tormented day and night. He relieves himself of his passion in his pictures, but also in spite of himself, on the people round him. That is what normal people never understand. They want to enjoy the artist’s products – as one might enjoy cow’s milk – but they can’t put up with the inconvenience, the mud and the flies.” Collecting was a two-way dialogue for Matisse. He didn’t just acquire objects and use them as inspiration. Sometimes he purchased them simply because they reminded him of works he’d already done, such as the medieval head of an apostle, which bore a resemblance to his Self-portrait of 1906. The portrait in its turn had been partly shaped by his new interest in African sculpture. A photograph from 1951 shows Matisse working on one of his cut-outs under a Chinese calligraphy panel at a hotel in Nice. It was around this time that he remarked: “I have worked all my life before the same objects. The object is an actor. A good actor can have a part in ten different plays; an object can play a role in ten different pictures.” When he died three years later, aged 84, he left behind a huge trove of textiles, glassware, metalwork, ceramics and figurines. It was this he described as “my working library”. While these objects were hardly of material value, they were precious to Matisse. This exhibition reveals how they remained a source of inspiration until the very last years of a full and productive life.

“I have worked all my life before the same objects. The object is an actor”

clockwise from top left: Henri Cartier-Bresson, Vence, February 1944, French painter Henri Matisse at his Home, Villa ‘Le Rêve’ ©Henri Cartier-Bresson/Magnum Photos; Henri Matisse, The Moorish Screen, 1921, ©Philadelphia Museum of Art/Art Resource, NY; Haiti, North Africa, late 19th-early 20th century, Former collection of Henri Matisse, ©François Fernandez, Nice; Coffee Pot, France, early 19th Century, ©François Fernandez, Nice; Henri Matisse, Still Life with Shell, 1940, ©Private collection, ©Succession H. Matisse/DACS 2017; Henri Matisse, Safrano Roses at the Window, 1925, ©Private collection, ©Succession H. Matisse/DACS 2017; Vase, Andalusia, Spain, early 20th century, ©François Fernadez, Nice

5 August – 12 November, Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1J, royalacademy.org.uk

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image credit: Jamie Ferguson

Riviera resort

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Drakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is looking back through the archive to bring the best of its rich design heritage to the summer collection. Aiming to create pieces that can look like workwear but feel more like leisure (including its most recent suits), they embody a classic yet relaxed lifestyle in bold nautical shades and on-trend earthy tones. Feeling daring? Style an Oxford shirt beneath a simple Arpenteur linen smock for a touch of the Italian Riviera. From ÂŁ15, 3 Clifford Street, W1S, drakes.com

FASHION

Ramble on Embrace the traveller’s lifestyle this season with Private White V.C.’s line of ‘informal luxury’, a look that is cool and comfortable but ensures that you are always well-dressed. Creative director Nick Ashley presents a range of accessories, chino pants, and loose fitting shirts. With clean cuts and earthy tones, the collection channels a nomadic energy, and durable Ventile cottons make these pieces ideal for exploring the great outdoors. From £10, 73 Duke Street, WIK, privatewhitevc.com

Scent of the season Inspired by the Royal Court of Versailles, Parfums de Marly’s Layton has fruity top notes, woody and spicy base notes, and a hint of caramelised coffee – the perfect transition from summer to autumn. £185, pmarly.com, exclusively at Harrods

Classic with a twist

True blue Richard Anderson is introducing his first line of jeans. After a long search for authentic fabric, he stumbled across a Japanese denim factory that still weaves using a 1920s loom. Anderson is now combining these artisanal techniques with custom tailoring to bring selvedge denim to Savile Row. £450, 13 Savile Row, W1S, richardandersonltd.com

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Tony Gaziano and Dean Girling deliver a fresh spin on their traditional shoe with the new London boot, which embodies both their principles of design and comfort, and more importantly, your personal flare. From an array of classic and eccentric skins to choose from, to a customisable strap, it certainly kicks made-to-order service up a notch. £1,650, 39 Savile Row, W1S, gazianogirling.com

Into the

WILD

Photographer ALEXANDER BEER

S t y l i sT G ra h a m C r u z

Set out on safari in understated khaki camouflage and pops of colour with vibrant animal print scarves

jacket, £2,100, Preen By Thornton Bregazzi, preenbythorntonbregazzi.com; gilet, £530, Paul Smith, paulsmith.co.uk; skirt, poa, Roksanda, roksanda.com; shoes, £900, Giuseppe Zanotti, giuseppezanottidesign.com; Lock bracelet, £9,513 and braided bracelet, £18,516, both Shamballa Jewels, frostoflondon.co.uk; necklace, £399, Pyrrha, Pyrrha.com

THIS PAGE Top, £540, David Koma, davidkoma.co.uk; chinos, POa, Dsquared2, dsquared2.com; SHOES, £530, Aquazurra, aquazzura.com; jacket (on waist), £699, Tiger of Sweden, tigerofsweden.com; belt, £275, Etro, etro.com; SHOULDER bag, £315, Ettinger, ettinger.co.uk; Saddle Bag, £450, Aspinal of London, aspinaloflondon.com; Leopard print scarf, £285, Begg & Co, beggandcompany.com; Zebra print scarf, £30, Lola Rose, lolarose.co.uk; Cheetah print scarf (on head), £99, Marc Cain, marc-cain.com; Leg harness, stylist’s own OPPOSITE PAGE shirt, £235, Vince, vince.com; vest, £190, Theory, theory.com; trousers, £630, Marni, marni.com; shoes, £970, Giuseppe Zanotti, as before; Bracelet, £50,470, Shamballa Jewels, as before; cuff, POA, DAKS, daks.com; Sunglasses, £300, Belstaff, belstaff.co.uk; necklace, £39, Adore Jewelry, adorejewelry.com

THIS PAGE Jacket, £1,695 and Boots, £495, both Bally, bally.com; shirt, £115, Brooks Brothers, brooksbrothers.com; trousers, £232, Pinko, pinko.com; Belt, £295, Etro, as before; swan talisman, £1,347, Pyrrha, as before; Gloves (in pocket), £49, Dents, dents.co.uk; socks, £22, Falke, falke.com OPPOSITE PAGE shirt, £395 and belt, £620, both Etro, as before; top, £400, Boss, hugoboss.com; skirt, £220, Self Portrait, self-portrait-studio.com; shoes, £845, Aquazurra, aquazzura.com; hat, £265, Lock & Co, lockhatters.co.uk; necklace (on wrist), £115, Lola Rose, as before; earrings, £47, Adore Jewelry, as before

THIS PAGE jacket, £325, Theory, as before; shirt, £220, Monographie, harrods.com; skirt, £1,705, Andrew GN, matchesfashion.com; hat, £195, Mimi Holliday, mimiholliday.com; belt, £595, Agnona, harrods.com; shoes, £295, DAKS, as before; Scarf (on hat), £250, James Purdey & Sons, as before; cuffs, POa, DAKS, as before; earrings, £44, Adore Jewelry, as before OPPOSITE PAGE Dress, £2,045, Ralph Lauren, ralphlauren.co.uk; vest, £100, Theory, as before; shirt (on waist), £259, DAKS, as before; hat, £265, Lock & Co, as before; shoes, £650, Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com; Glasses, £125, Stella McCartney, matchesfashion.com; Bracelet, £19,600, Shamballa Jewels, as before; bangle, £149.70, Pyrrha, as before; Bangle, £57, Adore Jewelry, as before Hair and make-up Amori Birch model Lise Bjorgen Olsen at IMG Fashion Assistant Sophie Whitemore location Shot on location in Namibia. With thanks to luxury safari expedition company Barclay Stenner, barclaystenner.com, and Okonjima Villa, okonjima.com

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lip on a pair of oversized sunglasses with reflective lime lenses and exotic fruit glittering high above the brows, and heads will turn. Just one of these three elements would do the trick. Dolce & Gabbana pulled out all the stops with this particular summertime creation (pictured). The combination of shape and colour – a bold frame as well as an interesting lens – serves a double statement hit, and is a look that independent designers, fashion houses and manufacturing titans are adopting alike. “People like to say they hide behind sunglasses, but I don’t think so,” says independent eyewear designer

FEATURE

“Bold

Tom Davies. “Sunglasses bring symmetrical lines to the face – and beauty is symmetry. That’s why people tend to like wearing sunglasses in general, and they’ve become much more of an adventurous fashion item.” Simon Jablon, CEO and creative director of Linda Farrow, agrees: “Bold has become the new classic.” One catalyst for this year’s profusion of increasingly exciting sunglasses has been fashion houses taking ownership of their eyewear lines – previously licensed to groups such as Safilo or Luxottica – and promoting them on the catwalks, says Davies. One of the biggest players is now luxury goods holding company Kering, which introduced its eyewear division in 2014. It owns Gucci, which showed its first in-house collection last October (although production will remain with its former licensee, Safilo, until 2020). The most arresting styles start with unusual shapes. Another brand within Kering’s stable is Boucheron, which will launch a striking yellow and red gold-plated owl frame this autumn (pictured fifth page, bottom). The avian eye shape will be a limited edition of 300, with double-shaded, antireflective and oleophobic lenses, meaning they are less prone to smudges. Christopher Kane, also under Kering and taking inspiration from nature, has a butterfly with gold, rose or blue nylon lenses (pictured fifth page, top). They are lightweight and durable, with a scratchresistant coating set in a metal surround and a large jewel on each temple. Alexander McQueen, meanwhile, has fashioned a cutaway lens edge that, in lilac and with a Swarovskistudded diagonal black bar, mixes retro nostalgia and rock ’n’ roll. At Safilo’s Marc Jacobs, horizontal heart-shaped frames are encircled by a string twist of metal; on other styles a thread runs across a centimetre from the top, skimming the sightline. “Sunglasses aren’t perceived as just a tool anymore, but as a proper fashion item,” says Seamus Healy, head of product and planning at David Clulow. “There is a new appetite for eye-catching styles that have the power to completely change an outfit. In the current mood where ‘more is more’, it’s easy to see why lots of sunglasses feature both bold frames and bold lenses.”

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has become the

new

classic” Cutler and Gross is independently owned and has its own factory in the Dolomites. Here, 41 craftspeople manage individual production stages for each model, from barrelling to hinges and polishing. Each frame takes four to six weeks to make by hand. The factory also experiments with new materials and techniques – including a frame cut from a single sheet of metal for a pair of new round, bridged sunglasses with red lenses and acetate rims. “We treat our metal frames as we treat our acetate, cutting the metal from plates rather than using soldering techniques,” says design director Marie Wilkinson. “You get unusual sculptural effects and interesting surfaces instead.” The temples are made by hand and cylindrical; trickier to create than most, which are flat. “These have a really strong impact. They’re reassuringly bold,” she continues.

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FEATURE

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“People want to express themselves. It’s more about the whole look, and accessories being as important – if not more important – than clothing. A pair of sunglasses is much more easily spotted than a new handbag or shoes. When you first meet someone you don’t look at their feet... you look at their eyes.” Aesthetic appeal aside, fun lenses boast different qualities depending on their colour. “Tints can impact the performance of athletes, spectators and outdoor lovers,” says Tessa Forde, optometrist at David Clulow on Wigmore Street. Grey solid tints give a natural colour perception and are well-suited for driving, golf, running, cycling and most outdoor activities. Brown or amber tints filter blue light and are best for brightening vision on cloudy days. “They are especially good for use against grass and sky, so best for fishing, golf, hunting, cycling and watersports,” adds Forde. This season, soft, faded lenses rule the roost in pastel colours – the kind that complete a look

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beneath a wide-brimmed hat. There’s more than a touch of the Italian Riviera in Linda Farrow’s next collection, featuring delicate twisted ribbon frames in rose, yellow and white gold metal, as well as lighter lens colours (pictured bottom left). One pair in particular, with a scalloped ravioli-style rim, is made using titanium moulding and nylon lenses. They can also come with the company’s signature precious plated lenses – titanium covered in 18- to 22-carat gold, rose gold or platinum, then sealed into a mirrored coating. Trends are moving fast, says Davies, and have been lens-led for the past few years. He leans towards darker colours and only uses Zeiss lenses (these reduce glare, increase contrast and protect eyes while driving, with clear vision up to the very edge of the lens). Davies expects graduated tints to be the next trend, but in stronger colours – both fashionable and safer for the eyes. “The reason is that tinted lenses

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look great but aren’t much use as a sunglass,” he explains, considering everyday use. “They can cut out UV but aren’t very comfortable.” Graduated tints fade to a lighter shade at the bottom of the lens, as seen in another new pair from Dolce & Gabbana. Surrounded by a ring of Swarovski crystals and tiny embossed beads, its lenses come in grey, pink or blue gradients (pictured previous page, top left). “Graduated tints are ideal for reading in the garden or on the beach,” says Forde, “especially if you are off to somewhere sunny for your holidays.” Reflective mirrored lenses continue to enjoy a day in the sun – and offer extra protection against it – this season at three Luxottica-licensed brands. Prada’s latest rim-less Cinéma model is angular with slightly curved mirrored lenses and

pastel acetate temple tips (pictured previous page, right). “These come from a collection that stands out for its blend of sophisticated elegance and avantgarde design,” says Healy. “It’s a melting pot of vintage inspirations and conceptual structures, both modern and futuristic.” At Ray-Ban, mirrored lenses come with a maple, walnut or cherry frame (pictured second page), and elsewhere with multi-coloured gradients that are more psychedelic than 21st-century cool. “Colourful acetates are also quintessential Alain Mikli,” adds Healy. “Every year it develops several new colours and patterns inspired by a cultural exchange with the art and fashion worlds.” This year, the French-Armenian designer draws on the Memphis Group movement with a 1980s round pale pink or blue reflective lens, and double acetate eyebrows decorated in stripes and zigzags.

