NOTTING HILL MARCH 2016

NOTTING HILL MARCH 2016 / £3.95

COVER GIRL

THE AMAZING WORLD OF CORALIE BICKFORD-SMITH

MANOLO BLAHNIK

STEPPING OUT WITH THE KING OF HEELS

CASHMERE FOR CANINES

RUBY RUFUS AND HER PUPPPY FASHION

STRIKE A POSE

A STRONG BUT FEMININE LOOK

STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT COVERS MARCH 2016 v2.indd 3

02/03/2016 15:31

facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Clarendon Road, Holland Park, W11

An outstanding and beautifully presented five bedroom family house, with the benefit of a fabulous 46 ft west-facing garden.

ÂŁ9,650,000 Freehold

3,672 sq ft (341 sq m) Entrance hall | Drawing room | Sitting room | Kitchen | Dining room | Study | Master bedroom suite | Dressing room | Four further double bedrooms | Three shower rooms | Utility room | Terrace | Garden | EPC rating D

Notting Hill 020 7221 1111 nottinghill@struttandparker.com

IFC NH.indd 1

19/02/2016 12:06

Earls Terrace, Kensington, W8

An outstanding six bedroom house, occupying 4,935 sq ft, with a 93 ft south-facing garden, swimming pool, 24 hour security, underground parking and access to Edwardes Square Gardens.

Price on Application Freehold

4,935 sq ft (458 sq m) Kitchen/breakfast room | Dining room | Drawing room | Master bedroom with en suite bathroom | Five further bedrooms | Four further bathrooms | Swimming Pool | South-facing garden | Underground parking

Kensington 020 7938 3666 kensington@struttandparker.com

IFC NH.indd 2

19/02/2016 12:06

SASSI HOLFORD LONDON Perfectly beautiful wedding gowns and evening wear from Sassi Holford 020 7584 1532 www.sassiholford.com London@sassiholford.com

SASSI HOLFORD.indd 2

12/02/2016 17:23

SASSI HOLFORD.indd 3

12/02/2016 17:23

Make the most out of your space... ask about our free design service.

Notting Hill 18-24 Westbourne Grove, London W2 W2 5RH Tel. 020 7792 4111 boconcept.co.uk

BO CONCEPT.indd 1

22/02/2016 16:30

F

R O

E INTERI E R

BOOK SI

IT

GN

E

DE

A HOME VIS

S E RV

IC

BoConcept is all about making design, furniture and colours come together in your home. If you need someone to bounce your ideas off, our professional and friendly Interior Designers are always on hand. Providing you with home consultations through to complete 3D designs to visualise the results. Please ask in-store for details.

Plus take advantage now of our current offer - spend ÂŁ5,000 and receive 10% back - available for a limited time and only in-store.

BO CONCEPT.indd 2

22/02/2016 16:30

HRP KP.indd 1

22/02/2016 17:34

XXXXXXXXX / XXXXXXXX

March 2016

86 16

c u lt u r e TALKING TOPICS Diary dates for March

20 COVER GIRL

Designer Coralie Bickford-Smith talks illustrations and beautiful books

22 CAINE AND VERY ABLE The quintessential Londoner shares the secret to Youth

fa s h i o n 30 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

Kimonos, Equipment and cool blue hues for spring

29 32 SOLE MAN

Manolo Blahnik on why he’s waited so long to open his second London store

40 SHEER ROMANCE

Chiffon and lace bring the drama

48 TOP DOG

Ruby Rufus shows her fashion pedigree

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 52 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL March’s best beauty buys

58 CULT CLASSICS

Iconic products from the last 50 years

Food & Drink 62 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

The latest openings and food news as well as our pick of the best Easter eggs

64 SISTER, SISTER

The latest from Hemsley + Hemsley

COVERS:

P h o t o g r a p h e r JA M E S LU CAS Stylist CHARLOTTE ADSETT

69 EATING OUT

More than just your everyday pubs at The Commander and The Anglesea Arms

9 NH_March16_Contents.indd 9

64

interiors 72 INTERIORS NOTES

Key industry news, and ‘It’ products

77 BRIGHT IDEAS

Get the look with Jessica Klingelfuss

t r av e l 86 MARKET TOWN

Close enough to be convenient, far enough to feel like a holiday - we discover Marrakech

PROPERTY 118 PROPERTY ROUND-UP

The latest news and views on the area

MARCH 2016

25/02/2016 09:50

NU LINE A

D

I

A

T

O

R

S

T

U

D

I

O

Bi s q u e – Q ui l l , Co nve c to r & E l li s s e

R

Nu-Line Radia tor Studio: 12-14 Malton Rd, London, W10 5UP T: 020 8206 5170 E: Radia torStudio@nu-line.net W: www.nu-line.net

NU-LINE.indd 2

24/07/2015 15:05

EDITOR PENDLE HARTE EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS ELYSIA AGNEW, PEARL BOYD, AMANDA CONSTANCE, CATHERINE HALES EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ELIZABETH HUTTON CONTRIBUTING FASHION EDITOR CHARLOTTE ADSETT CONTRIBUTING INTERIOR EDITOR JESSICA KLINGELFUSS PROPERTY DIRECTOR ANDY ELMER PROPERTY EXECUTIVE BOBBY WATSON GROUP COMMERCIAL MANAGER JAMES FUSCHILLO SENIOR ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER ROCHELLE STREATER CLIENT LIAISON CHRISTINA MACFADDEN MAJOR ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR TAMSIN LUCK ART DIRECTOR RAY SEARLE SENIOR DESIGNERS PAWEL KUBA, PHIL COUZENS PRODUCTION MANAGER STEWART HYDE MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER EKREM YILMAZ JUNIOR DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN FINANCE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HVID 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 subscriptions@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, 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

M

anolo Blahnik, probably the most famous shoe designer in the world, waited 44 years after opening his fi rst London shop before opening the second one. He wanted to be quite certain it was in the right place. This kind of perfectionism reflects in his design work and is probably what has made his shoes such iconic pieces. We were lucky in this issue to be able to ask some questions of the man himself, and to reproduce some of his beautiful illustrations as we celebrate the new store. Also this month we meet Coralie Bickford-Smith, another designer, who shares his love for shape and colour though manifests them entirely differently. For her, designing book covers for Penguin led to writing and illustrating her own book, The Fox and The

11 NH_March16_EDS_LETTER.indd 11

Star, which won last year’s coveted Waterstones’ Book of the Year Award.

We talk design with her too – and bright colours remain a theme in this issue as our roundup of the most iconic make-up bag staples of the past 30 years includes lots of brights and blushes, while for interiors, there's a focus on lights to intensify any shade.

Also in this issue we meet Michael Caine to discuss Youth, the fi lm, as well as actual youth and not being so youthful. We also have some stylish recipe ideas, lots of travel ideas and our regular exclusive fashion shoot, so here's hoping you enjoy the issue. ◆

Pendle Harte Editor

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 16:39

10 Things We

ABSOLUTELY

PARTY BAG

Inspired by the iridescent shades of the sea, Paula Cadematori is having fun this season with bright colours and shiny geometric patterns. paulacademartori.com

PRINTED

Missoni wouldn’t be Missoni without an eccentric print or two. The SS16 collection didn’t disappoint with a winning amalgamation of the iconic zig-zag with a hallucinogenic tribal design.

The ultimate warm weather wear. missoni.com

VELVETINE

Compiled By

Inject a little bit of colour into your home with this bright yellow velvet quilted cushion. Soft and stylish. urbanoutfitters.com

ELIZABETH H U T TO N

MAPPED OUT

Fallen in love with a city? Remember it forever with a custom black and white poster from Swedish tech-design company Mapiful.

From £40; mapiful.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CHIS_March16_AbsLoves_.indd 8

12 24/02/2016 12:25

ABSOLUTELY / LOVES

KITTY CAT

Light up this cute candle and release the animal within – quite literally, as when the wax melts a grinning metallic skeleton is revealed. Both sweet and sinister.

Pyropet, £27.99, firebox.com

GIRL ONLINE

Diesel’s latest campaign attempts to decode digital language. Inspired by the way the smiley faces describe real-life scenarios, the video online shows the gang imitate different emojis. diesel.com

SO REAL

Dior’s ‘So Real’ sunglasses are not only elegant but quirky too, with gold-tone and black acetate metal frames. £345.87; farfetch.com

CLEAR CUT

Made from 18ct yellow gold and rutilated quartz, this 3D printed necklace combines simple lines and pure shapes to make a piece of fascinating jewellery. £4,207; kattri.com

WATCHED UP

MODERN TREASURES

Do you get bored easily? If so, you need a Shore watch. Designed so that the strap can be switched on a daily basis, you can keep mixing things up. shoreprojects.com

Fusing together both tradition and modernity, Argentinian designer Isabel Englebert creates exquisite, handmade, art deco jewellery. Check her work out. £1,600; wolfandbadger.com

13 CHIS_March16_AbsLoves_.indd 9

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 12:25

THE MUSE.indd 1

22/02/2016 09:28

p. 16

BOOK TALK WITH CORALIE BICKFORD-SMITH p. 20 MEETING MICHAEL CAINE

p. 22

David Bowie © André Monet, lumas.com

> TALKING TOPICS

15 NH_MARCH16_Culture_Opener.indd 15

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 12:29

XXXXXXXX / XXXXXXXXX

SILENT FILMS: LIVE

©ELISABETTA FATONE

7 Ma rc h Ro y a l Al b e r t Ha ll ntent on escaping the country after I murdering her evil step-father, a young girl dresses as a boy, befriends a vagabond, train-hops and steals a car in her attempt to outsmart the police. This classic silent movie will be screened with live American Skiffle music from The Dodge Brothers. u Kensington Gore, SW7; royalalberthall.com

CURTAIN UP

T h ro u gh o u t Ma rc h Vi c to r i a & Al b e r t M u s e u m elebrating the 40th anniversary of the Olivier Awards, this festival C invites you to explore the story of the world’s two greatest theatrical cities: London and New York. Showcasing material from multi-award winning productions such as Phantom of the Opera this is going to be good. u Cromwell Road, SW7; vam.ac.uk

Going Pop From 3 0 March L a ce y Contempora r y G a ller y

Demonstrating the impact of popular culture on contemporary art, this exhibition draws inspiration from the world of celebrity, advertising, magazines and original 1950’s pop art. Not to be missed are Elisabetta Fantone’s bold portraits of iconic music and movie stars – including David Bowie and Mick Jagger – as well as other works of paper, print and fibreglass by British based artists Sara Pope and Paola Bazz.

8 Clarendon Cross, W11; laceycontemporarygallery.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_MARCH16_Whats_On.indd 16

IL TRITTICO

T h ro u gh o u t Ma rc h Ro y a l O p e ra Ho u s e n this acclaimed production, Nicola Luisotti conducts Puccini’s vibrant trio of I operas with three world class casts.

These single-act operas immerse the viewer in different stages of life; heartbreak, jealousy and comedy. Expect grand set designs and sumptuous duets that will blow your mind. u Bow Street, WC2E; roh.org.uk

16 24/02/2016 16:14

ARTS & CULTURE / TALKING TOPICS

STATE OF MIND

T h ro u gh o u t Ma rc h Well c o m e C o ll e c ti o n ringing together artists, B psychologists, philosophers and neuroscientists, this exhibition will examine our conscious and unconscious experiences and attempt to discover exactly what happens when our consciousness is interrupted, damaged or undermined. Hosting a myriad of contemporary art installations, the mysterious and vast subject matter will be dissected well. u 183 Euston Road, NW1; wellcomecollection.org

X by ALISTAIR McDOWALL

must see

F ro m 30 Marc h R oyal C ou r t T he a t re

STRANGE AND FAMILIAR

©MASAHISA FUKASE ARCHIVES

From 16 March B arbican Ce n t re ver wondered what the E world really thinks of the British? This exhibition showcases the good, the bad, and the altogether ugly side of the UK from an international perspective.

Photographs from the 1930's onwards will capture the social, cultural and political identity of the modern Brit as well as playfully contrasting how the British see themselves and how the international community receives them. u Silk Street, EC2; barbican.org.uk

In a universe where Mars is full of blonde Americans creating their own master race and other planets are full of the British saving taxpayers’ money, a crew on Pluto lose contact with Earth.

Unearthing our dark humanity, this hilarious play watches on as the characters fend for themselves, suspect the worse, and turn on one another in order to survive.

Sloane Square, SW1; royalcourttheatre.com

EVENT OF THE MONTH

CINEMA MADE IN ITALY 1 0 - 14 Ma rch Ci n é L u m i è re amous for its highly complex set designs, lavish costumes and record budgets, Italian cinematography is utterly captivating. This festival will screen a total of nine Italian titles; each of which will reflect the best of the country’s production.

F

17 NH_MARCH16_Whats_On.indd 17

Followed by Q&As with the leading actors, directors and producers, we’re particularly looking forward to Anna which tells the story of a middle-aged woman who is a prisoner to her family. u  17 Queensberry Place, SW7; institut-francais.org.uk

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 16:15

FROM 19TH FEBRUARY TO 19TH MARCH 2016

RELOCATION SALE BEFORE MOVING TO CHELSEA EVERYTHING MUST GO!

FRENCH MANUFACTURER

Be inspired by our stylish range of kids, adult, living and dining room furniture at www.gautier.co.uk

37-41 Westbourne Grove, London W2 4UA Tel. 020 7221 2393

GAUTIER.indd 1

15/02/2016 09:06

ARTS & CULTURE / TALKING TOPICS C U LT U R E ro u n d u p

THE AGENDA Our selection of the month’s cultural releases Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

FASHION RULES

Ke nsin g ton Pa l a ce hen you're a real princess, your W clothes become era-defining.

The legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales' fashion is very much alive, and her patronage of British designers is credited with reviving the home-grown fashion industry. This new display at Kensington Palace focuses on Princess Margaret's New Look glamour from the 1950s, HM The Queen's 1970s elegance and Diana's 1990s tailored chic with new pieces from their wardrobes providing further insight into the evolution of royal style. Pictured is a Christian Dior scarf, produced for Princess Margaret (image © Lord Linley & Lady Sarah Chatto). ◆ ¢ Kensington Gardens, W8, hrp.org.uk

STAR PORTRAITS Don't Stop the Music at Lumas Gallery

WORD UP

S pinel ess cl a ssics whole book on a single sheet is what A you get with Spineless Classics' clever new posters. Choose from a huge selection of texts as diverse as Kafka's Metamorphosis, Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations and Tolkein's The Hobbit – every paragraph, chapter heading and italic is kept and carefully arranged into a design which fits a standard frame with no words missing.

You'll probably need glasses, of course. ◆ ¢ Pictured is Aldous Huxley's Brave New

World, framed £220; spinelessclassics.com

R

ising star, Canadian artist Andre Monet was chosen by Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge to create a portrait to commemorate their wedding and now an exhibition of his work opens this month at the Lumas Gallery. In the tradition of Andy Warhol, André Monet works with existing images rather than subjects directly.

First, he creates a collage of newspaper and magazine scraps on his canvas and with this background he then creates photorealistic paintings of stars including

19 NH_MARCH16_Culture_Agenda.indd 19

Beyoncé, Jay Z, Rihanna, David Bowie and AmyWinehouse.

While the background does not necessarily have any correlation with the picture’s subject, it does provide the image a certain materiality – literally many layers behind a person. The exhibition also features the conceptual work of Ralph Ueltzhoeffer, draws his text and pictures from the internet – his pictures are the end product of a grand art project over the course of 923 days dedicated to global networking and new media. ◆ 57 South Molton Street, W1 ¢ lumas.com

MARCH 2016

25/02/2016 09:32

COVER GIRL

Designer Coralie Bickford-Smith’s beautiful books pay homage to Victorian bindings and are full of illustrative detail. Absolutely meets her Wo r d s P e n d l e H a r t e

W

e all know the rule about judging a book by its cover, but still everybody does it anyway.

What else is a cover for? A good cover becomes an instant signifier for a book; a bad cover will damage sales.

