CHELSEA JANUARY 2016

CHELSEA JANUARY 2016 / £3.95

ROLAND MOURET

RIFAT OZBEK

A NEW WORLD OF SHOES

FROM COUTURE TO CUSHIONS

RED HOT

KIT KEMP'S COLOUR THERAPY

LEAP OF FAITH THEATRICAL LOOKS FOR THE NEW YEAR STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT COVERS JANUARY 2016 v2.indd 1

18/12/2015 18:39

facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Limerston Street, Chelsea, SW10

A stylish low built four bedroom house situated on the popular Ten Acre Estate.

ÂŁ3,150,000 Freehold

1,790 sq ft (166 sq m) Entrance hall | Reception Room | Kitchen/ dining room | Study | Four bedrooms | Three bath/shower rooms | Utility room | Two terraces | Extensive storage | Air conditioning Garden | EPC rating D

Chelsea SW10 - 020 7373 1010 chelseaSW10@struttandparker.com

IFC CHELS.indd 1

11/12/2015 17:03

First Street, Chelsea, SW3

A superb, newly refurbished, three double bedroom period house, offering bright well planned accommodation leading onto an attractive patio garden.

ÂŁ3,750,000 Freehold

1,547 sq ft (144 sq m) Entrance hall | Double reception room Dining room | Family room | Kitchen | Master bedroom suite | Two further bedrooms Bathroom | Patio | Vaults | EPC rating D

Chelsea 020 7225 3866 chelsea@struttandparker.com JSA: Savills 020 7730 0822

IFC CHELS.indd 2

11/12/2015 17:03

BEULAH_DEC15.indd 4 All Pages

16/11/2015 16:53

145 Ebury Street, London SW1W 9QN For Beulah Styling appointments please call: +44(0)207 730 0775 General Enquiries: info@beulahlondon.com

www.beulahlondon.com

BEULAH_DEC15.indd 5

16/11/2015 16:53 13:21

10

DAKS.indd 1

O LD

BO N D

S T R E E T,

101

JE RMY N

S T R E E T,

D A K S . C O M

24/03/2015 14:00

DAKS.indd 2

24/03/2015 14:00

BESPOKE INTERIOR DESIGN | ART & ACCESSORISING | BUILD & REFURBISHMENT MANAGEMENT 14a Milner Street, London SW3 2PU +44 (0) 207 581 2081 | rachel@rachelwillson.co.uk

www.rachelwillson.co.uk

RACHEL WILSON DPS.02.indd 2

14/12/2015 10:51

RACHEL WILSON DPS.02.indd 3

14/12/2015 10:51

ABSOLUTELY COMPETITION CHEWTON GLEN.indd 2

09/11/2015 13:08

ABSOLUTELY COMPETITION

WIN a 5 star two night stay at Chewton Glen Absolutely are offering readers a two night mini break in one of the UK’s finest hotels, Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, courtesy of luxury hotel group Relais & Chateaux.

To win a break in the luxury Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa on the edge of the historic New Forest National Park, Hampshire, go to

www.absolutely.london and fill out the short readership survey.

Terms and conditions apply.

ABSOLUTELY COMPETITION CHEWTON GLEN.indd 3

09/11/2015 13:08

EXPERIENCE THE ZIP EFFECT. MODERN DESIGN. MORE WOOHOO.

The new Zip HydroTap速 design range is available in various contemporary designs.

Healthy living has never looked so good.

PURE TASTING INSTANT BOILING CHILLED SPARKLING zipwater.com/uk

ZIP TAPS.indd 1 Magazine ad.indd 1 ZP0260 Absolutely

23/11/2015 16/11/2015 10:02 14:28

XXXXXXXXX / XXXXXXXX

Januar y 2016

88

29

c u lt u r e 20 TALKING TOPICS

33 MOODBOARD

22 CIRQUE SPECTACULAR

35 LET'S GET PHYSICAL

fa s h i o n 24 ROLAND MOURET

36 GREY MATTER

Dawn Green of Kokoro London reveals her Japanese inspirations

Diary dates for January

What to wear for a fashionable workout this January

The Albert Hall prepares to host Cirque de Soleil's new show

The genius dress designer turns his hand to footwear with Robert Clergerie

The shoot: kick back in stylish grey shades

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 48 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL January's best beauty buys

30 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL Tuxedos, statement sleeves and berets are top of our shopping list this month

51

Rosy lips are de rigeur this season

The latest openings and food news

62 COSY SUPPERS VIONNET P h o t o g r a p h y b y Dy l a n D o n vionnet.com

Sasonally appropriate recipes from a Winter Cabin

67 EATING OUT

Amanda Constance at Lurra

13 CH_JAN16_Contents.indd 13

interiors 70 INTERIORS NOTES

Key industry news, and ‘It’ products

PINK LADY

Food & Drink 60 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

COVER:

59 78 KIT KEMP

Every Room Tells a Story, says the designer

t r av e l 90 VIVA ITALIA

A luxe family holiday at Sardinia's Forte Village

PROPERTY 114 PROPERTY ROUND-UP

The latest news and views on the area

JANUARY 2016

16/12/2015 09:32

WYNDHAM_PRINT.indd 1

19/08/2015 15:02

XXXXXXXXX / XXXXXXXX EDITOR PENDLE HARTE EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS PEARL BOYD, AMANDA CONSTANCE, EVE HERBERT EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS ELIZABETH HUTTON, STEPHANIE KING CONTRIBUTING FASHION EDITOR CHARLOTTE ADSETT CONTRIBUTING INTERIOR EDITOR JESSICA KLINGELFUSS CONTRIBUTING HEALTH & BEAUTY EDITOR ARABELLA PRESTON GROUP COMMERCIAL MANAGER JAMES FUSCHILLO SENIOR ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER ROLLO DENNISON ART DIRECTOR ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER ELOISE FRASER ART DIRECTOR RAY SEARLE SENIOR DESIGNERS PAWEL KUBA, PHIL COUZENS, JONATHAN LEWIS PRODUCTION MANAGER STEWART HYDE MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER EKREM YILMAZ JUNIOR DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN FINANCE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HVID MAJOR ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR TAMSIN LUCK PA TO THE DIRECTORS MARIANNE MCFADDEN DIRECTORS GREG HUGHES, ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com Subscriptions are available simply by emailing christina@zest-media.com You can receive an online subscription for FREE or a postal subscriptions for 12 months, £30 respectively (to cover postage and packaging). Please email us with your preferred option and details.

Part of

First Floor, 197 City Road, Old Street, London EC1 1JN T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 WWW.ZEST-MEDIA.COM Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors.

We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

All rights reserved.

Fo l l ow Us O n T wi t t e r @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS Fa c e b o o k ‘ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES’

EDITOR’S letter

J

anuary. Time for a fresh start. A time to transform, suddenly start running two miles every morning before work and finally give up chocolate. Everyone knows it never happens. So, my resolutions for 2016 are a little more realistic. In that vein, we have an issue packed with entertainment ideas for the new year. We have taken a tour of the British Museum of Food, the latest grand experiment of notorious culinary innovators Bompas and Parr. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be chewed, swallowed and digested, then this is the exhibition for you.

We're looking ahead to the rest of 2016 with a spotlight on the National Weddings Show at Olympia, which is (almost) a celebration in itself with all its champagne, silky fabrics and napkins. Weddings aside, we focus on beauty and fitness with the best intentions for the new year, as

15 CH_JAN16_EDS_LETTER.indd 15

we wonder whether we are able to pull off the impending pink lipstick trend. (Realistically? Probably not.)

If you're feeling the need to kickstart their metabolism after the gluttony of Christmas, our fashion and fitness pages offer some inspiration, with workout gear that’ll look good even if you decide to wear it on the sofa.

Foodwise, we're holing up with warming Winter Cabin recipes as we start planning our summer holidays – and for summer 2016 we are highlighting Sardinia.

Happy new year! ◆

Pendle Harte Editor

JANUARY 2016

16/12/2015 11:03

FUR FANCY

At Absolutely, we’re all lusting after Shrimps’ faux fur coats. Whimsical and wonderful, the Winter 15 collection is bright and fluff y so will keep you warm on the coldest of January’s mornings.

Glinda Coat, £695; shrimps.co.uk

10 Things We

ABSOLUTELY WHITE LIGHT

With hashtags encircling the holder, this luxury candle is designed so that you can give a thoughtful gift to friends and family. £78; maison-ves.com

DRY JANUARY

With a recipe taken from a distiller’s handbook written in the 1840s, Jensen’s Old Tom gin is crisp, unsweetened and earthy. thewhiskyexchange.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CHIS_Jan16_AbsLoves_.indd 16

SAINT LAURENT

Simple in design, this bold cornflower-blue leather cardholder is understated but cool. £170; ysl.com

16 15/12/2015 10:15

ABSOLUTELY / LOVES MIDNIGHT MADNESS

Dark and daring, Zadig et Voltaire’s winter campaign sees a mix of texture and shine resulting in the ultimate “I’m With The Band” aesthetic. zadig-et-voltaire.com

LUXE LEATHER

The Petersham Bag from Noble Macmillan is hand crafted in Spain. Made from calf leather with a soft grain, the bag will effortlessly fit comfortably under your arm, making it perfect for everyday use. £375; noblemacmillan.com

SWEET SOUND

Crafted from black leather and gold hardware, these stylish headphones are cleverly angled so that they can be worn with earrings. Ideal for any fashion-forward music lover. £250; net-a-porter.com

COUNT DOWN

Enter the new year with this timepiece by Montblanc. With diamond indexes and blue hands, it’s a stylish but timeless accessory.Boheme Date Automatic, £2,200; montblanc.com

TWINKLE TOES

OPTICAL ILLUSION

Having to get new glasses can be stressful but not when you go to Sid Fiz in Queen’s Park. We like these ones by Face Face. sidfizoptique.com

Dazzle your way into 2016 with these glittery round toe pumps. Featuring the iconic Louboutin red sole, you’ll be the envy of the party. £445; christianlouboutin.com

17 CHIS_Jan16_AbsLoves_.indd 17

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 10:16

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

MY

K

DESTINATION EVENTS.indd 1

01/12/2015 16:13

p. 20

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL RETURNS TO THE ALBERT HALL

p. 22

THE ROCK SITTING, LA, 1953 © MILTON H GREENE / ARCHIVE

> WHAT’S ON

19 CH_JAN15_Culture_Opener.indd 19

JANUARY 2016

17/12/2015 09:36

XXXXXXXX / XXXXXXXXX

DINOSAUR PARK

2 - 2 3 Ja n u a r y S t. Ja m es S tu di o ost people will have seen and loved M Spielberg’s modern classic, Jurassic Park. This hilarious parody takes you to Lyme Regis Community Centre where the Park family embark on a journey back in time to the age of the dinosaurs. A theatrical, nostalgic celebration that will entertain both young and old. u 12 Palace Street, SW1E; stjamestheatre.co.uk

NEW YEAR’S PARADE

Mime London

1 Ja n u a r y S ta r ts a t P i cc a dilly s one of the world’s greatest parades, A you really must head to Westminster this New Year’s Day to see the bright, bold and brilliant array of marching bands, clowns and acrobats. Taking to the city’s streets in style, 10,000 performers will ensure that this is one of the most exciting and entertaining ways to welcome in the new year. u Piccadilly to Parliament Square; lnydp.com

From 9 Jan uar y Throughout L ondon

Bringing together the world’s best visual artists for one of the most brilliant performance festivals, Mime brings 18 productions, from nine different countries, to London. Promising to be one of the most electric and exciting line-ups, we’re particularly looking forward to “He Who Falls” at Barbican Theatre which showcases six performers balancing on one another with great strength and grace while the platform below constantly shifts. mimelondon.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CH_JAN16_Whats_On.indd 20

LONDON WINTER RUN

3 1 Ja n u a r y C e ntra l L o ndo n un off those excess pigs in blankets and R conquer the cold with Cancer Research UK’s closed road 10k run. Starting from Trafalgar Square you’ll make your way through fake snow to St Paul’s Cathedral before finishing up with a hug from a polar bear at Whitehall. A brilliant way to finish the first month of the year. u winterrunseries.co.uk

20 16/12/2015 10:40

ARTS & CULTURE / TALKING TOPICS

CHRISTMAS SALON

© GHOST TOWN, GINA SODEN

Unti l 9 Ja n u a r y E l e ve n Fi ne Ar t ith an array of paintings, photographs, prints, drawings W and sculptures, this exhibition will feature exciting and influential new works of art that will inspire and delight.

Highlighting each artist’s individual style, this visual experience will be like no other and will prove popular with a surprisingly diverse audience. From the affordable to the expensive, this is the place to start or add to your art collection. u 11 Eccleston Street, SW1W; elevenfineart.com

GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES

ESCAPED ALONE Fro m 2 1 Jan uar y T he Ro y a l C o u rt Th eatre

must see

It’s a balmy summer afternoon.

Four old women are sitting in the back yard. They’re drinking tea and discussing personal catastrophes. This play invites us to eavesdrop on their confessions.

Written for four older women to play the main characters, this is a unique and brilliant stage show that will be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

From 19 Januar y T he Little B l a ck G a ll e r y n 1961, Marylin Monroe invited the 27 year old I photographer Douglas Kirkland to bed. The evening they spent together produced the famous series “An Evening with Marilyn Monroe”. Meanwhile, Milton H. Greene’s most noted work was with Marylin, having produced over 5,000 images many never published. This exhibition puts them all on show. u 13A Park Walk, SW10; thelittleblackgallery.com

50-51 Sloane Square , SW1W; royalcourttheatre.com

EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH

CHAMPAGNE LIFE F ro m 13 Ja n u a ry S aatc h i G alle r y elebrating the work of women, this is the first all-female exhibition to have ever been staged at the Saatchi Gallery. Providing a rare opportunity to analyse, reflect and decipher what it means to be a female artist working today, this show hopes to expose the glass ceiling that still applies to the art

© STEVE WHITE, 2015

C

21 CH_JAN16_Whats_On.indd 21

world. With a title that suggests high living and glamour, the irony is obviously apparent when you consider the long and lonely hours these women work in the studio. A wonderfully critical exhibition. u  Duke Of York’s HQ, SW3; saatchigallery.com

JANUARY 2016

16/12/2015 10:41

CIRQUE LINE Amaluna opens at the Royal Albert Hall this month with its mostly female cast.

Absolutely takes a seat Wo r d s E V E H E R B E R T

F

or the first time in Cirque du Soleil’s history, Amaluna features a cast that comprises a majority of women, with a 100% female band. “Amaluna is a tribute to the work and voice of women”, explains Director of Creation Fernand Rainville.

“The show is a reflection on balance from a women’s perspective”, he adds. Director Diane Paulus, winner of a 2013 Tony Award (Pippin) and recently listed as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2014, says: “I didn’t want to build a ‘women’s agenda’ show.

I wanted to create a show with women at the center of it, something that had a hidden story that featured women as the heroines.” Paulus drew from a series of classical influences when creating the concept of the show; including tales from Greek and Norse mythology, Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

Never before seen in the UK, Amaluna opens at the Royal Albert Hall on

16 January and will take the audience on a magical journey, loosely based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

Awe-inspiring performances and Cirque du Soleil’s mind-bowing acts make up this brand new production that is sure to wow fans.

Among Amaluna’s highly talented cast, three performers and its artistic director hail from around the UK. Marissa King performs on the uneven bars, Rachael Wood is the guitarist in the all-female band, David Rimmer is an acrobat in the teeterboard act and the artistic director is former dancer Rachel Lancaster.

Written and directed by Tony awardwinning director, Diane Paulus, Cirque du Soleil’s 33rd production is a celebration of love and a tribute to the work and voice of women.

This is reflected in the show as female performers make up the majority of the cast, with all eight members of the band also women. The show will join some of Cirque du Soleil’s most loved productions that have also been staged at the world-famous building such as

30 years ago,

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

was the dream of a SMALL GROUP of travellers

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_Dec15_Cirque.indd 22

Kooza last year, Quidam, Dralion, Alegra and Totum. 2016's Amaluna will not only be the perfect production to celebrate the company’s 20 years in this magical location, but also cement its reputation as one of the world’s greatest entertainment companies.

Some 30 years ago, Cirque du Soleil was the dream of a small community of travelling performers who would do anything to share their love of the stage, of circus and of the world. The family has grown since then and now includes thousands of dreamers—creators, artists, technicians and workers who toil in the shadows. The dream has become a

22 15/12/2015 10:19

ARTS & CULTURE / SPECTACLE

symbol of QuÊbec pride, an international entertainment company that has brought 35 large-scale shows to life—20 of which are still in operation. The company, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2014, has brought wonder and delight to close to 150 million spectators in more than 300 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has close to 4,000 employees, including 1,300 performing artists from close to 50 different countries. u Amaluna runs from 16 January to 6 March at the Royal Albert Hall. Tickets are on sale now at royalalberthall.com or by calling 0845 401 5045 or 020 7589 8212.

23 NH_Dec15_Cirque.indd 23

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 10:20

MADE TO LAST Since taking the reigns of Robert Clergerie in 2011, designer Roland Mouret has brought the French heritage label into a new era, one step at a time Wo r d s S t e p h a n i e K i n g

“I

’m not a shoe designer, I’m a fashion designer,” decrees Roland Mouret, the lauded creative director of heritage label Robert Clergerie. “But I understand the bigger vision of the brand and that the shoes are meant to be worn with clothes,” he elaborates. Since 2011 Mouret has been at the helm of the luxury brand, turning his hand from apparel to accessories. The 54-year-old Lourdes native first secured his place in the industry designing womenswear under his own name. But when opportunity struck to head Robert Clergerie’s eponymous brand, accepting the new role was a no-brainer: “When you have a company and a designer who has created more than a product [but] a lifestyle of a generation, it’s quite fantastic to work with that kind of legacy.” Mouret clarifies, “I don’t try to be presented like Robert never exists, I try to be presented like the son, the son who follows his Dad but at the same time [as someone who] really believes what I know.”

The sale of Robert Clergerie to Hong Kong investors Fung Group could have been fatal for the brand. Yet Mouret’s innovative design eye has renewed Clergerie’s equally savoir faire spirit: “I think because there is something in common about the love of legacy in the product I have and that Robert has taught me, that love to learn, to pass on knowledge and to see the future, [means we] have the same customer who enjoys something that has a meaning in their life.

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_Jan15_AROLAND MOURET.indd 24

It’s quite fantastic TO WORK with that KIND OF LEGACY

“The Robert Clergerie woman? She is someone who loves shoes like her best friends, and that’s why she likes to have a pair of shoes that she can rely on from day to evening, I think that’s what all women have in common when they come to Clergerie.” This manifests in an aesthetic possessing “a sense of duality: male/female; masculine/ feminine; architectural/comfort,” Mouret elucidates, noting the classic Clergerie brogue: “It was the shoe that everybody took inspiration from.”

His recent AW15 collection, Mouret says, was “really based on the Seventies,

but the Seventies between the countryside and the city. I’m quite inspired by England and the way you can go from nature to urban and vice versa.”

A seemingly abstract concept to capture in shoes, Mouret explains: “It’s really funny, leather and fabric are quite similar.

You never know your favourite until you start to build a shoe and see the reality of the leather and the feel: some embody the shape, they give power…it comes alive. We have a lot of patent leather too because it was really part of [Robert’s] culture.

But we are really open all the time to newness.”

Mouret’s latest initiative for Robert Clergerie is his #ClergerieGirls campaign, which “started from my love of the TV series, Sex and the City. I thought it would be so great on Instagram: girls reacting in different parts of the country, showing themselves as part of a brand but at the same time defining their own identity and competing through social media.”

The winner is soon to be announced and will be selected by fans with input from Mouret and Leandra Medine, founder of lifestyle website Man Repeller. At stake is a trip to March’s Paris Fashion Week amongst several other exclusive prizes.

After being given direct access to emerging talent and not to mention, receiving the largest portion of entries from the US, Mouret has developed a keen sense of ‘British style.’ He reflects: “You can always find the Brit attitude [from] the way they stand, the way they like to present themselves.” On the application assessmemt, Mouret muses, “It was really weird because

24 15/12/2015 10:39

FASHION / PROFILE

25 NH_Jan15_AROLAND MOURET.indd 25

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 10:39

My Life. My Style.

Hand-crafted, made to measure Luxaflex® Silhouette® Shades bring rooms to life; making a personal style statement whilst bathing your home in beautifully controlled natural light.

And with inspired design, innovative operating ideas and pure quality woven into each individual piece, you’ll always know you’ve made the perfect choice.

To arrange your free Luxaflex® Design Consultation, visit: luxaflex.co.uk/mystyle LUXAFLEX® SHOWROOMS: Gilroy Interiors Gerrards Cross 01753 899007 Belle Vue Blinds Egham 01784 471122 | Ashtead Interiors Ashtead 01372 271010

LUXAFLEX.indd 1

10/12/2015 12:16

FASHION/ PROFILE

It’s a symbolic VERSION of what we want THE BRAND to become. some of them put a lot of pictures, they didn’t know what they wanted to do, and others were really focused and you could understand why they were completely in sync with themselves and it was brilliant.

This year has also witnessed one of Robert Clergerie’s biggest endeavours: the unveiling of its new retail identity.

In celebration of the 120th anniversary of Clergerie’s manufacturer in Romans, the opening of its Walton Street location marks a significant milestone in the label’s history. Mouret describes Vudafieri Saverino Partners’ design as “a symbolic version of what we want the brand to

become, which is a brand with a strong personal identity of Robert, but at the same time giving you what luxury and service is expected… [Robert Clergerie stores] were the trendy place of the Eighties. To revisit that and reposition it… the atmosphere is supposed to be more personal, more close to home from all of the elements – the walls, the floors – but everything has to have that luxury feel.”