FEATURE

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Exuberant prints take sunglasses another step further. Saint Laurent brings molten lava to life with mirror oil rainbow lenses; Fendi emblazons its logo on coral disks; Dior has added a trio of irregular stripes to its equally irregular frame by way of a multi-layer coating (pictured above). This allows up to 12 different layers on the same lens, finished by intense polishing to make the designs shine through. In autumn, Pomellato will introduce a doublebridged pair with a graphic floral pattern in gold or electric pink and black (pictured below). Far from the original intent of dark aviators, they are bright and funky, with anti-reflective lenses and a layered mirror-coating.

Lenses can be decorated using screen printing with a fabric mesh in a similar way to T-shirts. A thick light-reactive substance is applied that makes holes in the original coating, then a layer of paint is pressed into the ‘holes’. Other techniques include hand tinting – dipping normal lenses into tints, turning them into a sunglass – or washing away designs from a grey or brown lens that has been mirrored, revealing its original colour. These styles may be less hard-wearing than plain or reflective lenses, but all that is left is to strike a pose.

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FASHION

Bright& Beautiful

Light, fun, and easy to wear, Agnona’s cruise collection is fresh and unexpected. Creative director Simon Holloway makes a statement with mink cardigans, knit dresses and cashmere sweaters in vibrant, contrasting shades. The Italian brand’s designs are always breezy and beautiful with a modern spin, but this time, it is the innovative colours and prints that will create a striking presence when you walk into a room. From £100, 124 New Bond Street, W1S, agnona.com

FIeld Day Holland Cooper channels a traditional equestrian look, perfect for pairing with Fairfax & Favor’s effortlessly classy footwear this game season. We’ll be wearing the neat Knightsbridge blazer (£499) with these smart Imperial Explorer boots (£375). hollandcooper.com; fairfaxandfavor.com

Wrapped up

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An admiration for art meets a love for fashion with Helen Moore’s new collection of handrolled silk scarves. The colourful accessories are lifesize replicas of seven original paintings by the fine artist (and Helen’s husband) Stanley Moore. £200, helenmoore.com

INTERIORS One Stepevi ahead Despite celebrating its centenary, Stepevi is still en vogue: you may recognise the Turkish homeware brand from The Athenaeum Hotel bar or the former Céline store on Bruton Street. Its shiny new Sparkle collection is woven using superior wool, silk and metallic lurex to create an eye-catching shimmer. Available in seven styles or custom designs. From £1,950 (£475 per sq m), stepevi.com

Sparkle VI rug in wool, viscose, silk, lurex, £5,300 for 170 x 240cm or £1,300 per sq m

INTERIORS

Image courtesy of Adrien Dirand and Owenscorp

Organic chaos T h e Savage r o s e C and le, ani ne b i ng’ s f i rst ventur e i nto Fr agr ance and h omewar e, is a r o ma nt ic ble nd o f bulga r ia n r o s e a nd wh ite r o s e f inis h e d wit h s e ns ua l no te s o f mus k a nd bla ck p e ppe r . £48, A nine bing.co m

IF YOU’VE EVER visited Rick Owens’ concrete-clad London flagship on South Audley Street, you’ll agree that the avantgarde designer’s furniture collection isn’t likely to be particularly mainstream. Publisher Rizzoli has released the first book to document his interior designs and give an insight into his creative vision. Rick Owens: Furniture, written by Owens himself, is an ode to his wife, muse and business partner Michèle Lamy, who he affectionately refers to as ‘hun’ throughout. While Owens conceives the stark, almost prehistoric pieces (made primarily from plywood, concrete, marble, leather, fur and antlers), Lamy is the one who helps make them into a desirable reality. £50, published by Rizzoli New York, rizzoliusa.com

Gold Plated It’s more than likely you’ve been served dinner at an upmarket restaurant on J.L. Coquet’s hemisphere crockery: a white porcelain collection that has a circular engraved pattern reminiscent of the rings on a tree trunk. The French heritage brand has now enlisted Achille Salvagni to put his own spin on its dinnerware, which he does by adding golden craters and what looks like a night sky sprinkled with stardust. From £62, jlcoquet.com

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Rooted in design Barn in the City is a collaboration between interior designer Nancy Torreele and furniture expert Martijn van Rijn. The Dutch company reclaims ancient pieces of wood and transforms them into characterful, contemporary pieces using industrial metal frames and clean-edged columns of marble. A new generation of rustic. From €3,083, barninthecity.com

Say it

with flowers

Drop your secateurs. Hold off on the pruning. Emma Love unearths the professionals bringing floral trends to a vase near you

INTERIORS

hile the pot plant had its day in the 1970s – think large monsteria perched next to lurid orange wallpaper – and plastic foliage peaked in the 1990s, it is fresh-cut flowers that have never gone out of fashion. London remains wild for blooms. This month Petersham Nurseries opens in Covent Garden with a homeware and garden shop, wine cellar, delicatessen and florist (two restaurants, a bar and a courtyard will follow later in the autumn), selling everything from British posies to dinner party bouquets in handblown glass vases. The summer exhibition at Notting Hill’s Flow Gallery, Plant Life: Pots for Plants (until 19 August), showcases vessels by a series of makers who were inspired by specific sprigs. And across London, a handful of top florists are pushing the creative boundaries with what they offer. Take Nikki Pierce, founder of Petal & Grace, who feeds a growing trend for wild and whimsical arrangements. “My style is loose and natural and very different to what a lot of florists are doing right now,” says Pierce, who studied history of art before launching her Kensal Rise floral studio three years ago. “The 17th-century Dutch master painters are a constant source of inspiration. I like to

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highlight a flower or piece of foliage if it has an interesting bend or a beautiful back.” Last year, Pierce was commissioned by Gazelli House, the South Kensington cult spa and members’ club, to make a 1.5-metre tall arrangement from pampas grasses and ethically sourced white peacock feathers. Since then, similar installations have been sought after by her clients to use as an impressive focal point on mantelpieces at home.

There is a growing trend for wild and whimsical arrangements This shift towards extravagance and opulence can be found elsewhere. Long established florist Pulbrook and Gould offers a ‘by appointment’ design service from its Battersea showroom (the main shop is in on South Audley Street). “Many of our clients travel a lot and to keep fresh flowers is expensive,” explains artistic director Harald Altmaier. “We go in and dress their houses, perhaps with silk flowers, which have become much more popular over the past few years, or large displays of textured arrangements: sculptural twisted goat horns in Italian leather containers, a bowl of chilli peppers or a bundle of gold leaf bamboo that makes a statement in the entrance hall. It makes the house feel loved and uplifted.”

THANKS A BUNCH

Flowerbx Pink Sweet Avalanche Roses, £50, flowerbx.com

Pa u l T h o m a s Flowers The Burlington, £45, Arch 83 Queens Circus, SW11, paulthomasflowers.co.uk

Pulbrook and Gould All Whites, £100, at Thomas Goode, 19 South Audley Street, W1K and 10 Ingate Place, SW8, pulbrookandgould.co.uk

Wild Things Dusk to Dawn, £95, 47 Davies Street, W1K, wildthingsflowers.co.uk

INTERIORS

‘Single varietal bunches’ are also the mainstay of Flowerbx, the online flower delivery service that revolutionised the industry when it launched in 2015. “After 19 years of working for Tom Ford, I found that all the fashionable people, from Karl Lagerfeld to London’s passion for blooms has led some companies to dedicate bouquets to specific areas. Both Wild Things and Paul Thomas Flowers (the latter supplies the likes of The Ritz London, Sotheby’s and Fortnum & Mason), for example, have Mayfair collections. Paul Thomas has a range of hand-tied bouquets named after a street or landmark: The Albany, for instance, is a classic combination that includes scented freesias, dahlias and summer phlox; while The Burlington is an all-pink arrangement of hydrangeas, roses and lisianthus. This is part of another growing trend for arrangements with only one type of flower. “I tend to use lots of the same sort of flower, such as a single mass of peonies,” says Ellie Hartley, who has been the resident florist at Brown’s Hotel since 2010. Last year, she opened her eponymous shop on Dover Street. “All flowers have a different life span so it makes sense to create bouquets where they all live for roughly the same amount of time.”

“I use lots of the same sort of flower, such as a single mass of peonies” Miuccia Prada, were sending single stem bunches of flowers,” recalls co-founder Whitney Bromberg Hawkings, who sources all the flowers from auctions in Holland. “Also, when I was buying flowers for my own house, I was looking for stems that I could arrange myself, rather than a traditional bouquet stuffed with filler.” So whether you prefer a handful of hydrangeas or a vase of long grass, this season boasts a bloom to suit every taste.

From top: petal & grace; pulbrook and gould; wild things; ellie hartley

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A LIFETIME SPENT FINDING BEAUTY IN THE DETAIL A LIFETIME SPENT FINDING BEAUTY IN THE DETAIL Showroom: 1 Western Avenue, London, W3 0BZ. 020 8993 4415 - info@thesofaandchair.co.uk www.thesofaandchair.co.uk

Showroom: 1 Western Avenue, London, W3 0BZ. 020 8993 4415 - info@thesofaandchair.co.uk www.thesofaandchair.co.uk

sleeping beauty mix & match Chanel’s new Ombre Première Eyes Collection comprises 24 eyeshadows in matte, satin and metallic – designed to be combined and layered. Complete the look by grooming eyebrows with Le Gel Sourcils – jellified water on a mascaralike wand, which holds brows for up to eight hours. From £18, chanel.com The new Instant Full Cover Concealer from Bobbi Brown suggests beauty sleep is a thing of the past, promising a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed look in one simple swipe of a brush. A rare Indian tree extract helps plump up and smooth out those bags, while the non-drying formula irons out wrinkles by balancing the skin’s natural moisture levels. The 15 shades – from porcelain to chestnut – coordinate with the brand’s foundations, so matching is made easy. £23 each, bobbibrown.co.uk

fruit cocktail Papaya and pineapple extract enzymes and a dash of caviar lime in the newest addition to Dr Harold Lancer’s skincare line help remove dead skin cells and leave you glowing. £90, spacenk.com

hydration hit Eschew the needle as Filorga presents its cosmetic medicine expertise in a handy tub with this new moisturiser. £45, feelunique.com

heavy metal Highlighting and bronzing are key in summer beauty collections, and the Bord De Plage Palette by Nars has it all in one. Highlighters are water-activated, to create a smudged smouldering effect, and shades range from pearl to deep brown. Eye shadows in stick form also come in three new complementary tones. From £21, narscosmetics.co.uk

health & beauty

SPA R EV I E W

Coming up

roses This month, Urban Retreat is celebrating one of Morocco’s finest exports with an aromatic rose festival. Marianne Dick takes the plunge and tries its limited edition hammam ritual

Images courtesy of urban retreat at harrods

It is oddly liberating to allow someone to bathe you, and feels particularly regal

fter speaking to number of friends about what to expect from my first hammam experience, I make my way to Urban Retreat, on the fifth floor of a brightly lit, bustling Harrods feeling none the wiser. In Morocco, visiting a hammam – which translates to ‘spreader of warmth’ – has long been a traditional weekly ritual for purifying the body and mind before prayer. Usually separated by gender, the hammam also provides an opportunity to socialise and gossip with friends and family. After acclimatising to the raised temperature in the warm room of the compact yet grand Moroccan spa, my therapist, Flavia, leads me to one of seven misty chambers in the gently lit hot area, and asks me to lie on the raised marble floor. She begins by washing my body with black olive soap (rich in vitamin E and incredibly softening), before rinsing it off with several buckets of warm water, which she continues to do after each step. Next, following tradition, she exfoliates my skin with a rough kessa glove and a sweet-smelling Argan oil and brown sugar scrub.