When Coralie Bickford Smith’s stylish and quirky book The Fox and The Star became Waterstones’ Book of the Year 2015, it beat literary heavyweights including Harper Lee and Hanya Yanagihara. It’s a beautiful, simple children’s story in a large clothbound edition, full of mood and atmosphere created by its beautiful illustrations and

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_MARCH16_CORALIE BICKFORD SMITH.indd 20

careful colour palate. Heavily influenced by pattern and referencing William Blake and William Morris, the book’s weighty feel, thick paper, patterned fabric cover and bright inks contribute as much to its character as the actual words of the story.

Bickford-Smith is definitely not a show-off. On hearing that she’d won the Watersones title, she was ‘absolutely shocked and delighted. I never expected that. Who would expect that?’ The book is her first, though she has worked at Penguin for the past 14 years in the more anonymous capacity of an in-house designer. This makes her part of a great legacy; over the 81 years of its existence, the house has produced some of the industry’s most stylish and influential covers, many of them as deeply embedded

in the collective consciousness as the books themselves. Who can think about A Clockwork Orange without picturing David Pelham’s memorable one-eyed and bowler-hatted Cog-eyed Droog illustration from 1985, when Pelham was Penguin’s art director? Or RD Laing without Germano Facetti’s 1971 interconnecting circles, which reappeared on reissues too? Or Lady Chatterly’s Lover, unexpurgated for the first time in 1960, as an orange Penguin adored with Stephen Russ’s phoenix?

Bickford-Smith carries the weight of all of this. ‘I found a website with all the HG Wells covers when I first started and it made me scared. I was so daunted, I thought this has been done hundreds of times, how can I bring anything new to cover design?’ So how does she? ‘Well I

20 24/02/2016 12:56

ARTS & CULTURE / PROFILE

I just read the text and think of a new way.’ She’s very modest and quiet about it all. ‘I just do what I do. At first it’s really painful when you’re trying to come up with the idea but once you’ve got something and it’s fresh, you just feel so happy.’

Though she works across the board on Penguin's various imprints, fiction and non-fiction, Bickford-Smith has become known for her clothbound classics, a collection that started with an anniversary issue of Hans Christian Andersen and the brief to create something beautiful. ‘I thought it would be lovely to create a book to be passed down through generations, and in the climate of ebooks, it was a great opportunity to make people fall back in love with the physical book and create books for posterity. I went back to look at beautiful Victorian bindings and thought to spread a bit of that magic.’

From there, an entire set of clothbound classics developed, with titles spanning Madame Bovary, Bleak House, Mansfield Park, Gulliver's Travels and more. ‘I’ve done 55 now. I love that it makes me read so many books,’ she says. ‘We’re not artists creating our own work – we’re there to serve the book and respond to it.’ Her personal favourite? ‘Definitely the

In the CLIMATE OF E-BOOKS , it’s a great opportunity to make people FALL BACK IN LOVE with the physical book Scott Fitzgeralds. The patterns, there’s a great marrying of design and production materials.’

Though Bickford-Smith had always wanted to do a children’s book – ‘I was one of those kids always in my room drawing,’ she says – it wasn’t until one of her editors at Penguin asked if she

had anything they could publish that the The Fox and The Star came about. ‘She took me for coffee and said she wanted to publish me, so I didn’t really have to pitch it.’ Coralie was given a six-month sabbatical, most of which she spent torturing herself about getting the colours right. ‘I knew I wanted pantone spot colours for the vivid brightness but they drove me insane. I wanted to keep it to a minimal colour palate and I tried so many different combinations.’ The story itself came before the illustrations, maybe surprisingly. ‘It had to have good bones,’ she explains.

‘I just love what I do,’ she says – and this includes side projects as diverse as a recent textile design for a shoe company and a stained glass window for a church in Bethnal Green. ‘I’m just happy doing what I do; when I’ve got my teeth into a project I’m in my own little world.’ With a name like hers, you might expect someone more flamboyant and extrovert. ‘I met somebody last week who said they’d expected me to be really posh,’ she says when I comment on it. ‘I said: well, sorry.’

Can we expect another book? ‘Yeah,’ is all she’ll say about that. u Work by Coralie Bickford-Smith is on show as part of the Enchanted Page – Friends exhibition at London Print Studio, 425 Harrow Road, W10, until 2 April. cb-smith.com

21 NH_MARCH16_CORALIE BICKFORD SMITH..indd 21

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 16:24

Caine and very able London boy Sir Michael Caine reveals why his performance in Italian film Youth may be his best yet Wo r d s K a r e n A n n e O v e r t o n

I

t takes an awfully long time to achieve legendary status and while audiences have been admiring the magnificent Sir Michael Caine for some time, the 82-year-old admits that his role as ageing composer Fred Ballinger in Paolo Sorrentino’s comedy-drama Youth may be his best performance yet.

“It’s very different from when I was a big movie star and I got the girl and everyone knew it was me in the movie,” Caine says. “In this movie you don’t see me, you don’t see the acting, you only see the person I’m playing. It’s probably the best thing I've ever done.”

And as he admitted to the Express recently, he even surprised himself a little: “This film stretched me. I have not lost the thrill of finding myself in these situations when I still think of myself as a working class kid from London.”

Youth is director Sorrentino’s first film

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CHIS_MARCH16_Michael_Caine.indd 22

since the dazzling La Grande Bellezza (The Great Beauty) which won the Oscar for best foreign language film at the 86th Academy Awards. Set in a luxury Swiss spa it is a tender, immersive and sometimes heart-breaking reflection of life and finding joy in the twilight years.

Alongside double Oscar-winner Caine is an impressive cast including Harvey Keitel as Fred’s best friend and Jane Fonda as an ageing diva, combining the might of several cinema titans. Clearly unfazed by his exceptional cast, Sorrentino used unusual methods to get the very best from his actors.

“Paolo [Sorrentino] likes to keep surprising his actors,” Caine explains.

“He didn’t tell us anything about what was going to happen in a scene except that a pretty girl is going to get into the pool. Then he told us to ‘just get in the pool, there’s no dialogue. So Harvey and I get into the pool and we’re waiting

I STILL think of myself AS THIS WORKING CLASS kid from LONDON

22 24/02/2016 13:00

ARTS & CULTURE / INTERVIEW

23 CHIS_MARCH16_Michael_Caine.indd 23

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 13:01

BLINK BROW BAR.indd 1

22/01/2016 17:52

ARTS & CULTURE / INTERVIEW and suddenly Paolo yells ‘action!’ and Madalina [Ghenea] gets in the pool and she’s completely naked! Harvey and I both expected her to be wearing a bathing suit and that stunned look on our faces is really great acting because we didn’t have to do any acting at all. You can’t get any better than that! It was absolute reality.”

A true national treasure who has worked consistently since his breakout role in epic war film Zulu in 1964, Caine has already reached the status that most actors will only ever dream of. But his path to superstardom was far from

Youth (2016)

with Harvey Keitel in Youth (2016)

straightforward and the actor had already been grafting for an entire decade before landing the role of Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead. In fact, even after the success of Zulu few imagined he would become the icon he is today. Ultimately it was his working class charm that set him apart.

“I was very fortunate to have a distinctive voice and look that was very different from the great actors of the 40s and 50s where everyone in Hollywood was so handsome,” admits Caine. “I never thought I was going to be a star because I was this Cockney guy from Elephant and Castle. I was very far from the typical image of a movie star. But my generation changed the way actors look and spoke and behaved.”

His role in Alfie made Caine a household name, and set him on a path of playing cheeky but loveable cads. Caine admits that when it came to playing the serial womaniser, he “couldn’t have found an easier role to do” but admits he almost didn’t get the part. “I was sharing a flat with Terence Stamp at the time

and he was offered the part ahead of me and I actually tried to convince him to do the role but he wasn't interested,” he recalls. “But that was the role that made me a movie star and it changed everything.”

Unlike his most famous alter ego, Caine has been happily married to his wife Shakira Baksh for 43 years. He recently said that before he met her he was drinking too much and smoking several packs of cigarettes a day and that she “calmed him down”. “She’s not the little wife,” he told Radio Times. “She runs the whole business side of my life. She’s my right-hand man, my confidante. I was famous when I met her but I could not have got this far without her.”

There is a great gulf, therefore, between the real Michael Caine and his character Fred in Youth, who despite great success is prone to brooding, an aspect Caine found challenging. “The hardest thing was playing a man who has a deeply troubled soul and that’s never been part of who I am,” he smiles. “I’m very happy. I’ve had a happy marriage, I have wonderful children and grandchildren, and I don’t brood about anything. Embracing that sadness and regret was the biggest test for me.”

It’s not surprising Caine found his role in Youth as a curmudgeonly old man so trying when his outlook remains so utterly joyous. In fact, apart from his somewhat healthier lifestyle, Caine isn’t a million miles away from the Cockney charmer the world fell in love with all those years ago.

He still resides for the most part in the UK and, having hinted at retirement several times in the past, he chooses his film roles wisely, saying he will only film on location if his wife can accompany him.

“I’m still enjoying my life as much as ever,” he grins. “I’ve said this before, but it’s true: growing old may not be that pleasant, but given the alternative it’s fabulous.” ◆ l Youth is on general release

25 CHIS_MARCH16_Michael_Caine.indd 25

HARVEY and I both EXPECTED HER to be WEARING A BATHING SUIT

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 13:02

ARTS & CULTURE / SOCIAL

RICHARD YOUNG GALLERY

uests including Yasmin and Laurie Mills, Sebastian Barbereau and Rob Van Helden joined Richard and Susan Young at the launch of Let's Dance, an exhibition of Young's photographs of David Bowie, in the Kensington gallery.u

G

BACK ON TRACK

o celbrate the new Charlotte Olympia/Agent Provocateur collaboration, Charlotte Dellal was joined by guests from the fashion and art world and to showcase the inspiration behind the collection, a dolled-up mannequin wearing the Caught in Charlotte’s Web lingerie set was caught in a giant pink neon web in the window of the Grosvenor Street boutique.u

T

Party People Out and about in the area

MANOLO BLAHNIK

orty-four years after opening his first ever boutique on Old Church Street in Chelsea, Manolo Blahnik had opened the doors of his new boutique in Mayfair’s Burlington Arcade. Mr Blahnik was joined by friends of the brand to celebrate the launch, including Vogue’s Suzy Menkes, Yasmin Le Bon, Mary Beard and Liberty London Girl.u

F

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_March15_Parties_left.indd 26

26 25/02/2016 11:03

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

LUXAFLEX.indd 1

19/02/2016 14:31

> FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

p. 30

INTERVIEW: MANOLO BLAHNIK

p. 32

PHOTOSHOOT: SHEER ROMANCE

p. 40

PIECES OF EIGHT Dior's Spring Summer '16 campaign showcases Raf Simons' final ready-to-wear collection for the fashion house. Shot by Patrick Demarchelier, the models wear metal '8' pendants which pay homage to the first Dior catwalk show in 1947. dior.com

29 NHK_MARCH16_Fashion_Opener.indd 29

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 16:55

st y l e C e n t r a l

Mirrored sunglasses, bespoke handbags and gold loafers are must-buys this month Wo r d s c h a r l o t t e a d s e t t

WASOKAN Wo r d s h e l e n b r o w n

J

ust opened in Westbourne Grove is Wasokan, London’s first authentic Japanese retailer.

Traditional silk kimonos are at the heart of Wasokan’s offerings, which, for women, spans 10 different styles and an almost endless variety of beautiful patterned silks.

Wasokan’s team of highly trained staff help customers select the kimono that is just right for them, both in appearance and personality, thanks to an extensive one-on-one fitting experience. With prices starting at £1,000 and three different sleeve styles there is something for every conceivable occasion. Wasokan has also created two unique products specifically for the European market; the new generation kimono and kimono separates. Designed for regular use, unlike their silk counterparts new generation kimono are washable, and are available in significantly more modern and lightweight materials.

“I love my pinstriped new generation kimono because it enables me to do everything I need to do as a busy woman working in London. The best thing about wearing it is that there are no rules,” says Chiaki Tanaka, London store manager.

Prices for new generation kimono start from £500. Wasokan is particularly excited to launch its kimono separates to the European market. Currently the range comprises 40 silk jackets and skirts.

“Not only are our separates a great gateway product for full kimono, they are also strong fashion pieces in their own right for people of every culture,” says Ikeda. Prices start from £800 for both a silk jacket and a long silk skirt. ● Wasokan, 293 Westbourne Grove, W11; 020 3637 5010; wasokan.eu

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CH_MAR16_Fashion_Confidential..indd 30

Supermodel Snaps Equipment

Daria Werbowy reprises her ongoing role as photographer, creative director and model for Equipment’s Spring ’16 campaign, but this time around she has a co-star; Kate Moss. The supermodel duo flew to Mustique minus the usual make-up and styling team, to shoot the French label’s new collection of shirts in a series of intimate holiday snaps. equipmentfr.com

30 25/02/2016 16:06

FASHION / NOTES

8 of the best

DESIGNER OF THE MONTH Rosie Assoulin

POWDER BLUE

Fashion’s label du jour is New York designer Rosie Assoulin, who combines a love of bold colour with sweeping silhouettes. An apprentice from fashion greats such as Oscar de la Renta and Alber Elbaz, Rosie has developed a coveteable brand of chic day to eveningwear.

‘She’s Come Undone’ trousers £1,640 & ‘Robert Morris’ top £735 matchesfashion.com

Look forward to blue skies this spring

02

01

03

editor’s

PICK

BESPOKE BAGS Ethan K

Luxury exotic skin handbag designer Ethan K is the go-to for the woman who wants to design her own unique tote. Bespoke bags can be decorated with precious stones and crystal studded clasps. The exclusive client list include royalty.

‘Alla’ bespoke crocodile handbag £20,000; ethan-k.com

05

04

MIRROR IMAGE We s t w a r d L e a n i n g X O livia Palermo 07

Style maven Olivia Palmermo has just launched her second collaboration with US sunglasses brand Westward Leaning.

The 'Rose Gold Collection’ features 8 new styles, all with rose colour mirrored lenses that will add gloss to any outfit.

Sunglasses from £160; net-a-porter.com

06

GOING FOR GOLD 08

Gucci

The fashion pack are clamouring for these metallic leather loafer style ‘trophy shoes' as seen at the Gucci Resort ’16 presentation, which encapsulate the current 70’s vintage mood. We’ll be teaming ours with midi skirts and fine knit sweaters.

Metallic leather loafer pumps £495; mytheresa.com

31 CH_MAR16_Fashion_Confidential..indd 31

01. ANDY WOLF Acetate sunglasses £265; andy-wolf.com 02. ROSIE ASSOULIN ‘Morning after’ maxi skirt £905; matchesfashion.com 03. ADAM LIPPES ‘Flounce sleeve’ cotton shirt £606; brownsfashion.com 04. ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Wool mini dress £1,685; brownsfashion.com 05. VALENTINO ‘Rockstud’ medium leather tote £1,285; mytheresa.com 06. PLEATS PLEASE BY ISSEY MIYAKE Pleated cullotes £315; farfetch.com 07. BALENCIAGA ‘Caban’ wool blend coat £1,415; matchesfashion.com 08. JIL SANDER Leather trainers £275; thecorner.com

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 17:08

XXXXXX / XXXXXXX

Sole Man Manolo Blahnik opened his first London store in Chelsea in 1973, and his second in the Burlington Arcade last month. Absolutely meets the seminal designer to talk decades of shoes Interview pendle harte

ABSOLUTELY:Your design process is known for its precision. Where do you start when imagining a new shoe?

MANOLO BLAHNIK: Usually the idea comes from something that has been in my mind for a long time, sometimes I go to an exhibition or visit a new city and see something that I like and translate it immediately into a shoe.

I don’t follow a design process, if something comes to my mind I put it down on paper. Sometimes it could even be a material that inspires an entire collection… there is always a surprise.

You started in set design but moved to shoes. What was the appeal of shoes?

MB: Design in general has always been my passion. Fashion, art, architecture.

I started as a set and costume designer, fascinated by the fact that I could make up a character and by how important costumes are in creating personality.

I had the opportunity to meet the extraordinary Diana Vreeland, who recommended me to focus on shoes.

I have followed her advice ever since.

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_CH_MARCH16_BLAHNIK.indd 32

How did you learn your craft?

MB: With very hard work. I am a very curious person and like to be constantly learning in life. My main goal is to achieve perfection, which is impossible.