The Mayfair boutique is the second Robert Clergerie outpost in London, the first being on Marylebone’s Wigmore Street. Irrespective of location, each space reflects the neighbourhood it inhabits while paying homage to its Parisian roots. With 2016 upon us, Mouret’s goals for the label are expectedly lofty, but equally achievable, with the designer’s To Do list including: “Focus on what the brand stands for; moving on with the store and establishing it; and just be relevant. I think to be relevant in the future is the biggest challenge.” While he makes a valid point, judging by Mouret’s past success, it seems he’ll do just fine. ◆

● Robert Clergerie

180 Walton Street, W1U robertclergerie.com

27 NH_Jan15_AROLAND MOURET.indd 27

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 10:40

DYLAN PENN

Paris, Cannes, St Tropez, Courchevel shop.ermannoscervino.it

ERMANNO SCERVINO SINGLE PAGE.indd 2

26/05/2015 16:40

JIMMY CHOO, NEW BOND STREET TOWNHOUSE, 27 NEW BOND STREET, W1S

> FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

p. 30

TRENDS: WORK IT OUT

p. 35

GREY EXPECTATIONS

p. 36

SNOW BUSINESS Jimmy Choo's 'Moonlight' Cruise collection has just launched for the winter holiday season and features mirrored paillettes and luxe embellishments such as crystals and feathers. jimmychoo.com

29 CH__Fashion_Opener.indd 29

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 10:50

st y l e C e n t r a l

Tuxedos, statement sleeves and berets are top of our shopping list this month Wo r d s c h a r l o t t e a d s e t t

THOMAS TAIT Wo r d s S T E P H A N I E K I N G

C

anadian by birth, British by choice, designer Thomas Tait recently scooped up 2015's British Fashion Awards Emerging Womenswear Designer for his conceptual ready-to-wear garments. Now 28 years old, the Montreal transplant remains the youngest ever designer to graduate from Central Saint Martins’ prestigious MA Fashion course aged 22. For his final university collection (SS11), he was awarded the 2010 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize and has since established himself as one of the Noughties’ most innovative creative talents. Tait’s avantgarde pieces earned him 2014's LVMH Young Designer Prize, where he put these winnings to good use in his latest London Fashion Week efforts: The evocative, suspiria inspired AW15 collection was right out of a Dario Argento “disco-horror” film, and his debut SS16 line for Swarovski Collective presented neomod, Courrèges-like looks. Its solar system theme, unusually placed circular cut-outs and grommet ‘cages’ were further examples of Tait’s elegant integration of unexpected materials. With his signature curvilinear aesthetic, London’s irreverent style could not be a better place for Tait to foster his experimental tailoring. Thankfully we only have to wait a few more weeks to see what he does next. ◆ ● T H O M A S TA I T thomastait.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CH_NOV15_Fashion_Confidential.indd 30

Tuxedo Chic Racil

Le Smoking, the iconic tuxedo suit created by Yves Saint Laurent in 1966 remains a groundbreaking classic due to its masculine silhouette. Emerging designer Racil’s debut collection has reinterpreted the trouser suit with luxurious silks from Saville Row and Swarovski stones. Already a hit with the fashion pack, Racil is fast becoming the go-to tailoring label.

Available from avenue32.com & farfetch.com

30 15/12/2015 11:07

FASHION / NOTES

8 OH, LA LA

of the best

Gucci

The French beret hat is the ‘It’ accessory that was all over the catwalks. Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele styled her ‘Geek Chic’ beret wearing girls with pussybow blouses and clashing prints.

Knitted cotton beret £205; mytheresa.com

WINTER WARMERS Wrap up with faux fur and cashmere knits

02

01

editor’s

PICK

OVER THE RAINBOW Anya Hindmarch

If London’s grey skies are getting you down, then the ‘Bathhurst Rainbow’ bag by Anya Hindmarch is sure to cheer you up. Part of the 70’s inspired Resort 2016 collection, the rainbow is a key motif that runs throughout the line to represent ‘carefree happiness’.

‘Bathhurst Rainbow’ calf leather bag £1,295; anyahindmarch.com

04 03

SLEEVE Ellery

Australian label of the moment Ellery is best known for its statement sleeves – be it wide bell shape or ruffles. The current collection was based on David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust era, apparent in the avantgarde silhouette of the ‘Dolores’ top. £442; matchesfashion.com

06

05

08

MODERN MILITARY

07

Burberry

The coat trend that never quite goes away, the Military look is back at the top of the hot list this season. This mid length cashmere Officer’s style ticks all the trend boxes and is sure to be a classic staple for years to come.

Cashmere blend ‘Officer’ coat £2,695 burberry.com

31 CH_NOV15_Fashion_Confidential.indd 31

01. INVERNI Cashmere bobble hat, £195; avenue32.com 02. CHARLOTTE SIMONE Lambswool 'Candy floss' wrap £350; charlottesimone.com 03. STELLA MCCARTNEY Faux fur mini 'Falabella' bag £660; mytheresa.com 04. CHINTI AND PARKER Cashmere 'Star' sweater £375; chintiandparker.com 05. JIMMY CHOO Metallic leather 'Haze' boots £695; mytheresa.com 06. GRACE & OLIVER Boucle wool 'Florence' coat £600; graceandoliver.london 07. JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN Cashmere reversible cape £895; johnstonscashmere.com 08. ME + EM Merino cashmere jumper £148; meandem.com

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:08

Absolute DECEMBER 2015_Layout 1 01/12/2015 15:32 Page 1

SWEETPEA & WILLOW.indd 1

01/12/2015 16:50

FASHION / MOODBOARD

MY INSPIRATIONS

DAWN GREEN

Dawn Green of Kokoro London shares her personal moodboard

MY FAVOURITE PIECES FROM KOKORO'S COLLECTION ARE...

the Akemi dress – an elegant elongated A-line frock, slim but with pockets in the palest shell pink with an abstract Ikat print in hot acid yellow, pink and orange – and the Imari shirt dress with wrap skirt in white and indigo. Both are in a cotton with a slight stretch for absolute comfort.

Imari shirt dress

by Kokoro London

Marisa Berenson

Hubert de Givenchy

MY FAVOURITE DESIGNER IS...

Hubert de Givenchy, the Couturier. He dressed the most beautiful women of the last century. Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman, Jackie Kennedy… He adored women.

MY STYLE ICON IS...

Marisa Berenson. Yves Saint Laurent called her 'the girl of the 70s' - she was an actress (Barry Lyndon, Cabaret) and model. Her effortless glamour mixed with sexy 70s styling.

Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy

MY FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION IS...

Tokyo. I fell in love with Japan when I travelled there for Paul Smith. A favourite place to stay was the Okura, a glorious retro-glam hotel from the 1960s. I can't believe it was demolished recently. For beauty and the beach always Mauritius.

The people, the food and the stunning seas around the island. Paradise for a water baby.

So Zen and so peaceful.

Diptyque's L'Ombre Dans L'Eau

Clarins Eau Dynamisante

I fell in LOVE with JAPAN MY FAVOURITE BUILDING

MY SIGNATURE SCENT IS...

Clarins Eau Dynamisante – I can't remember a day when I haven't worn it. But for evening it would have to be Diptyque's L'Ombre Dans L'Eau - the limited edition engraved glass bottle is divine.

Franklin Sirmans

MY FAVOURITE PIECE OF ART...

would have to be a favourite body of art: Contemporary Art world 'rock star' Franklin Sirmans is the director of the stunning Perez Art Museum in Miami and any show curated under the direction of this super-talented man is high on my must-see list.

The Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

33 NH_ JAN 15_Moodboard YOLKE.indd 33

Hotel Okura, Tokyo

The Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella in Florence is supposed to be the oldest perfume laboratory in the world. I adore the ornate painted vaulted ceiling of the ancient chapel that serves as the showroom in the Via Della Scala, and the beautiful old pharmacy cabinets. The heady scents and the history stretching back to the time of the Medici is evocative of centuries of Florentine intrigue, which of course I love. ◆ kokorolondon.com 19 Connaught Street, W2 020 7262 5398

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:01

24-27 SOUTH MOLTON STREET LONDON. W1K 5RD FULL PAGE.indd 2

13/03/2015 16:52

FASHION / TRENDS

WEAREHANDSOME.COM

HOLISTIC SILK Yoga rug mat £160; holisticsilk.com

ADIDAS BY STELLA MCCARTNEY 'Barricade' trainers £100; adidas.com

ASQUITH Organic cotton 'Blissful' wrap £62; asquithlondon.com

MONREAL LONDON Stretch jersey vest £90; matchesfashion.com

HPE 'Elite' running shorts £48; stylepb.com

VARLEY Marble print sports bra £45 & leggings; stylepb.com

N E W Y E A R , N E W YO U MICHI Stretch body suit £230; stylepb.com

WORK IT OUT Gym, yoga or running aficionado, welcome to your new workout wardrobe B y Charlot te Adset t

FRENDS Rose gold 'Layla' headphones £140; avenue32.com

STELLA MCCARTNEY Faux leather 'Falabella' backpack £645; stellamccartney.com

EVERY SECOND COUNTS Crop 'Time' top £54; everysecondcounts.co.uk

35 Chis_Jan16_Fashion_Prod.indd 35

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 10:58

GREY

EXPECTATIONS From soft dove to graphic granite, grey is the new neutral

JAN16_FashionShoot_6pp.indd 36

15/12/2015 10:52

ISABEL MARANT ÉTOILE Anthracite Linen Trench Coat £475 PHILLIP LIM Fringed Wool Sleeveless Top £355 PHILLIP LIM Fringed Wool Wrap Trousers £455 All available at avenue32.com

JAN16_FashionShoot_6pp.indd 37

15/12/2015 10:53

:OSMAN Jacquard Midi Skirt £725 CARVEN Wool Double Breasted Coat £690 PHILLIP LIM Alpaca Sleeveless Turtleneck £305 All available at avenue32.com

JAN16_FashionShoot_6pp.indd 38

15/12/2015 10:53

REJINA PYO Wool Tie-Back Rora Top £540 REJINA PYO Wool Sasha Pencil Skirt £550 VANESSA BRUNO Cotton Pintuck Blouse £275 All available at avenue32.com

JAN16_FashionShoot_6pp.indd 39

15/12/2015 10:53

JAN16_FashionShoot_6pp.indd 40

15/12/2015 10:54

ISA ARFEN Harris Tweed Flares £675 JAMES PERSE Heather Grey Cotton T-Shirt £125 ISABEL MARANTÉTOILE Linen Blend Hali Jacket £290 ISA ARFEN Harris Tweed Top £325 MAKE-UP Emma Broom using Bobbi Brown HAIR Maki Tanaka using Bumble & Bumble FASHION ASSISTANT Ella Cutter EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Felicia Pennant All available at avenue32.com

JAN16_FashionShoot_6pp.indd 41

15/12/2015 10:54

Meet the regions best wedding suppliers and experts

Try on hundreds of beautiful dresses from top designer brands Inspirational Catwalk shows

ExCeL LONDON

Find all you need to make your

wedding

30-31 January 2016

Book 2 tickets for £12

truly special

SAVE ££’s* ON TICKETS Quote ABMAG16

Free tips and advice on all your wedding from the experts

Benefit from fantastic show discounts and offers!

theukweddingshows.co.uk *Offer ends the Thursday prior to the show (midnight). Ticket fee applies.

TRY IT

WEDDINGS SHOW.indd 1 UKWS16_Absolutely Mag_210x297.indd 1

BUY IT

BOOK IT

PLAN IT

ENJOY!

14:19 17/11/2015 09:40

FASHION / JEWELLERY

Space Rocks 1

2

3

8

6

4

7

5

1. BOODLES, ‘NEW VINTAGE CUSHION DIAMOND RING’ IN PLATINUM WITH PINK AND WHITE DIAMONDS’ £POA; boodles.com 2. JCM LONDON, COLOURED CUBIC ZIRCONIUM & PEARL SPIRAL EARRINGS, £525; cartier.co.uk 3. BEN DAY, INFINITY BANGLE AND ETERNITY RING, £POA; benday.co.uk 4. SOPHIE BILLE BRAHE, ‘IMAGINE’ EAR CUFF, £POA; sophiebillebrahe.com 5. TESSA PACKARD, ‘CARACOL RING’ IN 18CT YELLOW GOLD AND BLACK SAPPHIRE, £11,000; tessapackard.com 6. CARTIER, ‘AMULETTE DE CARTIER’ IN YELLOW GOLD, DIAMONDS AND ONYX, £47,600; cartier.co.uk 7. GEORGE PRAGNELL, FINE DIAMOND SET NECKLACE WITH TRAP CUT SANTA MARIA AQUAMARINE PENDANT, £POA; pragnell.com 8. LARA BOHINC, PLANETARIA RING IN 18CT WHITE GOLD WITH AMETHYST, £410; larabohinc.com

43 NH_Jan16_JEWELLERY.indd 43

DECEMBER 2015

15/12/2015 11:15

w w w. c a s t r a d s . c o m 020 3397 7295

Wa l l p a p e r b y F a r r o w & B a l l , H o r n b e a m B P 5 0 0 7

Bespoke cast iron radiators | Made in England w w w. c a s t r a d s . c o m | 3 8 H i g h S t r e e t W i m b l e d o n V i l l a g e L o n d o n S W 1 9 5 B Y

CASTRADS.indd 1

01/10/2015 15:18

FASHION / MEN’S STYLE

3 | O F F I C I N E G E N E R A LE Chic, understated and perfect for colder weather, this will look great worn with a knitted navy T-shirt , a deconstructed jacket in a darker shade of grey and a pair of fitted indigo jeans. ◆ l Crosby wool-flannel padded gilet by Officine Generale, £375; mrporter.com

WARDROBE MASTER

4 | J O H N S M E D LE Y mrporter.com

Believe it or not, this winter sees the return of the sweater vest B y T e o va n d e n B r o e k e

Team this simple, classic slipover with bright bold shades to make it feel ultra-modern, Opt for a bright red shirt and a skinny brown tie if you’re feeling brave. Alternatively a tan suede blazer and a white granddad collar shirt will work wonders. ◆ l Deep teal slipover by John Smedley, £110; johnsmedley.com

5 | O LI V E R S P E N C E R

F

or a long time tank tops, sweater vests and gilets were considered the doddering granddad of the fashion world; bargain bin fodder, which modern, stylefocused young men would shudder at the thought of wearing. Times have changed. Thanks to the likes of Alessandro Michelle, incumbent creative director of Gucci – who’s gender bending, geeky aesthetic has changed the face of the brand over his past two seasons at the helm – and John Ray at Alfred Dunhill, this much maligned garment is making a return.

The way to wear yours is under a deconstructed jacket and over a bold shirt and tightly tied neck tie combo – the look you’re going for is ruffled Bloomsbury poet. ◆

1 | G U CC I Bright, bold and effortlessly chic, Alessandro Michele at Gucci has nailed the look with this stand out piece from his Autumn Winter ’15 collection. Team with a pair of baggy blue trousers, a white shirt and a brown cord jacket for the ultimate super geek look. ◆ l Camel, wool and silk blend Jacquard knit gilet by Gucci, £405; mrporter.com

2 | R I C H A R D JA M E S Savile Row Stalwart Richard James not only has a brilliant way with tailoring, he also has a knack for creating beautiful knitwear, this gilet a case in point. Wear over a crew neck jumper in a similar shade and brave the winter in warmth. ◆ l Red and chestnut basket weave gilet by Richard James, £595; richardjames.co.uk

45 Chis_Jan16_Mens_Page_Right.indd 45

johnsmedley.com

The workwear vibe of this Gilet is great for more casual outfits.

Team this with a waffle T-shirt in cream and a pair of tapered wool trousers in a similar shade. Throw a textured car coat over the top and you’re sorted. ◆ l Shawl collar navy gilet

by Oliver Spencer, £249; oliverspencer.co.uk

oliverspencer.co.uk

T e o va n d e n B r o e k e Style Director of British Esquire

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:16

PRISMOLOGIE.indd 1

15/12/2015 11:18

> BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

p. 48

LA VIE EN ROSE

p. 51

FITNESS CONFIDENTIAL

p. 56

CLEAN & BRIGHT Fresh, dewy skin doesn’t come naturally to all, especially after the excesses of Christmas, which is why bareMinerals’ Complexion Rescue is such a lifesaver. Oil free and with SPF, it’s a 2016 essential. £26; bareminerals.co.uk

47 CH_Jan16_Beauty_Opener.indd 47

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:22

B E AU T Y R e v i e w

A fresh take on beauty for the new year and luscious lacquers to keep your nails in check W o r d s R o m y va n d e n B r o e k e

DANIEL GALVIN Kensington

Wo r d s s t e p h a n i e k i n g

I

t’s difficult to avoid restorting to cliché when describing the luxury you experience when visiting Daniel Galvin Kensington. Exceptional service is promised, and it is exactly what you will receive. Walking into the elegant salon you’re greeted by sunny receptionists and a bright interior epitomising refined glamour: white walls accented by state-of-theart equipment, marble counter tops, tall vases filled with freshly cut flowers, Tom Dixon lamps, two-two leather chairs and matte gold finishings. You’d be correct in thinking this foreshadows the type of hair treatment you’re about to receive. I’m here for half a head of highlights. After being escorted downstairs

THIS TRESS wizard only needs to ask a FEW QUESTIONS my wonderful, talented colourist, Lily, asks me the type of look I’d like to achieve, shortly setting to work with surgical precision. Foils in and peppermint tea in hand, I’m left to pore over the wide range of magazines at my station, and the menu from across-the-road Nouvelle Delicatessen. The timer buzzes and, after a good shampoo and condition, the warm, knowledgeable Bradley takes me upstairs. This tress wizard only needs to ask a few questions to gauge my desired hair shape, and in minutes he’s worked his magic. All parties satisfied, I’m on way, leaving not only with one of the best hair cut-n-colours I’ve ever had, but also with the knowledge that the Daniel Galvin team comprises stylists you can trust. ◆

Clean Slate Bobbi Brown

Look at things differently with Bobbi Brown’s new eye-opening mascara. Promising to lift each individual lash, it coats them with intense colour and leaves them looking both longer and thicker. bobbibrown.com

● D A N I E L G A LV I N 67 Abingdon Road, W8; danielgalvin.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

YES CHIS_Jan16_Beauty_Notes.indd 48

48 15/12/2015 11:23

HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES

7 of the best

SHINE BRIGHT Burberry

Not available to buy until February, and part of Burberry’s SS16 collection, the white runway palette Ω pictured to the right Ω illuminates and defines the most pallid of complexions for an effortless, pearly glow. £45; burberry.com

NATURAL NAILS

A BED OF ROSES Frédéric Malle

Dans Mon Lit from Frederic Malle does what it says on the tin and leaves your duvet smelling like a bed of roses. The fragrance, filled with floral notes, is guaranteed to leave your room feeling fresh. £80; fredericmalle.com

01

best

BUY

editor’s

PICK REVERSE EFFECT

02

Sisley

Sisley are tackling anti-ageing with its new Sisleÿa global L’Intégral Anti-Age face cream, which works to stimulate, regenerate and restructure the skin, all while protecting it from physical signs of behavioural ageing. £330; sisley-paris.com

03

05

04

DEEP SLEEP this works

New from this works, the sleep plus pillow spray promises to soothe restless sleepers into a deep slumber. Containing lavender, the spray has aromatherapeutic powers to help you wake properly refreshed. £25; thisworks.com

49 YES CHIS_Jan16_Beauty_Notes.indd 49

06

07

1. BOBBI BROWN, GLITTER NAIL VARNISH IN BALLET PINK, £12.50; bobbibrown.com 2. CHANEL, LE TOP COAT VELVET, £18; selfridges.com 3. LEIGHTON DENNY, BRIEF ENCOUNTER,£11; ld-boutique.com 4. TANYA BURR, PEACHES & CREAM, £5.99; lookfantastic.com 5. EVE SNOW, NUDIST, £14; evesnow.com 6. TOM FORD, MINK BRULE, £27; selfridges.com 7. ESSIE, TYING THE KNOT, £8.95; hqhair.com

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:24

Enjoy the convenience and privacy of a gym in your own home Technogym, the Wellness Company, invites you to view its range of home fitness equipment at the beautifully equipped, brand new showroom in Bracknell, Berkshire.

Health and Wellness are important, but time pressures and busy lives often mean our good intentions to move more and be active are overlooked.

Technogym works with you to design and create the perfect Wellness area, tailored to your home, space, budget and – most importantly – you and your family’s health goals.

To book your visit, please call a Technogym Wellness consultant on 0800 316 2496 or email uk_info@technogym.com Or visit us online at www.technogym.com

TECHNOGYM.indd 1

08/12/2015 12:04

HEALTH & BEAUTY / PRODUCTS BOBBI BROWN

Rich Colour Gloss, £19; bobbibrown.co.uk

PERRICONE MD

No Lipstick Lipstick, £25; perriconemd.co.uk

MAC

Matte Lip in Steady Going, £15.50; maccosmetics.co.uk

MAC

Pigment Pot in Fuchsia, £16; maccosmetics.co.uk

MAC

Pro Lip Palette in 6 Preferred Pinks, £35; maccosmetics.co.uk

STILA

Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Rosa, £16; feelunique.com

STILA

REVLON

Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Rosa, £16; feelunique.com

NARS FOR MICHAEL COSTELLO SS16

ColorBurst Matte Balm in Showy, £7.99; boots.com

CLINIQUE

Pop Lip Colour in Papaya Pop, £16; clinique.co.uk

CLARINS

ILLAMASQUA

Lipstick in Immodest Vivid Pink, £19.50; illamasqua.com

LA VIE EN ROSE For a fresh look, add a slick of peach, pastel pink or magenta B y R O M Y VA N D E N B R O E K E

Rouge Eclat in Sweet Rose, £19.50; clarins.co.uk

LIPSTICK QUEEN

Cupid’s Bow in Nymph, £20; spacenk.com

TOM FORD

Lip Colour Shine in Chastity, £38; selfridges.com

NARS

Pure Matte Lipstick in Carthage £20; narscosmetics.co.uk

51 USE Chis_Oct15_Beauty_Products_v2.indd 51

CHANEL

Rouge Coco Shine in Liberte, £36; chanel.com

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:25

HEALTH & BEAUTY / FRAGRANCE

NEW WAVE

03

The lowdown on fragrance.

This month: independent scents W o r d s L AW R E N C E R O U L L I E R W H I T E

I

t is unsurprising, given the maverick and enterprising nature of this cool isle, that Britain is spearheading the global rise of the indie perfume house moment. The past few years have seen the arrival of some truly remarkable brands.

In fact, it was the lovely Sarah McCartney of ‘4160 Tuesdays’ (one of the aforementioned brands) who directed me to the door of dashing new brand ‘Handsome London’. Founded by Jason Leonard and Richard Holmes, the duo is inspired by their patch of East London. ‘Master Jojo’ [01] is a modern mix of sandalwood and patchouli that is elegant and refined, while ‘Redchurch’ [02] with its spiced cardamom, apples, green tea and cedarwood is, to my mind, Britishness in a bottle.

Also based in creative East London is Timothy Han, who launched his first ‘Editions Perfumes’ fragrance ‘She Came to Stay’ [04] last year and has just released his second scent, ‘On the Road’ [03]. I am in love with this brand and the exquisite attention to detail that has been paid to it by its self-effacing creator – whose talent 07

05

06

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

DUL_Nov15_Perfume.indd 52

TIMOTHY HAN

As an artist, SCHÜTZE IS one of few TO WORK IN THE MEDIUM OF scent was spotted many years ago by Francis Kurkdijan when Han was displaying the candles he was the making at a Paris trade show.