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As part of its rose festival throughout August, Urban Retreat is offering a limited edition hammam ritual that adds a homemade product to the regular treatment: a thick paste of rose powder, Argan oil and rosewater, all enhanced by the anti-ageing and anti-oxidant benefits of the flower. Flavia sprinkles dried petals from the base of the Atlas Mountains over me, then leaves me to luxuriate. The treatment concludes with a stretching massage using the

revitalising marocMaroc Infusion d’Orange shower milk. My hair is washed with the indulgent almond collection as I sit crosslegged, feeling strangely nostalgic for childhood bathtimes. It feels oddly liberating to allow someone to bathe you. I stand up and Flavia asks if I’m ready, before dousing me with buckets of cool water and wrapping me back up in a thick robe. While I lounge on a day bed with a pot of peppermint tea and some dried fruit and nuts (feeling particularly regal), I reflect on what I was told beforehand. I realise that it’s actually quite hard to explain what a hammam ritual is and why it feels so cleansing and rejuvenating. If I’d known all the details, I might have been put off, but now I want to make like the Moroccans and visit every week. Rose hammam ritual, £150 for 60 minutes, The Moroccan Spa marocMaroc at Urban Retreat, Harrods, urbanretreat.co.uk

Bottoms Up

Sips of summer

For neophiles Ever tried whisky with coffee beans or pineapple-infused grappa? The Green Bar’s Spirit Journey contains ten new artfully constructed cocktails. From £13, 68 Regent Street, W1B, hotelcaferoyal.com

explore peru with a weekend brunch at Coya. Sample vibrant Latin American flavours of ceviche and chicharrón from one of three open kitchens while soaking up signature Pisco Mary cocktails and live music. If that isn’t enough to have you shouting ‘More pisco please!’, opt for bottomless beverages. You’ll be signing up to be a member in no time. Every Saturday and Sunday, 118 Piccadilly, W1J, coyarestaurant.com

For connoisseurs Play mixologist with help from the experts. Shake and stir your way through a masterclass that has delicious canapés to boot. From £60, select Saturdays, Stratton Street, W1J, themayfairhotel.co.uk

The glorious twelfth Mark your calendar because it is ‘game on’ at Corrigan’s Mayfair. Lovers of the outdoors will know that 12 August not only indicates the beginning of grouse shooting, but also new seasonal dishes. Chef Richard Corrigan is bringing back a meaty menu featuring grouse pie washed down with Irish whiskey. From 12 August, 28 Upper Grosvenor Street, W1K, corrigansmayfair.co.uk

Pick up a picnic Choose from three Mount Street Deli luxury lunches. From £45, 100 Mount Street, W1K, themountstreetdeli.co.uk

F o r t e e t o ta l l e r s Go guilt-free with Newby’s Green Mojitea recipe. Mix the new green lemon teabag with sugar, sparkling water, lemons and a garnish of mint. £5.50 for 25, newbyteas.co.uk

For gin lovers Expect notes of leather in your next drink as perfumer Miller Harris concocts Tanqueray No. Ten cocktails at Libare Bar. £11, until end of September, 20 Savile Row, W1S, sartoria-restaurant.co.uk

food & drink

Seduced by sushi While Sexy Fish’s opulent interior design and souped-up menus may divide opinion, Tori Berkowitz finds it to be an oceanic fanfare

triking aquamarine mermaids on the bar, wall-to-wall coral tanks filled with tropical fish, and a glossy black crocodile crawling alongside your table – Sexy Fish certainly puts an unconventional spin on ‘under the sea’. Pull up a chair at the bar made of lava stone, above which Frank Gehry’s shimmering fish lights float, and sip on one of 325 – and counting – Japanese whiskies. The Asian restaurant and bar has the largest collection in

top and bottom image credits: Paul Winch-Furness; inset: john carey

Europe, so there is guaranteed to be one that piques your interest. Served in a chilled glass with a ball of ice that has just been hand carved by bar staff, it goes to show that nothing here is done by halves. General manager Daniel Smith aims to “impress regular customers and new visitors with the fantastic food and fun atmosphere Sexy Fish has become known for”. He certainly succeeds. Celebrity DJs, such as Nick Grimshaw and Fat Tony, bring with them a young, hip crowd and upbeat music during Sexy Brunch parties. In fact, Smith comments that one guest enjoyed the ambiance so much that he asked to purchase one of the table settings. “He said he wanted to eat at Sexy Fish every day, at home.” While the tongue-in-cheek vibe may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the food cannot fail to impress. New additions frequent the menu: tender grilled beef fillet with ginger and black pepper; crispy vegetable tempura with fresh truffle; yellowtail sashimi with green mandarin ponzu sauce. For an experience that focuses on the more eccentric and playful side of sushi, book in for brunch to try shark-shaped toast, an overflowing basket of crispy crackers and cocktails garnished with butterflies. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” Smith adds, “and I think our customers really enjoy that.” Berkeley Square, W1J, sexyfish.com

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The Burger Crawl. 1st - 31st August WE HAVE CREATED A UNIQUE BURGER AT EACH VENUE. THE CHALLENGE IS TO TRY THEM ALL. ENJOY FOUR, GET THE FIFTH FREE! #BURGERCRAWL

cubitthouse.co.uk

@TheOrangeSW1

@TheThomasCubitt

@TheGrazingGoat

@TheTennysonSW1

food & drink

head chef Nigel Mendham

R estau r a n t R e vie w

peppercorn sauce and new season lamb with smoked aubergine, wild garlic and heritage tomato confit. My guest orders a side of triple-cooked chips to accompany his steak (well, it would be unnatural not to), and I try the broccoli with pancetta and almond. The lamb, marbled with fat, is juicy but disappointingly tough in places. The rib-eye, however, is a gorgeously tender slab that is just on the right side of rare. The dessert menu reminds me of Mendham’s British Larder Concept, which he introduced at Thirty-Six, where a new field-to-table dish – often based on childhood favourites such as pineapple upside-down cake – was whipped up and added to the menu each month. We sample the rhubarb that is counterbalanced by rich custard ice cream, and can’t resist the jam roly poly that comes perfectly al dente, garnished with tart raspberries and sweet, sticky jam. Dukes London – a secluded destination hotel – has always emanated a charming mystique. By the time we finish, it is dark outside and the atmosphere in GBR has shifted from casual to cosy, yet there is still a lively hum of activity. As I leave, I get the sense that this might mark the beginning of a new wave of regulars to Dukes. I’ll happily be one of them.

GBR, Dukes London WORDS: Marianne Dick

am still finding it hard to believe that GBR – the new all-day eatery in Dukes London in St James’s – was previously the plush, peachy setting of Nigel Mendham’s fine dining restaurant, Thirty-Six. The once intimate and softly furnished room has been completely transformed by DesignLSM (which implemented Studio Glitt’s scheme at Roka Mayfair): the carpet has been pulled up, the curtains removed and the tables stripped of their pristine white tablecloths. Antique mirrors on the walls and ceilings open up and illuminate the space dramatically; while banquettes, wooden parquet flooring and the addition of a seven-seat bar give it an almost unrecognisably casual feel. The menu, still presided over by head chef Mendham, hasn’t been revolutionised quite as much – but this is a good thing. Dishes might be a little less precise than Thirty-Six, but they are undoubtedly his British haute cuisine style (and will probably remind you of recipes your mother used to make). To start, my guest and I opt for a trio of seafood dishes accompanied by a crisp glass of Nyetimber. The secret of the prawn cocktail’s success lies in its simplicity: it is bright, citrusy and served unfussily in a wide clay bowl. A generous pile of fresh Norfolk crab is bedecked with crisp rye bread, yet the catch of the day has to be the meaty cod cheeks served with a few fragrant but potent droplets of korma curry sauce. Feeling carnivorous, we choose a sanguinary feast for our main courses: medium-rare rib-eye steak served with

The rib-eye is a gorgeously tender slab that is just on the right side of rare

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36 Little St James Street, SW1A, gbrrestaurantslondon.com

At the table with:

Jean-Georges Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is back in town. Here to open The Connaught’s new restaurant, the 60-year-old tells us how humble French beginnings and local Asian flavours have moulded his style

I this image: Eugene Regis/Shutterstock.com; all other images coutesy of the connaught

was born just outside Strasbourg in Alsace, France, in a house my great-grandparents built in 1870. My family were coal merchants, and we would see the coal arrive at the house by canal, or by horse-drawn barge. My bedroom was just above the kitchen, so all the smells would rise as I woke. At lunchtime our kitchen would turn into a miniature restaurant; my grandmother and mother had to cook for as many as 25 family and employees. Every Sunday we would have baeckeoffe (the Alsatian version of an Irish stew that includes carrots, leeks, onions, pork, potatoes, cheek or knuckle). I have great memories of us peeling and cutting all the vegetables and marinating the meat the day before. On Sunday morning we would layer everything in a large pot topped with a glass of Riesling and drop it off at the baker on the way to church. The lid would be sealed with a strip of dough and put in the oven for a few hours. On our way home we would collect it in time for lunch and eat it with mustard and salad. My parents enrolled me in engineering school with the hope that I would take over our family business, but I wanted nothing to do with that. Instead, at 16 I started out as an apprentice to the late chef Paul Haeberlin at Auberge de L’Ill. It was the first restaurant I’d been to. I was amazed: the ballet of waiters and food. I couldn’t believe you could make a living out of this. I went on to work under chef Paul Bocuse and master chef Louis Outhier at L’Oasis in Southern France. In 1980, Outhier made me an offer I couldn’t refuse: to open a restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok. I was 23 years old. I was too young. I had been chef de partie; not even sous chef; now I was to command a kitchen of 20 Thai cooks, none of whom spoke French. But then I thought, ‘if I fail in Thailand, who’s going to know about it?’ I had never tasted fresh ginger before I arrived. All the spices I had ever known were dried. Asian flavours changed the way I cooked – the heat, balance, sweet, salt, spice and umami. I abandoned meat stocks and creams and began to play with vegetable juice, fruit essence, light broth and herbal vinaigrettes. The cooks there would make me traditional Thai dishes after service every night. It was truly inspiring. It takes a lot of hard work, talented people and team effort to open a restaurant. I have a great deal of respect for everyone who works in this industry, as it requires long hours and dedication. One person who

food & drink

particularly stands out is Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa, who revolutionised Nikkei cuisine. I am proud to call him a friend. For all the projects I’ve worked on (among them the five-Michelinstarred Jean-Georges Vongerichten in New York’s Trump Tower, The Pump Room in Chicago and On the Rocks in St Barths), I tend to have a soft spot for my latest opening – currently ABCV just off Union Square in New York. It’s my first restaurant with plant-based ingredients. We source most things from family farms. In 1996, I spent six years at The Berkeley’s Vong restaurant. I have great memories of London back then. We played a part in big culinary changes at the time – now this city is one of the most vibrant and dynamic food destinations in the world. It’s fascinating to see how the scene continues to evolve. I particularly love dishes that are produce-driven, such as with Dover sole, langoustine from Scotland or Black Angus beef. However, The Connaught was the first hotel I ever stayed in when I came to London in 1985. I’d dropped into a pub around the corner for a few drinks after service and was heading back to my room on the top floor when I saw a guy pacing the landing in his robe. It was the actor Sir Alec Guinness. He’d clearly had a couple of drinks, and so had I. Two tipsy guys meeting on the landing at 2am, talking about films and food – it’s still one of the most surreal moments of my life. Now I’m opening a restaurant at the same hotel.