I HAVE KEPT every shoe I HAVE EVER designed

Your big break came when you designed shoes for Ossie Clark. Tell us about that.

What was he like? What were the shoes like?

MB: When Ossie approached me I couldn’t believe it. It was my very first big opportunity and as you can imagine I was very nervous. For the occasion I designed an ankle strap round-toed shoe with a block heel and called the design ‘Ossie’.

However it could have been my last job.

I didn’t use steel to support the heel, so when the models where walking down the catwalk they were swinging and not very stable. I was completely shocked but as it turned out, everybody loved it.

What a relief that was.

What’s the enduring appeal of the high heel?

MB: It’s sensuous, it’s elegant and makes your body move differently. A high heel is timeless and works always.

32 25/02/2016 16:04

FASHION / PROFILE

33 NH_CH_MARCH16_BLAHNIK.indd 33

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 15:09

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

FASHION / PROFILE

WHEN I see something I like I TRANSLATE IT IMMEDIATELY

into a shoe

Do you have a huge shoe archive?

MB: I do indeed. I have kept all the shoes I designed over the years, they are everywhere - it is like living in a shoe jungle. For the last two years they have been collected in climate controlled storage.

Your first shop remains in Chelsea, and you have just opened a new one in Burlington Arcade. Why another London shop?

MB: My shop in Chelsea will always remain very special to me. I also want to design some exclusive styles that will only be available there. It is where it all began. I have been looking for many years to open another shop in central London, however I hadn't found the right space until now. I am very passionate and not business driven at all so I didn’t mind waiting and I didn’t have any deadline, until this incredible opportunity

What are you currently working on?

MB: We are working on a documentary which will come our later this year. My friend, the director Michael Roberts, approached me some time ago with this idea and I said: why not? I feel very lucky to have some incredible people involved in the documentary and I am very much looking forward to see the result. was offered to me. Burlington Arcade has always been a reference to me. I remember going there the very first time I came to London – it was so captivating. And now almost 40 years later, I can’t believe I am having my own shop there. Burlington Arcade represents the England I love and want to be part of.

35 NH_CH_MARCH16_BLAHNIK.indd 35

What’s your most popular shoe?

MB: I have many but I feel particularly attached to the ‘Ivy’ shoe from my beginning. I think it is the silhouette and design that is recognizable. The attention to balance and cut and the carefully selected materials is my special touch. ◆ manoloblahnik.com

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 17:14

It’s been five years since Swanky Lash & Brow Bar first opened on Chamberlayne Road. To celebrate their birthday - along with the arrival of Spring and Mothers Day - they are spoiling you with non-stop bubbly and chocolate throughout March. So, treat your mother (and yourself!) with a luxurious treatment or buy her a gift card for use later on. Book online now.

Love us at Swanky London Book online: www.swanky.london West London’s most loved salon for manicures, pedicures, waxing, threading, brow shaping and eyelash extensions

SWANKY.04.indd 2

Portobello

Tel 020 8969 7580

Kensal Rise Tel 020 8964 2569

24/02/2016 10:48

FASHION / MOODBOARD

MY INSPIRATIONS Donna Ida, Chelsea’s queen of denim, shares her inspirations

YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE FROM DONNA IDA’S CURRENT COLLECTION

JO LOVES' WHITE ROSE AND LEMON LEAVES

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

KATE MOSS

DONNA IDA

Sadie the Boiler Suit. I have lived in it and I love that it’s customised so unique to me. Plus, putting just one thing on in the morning is heaven – all outfit coordination is done in one.

ABOVE: MIU MIU SS16 LEFT: SONIA RYKIEL SS16

YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNER

That is hard, like asking to choose a favourite friend or child. I love Miu Miu, Sonia Rykiel, Saint Laurent, Isabel Marant, Jerome Dreyfuss.

YOUR STYLE ICON

DONNA IDA'S SADIE THE BOILER SUIT

Again, tricky. Kate Moss is probably the one I identify with the most.

YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION Any clear blue sea.

I love floating in the water.

MY BOILER SUIT IS CUSTOMISED AND UNIQUE TO ME

YOUR SIGNATURE SCENT

I love anything with rose in it. So Jo Loves White Rose DAVID BOWIE AND and Lemon Leaves MICK ROCK, 1973,

BY TERRY O'NEILL or Annick Goutal’s Rose which is totally pure. But I wear a lot of perfume and have many many many favourites.

Something different for every mood/day, depending on how I am feeling, what I am wearing.

YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE OF ART

I am a photography fan and have a lot of Terry O’Neill’s work. The huge

LEFT MIU MIU SS16 RIGHT: SONIA RYKIEL SS16

YOUR FAVOURITE BUILDING The Sydney Opera House. 

ANY CLEAR BLUE SEA

donnaida.com

37 NH_CH_MARCH16_MOODBOARD_.indd 37

Bardot we have hanging on the stairs at home probably comes close to a favourite, and the Mick Rock that I have of Bowie and Ronson on the train to Aberdeen from 1973 is hard to beat too.

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 17:17

FASHION / TREND ANYA HINDMARCH

Oversize rainbow leather sticker £125; anyahindmarch.com

SOLID & STRIPED

SLEEPY JONES

MARY KATRANTZOU RESORT 2016

Anne-Marie’ swimsuit £140 net-a-porter.com

‘Marina’ silk pajama shirt £245; net-a-porter.com

SONIA RYKIEL

MISSONI

Tweed Jacket £1,040; farfetch.com

Crochet-knit trousers £550; net-a-porter.com

RAINBOW BRIGHTS

MARCO DI VINCENZO Metallic dress £710; matchesfashion.com

ANYA HINDMARCH

'Crisp packet' metal clutch bag £1,195; anyahindmarch.com

The Resort ’16 collections were full of rainbow stripes guaranteed to brighten the dullest days

AQUAZZURA

'Rainbow 105' suede sandal £455; net-a-porter.com

B y Charlot te Adset t

VALENTINO

‘Boych’ leather boots £765; farfetch.com

EDIE PARKER

‘Jean’ acrylic box clutch £975; edie-parker.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Chis_March16_Fashion_Prod.indd 38

38 25/02/2016 09:39

Hillsborough Castle Event venues fit for a king.

Celebrate your special occasion at Kensington Palace, where royals have dazzled audiences for centuries.

Choose from a range of magnificent spaces and beautiful gardens to host your guests in this elegant and stylish palace.

0844 482 1466

hrp.org.uk/hireavenue

Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge

HRP.indd 1 - Absolutely HN&K - March 2016 ARTWORK.indd 1 HRP-KP-PD

17/02/2016 16:12 10:41 09/02/2016

White lace blouse, £795, Zimmermann Bodysuit (worn underneath), £117, La Perla Pleated chiffon maxi skirt, £1,310, Ermanno Scervino ‘Byzantine 75’ embellished pumps, £725, Aquazzura Rings from a selection starting from £225, Alexia Jordan

MARCH2016_FashionShoot 6pp.indd 40

24/02/2016 15:22

Sheer ROMANCE Set hearts aflutter this spring with chiffon, lace and ruffles Photography Ja mes Lucas Stylist Charlotte Adsett

MARCH2016_FashionShoot 6pp.indd 41

24/02/2016 15:23

Lace midi dress, ÂŁ285, Self Portrait

MARCH2016_FashionShoot 6pp.indd 42

24/02/2016 15:24

Chiffon ombre mini dress, £430, Halston Heritage at net-a-porter.com Embellished Moroccan slippers, £930, Ermanno Scervino Rings from a selection starting from £225, Alexia Jordan

MARCH2016_FashionShoot 6pp.indd 43

24/02/2016 15:25

Tulle puff sleeve top, £480, Simone Rocha at Selfridges Organza skirt, £4,995, Roksanda Rings from a selection starting from £225, Alexia Jordan

MARCH2016_FashionShoot 6pp.indd 44

24/02/2016 15:26

‘Alberta’ silk devore dress, £1,394, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Body suit (worn beneath), £117, La Perla Black suede ‘Mini blade’ pumps, £700, Casadei Rings from a selection starting from £225, Alexia Jordan

PHOTOGRAPHER: James Lucas FASHION EDITOR: Charlotte Adsett MODEL: Bibi Sharipova at M+P HAIR & MAKE-UP: Alice Oliver using Tom Ford Beauty and Aveda haircare FASHION ASSITANTS: Chalisa Guerrero & Helen Brown PRODUCTION: Beauty & Pro Productions MANY THANKS TO: Joel & Son Fabrics for providing the tulle material used throughout

STOCKISTS: alexiajordanjewellery.com aquazzura.com avenue32.com brownsfashion.com casedei.com ermannoscervino.it jonathansimkhai.com laperla.com net-a-porter.com preenbythorntonbregazzi.com rosksanda.com self-portrait-studio.com selfridges.com sophiawebster.com zimmermannwear.com

MARCH2016_FashionShoot 6pp.indd 45

24/02/2016 15:26

Auctioneers & Valuers Antiques | Jewellery | Watches

A Monthly Auction of Antique & Modern Jewellery

Lots 240 & 362 featuring in the March auction

10th March,14th April, 12th May View auction catalogues online at www.fellows.co.uk NOW RECEIVING CONSIGNMENTS FOR THE NEXT AUCTION. VISIT FELLOWS.CO.UK/VALUATIONS Mayfair Office | 2nd Floor, 3 Queen Street, London, W1J 5PA | 0207 127 4198 Jewellery Quarter Saleroom | 19 Augusta Street, Birmingham, B18 6JA | 0121 212 2131

FELLOWS.indd 1

fellowsauctions

19/02/2016 14:15

FASHION / JEWELLERY

Stone Love 1

2

3

8

6

4

7

5

1. AAMAYA BY PRIYANKA, XO GOLD PLATED TOPAZ EARRINGS, £190; netaporter.com 2. DELFINA DELETTREZ, DIAMOND & ROSE GOLD RING, £8,660; delfinadelettrez.com 3. BALENCIAGA, MARBLE 'ARENA' STUD CHAIN BRACELET, £265; balenciaga.com 4. ALISON LOU, PEARL & YELLOW GOLD OYSTER RING, £570; matchesfashion.com 5. OSCAR DE LA RENTA, GOLD PLATED SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL & FAUX PEARL NECKLACE, £870; netaporter.com 6. ELE KARELA X LUISA VIA ROMA, 'ORION RIGEL' 14KT GOLD, DIAMOND & SAPPHIRE BRACELET, £3,388; elekarela.com 7. MARIE-HÉLÈNE DE TAILLAC, 22KT GOLD 'RAINBOW' MOONSTONE EARRINGS, £4,925; mariehelenedetaillac.com

47 CHISWICK_March16_JEWELLERY.indd 47

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 17:26

TOP DOG Absolutely meet the Chelsea girl behind London’s leading dog cashmere brand, Ruby Rufus Wo r d s E l i z a b e t h H u t t o n

W

hat do when your chihuahua is shivering with cold? Wrap him in cashmere, of course. And if you’re anything like fashion designer, business woman and Chelsea girl Ruby Rufus Isaacs, you start designing a collection of doggy-sized sweaters.

“I could never find a nice jumper for my dog so I started making up a few, just for fun. Then so many of my friends and family just fell for them,” she says.

Though she never though of it as a business until the owner of online pet boutique petspyjamas.com came into Austique on the King’s Road, where Ruby was designing womenswear at the time.

“Denise Elphick saw me dressing up the store’s little dapple dachshund, Frank.

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_March15_RUBY RUFUS.indd 48

RUBY RUFUS ISAACS

Some people

REALLY LIKE TO DRESS up their DOGS DEPENDING on their

mood

He was so sweet, he used to borrow my new pieces and be trying on the new prints and stuff. When she saw him in one she wanted to stock us right away and from there it really took off.”

Now, three years later, Ruby Rufus cashmere has been seen on celebrity dogs including Marc Jacobs’ staffy Neville, Karlie Kloss’s terrier, Joe, and the 1.7m follower-strong, Instagramfamous chiweenie, @tunameltsmyheart.

With such support in the public eye, popularity for Ruby’s doggie cashmere has skyrocketed fast.

“O, The Oprah Magazine featured us as one of the best products to have... so we launched in the US market immediately and from there it just blossomed.”

But who actually buys these sweaters?

Are they exclusively for those who work in fashion and live in the city?

“Not at all. The type of person who’ll buy my sweaters is so very varied. Yes,

48 24/02/2016 15:33

FASHION / PROFILE

some are young, really cool, girls who are into fashion and Instagram, but others are women who live in the country and want a simple cable knit that’ll keep their dog warm and happy.”

The thing that all Ruby’s clients have in common is the fact that they want their dogs to have the best. “When people buy Ruby Rufus they know they’re not only buying something stylish but practical too. In the last couple of years the way people treat their pets has changed and because each jumper is 100% Mongolian cashmere - there is such great cashmere in Mongolia - we know it’s the softest material possible.”

An investment piece? Perhaps. Ruby also tells me that some of her clients will buy up the entire collection.

“Some people really like to dress up their dogs depending on their mood so they get one of each jumper and put their dog in a different outfit every day.”

Fairisle in Ivory, £85; rubyrufus.com

Tulla Woven Print, £85; rubyrufus.com

Tiggy Tuna Melts my Heart, £75; rubyrufus.com

Summer Jacket; rubyrufus.com

rubyrufus.com

49 NH_March15_RUBY RUFUS.indd 49

It’s this kind of comment that makes Issacs sound a little Paris Hilton circa-2005 but, really, she’s focused on creating a collection of sweaters that won’t irritate or harm the dogs. “If you put my family’s chihuahua into a synthetic jacket his fur falls out but when he wears my cashmere it doesn’t; all because we make our jumpers with the highest quality, natural fibres.”

Issacs is also determined to make an inclusive range of clothing, “My family have a chihuahua, a pinscher and an Italian greyhound so my designs work on a variety of shapes and sizes. We dress so many frenchies it’s crazy, but we also have a bespoke line for bigger dogs - we once made a jumper for a dog so big not even my boyfriend could wear it.”

Her own dog though? What size is he?

Ruby giggles, “Okay, this is the funny part. I don’t have one. I wish I did but I’m always travelling so it wouldn’t be fair.

One day, when I’m properly settled I will but until then I’ll just keep borrowing dogs from my family and friends.”

Evidently, the lack of a canine hasn’t slowed Ruby or her business down.

Having just launched in Selfridges’ Pet Boutique, the brand is expanding fast.