‘She Came to Stay’ quite literally turns traditional perfumery on his head, inverting the perfume pyramid and opening with what would usually be the base notes; labdanum, patchouli and oakmoss. The middle notes of cedarwood and vetiver remain where they would at the heart, before the typically top notes of basil and lemon take your breath away with a sharp surprise.

Also riding the waves of the indie boom is the beautiful ‘Beaufort London’ with its triumphant trio of fragrances, ‘Come Hell or High Water’, that explores and expounds upon Britain’s maritime history. This is uncharted water in terms of fragrance inspiration and the results are – a witty literary device would be to say ‘admirable’

but that would be doing a great disservice to these gloriously epic and enigmatic scents. ‘1805’ [05], referencing the Battle of Trafalgar, is an explosive mix of smoke, gunpowder, irony blood and brandy with a splash of sea spray and the limey citrus after which British sailors were given the nickname that transferred into popular parlance. ‘Coeur De Noir’ [06] summons images of Admiralty House and naval campaigns being planned; parchment nautical charts spread over leather lined desks, the air heavy with tobacco and dying embers smoldering in the fireplace. ‘East India’ [07] imagines the notes blown by the trade winds as the majestic clippers cut through the crested waves, their holds full of precious tea, tobacco, spices and that most contentious of cargoes; opium.

This month Australian-born, Londonbased, artist Paul Schütze launches his eponymous perfume line. As an artist Schütze is one of the few to work in the medium of scent, captivated by the notion of capturing the ephemeral. His collection of evocative and remarkable scents are olfactory snapshots of three fleeting moments. All I can say is, thank you for the memories. ◆

04

01 02

roullierwhite.com

52 15/12/2015 11:32

INTELLIGENT WEIGHT LOSS Give us six weeks and we will re-shape your body and re-wire the way you eat – once and for all. For nearly two decades our clients have lost weight, found true fitness and discovered a balanced way of living that will outlast a thousand fads.

The Intensive Programme combines our intelligent eating method with world-class personal training in your own home. For six weeks we sculpt your body with metabolic workouts tailored just for you. Your body fat levels will plummet and your metabolism will soar. Our dietitians coach you and monitor your body composition weekly to ensure you’re right on track. Most women lose twenty pounds, men thirty.

The Optimum Weight Loss Programme personally coaches you for 12 weeks from our Belgravia Clinic, wherever you are in the world.

By following our nutrition method, you shed body fat and learn how to eat beautifully forever.

We know results are important so that’s exactly what we give you, along with a blueprint for lasting success.

2 E ATON GATE | BELGRAVIA LONDON | SW1W 9BJ 0044 203 427 5863 INFO@LOUISEPARKER.UK.COM W W W.LOUISEPARKER.UK.COM

LOUISE PARKER.indd 2

07/01/2015 09:25

A4

ETHOS.indd 1

01/12/2015 16:18

HEALTH & BEAUTY / BREAK THE HABIT food & drink scan YorkTest Wo r d s c at h e r i n e h a l e s

he first thing that is made clear to me when calling YorkTest Laboratories to enquire about a full Food&DrinkScan (£299) is that this isn’t something to do for fun. No symptoms?

Then it's likely you don’t need the test.

The second thing I am told (most emphatically) is that this is an intolerance test, not an allergy test. It provides a comprehensive analysis of antibody reactions to 158 foods and drinks and includes a consultation with a nutritional therapist.

I have chosen to take the test due to a persistent skin complaint that has recently flared up rather badly. I follow the simple instructions and send my blood sample off to the lab. Awaiting my results, I am terrified that it will be all my favourite foods that are to blame.

And sure enough, gluten, eggs and yeast are all culprits, showing reactions on the test.

Luckily, I am saved from total despair by the guidebook which accompanies the results (it also comes with a handy food diary) and the consultation a few days later. Fearing that I would never in my life enjoy another club sandwich or glass of Shiraz, I am reassured over the phone that I only need to cut out these foods for three months.

YorkTest recommends excluding anything that has caused a reaction, then reintroducing them one by one to see if a more permanent solution is necessary.

Having long suspected that bread is not my friend, and now armed with this information, I feel the impetus and motivation to finally make a change. ◆

T

FRESH START The Healthy Juice Company Wo r d s c at h e r i n e h a l e s

E

mbarking on a juice cleanse is nothing new. People have either been swearing by them or condemning them for the past five years at least. So, what makes The Healthy Juice Company different?

Firstly, it's the quality of the juices. Unpasteurised, these freshly pressed fruit, vegetable and nut milk concoctions are delivered to your door every morning at around 6am in an insulated box and come in stylish glass bottles. That’s the second thing: every part of the packaging is recyclable and The Healthy Juice Company actually collects the bottles from outside your home every evening of the cleanse.

There are a range of courses to choose from: beginner, intermediate and advanced and all three options are available for one, three or five days. Being inexperienced in the ways of the juice fast, I chose the beginner option for three days (£255), fearing that any longer would have me hallucinating my colleagues as giant, walking hams.

Day one, I open my front door to find a cardboard box with a handle outside my door. I am running late, so snatch it up and head into work. When I open it I find numbered bottles and a guide of when to drink each one, as well as a small jar of Cleanse Elixir (lemon, ginger, tumeric and linseed). I mix this with hot water and glug it down. The taste is a bit of a shock but I manage and am soon settling down to my first green juice. Despite breaking and having a rice cake around lunch, the juices last and I always have something to sip on.

Of the three days, the second is the worst, with real carb cravings kicking in around 3pm. I also find some of the green juices a little intense – the apple, cucumber, aloe vera leaf gel, celery, romaine and spinach takes a few attempts – but the nut milks in particular are delicious. I finish the cleanse with a pep in my step, not a full convert but very pleased with the results. ◆

● he althy juice company

01869 324328; thehealthyjuicecompany.co.uk

55 NH_Jan16_Review.indd 55

● the york test

0800 074 6185; yorktest.com

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:34

Fitness

CONFIDENTIAL Get in shape with the latest fitness trends, tips and gear Wo r d s E l i z a b e t h H u t t o n

GET FIT ONLINE Thanks to .com classes there’s no reason why you shouldn’t move a little bit more in 2016 barrecore

veryone - from supermodels and actors to new mothers and personal trainers Ω loves Barrecore. Renowned for giving clients that enviably long and lean ballerina body, you will work your muscles so hard that you’ll shake uncontrollably. Having now launched their online workout library, members will receive unlimited access to videos as well as monthly challenges. Perfect for those who want to work hard but in private. u £25 per month; barrecore.co.uk E

body.net work

ant to have the same trainer as Tom Ford? With this new online fitness platform, you can. Created by celebrity PT and best-selling fitness author, Matt Roberts, you can download classes and tutorials wherever and whenever you want or need to. With exclusive ‘live’ training sessions and nutritional advice from the England rugby team’s nutritional coach you can be sure of a well-rounded health and wellbeing programme. u £15 per month; body.network W

BE GOOD

the tracy anders on method

ive stream the legendary Tracy Anderson straight from LA into your living room and enjoy her classes alongside her American clients. Taking place every Wednesday, you’ll benefit from the real in-class experience and a tutorial from one of Tracy’s favourite trainers. Unedited and real, this is just like taking a live class with Tracy in one of her state-of-the-art studios. So, now you can workout like Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna without having to even step outside. u £60 per month; tracyanderson.com L

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

B&C_Jan16_Fitness.indd 56

We A r e H a n d s o m e

January is the month of good intentions. If you find it hard to stick to your healthy resolutions we recommend investing in some cool activewear by We Are Handsome.

Beware Ω you’ll actually want to go to the gym. hipandhealthy.com

56 15/12/2015 11:35

HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES

8 of the best

PERSONAL TRAINER elvie

Work on your pelvic floor smartly with this clever little tracker.

Simply pop in place and record your LV strength score using the app and game while doing kegels for just five minutes a day. £149; elvie.com

editor’s

WEARABLES

PICK

GARMIN Vívoactive, £200; garmin.com

OIL SLICK Russie Blanche

Detox from the outside in with this bath and shower oil containing a mix of sweet essential and plant oil concentrate. With juniper, siberian pine, mandarin and amyris oils, this will decongest and stimulate your circulation. russieblanche.com

best

BUY

SENSORIA Fitness Sock, £150; sensoriafitness.com

LUMO BODY TECH Women’s Capris, £169; lumobodytech.com

FITBIT Charge HR, £119.99; fitbit.com

VIRTUOUS Sweet Virtues

Forget overly processed chocolate spread, this one by Sweet Virtues is a super tasty and nutritious treat with chia, cacao and coconut oil. High in omega, magnesium and ginseng. harveynichols.com SWAROVSKI Shine Collection, £45; misfit.com

PRESS PAUSE UsT wo

Using the ancient principles of Tai Chi, this mindfulness app uses touch screen technology to make you focus upon the moment. With calming audio and visuals, stress is proven to decrease. itunes.apple.com

WITHINGS Activité Connected, £320; madeindesign.co.uk

MOOV NOW Multi Sport, £59; very.co.uk

JAWBONE UP2, £89.99; amazon.co.uk

57 B&C_Jan16_Fitness.indd 57

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:36

SAVOUR THE AUTHENTIC FL AVOURS OF INDIA Experience Indian food as it’s meant to be at Masala Grill.

With our expertly cooked regional dishes and richly decorated restaurant, a visit to Masala Grill (in the former home of Chutney Mary) is a feast for all the senses.

We’re open every evening for dinner and on Sundays for our famous buffet lunch.

Rediscover your passion for Indian food at Masala Grill.

535 KINGS ROAD LONDON SW10 0SZ 020 7351 7788 | MASALAGRILL.CO | RESERVATIONS@MASALAGRILL.CO

MASALA GRILL.indd 1

21/10/2015 17:30

> KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

p.60

WINTER RECIPES

p. 62

EATING OUT – LURRA

p. 67

BRAINY BREAKFAST Honestly Healthy's Natasha Corrett (daughter of Kelly Hoppen) has introduced an 'intelligent breakfast' menu at Pullman St Pancras hotel, with dishes such as these probiotic-rich green Teff pancakes. Boost your brain power while keeping your new year's resolutions intact. pullmanhotels.com

59 CH_JAN16_Food_Opener.indd 59

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:37

What to drink

kitchen

CONFIDENTIAL London’s food news and delicious things to see you through January W o r d s R O M Y VA N D E N B R O E K E

A GREAT MATCH Wine & Food Pairings for the Month of January B y J a n e Pa r k i n s o n

SPICED PARSNIP SOUP

talian white grapes work well with vegetable soup and even more so here because this grape, Vermentino – which usually makes Tuscany’s best white wines – is grown and made in California, the warm climate giving it extra flavour. The almond nuttiness pairs the earthy parsnip while the herbal freshness cools the spice. Delicious!

Uvaggio Vermentino 2013 £11.95, bbr.com

I

BEEF WELLINGTON WITH HORSERADISH MASH

e’re spoilt for choice with the range of big and meaty reds that work well with beef wellington, the difference here being the seasonal addition of peppery horseradish, which always loves a red from Portugal’s most famous wine valley, the Douro. The intense fruitcake flavours of spice and fruit marry up the meat and mash a treat.

Quinta dos Frades Vinha dos Deuses 2011 £19.35, bottleapostle.com

W

BLOOD ORANGE TART

his cheeky take on tarte au citron is more wine-friendly than its lemon version, and it’s also a blindingly good match with Cream Sherry (which is something many people might have left over from Christmas). The key flavour in this sweet Sherry is tangy orange rind which, together with its smooth texture melts in the mouth with the tart.

Barbadillo Cream Sherry £11.99, selfridges.com

T

Home Comforts Fa r m D r o p

The future of sustainable food shopping, Farm Drop is an efficient way of eating green. Choose produce from over 70 farmers and local producers and have it delivered to your door in no time, and for no extra charge. farmdrop.co.uk

janeparkinson.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Chis_Jan15_foodNotes.indd 60

60 15/12/2015 11:39

FOOD & DRINK / NOTES JA N UA RY cocktail

Created by redemption

STUCK IN A JAM Arabica

Until recently raspberry jam was my choice of conserves, but that was before tasting Arabica’s brilliant strawberry and rosewater jam, which is the perfect combination of sweet, sticky and delicately flavoured. £5; arabicafoodandspice.com

sweet things pic

ZILLI'S BACK Firezza

Aldo Zilli returns to the London scene with a new menu for fabulous pizza service Firezza. The Zill set meal includes two pizzas, lasagne, doughballs, a delicious semifreddo dessert and a bottle of wine, delivered to your door pronto. firezza.com

Beetrootini INGREDIENTS

Home-made beetroot juice Freshly squeezed orange juice lime coconut water ◆

METHOD

Combine the ingredients and shake over ice.

'Spoil yourself without spoiling yourself' is the motto at alcohol-free Redemption, 6 Chepstow Road, W2

editor’s

PICK

WINE of the month

EASTERN DELIGHTS Simply Chocolate

W o r d s R O M Y VA N D E N B R O E K E

Forget flowers, Danish chocolate advocates, Chokodays, are celebrating every type with its new Simply Chocolate Instead of Flowers boxes, which contain treats such as almond spiked and moca chocolate concoctions. harrods.com

SUGAR AND SPICE Sweet Things

The second outpost of Primrose Hill's Sweet Things has opened in Blenheim Crescent and it claims to be the UK's first cashless cafe. Stop in for crepes, cupcakes and award-winning Brownies. 8 Blenheim Crescent, W11 sweetthings.biz

61 Chis_Jan15_foodNotes.indd 61

f you’re doing dry January, look away now, because this wine may steer you off track. From the Sonoma Coast in California, this 2011 multi-layered wine is bursting with red berry, plum and cranberry notes, complemented by subtle hints of orange zest, anise, cedar and green tea. Wild Ridge have created the perfect Pinot Noir. ◆ I

Wild Ridge Pinot Noir 2011, £34 wildridgevineyards.com

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:40

XXXXXX / XXXXXXX

GNOCCHI

With Wild Mushrooms Ser ves 4 -6

here is something undeniably comforting about little pillows of potato gnocchi. When cooked properly, they should be tender and fluffy rather than dense and heavy.

T

I n g r e d i e nt s • 500 g even-sized small floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper, unpeeled • 100 g 00 flour, plus extra to dust • freshly grated nutmeg • 1 egg, beaten • 30 g unsalted butter • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 2 banana shallots, finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 300 g wild mushrooms, cleaned and sliced if large • 75 ml dry white wine • 150 ml double cream • a small handful of fresh parsley leaves, chopped • fine sea salt and ground black pepper • freshly grated Parmesan, to serve

COMFORT FOOD

Recipes from Winter Cabin Cooking, divine dishes to keep you warm Wo r d s L i z z i e K a m e n e t z k y P i c t u r e s n a s s i m a r ot h ac k e r

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

B&C_NOV15_RECIPES.indd 62

M e th o D 1 Cook the potatoes, whole in their skins, in boiling salted water for 25 minutes. 2 Drain the potatoes and, once cool enough to handle, peel the skins off and mash the flesh using a potato ricer or by pushing it through a sieve so it is lump-free and fine. 3 Put the flour, 1 teaspoon salt and a little nutmeg into a bowl and add the potato, mixing with the blade of a knife.

Make a well in the centre, add the beaten egg and mix together until well combined.

Bring together with your hands but don’t knead or you could make your gnocchi tough. 4 On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into sausage shapes, about 1 cm wide, then cut into 1 cm pieces. Use the tines on the back of a fork to roll the gnocchi, giving them the characteristic ridges. Put on a floured baking sheet and chill until you are ready to cook.

(Cook now or chill for up to 24 hours.)

5 Make the sauce. Melt the butter in a pan and add the oil and shallots. Cook for 10 minutes. Add the garlic and fry for a further 30 seconds then add the mushrooms. Increase the heat and fry for 10 minutes until they are golden brown.

6 Add the wine and bubble for a minute.

Add the cream, a splash of boiling water to loosen it a little and plenty of salt and pepper, then stir in most of the parsley.

7 Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and add the gnocchi. They are cooked once they float to the surface, about 1–2 minutes. Scoop out with a slotted spoon and divide among warmed serving bowls.

Warm through the sauce and spoon over the gnocchi. Scatter with the remaining parsley and serve. ◆

62 17/12/2015 09:39

FOOD & DRINK / RECIPES

BUTTER TARTS Makes 24

wonderful Canadian speciality, these tarts are a little like a treacle tart but without the breadcrumbs. Everyone I asked had their own recipe, but this is my version, simple and sweet with a rich hint of maple syrup and a hit of nuts. I like these warm with a drizzle of cream.

A

I n g r e d i e nt s • 250 g plain flour, plus extra to dust • 2 tablespoons caster sugar • a good pinch of fine sea salt • 100 g cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes • 75 g cold lard, cut into cubes • 1 egg yolk • 2–3 tablespoons ice-cold water FO R TH E F I LLI N G • 2 eggs • 00 g light muscovado sugar • 75 ml maple syrup • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • 100 ml double cream • 60 g unsalted butter • 50 g chopped walnuts or pecan nuts • 125 g (dark) raisins • 2 x 12-hole tart pans

M e th o D 1 Mix the flour with the sugar and salt.

Either in a food processor or with your fingertips, rub in the cold butter and lard until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and then add enough cold water to bring the mixture together. Knead briefly into a smooth dough then shape into a disc and chill for 10 minutes. 2 Roll out on a lightly floured surface and cut out 24 discs 7.5 cm in diameter using a fluted cutter.

Line the tart pans with the pastry and chill in the fridge while you make the filling.

3 Preheat the oven to 190°C Gas 5. 4 Beat the eggs with the sugar, syrup, vanilla and cream. Pour into a pan, add the butter and cook over a low heat until the butter is melted and the mixture thickens and coats the back of the spoon. Remove from the heat. Stir in the nuts and raisins. Divide between the tart shells. 5 Bake for 16–18 minutes until the filling is set and golden.

Cool for a few minutes before turning out.

Serve warm or cold. ◆

TROUT A LA MEUNIERE Ser ves 4

here is a surprising amount of fish in the mountains, such as fera and perch from the deep, cold lakes. These fish don’t often find their way to the UK or US, and even when they do some people seem to be suspicious of freshwater fish, fearing that they may taste muddy, which they never should. This classic dish is delicious with rainbow or brown trout, but you could also make it with sea trout when it is in season.

T

I n g r e d i e nt s • 4 trout fillets • plain flour, seasoned, to dust • olive oil, to fry • 30 g unsalted butter • freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon • 3 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed • a handful of fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped sea salt and ground black pepper M e th o d 1 Dust the fish fillets in seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Heat a layer of oil in a non-stick frying pan and fry the fish until golden brown on both sides and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside 2 Add the butter to the pan and allow to foam and start to become brown and nutty. 3 Stir in the lemon, capers and parsley and serve immediately with the fish. ◆

63 B&C_NOV15_RECIPES.indd 63

JANUARY 2016

17/12/2015 09:39

SAVE OVER

£60 Including

FIZZ!

Stock up for the Season for JUST

£4.99 a bottle!

Virgin Wines are delighted to bring readers an exclusive deal on a selection of 12 boutique wines, including fizz, for just £4.99 a bottle! This superb selection of wines includes top-rated Australian Shiraz, stunning 11 year old gold medal winning Gran Reserva, a deliciously crisp Sauvignon Blanc and much more – all alongside a stunning bottle of Italian Prosecco to toast any celebration. With a saving of over £60 on boutique quality wines delivered direct to your door and all covered by our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you really can’t go wrong!

Stock for this exclusive deal is very limited to just one case per customer. Place your order before 4pm on Tuesday 29th December and get your wines delivered for New Years Eve.*

Luxury Reader Selection Was £121.88 | NOW £59.88 (Plus p&p) To order, visit www.virginwines.co.uk/VA1161 Or call 0843 224 1001 quoting VA1161 Terms and Conditions: Strictly limited to once case per customer. UK delivery only. Postage and packing is charged at £7.99 per case. Calls cost 5ppm from a BT landline.

You may also be charged a connection fee. Mobile and other providers’ charges may vary. Calls may be monitored or recorded for training purposes. It is a legal requirement for you to be 18 or over to purchase alcohol. Wines are subject to availability and may be substituted for a similar wine of equal or greater value at our discretion. Terms & Conditions apply, please visit www.virginwines.co.uk for full details. *Guaranteed Christmas delivery is postcode and adverse weather dependant.

VIRGIN WINES.indd 1

11/12/2015 09:33

FOOD & DRINK / RECIPES

ESTERHAZY CAKE Ser ves 12–14

his beautiful hazelnut layer cake is a labour of love, but it’s worth every second. I love the way the cake looks, with its spider’s web icing.

Once I got over my initial shock at how many layers this cake needed, I found it to be a simple cake masquerading as a technical challenge.

T

FO R TH E S P O N G E • 400 g blanched hazelnuts • 3 tablespoons plain flour • 9 egg whites • 200 g caster sugar FO R TH E F I LLI N G • 9 egg yolks • 200 g caster sugar • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • 225 g unsalted butter, softened • 20 g unsweetened cocoa powder

FO R TH E TO P • 3 tablespoons apricot jam • 40 g dark chocolate • 3 teaspoons vegetable oil 300 g icing sugar • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice • warm water • 2 baking sheets, lined with baking parchment • small disposable piping bag M e th o d 1 Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F) Gas 3.

2 Put the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes. Cool and then blitz in a food processor until roughly chopped. Take out 150 g and set aside.

Add the flour to the food processor and blitz to fine crumbs 3 In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks, then whisk in the sugar, a spoonful at a time, until you have a smooth, glossy meringue.

65 B&C_NOV15_RECIPES.indd 65

Fold in the hazelnut and flour mixture.

Take the lined baking sheets and draw on five 20 cm circles. Divide the mixture among the circles and spread evenly.

Bake for 16 minutes until golden brown and not sticky to the touch. You may need to do this in batches. 4 Make the filling.

Put the egg yolks, sugar and vanilla in a heatproof bowl and set over a pan of barely simmering water. Whisk with an electric hand whisk until pale and voluminous. Remove from the water and whisk for a few more minutes then let cool completely. Beat the butter until light and fluffy, then fold in the cooled egg mixture and cocoa powder. 5 Peel all the meringues off the baking parchment.