“I am introducing the first ever takeaway pizza at The Connaught. I hope it will become a Mayfair classic”

My cooking at The Connaught will be relaxed and fun, featuring highlights from my restaurants in New York, but with the best ingredients to be found in London. For me, 80 per cent is about finding the right ingredients and making the flavours pop. The first bite has to be as exciting as the last. I always visit local markets and speak to the people who make and farm the food. At breakfast, I’ll serve things like chia bowls with delicious fruit, dosa with avocado, micro greens and yoghurt. I’ll be making my own baked beans and topping them with a poached egg. We have included some classic British dishes such as fish and chips, but of course they’ll have a Jean-Georges twist. I am introducing the first ever takeaway truffle pizza at The Connaught – I hope it will become a Mayfair classic. My greatest pleasure is seeing people enjoy my food. Food is love, and you have it three times a day. Jean-Georges at The Connaught opens this month, Carlos Place, W1K, the-connaught.co.uk

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The kitchen according to Vongerichten Favourite food Dishes from a street cart in Thailand or homemade noodles and pasta

Sound advice Surround yourself with the best staff. It’s all about people you trust. Lots of my team have worked with me for many years and we have a family culture

Home comforts My wife and I cook together. She’s half Korean and loves Korean food. I spend my weeks plating food so when we eat at home everything is served ‘family style’

Best experience An epic meal at El Bulli cooked by Ferran Adrià

Special spice Sichuan peppercorn

Ultimate cookbook Mark Bittman’s How to Cook Everything

Charity work Food Dreams, A Jean-Georges Foundation, is a nonprofit organisation offering scholarships, training and job placement opportunities for graduates in some of the world’s best restaurants. It was thought up in the car while driving upstate with my daughter Louise

TRAVEL

breathe deep On the REMOTE island of Sumba in eastern Indonesia, Nihiwatu’s series of Barefoot Luxury Retreats lives up to its name with a new yoga experience, Wild & Free. Australian wellness experts Sjana Earp and Rod Cooper will lead a relaxing week to detox mind and body – from meditation under a waterfall to restorative yoga overlooking a private beach. £2,743, 7-12 October, nihiwatu.com

horsing around Seven hectares of Norman countryside is just the setting for an equestrian escape. Try boutique hotel Les Manoirs de Tourgéville’s Horse Whisperer package: admire the sunset on rides along the nearby Côte Fleurie beaches, and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the thoroughbred racing hippodrome at Deauville (where some of the top French studs are based). €695 for two, lesmanoirstourgeville.com

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dive in to ‘i do’ Find an unusual way to tie the knot at Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo: underwater. Get wed in wetsuits, before a champagne reception on Larvotto Beach. From £1,200, metropole.com

spirit of adventure Aurora Expeditions, the Arctic and Antarctic specialist, presents a new ice-cold opportunity to ski on untouched Antarctic terrain. Although visiting littletouched glacial slopes will certainly be a challenge, the views will be nothing less than inspiring. Travellers will learn mountaineering and ski touring skills from experienced guides, in unpredictable polar conditions – giving them the ultimate adrenaline rush. For the 2019 season, a 104-metre purpose-built ship will join Aurora’s fleet. Sea-level Zodiac boat platforms and dedicated observation decks will bring polar wildlife closer than ever before. From $9,500 for 11 days, auroraexpeditions.com.au

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PROMOTION

hot to toTt The new Tottenham Hotspur stadium is well underway – and the premium offerings on match day are set to be on another level

he project to replace Tottenham Hotspur’s home ground, White Hart Lane, is progressing quickly. The promise of a groundbreaking 61,599-seater stadium in the heart of Spurs territory is nearly a reality. As if this wasn’t enough, the club’s new fourth-floor On Four lounges and suites have the potential to be the most premium match day experience in the country for any fan. Dining has been entrusted to the Roux family, the culinary dynasty that brought the UK its first threeMichelin-starred restaurants. Not only can guests enjoy fine dining, they will have the chance to sit down to eat with club ambassadors before matches. And Michel Roux Jr is eager to get going on the partnership: “we look forward to delivering our fine dining to customers at On Four. This is the first time we have partnered with a sports stadium and it is marvellous that we will be involved in such an iconic new venue.” Each season, members will also have the chance to enjoy a private dining experience with a member of the Roux family, alongside sporting exclusives, such as hosting man of the match presentations and in-depth first team Q&A sessions. Also on the fourth floor is the members-only area The H Club, offering unparelleled views, directly on the halfway line, with only 180 seats. Each membership grants access to two of these seats and with only 90 founding members, The H Club is on course to become the most exclusive ‘club within a club’ in the world. On Four will also introduce Loge On Four, a series of semi-private booths either side of The H Club, boasting Michelin-calibre dining, a complimentary bar and behindthe-scenes access. Flexibility is also important here, with the Loge Suites accessible three hours before and two hours after each match, guaranteed valet parking, and the opportunity to

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top: the new tottenham hotspur football club; this image: the h club

enjoy private drop-off and pick-up through the club-managed limousine service. The Loge Suites are available with four, six, eight or ten seats, and at £357 per person, per game, offer a unique chance to mix with like-minded people and give guests an unforgettable match day experience. Spurs’ home for the 2017/18 season is Wembley, and in partnership with Runwild Media, the Club is inviting 50 guests to a complimentary luxury experience at the opening match of the Premier League season against Chelsea on 20 August. At the first ever Premier League game to be played at the home of football, guests will be treated to full match day hospitality, and will experience the SPVRS (Stadium Project Virtual Reality Suite) to gain an insight into the new stadium and the On Four lifestyle.

WIN A VIP HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE TO TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. CHELSEA For the chance to receive a VIP invitation to Tottenham Hotspur vs. Chelsea on Sunday 20 August at Wembley Stadium, register your details with Runwild Media at: luxurylondon.co.uk/article/spurs If you would like to receive more information about the On Four experiences, register your interest by emailing: onfour@tottenhamhotspur.com

S u i t e d rea m s

Batty Langley’s Words: HANNAH lEMON

t’s your chance to join the aristocracy, says Batty Langley’s website on a stay at the five-star hotel in Spitalfields. Not the modern Windsor variety we know of today, but the swashbuckling, chicken drumstick-eating, indulgent royalty of old. Batty Langley’s, which is named after the 18th-century architect and landscape designer Bartholomew Langley, maintains the slightly oddball but downright entertaining period charm of its two sister boutique hotels: Hazlitt’s in Soho and The Rookery in Farringdon. All sit under the Hazlitt’s Hotels outfit, run by business partners Douglas Blain and Peter McKay, who, rather affably, describe themselves as ‘two old gits’. The 29 rooms at Batty Langley’s are modelled around Georgian characters, each with vibrant personalities. I check in to the two-floor penthouse suite, the Earl of Bolingbroke, and fall instantly in love with its eccentric interior. This is largely, if not entirely, down to the secret door embedded in a bookcase in the sitting room. Push the spine on The Story of a Lake by Negley Farson and the shelves swing back to reveal a throne-like lavatory with accompanying tall stone basin for washing one’s noble hands. Back in the sitting room, there’s a dark wooden desk on one side – the type suited to writing a charming novella – and plush velvet sofas on the other. While you might be thinking that this sounds ridiculously fuddy-duddy, the devil is in the detail. Hidden behind a mirror is a television that syncs up to Apple devices and there is surround sound in the bathroom.

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Up the carpeted stairs (suitcases can be guided to the second floor by a small lift like a dumbwaiter), and I find myself in the grand bedroom surrounded by thoughtfully arranged antique furniture and oil paintings. The fourposter bed, which was built for a bishop, is decorated by a regal canopy and coat of arms, and piled high with cushions. But what catches my attention is the statement Tuscan stone bath in the middle of the room. A blue swathe of material with gold tassels languidly rests across the tub decreeing that “this ancient bath has survived wars and witnessed indiscretions – please ensure its continued longevity”. An old brass leaver on the wall indicates how you can turn the water on, while two smaller taps control the temperature. A soak in the bath is an ideal de-stresser (there’s room for two or almost three). By this point, I almost feel like I should have a couple of ladies-in-waiting ready to undress me behind a silk screen. Push part of the bedroom wall and you’ll find the bathroom complete with another throne and an impressive brass shower. Again, leavers and taps provide for an amusing ablution as jets of water sprout out at all angles according to what you pull and push. The whole experience is how I imagine a good history professor might teach a lesson – without the pupils realising they are learning. In case you do want more details, a folder of information on the stories behind local characters is bestowed on guests. The friendly staff actively encourage visitors to explore Spitalfields’ local businesses, each with their equally impressive back stories. It proves useful, too, because although breakfast is served in bed, the Parlour or Tapestry Room, other meals have to be found elsewhere. Outside, the surrounding buildings couldn’t be more contemporary. Fling the suite’s terrace doors wide open and from the private rooftop you can see a panorama of the grittier, edgier side of east London. One visit doesn’t provide nearly enough time to take in all these peculiar facts or parade around as king or queen. So, it’s a return booking for me; next time with royal entourage in tow.

Top: The parlour; right: the tapestry room; all other images: the earl of bolingbroke suite

Earl of Bolingbroke suite, from £750, 12 Folgate Street, E1, battylangleys.com

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umping through the Botswanan bush in a jeep makes for an impressive game of I Spy. The Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino) are among the many creatures great and small who call the national parks and game reserves – which cover more than 25 per cent of the country’s land mass – home. At other popular safari destinations, from Kenya’s Maasai Mara to South Africa’s Kruger National Park, convoys of tourist-filled trucks prepare to race each other in pursuit of the best photo opportunities, but Botswana’s strict conservation policies mean there’s every chance a pride of lions will be the only company you’ll encounter as you cross the dusty terrain. The parks are clustered around northern Botswana. Head to the Moremi Game Reserve, the first reserve in Africa to be established by local residents, to marvel at its picturesque patchwork of floodplains and explore one of the most diverse ecosystems on the entire continent. As the dry season descends and the tall grasses and lush vegetation recede, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos and hyenas, together with more than 22 types of antelope and 600 bird species, will congregate around the waterholes. The odds of animal encounters at this time of year are favourable, especially at the Okavango Delta, one of the last remaining water sources of the season. To be absolutely sure that you’ll catch a glimpse of wildlife, book a stay with the luxury safari purveyors Barclay Stenner. Founders John Barclay and James Stenner organise fully bespoke expeditions focused primarily on this area, as well as the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. You’ll be sure to see predators and their prey come to cool off, and run the gauntlet of those lying in wait...

Gre at Es ca p e

Botswana Discover one of Africa’s last unspoilt wildernesses on a Barclay Stenner safari

WILDLIFE ON THE DOORSTEP

this image and right: AFRICAN VILLA AT OKONJIMA IMAGE CREDIT: ALEXANDER BEER, all other images by james stenner

travel

Where to stay Barclay Stenner’s private canvas safaris are mobile, meaning the team can up sticks and follow the trail of wildlife, based on the latest news and sightings from the ‘bush telegraph’. This doesn’t mean you have to compromise on creature comforts, though. Custom-designed hexagon tents are kitted out with Persian carpets, four-poster beds, 400-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, flushing toilets and bone handled silver cutlery, all set up on arrival by the entourage, who are there to tailor the experience to guests every step of the way. ABOVE: Dining on a barclayXXX stenner safari XXXX

LUXURY TENTED ACCOMMODATION ON A BARCLAY STENNER SAFARI

SUITCASE E S S E N T I A L S

Flask, £55, aspi nal ofl o n d o n . co m

Where to eat South African MasterChef finalists and top local sommeliers are on hand to throw spectacular dinner parties under the stars (if cocktails are your poison, Stenner mixes a mean Old Fashioned), while Edith Piaf plays on the Bluetooth gramophone, often in duet with a roaring lion. Come breakfast, tuck into a Full English while watching elephants quench their thirst. Luxury Explorer safaris from approx. £585pppn, barclaystenner.com

S h i r t, C h l oe x Ne t- a - Po r t e r , £ 1 , 0 9 0 , ne t- a- po r t e r . co m

Eau de To i l et t e , from £ 6 0 for 5 0 m l , fl or i sl on d o n . co m

Mayfair recommends Barclay Stenner’s core business is in Botswana, but the company also organises privately guided safaris in Namibia. Here, popular pit stops include the Okonjima Nature Reserve (the location for our fashion shoot this month), a 22,000 hectare private reserve and base for the AfriCat Foundation, an organisation dedicated to the conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores. The reserve has its own luxury lodge, offering a number of accommodation options, including the grand African Villa, which comprises a main house, two separate private suites, and an infinity pool overlooking a natural watering hole. From approx £515pppn, okonjima.com

Su n g l as s e s , V i c to r i a B e ck h am, £ 3 2 5 , av e n ue 3 2 . co m

B a c kpa c k, £ 9 9 5 , b u r b e r ry. c om

VILLA BEDROOM AT OKONJIMA

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nature defines who and what we are, and no more so for any nation than New Zealand, Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud.â&#x20AC;? - A l M o r r i s o n , former director-general of the Department of Conservation, New Zealand

TRAVEL

clockwise from far left: sunrise at cape kidnappers; golf course at cape kidnappers; main lodge cape kidnappers, all courtesy of the farm at cape kidnappers

New Zealand’s population is around half that of London, and its new breed of accommodation favours quality over quantity too, as Marianne Dick discovers

ravelling to New Zealand is a strange experience. The 26-hour journey via Singapore is, in itself, disorientating; and the thought of being the furthest possible distance from home is daunting. I leave London when the first signs of summer are appearing, yet as I embark on my journey across New Zealand’s North and South islands, it seems as though I am experiencing a condensed and concentrated version of autumn and winter. When I arrive, my luggage is scanned for any potential contamination (on-the-spot fines can be handed out for trying to smuggle in so much as a vegetable), however internal flights are almost as easy as hopping on a train back home. It quickly becomes clear that New Zealand is very protective of its assets – and rightly so. When Peter Jackson chose to film The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies in New Zealand, the door was opened to a huge influx of tourism. But there’s magic to be discovered on its two islands without visiting a film set. The North Island is rich in Maori culture and is home to cosmopolitan cities such as Auckland – resulting in a population that is three times the size of the more picturesque South Island. The Department of Conservation does a huge amount to preserve the native flora, fauna and wildlife. It has done well: New Zealand is free of many of the dangerous snakes and spiders that neighbouring Australia is well-known for. The main problems are stoats, possums and rats (aiming to be rid of them by 2050), which prey on endangered wildlife such as the flightless weka bird and of course, all five species of the precious, emblematic kiwi.

