Mark Wilkinson

► The House of Champagne

Originally founded in 1812, the House of Champagne Laurent-Perrier is recognised as one of the foremost brands in Champagne. Based in the heart of Champagne, in Tours-sur-Marne, this success is the outcome of a deliberate policy to honour traditional values: a respect for nature and wines, a passion for quality, and strong, lasting relationships among the people who drive the company – both inside and outside of the House.

The wines crafted by the Champagne House are unique not only because of the philosophy that has inspired them, but also for their style, flavour and consistent quality, from one cuvée to the next. The result is a range of vins de plaisir – a diversified range of wines to be enjoyed at every occasion, each connected by the lightness, freshness and elegance that distinguishes Laurent-Perrier. Laurent-Perrier’s success must also be attributed to the energy of the Nonancourt family, headed by Bernard de Nonancourt. Working in a very demanding business environment, Bernard successfully avoided many pitfalls and managed to preserve the independence of his champagne house and its related values. These same principles guide the current management team headed by his two daughters, Stéphanie Meneux de Nonancourt and Alexandra Pereyre de Nonancourt.

Above ► The Laurent-Perrier estate in the heart of Champagne in Tours-sur-Marne.

Below ► La Cuvée Rosé, created in 1968.

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Laurent-Perrier

► Furniture alchemy

For more than three decades, Mark Wilkinson Furniture has redefined the craft of cabinet-making. Transforming tools and timber into furniture alchemy, the very essence of this exacting English brand is the enduring passion and pioneering vision of its late founder, Mark Wilkinson OBE.

A talented designer whose thinking is as philosophical as it is imbued in his craft, Mark Wilkinson’s early kitchen designs inspired a generation of makers and became the model for the ‘English Country Style’. Using the finest reclaimed timber and ornamenting his work with handcarved detailing, the style completely reimagined the most practical space in the home as its warmest and most welcoming. Though Mark Wilkinson sadly passed in 2017, his legacy lives on through the brand’s bespoke furniture, which is rich with heritage and imbued with his infectious creativity. Everything produced out of the Mark Wilkinson workshop is handcrafted by artisans, many of whom are third-generation joiners whose skills have been passed down by family members. Though its heart remains in England, Mark Wilkinson Furniture has also seen considerable success internationally. As the global appetite for high-quality craftsmanship increases, it’s easy to understand why the brand’s parent company, Canburg, has seen an exponential growth in international sales. Its success was recognised when it was once again listed in the Sunday Times HSBC International Fast Track 200. Mark Wilkinson’s furniture alchemy is best known for its six permanent collections, though bespoke cabinetry and individual pieces are also par for the course. These range from fluidly elegant ‘Milan’, neoclassical ‘English Classic’ and whitewashed timber-clad ‘New England’, to the timeless Edwardian-influenced elegance of ‘Cook’s Kitchen’ and the ‘Newlyn Collection’, which is inspired by the eponymous school of Victorian-era Cornish art. Its newest collection, ‘Portobello’ is inspired by the vintage eclecticism and confident style of the eponymous West London district. Though each is distinct, every collection perfectly expresses the spirit behind Mark Wilkinson’s designs, which combine considered solutions to modern living. Mark Wilkinson Furniture continues to bring its unique brand of luxury to the rest of the house whether a boot room, dressing room, wine room or media room and provides storage solutions for every space.

Above ► A quintessentially British kitchen with timeless details including intricate beading with raised and fielded panels – a true English classic.

Opposite ► Eclectic and contemporary, this Portobello kitchen has the signature Mark Wilkinson hand crafted island and stunning dresser.

Below, left ► Mark Wilkinson can create bespoke spaces - this utility room has floor-to-ceiling cabinetry open shelves and stylish worktops.

Below, right ► Marble-topped circular island features clever quadrant drawers and recessed handles for the ultimate storage solution.