Put one on a clean piece of baking parchment on a baking sheet and spread with about one-quarter of the filling. Top with another meringue and layer up in this fashion, ending with a meringue, but reserving a little buttercream. Use the remaining buttercream to spread around the outside of the cake. Top with another piece of parchment then put a baking sheet on top. Weigh down with a couple of cans and chill for 1 hour. 6 Melt the apricot jam in a pan with 1 tablespoon water, then push it through a sieve until smooth. Put the chilled cake on a cake plate, still on its bottom layer of parchment. Spread the apricot jam over the top. Chill for 10 minutes. 7 Melt the chocolate with half the oil in a small heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Pour into the piping bag and set aside. 8 Whisk the icing sugar and lemon with the remaining oil, then gradually add warm water, a little at a time, until you have a smooth, spreadable glaze. Pour about half the glaze over the cake and smooth it out – don’t worry if it drips down the side. 9 You can add more glaze if you need to – you want to create a really smooth layer. Snip a small hole at the bottom of the chocolate piping bag and pipe a spiral of chocolate over the icing. Use the tip of a sharp knife to drag six lines from the centre of the cake to the outside. In between each outward line, drag the tip of the knife back into the centre of the cake to create a spider’s web effect. 10 Clean the sides of the cake with a spatula and press the reserved chopped hazelnuts around the edge. Chill the cake overnight. 11 Carefully remove the parchment from the base and pop the cake back on your cake plate and you are ready to serve. ◆ Winter Cabin Cooking by Lizzie Kamenetzky Ryland Peters & Small, £19.99; rylandpeters.com

JANUARY 2016

17/12/2015 09:39

CARLO ROTTA.indd 1

23/10/2015 17:34

FOOD & DRINK / RESTAURANT REVIEW

LURRA New tricks for an old cow Wo r d s a m a n d a c o n s ta n c e

L

urra means ‘land’ in Basque and this northern Spanish grill tucked behind Marble Arch is all about the fat of the land, in the form of tasty beef. Donostia, its sister restaurant over the road, put vaca vieja (literally, old cow) on the London map and our old cow was an uncompromising 14 years old (most British beef is slaughtered at 18 months). At Lurra it is all about simply cooking the meat, searing it over the hot charcoal and wood of the Erretegias, the traditional grill of the Basque country.

Our kilo (yes 1kg) of teenaged ‘Galician rubia gallega’ – that’s rib-eye steak to you and me – came simply served: seared,

salted and presented on a burning hot cast-iron dish. As one who pleads with restaurants to cook meat less, we were thrilled when our waitress said the meat would be served medium rare. But this cow was still mooing, my husband – the most unrepentant of carnivores - said it was like eating a baby seal. Yes, it was delicious, smoky, flavoursome, soft and yielding, but it still challenged my inner cavewoman.

Starters delighted more.

Sourdough with bone marrow was bread to die for with red, delicate marrow bone to scoop out and slather. A courgette flower with cod brandada was a delightful combination of a salty pillow of fish and sweet courgette but the Basque speciality of hake kokotxas pil pil - hake throats in

LURRA IS A LOVELY PLACE to be. It’s all blond wood, MARBLE and LIGHT

67 NH_Jan16_Food_Review.indd 67

an emulsion of olive oil, garlic and fish stock – tasted all the world to me like a Filet ‘o Fish – sorry Lurra.

The stand-out dish was blistered Gernikia peppers with sea salt. A fireblasted, sour, salty, crunchy finger of loveliness. We devoured the lot. The other sensation was a main of squid stuffed with prawns and chorizo with squid ink sauce. The charred squid gave way to a smoky sweet prawn and chorizo filling.

We wouldn’t let them clear our plates until more bread had been brought to mop up the sauce.

Lurra is a lovely place to be. It’s all blond wood, marble and light. There’s a inner courtyard that seats 20, the perfect place for a metropolitan summer evening.

Come, sit at the bar, drink the fabulous wine but maybe ask for your cow to have a few more seconds on the grill. ◆

● Lurra

9 Seymour Place, London W1, 020-3620 1845.

Open lunch Tues-Sat, noon-2.30pm, dinner Mon-Sat, 6-11pm. lurra.co.uk

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:43

DINING LIVING OFFICE

London & Surrey

KITCHENS

020 7253 3206 or 01372 379810

BEDROOMS

www.wharfside.co.uk

WHARFSIDE.indd Absolutely Magazine1January 2016.indd 1

30/11/2015 27/11/2015 16:35 13:52

> INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

p. 70

NEW LOOKS FOR 2016

p. 74

KIT KEMP p. 76

NEW BUILD? Nu-Line Builders Merchant has been a supplier of top quality building and hardware products since 1965, and they are now known as one of the UK's leading retailers. nu-line.net

69 CH_Jan16_interior_Opener copy.indd 69

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:45

10 of the best for a

clean slate

Minimalistic pieces for a clean look in the New Year

OLIVER BONAS

Luxe Marble Drink Trolley; £350, oliverbonas.com

Wo r d s J e s s i c a k l i n g e l f u s s

GRAHAM & GREEN

Bamboo Lampshade in Black; £125, grahamandgreen.co.uk

MINT

Pixel Table; £POA, mintshop.co.uk

BODIE AND FOU

must

Kaeko Table; £790, bodieandfou.com

HAVE

Tress Code JONATHAN ADLER

Rutledge Sofa; £3,250, jonathanadler.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CHIS_JAN15_Interior_Insp_.indd 70

Pinch London-based design brand Pinch is bringing a renewed sense of pleasure to routine grooming with its ‘Iona Chevil Mirror’. The fulllength, pivoting elliptical mirror – available in oak with a white oiled finish – features a shaker-style joint and brass rivet detail on one side, supported in an A-frame with a lacquered drawer box below. £2,055; pinchdesign.com

70 15/12/2015 11:47

HOMES & INTERIORS / NOTES ROSE & GREY

Marble White Wallpaper; £199, roseandgrey.co.uk

SHINE YOUR LIGHT

Tom D ixon Extraordinary objects for everyday use; this is the Tom Dixon way. Even something as simple as a tea light holder can be turned into a wood grain shadow maker. Consider us impressed, again. ‘Etch’ Tealight Holder, £50; tomdixon.net

A STITCH IN TIME

editor’s

PICK

STEPEVI Originating in Istanbul, 1919, this luxury carpet company has been creating some of the most inspired rugs, runners and home accessories. Now, STEPEVI combines modern technology with traditional construction techniques and the resulting products are sheer works of art. stepevi.com

NICK FRASER

Geometric Pendant Half Glazed; £36, culturelabel.com

POUR IT UP

Alessi This iconic 9093 stainless steel kettle by Michael Graves is synonymous with Alessi. To mark its 30th anniversary, Graves has redesigned it, replacing the tweeting bird with a Tyrannosaurus rexshaped whistle. £99.95; alessi.com

ARCHITECTMADE

Finn Juhl Clock; £649, skandium.com

HABITAT

Tatsuma White Dressing Table; £150, habitat.co.uk

STREAM STYLIN’

Zip Form meets function with Zip’s popular HydroTap G4 range.

Now available in three striking designs – Arc, Cube, and Elite – get filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling water, instantly, from a tap that complements your kitchen thanks to the four finishes to choose from. zipwater.com

71 CHIS_JAN15_Interior_Insp_.indd 71

OKA

Kumozu Bedside Table; £585, okadirect.com

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:47

NICHE INTEREST Specialising in bespoke cabinetry and storage solutions, The London Alcove Company can transform your home

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

B&C_Oct15_LONDON ALCOVE_ADV.indd 72

T

oday’s house prices show how much your space is really worth.

The London Alcove Company understands this and is dedicated to delivering high quality interior cabinetry in a clean and efficient way. With the aim to improve the lifestyle of all its customers, providing a top quality service on time and as specified, in an honest and reliable way. All in order to make your space more livable, functional and valuable.

The variety of products is pretty much endless as everything is made to measure and bespoke.

The main work that The London

72 15/12/2015 11:56

ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION Alcove Company carries out includes alcove units, wardrobes, bookcases, radiator covers and window seats. There is also a substantial amount of work that involves making custom pieces to match existing modular items.

Cameron Riddell (director) recalls designing a hanging glazed display unit for 18th century loots and commissioning a changing table addition to convert an existing chest of drawers into nursery furniture.

The London Alcove Company has been built into a thriving business that employees are proud and excited to work for.

The company consists of a small team that specialises in design, construction, spray booth operation, installation and on site decoration. Cameron is the head designer and oversees every job.

Return business is a major part of all work undertaken by The London Alcove Company. Very often the job will involve a few items to start with after which the customer will come back for more and more. Their installation of high quality alcove units, wardrobes and bookcases has been called in the past “life changing” with one customer referring to it as “London Alcove addiction”.

The process is very easy and free from the “sales” approach.

Customers can either call up the office and book a time for Cameron

We aim to

IMPROVE THE LIFESTYLE of our

customers

to come out and see them at a time to suit or alternatively visit londonalcove.com and click on a “Get a Quote” link to fill in a form with some rough measurements and details to get a quotation sent out via e-mail. The quotes include the price along with a technical drawing which is left with the customer who may then decide to alter the design. The process will then be repeated until the design is perfectly suited and all requirements met.

The London Alcove Company offers a 50-year guarantee on all of its work. This covers cabinetmaking work, parts and fittings.

With that in mind the company’s mission statement reads: “We promise our customer transparent pricing, a high quality product and a fantastic service, with an understanding that we are working in your home for you respectfully and diligently.

We believe the work well done today will bring us work for years to come and our reputation for delivering our promise is something to be proud of. “ With a reputation for honesty, reliability and quality it’s not hard to see why The London Alcove Company is regarded in such high esteem by its clients. ◆

● london ALCOVE COMPANY

0800 389 5724; londonalcove.com

73 B&C_Oct15_LONDON ALCOVE_ADV.indd 73

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:56

HOMES & INTERIORS / PRODUCTS DRUMMONDS

Thames Vanity Unit, from £6,300; drummonds-uk.com

SWOON EDITIONS

NATUZZI

Scott Sideboard in Mango Wood, £449; swooneditions.com

Mapa Bowl, from £720; natuzzi.co.uk

THE SOFA & CHAIR COMPANY

RIEDEL

Bowen Side Table, £1,395; thesofa andchair.co.uk

Black Tie Decanter, £495; amara.com

ARTHUR ARBESSER

Wool Throws, from £90; hem.com

ORCHID FURNITURE

19th Century Tall Cabinet, £2,395; orchidfurniture.com

REIKO KANEKO

Large Cylinder Vase, £140; reikokaneko.co.uk

JONATHAN ADLER

Antibes Four Drawer Dresser, £2,450; jonathanadler.com

HENRIK PEDERSEN

Adelaide Chair, £683; boconcept.com

INSIDE OUT

ROSE & GREY

Round Brass & Marble Drinks Trolley, £325; roseandgrey.co.uk

Refresh your home in the New Year with these recent design finds By jessica klingelfuss

SONYA WINNER

Tree Trunk Silk Rug, £7,525; sonyawinner.com

BOCA DO LOBO

VITRA

Occasional Table, £212; skandium.com

Eden Series Centre Table, £POA; bocadolobo.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CHIS_Jan16_IntProd.indd 74

74 15/12/2015 11:56

Simply the best.

New Loewe Connect 32. Smaller TVs usually mean compromises to features and picture quality. The Loewe Connect 32, however, recognises a requirement for a premium quality compact TV. Our engineers have developed a custom-made Full HD panel to ensure maximum colour saturation from every angle, increased brightness, minimum reflection and excellent contrast. A fully integrated powerful 80W soundbar and built-in 1TB hard drive, to pause and record TV, complete the package. Connect 32 is simply the best in its class. Made in Germany. Experience it for yourself at Loewe Galerie Harrods or www.loewe.tv

LOEWE.indd 1

14/12/2015 09:54

CRIMSON JOY Every Room Tells a Story, says Kit Kemp in her new book.

Here she rhapsodises about red Wo r d s K I T K E M P

R

ed is that very special colour artists return to time and again to create an accent that catches the eye and secures the observer’s attention. Red can bring a room alive but doesn’t have to be used in large doses to be effective. If used too much it can be claustrophobic and overpowering – that is why, when I say ‘just add red’, I mean just a dash and not a dollop.

One of my favourite combinations is black, white and red. It’s a lasting classic combination but still looks contemporary, and there are so many fabulous ways to combine them together.

There are some arresting and individual wallpapers on the market and we chose one with a black-and-white cloud effect to encircle a graceful Regency room at Haymarket Hotel. It’s not a natural choice but it adds to the challenge. I wanted to

limit the colour palette by adding shades of grey and touches of red. The plain grey curtains with a leading edge in red have flat deep buckram pelmets to accentuate the height and elegance of the room.

The furniture was limited to black, including a glass-fronted cabinet and a wine table that doubles as a dining area.

The headboard is black with a witty appliqué of an aeroplane flying through clouds and sits above red handembroidered bed cushions.

We asked the Biarritz artist Mimi to create teapots from mosaic with ceramic motifs. Mimi’s work is always unusual – placed inside the glass-fronted cabinet, it becomes a wonderful collection of imaginative curiosities that are unique and colourful. There is a sofa in black and a deep, comfortable Howard-style chair to curl up in. The detailing on the dining chairs includes a pocket on the side to hold the daily newspaper or maybe a pair of

ONE OF my

favourite combinations is black, WHITE AND RED

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_Dec15_KIT_v2.indd 76

76 15/12/2015 12:01

HOMES & INTERIORS / COLOUR

77 NH_Dec15_KIT_v2.indd 77

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 12:01

HOMES & INTERIORS / COLOUR

When I say ‘JUST ADD RED’, I mean A DASH, not A DOLLOP reading glasses with a well-read book.

Little details like this add so much delight, but are useful too. In the lobby of Haymarket Hotel I have recently introduced a wonderful bold red to a chrome, yellow, black and white scheme. The space is divided by Tony Cragg’s liquid sculpture taking centre stage. One yellow wall has a large painting in black and white by John Virtue; the other side, a delicate balance of Sue Lawty’s pebble ribbon above a red wool upholstered 18th century Swedish sofa. It’s still a work in progress because we await a carpet based on a Native American design.

It will be the final dash of red to complete the look. u Extract taken from Every Room Tells A Story by Kit Kemp, published by Hardie Grant Books, £30

KIT KEMP ON HER COLLABORATION WITH ANTHROPOLOGIE... hen creating a furniture collection for Anthropologie, the detail of each piece was given a great deal of consideration. The way the leg of the dining chair was turned, how the leather holding strap was buttoned to the top curve, and the strength of

W

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_Dec15_KIT_v2.indd 78

the fabric to withstand wear and tear were all key. The mirror-backed shelf unit was designed for use in a multitude of areas in the home – in the bathroom to hold toothpaste and brushes, in the kitchen to hold herbs and spices, or over a mantelpiece to hold treasured collections of

glass vases and bottles.

My favourite chair, the Winged White Rhino, flew out of the shops as soon as it arrived. I added a brass table ruler to divide and encircle each of the oak side tables. The wooden discs at the base of a rectangular table were inspired by the work of British artist Terry Frost. u

78 15/12/2015 12:02

AB Ana Barreto Interiors

Interior Design | Furniture | Accessories | Fabrics www.anabarretointeriors.com sales@ anabarretointeriors.com 4-6 Poplar Court Parade, Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 2DT

T: 0208 744 9777 ANA BARRETO.03.indd 1

02/12/2015 16:04

www.hurtwoodhouse.com

HURTWOOD HOUSE.indd 2

07/09/2015 17:19

> SMALL TALK

p. 83

AMANDA CONSTANCE: THE TUTOR TRAIL

p. 85

ON POINT Add some magic to the last months of winter with help from French kids fashion house Bonpoint. The latest collection marries vibrant colour, rich texture and elegant cuts to enchanting effect. bonpoint.com

81 CH_JAN16_Kids_Opener copy.indd 81

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 12:20

DISCOVERMORE

Embracing an innovative, modern approach whilst keeping traditional values at its core, Kew House School takes an exciting stance on 21st century education. With state-of-the-art facilities, a broad curriculum and excellent pastoral care, Kew House is

Open Days January 12th (9.30am) February 5th/9th (9.30am/9.30am)

a place where you would want to be – a place of learning and

March 8th (9.30am)

discovery, laughter and friendship.

April 26th (7pm)

T: 0208 742 2038 E: info@kewhouseschool.com W: www.kewhouseschool.com

An independent co-educational senior school for students aged 11-18 in West London KHS CHELSEA.indd 1

@kewhouseschool

09/12/2015 14:37

KIDS & EDUCATION / NOTES WINTER WARMERS

Amaia Kids clothing doesn’t come much cuter than the timeless AW15 collection by independent, awardwinning Chelsea-based brand Amaia. The old fashioned knits are definitely on our wishlist; perfect winter attire. amaiakids.co.uk

B ook R eview

THE FOX AND THE STAR

by Coralie Bickford-Smith R e v i e w e d b y P E A R L B OY D

SMALL TALK

Old-fashioned knits, slumber bags for sleeping babes and our pick of this month’s best apps

BAGS OF STYLE JEM + BEA

JEM + BEA is a new British luxury baby changing bag brand, launched by childhood friends with design backgrounds. The collection is stylish, yet practical with internal compartments and even a thermoinsulated bottle pocket, but we love the luxe finishes and embossed leather keyrings.

Prices start at £79; jemandbea.com

Particular Books, £14.99 cb-smith.com

COOL CASUAL

SLEEPY HEAD

¢ This limited edition range from cult French brand émoi émoi include sweatshirts for the kids but also mum and dad. Fashion functionality is key as a parent; luckily with this collection, your style credentials won’t take a hit. ◆ Navy sweatshirt, €45; en.emoi-emoi.com

¢ Increasingly popular in colder months (when blankets won’t cut it), these slumber bags are ethically-sourced using the softest premium cotton, come in four bright colours (as well as a more minimal grey) and a name tag for baby. ◆ £39.95; mybabysnameis.com

émoi émoi

M y B a b y’s N a m e I s

83 CHIS_Jan16_Kids_Notes.indd 83

W

aterstones' Book of the Year 2015 is The Fox and The Star by Coralie Bickford-Smith, a designer at Penguin books. The first book for this London-based author is a beautifully illustrated story about love and loss in a lovely cloth-bound volume and its intricately linked prose and design is inspired by the graphic works of William Morris.

When Fox's greatest friend disappears, his search for Star takes him on a journey of grief before he finds his way is lit with hope. ◆

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 12:22

ABSOLUTELY

DESIGN CONSULTANCY FURNITURE & LIGHTING UPHOLSTERY & RESTORATION FABRICS & TRIMMINGS CURTAINS & BLINDS WALLPAPER & PAINT CARPETS & RUGS

LONDON

S T Y L I S H . I N T E L L I G E N T . E L E G A N T . A B S O L U T E LY

ABSOLUTELY

CHELSEA

LONDON

JANUARY 2016 / £3.95

ROLAND MOURET

RIFAT OZBEK

A NEW WORLD OF SHOES

FROM COUTURE TO CUSHIONS

RED HOT

KIT KEMP'S COLOUR THERAPY

LEAP OF FAITH

DOWNLOAD THE NEW

i PA D A P P T O D AY

THEATRICAL LOOKS FOR THE NEW YEAR

SEARCH FOR

‘ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES LONDON’ STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT

14/12/2015 IPAD13:56 QP.indd 1 04/12/2015 20:10

Richmond

MARCH 2013 £3.95

CHILD'S PLAY

NOTTING HILL

SUGAR

KENSINGTON

SUGAR CITY & ANGEL Putney & Wandsworth

ALEX AND ALEXA'S DESIGNER PICKS

NORTH BY NORTHWEST

BEST AFTERNOON TEAS IN TOWN

Battersea & Clapham

CREATIVE MINDS

TOP ART HOLIDAYS IN EUROPE

DAVID NASH MAKING SHAPES IN KEW GARDENS

T: 020 7704 0588 / F: 020 7900 3020 WWW.ZEST-MEDIA.COM

INSIDER DEALINGS CHE.indd 1 InsiderDealings1601_Absolutely_Chelsea&Fulham.indd 1

ABSOLUTELY A BSOLUTEL BSOLUTELY Chelsea Fulham

FASHION • SHOPPING • FOOD & DRINK • WHAT’S ON • CULTURE • INTERIORS • PROPERTY

WWW. I N S I D E R D E A L I N G S W 4 . COM

iTUNES, NEWSSTAND OR APP STORE

The Best of Local Luxury

MARCH 2013

135 CHISWICK HIGH ROAD, LONDON, W4 2ED • 020 8994 1030

14/12/2015 18:10

RICHMOND

INSIDER DEALINGS

COVERS JANUARY 2016 v2.indd 1

SS TT Y Y LLII SS H H .. II N N TT E E LL LL II G GE EN NT. T. E ELLE EG GA AN NT. T. A AB B SS O O LLU UTTE ELY LY

15/12/2015 11:43

The Fireplace Specialists

“We are the UK’s leading suppliers and installers of luxury fireplaces and stoves manufactured by DRU, Faber, Spartherm, Stovax and many more.

_CHELSEA_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 1

15/12/2015 11:44

KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOL TALK

Tutor trail

Finding a tutor for your child can seem as overwhelming as finding the right school.

Here are some tips on where to start Wo r d s A M a n d a C o n s ta n c e

Does my child need a tutor?

Extra support can be invaluable for a child who needs help academically or has missed school through illness. For international families with children in the British education system, a tutor can be invaluable for getting a pupil’s English up to speed, exam preparation, or making up for differences in the curriculum.

Lucy Cawkwell of tutor agency Osborne Cawkwell says: “A tutor who can tell a child what school is like, particularly boarding, will provide emotional support as well as preparing them academically.”

At what age should tutoring start?

Tutors often prepare children for specific exams: the 7+, the 11+ and the 13+ or Common Entrance. Tutors will also be called on for GCSE, A-Levels (or IB) and Oxbridge examinations. As Charles Bonas, of blue-chip tutor agency Bonas MacFarlane says: “Everybody needs tuition because the schools system is so competitive and tutoring gives you a clear advantage. To get into the top senior and independent schools – particularly in London – gets more difficult every year.”

How long before ex ams should tutoring begin?

Two years before the 11+ is the ideal.

“This makes it a more relaxed process,” says Stephen Spriggs, managing director of William Clarence Education. “It means we have time to cement good learning habits.” As a minimum, tutoring should start no less than six months before the 11+ exams.

How do I find a top-notch tutor?

Talk to people who have been through the process. Interview owners of several

know you and understand how the whole family is placed. “It is important to get an idea of the personality of the child,” says Stephen Spriggs, “because all too often, even parents will ignore it.” Agencies will devise a bespoke tutoring plan and a shortlist of possible schools. Spriggs says: “ It’s about having a partner in the process. It is not about someone ringing us up and we give them a place at Eton.”

To get into the top SENIOR & INDEPENDENT schools gets more difficult every year top agencies. Question the agencies’ safeguarding protocols. Can you trust them with your child’s education? Ask for parent references and follow them up.

Talk money. And meet the tutor without your child.

How do I know the tutor will be up to scratch?

An agency is as only as good as its tutors.

Some will have a relatively small number of professional tutors, some a vast database of contacts, from jobbing Oxford graduates to career tutors.

How will they assess my child?