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North Island

Hawke’s Bay One of the largest privately owned and funded wildlife restoration projects in the country is situated partly on The Farm at Cape Kidnappers resort in Hawke’s Bay – an area on the North Island known as the food bowl, because of its warm and dry conditions. The 6,000-acre, 22-suite farm sits on a southeastern Pacific peninsula, and is also the site of one of New Zealand’s top golf courses. Safe to say, if you miss your shot, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to retrieve your ball. The farm is home to the largest accessible mainland gannet colony in the world, where you can stop off on a farm tour. Standing on the cliff overlooking the wild sea cascading against the rocks really feels like you’ve reached the end of the earth. Guests of the farm can also arrange a kiwi discovery experience, accompanying a guide as they check on and weigh birds that are part of its rescue programme. The kiwis at Cape Sanctuary are brown, and the only wild type living on the North Island. They have been introduced into the area from other parts of Hawke’s Bay, and are thriving due to the low levels of predators. Until this point, I wasn’t remotely aware of how important this flightless, nocturnal and portly bird was to New Zealanders, however embarking on

curl up on with a book as the sun sets. The night reveals an indescribably starry sky, as the chill from the South Pacific Ocean creeps in. After a busy day golfing or protecting fluffy baby kiwis, Cape Kidnappers’ extensive wine cellar looks very appealing: it holds more than 8,000 wines and is the biggest in the country. You can’t go too far wrong when it comes to wine in New Zealand, especially in Hawke’s Bay (the oldest wine region), which is renowned for its reds and chardonnays. From £437, capekidnappers.com

Craggy Range Serious oenophiles visiting Hawke’s Bay will want to fit in a stay at the Craggy Range vineyard, a relatively young winery flanked by the picturesque Tukituki river and Te Mata peak. It was set up in 1997 by American billionaire Terry Peabody with the intention of making it a family legacy. He has made sure of this by setting up a 1,000-year trust so that it can never be sold. Craggy Range is renowned for its red grapes, which are grown on the Gimblett Gravels vineyard: a warm and gravelly spot next to the Ngaruroro River, just over the other side of the Te Mata peak. The harvests have been so successful that its three Prestige wines – Le Sol, Aroha and Sophia (as in Loren) – have been listed in the Fine Wines of New Zealand 2017, You can’t go too far a selection of the highest calibre. wrong when it comes to A winery tour and tasting guided by Michael Bancks is highly recommended. wine in New Zealand, is one of New Zealand’s leading especially in Hawke’s Bay Bancks sommeliers, who also represented the country in the ASI World Sommelier Competition last year. Arranging this before dinner at the estate’s acclaimed restaurant Terrôir means guests can select a favourite vintage to accompany their meal. I choose the Aroha – a pinot noir. This variety of grape is gaining popularity in the area and during my time in New Zealand, I often hear it compared to chocolate. Terrôir is housed in a grand circular building, decorated in earthy terracotta tones with a huge open fire in the centre. The menu revolves around local produce and the head chef, Andrew Saxon, grows ingredients in an on-site garden (a recurring theme, which I notice at Cape this expedition – especially with a local – opened my eyes to Kidnappers too). how rare a sighting is, and even rarer to hold one. If you plan on staying a few nights, the owner’s bungalow Cape Kidnappers is one of three resorts in the country has a fully equipped chef’s kitchen for you to cook or hire owned by American investor Julian Robertson, and his in a professional. The U-shaped cottage is positioned North Carolinan roots are evident in the décor in the main around a large, sandstone courtyard with a wood-burning lodge. There are lots of wooden features and animal hides, stove, accommodates up to eight people and has been while a Picasso ceramic is displayed unguarded in the beautifully renovated. library. My favourite room is the circular snug, with its From £1,129, craggyrange.com curved leather banquette and plenty of squishy cushions to

TRAVEL

South Island

Marlborough Hawke’s Bay might be the red wine drinker’s paradise, but white wine lovers need not despair. Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine region – contributing over 77 per cent of the country’s total production – is at the northern tip of the South Island, and its speciality is mostly sauvignon blanc. Its nutritious soil comes courtesy of a micro-climate of year-round sunshine and the 1,500km of coastline surrounding the remarkable Marlborough Sounds: a labyrinth of dramatic sunken river valleys that flooded after the last ice age. Cloudy Bay, a name recognised by many for its exceptional wines, is located to the east of the sounds. The colours here are the epitome of autumn, especially in the gardens of the recently opened Marlborough Lodge, a sprawling 16-acre estate just 20 minutes from Blenheim airport. Wild, tumbling trees tickle the surface of a sleepy creek and flame-coloured leaves scatter the grounds like amber and ruby gems. The landscape provides many ingredients for the kitchen, too – grapefruits picked from the orchard are freshly squeezed each morning. This Victorian property was originally a convent in the town of Blenheim, before it was separated into five pieces and transported to its current site in 1994. Many of its original features have been reworked. The room I stay in, the old chapel, features jewel-like stained glass windows. The lodge also organises cruises of the Sounds, with a varied selection to suit a number of tastes. I am treated to a Water, Wine and Wilderness Tour aboard the handsome boat Tarquin, and enjoy fresh mussels, clams, copious amounts of charcuterie, and – of course – crisp, cold sauvignon while drifting serenely through the misty, enchanting valleys. Pausing halfway in a secluded cove, I climb part of the

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from top: marlborough sounds, image credit: rob suisted; the marlborough lodge, image courtesy of the marlborough lodge; marlborough sounds, image credit: rob suisted; Marlborough vineyard, image courtesy of Destination Marlborough opposite page: Craggy range owner’s lodge and vineyard, both images courtesy of craggy range

Queen Charlotte track, a scenic 70 km stretch between the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds that is popular with hikers and cyclists. As we make our way back, seals frolick nearby and we spot a penguin diving for fish. Even if these creatures don’t make an appearance, the Sounds are a scene not to be missed. From £676, themarlboroughlodge.co.nz

Queenstown I leave sleepy autumnal Marlborough for the comparatively raucous Queenstown. A hotspot for thrill seekers, this alpine adventure town is by no means large – I manage to explore the centre in roughly an hour. Its location, however, is breathtaking. From my doughy double bed in the elaborately decorated Hulbert House, the view out of the window looks like a hyperrealist painting.

Bright turquoise sky frames freshly snow-capped mountains (the first snow falls the day before I arrive), which surround the aquamarine Lake Wakatipu. Hulbert House is another Victorian structure, built in 1887 during the west coast’s gold rush, which began in 1862 when Jack Tewa – the shepherd for Queenstown’s founder William Rees – discovered gold on the banks of the Arrow River. This led to the prosperity of areas like Queenstown and the development of settlements such as Arrowtown – a curious, Wild West-style settlement, worth a wander one morning or afternoon. Hulbert House opened last year, and aside from its spectacular views, the décor makes for a memorable stay. Bright, patterned designs cover most surfaces, and chandeliers and French antiques give an opulent finish. The bespoke carpet throughout the hotel, decorated in a Chinese willow pattern, was actually made in England from New Zealand wool. A great way to see the area and its surroundings is to tailor a tour – in a luxury car of your choice – through tour operator Black ZQN. My amicable and interesting guide Grant takes me to meet Maori-inspired artist Jenny Mehrtens, before a wine and cheese tasting at the Wet Jacket cellar door, then lunch at the out-of-this-world Amisfield

Vineyard & Bistro. We decide to ‘trust the chef’, meaning we are surprised with dish after dish of some of the most innovative and immersive food I have ever experienced. We are served creations such as beer ice cream and paua pie (a native shellfish that coincidentally Grant used to hunt by freediving), and forage for a duck and mushroom salad among what looks like a pile of autumn leaves. Another unmissable way to appreciate the theatrical landscape of the South Island is from the air. The Over The Top helicopter company has been running for more than 30 years and its founder and CEO Louisa ‘Choppy’ Patterson is a well-known face in the area and the industry: for a long time, she was the only female helicopter pilot and commercial operator in New Zealand. Over The Top has a number of premium experience packages to choose from, or it can tailor a trip for you. These sleek, all-black choppers will drop you off on a peak with a picnic and a gramophone, take you to arguably the world’s most scenic three-hole golf course, or give you a lift to the notoriously difficult-to-access Milford Sounds.

TRAVEL

from Top: Mahu whenua landscape and lake wanaka; master suite at mahu whenua ridgeline homestead and eco sanctuary, both image credits: majordomo opposite page from top: over the top eurocopter above lake erskine, image courtesy of over the top helicopters; TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, image Credit: Real Journeys; the parlour room at hulbert house, image courtesy of hulbert house

I incorporate a Glacier Explorer tour of the Southern Alps with a drop-off at my next destination near Lake Wanaka. We land on a glacier, switch off the helicopter’s engine (a hallmark Over The Top moment), and fully appreciate the grandeur and isolation of the landscape. In the short hop to Mahu Whenua Ridgeline Homestead and Eco Sanctuary, the vista completely changes again, taking us over some snow-dusted mountains to reveal the stunning lake and golden harvest tones of the valleys. Wanaka is regarded as the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park: an ethereal terrain of mountains, glaciers and lakes. From £422, hulberthouse.co.nz

Wanaka Mahu Whenua, which means ‘healing the land’, was once the Kiwi home of singer Shania Twain and her ex-husband Robert ‘Mutt’ Lange. When they divorced, Lange bought Twain’s stake in the property and has since made it into the largest private conservation site in New Zealand – and a very impressive super-lodge. The 200sq m plot has been re-planted with 1.4 million native trees and plants, and is home to four working sheep stations, pukeko and weka bird sanctuaries, and stables. In a similar vein to other conservation sites such as Cape Kidnappers, a predator fence has begun to be installed and pests are kept in check by a full-time member of staff. The main lodge is rustic yet sumptuous, and I stay in one of the four ridgeline suites that was once the master bedroom. A copper bath looks out of the expansive window at the end of the bed – probably the most scenic soak I’ll ever experience – and the walk-in shower has an almost 360-degree view out onto the remote surroundings.