Next up? Leather leashes and collars. All of which are so fashion-forward you’ll end up wishing Ruby Rufus came in your size too. ◆

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 15:35

BERSHIP

FREE RUNNING LE CHECK DETOXI TO FY TOXI FLE

ELITE UN LIFESTYLE AINER GOAL AM GO DAILY DA IL ILY CONDITIO CONDITION OW FL LEGS BOOT CAMP

TA TARGET FLOW BADMINTO BADMINTON RI

CONDITION TARGE RGET SPE EDGE WARD CHALLENGE CH CLIMB M GOAL GO TBALL LEVEL FLEXIBILITY LE DE COMPETE EDGE FLEXIBILITY NETBAL TBALL DA RIPPE RIPPED DAILY IL ILY MINTON AMBITION AMBI RI TRAINER BOOT CAMP

TBALL

IT

SELF-DEVELOPMENT SELF-DE

BLAST BL FLE STRENGTH

RILL DRILL ZU A S SKILLS ATE DYNA NAMIC SKILL COACHING COA ACHING CHECK SOCIAL SO BOOTCAM TC TCAM P ARD FRESH TONED ONED FI LLENGE LLENG HOLISTIC FU FUNCTIONAL

P EXERCISE

CHALLENGE

MEM

HOP

HOLISTIC BODY BO DY WE RIPPED WER FUNCTIO NCTIONAL L ST REWARD RD FUNCTIO RIPPED REWA EQUIPMENT

FL LEVEL LE LEVE VEL L DRILL L EWALL ZUMBA CONDITION DR EWAL

ESTYL YLE FLEXIBILITY FLEXIBILIT Y

CH MUSCLE

VES SOCIAL PUSH BOOT CAMP DE

TO IT! MIND W BL BLAST AST RM MEMBERSHIP

IMPACT PA PACT

FIVES OG DITION ITION ITION SELF VELOPMENT SELF-DE

WELL-BEING

KAPPOW

BREATH BACK BA

H

CLIMB CL CLIM IMB B AMBITION

60 CLASSES AND GYM FOR JUST £35 PER MONTH*

FL BREATH EA EATH FA FAST CLASS STRENGTH

HE ITE DYNAMIC ATHL ATHLETE AT HLET ETE E BOD BODY Y RUNNING SPECIALISED OLYM OL PICS STAB STABIL ABILIT ILITY ITY Y TE OMEN MIND FRESH WOMEN CH 3-5 THORPE CLOSE, LONDON, W10 5XL 020 8962 5753 *Terms and conditions apply

WESTWAY.indd 1 S&F_135a_Spring_Hop_2016_A4_Poster.indd 1

18/02/2016 16:34 09:41 17/02/2016

> BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

p. 52

MAKE UP: EYE OPENERS

p. 55

CULT BEAUTY BUYS

p. 58

SKIN DEEP Those in search of the perfect base coat, look no further. Chanel has launched Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation. Available in the UK in nine shades, this light fluid with built-in SPF 25 is made for summer. ÂŁ36; chanel.co.uk

51 NH_March16_Beauty_Opener.indd 51

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 15:37

B E AU T Y R e v i e w

Our pick of the best shampoo and conditioner sets for Spring 2016 W o r d s C AT H E R I N E H A L E S

MARGARET DABBS Westbourne Grove

Wo r d s j a s m i n e r o b e r t s o n

I

’ve never thought much about my toes. They get the odd splash of colour come summer, but otherwise are largely ignored. So when one of my big toe nails went black and started to part company with my big toe, I jumped when a colleague suggested I visit Margaret Dabbs, the queen of the medi pedi (that’s a medical pedicure, natch). The new Margaret Dabbs clinic at Space NK on Westbourne Grove which opened last November. It’s the third London clinic in what is a fast growing foot empire, a streamlined and gleaming homage to healthy tootsies with white poufy robotic chairs that meant I literally didn’t need to lift a finger – or a toe - as I settled in for a medi pedi and – oh joy!– a simultaneous mani.

Tamara, the director of podiatry, diagnosed toe trauma – not a fungal infection – phew!

The culprit? A long day in ill-fitting high heels. Tamara set to work with what looked like dental drills. The medi pedis are dry pedicures – designed for long-lasting results and because wet cuticles can stretch too much when cut. My feet were trimmed, buffed, polished and primped whilst the lovely Joan did the same to my fingernails.

My feet were then slathered with Hygiene Serum – key super ingredient is Emu Oil, around which all Margaret Dabbs’s products are based. Known for its healing properties and aboriginal in origin, Emu Oil is the bees knees. Afterwards my toes were neat and shining, my bad toe had its own health plan and my feet felt plump and rejuvenated. ◆

● M A R G A R E T D A B B S ; S PAC E N K 127-131 Westbourne Grove, W2 margaretdabbs.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_Mar16_Beauty_Notes.indd 52

Caffeine Fix Frank Body

Coffee in the shower may sound like a bad idea but Australian brand Frank Body beg to differ. Their Original Coffee Scrub has gained a cult following for its invigorating properties and intoxicating smell. Our advice: prepare to get messy. £11.95; frankbody.com

52 24/02/2016 15:41

HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES

7 of the best

NEW ARRIVAL

SHAMPOOS & CONDITIONERS

Glossier

Launched by Into the Gloss founder Emily Weis, Glossier has become a beauty sensation in the US. Fortunately, fans of the brand based in the UK can now purchase their bestselling Balm Dotcom from online retailer Net-A-Porter. £25; net-a-porter.com

02 01

editor's

PICK

BED OF ROSES Trilogy

The world’s first rosehip oil range, New Zealand brand Trilogy is completely organic and favoured by the likes of Kate Middleton and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Their Antioxidant+ Rosehip Oil in particular has become an essential part of our morning beauty routine.

30ml for £26.50; trilogyproducts.com

03

04

05

GENTLEMEN ONLY ZV²

This revolutionary serum, designed specifically for men, is an entire grooming regimen in one slickly designed bottle. From the innovative atomiser application to the hydrating, energising formula, this is the single product any man needs in his wash bag. £72; zv2.co.uk

06

07

GARDEN VARIETY Jo Malone

This March London perfumers Jo Malone have launched a limited edition collection to fulfil our olfactory dreams. Herb Garden comprises of five fragrances and include Sorrel & Lemon Thyme, Carrot Blossom & Fennel and Wild Strawberry & Parsley. jomalone.co.uk

53 NH_Mar16_Beauty_Notes.indd 53

best

BUY 08

1. AESOP NUTURING SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER, £19 EACH; aesop.com 2. AVEDA INVATI THICKENING SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER, £22 & £24; aveda.co.uk 3. ORIGINAL MINERAL DETOX SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER, £24 & £25; selfridges.com 4. COWSHED HORNY COW HIGH SHINE SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER, £16 & £18; cowshedonline.com 5. MARIA NILA PURE VOLUME SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER, £23 EACH; marianila.com 6. SUSANNE KAUFMANN SHAMPOO FOAMER VOLUME & CONDITIONER VOLUME, £30 & £25; net-a-porter.com 7. ILUXE ORGANICS ABONDANCE SHAMPOO & DETENTE CONDITIONER, £28 & £34; net-a-porter.com

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 15:42

STRIP.indd 1

11/02/2016 14:19

HEALTH & BEAUTY / PRODUCTS CHANTECAILLE

Brow Definer, £32; spacenk.com

CHANEL

Sublime de Chanel Infinite Length and Curl Mascara, £25; chanel.co.uk

HIGH DEFINITION Browtec, £16; hdbrows.com

CHARLOTTE TILBURY

Full Fat Lashes, £22; charlottetilbury.com

BOBBI BROWN

No Smudge Mascara, £20; bobbibrown.co.uk

TOM FORD

NARS FOR MICHAEL COSTELLO SS16

Extreme Mascara, £35; selfridges.com

NARS

Audacious Mascara, £21; narscosmetics.co.uk

YSL

Babydoll Mascara, £25; boots.com

BENEFIT

EYE OPENERS

Brow Zings, £24.50; benefitcosmetics.co.uk

DIOR

Diorshow Iconic Mascara, £25; houseoffraser.co.uk

Redefine your lash and brow game with the best products for Spring 2016 B y C AT H E R I N E H A L E S

CLINIQUE

Instant Lift for Brows, £16; clinique.co.uk

MAC

Brow Set, £14; maccosmetics.co.uk

REVLON

Mascara Set, £9.99 each; boots.com

55 Chis_Mar16_Beauty_Products_v2.indd 55

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 15:44

BLINK BROW BAR Since its highly anticipated launch this autumn, the new blinkbrowbar flagship store on Ledbury Road is fast establishing itself as London’s ultimate ‘brow destination’. Offering a full menu of services, from brows to nails, clients can relax during treatments and treat themselves to the award-winning bbrowbar product range available in store. To help with maintenance between visits, blinkbrowbar have launched a Brow Kit which is a handy travel case that includes all of one’s essential brow tools for £30.

51 Ledbury Road, W11; 020 7221 1663 blinkbrowbar.com

MUM’S THE WORD Treat you mother this Mothers' Day

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_MARCH16_Mother's Day Feature.indd 56

ROWAN BLOSSOM From her Notting Hill studio, florist Rowan Blossom creates bouquets celebrating seasonal flowers and foliage.

Each arrangement is lush, natural and abundant, evoking the colours and textures of an English garden.

All bouquets are made by hand with love, bringing a hint of the countryside to the city and joy to the beholder.

Bespoke orders start from £30.

020 3719 8122, rowanblossom.co.uk

56 24/02/2016 15:45

ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION

FELLOWS AUCTIONEERS Book your appointment with Fellows Auctioneers to view dazzling gems for sale in their monthly Antique & Modern Jewellery auction. Private viewings of spectacular jewels are held in Mayfair at the start of each month ahead of the auction in Birmingham, the perfect place for unique and beautiful gifts this Mother’s Day. London@fellows.co.uk Mayfair Office, 3 Queen Street, W1J 5PA 020 7127 4198; fellows.co.uk

SWANKY

EGO HAIR

Time at Swanky is always uplifting, and on Sunday 6 March they are laying on champagne and chocolates for an extra special pampering experience. Show your mama just how much you love her, and treat yourself to some quality time with her too. A Luxury Hot Herbal Paraffin Manicure and Pedicure is a winner for dry hands and feet and a soother for tired, achy joints. ÂŁ50 exclusively to Absolutely readers.

Portobello 020 8969 7580; Kensal Rise 020 8964 2569 swankylashandbrowbar.com

Now there's a solution that sounds so simple you wonder why nobody thought of it sooner. Olaplex is a new system from the US that's creating a storm in the beauty world for its simplicity and effectiveness in turning around the harm usually caused by chemical treatments. It's a reconstructive hair conditioner that actually works with colour instead of post-colour in the usual way. One treatment; no damage.

Ask for it at Ego in Queens Park.

020 7625 4811; egohair.co.uk

ANCIENNE AMBIANCE Discover sublimely fragranced gifts for yourself or someone special at Ancienne Ambiance, award-winning purveyors of superb perfumes, candles, home fragrance and bodycare, inspired by antiquity.

They offer complimentary worldwide delivery and gift wrap, so shop online or directly from the Ancienne Ambiance boutique in the heart of Chelsea.

3 Cale Street, SW3 3QT ancienneambiance.com

57 NH_MARCH16_Mother's Day Feature.indd 57

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 15:46

BEAUTY CULTS

6 HA NDY BRISTL E & NYLO N HA IRBRUSH

Mason Pearson veryone has had at least one of these E brushes in their life. Each one is handmade in England and their style and substance has barely changed since the 1920s.

Gentle on the hair and almost indestructable. ◆ £60.50; masonpearson.co.uk

Old favourites and bold new launches – we discover the best of both worlds

1

W o r d s c at h e r i n e h a l e s

Old School 1

L I PST I CK I N RU BY WOO

2

5

3

M AC

rguably, the most famous red lipstick of all time, MAC’s Ruby Woo has bluish undertones and serious staying power.

Said to suit every skin colour and last all night long, this bold and super matte shade is the statement red enthusiasts swear by. ◆

A

7

£15.50; maccosmetics.co.uk 2

A DVA N CE D N I GHT RE PAI R

Estée Lauder s one of the world’s most popular A anti-ageing formulas, a bottle of Estée Lauder’s award-winning serum is purchased every 8.5 seconds. It was upgraded in 2013, when the consistency thinned a little and a few ingredients were added. ◆

4

£70; esteelauder.co.uk 3

6

C R E M E D E CORPS

4

K i e h l ’s reme de Corps has been around since C the 70s and is often praised for its buttery texture and non-greasy feel.

Although some bemoan its lack of scent, it is this very quality that has made it a highly successful unisex moisturiser. ◆

£27; kiehls.co.uk

5 4

FR ACA S

Robert Piguet his iconic tuberose scent has had a cult T following since its release in 1948.

Robert Piguet intended to create a disruptive, carnal fragrance. Judging by the lifelong fans it garnered (which include Madonna, Uma Thurman and Courtney Love) he most certainly succeeded. ◆

£135; robertpiguetparfums.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CHIS_Mar16_CULT BEAUTY_final.indd 58

E I GHT HO UR CRE A M

Elizabeth Arden

his iconic product has spawned several offshoots including lip balm, sunscreen and body moisturiser but you can’t beat the original skin protectant for all-round healing. Whether the problems are dryness, burns or chafing, this potent balm always seems to be produced from someone’s handbag. ◆ £26; elizabetharden.co.uk

T

7 DRA M ATICA L LY DIF FE R E N T MO ISTURISING LOTIO N +

Clinique entle, odourless and hydrating, this G familiar little yellow bottle achieved cult status soon after its launch 32 years ago due to its effectiveness on all skin types, regardless of colour or condition. It has received a few upgrades recently, not least to the bottle which finally has a pump. ◆

£30; clinique.co.uk

58 24/02/2016 15:49

HEALTH & BEAUTY / THE ICONS 6

7

4

5

3

2

4 NO F O UNDATI O N F O UNDATIO N SER UM

Pe r r i c o n e M D

erricone MD have long been associated with excellent and effective skincare; their No Makeup range which launched in 2015 is based around the same idea; the serum in particular provides coverage at the same time as firming and hydrating skin. ◆ £45; perriconemd.com

P

1

5

O RIG INA L BA LM

D r Paw Paw

his brilliant balm has had a firm following Down Under for several years and now Britain is in on the action. The Aussie answer to Eight Hour Cream, Dr Paw Paw can be used as lip balm, relief for burns or even a salve for damaged hair. ◆ £6.95; drpawpaw.com

T

2 BIRKIN BROWN M AT TE REVO LUTIO N L IPSTICK

1

F LOW E RHE AD

Byredo lowerhead took Byredo founder F Ben Gorham six years to complete and, once launched in 2014, it instantly became one of the Stockholm-based brand’s most sought-after scents. Inspired by the blooms in an Indian bride’s headdress, this modern tuberose, rose and jasmine concoction smells just like springtime. ◆

£130; liberty.co.uk

ritish make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury’s sterling career backstage was brought into the spotlight when she launched her own range in 2013. Since then, the entire brand has gained a dedicated following; the Matte Revolution Lipsticks are now a celebrity staple. ◆ £23; selfridges.com

t might sound counterintuitive but all skin, especially oily skin, benefits from oil treatments. Make-up artist Arabella Preston launched Votary last year at Liberty and the range immediately gained cult status for its natural ingredients, simple philosophy and excellent results. ◆ £45; votary.co.uk

3 CEL LUL A R ENERG ISING BO DY SPRAY

Tweezerman

La Prairie

any a beauty obsessive has lusted M over their pricey pots and potions but La Prairie's body spray trumps them all. One spritz of this body spray really does leave you feeling energised on a cellualar level. ◆ £90; laprairie.co.uk

59 CHIS_Mar16_CULT BEAUTY_final.indd 59

CL E A NSING O IL

Vo t a r y

B

New Wave

6

Charlotte Tilbury

I

7

SL A NT T WEE ZE R

inner of InStyle’s Best Beauty Buys 2015, Tweezerman’s Slant Tweezer is a make-up bag essential from a company that has dominated beauty bags for the last 30 years. Traditionalists may prefer their classic Granite Sky colourway but we fall for Signature Red every time. ◆ £20.95; tweezerman.co.uk

W

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 15:51

TURNING MOMENTS INTO MEMORIES

The Savoy, a Fairmont-managed ďŹ ve star hotel, is one of the most celebrated of London landmarks, proudly standing on the Northbank of the River Thames. The ballet, opera and theatre of vibrant Covent Garden are just steps away; with the City, worldrenowned museums and galleries, and the designer shopping of Knightsbridge and Mayfair within easy reach on foot or by taxi.

Strand, London WC2R 0EU l 020 7836 4343 fairmont.com/savoy-london l savoy@fairmont.com

THE SAVOY.indd 2

10/02/2016 16:59

> KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

p. 62

RECIPES: HEMSLEY & HEMSLEY p. 64 REVIEWS: ANGLESEA ARMS & COMMANDER

p. 69

EASY AS PIE The River Cottage series has had a freefrom makeover. River Cottage Gluten Free offers up 120 ingenious recipes to make sure no one misses out and everyone gets a piece of the pie. ÂŁ15; waterstones.com

61 NH_MAR16_Food_Opener.indd 61

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 15:53

kitchen

8 of the best

e a s t e r t r e at s

CONFIDENTIAL West London’s food news and Easter treats to see you through March

01

Wo r d s P E A R L B OY D 03

02

05

04

06

07

Big Smoke

08

Au s te n's B B Q 1. CHARBONNEL ET WALKER Easter Fine Dark and Milk Chocolate Selection Box, £32; charbonnel.co.uk 2. HARRODS Cocoa Dusted Almond Easter Egg, £24.95; harrods.com 3. BISCUITEERS Beatrix Potter Easter Collection, £39.50; biscuiteers.com 4. ROCOCO Honeycomb Crunch Milk Artisan Egg, £24; rococochocolates.com 5. HOTEL CHOCOLAT Classic Ostrich Egg, £75; hotelchocolat.com 6. PAUL Sucette Chocolat Poussin, £1.50; paul-uk.com 7. PRESTAT Dark Chocolate Easter Egg, £16; prestat.co.uk 8. MAISON PIERRE MARCOLINI, Easter in Wonderland, from £13.90 to £105; uk.marcolini.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Chis_MARCH15_foodNotes_v2.indd 62

At Austen's, all meat and jack fruit is slow-smoked in traditional American style for hours and hours (try 17 hours) for that traditional smoky flavour. Favourite dishes include Southern Man's spicy chicken thighs and Texas-inspired brisket – and don't forget the Hush Puppies.