All good agencies will want to meet you and your child. They will want to get to

85 CHIS_Jan16_Education.indd 85

How do we avoid putting too much pressure on our child?

“The key is finding the balance between hothousing and giving support,” says Charles Bonas. “We might start at 5 or 6 to prepare a child for 7+ but often that’s too young, it all depends on the child.”

What about online tuition?

Online tuition is a booming business and companies vary hugely. There is a big difference between reputable agencies relying on Skype for overseas students and tuition agencies that only exist online. Many are good, some not so; it is a largely unregulated market. The obvious bonus is that it’s much cheaper.

Lucy Cawkwell says: “You can’t beat one-to-one teaching but our specialist tutors who teach via Skype are able to engage with the pupil and create that relationship virtually.”

Be realistic Don’t push your child towards a school where they won’t make the academic standard. Take advice from your agency.

Don’t be attracted by only the starriest schools. “There are so many fantastic ones that are less well-known,” says Charles Bonas. Stephen Spriggs cautions: “Getting your child into a particular school is one thing, them staying there and being happy is another.” u

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 12:23

PORT LYMPHE.indd 1

11/12/2015 09:44

> VILLAGE PEOPLE: PENDLE HARTE IN SARDINIA

p. 88

PURE SHORES Pendle Harte discovers luxury and family fun in Forte Village, south Sardinia.

Think sun, sand and clear blue seas, all on page 88...

87 CH_Jan16_Travel_Opener copy.indd 87

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 12:25

VILLAGE PEOPLE Crowned the world’s leading resort, Sardinia’s Forte Village is a luxurious utopia where everything is flawless Wo r d s P e n d l e H a r t e

I

f your idea of being on holiday is not having to do anything resembling a chore or make any decisions more demanding than what to eat next, Forte Village is for you. And if you’re keen to do these things in an environment that’s beautiful and stylish – and especially if you have active, sporty children – then this spot in the south of Sardinia is hard to beat.

The statistics on Forte Village are impressive. 15,000 trees; two million plants; 55 acres of lushness; 21 restaurants; over 700 bedrooms; more than 1,500 guests at a time. Named the World’s Leading Resort in the 2014 World Travel Awards, this is a sprawling world of its own, a destination that’s designed for an immersive luxury experience. And absolutely everything at Forte Village is

world class. Its restaurants are run by celebrity chefs – Gordon Ramsay has an outpost here, as does Alfons Schuhbeck, and there’s a Hells Kitchen staffed by winners of the Italian reality TV show.

Boutiques on site include Bulgari, Galliano and Missoni and the spa counts as one of the world leaders. Even the children’s football club is a soccer school run by Chelsea Football Club and staffed by world standard coaches.

The beaches are among the world’s finest, the pools are impressive; the weather is faultless.

Arriving at the main gates, we are swept off in a golf buggy down terracotta-tiled pathways through lush gardens. Our destination is Hotel Castello – a five-star beachfront site and the resort’s only ‘vertical hotel’.

Most accommodation here is in villas, small ones for couples and huge ones

Its restaurants are

RUN BY CELEBRITY CHEFS and the KIDS' SOCCER school belongs to CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

4PAGES.indd 88

88 15/12/2015 12:26

TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

89 4PAGES.indd 89

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 12:26

Europa_Ski.DEC.indd 2

06/11/2015 14:57

SU

RR

EY

83 ITON, SUKI SHO .CO.U 99 RREY P SIN K 770 KT6 6Q CE 197 0 Z 3

W. E ’S P UR OP RE M AS 2 , D IE R IND IT T KIL ON EP RO E 02 AD, SU NDENTODG E RB 0 S

WW

OR W E

2 ST 0 O 1 IN CK 6 ST NO

TRAVEL / WANDERLUST The thalassotherapy wellness circuit

for extended families – but in Castello our family of four is housed in stylish connecting rooms, which as everybody knows is the best way to travel with children. A wall of glass doors leads to a sunny terrace with views of the sea and the rooms are full of luxurious touches and high-tech specs (multiple ipod docks are standard, but here there’s even a charger for my kindle). Bathrooms come with jacuzzis and what can only be described as disco lights in the shower, while nightly turndown brings a pot of chamomile tea and pillow sweets.

We are here with our two daughters, aged nine and six, and they are booked into the Superskills Academy, an organisation that is all about paring children with actual sporting Legends

WE ARE swept off in a golf buggy DOWN TERRACOTTA-TILED PATHWAYS through

lush gardens

(thereby freeing up their parents to lie on the beach in peace, or hit the spa, of which more later). Options span cricket, netball and rugby, with coaches including Will Greenwood, Austin Healey and Philip DeFreitas. The girls are down for netball, which is led by Karen Atkinson from the senior England team, no less. The games are taken seriously and children are required to report at 9am prompt every morning, wearing their kit and ready to work hard. Which, of course, they are all delighted to do, especially since there’s a lot of emphasis on making friends and socializing. This includes the parents; we’re invited for an introductory drink with the Superskills team and throughout the course of the week various planned activities are devised to get the families together. The highlight for our children

is the final prizegiving ceremony, at which each child is presented with an impressive medal and certificate along with a photo op with the Legends.

Forte is a sprawling site, best understood with the help of the fabulous 3D model map found near the main square, and navigated by bicycle.

There are several pools, including our favourite, the small diving pool (which at five metres deep keeps us endlessly entertained with touching the bottom) and an entire children’s village with its own pool and special Barbie/Thomas

91 4PAGES.indd 91

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 12:27

Chalet Val Pierre.

A Val d’Isere icon Val d’Isere is up there with some of the best resorts in Europe, if not the world, and we have the perfect chalet to match! The Chalet Val Pierre is somewhat of a resort icon, as it’s one of the oldest stone farmhouses in Val d’Isere. It has been refurbished with a touch of grace, carefully blending original features with modern-day comforts.

On arrival, it’s clear to see style and comfort are paramount in this chalet.

The exposed stonewalls, traditional floorboards and thick wooden beams are tastefully complemented by modern comforts, soft fabrics and fantastic works of art. From relaxing in front of the open fire, to easing your muscles in the private sauna you’ll certainly feel a sense of satisfaction staying here.

The entrance hall with secure ski room, boot warmers and large sauna leads to two luxurious en-suite bedrooms and the master suite. From here the spiral staircase brings you to the large open plan living areas with separate study and well equipped kitchen. The fourth bedroom, private bathroom and TV snug (which doubles as a twin room for children) can be found on the upper gallery floor.

The Chalet Val Pierre is available exclusively through www.projectski.co.uk, an Award Winning independent chalet operator specialising in the fabulous high altitude resort of Val d’Isere.

tel: 01795 886666

email: info@info@projectski.co.uk web: www.projectski.co.uk

PROJECT 1 Project Ski SKI.indd Chelsea Ad.indd 1

11:35 15/12/2015 09:47

TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

world for pre-schoolers (here there’s a crèche too) while at the outer reaches of the resort there’s rumoured to be a go-karting track (this we never visit).

Options for dining are many, even before the season is properly underway: there’s a big buffet that serves a huge variety of different dishes every day and which can’t be faulted, but there are also the celebrity chef restaurants and a high class traditional Sardinian option, all of which need to be booked (and paid for) separately to the standard halfboard arrangement. For lunch, there’s a pizzeria on the beach, while breakfast is

a generous affair with lots of fruit, cold cuts, cereals and yoghurt in addition to classic cooked fare.

If children come here for the sports academies, adults come here for the spa. This is where the Italian school of thalassotherapy was founded and leading international specialists are based here.

Thalassotherapy uses seawater as a cure for virtually all ills and the spa’s stylish wellness circuit takes in six seawater pools at different temperatures and with different salt concentrations, with specific timings for each. It takes over an hour to complete, and starts with a bizarre

Sea views from Hotel Castello

93 4PAGES.indd 93

pool that’s so salty that you’re defying gravity as you float on its surface – and it feels more like bathing in olive oil than anything else – but despite looking like Thames water and tasting unspeakable, it is deeply relaxing and otherworldly. The following pools vary in size and temperature, some of them with strong massage jets and currents, and the final stop is a large relaxation pool. We emerge feeling lighter, faster and happy, my skin soft and glowing.

At 40 years old, Forte Village is still leading the way for luxe holidays, though due to local laws it can’t actually expand. Instead, there’s a move towards creating more bigger villas for larger groups, at the expense of some of the smaller accommodations.

So organise your extended family and make a booking. ◆ ¢ Forte Village Resort, Sardinia offers a 7 night stay at Hotel Bouganville from £7,699 for a family of four booked through Classic Collection (0800 294 9324; classic-collection. co.uk) based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing a family bungalow on a half-board basis. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick to Cagliari (other UK departure airports & airlines available) and private transfers. Departs 23rd July 2016. fortevillageresort.com superskillsexperiences.co.uk

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 12:27

ESCAPE AND DINE IN STYLE WITH RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IRELAND

Book a Charming British or Irish Escape in one of our country house or city hotels and experience great British or Irish food at it’s best prepared by some of the most renowned chefs. from just £350* per couple…

Participating hotels: Airds Hotel & Restaurant, Amberley Castle, Ballyfin Demesne, Buckland Manor, Chewton Glen, Cliff House Hotel, Cliveden House, Farlam Hall, Gidleigh Park, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Glenapp Castle, The Goring, Gravetye Manor, Greywalls Hotel and Chez Roux Restaurant, Hambleton Hall, Hartwell House & Spa, Inverlochy Castle, Isle of Eriska Hotel Spa & Island, Kinloch House, Longueville Manor, Lucknam Park, Mallory Court, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Marlfield House, Northcote, Park Hotel Kenmare, The Royal Crescent Hotel, Sheen Falls Lodge, Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Spa, The Vineyard, The Waterside Inn, Whatley Manor, Ynyshir Hall. *VAT may not already be included in some hotels. Dinner without drinks. This offer is valid all year for any holidays taken before December 30th, 2015 included.

Reservations must be made at least 72 hours prior to arrival date and are subject to availability. Changes may be done without prior notice. Rate based on two people sharing a double room. Accommodation in a double classic or superior room, a dinner for 2 people and a sumptuous breakfast for 2 the following morning.

Euros will apply in hotels in Ireland. For reservations please call 00 800 08 251 020** ** Toll free number

www.relaischateaux.com

RC_BADA Advert_2014_AW_NOV 20142#2.indd 1 RELAIS & CHATEAUX CHELSEA.indd JAN_ R&C DPS.indd 64

10/12/2014 17:59 17:25 23/02/2015 17:08 17/12/2014

Fall in love with Cliveden all over again

London’s Country Retreat Awaits Just 40 minutes from Central London, the world of Cliveden is tantalizingly close. A place for celebration, romance and indulgence is just a stone’s throw away.

Frederick Prince of Wales, Queen Victoria, Edward VII, Winston Churchill, Teddy Roosevelt, George Bernard Shaw, Charlie Chaplin and The Beatles.

Since 1666, Cliveden has been witness to Scandal, lavish entertaining and a lust for life.

Its illustrious guest list is endless, including

Loose yourself for a weekend in 376 acres of magnificent National Trust gardens and parkland, on the edge of the River Thames.

Cliveden House, Taplow, Berkshire SL6 0JF Tel: +44 (0) 1628 607107 reservations@clivedenhouse.co.uk www.clivedenhouse.co.uk

17:25 17:59

RELAIS & CHATEAUX.indd 3

24/07/2015 15:24

Luxurious Catered Chalets in Verbier

A World Class Ski Resort Verbier is a stunning Swiss village with a serious ski obsession.

It’s a Mecca for those wanting to ski and party hard, with a reputation for having some of the best terrain in Europe and a buzzing après-scene to match. With 410km of piste, high-altitude skiing up to 3330m and plenty of off-piste opportunities, Verbier truly is the King of resorts.

Sensational Food & Wine We aim to create the perfect dinner party for you and your friends every night of the week. Our menus have been carefully designed, allowing our chefs to be creative and flexible. Our food is of the highest quality and our wines have been hand-picked to complement evening meals.

Luxurious Chalets We are a small, independent company with an exciting portfolio of handpicked chalets in the Swiss resort of Verbier.

From contemporary penthouse apartments to traditional, free-standing ‘chocolate-box’ chalets, our accommodation options are renowned for their luxury and exceptional locations.

Five Star Service We’ve tried the most secret runs and its best night spots, we employ the most creative chefs and feature its most exquisite accommodation. Over the past 14 years, our success has been achieved by providing sensational food and wine, superb skiing and unrivalled service... so let us prove to you that Ski Armadillo is the number one choice for your next skiing holiday to Verbier.

T: 01799 668516 | E: info@skiarmadillo.com | W: skiarmadillo.com

SKI ARMADILLO.indd chelsea advert.indd 1 1

14:54 09/12/2015 14:31

TRAVEL / UK GETAWAY THE HOTEL

T

he drive up to Lucknam is quite something. At a milelong, the driveway sets the scene for your weekend ahead.

The vast grounds (500 acres to be precise) frame the house and, what with the woodland, make it ideal for hacking. The exact history of Lucknam Park is unrecorded, but the ham in the former name ‘Luckenham’ implies it was a Saxon settlement dating from before the Norman invasion in 1066.

The hotel is a short drive from the historical city of Bath, so guests can head out to the city, while the rolling countryside can keep it a peaceful escape. Along with beautiful historical rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and an award-winning spa, there is a fully-functioning equestrian centre and bikes to take out. ◆

LUCKNAM PARK C H I P P E N H A M , W I LT S H I R E W o r d s R O M Y VA N D E N B R O E K E

THE SPA

I

THE RESTAURANT

took my mum away to Lucknam as we both needed a break. As part of the package, I was entitled to a spa treatment which I gave to her instead, opting for the hot stones massage. Afterwards when I quizzed her, her response was nice and vague: “It was the best massage I’ve ever had.

Just brilliant!” I dug a little deeper and found out that the massage had been flawless. Hot stones brought a warmth to the masseuse’s movements and healing to my mum’s weary back.

Meanwhile, I made the most of the spa facilities, enjoying a long swim in the indoor pool, a steam in the Japanese salt room and sauna, before joining my mum in the brasserie for lunch. ◆

T

he Park restaurant is a dining destination in its own right.

Securing itself a Michelin star in 2006, under the helm of Executive Chef Hywel Jones, the Park restaurant sources all of its ingredients from top local suppliers with the herbs picked fresh from the kitchen garden. I went for fish Ω the braised fillet of turbot with buttered iceberg, Cornish crab, hand-rolled macaroni and Wiltshire truffle butter. My mum tested the restaurant’s skills with her vegetarianism and ordered the rolled lasagna of butternut squash, fondant winter vegetables and tomato chutney. Apparently, it was the “best meal she’s had out in ages.” ◆

THE DAMAGE Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa offers Classic Rooms from £260 per night based on two adults sharing on a room only basis, inclusive of VAT and full use of the spa facilities. One hour Instructional hack is £116 per person. 01225 742 777; lucknampark.co.uk

97 C&A_Dec15_UK_Getaway.indd 97

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 12:33

LONDON

SALE

UP TO 40% OFF +44 (0) 333 011 3333

WESTONE BATHROOMS.indd 1

30/11/2015 16:10

IN THEIR OWN WORDS p.128 NIGEL LEWIS: FAMOUS PLACES p.156 PROPERTY NEWS

HOLLAND PARK GARDENS Holland Park, W14

ÂŁ3,150,000

spectacular garden maisonette with a small patio onto communal gardens in the heart of Holland Park. Spanning around 2078 sq ft, the apartment has extraordinary entertaining space with a high-ceilinged double reception along with three good sized bedrooms. u A

99 NXNW_Jan16_Property_PFC.indd 99

p.122

HOLLAND PARK 020 7371 1111 carterjonas.co.uk

JANUARY 2016

16/12/2015 09:33

• KNIGHT FRANK.indd 1

Absolutley Magazine - Jannuary 2015

14/12/2015 14:26

The Avenue, Queen's Park NW6 Interior designed family home in a prime position

KnightFrank.co.uk/queenspark queenspark@knightfrank.com 020 8022 5465

A unique opportunity to purchase a family house in a prime position in Queen's Park facing Tiverton Green. The house has been newly refurbished to an exceptional standard and extended significantly, providing an open plan kitchen and living space, a further reception room, south facing garden, 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. EPC: D. Approximately 304.6 sq m (3,279 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide Price: £3,300,000

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/QPK150166

• KNIGHT FRANK.indd 2

14/12/2015 14:26

10/12/2015 14:19:16

• KNIGHT FRANK.indd 3

Absolutley Magazine - Jannuary 2015

14/12/2015 14:26

Dundonald Road, Queen's Park NW6 A characterful four bedroom Edwardian house with garden This impressive light-filled house is arranged over two floors and is well presented throughout with bespoke fittings and an array of traditional features. 4 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, bathroom and garden. EPC: D. Approximately 176 sq m (1,895 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide price: £2,100,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/queenspark queenspark@knightfrank.com 020 8022 5465

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/QPK150061

• KNIGHT FRANK.indd 4

14/12/2015 14:27

10/12/2015 14:19:16

Clifford Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 Contemporary two bedroom house with private terrace A wonderful opportunity to own a freehold house close to Kensal Rise overground station and the trendy cafes and shops on Chamberlayne Road. 2 double bedrooms, bathroom, open plan reception room, kitchen and dining area with access to a private terrace. EPC: C. Approximately 76.6 sq m (825 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide price: £950,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/queenspark queenspark@knightfrank.com 020 8022 5465

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/QPK150190

• KNIGHT FRANK.indd 5

Absolutley PLC Single - January 2016

14/12/2015 14:27

10/12/2015 11:23:19

Ab

19

Harvist Road, Queen's Park NW6 A handsome five bedroom Victorian terraced home with garden A beautifully refurbished family home overlooking the southern end of the park in Queen’s Park. 5 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, open plan kitchen/dining room, 4 bathrooms, garden. EPC: C. Approximately 274 sq m (2,957 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide price: £3,200,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/queenspark queenspark@knightfrank.com 020 8022 5465

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/QPK150055

• KNIGHT FRANK.indd 6

Absolutley PLC Single - January 2016

14/12/2015 14:27

10/12/2015 11:23:19

Abbotsbury Close, Holland Park W14 A four bedroom house with a garden A fantastic house in Holland Park with off street parking and a garage which has just undergone a complete programme of refurbishment. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen/dining room, utility room, guest cloakroom, paved garden, off street parking, garage. EPC:E. Approximately 250 sq m (2,701 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide price: £5,750,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/kensington kens@knightfrank.com 020 3551 5154

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/KEN150120

• KNIGHT FRANK.indd 7

Abbotsbury Close 31

14/12/2015 14:27

10/12/2015 10:53:26

3315

26

LAWRENCE STREET CHELSEA SW3 Cross Keys A selection of 2 bedroom apartments within a brand new development set within the heart of Chelsea. All of the flats have excellent views and are presented in immaculate condition throughout.

PRICES STARTING AT ÂŁ1,650,000

*OLSZLH

2UPNO[-YHUR JV \R

•331547 KNIGHT FRANK.indd 8 1 Abs Jan16 KF.indd

14/12/2015 10/12/2015 14:27 10:47

facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Parkgate Road, Battersea, SW11

Two luxury apartments moments from Battersea Park. Each stunning apartment has two double bedrooms, 3.4m ceilings, excellent security, concierge and private parking.

Price from ÂŁ2,750,000 Leasehold

1,938 sq ft - 2,056 sq ft Living room | Kitchen/dining room Hallway | Two bedrooms | Two bathrooms Cloakroom | Comfort cooling | Passenger lift Concierge | CCTV security | Private internal car park | EPC rating C

Chelsea 020 7225 3866 chelsea@struttandparker.com

SP_CHELSEA.indd 1

15/12/2015 09:46

Elm Park Road, Chelsea, SW3

A spacious three bedroom maisonette with a private 45 ft south facing garden. This spacious property has high ceilings and a splendid drawing room overlooking the garden.

ÂŁ2,950,000 Share of Freehold

1,428 sq ft (132 sq m) Drawing room | Dining room | Kitchen/ breakfast room | Master bedroom with en suite bathroom | Two further bedrooms Further bathroom | Cloakroom | Utility room Storage | Garden | EPC rating D

Chelsea SW10 - 020 7373 1010 chelseaSW10@struttandparker.com

SP_CHELSEA.indd 2

15/12/2015 09:46

facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Cambridge Place, Kensington, W8

An impressive and wide five bedroom house, over four floors with a garage, situated in this most prestigious and sought after street, in the De Vere Conservation Area.

ÂŁ7,350,000 Freehold

3,712 sq ft (344 sq m) EPC rating F Drawing room | Kitchen/family room | Study | Master bedroom suite | Four further bedrooms | Three further bath/shower rooms | Terrace | Garage

Kensington 020 7938 3666 kensington@struttandparker.com

JSA: Knight Frank 020 7938 4311 kensington@knightfrank.com

SP_NH.indd 1

14/12/2015 17:35

Holland Park Mews, Holland Park, W11

An exceptional and beautifully presented three bedroom mews house, occupying approximately 1,386 sq ft, over two floors only, with the advantage of a garage.

£1,350 per week* Unfurnished

1,386 sq ft (128.76 sq m) EPC rating D Reception room | Kitchen | Master bedroom with en suite shower room | Two further bedrooms | Bathroom | Utility area | Garage

*The following Tenant charges may apply prior to tenancy commencement: Tenancy Agreement £210 (inc VAT) Credit References per application £54 (inc VAT). All advertised prices are excluded and other associated services.

SP_NH.indd 2

14/12/2015 17:35

facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Pembroke Square, Kensington, W8

In need of modernisation, an attractive four bedroom Grade II Listed house with a fabulous 47 ft long west facing garden, positioned on the favoured western side of this well located and elegant garden square.

SP_NH.indd 3

ÂŁ3,950,000 Freehold

1,754 sq ft (162.95 sq m) Drawing room | Kitchen/breakfast room | Dining room | Conservatory | Four bedrooms | Bathroom | Cloakroom | Front garden | West-facing rear garden | Access to communal square garden and tennis court

0207 938 3666

kensington@struttandparker.com

14/12/2015 17:35

Abingdon Villas, Kensington, W8

An exceptional three bedroom house, occupying approximately 1,815 sq ft with the advantage of a lovely south-facing garden and terrace.

ÂŁ3,600,000 Freehold

1,815 sq ft (168 sq m) EPC rating E Drawing room | Family room | Kitchen/dining area | Study | Master bedroom with en suite bathroom | Two further bedrooms | Further bathroom | Cloakroom | South-facing terrace | South-facing garden

0207 938 3666

kensington@struttandparker.com

SP_NH.indd 4

14/12/2015 17:35

PROPERTY ROUND UP The inside scoop in your area

PEMBRIDGE VILLAS, W11

HOUSE HUNTING

St Lukes Mews, where I advised the client on acquisition of the property. I was involved with the architect and designers to produce something amazing. It sold a year later for a record £2000/sq ft.