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

One of the most warming aspects of Mahu Whenua, though, is the atmosphere. Not only are the staff incredibly friendly and welcoming, they are also like one big family themselves. Chef Glynnie Barry, who rustles up complex dishes such as a drunken shank with a puff pastry mini pie from a portable outdoor cabin, is married to the estate’s hunter; whose father is said to have had connections to a gold mine in the area. I’m told all this by Huntly McGregor, the land manager who takes me on a four-wheel-drive tour of the grounds. He was there when it belonged to the first owners, and dug the foundations for Twain and Lange’s homestead. Even the helicopter crew who drop me off are happily given a tour of this exciting new hideaway (it opened in February), and it reminds me of something Peter Jackson said about New Zealand. The Lord of the Rings director described it as “not a small country, but a large village”. New Zealand is full of contradictions: it is sparse but incredibly efficient to travel around, it is majestic yet cosy. Its awesome aesthetic splendour is right there in front of you (and easy to see why it’s often used as a backdrop for mystic, fairytale worlds), but there is a deeper beauty within its community. A tranquillity and an inspiring sense of independence, protection and pride, known nationally as that ‘Kiwi ingenuity’. Everyone I meet who is not a native seems to have the same story. They visited once and never went home. Landing back in London feels almost stranger than when I left, and since I did, I haven’t stopped thinking about when I will return. From £1,043, mahuwhenua.co.nz

TIKI TOUR TIPS newzealand.com; blackzqn.com; flynz.co.nz Singapore Airlines flies four times daily from London Heathrow to Singapore with connecting flights to Auckland, from £785, singaporeair.com

Regulars

R e m e m be r i ng M AYFA I R

Grosvenor Square Words: tori berkowitz

ayfair has long been the go-to destination for affluent and fashionable families – the Berkeleys and Burlingtons among them. But with a heritage that stretches back nearly a millennium, the Grosvenor family still maintains its status as the biggest landowner in the area. It all began in 1677 when Mary Davies, the 12-year-old heir to the land that is now Mayfair and Belgravia, married the 21-year-old Sir Thomas Grosvenor (despite her young age she had also been previously engaged to Charles Berkeley). But it wasn’t until 1725 that the estate commenced building work, when their grandson Richard, the eldest of three sons and heir to substantial wealth, designed a residential area that was to be considerably larger than any other development of the time. And the epicentre for such a prestigious locale? Grosvenor Square. This piece of parkland became the focal point of shops and houses – of which 69 per cent of tenants were titled – with the help of architect William Kent. The area was designed as a formal arrangement of shrubs around a central square grass plot with a grand equestrian statue of King George I. At this time, one could purchase a new property at the sum of around £1,170 to £7,500. By the 19th century, embassies and diplomatic residences began to pop up. Then during the 20th century, offices migrated here from the war-damaged City of London. At six acres, Grosvenor Square is still the second largest square in London (the largest being Lincoln’s Inn Fields in Holborn), and is maintained by the Royal Parks on behalf of the Grosvenor Estate. Once only accessible by residents, it was opened to the public in 1948. It’s not just Blighty’s capital that spares an interest, though – there has long been a connection with the well-to-do from across the pond. John Adams resided in Grosvenor Square

While there are only three surviving original buildings, the area has maintained its air of affluence

until the 1790s before he went on to become president, which sparked its long-standing connection with the US. In 1938, the US Embassy moved to 1 Grosvenor Square, and ten years later the British memorial statue of President Roosevelt was unveiled with King George VI in attendance. Decades later a new memorial was added to commemorate the lives lost during the 9/11 terrorist attack, a memorial that stood as testament to the solidarity between the two countries. Grosvenor Square’s appearances in pop culture are almost as fascinating as its centuries-old history. It has been mentioned in everything from Oscar Wilde plays and Charles Dickens novels to Grateful Dead rock songs. While there are only three surviving original buildings, the area has maintained its air of affluence despite the expansion of hotels and shops. It may be somewhat different to the designs of the 1720s, but it has hosted some impressive historical moments. From the announcement in number 44 of Wellington’s victory at Waterloo to celebrations marking the end of the American War of Independence, Grosvenor Square has certainly stood the test of time.

from top: houses on grosvenor square, image credit: faithie; street sign, image credit: Willy Barton; statue of franklin roosevelt, image credit: Ron Ellis; 9/11 memorial, image credit: Tony Baggett, all images courtesy of Shutterstock.com

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

City Magazine_Demetra.indd 1

26/04/17 11:48

Mayfair estate agents Beauchamp Estates 24 Curzon Street, W1J 7TF 020 7499 7722

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

London, Mayfair and St James’s 127 Mount Street, W1K 3NT 020 7493 0676

Mayfair

Savills

120a Mount Street W1K 3NN 020 7499 1012 (sales and lettings)

Mayfair and St James’s 36 North Audley Street W1K 6ZJ 020 7578 5100 (sales and lettings)

Hyde Park

Beauchamp Estates Private Office 29 Curzon Street, W1J 7TL 020 7408 0007 beauchamp.com

carter jonas

Knight Frank

Dexters 66 Grosvenor Street W1K 3JL 020 7590 9590 (sales) 020 7590 9595 (lettings) dexters.co.uk

1 Craven Terrace W2 3QD 020 7871 5060 (sales) 020 7871 5070 (lettings)

Marylebone and Fitzrovia

Marylebone

Sloane Street

55 Baker Street W1U 8EW 020 3435 6440 (sales) knightfrank.co.uk

139 Sloane Street SW1X 9AY 020 7730 0822 savills.co.uk

22 Devonshire Street W1G 6PF 020 3527 0400

London, Hyde Park and Bayswater 44 Connaught Street, W2 2AA 020 7402 1552 (sales) 020 7371 3377 (lettings)

Harrods Estates

London, Marylebone and Regent’s Park

82 Brompton Road SW3 1ER 020 7225 6506

37 New Cavendish Street W1G 9TL 020 7486 8866 carterjonas.co.uk

Knightsbridge

Mayfair 61 Park Lane W1K 1QF 020 7409 9001 harrodsestates.com

Strutt & Parker Pastor Real Estate Ltd 11 Curzon Street W1J 5HJ 020 3879 8989 (sales)

London Head Office 13 Hill Street, W1J 5LQ 020 7629 7282

Knightsbridge 48 Curzon Street W1J 7UL 020 3195 9595 (lettings) pastor-realestate.com

66 Sloane Street, SW1X 9SH 020 7235 9959 struttandparker.com

Rokstone 5 Dorset Street W1U 6QJ 020 7580 2030 rokstone.com

Wetherell 102 Mount Street W1K 2TH 020 7493 6935 wetherell.co.uk

ChestertonS

Mayfair

47 South Audley Street W1K 2QA 020 7629 4513 (sales) 020 7288 8301 (lettings)

Westminster and Pimlico 10 Gillingham Street, SW1V 1HJ 020 3411 8386 (sales) chestertons.com

HUMBERTS 48 Berkeley Square W1J 5AX 020 3284 1888 humberts.com

For estate agent listings please contact Sophie Roberts at s.roberts@runwildgroup.co.uk

showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY from the best estate agents

Sage

ADVICE

Local agents offer their top tips to prospective tenants

image courtesy of rokstone

Hyde Park Gardens Mews, Hyde Park W2 Stylish new build mews house with roof terrace and integral garage This wide, interior designed mews house has been completely rebuilt behind its historic façade with an elegant design that is perfectly suited to modern living. Bespoke furniture and sophisticated technology are accompanied by a 10-year new build warranty. Moments from Hyde Park and the amenities of Connaught Village, this luxury property offers easy access to Mayfair and the West End. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, open plan kitchen/dining room, private terrace, integral garage. EPC:C. Approximately 269 sq m (2,902 sq ft).

KnightFrank.co.uk/hydepark hydepark@knightfrank.com 020 3544 6140

Freehold

Guide price: £7,500,000

@CentralLondonKF KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/HPE170067

Mayfair Mag August 2017 - Hyde Park Gardens Mews

12/07/2017 10:59:09

MOVE.

Faster. Sell with Knight Frank. Our understanding of the everchanging market enables us to price your property accurately, so you can rely on Knight Frank to get you moving. Call us today to arrange your free market appraisal. KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7484 Guide price: £2,500,000

South Street, Mayfair W1K

A beautifully finished two bedroom apartment offering views over the Mount Street gardens and a 24 hour porter. 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open plan reception/dining room, kitchen, hallway, dressing room. EPC: C. Approximately 136 sq m (1,463 sq ft). mayfair@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 7484

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £4,500,000

South Audley Street, Mayfair W1K A stunning, contemporary two bedroom apartment located in the heart of Mayfair. Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, double bedroom with en-suite shower room, reception/dining room, kitchen with Miele appliances, hallway. EPC: D. Approximately 129 sq m (1,393 sq ft). mayfair@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 7484

Mayfair Mag Sales August

10/07/2017 15:46:48

FOUND. Your perfect tenant. Let with Knight Frank Our local expertise and global network mean that we can find a reliable tenant for your property; and with an average tenancy of nearly two years, Knight Frank not only helps you find them – but keep them as well. Call us today on 020 8166 7799 to arrange your free market valuation. Guide price: £4,250 per week

Shepherd Street, Mayfair W1J

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A newly developed 3 bedroom home. This stunning home is unique in shape and is finished to the highest of standards with beautiful furniture and décor throughout. 3 large bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, spacious open plan reception room with kitchen, guest WC and small courtyard. Available furnished. EPC: C. Approximately 308 sq m (3,310 sq ft). 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: £4,500 per week

Park Street, Mayfair W1K This grand apartment has been finished to the highest of standards and features marble floors, high ceilings and large windows. 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen, lift and porter. Available furnished. Approximately 260 sq m (2,799 sq ft). mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 7799

Mayfair Mag July

12/07/2017 10:36:53

property

market

insight Fine wines and four wheels Partner and head of Knight Frank Mayfair, Harvey Cyzer, reports on the highs and lows of the global property market

ubber-burning price growth means classic cars have dominated the Knight Frank Luxury Index for the past decade, but since early 2016 wine has accelerated rapidly – and now overtaken them. The stellar performance of wine was driven by exceptionally strong growth in key areas across the world, in particular the resurgence of the top Bordeaux chateaux, which form the backbone of most investment cellars. The value of the Knight Frank Fine Wine Icons Index rose by a sparkling 24 per cent in the 12 months to the end of March 2017, while the HAGI Top Index, which tracks the performance of the world’s most collectable cars, managed a relatively modest rise of just six per cent over the same time. Resurgent demand for Bordeaux and Burgundy wines, amplified by the decline in the value of sterling, has helped to boost the market. Therefore, it is no surprise that when walking into a luxury home these days, it is probably not a bespoke kitchen taking centre stage, but the wine collection. No longer hidden in the basement, wine has become far more than an object to simply consume or collect; for many, it is calling out to be showcased. Collectors want wine walls that transmute bottles into art installations, walk-in pods that provide a party

space for tastings or rooms that open up like secret chambers behind hidden doors. Although lagging behind wine, the performance of classic cars still looks very healthy when compared to many other asset classes. Nonetheless, the latest figures mark a sharp slowdown for a market that has routinely delivered annual rises in the high teens. A good indication that buyers have become more reticent is the lacklustre sell-through rates and number of cars not fetching their low reserves at some recent high-profile auction sales. However, really rare cars – both old and more modern – are still routinely selling for millions of pounds, euros or dollars. Several other asset classes that feature in the Knight Frank Luxury Index also produced record-breakers. For starters, world diamond records are being smashed regularly, alongside a greater number of both bidders and world-class diamonds appearing at auction – all evidence that a set of savvy, wealthy investors increasingly believe in diamonds as a viable asset class. When it comes to investing, confidence in the re-sale value of an item attracts a buoyant marketplace.

No longer hidden in the basement, wine has become more than an object to collect

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

Knight Frank Mayfair, 120a Mount Street, W1K, 020 8166 7484, knightfrank.co.uk

103

A COLLECTION OF 7 APARTMENTS LOCATED IN ST JAMESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Oceanic House presents the rare opportunity to purchase a unique apartment at the heart of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West End, in an exclusive new development steeped in history. The imposing former White Star Line headquarters - the booking office of the glamorous Titanic ocean liner - has been sensitively redeveloped to provide six apartments and one two-storey penthouse for private sale.

Leasehold

Prices starting

Approx. 125 years

from

remaining

ÂŁ4,750,000

paul@beauchamp.com +44 (0)20 7158 0915

PRINCES GATE KNIGHTSBRIDGE SW7 AN EXCEPTIONAL 6 BEDROOM TRIPLEX APARTMENT OVERLOOKING PRINCES GARDENS Designed and finished to the highest of standards, the remarkable double reception features high ceilings and a finely detailed bar which opens onto a spacious private Terrace. Properties of this quality and style are rarely seen in the London rental market and would provide luxury living reserved for those familiar with the prestigious Princes Gate. Accommodation: Reception room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom with ensuite bathroom & dressing room, 4 further bedrooms, 2 dressing rooms, 4 bathrooms, study, office, utility room, cinema room, 3 guest cloakrooms. Amenities: Large terrace, lift, swimming pool with spa and leisure facilities.

£16,000 / Week

Karolina@beauchamp.com

No tenant fees

+44 (0)20 7205 2481

www.beauchamp.com

24 Curzon Street, London W1J 7TF

+44 (0)20 7205 2481

Making a

move

Local agents offer their top tips to lettings tenants

Before you start...

Pastor Real Estate

Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty Hannah McDougall, lettings manager, United Kingdom

Susan Cohen, head of lettings

The key to a successful property search and happy tenancy is first choosing a qualified and experienced agent, who adheres to a code of practice and will ensure all the key factors are considered. An experienced local agent will also know the history of the property and area, plus any future developments locally that you should be aware of. A good relationship with a reliable agent will ensure an open dialogue throughout the tenancy.

Moving to prime central London as a tenant can be daunting. However, 66 per cent of Mayfair residents rent, so you are not alone. Letting can be a stress-free affair, with a few simple rules. First, choose your agency: make sure they are members of a professional body such as the Association of Residential Letting Agents. Pastor Real Estate specialises in a one-stopsolution approach from our flagship office at 48 Curzon Street. With a longstanding tradition of impeccable service, the team can guide you through the entire lettings process, from viewing the property until you have the key in hand.

sothebysrealty.co.uk

pastor-realestate.com

PROPERTY

Dexters

Pegasi

Alex Harrington, group lettings managing director

Jo Upton, property director

The recently announced Draft Tenants’ Fees Bill means tenant fees are a hot topic at the moment. Some London agents have been found to be charging tenants as much as £800. Prospective tenants should check agents’ websites for information on charges.