109 Chamberlayne Road, NW10; 020 8964 3200 austensbbq.co.uk

62 24/02/2016 15:56

FOOD & DRINK / NOTES MARCH recipe

NUT CASE Carlo Rotta

Created by Santo

West London-based Italian chocolatier Carlo Rotta’s range of hazelnut-based chocolates includes the impossibly delicious Gianduiotti, small boat-shaped pieces of cocoa and hazelnut mix, and the classic gianduja paste, of which Nutella is a cheap copy. The range is available at Selfridges and Harrods. carlorotta.it

Portobello Road

GOLDEN EARS Gail's

The star of Gail’s Easter spread is the hot cross bun: perfected by baker Roy Levy, the spiced sweet buns are loaded with fruit and glazed with spiced syrup for an extra sticky top. But don’t forget these Bunny cupcakes, topped with pink-iced speculoos bunny ears.

138 Portobello Road, W11; 341 Fulham Road, SW10 gailsbread.co.uk

HUEVOS RANCHEROS A rural Mexican brunch

INGREDIENTS

2 organic eggs • 2 corn tortilla • 3 ripe tomatoes roasted • 1 scotch bonnet for a fiery salsa or jalapeño for a medium hot salsa. Roasted ◆

METHOD

Pan-fry the tortillas and set the fried eggs on top • Blend the tomatoes and chilli • Add a little water and season with salt. • Pour the salsa on top of the eggs. • Served with refried beans. santolondres.com

editor’s

PICK

TEA

The Chocolate Museum

of the month

A new collaboration between the East India Company and the Royal Albert Hall has spawned a special Royal Albert Hall afternoon black tea blend, and a carefully curated selection of teas is available at the venue now. eicfinefoods.com

Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

loudy Bay is one of Marlborough's best-known wineries, famed mostly for its fabulous sauvignon blanc. This 2013 pinot noir is a smoky, spicy wine with an initial softness that gives way to intensity.

Key to these intricacies of flavour are the region's microclimates and diverse soil types. The pioneering winery returns to London for its fourth RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden this year, inspired by New Zealand's fauna. ◆ C

FOOD AND FASHION

Chucs Restaurant Just opened in Westbourne Grove is Chucs, a brother to the Dover Street establishment that fuses menswear with all-day dining. So it's chic tailored swimwear and leisurewear upstairs, classic Italian cuisine downstairs, plus a sideline in caviar.

226 Westbourne Grove, W11 chucsrestaurant.com

63 Chis_MARCH15_foodNotes_v2.indd 63

WINE

Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2013, £25.95 ocado.com

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 18:44

XXXXXX / XXXXXXX

CANNELLINI VANILLA SPONGE CAKE with chocolate avocado frosting 

~ Serves 25-30 ~

I n g r e d i e nt s For the cake: • 125g butter or coconut oil, melted, plus extra for greasing • 3 x 400g tins of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed • 9 medium eggs • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract • 220ml maple syrup • 5 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice • 90g coconut flour • 2½ teaspoons bicarbonate of soda • ¼ teaspoon sea salt • 150g punnet of fresh raspberries, to decorate

Good and Simple Easy, everyday meals can be both nutritious and delicious Wo r d s m e l i s s a a n d j a s m i n e h e m s l e y Photography nick hopper

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_MARCH16_RECIPES.V2.indd 64

For the chocolate avo frosting: • 4 medium ripe avocados • 5 tablespoons (about 75g) coconut oil, melted • 8 tablespoons raw honey (to taste) • 10 tablespoons cocoa powder • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • ½ teaspoon orange extract (not essence) • A pinch of sea salt M e th o D 1 Preheat the oven to fan 180°C gasmark 6, then line the bases of two 25cm-diameter cake tins with baking parchment and grease the sides with butter or coconut oil.

2 Blend all the ingredients for the frosting together in a food processor until smooth, adding a dash of cold water if needed. Taste, adjusting the flavourings to taste, then transfer to a bowl and set aside in the fridge.

3 For the cake, add the cannellini beans to the cleaned food processor bowl with the eggs, vanilla extract andmaple syrup and blend until smooth. Add the remaining cake ingredients, except the raspberries, and blend to combine.

4 Divide the cake batter between the prepared cake tins, spreading out evenly and smoothing the surface. Bake in the oven for 35 minutes until well risen and

64 24/02/2016 16:02

FOOD & DRINK / RECIPES lightly golden on top. (Check the cakes after 25 minutes and swap the tins between shelves, if necessary, as they will cook at different rates.)

5 Remove fromthe oven, transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely in the tins before turning out.

6 while the cakes are cooling, gently wash the raspberries and dry themcarefully using kitchen paper or leave to air dry. (they must be thoroughly dry before adding to the cake.)

7 Spread half the frosting on one of the cooled sponges, top with the other sponge and spread over the rest of the frosting.

Store in the fridge and bring to room temperature to serve. Decorate with the fresh raspberries just before serving. ◆

SPICY MISO SALMON with broccoli rice 

~ Serves 2 ~

Ingredients For the salmon: • 2 teaspoons coconut oil • 2 x 300g wild salmon fillets (skin on) • Sea salt and black pepper For the broccoli rice: • 1 large head of broccoli (about 350g) • 2 tablespoons of water • 2 spring onions, finely sliced, or 1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives For the spicy miso sauce: • 1 tablespoons unpasteurised miso paste (to taste) • 2 teaspoons maple syrup • 4 tablespoons hot water • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • A pinch of chilli powder or cayenne pepper • A pinch of sea salt or dash of tamari, to taste.

MethoD 1 For the broccoli rice, grate the broccoli – including the stalk – into rice-sized pieces, either by hand (using the coarse side of a grater) or in a food processor (using the S-curved blade or grater attachment).

Set aside.

Melt the coconut oil in a wide frying pan on a medium heat, season the salmon with salt and pepper, then fry, skin side down, for 3 minutes until crispy. Carefully turn over and fry the flesh side for 1–2 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer fromthe pan onto individual warmed plates and keep warm.

2

3 Tip the grated broccoli straight into the samepan with the water, turn up the heat,

65 NH_MARCH16_RECIPES.V2.indd 65

cover with a lid and leave to steam for 3minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender but still with a little bite. Season to taste with salt and pepper and then add the spring onions or chives.

4 While the broccoli rice is cooking, stir or whisk themiso sauce ingredients together in a bowl, or shake in a jam jar with the lid on. Divide the broccoli rice between the plates, pour the sauce over the fish and serve immediately. ◆

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 16:02

WE SMOKE EVERY DAY KENSAL RISE

Smoked ribs - USDA Brisket - Pulled Pork BBQ Buns - Craft Beers

bbq, Beer, Brunch & Beats MON–THURS 5–10.30 † FRI 12–10.30 † SAT 11–10.30 † SUN 11–10 0 2 0 8 9 6 4 3 2 0 0 † A U S T E N S B B Q. C O. U K † @AUSTENSBBQ AUSTENS.indd 1 AS_AbsNH_A4_advert_FINAL_241115.indd 1

24/11/2015 24/11/2015 15:29 13:14

FOOD & DRINK / RECIPES

COURGETTE AND CANNELLINI BEAN LASAGNE 

~ Serves 4 ~ Ingredients • 3 large courgettes For the ‘béchamel’ sauce: • 250g ricotta • 80g Parmesan or pecorino, finely grated, plus extra for sprinklin • 1 egg For the tomato sauce: • 1 x 400g tin of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed • 2 garlic cloves • 120g sundried tomatoes (about 20 pieces) in oil, drained • 3 tablespoons tomato purée • A pinch of sea salt • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Method 1 Add the ingredients for the ‘béchamel’ sauce to a food processor and blend until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

slices in an even layer. Cover the courgettes with about half the ‘béchamel’ sauce, then top with half the remaining courgettes in an even layer.

2 Add the ingredients for the tomato sauce to the food processor (no need to clean out the bowl) and blend until smooth.

5 Repeat the layering with the remaining tomato sauce, courgettes and ‘béchamel’, then sprinkle over a final layer of Parmesan to finish.

3 Using a mandolin or very sharp knife, finely slice the courgettes lengthways into 3mm-thick pieces.

4 Preheat the oven to fan 180°C/Gasmark 6. Spread about half the tomato sauce over the bottom of a 16cmx 22cm ovenproof dish which is at least 8cm deep, as a thin layer.

Top with about a third of the courgette

67 NH_MARCH16_RECIPES.V2.indd 67

6 Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and leave to stand for 5–10 minutes before serving. ◆

Extracted from Good + Simple by Melissa and Jasmine Hemsley (Ebury Press, £25) Photography

by Nick Hopper 020 8969 0098; theparadise.co.uk

MARCH 2016

25/02/2016 09:47

Santo Domingo F R O M � � TH M A R C H � � � �

J O I N U S E V E RY S U N DAY 1 to 6 pm for our Traditional Mexican Brunch

• Huevos Rancheros • Huevos Divorciados • Torta Ahogada • Chilaquiles • Micheladas • Bloody Marys • Cerveza Helada & Much More

Plus the fine presence of our house LIVE TROPICAL TRIO

299 P O RTO B E L LO R OA D SANTO.indd 1

W 10

5TD |

W W W . S A N TO LO N D R E S . CO M

| B O O K I N G S 0208 968 4590 24/02/2016 17:18

FOOD & DRINK / REVIEWS

The Anglesea Arms Revisiting Hammersmith's long-standing favourite t's comforting to visit a pub that's neither pretending not to be an old brown boozer nor actually being an old brown boozer.

The Anglesea Arms is definitely brown, with its wood-panelled interior, spartan furniture and total lack of upholstery, but it's got a utility chic feel about it, a minimalist serenity that takes it about as far from the oldfashioned sticky patterned carpet pub as you can get, while remaining an unreconstructed and authentic public house.

To start we order grilled calçots, a type of Catalan onion that's almost a leek, with lardo, crackling and black pudding. It's a slightly blackened dish that pitches caramelised onion against cured, meaty flavours in a way that's been thoroughly thought through.

Similarly, salted and smoked duck breast with beetroot and apple relish, walnuts and cress is a prettily arranged and colourful spread with a clever combination of tastes. Main courses are roasted pheasant breast with lentils and kale, and pan fried cod with cauliflower, both of them simple and flawlessly done. For pudding there's a rhubarb pannacotta that's so tart and subtle it's barely even sweet. The children's menu offers a sophisticated onglet steak and chips in place of the usual dreaded nuggets – and it's served almost bloody. The Anglesea Arms is pared back, confident and high class while remaining an unpretentious pub at heart. ◆

I

The Commander Hereford Road’s high class pub is much more than just a pub Wo r d s p e n d l e h a r t e

I

s this the only pub in west London to have its own champagne room? The Commander is part chic brasserie, part Victorian watering hole with its original bar features and tiles, alongside an oyster bar, champagne room and modern open kitchen.

We’re here for Sunday lunch and there’s a friendly, relaxed vibe with locals and families in the spacious dining area. In our front booth we stretch out and order oysters, a dozen Blackwater Wilds, which prove to be juicy, fresh and plump. A scallop, pancetta and colcannon mash starter is well executed and tasty, laced with red wine jus and touches of white pudding. Then it’s Welsh lamb from the Sunday roast list, which comes with an outsize Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, sweet potato mash and broccoli as well as roast potatoes and cauliflower – it’s a generous spread and just right. A whole

Canadian lobster comes with breadcrumbs and stilton cream sauce, looking impressive and tasting good, if slightly generous on the breadcrumbs. A kids’ portion of roast beef comes at almost the size of a regular one – this restaurant offers a crèche at weekends, a welcome option for those with toddlers (though that’s not to say this is an exclusively family-oriented place; children must vacate by 7pm on weekends and 5pm during the week). Puddings are impressive and decadent – we manage a chocolate fondant, a sticky toffee pudding and a peanut butter cheesecake, all of which are moreish and high class. A walk around Kensington Gardens is most definitely in order after this. ◆

● THE CO M M A NDER

47 Hereford Road, W2; 020 7229 1503 thecommanderbar.co.uk

69 NH_March16_RestaurantReview.indd 69

● THE a ng le s e a ar m s

35 Wingate Road, W6, 020 8749 1291 angleseaarmspub.co.uk

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 16:04

DINING LIVING OFFICE

London & Surrey

KITCHENS

020 7253 3206 or 01372 379810

BEDROOMS

www.wharfside.co.uk

WHARFSIDE MARCH.indd 1 Absolutely Magazine March 2016.indd 1

27/01/2016 26/01/2016 15:26 16:37

‘DREER’S LARGE FLOWERING’ CHROMOLITHOGRAPH FROM DREER’S GARDEN BOOK, SEVENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL EDTION, 1912

> INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS: CONCRETE IN THE HOME

p. 72

BRIGHT IDEAS

p. 77

FLOWER POWER Spring has sprung with this blossoming collaboration between Surface View and the New York Botanical Garden. The new collection of bold botanicals brings to life horticultural artworks from the Rare Book Collections of the iconic living museum’s Mertz Library.

Mural from £60 per square metre; surfaceview.co.uk

71 NH_MAR16_interior_Opener.indd 71

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 16:10

10 of the best:

the coNcrete edition

Modern ideas, designs and styles for your home Wo r d s e l i z a b e t h h u t t o n

SCP

Shaving Soap in Concrete Cup; £48.95, scp.co.uk

HOLLY’S HOUSE

Porthos Concrete Vase; £22, hollys-house.com

editor’s

PICK IITTALA

Leimu Lamp; from £495, cloudberryliving.co.uk

Bargain Hunt

LYON BETON

Concrete Magazine Rack; £115, amara.com

PLANT AND MOSS

Akita Tape Dispenser; £120, plantandmoss.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CHIS_MAR_16_Interior_Insp_.indd 72

The Sample Sale This month, London is set to host its very first multi-brand design sample sale. Sale stock will include design classics, limited edition pieces and discontinued lines, as well as a different daily ‘star buy’ from the likes of Tom Dixon, Case Furniture (pictured) and more.

Unlike fashion, thankfully, furniture is one size fits all.

4–6 March 2016; Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square, WC1B thesamplesale.co.uk

72 24/02/2016 16:13

HOMES & INTERIORS / NOTES DIY JOY

D o i t Yo u r s e l f

by Thomas Bärnthaler This new book seeks to redefine DIY for the flat-pack generation. With the intention to inspire, the clear instructions and hand-drawn step-bystep illustrations make it wonderfully easy to assemble items like this Flying Shelf by Matteo Thun. £19.95, uk.phaidon.com

editor’s

PICK

MENU

Concrete Pendant Lamp, menu.as

BESPOKE BOTANICALS

Geo Fleur We're used to our monthly wine and magazine subscriptions but a plant subscription is a new one on us. Delivering stylish succulents and geometric pots to our door each month, Geo-Fleur are making our homes a little bit more verdant. geo-fleur.com

URBI ET ORBI

Globus 280 Pendant Lamp; From £160; clippings.com

FUTURE AND FOUND Willmann Vase, £70; futureandfound.com

must

HAVE

PERFECTLY POISED

Anglepoise The most iconic 1930s Anglepoise lamp is going nowhere. Reimagined in miniature form, this cute Studio lamp will be available in a palette of earthy pinks and soft, warm greys as well as a rich teal and deep inky blue-grey.

From £185; anglepoise.com

PASINGA

Dodecahedron Tillandsia Planter, From £15.99, pasinga.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

ferm LIVING Ten years ago, ferm LIVING launched ten wallpaper designs that propelled the brand into the design industry. Now, ferm can be found around the house, from the kitchen to the bedroom or bathroom. What remains the same is their ability to design products that can totally transform a room. fermliving.com

73 CHIS_MAR_16_Interior_Insp_.indd 73

MENU

JWDA Concrete Lamp, £120, goodhoodstore.com

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 16:13

DESIGN HUB

This month’s design week at Chelsea Harbour showcases the biggest names in luxury interiors.