MOST INTERESTING

BEN PODESTA

Sales Director Mountgrange Heritage

and early 2000’s with their gadgetry and innovation. Being able to control your house from New York… bonkers but truly brilliant.

MOST SATISFYING

A Holland Park house on behalf of the Cat Protection League. A nutty old lady had left the house to her cat. It really does happen.

BEING ABLE TO CONTROL YOUR HOUSE FROM NEW YORK...

BONKERS BUT TRULY BRILLIANT

FINEST PROPERTY SHOWCASE

39 Pembridge Villas, W11: £4,500,000. This is a rare investment opportunity to acquire a complete freehold building comprising four wonderful self-contained flats in prime Notting Hill. u

Mountgrange Heritage , Notting Hill, 020 7221 2277; mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

I NEVER THOUGHT I’D SEE

Spink Property amazed me in the 90’s

NEWS

has been instrumental in all sales, as well as the after-sales service. Both departments have the up-to-date knowledge and specialist advice enabling them to deliver the professional service expected. u

UPLIFT FOR KENSINGTON ovember saw a spate of sales across Central London and nowhere more so than in Kensington. Surprising to most, this has been the first serious sustained uplift we have witnessed

N

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_Jan16_Property_PRU.indd 114

since 2012. Reflecting on these successful sales, much of the credit has to go to our chartered surveyors for their sound advice regarding enfranchisement and the lease extension process. An equal measure of credit must go to our sales service, which

William Tellwright

KENSINGTON SQUARE, W8

Associate Director John D Wood & Co., Kensington 020 7717 5167; johndwood.co.uk

114 16/12/2015 09:35

PROPERTY / NEWS

NEWS

MARKET COMMENT

ESTAS Absolutely sponsor unique agency awards, the ESTAS

Moving house can be one of the most stressful things many of us will ever experience. So finding the right estate or letting agent is incredibly important.

That’s why Absolutely is sponsoring the London region of the ESTAS, a unique awards body with shortlisted and winning agents determined purely on ratings from customers.

The ESTAS not only give agents the chance to be recognised for their excellent service but also provide valuable feedback that enables firms to review their performance and improve in the future.

This year’s best agents will be announced by the country’s favourite property expert Phil Spencer at the 13th annual ESTAS ceremony next April held in Grosvenor House. u

WINNING AGENTS ARE DETERMINED PURELY ON CUSTOMER RATINGS

To find out more about The ESTAS and how your firm can get involved go to theestas.com

Downsizing in

AG E N T O N D E S I G N

2016?

THE AVENUE  NW6

£3,300,000 KITCHEN/ RECEPTION SPACE d A vast open space approximately 38’ from one end of the kitchen to the floor to ceiling glass doors and windows at the rear of the reception space. The dark wood floors and the distinctly laid out ‘zones’ of this impressive space creates a warm and practical room for cooking, dining, entertaining and relaxing.

A WALK-IN WARDROBE IS BECOMING A NECESSITY IN PRIME LONDON PROPERTY

OUTDOOR TERRACE/ BUILT IN DINING TABLE d The house has a fantastic wooden terrace with a built-in dining table and benches. Looking out over the garden, the terrace is perfect to enjoy the spring and summer months. The outdoor space immediately encourages family, children and visiting friends to gather round and is ideal for entertaining.

WALK IN WARDROBE d Dedicating a section of the bedroom to a walk-in wardrobe is becoming a necessity in prime London property. This house offers a marvellous dressing space, complete with characteristic floor to ceiling windows which give plenty of light to a too-often overlooked feature of the bedroom. ◆

D

uring the last year, a notable and expanding client sector is the downsizer. In Richmond and London, we have seen a number of transactions allowing empty nesters to realise their equity in the old family home, and ‘right size’ to a nearby grandly proportioned apartment. The fabulous new homes at The Star and Garter on Richmond Hill are a perfect example.

They have delighted both down and upsizers seeking high quality living and five star facilities. This is an exceptional development from London Square, offering the same level of high quality specification and design detail expected in super prime Mayfair and Knightsbridge properties. Then there are the added advantages of some superior in house spa amenities, as well as living in one of London’s most beautiful locations, atop Richmond Hill. u

THEY HAVE DELIGHTED BOTH DOWN & UPSIZERS

JAMES DAVIES

Associate Knight Frank Knight Frank, Queen’s Park

020 3815 3020;

knightfrank.com

Robert Leigh Managing Director Featherstone Leigh, 020 8940 1575 featherstoneleigh.co.uk

CHANGE IN ACHIEVED PRICES

SPOTLIGHT ON PRIME CENTRAL AVERAGE £ PER SQUARE FOOT & CHANGE IN ACHIEVED PRICES

ONE YEAR

THREE YEARS

FIVE YEARS

£1,233 -0.7% 14.6% 37.5%

Data provided by LonRes

115 NH_Jan16_Property_PRU.indd 115

JANUARY 2016

16/12/2015 09:35

W W W. B EC TI V E .CO.U K FIND US ON

Grand Design NORTHUMBERL AND PL ACE NOTTING HILL W2

A beautifully presented family home located in the heart of Artesian Village. This stunning house has been refurbished to a high standard whilst retaining a great deal of period charm.

Rooms are well proportioned throughout with highlights including a spacious and well appointed kitchen/dining room on the raised ground floor, a grand first floor drawing room and a sensational master suite.

3 / 4 B E D R O O M S , 2 B A T H R O O M S ( 1 E N S U I T E ) , S H O W E R R O O M , F A M I LY R O O M , K I T C H E N / D I N I N G R O O M , D R AW I N G R O O M , S T U DY, C L O A K R O O M , U T I L I T Y R O O M , G A R D E N .

BLM.indd 1 Bective_A4_AbsNH_January2016x6.indd 1

FREEHOLD ÂŁ3, 350,000 BOB CROWLEY BC@BECTIVE.CO.UK NOTTING HILL OFFICE 020 7221 4805

1 8 8 SQ M / 2 ,024 SQ FT APPROX E N E R GY R AT I N G F

14/12/2015 11/12/2015 14:44 17:04

CHELSEA

COMMERCIAL

0 20 7589 6 67 7

020 7985 0715

KENSINGTON

LAND & NEW HOMES

020 7795 4288

020 7313 7711

NOTTING HILL

PROPERT Y MANAGEMENT

020 7221 4805

020 7221 0099

LADBROKE GROVE 020 7221 0330

W W W. B EC TI V E .CO.U K

BROOK GREEN

FIND US ON

0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Luxurious Living SUTHERL AND PL ACE NOTTING HILL W2

A wonderfully proportioned family home in the heart of Artesian Village. This elegant house is bristling with period features such as high ceilings, beautiful fireplaces and floor to ceiling windows. It also offers exceptional entertaining space over two floors with good outside space in the form of a pretty front garden, a decked terrace off the drawing room and a serene patio garden to the rear.

4 B E D R O O M S , 2 B AT H R O O M S ( 1 E N S U I T E ) , D R AW I N G R O O M , K I TC H E N / D I N I N G R O O M , T E R R AC E , F R O N T A N D R E A R G A R D E N , B E D R O O M / S T U DY.

BLM.indd 2 Bective_A4_AbsNH_January2016x6.indd 2

FREEHOLD ÂŁ4,350,000 BOB CROWLEY BC@BECTIVE.CO.UK NOTTING HILL OFFICE 020 7221 4805

222 SQ M / 2 , 39 0 SQ FT APPROX E N E R GY R AT I N G F

14/12/2015 11/12/2015 14:44 17:04

W W W. B EC TI V E .CO.U K FIND US ON

Family Life FINSTOCK ROAD NORTH KENSINGTON W1 0

An elegant family house sympathetically refurbished throughout to maintain period features.

The house boasts a substantial open plan living area with a wood burner which overlooks the pretty garden and an opulent master en suite, in addition to well proportioned bedrooms throughout. The property further benefits from the granted permission on the 10th February 2014 to construct a single storey basement to increase the square footage of the property by approx. 1,000 sq ft.

5 B E D R O O M S , 2 B AT H R O O M S ( 1 E N S U I T E ) , S H OW E R R O O M , D R E SS I N G R O O M , R E C E P T I O N RO O M , RECEPTION/DINING ROOM , KITCHEN , CELLAR , FRONT AND REAR GARDEN.

BLM.indd 3 Bective_A4_AbsNH_January2016x6.indd 3

FREEHOLD ÂŁ3,000,000 M AT T H E W M A R C H A N T MM@BECTIVE.CO.UK LADBROKE GROVE OFFICE 020 7221 0330

2 14 SQ M / 2 , 3 03 SQ FT APPROX E N E RGY R AT I N G D

14/12/2015 11/12/2015 14:45 17:05

CHELSEA

COMMERCIAL

0 20 7589 6 67 7

020 7985 0715

KENSINGTON

LAND & NEW HOMES

020 7795 4288

020 7313 7711

NOTTING HILL

PROPERT Y MANAGEMENT

020 7221 4805

020 7221 0099

LADBROKE GROVE 020 7221 0330

W W W. B EC TI V E .CO.U K

BROOK GREEN

FIND US ON

0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Double Fronted B R O N D E S B U RY R OA D Q U E E N ’ S PA R K N W 6

An extremely impressive duel aspect and double fronted Victorian Villa house that has been extensively modernised and extended to create a substantial family home. Enviably located on the end of the terrace, the house benefits from generous entertaining spaces flooded with natural light and a secure garden ideal for children and adults accessed from the large family room and kitchen. The basement level has been expanded to include very comfortable ancillary accommodation to the upper floors.

6 B E D R O O M S , 2 B AT H R O O M S ( 1 E N S U I T E ) , 2 R E C E P T I O N R O O M S , O P E N P L A N K I TC H E N / D I N I N G ROOM , WINE STORE , GARDEN.

BLM.indd 4 Bective_A4_AbsNH_January2016x6.indd 4

FREEHOLD £4,250,000 M AT T H E W M A R C H A N T MM@BECTIVE.CO.UK LADBROKE GROVE OFFICE 020 7221 0330

3 8 8 SQ M / 4 ,1 85 SQ FT APPROX E N E R GY R AT I N G C

14/12/2015 11/12/2015 14:45 17:05

W W W. B EC TI V E .CO.U K FIND US ON

Prime Location LEXHAM GARDENS KENSINGTON W8

A beautifully designed first floor apartment presented in immaculate condition throughout complete with a pretty south facing terrace. The property has been refurbished to exacting standards throughout, while retaining elegant period features including beautiful high ceilings and ornate cornicing. Prestigiously located within the heart of the Royal Borough, this exceptional property offers luxurious living quarters with light and contemporary entertaining space.

2 B E D R O O M S , B AT H R O O M , S H OW E R R O O M , R E C E P T I O N R O O M , K I TC H E N , T E R R AC E .

BLM.indd 5 Bective_A4_AbsNH_January2016x6.indd 5

F R E E H O L D ÂŁ 1 , 4 9 9, 0 0 0 KEITH RIGBY KR@BECTIVE.CO.UK KENSINGTON OFFICE 020 7795 4288

79. 5 SQ M / 8 5 0 SQ FT APPROX E N E R GY R AT I N G D

14/12/2015 11/12/2015 14:45 17:06

CHELSEA

COMMERCIAL

0 20 7589 6 67 7

020 7985 0715

KENSINGTON

LAND & NEW HOMES

020 7795 4288

020 7313 7711

NOTTING HILL

PROPERT Y MANAGEMENT

020 7221 4805

020 7221 0099

LADBROKE GROVE 020 7221 0330

W W W. B EC TI V E .CO.U K

BROOK GREEN

FIND US ON

0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Communal Gardens UPPER ADDISON GARDENS NOTTING HILL W11

A stunning and unusually wide maisonette spanning the top two floors of this Victorian house.

The entrance to the flat is on the first floor and has a full width drawing room with south facing terrace overlooking the communal gardens. The flat is very well presented and bright with two south facing terraces and fantastic entertaining space with a drawing room. The flat is set on this hugely popular, tree lined road in Holland Park.

M A S T E R B E D R O O M W I T H E N S U I T E B AT H R O O M A N D ACC E SS TO T E R R AC E , 2 FU R T H E R B E D R O O M S , B AT H R O O M , W I D E R E C E P T I O N R O O M W I T H D O O R S O N TO T H E S O U T H FAC I N G T E R R AC E , CO N T E M P O R A RY KITCHEN WITH DINNING OR SECOND SITTING AREA , CLOAKROOM , COMMUNAL GARDENS.

BLM.indd 6 Bective_A4_AbsNH_January2016x6.indd 6

SHARE OF FREEHOLD ÂŁ2,750,000 KEITH RIGBY KR@BECTIVE.CO.UK KENSINGTON OFFICE 020 7795 4288

143 SQ M / 1 , 539 SQ FT APPROX E N E R GY R AT I N G E

14/12/2015 14/12/2015 14:45 14:29

carterjonas.co.uk

CATHCART ROAD Chelsea SW10

A rare opportunity to acquire this stunning first floor flat on the corner of Cathcart and Hollywood Road SW10. The property comprises of a large south-facing double aspect reception room with impressive views.

Knightsbridge & Chelsea 020 7590 4695 amy.rogers@carterjonas.co.uk

Reception room • 2 bedrooms Bathroom • Roof terrace • First floor Share of freehold • EPC rating D

Guide price £2,150,000

CARTERJONAS.indd 1

09/12/2015 14:18

OVINGTON SQUARE Chelsea SW3

This immaculate flat is located in the desirable Ovington Square just tucked away from the Brompton Road where exclusive shops such as Harrods are situated.

Knightsbridge & Chelsea 020 7590 4695 amy.rogers@carterjonas.co.uk

Reception Room • 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms • Kitchen • Third floor with lift • Communal gardens • EPC rating D

Guide price £2,700,000

CARTERJONAS.indd 3

09/12/2015 14:18

carterjonas.co.uk

CARTERJONAS.indd 2

09/12/2015 14:18

KENSINGTON GATE Kensington W8

An imposing Grade II* listed semi-detached house situated in an enviable position this highly sought-after garden square and with the rare benefit of a lift.

It has a particularly handsome white stucco facade and extends to approximately 4,952 sq ft over five floors.

Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 1111 gareth.jones@carterjonas.co.uk

4 reception rooms • 6 bedrooms 3 bathrooms • Balcony • Paved garden Communal garden

Price on application

CARTERJONAS.indd 4

09/12/2015 14:19

Lettings 020 7751 5100 www.farrar.co.uk

MARGARETTA TERRACE, SW3 A four bedroom townhouse situated in this enviable location just off Kings Road and within walking distance to Sloane Square underground station and Battersea Park. The house has a double reception room and an eat-in kitchen, two bathrooms, a cloakroom and a private garden. This property is neutrally decorated throughout and would make a wonderful home.

EPC Rating: D.

UNFURNISHED

£2,000

per week*

*Tenants are advised when renting a property the advertised rent does not include council tax, water or utility charges. The administration fees are £175 (inc. VAT) and referencing charges of £40 per Tenant/Guarantor. The inventory check in cost will vary but should not exceed £150 and a 6-8 week deposit is required.

FARRAR.indd 1

11/12/2015 17:07

EGERTON GARDENS, SW3 An immaculate and stylishly presented three bedroom lateral apartment on the first floor of a beautiful and well maintained period building. The property has a wonderful reception room with high ceilings and a lovely kitchen, a master bedroom with ensuite bathroom and doors leading to a balcony. Egerton Gardens is superbly situated moments from South Kensington, Knightsbridge and Hyde Park. EPC Rating: C.

FURNISHED

FARRAR.indd 2

£2,000

per week*

11/12/2015 17:07

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_Jan16_Property_ITOW.indd 128

128 16/12/2015 09:27

PROPERTY / PROFILE

IN THEIR OWN

WORDS

NICK GAUNT Associate at Knight Frank, Chelsea Photography

R E B ECCA N O O N A N

A

ll I ever thought about when I was young was being a racing driver or maybe a downhill ski racer. I was born and brought up in Kew and then East Sheen in London but spent my holidays and most weekends in Suffolk as a young lad with my brother and sister. Outdoor living and sports were all I focussed on – rugby and cricket at school, and prior to that ski racing at UK Championship levels. All this as well as singing in the West End musical Evita. Girls took over from sports at university, initially studying Building Surveying at Newcastle Polytechnic before going to Brighton for a Business Studies degree. From there I worked in a marketing company and after a career break, I studied for an MA at Sussex Uni. I worked in contract publishing/telesales for two years as I decided I needed to learn

WE HAVE A LOT OF LOCAL EXPERTISE AND KNOWLEDGE HERE IN OUR KING'S ROAD OFFICE

how to sell as a skill. A mutual friend worked here at Knight Frank and decided that my skill set would work, so after meeting some key people I was offered a job – initially in marketing and then as a negotiator. The jump from cold calling and hard selling to ‘How much is that one in the window?’ was massive but very pleasant. Carrying out viewings and processing offers is one thing – winning the business, providing the very best service and handling complicated and sometimes very emotional sales through to the end is the real challenge.

By way of property backgrounds my father cofounded and ran a company of

surveyors and architects in the 70s until about eight years ago. My brother is a Proprietary Partner at Knight Frank on the commercial side.

I love the mix of traditional Chelsea and the vibrant feel of King's Road today. It is still a large draw for friends and family who all seem to envy me working in such an area! They love the bars and restaurants and I hear the shopping is good too.

Most of my clients reflect that Chelsea feel – cool, stylish and successful. Then there are those who have been in the area a long time but still love being here.

The market is quite tough at present but a good agent should shine at times like this. We have a lot of local expertise and knowledge here in our King's Road office and people seem to trust our advice. But Chelsea is a great area and there are few better to live in or indeed invest in. I think I will be seeing my past and present clients for many years to come. ◆

KNIGHT FRANK / 020 7349 4300 / knightfrank.co.uk

129 NH_Jan16_Property_ITOW.indd 129

JANUARY 2016

16/12/2015 09:28

London’s most prestigious riverside location featuring 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with an array of exclusive leisure and entertainment facilities.

Prices from ÂŁ1,229,950* Fulham Reach Riverside Show Apartments and Marketing Suite, Distillery Road, London W6 9RU 020 3603 4575 | enquiries@fulhamreach.co.uk | www.fulhamreach.co.uk

Computer generated image is indicative only. *Price correct at time of going to press.

FULHAM REACH.indd 1 STC_FR_Absolutely_PrimeCentral_297x210_211215.indd 1

Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

15/12/2015 14/12/2015 09:43 17:07

Lost Consonants #smallthingsbigdifferences © Graham Rawle

James impressed his lady friends with his pethouse apartment

Not quite what you expected?

It’s amazing how the littlest of omissions can have the hugest consequences, which is why when you buy, sell or let property through Aspire there are no unwelcome surprises. We’ve got you covered.

Aspire.co.uk

ASPIRE.indd 1

01/12/2015 09:57

Lexham Gardens, W8 ÂŁ1,150,000 Share of Freehold

A substantial two bedroom lower ground floor flat (with lift) located in a well-maintained, portered Victorian building.The property spans some 928 sq ft (approx.) and is decorated in an elegant and tasteful fashion throughout.The apartment benefits from fantastic ceiling height, excellent storage options and a private separate entrance as well as a front door through the main building. EPC=D. Reception, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, study area, kitchen and patio. Joint Sole Agents

020 7937 9976 chloe@mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Kensington 020 7937 9976 MG.indd 1

North Kensington 020 8960 0181

Notting Hill 020 7221 2277 09/12/2015 14:27

Hyde Park Square, W2 ÂŁ3,500,000 Share of Freehold

Magnificent penthouse apartment (with direct lift access) which occupies the top three floors of an elegant period Grade II listed building located on this highly regarded and sought after private communal garden square.The flat benefits from the most spectacular open-plan entertaining space with views south towards the park. EPC=D.Three reception rooms, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen, roof terrace, communal gardens and self-contained studio flat. Sole Agents

020 7221 2277 ben@mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Kensington 020 7937 9976 MG.indd 2

North Kensington 020 8960 0181

Notting Hill 020 7221 2277 09/12/2015 14:27

Lansdowne Road, W11 £4,650 per week Fees Apply

Beautiful house with garden and direct access to communal gardens on this wonderful street in Notting Hill. The property has been designed and furnished with incredible flair to provide the perfect balance of family accommodation and elegant entertaining space. Available for long or short lets immediately. EPC=F.Two reception rooms, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen, garden and access to communal gardens. Furnished. Sole Agents

0207 221 2277 petra@mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Kensington Park Rd, W11 £560 per week Fees Apply

St Quintin Avenue, W10 £775 per week Fees Apply

020 7221 2277 neha@mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

020 7221 2277 petra@mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Refurbished throughout to the highest standard this top floor flat has a wonderful reception room with a vaulted ceiling and is furnished in a contemporary style throughout. Moments from Portobello Road and Westbourne Grove this is the perfect Notting Hill flat. EPC=E. Reception, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. Furnished. Sole Agents

Charming house arranged over three floors with stylish interior, excellent light and large garden. In addition to the three bedrooms there is a study and useful cellar. Located on a popular tree lined street close to St Helens gardens. EPC=E. Reception, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, study, cellar and garden. Unfurnished.

mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Kensington 020 7937 9976 MG.indd 3

North Kensington 020 8960 0181

Notting Hill 020 7221 2277 09/12/2015 14:27

Pembridge Villas, W11 £450 per week Fees Apply

Adorable house tucked away in the garden of a villa in the heart of Notting Hill with well planned living space, an abundance of charm and the most delightful sylvan outlook.The property is located just a five minute walk from Notting Hill Gate underground station and all the shops and restaurants on Westbourne Grove. EPC=E. Reception, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. Furnished.

020 7221 2277 neha@mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Hyde Park Square, W2 £850 per week Fees Apply

Oxford Gardens, W10 £525 per week Fees Apply

020 7221 2277 neha@mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

020 7221 2277 petra@mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Superb flat which has been redesigned by an architect to exacting standards and offers generous entertaining and living accommodation.The property has its own private entrance and is just moments from Hyde Park. EPC=D. Reception, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen and decked patio garden. Unfurnished. Sole Agents

Smart first floor flat with excellent finish, high ceilings, hardwood flooring and generous south-facing reception. Close to local shops on St Helens Gardens and convenient for the tube and delights of Portobello and Golborne Road. EPC=D. Reception, two bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen. Furnished or unfurnished.

mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Kensington 020 7937 9976 MG.indd 4

North Kensington 020 8960 0181

Notting Hill 020 7221 2277 09/12/2015 14:28

Breathe.

The London Management Company provides both property and related lifestyle services to both private and corporate clients.