Preparation is key. The London lettings market has been incredibly busy over the past decade. Increasing numbers of people are choosing to rent so that they don’t have the responsibility of owning a property and can live where they choose, hassle-free and flexibly. You should start looking weeks in advance of your ideal move date.

Be prepared to act quickly when you find a property you like. If you have viewed somewhere and it feels ideal, why wait? While there is a lot of stock available, the best properties

are barely making it online as there is so much demand. The average is generating 20 to 25 viewings a week.

Tenants should be willing to maximise their offer from the very beginning. Plenty of other applicants will like the property too, so you need to make yourself stand out. Things move at a fast pace in the London lettings market, so it is vital you are efficient: make sure your references are ready before making an offer.

It helps to offer security to the landlord with a longer term fixed tenancy. We encourage longer tenancies and have seen a trend for tenants looking for long-term homes. An increasing number of three-year rental agreements from corporate tenants has brought our average to more than 18 months.

A reputable landlord and agent will have a culture of ongoing customer care. As well as understanding the arrangements for moving in, including any facilities that are made available such as lifts, parking and porterage assistance, it can be helpful to know who the contacts are once you have moved in. Are there on-site staff and, will they keep an eye on my plants, cat and parcel deliveries while I’m away?

For residents whose first language is not English, knowing there is someone who can converse with them in their own language can make all the difference. We are proud to have staff who are fluent in various languages, helping our residents to feel more at home.

Whether you are a new resident or renewing your tenancy, we do not charge fees for administration purposes. Our residents have the option to enter into tenancies of up to three years should they wish to do so. pegasi.co.uk

Olivia McSweeney, head of lettings

Always read the tenancy agreement fully before signing. This sounds obvious, but it is something that many tenants fail to do. You need to be fully aware of the length of the agreement

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

tenants are focused on the quality of the home they are looking for, its value and of course, as ever, its location. But it is as important for tenants to know who will be providing the services to them once they move in.

dexters.co.uk

Rokstone

Before entering into a new tenancy, most

and any release clauses or penalties, as this will prevent any unpleasant surprises later on.

Speak to your agent, and find out if they work with a utility transfer company. This ensures a smooth transition of bills and utilities into your name, and a speedy set up of television and broadband services.

Find out who will be your point of contact for queries or problems once the tenancy has started, and ask for contact details if these are not provided already. It is unlikely to be the letting agent, but could be a managing agent or the landlord themselves. rokstone.com

109

A hold on the future David Adams, director of Humberts Mayfair, lends his views on where the prime central London property market is heading

image credit: sarel jansen

property

As we settle into the idea of a Conservative government propped up by the Democratic Unionist Party, there has been much to reflect upon about this election and its consequences. Adams, who has informally advised the government on a number of occasions, believes the most interesting times are yet to come for the property market. “Prime central London has seen a collapse in the volume of sales of more than 50 per cent on a normal market, accompanied by a following 15 to 20 per cent price correction to property prices. “This was triggered by the tripling of stamp duty rates by George Osborne for the prime property market in 2008. It rocketed from four per cent to 15 per cent for a second home above £1.5m in value. “The downward adjustment then started in December 2014, following the largest of the tax hikes. Fortunately for property owners, the Brexit vote halted the decline. “A 15 per cent fall in the price of the sterling – a result of the referendum – softened the impact of this tax, and international buyers, looking at a combined 35 per cent discount, are now back in the market... which has bottomed. “Over the past month we have had renewed and serious interest from young Middle Eastern buyers. Their fathers bought in prime central at the last major dip in the property cycle, and they have this year been advised to do the same.

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“The summer months will see further energy from the Middle East as they come to the capital en masse. Due to political turmoil at home, Qatari clients will be looking to invest their money elsewhere, and already we’re seeing positive interest in areas such as Mayfair and Belgravia. “This Brexit negotiation period is a window of opportunity to put a portion of money back into bricks and mortar in a relative safe haven. The properties mainly in demand are lateral two-, three- and four- bedroom apartments, from £2m to £7m, with lifts, which make good investments but are also something a purchaser may gain some use from. “Properties with porters or concierges are highly prized. Those opposite parks or on squares sell for a premium. For many Europeans an extra requirement is for high ceilings and period features. The currency devaluation is also bringing some big house purchasers back into town, with the emphasis on privacy and garden spaces, both a rare commodity in central London. “In all these commodities, the number of properties available to sell is falling, with record withdrawal levels and many properties previously on the market now being made available to let until there is a better market to sell. Certainly for a buyer, when you look back in a decade’s time, this April was probably the best time to purchase. “However, just as prime central London has hit the bottom of its micro-market, volume and value adjustments always flow outwards. “The Conservatives may have believed that by reducing stamp duty for properties below £925,000 (and increasing it above that line), they

could slow the proverbial first class carriage at the front of train without impacting the following carriages. “A volume collapse is now inevitably occurring in outer London property mid-markets, with sales volumes some 30 to 40 per cent down on normal. It is not hard to see a ten per cent price adjustment occurring next. “This is not significant as it takes values back to where they were a couple of years ago. However, the lack of people moving will weigh on the wider economy and may trigger a retail recession: if people are not moving house, then they are not using services or buying kitchens or employing tradesmen. Unless transaction taxes are reduced to internationally sustainable levels of five per cent, economic growth will be impacted. “The biggest issue that the local economy faces is the need for growth to pay down debt. However, high transaction taxes in a number of industries are stopping people from trading, therefore restricting growth. “It is this short-term, self-serving political manoeuvring and instability that weighs heavily on the property market. It commits us to a continuing low transaction environment, albeit improving on the last two years of trading, mainly – because of a devalued currency – as a result of the referendum vote. “With the present personal debt credit bubble potentially about to burst, central London – having been out in the cold for three years – may now be returning to a safe haven status, ahead of New York. Middle Eastern clients certainly seem to think so.” 48 Berkeley Square, W1J, humberts.com

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Welbeck Street Marylebone W1G Asking Price: ÂŁ5,600,000 leasehold

A large 4 bedroom apartment, occupying 3,098 sqft of lateral space in a prestigious building situated in the best part of Marylebone. Boasting numerous period features, the property benefits from high ceilings, lift access, porter and a long lease. Nearby to Marylebone High Street, Selfridges and Mayfair. EPC: D.

020 3284 1888 mayfair@humberts.com

Eaton Mews Belgravia SW1X Asking Price: ÂŁ6,750,000 Freehold David Adams Director 48 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 5AX T: 020 3284 1888 E: david.adams@humberts.com

48 Berkeley Square, Mayfair London W1J 5AX

A light and spacious, newly refurbished property with a glass atrium providing natural light throughout. Open plan living/entertaining areas, eat-in kitchen, fully air conditioned, and iPad controlled lights and music throughout. Includes a good sized garage with internal access. JSA Knight Frank, Sloane Avenue. EPC: C.

Stay in touch with us

www.pastor-realestate.com

TO LET: PARK STREET, MAYFAIR W1J

£1,950 PER WEEK

Newly Decorated I Double Reception Room I High Ceilings I Solid Wood Flooring Beautifully presented newly decorated three bedroom apartment conveniently located moments from Oxford Street & Hyde Park offering period features, fully fitted modern kitchen, superb reception area, wood flooring and quiet bedrooms overlooking a mews.

TO LET: QUEEN STREET, MAYFAIR, W1J

£83.50 per sq ft

Executive Office Suite | Oak Flooring | Air conditioning | High Ceilings | Private Balconette Excellent office suite within a charming newly refurbished period building located within walking distance of Hyde Park & Green Park. The offices integrate period features, excellent natural light and high specifications.

FURTHER DETAILS FOR ALL LETTINGS CONTACT: +44 (0)20 3195 9595 lettings@pastor-realestate.com 48 Curzon Street, London, W1J 7UL

TO LET: SACKVILLE STREET, MAYFAIR W1S

£700 p/w

TO LET: NEW BOND STREET, MAYFAIR W1S

£525 p/w

1 Double Bedroom I Quiet Mayfair Location I Air Conditioning

1 Bedroom I Fully Furnished I Prime Location I Close to Tube

Spacious & beautifully presented one double bedroom property in a luxury development moments from Old Bond Street & Regent Street.

Well presented one bedroom apartment with good storage in an excellent location close to Bond Street tube and local amenities.

TO LET: BIRD STREET, MARYLEBONE W1U

TO LET: ALDFORD STREET, MAYFAIR W1K

£995 p/w

£850 p/w

2 Double Bedrooms I High Specification I Fully Furnished

2 Double Bedrooms I 2 Bathrooms I Mayfair Village I Traditional

Excellent two bedroom apartment quietly located in a popular portered block moments from Selfridges and Bond Street.

Smart two double bedroom apartment on the first floor of this charming traditional Mayfair block close to Mount Street

FURTHER DETAILS FOR ALL LETTINGS CONTACT: +44 (0)20 3195 9595 lettings@pastor-realestate.com 48 Curzon Street, London, W1J 7UL

Mayfair Showroom 66 Grosvenor Street, London, W1K 3JL 28 offices in Central London and over 60 across London

Park Street, W1K £5,400,000

A spectacular two bedroom apartment located within this beautiful Georgian House. The property has been refurbished to a high standard throughout and has a double reception room with an open plan kitchen, a terrace and two bathrooms. Further benefits include a spa and wine cellar, energy rating f. Dexters Mayfair 020 7590 9590

Park Lane, W1K £4,950,000

An elegant two double bedroom duplex apartment in a white stucco fronted building on Park Lane. Entering the property, the hallway leads to a west facing reception room with three large doors giving access to a private terrace and stairs down to the paved garden. There is a separate kitchen and two bathrooms, energy rating c. Dexters Mayfair 020 7590 9590

dexters.co.uk

South Audley Street, W1K £6,000 per week

This well presented five bedroom townhouse is located in the heart of Mayfair. The house is split across six floors and has three reception rooms, a separate kitchen and four bathrooms. The property has a private rear garden with a two tier terrace, energy rating e. Dexters Mayfair 020 7590 9595

Godfrey Street, SW3 £2,495 per week

An exceptional double fronted four bedroom family home in Chelsea Green. Arranged over three floors, there are two reception rooms, a large separate kitchen and three bathrooms. The property also benefits from a spacious roof terrace and a garage, energy rating f. Dexters Chelsea 020 7590 9500

dexters.co.uk

Tenants fees apply: £180 per tenancy towards administration, £60 reference fee per tenant and £144 towards the end of tenancy check out report (all inc VAT).

A watchful eye From international relocation to corporate lettings, Dexters’ specialists survey the Mayfair property landscape

Alastair Mercer

ith more than 60 offices across the capital (and 28 in central London), Dexters is continuing to build on its strength and successes. The company has invested £100m in its own growth since 2008, £18m of which was last year spent in a company rebrand and a number of strategic acquisitions. Dexters grew with confidence as all waited to see what Brexit would bring. Back in June 2015, Dexters acquired Mercer Pasqua, a specialist property consultancy based in the heart of Mayfair. The company had been established in the area since 1995, covering Mayfair, St James’s, Knightsbridge and Belgravia. Today, Dexters is making things happen. Alastair Mercer heads the Mayfair team at 66 Grosvenor Street, alongside prime central London real estate specialist Russell Ball. According to their team, the company’s like-forlike sales are up 20 per cent on this time last year; it is averaging more than 25,000 viewing

appointments every month and it arranges 20,000 sales, lets and re-lets a year. “The summer market is in full swing,” Mercer says. “The general election is behind us and although the result was perhaps surprising to some, it may well turn out to be good news for the industry. As far as the London property market is concerned, the prospect of a softer approach to Brexit is likely to excite buyers and investors. “All things considered, Brexit and the subsequent snap election were sideshows for this industry in comparison to last year’s stamp duty changes. The government was over-enthusiastic in trying to head off a mansion tax, and went overboard. However, since then Dexters has been very busy in prime central London, with top-end properties generating more interest and viewing appointments from a cross-section of nationalities this summer.” Foreign buyers make up around 40 per cent of those purchasing property through Dexters in prime central London, and 70 per cent of those purchasing property in Mayfair through the agent. Mercer’s 28 years of experience here means he has strong long-term relationships with investors and property buying agents from all over the world. Dexters’ international relocations team deal with more than 200 new enquiries every week, it reports. “We’re dealing predominantly with dollar buyers at the moment, though buyers from the Middle East, China and India are also taking advantage of the favourable exchange rate,” explains Mercer. “It might raise a few eyebrows to say so, but competition for property is high in Mayfair at the moment, as prices have stabilised since the heights of summer 2014,” says Ball. “If you’re thinking of selling, the time to talk to us is now. Buyers in Mayfair are well-educated in the current state of the property market and are jumping in as they see great value in this prestigious location. Our buyers have the cash to spend and are purchasing second homes,