Absolutely has a preview Wo r d s P e a r l B oy d

C

hink Chelsea Harbour, think interiors. This slightly obscure destination is known by those in the trade, but many people still wouldn't think of visiting simply to shop. But with 105 showrooms representing more than 600 leading international brands, nobody should be making any decisions about their interiors without visiting. It's an impressive space, the largest of its kind in Europe, and its three domes create a stylish environment in which to browse the leading names in luxury interior design.

This month's Design Week is an unprecedented parade of the latest furniture, lighting, wallcoverings, carpets, tiles, kitchens, bathrooms and more, alongside exciting product launches and specially commissioned installations.

Some strong new trends are emerging in the design world, including a new focus on Art Deco in cuved shapes, generous proportions and lacquered surfaces, a continued interest in metallics (including stylish pearlised walpapers, brushed gold and lots of copper) and lots and lots of print. Pattern is everywhere, from Iksel's tileeffect wallpaper to Pierre Frey's fabulous French fabrics and Jim Thompson's beautiful bird print textiles.

The influence of William Morris can be seen throughout, as can the enduring appeal of craftsmanship, natural materials and high class design.

Don't miss it. â—†

DESIGN WEEK

is an unprecedented PARADE OF THE

latest furniture AND MORE

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_CH_MARCH16_CHELSEA DESIGN.indd 74

London Design Week 2016 comes to Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour from 13 to 18 March; Lots Road SW10. A shuttle service runs from Sloane Square. dcch.com

74 24/02/2016 19:07

HOMES & INTERIORS / DESIGN TRENDS

01 Phoenix Crown ceiling light, Porta Romana.

Colombina’ chair, Rubelli Casa, upholstered in ‘Panama’ fabric, Rubelli Venezia. ‘WB Tavolina 2’ table, Elise Som. ‘Walter’ table lamps, both Original BTC. ‘Navigli’ shelves, Gallotti&Radice. From top on shelves: ‘Atlantique’ fabric, Pierre Frey. ‘Silver Skull’, Nicholas Haslam Ltd. ‘Knitted’ fabric, Dominique Kieffer at Rubelli/ Donghia.

‘Pepino’ fabric, soft red, Romo. ‘Pixelé fabric, Dominique Kieffer at Rubelli/ Donghia.

Wallcovering in shape: ‘Riemann Cubes’, Fromental. Wallcovering on right: ‘Tara’ Studio E at Fromental. Fabric on hanger: ‘Fauna’, Kate Spade at Kravet. Paint: top ‘Frost’, face ‘Double Quartz’ and floor ‘Pewter’, all Zoffany.

02 ‘Kaleidos’ sofa, Fendi Casa. ‘Josephine X’ floor lamp, by Jaime Hayón, Metalarte at Chaplins. ‘Marbles Collection’ bowl, gold crystal, Gladee Lighting. ‘Ilary’ coffee table, wood/grey marble, Poltrona Frau.’Arpege’ wallcovering, Pierre Frey.

03 ‘Oscar’ chair upholstered in ‘Mica’ with ‘Zig Zag’ trimming, both Zoffany. Fabrics on hangers: ‘Kanoko’, Zoffany and ‘Bassano’, Manuel Canovas at Colefax and Fowler.

‘Hydra’ floor lamp, Porta Romana. Wallpaper in shape: Left and right ‘Eclipse’, Arte. Paint: top ‘Shetland’, face ‘Half Silver’ and floor ‘Silver’, all Zoffany 04 ‘Le Coupe’ lounge chair, J. Robert Scott.

‘Illary’ side table, Poltrona Frau. ‘Bolle Tavolo’, Gallotti&Radice. Fabrics on hangers: ‘Cadena Rocoto’, ‘Danton’, ‘Danton’ and ‘Saphira Embroidery Rocoto’, all Romo. Wallcovering in shape: Zermatt’, Zinc Textile at Romo.

‘Miami’ wall light, Bella Figura. Paint: left ‘Frost’, top ‘Shetland’, face ‘Half Silver’ and floor ‘Silver’, all Zoffany ‘Orwell’, Manuel.

75 NH_CH_MARCH16_CHELSEA DESIGN.indd 75

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 19:07

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

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

WWW. I N S I D E R D E A L I N G S W 4 . COM INSIDER DEALINGS.indd 1 InsiderDealings1504_Absolutely_NottingHill&Kensington.indd 1

23/02/2016 09:25 12/03/2015 11:55

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.

_NH_ADVERT_PLACEMENTS.indd 2

24/02/2016 17:19

HOMES & INTERIORS / INSPIRATION HERMÈS

‘Lampe de travail’, £6,010; hermes.com

HABITAT

GIORGIO ZANELLATO

HECTOR FINCH

‘Sira’ rattan oversized shade, £70; habitat.co.uk

‘Mirage’ lights, POA; gallerialuisdellepiane.it

‘Giacomo Amber Glass Table Lamp’, £1049.40; hectorfinch.com

HOLLY HUNT

‘Compass floor lamp’ with silk shade, £7,050; hollyhunt.com

INES COLE

‘Z1 Light’, £325; inescole.com

POOL

‘Calée’ lamps, from €289; poolhouse.eu

SABINE MARCELIS

‘Voie’ light series, prices vary; sabinemarcelis.com

FOSCARINI

‘Binic’ table lamp, £117 each, by Ionna Vautrin; aram.co.uk

BUSTER + PUNCH

busterandpunch.com

BRIGHT IDEAS

THE LIGHTING STORE

‘Laser Light’, £145; thelightingstore.co.uk

THE SOFA AND CHAIR COMPANY

‘Dorsal’ table lamp, £1,745; thesofaandchair.co.uk

We’re carrying a torch for these shining lights

ROLL & HILL

By jessica klingelfuss

CHRISTOPHER JENNER ‘The Light House’ crystal table lamp, £2,000; mintshop.co.uk

THE APARTMENT

‘Gino Sarfatti Wall Light’, €1,270; theapartment.dk

77 CHIS_March16_IntProdV3.indd 77

‘Agnes Cascade Chandelier – 20 light’, £16,800, by Lindsey Adelman; scp.co.uk

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 16:11

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 a place where you would want to be – a place of learning and discovery, laughter and friendship.

Open Days

March 8th (9.30am) April 26th (7pm)

May 16th/24th (9.30am/9.30am) June 14th (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.indd 1

@kewhouseschool

16/02/2016 12:39

> SMALL TALK

p. 81

AMANDA CONSTANCE: INTO THE WOODS

p. 83

MA CHÉRIE Jacadi returns with a SS16 collection to covet. Classic designs have been given a contemporary twist and are inspired by the brand’s heritage archive as well as the ‘French holiday’. Perfect for summer occasions and weddings. jacadi.co.uk

79 NH_MARCH16_Kids_Opener.indd 79

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 16:59

NIKKI MACFARLANE.indd 1

27/01/2016 11:47

KIDS & EDUCATION / NOTES

T RY I T

ANIMAL INSTINCT

The Animals Observatory The new fashion brand from design talent Laia Aguilar (formerly of Bobo Choses) and entrepreneur Jan Andreu has launched. Channelling the ‘animal world’ as seen through a child’s eyes, the debut collection is inspired by the films of Jacques Tati and Aguilar’s own illustrations. en.smallable.com

GO APE Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

SMALL TALK Animal instinct, wink-face tights and the ultimate party balloons

UP AND AWAY Bon Bon Balloons

All balloons are not made equal, as these sparkle-filled stunners show.

Set up by Rebecca Moyster, Bon Bon Balloons specialises in bespoke party pieces with handmade streamers.

Prices for a decorative string balloon start from £35; bonbonballons.com

T

he first London outpost of the brilliant treeclimbing activity that's a huge success in forests all over the country is unfortunately located. Battersea Park's adventure playground is much mourned locally and Go Ape, on the original playground's site, is not somewhere for kids simply to play freely every day. Instead, it's a relatively expensive ticketed activity that's booked in advance and requires instruction, supervision and harnessing. So it's not the new playground. But it is a fantastic activity, a course of high ropes and wires to be navigated using balance and bravery and rewarded at the end with an excellend zip wire. There's a junior course for anyone over a metre tall and a higher, scarier trail for those aged 10 plus (or over 1.4m). Adults will enjoy it too – if they're brave enough. ◆

Treetop Junior from £18; goape.co.uk

TIGHTS PLEASE

BAG IT UP

Braveling ¢ Specialising in imaginative threads for happy legs, Braveling’s new Cheeky Grin tights have got us weak at the knees. Designed in London and manufactured in Europe, they are ideal for mischief-makers (who, me?

It couldn’t be!) and gifting and come beautifully packaged. ◆ £16; tippytoeskids.co.uk

Tellkiddo ¢ Make tidying up fun and easy with the new range of paper storage bags from Stockholmbased brand Tellkiddo. Ideal for any room, these delightful bags merge functionality with playful design, offering the perfect accessory for parents. ◆

£14; nubie.co.uk

81 CHIS_Mar16_Kids_Notes_.indd 81

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 16:20

Summer Term Open Day Tuesday 26 April

www.mpw.ac.uk

No restriction on subject combinations One-year and two-year courses Maximum class size of 8 Expert UCAS advice Individual support tuition Easter Revision courses

Phone us on 020 7835 1355 to reserve your place today Visit our website: wwww.mpw.ac.uk London 90-92 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5AB

MPW London is a leading provider of A level, GCSE and specialist retake and revision courses.

MPW.indd 1

22/02/2016 11:47

KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOL TALK

Into the woods Nurseries with forest schools are becoming popular with London parents who want their children to go wild in the country Wo r d s A M a n d a C o n s ta n c e

W

hat do you do when it’s pouring with rain? I ask Leanna Barrett, the founder of London’s first full time outdoor nursery for 2-5year olds. “We put our hoods up,” she replies. “The children love to play in the water when it rains.” Welcome to forest schooling – a Scandinavian import that has become increasingly popular in primary and nursery schools across the UK – and now catching on in London.

The ethos behind forest schooling is to get children outside, in all weathers, ideally in woodland, where they can learn and gain confidence through hands-on experience, interacting with nature in an ever-changing environment.

The first UK forest school was set up in 1993 by a team from Bridgewater College in Somerset. Inspired by a field trip to some Danish nurseries, they employed the principles of an outdoor focused, child-centered and play-based approach in their own school and were stunned by the way in which the children blossomed in confidence and creativity.

Carol Evelegh, founder of The Kindergartens, a group of London nursery schools for two to five year-olds, says forest schooling has amazing benefits for children’s confidence and self-belief. “It’s fascinating to watch the slightly more cautious kids – you get them out there and they are so much more confident,” she says.

Every child in her nurseries goes to Wimbledon Common at least once a fortnight for a morning of forest school.

Lessons are planned, just as they would be indoors, but it’s a “very broad plan,” says Evelegh. Once on the common, “we follow the children,” says Evelegh.

“It’s very open-ended, we could be

THE CHILDREN

are outside, in WATERPROOFS, from 9am to 4pm

whittling magic story wands or making mud pies in the stream."

Evelegh says the natural environment has a marked effect on children. “It brings a natural calm to them”, she says. “They discuss new things, they problem solve, they work in teams and they are free to take risks.” Boisterous boys, in particular, “are very different” outside the formal boundaries of the classroom, she says.

“They enter a magical, changing world and their focus is amazing.”

Evelegh says some parents were worried at first, that their darling would be too cold or too wet, but on witnessing the change in their children, their enthusiasm and sense of pride in their achievements, they are now as hooked on the idea as their children are.

Leanna Barrett grew up in Wales, rock-climbing in the Brecon Beacons.

83 CHIS_MAR16_Education.indd 83

Her husband James is Australian. They met when they both worked at the luxury wilderness safari lodge, Jack’s Camp, in Botswana. They are outdoors folk, to put it mildly, so when they had their first child, Ella, four years ago, Leanna and James felt so strongly about her being able to run freely outdoors that they started a full-time forest nursery for her.

Little Forest Folk opened on Wimbledon Common with ten children in January last year. There are now 129 children who come for up to five days a week at the nursery (there’s a maximum number of 30 per day). The children are outside, on a three and a half hectare site, warm and dry in special waterproofs from Sweden, from 9am till 4pm and inside a geodesic dome (think the Eden project) at either ends of the day to help parents with pick-ups. The nursery has been so popular that Barrett and her husband James are opening two more nurseries in Wandsworth and Chiswick in April this year.

Leanna is adamant that the children have “total freedom” on the secure site.

Specially trained teachers follow even the youngers ones at a distance, “it’s amazing how quickly they learn how to risk assess for themselves,” she says. “We don’t teach them, we help them to learn,” she says.

Children are encouraged to explore and get muddy and learning is “by accident”, says Leanna, “the key to good teaching”.

Forest schooling has obviously struck a chord with London parents. Why? “Because it gives them the childhood they deserve,” says Leanna. “The children can play freely with nature. It helps with their confidence and resilience.

They are happy; we see it every day.

It is how they should be.” ◆ littleforestfolk.com thekindergartens.com

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 16:22

GF SEAT, A330, BKK & DXB.pdf

GULF AIR.indd 1

1

2/12/15

10:29 AM

12/02/2015 15:00

> MOROCCO: GETTING THE BEST OUT OF MARRAKECH

p. 86

OUT OF AFRICA This spring, eschew Europe in favour of somewhere a little more exotic; Marrakesh balances the upbeat tempo of city life with the leisure and luxury of a desert resort, all under a hot sun.

85 NH_MARCH16_Travel_Opener copy.indd 85

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 16:25

MARKET TOWN

Experience the vibrancy and vitality of Morocco and the luxury and tranquility of the Royal Palm Marrakech in equal measure Wo r d s c at h e r i n e h a l e s

T

he very word Marrakech has the exotic, mysterious ring of a faraway place. Yet what makes it a perfect holiday destination is its proximity. From London, the flight takes a paltry three hours and 40 minutes, from miserable, rainy Gatwick to sunny, exotic Morocco, from black and white into colour – and no time difference, so no jet lag. However, as soon as you step off the plane, it’s a different world. The intense heat and hazy, dusty landscape immediately reminds you that you are in fact in Africa. Ideal for those longing to escape spring or autumn in England, March and September are the best times for almost certain sun but no excessive heat.

So, taking all these positives into consideration, why would anyone hesitate? There seems to be a notion

that Marrakech is not a relaxing place to go on holiday. The depiction in popular culture of the medina in particular is one of tourists being assailed on all sides by carpet vendors and snake charmers whilst mopeds roar past, donkeys bray and chickens are violently expelled into your path. And while this is accurate up to a point, it’s certainly not the whole picture. The key is to choose the right hotel, where they have the experience to help you navigate the markets – a real retreat, a port in this sometimes stormy city. That’s where the Royal Palm Marrakech comes in, a short 20 minute drive from the centre, so guests have great access to the sights and sounds of the markets, but can return to an oasis of calm. This contrast is one of the things the Royal Palm excels in. The stunning grounds with their ancient olive trees, as well as the titular palms, the undulating grassy knolls of the golf course and expanses

THE MEDINA is A PLACE TO FIND

one of-a-kind

TREASURES

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CHIS_March16_Marrakech.indd 86

86 24/02/2016 16:27

TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

87 CHIS_March16_Marrakech.indd 87

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 16:28

PORT LYMPHE.indd 1

11/12/2015 09:45

TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

SEVEN HOURS fly by in a BLUR

Al Aïn, the all female restaurant in the Royal Palm

of water give it a lush feel, while the best view of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains can be had leaning over the side of the main pool, cocktail in hand.

Elements of Moroccan culture and style are subtly incorporated throughout the interior, with bright mosaic tiles adorning the walls, twinkling lanterns dangling from the ceilings and exquisite carpets covering the marble floors.