Fromfi nding finding perfect investment or office From the the perfect home,home, investment or office through to managing a pied a terre, rental property or building we offer the services and advice required the maxium out of our client property throughtotoextract managing a piedvalue a terre, rental property or investment. building we offer the services and advice required to

Finding or looking after a property in London can be complex and stressful – we can ensure your acquisition is achieved with the best possible extract thebest maximum valueand outmake of our clients property terms at the possible value, sure the property is run efficiently in respect of maintenance and outgoings, resulting in the best possible investment. ownership experience – our team is your team. you wewe do the Youbreathe, breathe, do rest. the rest.

- Meet the team -

London Management C o PROPERT Y SERVICES

60 Grosvenor Street, Mayfair, London, WIK 3HZ / 020 7193 9979 / enquiries@londonmgt.co.uk

LONDON MAN.indd 3

thelondonmanagementcompany.com

23/04/2015 15:28

������� � � � � � �

Seeing you through 2016 Astons London, boutique and independently driven in delivering a bespoke service to discerning clients.

Please call us on 020 7262 2900 or why not pay us a visit.

Searching for you Prime Central London Property RESIDENTIAL SALES, LETTINGS & MANAGEMENT

9 Spring Street London W2 3RA

astons absolute 1featured sale-let-Jan-art.indd 1 ASTONS.indd

t: 020 7262 2900 e: contact@astonslondon.com w. astonslondon.com @Astonslondon AstonsLondon

11/12/15 14/12/2015 17:21:03 14:07

ASTONS L O N D O N

Gloucester Terrace W2 £750,000 Long Leasehold

Hyde Park location Modern development 609 Square feet Excellent decorative condition Open plan kitchen / reception

������� � � � � � �

astons absolute 2featured sale-let-Jan-art.indd 2-3 ASTONS.indd

14/12/2015 14:07

Paddington | Notting Hill | Bayswater | Hyde Park Estate | Little Venice | Queensway | Maida Vale

astonslondon.com

Gloucester Mews W2 Mews House Cobbled mews location Own garage Three bedrooms Modern kitchen

£750 per week

������� � � � � � �

ASTONS.indd 3

11/12/15 14/12/2015 17:21:37 14:07

Princedale Road

ÂŁ2,595,000 freehold

Holland Park W11

A beautifully presented 4 bedroom mid terrace period house on Princedale Road, in the heart of Holland Park. Arranged over only 3 floors the property offers good lateral living in a central location.

EPC rating E

Notting Hill

020 3040 8585

sales.nottinghill@chestertons.com

chestertons.com

CHESTERTONS.indd 1

09/12/2015 14:21

ALL FIRST TIME CLIENTS WILL BENEFIT FROM THE FOLLOWING PROMOTIONAL FEES

0.5% SALES 5% LETTINGS NO R E N E WAL S

Merry Christmas 020 7339 3073 LONDON

OPC DEC.indd 3

•

NEW YORK

•

TOKYO

10/12/2015 17:40

£2,250 P e r We e k

0 1 CUMBERLAND TERRACE, NW1; £2,250 PER WEEK 0 2 THE REGENT, HALLAM STREET, W1W; £6,500 PER WEEK

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CHIS_JAN16_NIGEL PRIME RENTING_DPS.indd 142

142 16/12/2015 09:32

PROPERTY / PRIME RENTING

AT THE

TOP

Nigel Lewis pays a visit to London’s extraordinary and unashamedly expensive central lettings market Wo r d s N I G E L L E W I S

I

t’s not unusual to hear estate agents say that after New York, London is one of the costliest places on the planet to rent a home.

This will not surprise most Londoners, many of whom already pay an average weekly rental of £340. But what many won’t realise is that rents in central London have soared in recent years, so much so that some properties in Mayfair and Knightsbridge are now rented for up to 100 times the London average.

£6,500 P e r We e k

LONDON HAS WON ITS REPUTATION FOR HIGH RENTAL PRICES AMONG THE WORLD’S WEALTHY BUSINESS PEOPLE

“To rent a large house in Knightsbridge, Belgravia or Mayfair can cost up to £30,000 a week, and for short lets this figure can hit £40,000 for the largest six or seven bedroom houses with a gym, pool and off-street parking,” says Nicole Ratzker of lettings agent Aston Chase. “There was a house on Brick Street in Mayfair recently that rented for £25,000 a week, but there aren’t that many properties in the area which can command that sort of money; our average is around £2,000 a week.

“Homes to rent for up to £5,000 are usually corporate lets; over £5,000 and the renters become more independently wealthy, for example, Russian and Middle Eastern families.” What does the market expect for £30,000 a week? In the most expensive areas, Mayfair and Marylebone,

143 CHIS_JAN16_NIGEL PRIME RENTING_DPS.indd 143

you’ll get a house with a swimming pool, a gym, at least six or seven bedrooms, underground or off-street parking and a size of approximately 10,000 sq ft.

But despite being a preferred place to live for millionaires and billionaires, “The prime central London rental market is intrinsically linked to the recruitment policies and relocation plans of these large corporate entities in the city,” says Peter Hermon-Taylor of lettings agent Maskells.

“Overall, both demand for properties and prices dipped in the second half of 2015. There’s a lot of nervousness within banks about the economy and we’ve seen the banks scaling back spending plans, recruitment and therefore relocation. Because it’s such a wealthy group of people who will only live in a handful of London’s postcodes, according to Nicole it’s “never going to be the same as the normal market.”

It is not difficult to see, therefore, why London has won its reputation for high rental prices among the world’s wealthy business people. But, apparently this is the price they have to pay to live in a global hub for the banking and IT industries. ◆

JANUARY 2016

16/12/2015 09:33

EPC - D

Glynfield Road, NW10

£749,950 Freehold

Newly refurbished terraced property stylishly redecorated and

• 3 bedrooms, spacious reception room

offering many contemporary style fixtures & fittings in a

• Fully fitted kitchen + underfloor heating

convenient position close to Willesden High Road with its

• Modern luxurious bathroom

numerous shops & cafes. Light bright accommodation.

• 23 ft paved rear garden

EPC - D

Dartmouth Road, NW2

£1,150,000 Share of Freehold

Beautiful 1512 sq ft Garden Flat situated within the Mapesbury

• 3 bedrooms, large reception room

Conservation Area located close to Willesden Green station

• Large kitchen/diner & utility room

(Jubilee) and the amenities of the area. Many original features

• 157 ft south facing mature rear garden

including sash windows, wood strip floors and tessellated tiles.

• Fully insulated office/studio at rear

CAMERONSTIFF.indd 1

14/12/2015 17:05

Season’s Greetings and Happy New Year to all our clients

EPC - D

Leighton Gardens, NW10

£1,399,950 Freehold

Situated on this popular road is this period family home within

• 5 bedrooms, intercommunicating reception rooms

easy access to College Parade with its popular bars &

• Extended kitchen, utility room

restaurants & Princess Frederica Nursery/Primary School -

• New slate roof, converted loft, d/g

close to transport & offered in good decorative condition.

• South facing garden with raised decked area

EPC - E

Keslake Road, NW6

£1,875,000 Freehold

Charming semi-detached period residence situated in the

• 5 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms

heart of Queens Park offering 2000 sq ft of space but is in

• 21 ft extended kitchen/diner

need of some modernisation.

• 27 ft south facing rear garden

Great position close to

Salusbury Road & Chamberlayne Road.

CAMERONSTIFF.indd 2

• Loft room (5th bedroom) + 27 ft decked roof terrace

14/12/2015 17:05

EPC - F

Chelmsford Square, NW10

£1,499,950 Freehold

Great opportunity to purchase this spacious 1989 sq ft semi-

• 4 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms

detached 30's built property that is in need of complete

• Original features - parquet flooring, panelled walls

refurbishment. Great location with surrounding tennis courts

• South west facing 95 ft rear garden, garage with OSP

close to Willesden Green and its local facilities.

• Excellent transport links via Overground and Underground

EPC - C

Donnington Road, NW10

£1,695,000 Freehold

Stylishly designed & refurbished 1930s built semi-detached

• 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 receptions

family home with lovely views over the Park in Kensal Rise,

• Open plan kitchen/dining room with bi folding doors

offering bright & spacious contemporary style accommodation

• Large tiered landscaped 51 ft garden & OSP

of some 2349 sq ft. Large converted loft. Close to transport.

• Underfloor heating, GCH, alarm, entry phone

CAMERONSTIFF.indd 3

14/12/2015 17:05

Season’s Greetings and Happy New Year to all our clients

EPC - E

Chatsworth Road, NW2

£1,999,950 Freehold

An opportunity to purchase this spacious detached 30's built

• 3 bedrooms, 2 receptions, large loft

house arranged as two self-contained flats over 2626 sq ft.

• Own private entrances & separate utilities

Close to Kilburn station (Jubilee).

• New double glazing, original features • OSP, garage, south facing garden

EPC - D

Chudleigh Road, NW6

£2,999,950 Freehold

Substantial detached double fronted house arranged over

• 6 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, 3 bathrooms

three floors offering 3900 sq ft of accommodation and situated

• Contemporary kitchen leading onto garden

within the heart of Brondesbury Park close to local transport,

• Garage, OSP and 112ft rear garden

amenities including sports clubs.

• Early viewing is highly recommended.

CAMERONSTIFF.indd 4

14/12/2015 17:05

020 7328 2828 62 Salusbury Road, NW6 6NS www.queensparkpartnership.co.uk

EPC - D

MILMAN ROAD, NW6

£2,999,000 Freehold

Fantastic 2407 sq ft period house overlooking Queens Park, which has been lovingly maintained and offering 4 bedrooms, 2 receptions, 2 bathrooms, garden, double garage & OSP for 2 cars. Situated close to Salusbury Road & Chamberlayne Road with their numerous cafes & transport facilities.

• Spacious terraced house • Beautifully presented • Garage & OSP • Must be viewed

QUEENSPARK.indd 1

14/12/2015 14:41

EPC - D

BURROWS ROAD, NW10

£1,725,000 Freehold

Beautifully presented 5 bedroom/2 bathroom extended mid-terraced period house in Kensal Rise. This lovely home comprises of double reception, 25 ft kitchen/diner opening onto a 56 ft south facing garden, 4 bedrooms, converted loft with master bedroom & ensuite bathroom. Must be seen to be appreciated!

• 1738 sq ft • 5 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite) • Close to amenities

EPC - F

WHITMORE GARDENS, NW10

£1,600,000 Freehold

A stunning architecturally designed 4 bedroom family home with incredible features such as SWIMMING POOL, SAUNA and SEPARATE STUDIO IN THE GARDEN. The loft has been converted to form the master bedroom & en-suite shower room. Conveniently positioned just off Chamberlayne Road with excellent transport facilities. Seeing is believing!

• Uniquely designed • 1550 sq ft • Swimming pool & sauna • Garden with studio

QUEENSPARK.indd 2

14/12/2015 14:41

020 7328 2828 62 Salusbury Road, NW6 6NS www.queensparkpartnership.co.uk

EPC - C

BRONDESBURY VILLAS, NW6

£1,600,000 Leasehold

Stunning split level apartment spanning an impressive 2085 sq ft with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 23 ft reception, modern kitchen/diner opening onto the rear garden & roof terrace. Enviably positioned close to Queens Park & Kilburn Park Bakerloo Line Stations (Zone 2) as well as the popular Salusbury Road.

• Split level flat • Arranged over 3 floors • Garden & roof terrace • Master bedroom with en-suite

EPC - F

CHARTERIS ROAD, NW6

£1,500,000 Freehold

Conveniently located close to the bustling Salusbury Road & the open spaces of Queens Park is this charming 4 bedroom/3 bathroom mid-terrace house, retaining many period features and benefitting from a roof terrace. The property also boasts double reception, modern kitchen & south facing garden.

• Spanning over 1511 sq ft • Spacious reception • Garden & terrace • Viewing recommended

QUEENSPARK.indd 3

14/12/2015 14:42

EPC - D

TENNYSON ROAD, NW6

£575,000 Leasehold

Ideal for a first time buyer is this immaculately presented 1 bedroom garden flat set on the ground floor of a period property benefitting from bright reception room, modern kitchen/ diner, 30 ft east facing garden, family bathroom. Within walking distance to the amenities of Salusbury Road. Viewing is highly recommended.

• Ground floor flat • 525 sq ft • Eat-in kitchen • Private garden

EPC - D

THE AVENUE, NW10

£450 Per Week + Fees

Available now this bright, well presented 2 double bedroom flat arranged on the first floor of this 4 storey residence situated within walking distance to Queens Park & the amenities of Salusbury Road. Benefitting from modern kitchen and bathroom, large reception & communal garden. Must be seen!

• Available now • Furnished or unfurnished • 2 bedrooms, 793 sq ft • Communal garden

QUEENSPARK.indd 4

14/12/2015 14:42

true associates ltd CHARTERED SURVEYORS

•

ESTATES AGENTS

Wakeman Road, NW10

•

PROJECT MANAGERS

£1,050,000 OIEO

A well presented mid-terrace, Victorian house in this convenient location. Arranged over three floors, the ground floor features a double reception room, spacious kitchen dining room leading to a patio garden, a shower room with W/C, and utility room. The first and second floors have four double bedrooms, one family bathroom and a further separate W/C. Viewing is highly recommended.

True Associates Limited 32 Chamberlayne Road London NW10 3JE

TRUEASS.indd 1

T: 020 8960 3663 F: 020 8960 3883 E: info@trueassociates.co.uk W: www.trueassociates.co.uk

Find Us on Facebook & Twitter

14/12/2015 15:58

INSTANT VALUATION INTERACTIVE Get a Free Instant Valuation at www.portico.com/valuation Call to arrange a Free Valuation on

0207 099 4000 or email Abigail@portico.com

SALES

MAINTENANCE

LE T TINGS

portico.com

PORTICO_CORP.indd 1 Absolutely Magazine ad_AWK.indd 1

12:02 15/06/2015 11:46

KILMAINE ROAD, FULHAM, SW6 ÂŁ1,499,950

KE Y FE AT URES Four Bedrooms Two Bathrooms South Facing Roof Terrace South Facing Garden Immaculate Condition Throughout Freehold

PORTICO.indd 1

14/12/2015 14:33

Acton 020 8993 6767 Battersea 020 7738 1538 Bloomsbury 020 7291 0650 Camden 020 7482 1060 Clapham 020 7501 0454 Dulwich 020 8299 6066 Fulham 020 7731 7788 Hammersmith 020 8748 3630 Highbury 020 7288 9440 Islington 020 7354 3283 West Hampstead 020 7794 1000

portico.com

FULHAM ROAD, FULHAM, SW6 ÂŁ999,995

KE Y FE AT URES Three Double Bedrooms Split-Level Private Entrance Two Bathrooms Fantastic Bright Reception Room Fantastic Condition

PORTICO.indd 2

14/12/2015 14:33

PROPERTY / COUNTRYSIDE

FAMOUS PLACES

London hides a plethora of celebrity homes. These are the most recent to come on the market

WHERE LENNON PENNED SOME OF THE BEATLES’ BEST KNOWN WORK moved her family to LA. It’s now on the market for £11.5m. u Ian Green Residential 020 7586 1000; iangreenresidential.com

LENNON’S SONG WRITING RETREAT

uring the late 1960s this respectable family home was home to John Lennon, wife Cynthia and son Julian, where Lennon penned some of the Beatles’ best known work, including much of the Sgt. Pepper album.

Lennon had a room at the top of the house where he kept most of his musical equipment, writing and recording on tape recorders. The cover photograph for Rubber Soul was taken here, and Lennon parked his garishly decorated Rolls-Royce in the drive.

The house, which is in Weybridge, Surrey, cost the singer £20,000 in July 1964, but he’d sold it by 1968 after starting a relationship with Yoko Ono. Set over 1.5 acres with large gardens and new indoor swimming pool complex, it’s on the market for £10.5m. u Knight Frank 020 7861 1378; knightfrank.co.uk

D

Words NI G EL L EWI S

DRAMATIC ADDRESS FOR RICHARD E GRANT

ichard E Grant is currently making headlines in the gory version of Jekyll and Hyde on ITV. Some viewers recoiled when a half-man, half-dog monster was shot by members of a shadowy organisation led by his characters, Bulstrode, with characteristic comic relief and a hint of menace.

Grant’s most famous turn was as a failed actor in Withnail & I, but he also won good reviews for his role as a grieving widow in in the 1995 film, Jack & Sarah.

This was Jack’s house in the romcom: a grade II-listed four bedroom house in Holland Park with views over a communal garden and St James’s Church.

The terraced property, which has been in the same family for 58 years, comprises three bathrooms, two studies, and two cloakrooms, which are in need of updating, according to agent Savills.

It also has a lift shaft and front basement access that would need to be removed within three months of moving in. It’s on the market for £5.25m. u Savills 020 7727 5750; savills.com

R

alongside Des O’Connor and reportedly had an affair with Marlon Brando when she was 15 and he was 29. She and sister Joan started appearing in British B movies, but Collins largely gave up acting in the 1960s.

The novelist, who died of breast cancer in September aged 77, sold more than 500 million copies in 40 countries with her tales of the rich and famous, in a career spanning four decades.

This tasteful five-bedroom property in St John’s Wood was her home in the 1980s with second husband, gallery and nightclub owner Oscar Lerman, before she

HOME TO THE ‘QUEEN OF STEAM’

uthor Jackie Collins had a private life almost as colourful as some of the characters in her raunchy novels. As a young stage singer she appeared

A

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Chis_Jan16_NL_DPS.indd 156

£5.25 Million

156 16/12/2015 09:29

PROPERTY / STAR HOMES

£10.5 Million

£11.5 Million

WHERE MANY OF THE 007 BOOKS WERE WRITTEN BY IAN FLEMING

WHERE VICTORIA BECKHAM DESIGNED

ictoria Beckham was recently named the UK’s top entrepreneur by a magazine that praised her “finelytuned business acumen” for running her eponymous fashion brand, which now turns over millions each year.

While she opened her flagship store in London last year, her former design studio has been converted into two luxury apartments. The three-bedroom flats are on the first floor of a former industrial warehouse in Ransome’s Dock in London’s Battersea, and one’s now up for grabs at £3.5m.

V

Right next to fellow Brit designer Vivienne Westwood’s fashion house, the 2,000 sq ft flat has been renovated with no expense spared.

It comes with upmarket furniture, a customised Italian kitchen, a large living space with polished concrete floors and wooden panelling. u Douglas and Gordon 020 7720 8077; douglasandgordon.com

THE BLOCK WHERE FLEMING CREATED BOND s the nation, and world, crams into cinemas to watch Spectre, so a flat is for sale in the block where many of the 007 books were written by Ian Fleming. He wrote the first book, Casino Royale, while living in this imposing building on Cheyne Walk in the early 1950s.

A

£6.459 Million

157 Chis_Jan16_NL_DPS.indd 157

£3.5 Million

The writer is said to have begun writing to distract himself from his forthcoming wedding, and the property is nicknamed Writer’s Block because of the many famous authors who’ve lived in Carlyle Mansions.

As well as Fleming, other literary luminaries include Henry James, T. S. Eliot and W. Somerset Maugham, who spied for Britain during the First World War. This top floor flat in a Victorian portered block has been designed and kitted out by Fiona BarrattCampbell who currently owns it, along with husband, former England and Arsenal player Sol Campbell.

It has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, great views over the Thames, and is on the market for £6.495m. u Strutt & Parker 020 3553 7978; struttandparker.com

JANUARY 2016

16/12/2015 12:07

BROOK GREEN 138 SHEPHERDS BUSH ROAD W6 7PB SHEPHERDS BUSH 113 ASKEW ROAD W12 9AS ACTON 27 CHURCHFIELD ROAD W3 6BD

SO LD

SO LD

www.finlaybrewer.co.uk

HAMMERSMITH GROVE W6 £3.52M FREEHOLD

BROOK GREEN W6 £3.4M FREEHOLD

• 5/6 BEDROOMS • DOUBLE RECEPTION • KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM

• 6 BEDROOMS • 2 RECEPTIONS • KITCHEN/FAMILY ROOM

• 3 BATHROOMS • ROOF TERRACE • WEST FACING GARDEN

LD

BROOK GREEN 020 7371 4171

SO

SO

LD

BROOK GREEN 020 7371 4171

• 2 BATHROOMS • 2 ROOF TERRACES • 66 x 22 APX GARDEN

LUXEMBURG GARDENS W6 £3.1M FREEHOLD

BROOK GREEN W6 £2.556M FREEHOLD

• 5 BEDROOMS • DOUBLE RECEPTION • KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM

• 4 DOUBLE BEDROOMS • 2 RECEPTIONS • KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM

• PLAYROOM/MEDIA ROOM • 3 BATHROOMS (2 EN SUITE) • WALLED & PAVED GARDEN

BROOK GREEN 020 7371 4171

• 2 BATHROOMS • GUEST CLOAKROOM • PATIO GARDEN

BROOK GREEN 020 7371 4171

LOCAL . INDEPENDENT . INVOLVED

FB.indd 1

09/12/2015 14:23

ANLEY ROAD W14 £1,300 PW / £5,633 PCM

BRACKENBURY ROAD W6 £625 PW / £2,708 PCM

• 6 DOUBLE BEDROOMS • 3 BATHROOMS • DOUBLE RECEPTION

• UPPER MAISONETTE • 3 DOUBLE BEDROOMS • DOUBLE RECEPTION

• WOOD FLOORS • EAT-IN KITCHEN • EPC RATED D 59

• SEPARATE KITCHEN • GARDEN AND ROOF TERRACE • EPC RATED E 53

ROWAN ROAD W6 £690 PW / £2,990 PCM

ST. QUINTIN AVENUE W10 £775 PW / £3,358 PCM

• 2 BEDROOM COTTAGE • DOUBLE RECEPTION • WOOD FLOORS

• 3 BEDROOM HOUSE • MASTER BEDROOM • EN-SUITE BATH

• FULLY FITTED KITCHEN • SECLUDED GARDEN • EPC RATED E 51

• AMPLE STORAGE • LARGE PRIVATE GARDEN • EPC RATED E 39

LOCAL . INDEPENDENT . INVOLVED

FB.indd 2

09/12/2015 14:24

PROPERTY / NEW TO THE MARKET

Prime

PURCHASE LONDON’S FINEST ASSETS

PARKGATE HOUSE  SW11

£2.75 Million

arkgate House has been converted from a former Victorian bakery building into eight bespoke apartments by boutique London development firm, Banda Property. The remaining two-bedroom apartments are extremely spacious, stretching to almost 2,000 sq ft. The 3.3m ceiling heights create a remarkable feeling of space and light and the sophisticated apartments make the most of the building’s original features. u  Strutt & Parker Chelsea 020 7225 3866; struttandparker.com bandaproperty.co.uk