PROPERTY

undeterred by the changes made to stamp duty last year,” adds Ball. “The main demand is for spacious apartments in well-run, portered blocks, particularly in and around Mount Street, South Audley Street and Grosvenor Square,” continues Mercer. “New flats are also very popular, particularly with foreign buyers. There are more new developments on the market in Mayfair today than in a generation.” Dexters’ location on Grosvenor Street puts it in the heart of the action. “Our Mayfair showroom means we can tackle the Mayfair market head on. The office acts as a partner to our 27 other central London offices when selling and letting top-end properties. “It’s an impressive building and a great place to meet business contacts and clients – we also use it as a discreet ‘private office’ where we offer bespoke property searches and management services to our retained clients,” says Mercer. “It’s not just private buyers who are busy,” says Ball. “Investors from across the globe are looking to increase their portfolios, whether through acquiring individual properties, entire blocks or build-to-rent schemes.” Dexters works for more than 20,000 London landlords each year, it reports, and specialises in corporate lettings, routinely dealing with customers from around the world. Its corporate lettings and international relocation team is also based in Mayfair, assisting tenants across London from international companies and organisations, embassies, government departments, universities and educational institutions. “Top quality corporate tenants continue to compete for the best properties,” says corporate lettings and international relocation director Marcus Ward. “The teams deal with over 10,000 enquires a year for property in the capital – this summer has already proved busy, and there are no signs of this slowing down. We place everyone from graduates looking for the perfect flat, to embassy figures and CEOs searching for family homes. “We assist corporate tenants with their searches across the capital and we are finding

“Foreign buyers make up 70 per cent of those purchasing property through us in Mayfair”

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from top: Exterior of Green Street, sales, £7.5m; Interior of South Audley Street, Lettings, £6,000 per week; dexters’ mayfair office

that Mayfair, Belgravia and the West End are especially popular at the moment, particularly properties around the £5,000 to £10,000 per month level. “We have great tenants arriving throughout the coming months, so landlords of prime property should be contacting us now. We are keen to talk to landlords and show them what we can achieve for them.” The two teams coordinate the work of Dexters’ offices throughout London. “We aim to make searches fast and effective, providing invaluable advice and assistance. Across the company, our employees speak a combined 22 languages, so chances are we’ll be able to help, wherever you’re calling from,” concludes Ward. Dexters, 66 Grosvenor Street, W1K, 020 7590 9590 (sales), 020 75909595 (lettings), 020 7483 6399 (corporate services), dexters.co.uk

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The concept of courtyards Royalty Mews courtyard is the unique base for new West End property adviser Peppercorn London. This architectural feature not only makes a great first home, but has been instrumental in shaping Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landscape as we know it today, says founder Oliver King

PROPERTY

ince people started gathering together in social groups, the courtyard has always been present. The desire to protect (‘circle the wagons’) and huddle together for shelter and warmth is a naturally inward moving process. The 14th-century Court of Lions – a Moorish masterpiece in Andalucia – is one of the earliest surviving examples of this architectural form, but London also has its historic courtyards. The home of my new consultancy – Peppercorn London – is in Soho’s Royalty

“Landlords and developers are returning to this ancient form to introduce tranquillity and shared space into the environments they create” Mews. The office overlooks a courtyard which, while only yards from the hustle and bustle of Dean Street, is a relative oasis of calm and features the most extraordinary gilded stairwell that serves the development’s apartments. Take a peek through the mews gates when you’re next passing, I’ll guarantee you’ll not have seen one like it anywhere else. From a broader perspective across our frantic capital, landlords and developers are returning to this ancient form to introduce tranquillity and shared space into the environments they create. Several years ago, on a two-acre site in Covent Garden bounded by Long Acre, Upper St Martin’s Lane, Shelton Street and Mercer Street, leading property company Shaftesbury along with

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Longmartin created St Martin’s Courtyard – a shopping centre with restaurants, bars, offices and apartments. Despite the scheme politely turning its back on the main thoroughfares it borders, it has been a tremendous success – and that is partly because of its relative seclusion. The desire to be in the fresh air (or as fresh as it ever gets in London) has placed outside space at a premium. You only have to look at where people gravitated during the recent hot weather to see the value of open areas and particularly those that can be enclosed away from the traffic. Developers are alive to this growing trend and responding to it. In Victoria, Grosvenor is beginning the Eccleston Place project. The site that lies between Belgravia and Victoria train station was formerly home to a collection of workshops and light industrial buildings. While retaining most of the properties, Grosvenor is creating a unique enclave of shops and restaurants, much of which will be arranged around a central courtyard. The new Facebook HQ at Rathbone Place just north of Oxford Street is also centred on an internal courtyard square where people can escape their desks to eat, drink or just lounge – without having to head out into the wider West End. Meanwhile, Somerset House, the Royal Academy of Arts and the V&A are all cultural centres that have realised the intrinsic values of their courtyards as places for visitors to socialise. For landlords and developers, the courtyard is definitely back – but maybe it never actually went away. 8 Royalty Mews, W1D, peppercorn.london

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Richmond Court, Knightsbridge Richmond Court is situated between the exclusive designer boutiques of Sloane Street and Harrods. Gastronomic delights can be experienced in the renowned eateries of Knightsbridge and Chelsea and the peaceful greenery of Hyde Park is a short walk away.

Pegasi Managment Company Limited 207 Sloane Street London SW1X 9QX E: enquiries@pegasi.co.uk | T: +44 (0)207 245 4500 pegasi.co.uk

Green Street

ÂŁ5,250,000

London W1K

leasehold

A charming duplex apartment set over the 3rd & 4th floor of a red brick Victorian period building. The apartment was refurbished several years ago to a very high standard, creating a residence that emphasises comfort & elegance. The apartment benefits from 2 large bedrooms & a 3rd informal reception room or bedroom, 2 bathrooms, a double-width reception room, dining room/kitchen, utility room & lift. The upper floor boasts a private roof terrace, where one can unwind & enjoy the tranquil Mayfair skyline. EPC rating D

chestertons.com

Mayfair

020 7629 4513 sales.mayfair@chestertons.com

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PRIME CENTRAL LONDON’S LARGEST PRIVATE LANDLORD

HYDE PARK Estate, W2 A stunning new development by London Wall in the heart of Hyde Park Estate. A beautiful lateral apartment boasting 1,786 sq. ft. (165.92 sq. m.) of luxury living space with an abundance of light throughout, complete with bespoke furniture, exceptional south facing views over Hyde Park, private communal gardens and Sussex Gardens at the rear. The property is ideally located for all the boutique shops and restaurants of the Connaught Village and Mayfair, as well as the green open spaces of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.

020 7580 2030 WWW.ROKSTONE.COM 5 Dorset Street, London, W1U 6QJ enquiries@rokstone.com

Price: £6,750,000 »»Share of Freehold »»Three Bedrooms »»Three Bathrooms »»Lift and Resident Porter »»Parking within Gated Development »»Approximately 1,786 Sq. Ft. (165.92 Sq. M.)

Property news PrimeResi brings you the latest news in prime property and development in London Carlton House Terrace, Images courtesy of ROCKHUNTER

Top of the grade Inside the Carlton House Terrace mansion that was sold off by The Crown Estate

uried among record returns and profits, The Crown Estate’s latest annual report also confirmed the sale of one of London’s great townhouses. Lording over the Mall, Carlton House Terrace was built between 1827 and 1833 as part of John Nash’s Roman-inspired Via Triumphalis route from St James’s to Regent’s Park – for many, the single most successful town planning scheme of all time. Described by Pevsner in his volume for Westminster as “the greatest terraced houses ever built in Britain”, these vast mansions provided the grandest of addresses for London’s noble folk until the first part of the 20th century, when the Second World War prompted a raft of conversions into offices and headquarters.

PrimeQResi JOURNAL OF LUXURY PROPERTY

It has taken a while, but ultra-highnet-worth individuals are realising that these places are peerless in location and volume – the Hinduja brothers have led the way with their project at Nos. 13-16, creating a single residence worth an estimated £250m. Now it’s the turn of No.1 to return to original trophy home use. The Grade I-listed mansion at the Buckingham Palace end suffered some

heavy bomb damage during the Second World War, but was partially restored. The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining moved in during the 1970s, for 42 years. After buying in the head lease for £15m and getting the green light for a residential conversion, the Estate slipped the five-storey behemoth onto the grey market last year via Aylesford, asking a rumoured £55m for a new 125-year lease. While the final selling price remains undisclosed, the Estate has confirmed completing the sale. Designs provide a single residence of more than 26,000sq ft, with the original sweeping staircase, seven reception rooms, five bedrooms, staff accommodation, a pool and sauna, cinema, wine cellar and terrace overlooking St James’s Park.

property

global attention A record-breaking sale on Charles Street The sale of a first-floor lateral apartment at number 12 Charles Street has achieved a record-breaking price per sq ft. The three-bedroom property was extremely well received from a wide-ranging global audience. The property, meticulously re-designed and furbished by Rigby & Rigby, was sold by Knight Frank at a guide price of £15.9m. It reiterates findings in the agent’s latest research report that deal volumes in prime central London are rising. Knight Frank, 120a Mount Street, W1K, 020 3463 0320, knightfrank.com

Shooting stars The rise of the ‘super-let’ in prime central London

eading estate agencies are reporting a trend for superprime rentals in London’s golden postcodes. “Taking a pragmatic approach has seen savvy developers and sensible vendors take a decision to offer their properties to the rental market for a two to three year rental rather than reduce the asking price and lay themselves open to accepting an even lower offer,” says independent buying adviser Simon Barnes. “The advantage is that over a limited term they can achieve exceptional rental revenue, while retaining their property asset and relaunching on the market at a later time when the prime central London super-prime market looks promising. It really is the common sense approach to wait until the market shows a positive change assuming no forced sale is involved.” Savills’s Super-Prime Lettings team, which deals with properties asking upwards of £4,000 per week in prime central London and North London, saw transactions triple in the first three months of 2017 compared with the same period a year earlier.

Increasing numbers of luxury rental properties have been brought to the market over the past 12 months, said the firm, mainly by developers and those looking to avoid selling in a testing sales market. This extra supply is being met squarely with heightened demand from high-net-worth individual tenants. Many who only need a base here for a few years are apparently deciding that renting can make more financial sense than buying, especially after weighing up the stamp duty land tax costs. Pent-up demand has been building steadily, but it seems the “full effects” are really being felt in 2017. New

Knight Frank has also been seeing this trend play out, tucking away four £20,000 per week plus deals in as many months, including a £27,500 per week townhouse on Mayfair’s Upper Grosvenor Street. Buying agency Black Brick, meanwhile, reports that nearly a third (30 per cent) of its searches in the first quarter were for rental properties, compared with just eight per cent in the same period last year.

Increasing numbers of luxury rental properties have been brought to the market over the past year applicant registrations in prime central London more than doubled in the first quarter, compared with the same period last year. Corporate tenants, families, entrepreneurs and well-off students have been driving much of this, and Savills expects the market to continue to flourish.

primeresi.com

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South Facing Three Bedroom

Impressive South Facing Two Bedroom

Mount Street – £3,750,000

Mount Street – £6,750,000

South Street – £795 p/w Grosvenor Chapel

Views to

Elegant Two Bedroom

South Audley Street – £5,950,000

Charles Street – £5,500,000

South Street – £795 p/w Mount StreeT Gardens

Views to

Refurbished Two Bedroom

South Street – £2,500,000

South Audley Street – £3,199,000

bringing residential life back to mayfair

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Weth

Immaculate Lateral Mount Street – £4,000,000

Superb Five Bedroom Townhouse South Street – £5,000 p/w

SUMMER IN MAYFAIR South Street – £2,500,000

102 Mount Street, London W1K 2TH T: 020 7493 6935 E: mail@wetherell.co.uk

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Duplex Penthouse witH TERRACES

High Ceiling Lateral

Mount Row – £4,500,000

South Audley Street – £4,500,000

South Street – £795 p/w Studio Apartment

Quirky

Two Bedroom with Private Roof Terrace

South Street – £795 p/w

Reeves Mews – £1,750 p/w

SUMMER IN MAYFAIR

102 Mount Street, London W1K 2TH T: 020 7493 6935 E: mail@wetherell.co.uk

wetherell.co.uk

bringing residential life back to mayfair

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