Of its three restaurants, Al Aïn is the prettiest and boasts an authentic Moroccan menu, with sheep’s brains for the bold and flavorsome tagines for the less so. Al Aïn also has a unique selling point: the entire restaurant is run by women, from the head chef, Meryam Diane, to the servers bringing out the dishes. When you can bear to leave your gorgeous room and venture out into the main hotel, you are greeted with

smiles and warmth by the staff and other guests, many of whom are on their sixth or seventh stay at the hotel. Children are also catered for with a charming and thoughtfully designed kids’ club that has its own pool and outdoor cinema, not to mention a flock of shaggy wooden sheep that wouldn’t look out of place in an upmarket London interiors shop.

Tear yourself away from the pool or the fabulous, white-walled spa and the souks are a must-visit. A far cry from the UK’s homogenised high street, or the same old international chains in every capital city, the medina really is a place to find one-of-a kind-treasures and yes, bargains. Carpets are a no-brainer and most reputable sellers are able to ship

¢ Royal Palm Marrakech Three nights in a Junior Suite on a B&B basis, Economy Class flights and private hotel transfers from £856 per person sharing.

Call Beachcomber on 01483 445685 or visit beachcombertours.co.uk

89 CHIS_March16_Marrakech.indd 89

the bulky rolls to save you lugging them around all day or adding extra kilos to your baggage allowance. It is a shopping experience like no other, sipping mint tea while enthusiastic vendors gabble in a mixture of French and English and unfurl countless rugs of all hues and sizes.

Two other items that are really worth the haggling are leather bags and Berber silver, but to find the real gems you have to truly surrender to the souks and go deep into the winding maze of shopfronts and stalls. Every so often you may find yourself walking in Carrie Bradshaw’s stilettos as you meander down the alleyways they filmed for Sex and the City 2. Those looking for refreshment can find it on the terrace of Café Arabe, which looks out over the rooftops of the medina and is one of the few places in that quarter to serve alcoholic drinks.

Seven hours fly by in a blur but it can be as exhausting as it is exhilarating. At the end of the day, the best feeling is knowing you can wash off the dust and dirt in your giant bathtub before heading to the bar for a cocktail, taking it out onto the terrace and listening to the strains of a live band floating through the air.

A perfect ride on the Marrakech Express. ◆

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 16:28

ABSOLUTELY

NOTTING HILL MARCH 2016 / £3.95

ABSOLUTELY LONDON

LONDON

COVER GIRL

THE AMAZING WORLD OF CORALIE BICKFORD-SMITH

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

MANOLO BLAHNIK

STEPPING OUT WITH THE KING OF HEELS

DOWNLOAD THE NEW

CASHMERE FOR CANINES

i PA D A P P

RUBY RUFUS AND HER PUPPPY FASHION

T O D AY

STRIKE A POSE

SEARCH FOR

‘ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES LONDON’

iTUNES, NEWSSTAND OR APP STORE

A STRONG BUT FEMININE LOOK

The Best of Local Luxury

STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT COVERS MARCH 2016 v2.indd 3

23/02/2016 17:46

RICHMOND

ABSOLUTELY A BSOLUTEL BSOLUTELY Chelsea Fulham

Richmond

MARCH 2013 £3.95

CHILD'S PLAY

NORTH BY NORTHWEST

NOTTING HILL

SUGAR

KENSINGTON

SUGAR CITY & ANGEL Putney & Wandsworth

ALEX AND ALEXA'S DESIGNER PICKS

BEST AFTERNOON TEAS IN TOWN

Battersea & Clapham

MARCH 2013

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

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

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

IPAD ADVERT.indd 1

24/02/2016 09:21

Treehouse_July.indd 1

25/06/2013 18:14

_NH_ADVERT_PLACEMENTS.indd 3

24/02/2016 17:19

ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION

KEEPING HOUSE

Following last month’s brochure accompanying Absolutely, here’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how onefinestay’s pioneering housekeeping service works in practice

I

n 2010, onefinestay arrived on the hospitality scene, bringing with them a new way to experience a city. Gone are the days when visiting a new city meant a slew of carbon-copy hotel rooms. onefinestay scouts out the finest private homes in the world’s greatest cities – each one selected for space, character and comfort – and opens them to paying guests when the owners are out of town.

But amazing homes are just the start.

Central to onefinestay’s philosophy is ‘handmade hospitality’, and nowhere is this more evident than in the team’s approach to housekeeping.

Angie MacArthur is Head of Housekeeping at onefinestay. Her love of

travel led her to spend much of her career in the luxury cruise industry, training and auditing housekeeping teams. Today, Angie takes care of all things cleaning across onefinestay’s homes in London, using her wealth of experience to ensure her team prepares each home to the highest standards for onefinestay guests.

And all of this means that, unlike with home-sharing platforms, onefinestay’s

CENTRAL to their PHILOSOPHY is

‘handmade hospitality’ 91

NH_CH_Mar16_FineStay_Adv.indd 91

Angie MacArthur heads up onefinestay’s expert Housekeeping team, taking care of over 1,200 homes across London.

hosts don’t have to lift a finger. Before guests arrive, Angie’s team gives the home a deep clean, and removes the host’s towels and toiletries, replacing them with onefinestay’s own supplies.

The beds are made with pristine sheets, and the host’s personal bedding and belongings are stored away. For extra peace of mind, out-of-bounds areas are sealed off with tamper tape so guests know which parts of the home are off-limits.

After each stay, the whole process happens in reverse. Angie’s team return the host’s belongings to their rightful places, and treat the home to another deep clean and make it secure, ready for the owners to return to a home just as they left it. And it’s all in a day’s work for Angie and her Housekeeping team.◆

● onefinestay

To find out more about becoming a onefinestay host, call 020 3763 3802, or email london.homes@onefinestay.com

MARCH 2016

24/02/2016 16:31

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

CASTRADS.indd 1

21/01/2016 15:50

PROPERTY NEWS p.118 IN THEIR OWN WORDS p.132 NIGEL LEWIS: PRICE BANDS p.168

HASKER STREET SW3

£3,800,000

he property consists of a large reception room with wooden floors leading onto a decked terrace. The family kitchen/dining room is found on the lower ground floor and offers a perfect space for entertaining. The master bedroom occupies the whole of the second floor and two double bedrooms and a family bathroom are situated on the first floor. This is an ideal family home in one of Chelsea’s prettiest streets. u

T

95 NH_Prop_PFC.indd 95

KNIGHTSBRIDGE AND CHELSEA 020 7584 7020 carterjonas.co.uk

MARCH 2016

25/02/2016 09:52

facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Tedworth Square, Chelsea, SW3

Presented in immaculate condition, this spectacular flat is well arranged over two floors, with excellent ceiling heights, wonderful views over the garden square and lovely outside space.

ÂŁ2,650,000 Leasehold

1,224 sq ft (113 sq m) Kitchen/dining room | Drawing room | Master bedroom suite | Two double bedrooms | Bathroom | Study/bedroom four | Patio garden | Garden square | Access to Burton Court (separate arrangement) | EPC rating C

Chelsea 020 7225 3866 chelsea@struttandparker.com

SP_CHELS.indd 1

17/02/2016 14:55

Netherton Grove, Chelsea, SW10

ÂŁ6,450,000 Freehold

As previously furnished

Having been recently rebuilt, this meticulously refurbished house boasts extensive entertaining space and offers off-street parking and a west-facing garden.

3,812 sq ft (354 sq m) Double reception room | Kitchen/dining room Media room | Master bedroom suite | Dressing room | Five further bedrooms (three en suite) | Bathroom | Steam room | Terrace | Garden | Off-street parking | EPC rating C

Chelsea SW10 - 020 7373 1010 chelseaSW10@struttandparker.com

SP_CHELS.indd 2

17/02/2016 14:55

facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Thornwood Gardens, Kensington, W8

An impressive three bedroom apartment, situated on the second floor with two underground parking spaces and 24 hour porterage.

ÂŁ4,000,000 Share of Freehold

1,638 sq ft (152 sq m) Entrance hall | Drawing room | Kitchen | Dining area | Three bedrooms | Two en suite bathrooms | Shower room | Utility area | Lift | 24 hour porterage | Two underground parking spaces | EPC rating C

Kensington 020 7938 3666 kensington@struttandparker.com

SP NH.indd 1

17/02/2016 15:12

Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill, W11

A well-presented six bedroom family house with views over and access to the beautiful private communal gardens of Ladbroke Square*.

ÂŁ5,950,000 Freehold

3,546 sq ft (329 sq m) Drawing room | Dining room | Kitchen | Breakfast room | Playroom | Six bedrooms | Four bath/shower rooms | Dressing Room | Garden | Access to Ladbroke Square (*subject to application) | EPC rating E

Notting Hill 020 7221 1111 nottinghill@struttandparker.com

SP NH.indd 2

17/02/2016 15:12

facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Hillgate Place, Kensington, W8

A wonderful corner house in the area known locally as the 'Hillgate Village' with three bedrooms and a roof terrace.

£1,425 per week* Unfurnished

1,414 sq ft (131 sq m) Two reception rooms | Kitchen | Three bedrooms | Bathroom | Cloakroom | Terrace | Two vaults | EPC rating D

Kensington 020 7938 3866

kensington.lettings@struttandparker.com

Courtnell Street, Notting Hill, W2

A stunning four bedroom period house, ideally situated in the heart of Notting Hill. This spacious property is presented in immaculate order throughout.

£2,250 per week* Unfurnished

2,080 sq ft (193 sq m) Two receptions | Four bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Patio garden | EPC rating F

Notting Hill 020 7221 1111

nottinghill.lettings@struttandparker.com

*The following Tenant charges may apply prior to tenancy commencement: Tenancy Agreement £222 (inc VAT) Credit References per application £54 (inc VAT). All advertised prices are excluded and other associated services.

SP LETTINGS.indd 1

17/02/2016 15:11

Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill, W11

A substantial six bedroom period family house, situated in the heart of Notting Hill, moments from Hyde Park.

£2,950 per week* Unfurnished

2,801 sq ft (260 sq m) Two reception rooms | Kitchen | Master bedroom suite | Five further bedrooms | Three further bathrooms | Garden | EPC rating C

Notting Hill 020 7221 1111

nottinghill.lettings@struttandparker.com

Elvaston Mews, South Kensington, SW7

A stylishly, newly refurbished mews house with integrated garage in South Kensington.

£3,250 per week* Furnished or Unfurnished

2,695 sq ft (250 sq m) Two reception rooms | Kitchen/dining room | Four bedrooms | Three bath/shower rooms | Terrace | Garage | EPC rating C

Kensington 020 7938 3866

kensington.lettings@struttandparker.com

*The following Tenant charges may apply prior to tenancy commencement: Tenancy Agreement £222 (inc VAT) Credit References per application £54 (inc VAT). All advertised prices are excluded and other associated services.

SP LETTINGS.indd 2

17/02/2016 15:11

carterjonas.co.uk

SLOANE AVENUE Chelsea SW3

Meticulously refurbished, this bright one bedroom apartment situated on the ground floor gives a fantastic feeling of space and proportion. The apartment fits a multitude of uses such as a Pied a Terre, investment or a first home.

Knightsbridge & Chelsea 020 7584 7020 amy.rogers@carterjonas.co.uk

Reception room • Bedroom • Bathroom Concierge • EPC rating D

Guide price £645,000

CJ.indd 1

22/02/2016 10:05

PONT STREET Chelsea SW1

A fabulous second floor flat that has been refurbished to a very high standard in this prime Knightsbridge location close to Harrods. Situated at the junction of Walton Street and Pont Street, the property is ideally situated for the amenities of Knightsbridge, Sloane Street and Sloane Square.

Knightsbridge & Chelsea 020 7584 7020 amy.rogers@carterjonas.co.uk

Reception room • 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms • Approximately 1202 sq ft

Guide price £3,100,000

CJ.indd 2

22/02/2016 10:05

carterjonas.co.uk

CJ.indd 3

22/02/2016 10:06

KENSINGTON GATE Kensington W8

An imposing Grade II* listed semi-detached house situated in an enviable position in 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

Guide price £10,950,000

CJ.indd 4

22/02/2016 10:06

PROPERTY / COUNTRYSIDE

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

Words N I G E L L E W I S

HAND IN GLOVE APARTMENT

f you’re old enough to remember the times when Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog and a host of other Muppets dominated Saturday night TV, then you may agree that this apartment is the perfect place for a bit of puppetry.

American Jim Henson, who created The Muppet Show during the 1970s, moved to London and, after a false start in Hampstead, set up a shop in a Victorian industrial warehouse in Camden.

After Henson’s death in 1990, the company remained in this building, run by his son Brian, who created more hits starring the cute (and gruesome) creations for movies such as the 1995 farmyard tale Babe and the first Harry Potter film: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

But the Muppets makers and the Henson family eventually left, and the former warehouse in Camden’s Oval Road was turned into a luxury apartment. Now, a duplex penthouse with four bedrooms within it, is on the market for £6.5m. u

I

SUGAR WASN’T SOLD ON THESE

he sales abilities of some of the apprentices on the eponymous BBC TV show didn’t impress the show’s fired-up chairman, Lord Sugar, in a recent episode.

He had challenged the teams to sell mid-range and high-end properties, but despite being on the winning team, Scott Saunders quit the show after his estate agent act was ridiculed in the boardroom.

Some of those apartments in the Printworks development near the Oval are still available. The Edwardian building, built in 1903, was the former print works and headquarters of the Freemans catalogue company. The converted warehouse is set around landscaped

T

gardens in Clapham Road, in a conservation area surrounded by tree-lined Georgian terraces and Regency villas.

There are still 28 apartments up for grabs, with prices starting at £338,000 for a studio apartment.

New owners can move in April. u

Sotheby's International Realty 020 7495 9580; sothebysrealty.co.uk

Red Property Partnership

020 7485 1332; redpropertypartnership.co.uk

THIS APARTMENT IS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR A BIT OF PUPPETRY

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_March16_NL_FP_DPS.indd 106

106 25/02/2016 09:53

PROPERTY / STAR HOMES VERA LYNN - WHO IS STILL GOING STRONG AT 98 - WAS THE ORIGINAL FORCES SWEETHEART

(£580,500) and its selling point is Child’s kitchen which, aside from a new stove, is nearly exactly how it was when she used to cook up a storm.

The four bedroom, four bathroom cottage has rustic interiors along with a separate studio building containing another living room, bedroom, kitchenette and bathroom. u

Encore Sotheby's International Realty

0033 04 92 92 12 88; encoresothebysrealty.com

IT’S A BIT OF A COMMUTE, SWEETHEART ong before Katherine Jenkins was boosting troops’ morale with her mezzo soprano tunes, Vera Lynn – who is still going strong at 98 – was the original forces sweetheart.

Soldiers during World War II were cheered by her songs and frontline visits, and one of her hits, We’ll Meet Again, is the most iconic song from the conflict.

Born in London, she lived in Hassocks, West Sussex, after the war. Her former home - Clayton Holt, an Edwardian Country House built in 1907 - is in the South Downs National Park, and is currently for sale at £1.15m.

With seven large bedrooms set over four floors, the accommodation benefits from a large secluded garden leading into three acres of private woodland. The property comprises a majestic oak carved staircase in the hall, intricate moulded ceilings and great views of the land from all of the rooms in the house. u

L

Tepilo

01702 870878; tepilo.com

FAMOUS FOODIE’S FRENCH KITCHEN

he United States may still be the spiritual home of fast food, but Americans have Francophile Julia Child to thank for introducing them to slightly finer dining. The celebrated TV chef and author fell in love with French cuisine back in the 40s and set out to adapt it for her fellow Americans. Child inspired the 2009 film Julie & Julia starring Meryl Streep. The chef lived in France from 1948 to 1956, and then built a small holiday retreat there in 1963, near Plascassier, half an hour’s drive from Cannes.

The property is now for sale for the first time, priced at €800,000

T

107 NH_March16_NL_FP_DPS.indd 107

MARCH 2016

25/02/2016 09:53

N O R L A N D S Q UA R E , W 1 1

• ANTHONY SHARP.indd 1

An extremely elegant period townhouse, perfectly located on the western side of this exclusive garden square.

19/02/2016 12:33

If you are interested in this property please contact me.