P

2

HURLINGHAM WALK

courtyard of impressive landscaped gardens. Other features include underfloor heating, fitted wardrobes and custom-designed kitchens.u  Berkley Group, St James 020 8246 4199 berkleygroup.co.uk

 SW6

£690,000

Starting Price

brand new show home has launched at the A exclusive St James development, Hurlingham Walk. Perfectly located on the Fulham riverside, the stylish show home designed by interior decorator Laura Hammett, will showcase the exclusive collection of 68 apartments. Each apartment is complete with its own balcony and is set around a central

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Chis_Jan16_prop_PP.indd 160

RIVERMEAD COURT  SW6

£2,550,000

fabulous four bedroom flat of approximately 2,060 sq ft with wonderful direct views over the River Thames and communal gardens. Positioned in arguably the best part of the block, the flat offers a wealth of living and bedroom space including an

A

elegant double reception room leading to a formal dining room. It boasts a kitchen/ breakfast room, generous master bedroom, three further bedrooms and three bathrooms. With spectacular views from all principal rooms,

Rivermead Court is idyllically situated on the banks of the River Thames, adjacent to the Hurlingham Club and Hurlingham Park.u  John D Wood & Co., Fulham 020 3151 2336; johndwood.co.uk

160 16/12/2015 09:36

lawsons & daughters

DE MORGAN ROAD, SW6 £1,300,000

PROPERTY FEATURES • 4 double bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms • Double reception room • Arranged over 3 floors • Private Garden • Freehold

TEL: 0208 563 0202 | 404-406 N ORTH E ND R OAD, F ULHAM, L ONDON SW6 1LU

Lawsons & Daugthers.indd 4

27/10/2015 12:02

020 7381 4998 • 190 Fulham Palace Road London W6 9PA sales@lockettestates.co.uk • lettings@lockettestates.co.uk • www.lockettestates.co.uk

TASSO ROAD, W6, Three double bedroom, two bathroom house with potential to extend. The property has been improved to include new bathrooms and double glazing, but would benefit from updating. EPC: D DOUBLE RECEPTION ROOM, KITCHEN, THREE DOUBLE BEDROOMS, TWO BATHROOMS, GARDEN

1175000

Larnach Road, W6, Spacious extended house in a very convenient location for Hammersmith and Barons Court underground stations as well as local amenities and Thames Path. EPC: TBA Four Double Bedrooms, Double Reception Room, Fitted Kitchen With Dining Area, Study, Family Bathroom, Shower Room, Garden

750 pw

LOCKETTS.indd 1

12/11/2015 16:48

Riverside living at its best

Flats to rent at Fulham Reach starting at £475 per week

1 Beds from £525 pw

n Pool, Gym, 24hr Concierge, Air-conditioning n 3 minute walk to Hammersmith Tube (District, Piccadilly, Circle, Hammersmith & City Lines) 2 Beds from £750 pw

Call us now on 020 8528 4110 or email fr@brlets.co.uk or visit www.brlets.co.uk Unit C, Distillery Wharf, Chancellors Road, London W6 9GX London offices: Canary Wharf | City | Colindale | Ealing | Fulham | Greenwich | Hammersmith Hampstead | Highgate | Hyde Park | Kensington | Knightsbridge | Surrey Quays | Wapping International: Dubai | Hong Kong | India | Malaysia | Singapore

Additional charges apply: Tenancy Agreement, Credit Check & Inventory Report. For details visit www.brlets.co.uk/tenantinfo

• NEW_B&R_DEC_15.indd 6

On-site letttings office at Fulham Reach

14/12/2015 15:51

Kensington

ÂŁ1,450 pw Unfurnished

3 Bedrooms | Reception | 3 Bathrooms | Period Apartment Balcony | Close To Amenities | Near Tube | EPC - D Kensington 020 3302 5674 kens@brlets.co.uk

Fourteen offices open six days a week Monday - Saturday Canary Wharf | City | Colindale | Ealing | Fulham | Greenwich | Hammersmith | Hampstead | Highgate | Hyde Park | Kensington | Knightsbridge | Surrey Quays | Wapping Additional charges apply: Tenancy Agreement, Credit Check & Inventory Report. For details visit www.brlets.co.uk/tenantinfo

• NEW_B&R_DEC_15.indd 2

14/12/2015 17:18

London’s Letting Agency

To arrange a viewing or for more information call

info@brlets.co.uk www.brlets.co.uk

020 7319 9783

Notting Hill Borders

£500 pw Furnished

Battersea

£525 pw Furnished

1 Bedroom | Reception | 1 Bathroom | Apartment Terrace | Parking | Lift | Near Amenities | EPC - C | Sole Agents Hyde Park 020 3417 3703 hyde@brlets.co.uk

1 Bedroom | Reception | 1 Bathroom | Apartment Balcony | 24hr Concierge | Lift | EPC - B | Sole Agents Knightsbridge 020 3302 7174 knight@brlets.co.uk

Kensington

Imperial Wharf

£850 pw Furn/Unfurnished

3 Bedrooms | Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Apartment Close To Amenities | Near Tube | EPC - D | Sole Agents Kensington 020 3302 5674 kens@brlets.co.uk

£1,400 pw Furn/Unfurnished

3 Bedrooms | Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Apartment Balcony | 24hr Concierge | Lift | Gym | EPC - C | Sole Agents Fulham 020 3503 0015 iw@brlets.co.uk

Dubai | Hong Kong | India | Malaysia | Singapore

• NEW_B&R_DEC_15.indd 3

14/12/2015 17:19

Battersea

ÂŁ850 pw Furnished

2 Bedrooms | Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Prime Riverfront Balcony | 24hr Concierge | Close To Tube | EPC - C Knightsbridge 020 3302 7174 knight@brlets.co.uk

Fourteen offices open six days a week Monday - Saturday Canary Wharf | City | Colindale | Ealing | Fulham | Greenwich | Hammersmith | Hampstead | Highgate | Hyde Park | Kensington | Knightsbridge | Surrey Quays | Wapping Additional charges apply: Tenancy Agreement, Credit Check & Inventory Report. For details visit www.brlets.co.uk/tenantinfo

• NEW_B&R_DEC_15.indd 4

14/12/2015 17:18

London’s Letting Agency

To arrange a viewing or for more information call

info@brlets.co.uk www.brlets.co.uk

020 7319 9783

Knightsbridge

£495 pw Furnished

Imperial Wharf

£565 pw Furnished

1 Bedroom | Reception | Shower Room | 2nd Floor Period Building | Near Harrods & Tube | EPC - C Knightsbridge 020 3302 7174 knight@brlets.co.uk

2 Bedrooms | Reception | 2 Bathrooms | 4th Floor Apartment Balcony | 24hr Concierge | Lift | Gym | EPC - C | Sole Agents Fulham 020 3503 0015 iw@brlets.co.uk

Hammersmith

Hyde Park

£1,250 pw Unfurnished

3 Bedrooms | Reception | 3 Bathrooms | River Views Balcony | 24hr Concierge | Gym | EPC - C | Sole Agents Hammersmith 020 8528 4110 fr@brlets.co.uk

£1,495 pw Unfurnished

3 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 2 Bathrooms | Townhouse Garage | Terrace | Near Amenities & Tube | EPC - D Hyde Park 020 3417 3703 hyde@brlets.co.uk

Dubai | Hong Kong | India | Malaysia | Singapore

• NEW_B&R_DEC_15.indd 5

14/12/2015 17:19

Kensington’s new quarter n Situated in one of the most desirable locations in London n 24hr concierge, secure parking, gym, pool, spa, private screening room, business suite

375 Kensington High Street, W14

n 5 Minute walk to Tube & Underground stations

Apartments to rent from £600 per week 1 Beds (avg 520 sq ft) from £600 per week

2 Beds (avg 950 sq ft) from £950 per week

Deluxe residents leisure suite

Call us now on 020

3302 4797, email kens@brlets.co.uk or visit www.brlets.co.uk 5 Thackeray Street, Kensington, London W8 5ET London offices: Canary Wharf | City | Colindale | Ealing | Fulham | Greenwich | Hammersmith Hampstead | Highgate | Hyde Park | Kensington | Knightsbridge | Surrey Quays | Wapping International: Dubai | Hong Kong | India | Malaysia | Singapore

Additional charges apply: Tenancy Agreement, Credit Check & Inventory Report. For details visit www.brlets.co.uk/tenantinfo

• NEW_B&R_DEC_15.indd 7

14/12/2015 15:53

PROPERTY / PRICE COMPARISON £

NIGEL LEWIS

PRICE BANDS London’s astonishing new average house price

just after crossing the Thames, you have seen the Westmoreland Triangle. It’s a local term for the handful of streets at the south side of the bewildering grid of roads that make up Pimlico. This flat is on Westmoreland Terrace, where The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein is said to have had his first LSD trip.

APARTMENT OVERLOOKING THE RIVER

PRICE: £500,000 LOCATION: Kingston-upon-Thames WHAT YOU GET FOR YOUR MONEY: Two bedroom

I

n London's property market, an extraordinary milestone has been reached. It’s one that speaks volumes about how unusual it is.

The capital now has an official average house price of just over £500,000 following the latest House Price Index published by the Land Registry. Such figures generally prompt aghast bewilderment outside the capital.

For example, in the UK’s second city, Birmingham, the average house price is just £121,700 and the national average is £186,350. But despite London pulling away so fast from the rest of the country, what does £500,000 buy you in London?

Here we explore the different, and sometimes astonishing, properties it can secure.

CENTRAL LONDON PAD

PRICE: £500,000 LOCATION: St Johns, SE8 WHAT YOU GET FOR YOUR MONEY: Three bedroom

PRICE: £500,000 LOCATION: Pimlico borders WHAT YOU GET FOR YOUR MONEY: One bedroom

ABOVE

basement flat with a patio garden. f you’ve ever sat on the right hand side of the train I chugging into Victoria, then

ELVERSON ROAD, SE8

OLD DOVER ROAD, CT4

LEFT BELOW WESTMORELAND TERRACE, SW1V

Victorian terrace. o can you buy a family home with a garden within S striking distance of central London? This Victorian semi could do with an upgrade, but St Johns has been undergoing gradual gentrification since the arrival of the DLR in 1999.

PENTHOUSE FLAT

PRICE: £500,000 LOCATION: Upper Tulse Hill, SW2 WHAT YOU GET FOR YOUR MONEY: Two bedroom

apartment covering entire top floor of a Georgian mansion. his property was once the London home of Lord T Mountbatten. It is half way between Brixton and Tulse Hill but not near any train or tube stations, which probably explains the price.

Because the property is on the heights of Tulse Hill the apartment offers amazing views.

DETACHED HOUSE

PRICE: £500,000 LOCATION: Blackheath, SE3 WHAT YOU GET FOR YOUR MONEY: One bedroom

THE CAPITAL NOW HAS AN OFFICIAL AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE OF JUST OVER £500,000

detached house t is probably a bit of a cheat to call this property a house I – a detached studio house would be better.

169 Chis_Jan15_Prop_Price_Bands.indd 169

HOUSE IN ZONE THREE

apartment overlooking the Thames at Kingston Bridge. his apartment may be modest but it’s good value T for money if you want Thames views. A similar flat down the river at Battersea, for example, can cost £200,000 more.

JANUARY 2016

16/12/2015 09:30

CHELSEA GALLERIES, SW3 Chelsea Galleries, with its rare Dutch gable façade, was once a hub of London’s art scene. Now, via the portered entrance, it is a gateway to this elegant and private newly built townhouse. Approx. 2,432 sq ft.

Energy Rating: C. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 receptions, guest cloakroom, parking, courtyard garden, underground parking.

Lease to 3014 Guide Price £5,750,000

OLD CHURCH STREET, SW3 This beautifully refurbished non-basement terrace house is arranged over only three floors with a secluded rear garden and garage. Approx. 2,106 sq ft. Energy Rating: E. 3 bedrooms, dressing room, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), drawing room, family/dining room, cloakroom, laundry room, garden, garage.

Freehold Guide Price £4,950,000

CHELSEA 020 7293 0360 chelsea@johndwood.co.uk

JDW.indd 1 Absolutely Templates 1

johndwood.co.uk

09/12/2015 09/12/2015 17:13 16:47

THORNWOOD GARDENS, W8 A superb 1st floor apartment, with three double bedrooms, two underground parking spaces, and a 24/7 concierge service. The property is ready for immediate occupation. Thornwood Gardens is an exclusive development offering excellent security, landscaped gardens, and a central Kensington location.

Approx. 2,330 sq ft. Energy Rating: B. 3 bedrooms, 2 dressing rooms, 2 en suite bathrooms, shower room, open-plan reception/dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, 2 underground parking spaces, communal gardens.

Freehold Share Guide Price ÂŁ5,950,000

KENSINGTON 020 3151 6269 kensington@johndwood.co.uk

JDW.indd 2 Absolutely Templates 2

johndwood.co.uk

09/12/2015 09/12/2015 17:13 16:47

ROLAND GARDENS, SW7

BRAMHAM GARDENS, SW5

A wonderfully indulgent flat in this wide Victorian house, with generous room sizes. Approx. 1,442 sq ft. Energy Rating: D.

On the 3rd floor of this red brick mid-terraced property is this beautifully presented flat with delightful southerly views over the communal gardens. Approx. 1,095 sq ft. Energy Rating: D.

3 bedrooms, bathroom, en suite shower room/steam room, reception room, utility room/bar, external patio with storage.

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), reception, communal gardens.

Lease to 2122 Guide Price £1,875,000

Freehold Share Guide Price £1,850,000

IFIELD ROAD, SW10

STANHOPE GARDENS, SW7

A very well presented garden maisonette in this period, terraced Victorian house with a lovely private west facing garden.

Approx. 839 sq ft. Energy Rating C.

Arranged over the 1st floor of this period, part stucco-fronted, mid-terrace building. Approx. 791 sq ft. Energy Rating: D.

2 bedrooms, 2 en suite bathrooms, cloakroom, reception room.

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), reception room, balcony, access to communal gardens.

Lease to 2114 Guide Price £1,275,000

Lease to 2043 Guide Price £1,150,000

SOUTH KENSINGTON 020 3151 6332 southken@johndwood.co.uk

JDW.indd 3 Absolutely Templates 3

johndwood.co.uk

09/12/2015 09/12/2015 17:13 16:47

SIRDAR ROAD, W11 An immaculately presented and newly-built house with lovely views over Avondale Park. Approx. 1,756 sq ft.

Energy Rating: B. 3 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, reception room, kitchen/dining room, media room, cloakroom, utility room, balcony.

Freehold Guide Price £1,775,000

BRACEWELL ROAD, W10

PORCHESTER SQUARE, W2

A fastidiously refurbished Victorian family house offering a contemporary open-plan living space with a patio garden.

Approx. 1,823 sq ft. Energy Rating: C.

An impressive maisonette with its own front door, elegant high ceilings and lovely views over the square gardens.

Approx. 1,254 sq ft. Energy Rating: C.

5 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, double reception room, kitchen/dining room, cloakroom, garden.

2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, open-plan kitchen/dining room, patio, square gardens.

Freehold Guide Price £1,750,000

Lease to 2073 Guide Price £1,450,000

NOTTING HILL 020 3151 6283 nottinghill@johndwood.co.uk

JDW.indd 4 Absolutely Templates 4

johndwood.co.uk

09/12/2015 09/12/2015 17:13 16:47

PROPERTY / NEW TO THE MARKET

Luxurious

LETTINGS LONDON’S FINEST ASSETS

LEINSTER GARDENS W2

£6,067

Per Calendar Month

stunning two bedroom apartment available to rent long-term in the heart of Bayswater. Situated only moments away from Hyde Park, the modern apartment benefits from great natural light, high ceilings and a private patio. Just a short walk from Paddington station, the property has excellent transport links in and out the city. u l KFH Bayswater, 020 3792 1093; kfh.co.uk

A

CHEYNE TERRACE SW3

£5,250 Per Week

his brand new two bedroom property has been redesigned by the owner to be the ultimate luxury living space. The 2,747 sq ft space comprises of two spacious bedrooms with built in storage and modern bathrooms. There is a state of the art media room, discreet utility room, and a fully equipped kitchen and dining area with high end appliances.

This leads into the beautiful curved reception room. The

apartment also boasts a 620 sq ft private terrace, two underground parking spaces, an underground storage room, and a secure wine storage within a specially allocated tasting room. The development has a serene swimming pool, gym and a spa treatment room. u l Strutt & Parker Chelsea 020 7589 9966; struttandparker.com

T

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_Jan16_Prop_LL.indd 174

ROWAN ROAD

Broadway. There is a double reception with wooden floor and a separate fully fitted kitchen complete with french doors that lead to a secluded patio garden area. Upstairs, the bright and airy cottage boasts two spacious double bedrooms and a contemporary shower room.

W6

£690 Per Week

charming two double bedroom Victorian cottage in excellent condition close to both Brook Green and Hammersmith

A

This property is perfectly accessible with its prime Brook Green location close to all amenities. It also has the added benefit of off-street parking. u l Finlay Brewer Brook Green, 020 7371 4171; finlaybrewer.co.uk

174 16/12/2015 09:28

Established 1897

CHELTENHAM TERRACE, Chelsea SW3 A spacious three double bedroom ground floor apartment on Cheltenham Terrace. Located in Whitelands House but with its own private entrance, the apartment benefits from both a quiet and convenient location. Generous accommodation is provided throughout with further scope to improve the current layout should it be desired. The apartment is located moments from the King’s Road and its world class shopping and dining and would make an ideal pied-a-terre. Offered with no onward chain. EPC rating C. Share of Freehold Guide price: £3,500,000 020 7225 5911 mark.greenway@harrodsestates.com

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: 020 7225 6700 KENSINGTON OFFICE: 48-50 KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET LONDON W8 4DG T: 020 3650 4600

HARRODSESTATES.COM @HarrodsEstates

HARRODS.indd 5374 HE Absolute1ads.indd 1

14/12/2015 11/12/2015 14:15 14:35

Established 1897

SUTHERLAND HOUSE, Kensington W8 A superb three bedroom apartment (approximately 1,344sq ft/ 124.86sq m) on the fifth floor of a portered building in the heart of Kensington, which has been meticulously renovated to an exquisite standard. The accommodation comprises a large reception room, separate kitchen, master bedroom with ensuite, a second double bedroom, a further bedroom/study and separate bathroom. The property has been reconfigured to provide the optimal layout, meaning that the property flows extremely well and benefits from fantastic 3m-high ceilings. The finish of the apartment is superb, incorporating marble and light wood flooring and an integrated Bose sound systems. Sutherland House is located on Marloes Road which is just to the south of High Street Kensington. Holland Park and Kensington Gardens are both within walking distance as are the numerous shops, restaurants and transport facilities that Kensington have to offer. EPC rating E. Share of Freehold Guide price: ÂŁ2,895,000 020 3650 4602 nicholas.shaw@harrodsestates.com

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: 020 7225 6700 KENSINGTON OFFICE: 48-50 KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET LONDON W8 4DG T: 020 3650 4600

HARRODSESTATES.COM @HarrodsEstates

HARRODS.indd 5374 HE Absolute2ads.indd 2

14/12/2015 11/12/2015 14:15 14:38

Established 1897

THE TOWER, Vauxhall SW8 A fantastic three bedroom apartment situated on the third floor of this luxurious riverside development in SW8, overlooking The Thames and the London skyline. The building itself offers superb amenities to residents and a second-tonone living experience, boasting a luxury gym and spa, cinema, lounge areas, meeting rooms, panoramic swimming pool with stunning river views and Harrods Estates 24-hour porter and concierge services.This apartment is offered on an unfurnished basis and early viewings are recommended due to the high demand to live in this exclusive building. EPC rating B. Price: £1,500 per week plus property fees* (£180 admin, £175 checkout) References £42 per person* * http://www.harrodsestates.com/tenants 020 7225 5822 tobias.king@harrodsestates.com

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: 020 7225 6700 KENSINGTON OFFICE: 48-50 KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET LONDON W8 4DG T: 020 3650 4600

HARRODSESTATES.COM @HarrodsEstates

HARRODS.indd 5374 HE Absolute3ads.indd 3

14/12/2015 11/12/2015 14:15 14:39

Established 1897

TRINITY HOUSE, Kensington W14 A stunning three bedroom penthouse apartment located on the 11th and 12th floors of this landmark development on Kensington High Street. The spacious open-plan reception room has been beautifully designed to incorporate a kitchen, dining and living area, opening onto a huge terrace with incredible views over London. There are also three bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms, a further cloakroom and secure underground parking. 375 Kensington High Street is a luxurious new development located at the western end of Kensington, benefiting from 24-hour concierge and security supplied by Harrods Estates Asset Management, underground parking and a stunning leisure suite for residents only, comprising of a gym, swimming pool, spa, treatment rooms and cinema. EPC rating C. Price: £3,500 per week plus property fees* (£180 admin & £175 checkout) References £42 per person *harrodsestates.com/tenants 020 3650 4604 sam.wright@harrodsestates.com

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: 020 7225 6700 KENSINGTON OFFICE: 48-50 KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET LONDON W8 4DG T: 020 3650 4600

HARRODSESTATES.COM @HarrodsEstates

HARRODS.indd 5374 HE Absolute4ads.indd 4

14/12/2015 11/12/2015 14:15 14:39

Harrods Estates brings

LONDON property to the world

• LONDON RESIDENTIAL SALES • LONDON RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS • ACQUISITIONS • NEW DEVELOPMENTS • ASSET MANAGEMENT • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: 020 7225 6700 KENSINGTON OFFICE: 48-50 KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET LONDON W8 4DG T: 020 3650 4600

HARRODSESTATES.COM @HarrodsEstates

HARRODS.indd 5091 HE Absolute1ads.indd 1

22/09/2015 22/07/2015 16:03 14:41

Completely at home in London.

Our services Sales and Lettings Property Management Block and Estate Management Property Solicitors Chartered Surveyors Financial Services Visit kfh.co.uk

With over 35 years’ experience in the London property market and more than 50 branches across the Capital, we draw on our existing London-wide and international network and local expertise to deliver the right result, whatever your requirements.

If you are looking to buy, sell, rent or let contact us today.

KFH South Kensington 29 Harrington Road SW7 3HD Sales 020 3792 5321 southkensington.sales@kfh.co.uk

Lettings 020 3792 5322 southkensington.lettings@kfh.co.uk

KFH Fulham and Chelsea 29 Effie Road, SW6 1EN Sales 020 3792 5318 fulham.sales@kfh.co.uk

Lettings 020 3792 5319 fulham.lettings@kfh.co.uk

OBCKensington KENS/CHELS.indd 1 Abs Creative ARTWORK_OBC.indd 1

09/12/2015 15:57 14:25 08/12/2015