Anthony M Sharp 020 7243 8398 anthonysharp@anthony-sharp.com

This is a fine example of a mid-terrace grade 2 listed Victorian house, having direct views over and access to a superb garden square with tennis court. The house has been in the same ownership for over 40 years and retains many original features. It has an attractive west-facing garden and an elegant first floor reception room with full height french doors opening onto a balcony overlooking the garden square. Norland Square is conveniently located for all the local shopping and transport facilities of Holland Park Avenue.

• ANTHONY SHARP.indd 2

Five Bedrooms. Two Receptions. Two Bathrooms. Private Garden. Communal Garden Square. Grade II Listed. MidTerrace House. EPC: E ÂŁ5,950,000 Freehold

19/02/2016 12:33

N A P I E R P L AC E , W 1 4

• ANTHONY SHARP.indd 3

A particularly elegant mews house offering exceptionally luxurious and well-designed accommodation.

19/02/2016 12:33

If you are interested in this property please contact me.

Mike Spicer 020 7243 8398 mike@anthony-sharp.com

Completely rebuilt, this is an attractive mews house which is flooded with natural light and has been designed to maximise width for entertaining space. There are now three double bedrooms all with en-suite shower or bathrooms, a spacious family kitchen/breakfast room and a lovely double aspect reception room. The master bedroom, which is situated on the top floor has been fitted with a retractable skylight. The property also benefits from all modern amenities to include underfloor heating, sound system and Vent Axia air exchange throughout.

• ANTHONY SHARP.indd 4

Three Bedrooms. Three Bathrooms.

Double Aspect Living Room. Mews House. EPC: B ÂŁ2,795,000 Freeehold

19/02/2016 12:33

P O R T L A N D R OA D , W 1 1

• ANTHONY SHARP.indd 5

A light and spacious triplex apartment in fashionable Clarendon Cross.

19/02/2016 12:33

If you are interested in this property please contact me.

Anthony M Sharp 020 7243 8398 anthonysharp@anthony-sharp.com

Situated in this fashionable part of Notting Hill, on the corner of Portland Road and Clarendon Cross. This a spacious upper maisonette arranged over the first, second and third floors of a Victorian property. The apartment benefits from good natural light and has the added advantage of a sunny roof terrace. The first class shopping and transport facilities of Holland Park Avenue are within walking distance of the property.

• ANTHONY SHARP.indd 6

Three Bedrooms. Two Bathrooms.

Reception. Storage. Terrace. Maisonette.

EPC: E ÂŁ2,250,000 Leasehold

19/02/2016 12:33

L A N S D OW N E C R E S C E N T, W 1 1

• ANTHONY SHARP.indd 7

A stunning one bedroom apartment which has been refurbished to an exacting standard.

19/02/2016 12:36

If you are interested in this property please contact me.

William Reeve 020 7243 8398 william@anthony-sharp.com

An impeccably designed one bedroom apartment, located on one of the most desirable streets within W11 in the heart of Notting Hill. It benefits from a beautiful open-plan living space and a tasteful bedroom which overlooks the communal gardens to which the property has access. The apartment has been lovingly designed and would appeal to both investors and first time buyers.

• ANTHONY SHARP.indd 8

One Bedroom. Open-Plan Reception.

Completely Refurbished. Communal Gardens. EPC: D ÂŁ1,000,000 Share of Freehold

19/02/2016 12:36

A B B OT S B U RY R OA D , W 1 4

Five Bedrooms. Four Bathrooms. Eat-In Kitchen. Four Receptions. Off-street Parking. Private Garden. Outdoor Swimming Pool. Wine Cellar. Short Let. EPC : F £7,500 Per Week*

An exceptional low built detached house backing onto Holland Park.

An impressive low built detached property backing onto Holland Park and offering approximately 5490 sq. ft./510 sq. m. of accommodation including an integral garage and offstreet parking. This house is situated on one of the best roads in Holland Park and has direct views of the park itself. Furnished / Unfurnished.

*All tenancies will incur a set-up fee of £420 (incl. VAT) and, should the tenancy renew, a further renewal fee of £120 (incl. VAT) on each occasion

• ANTHONY SHARP.indd 9

19/02/2016 12:37

If you are interested in these properties please contact me.

Stephan Buys 020 7243 8398 pm@anthony-sharp.com

P OT T E RY L A N E , W 1 1

Two Double Bedrooms. Single Bedroom.

Study. Two Bathrooms. Private Garden.

Large Terrace. EPC: E £1,300 Per Week*

A charming three bedroom family house with the advantage of a rear garden and a large terrace.

A spacious three bedroom period family house on this popular street in Holland Park. The property benefits from open style living space, a garden and large terrace on the first floor. Pottery Lane is conveniently located for the amenities of Holland Park Avenue and close by Notting Hill.

*All tenancies will incur a set-up fee of £420 (incl. VAT) and, should the tenancy renew, a further renewal fee of £120 (incl. VAT) on each occasion

• ANTHONY SHARP.indd 10

19/02/2016 12:37

PROPERTY ROUND UP The inside scoop in your area

PARKGATE HOUSE, SW11

HOUSE HUNTING

MOST SATISFYING TRANSACTION

I NEVER THOUGHT I’D SEE

31 Markham Square - a very rare flat in a super prime garden square made up predominantly of large family houses. Markham Square has been voted ‘Best Communal Garden’ and 'Best Garden Overall’ by the Chelsea Gardens Guild in the past.

We’ve recently taken on a fantastic first floor flat on Cornwall Gardens with direct access to the communal gardens and a large south west facing terrace. It’s outstanding.

MOST INTERESTING PROPERTY

Most recently it would have to be 11 Shrewsbury House. An unmodernised, lateral flat on a 26 year lease in a popular portered building on Cheyne Walk with an amazing view of the river. A perfect project.

EDWARD THOMSON Associate

Strutt & Parker, Chelsea

KIDZANIA Hampton s International n experience like no other, KidZania London is the UK’s first educational entertainment experience, a real-life introduction to the world of work. Children will begin to understand and

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_Mar16_PRU.indd 118

FINEST PROPERTY SHOWCASE

Parkgate House, SW11 £2,750,000. A fabulous lateral apartment in the immaculate Parkgate House development - a historic bakery conversion - by Banda Property. 

Strutt & Parker Chelsea, 020 3733 3640; struttandparker.com

created to educate them about the estate agency industry and the attributes needed, such as honesty, accuracy and great customer service.

This takes place within an office designed to reflect the exact look and feel of the other 87 branches. 

NEWS

A

MARKHAM SQUARE HAS BEEN VOTED 'BEST COMMUNAL GARDEN'

learn for themselves the nature of work, the diversity and function of businesses, and its overall contribution to well-being and prosperity in our world today. Children visiting the Hamptons International branch will undertake an activity

KidZania London 020 3642 2907; kidzania.hamptons. co.uk

118 25/02/2016 10:05

PROPERTY / NEWS

E X P E RT A DV I C E

5 MINUTES WITH

ANTONY DILIETO

STEWART HARRISON Sales Manager

Director Astons London

Featherstone Leigh, Fulham

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THIS AREA?

tiles, and also benefits from underfloor heating.

Home automation and local internet control Wired for sound, there is a whole house audio system hidden amongst the plethora of features. These include mood lighting, an alarm control system, touch screen control from every room, a between room intercom, as well as a central air exhaust and intake system with heat recovery and thermostatic control. ◆

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

I have run my business from the Spring Street location for over 16 years.

Over that time I have seen some incredible changes for the good.

WOODSFORD SQUARE W14

£3.25

WHAT IS YOUR ETHOS?

I am quite old fashioned in the way I live my life and the way I run my business. Honesty, integrity and with professionalism.

Million

stunning five bedroom townhouse located close to the shops and restaurants of Holland Park and Westfield.

Kitchen/dining area This stunning kitchen/ dining area has top of the range Miele appliances, imported Italian porcelain

A

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PROPERTIES RIGHT NOW?

We have taken on some excellent one bedroom apartments and have to say my favourite must be the split level property in Sussex Place. Another one I really like is a rental property in Craven Hill Mews. Quiet, quaint and cobble stoned. Real character.

NEIL SLOAM Sales Manager KFH, Holland Park 020 3792 4518; kfh.co.uk

MEET THE TEAM

ANTHONY SHARP

Holland Park • 020 7243 8398

anthony-shar p.com

MARKET PREDICTIONS FOR THE COMING MONTHS?

A very busy start to the year, perhaps due to the possible changes to the stamp duty in April. I do however see the market to be more active than in the last eighteen months as prices adjust for the better. ◆

Astons London W2 Central London, 020 7262 2900; astonslondon.com

ANTHONY M SHARP

MIKE SPICER

STEPHAN BUYS

As both the founder and Managing Director of the firm, Anthony is closely involved in all areas of the business. An intelligent property professional with degrees in both Economics and Estate Management, Anthony has over 20 years of experience in the London market. ◆

Mike Spicer is one of Holland Park and Notting Hill’s best known agents. With more than 30 years experience selling in Kensington and Chelsea, he continues to provide the same standard of personal service that his clients have come to expect from him. ◆

Stephan lives locally in Holland Park and leads the lettings team at Anthony Sharp.

Stephan has a focused and easy going approach, providing detailed information to our landlords and clients. This quality service is proven through the regular repeat business. ◆

MANAGING DIRECTOR

SALES CONSULTANT

LETTINGS MANAGER

Q&A What have you learnt recently about the local market?

The demand for property in Fulham is certainly stronger than it has been for some time, with a mixture of buyto-let investors on the market, as well as residential purchasers. This is very encouraging for the market overall and spells a fantastic year ahead.

Where are you seeing the highest price rises at the moment?

We’re seeing properties achieving very strong prices in and around Fulham, from one and two bedroom apartments to Lion Houses on the prestigious Peterborough estate. Most surprisingly, are small pockets of homes reaching similar prices once only achieved in well-established locations.

Where should I invest?

Fulham has always been a great place to invest, the central location is ideal for City and West End commutes and the vibrant residential areas make SW6 an excellent London postcode.

Investors should look to the captive buy-to-let market and excellent capital growth for prime investment areas. ◆

FULHAM HAS ALWAYS BEEN A GREAT PLACE TO INVEST

Featherstone Leigh 020 7610 9755; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON CENTRAL LONDON 1 BED FLAT

AVERAGE PRICES AND RENTAL VALUES BY PROPERTY TYPE – 2015

2 BED FLAT

3 BED HOUSE

4 BED HOUSE

£652,311 £1,019,399 £2,005,330 £2,956,472 £453 £632 £1,632 £1,097 per week

per week

per week

per week

Data provided by LonRes

119 NH_Mar16_PRU.indd 119

MARCH 2016

25/02/2016 10:05

Inkerman Terrace, W8 ÂŁ4,450,000 Freehold

A charming and well-presented four/five bedroom family home.The property spans some 2,404 sq ft and offers flexible living accommodation, good natural light and neutral decor throughout. On the doorstep you have a variety of very useful independent shops on Stratford Road with Kensington High Street just a short walk away. EPC=F.Two reception rooms, four/five bedrooms, three bathrooms, study, kitchen, dining area and garden. 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 17/02/2016 15:25

Woodsford Square, W14 ÂŁ2,850,000 Freehold

A spacious family house which offers an excellent range of accommodation and enjoys tranquil leafy views over beautifully maintained communal gardens.The house has been impeccably maintained but now offers the incoming purchaser the opportunity to modernise to their personal taste. EPC=D.Two reception rooms, five bedrooms, two bathrooms, cloakroom, utility room, kitchen, garage, garden, communal gardens and off-street parking. Sole Agents

020 7221 2277 michael@mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Kensington 020 7937 9976 MG.indd 2

North Kensington 020 8960 0181

Notting Hill 020 7221 2277 17/02/2016 15:25

Palace Court, W2 ÂŁ5,750,000 Share of Freehold

First time on the open market in over fifty years an extraordinary late 19th Century lateral mansion flat offering 3,250 square feet of accommodation on one floor.

Located on the fourth floor (with lift) of a handsome red brick mansion building the apartment enjoys unusually high ceilings (approx. 11ft) and excellent natural light.

EPC=F. Entrance hall, three reception rooms, five bedrooms, three bathrooms, cloakroom, winestore, lift and porter. Sole Agents

020 7221 2277 ben@mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Kensington 020 7937 9976 MG.indd 3

North Kensington 020 8960 0181

Notting Hill 020 7221 2277 17/02/2016 15:25

Highlever Rd, W10 £1,750 per week Fees Apply

Superb end of terrace house refurbished to an exacting standard to create a stylish exceptionally bright home. EPC=D. Reception, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen and garden. Furnished or unfurnished.

020 7221 2277 petra@mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Kensington Park Road, W11 £525 per week Fees Apply

Stylish newly refurbished flat on the first floor of this superbly positioned building in the heart of Notting Hill, literally a stones throw from Portobello and close to the many trendy local bars and restaurants. EPC=D. Reception, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. Furnished.

020 7221 2277 hannah@mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Clarendon Road, W11 £575 per week Fees Apply

One bed flat in the heart of Holland Park on a beautiful quiet road close to local amenities.The flat boasts high ceilings and looks over stunning gardens. EPC=D. Reception, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.

Unfurnished. Sole Agents

020 7221 2277 neha@mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Peach Road, W10 £650 per week Fees Apply

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

Delightful cottage offering beautifully presented, generous accommodation with wood floors, smart kitchen and pretty westfacing garden. EPC=C. Reception, three bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and garden. Unfurnished.

Beautiful house on this wonderful street in Notting Hill.The property provides the perfect balance of family accommodation and elegant entertaining space. Available for long or short lets immediately. EPC=F.Two reception rooms, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, garden and communal gardens. Furnished. Sole Agents

020 7221 2277 petra@mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

020 7221 2277 sophie@mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Kensington 020 7937 9976 MG.indd 4

North Kensington 020 8960 0181

Notting Hill 020 7221 2277 17/02/2016 15:26

BEAUCHAMP.indd 1

22/02/2016 14:19

BEAUCHAMP.indd 2

22/02/2016 14:19

Lettings 020 7751 5100 www.farrar.co.uk

QUEENS GATE PLACE, SOUTH KENSINGTON, SW7 A stunning raised ground floor two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with high ceilings throughout and benefiting from a beautiful and spacious reception room. The flat has a modern and contemporary feel with wood floors throughout, excellent storage and a private decked terrace. Superbly located for Gloucester Road and South Kensington tube stations, cafes, bars and restaurants along with being very close to the wide open spaces of Hyde Park. EPC Rating: D.

UNFURNISHED

£1,100

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

22/02/2016 10:03

HOLLYWOOD ROAD, CHELSEA, SW10 An impressive and immaculately presented house situated on The Beach area of the Fulham Road. The house comprises of a master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, three further bedrooms, two additional bathrooms, a fabulous reception room on the ground floor with a conservatory area leading to a pretty private garden. On the lower ground floor is a versatile arrangement of reception room, dining room and modern kitchen. There is also a separate utility room and a study room. EPC Rating: E.

UNFURNISHED

FARRAR.indd 2

£1,950

per week*

22/02/2016 10:04

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

www.pastor-realestate.com

FOR SALE EATON GATE, BELGRAVIA SW1

ÂŁ10,800,000

Positioned within a terrace of five elegant townhouses located between Sloane Square and Eaton Square, this delightful Grade II listed residence was built c.1905.

The property is sold with listed building consent and full planning permission, allowing the incoming purchaser to create an exquisite family home.

FURTHER DETAILS:

The house sits beautifully on the south side of Eaton Gate with Portland stone cladding from basement level to second floor including a broad first floor canted window. The accommodation is arranged over six floors and benefits from a four person lift, measuring approximately 6,225 sq ft (578 sq m) with a Full Repairing & Insuring lease of 126 years.

David Lee T +44 (0)20 3195 9595 E sales@pastor-realestate.com

PASTOR REAL ESTATE 48 CURZON STREET, LONDON, W1J 7UL • T +44 (0)20 3195 9595 F +44 (0)20 3195 9596

PASTOR.indd 1

19/02/2016 12:03

Established 1897

SYDNEY MEWS, Chelsea SW3 A beautifully presented three bedroom triplex apartment (approximately 2,047sq ft/ 190.2sq m) located moments from the shops and amenities of South Kensington. The propert benefits from two private entrances one on dne ews and one on the ulham oad. The accommodation comprises a substantial first floor reception room with high ceilings a separate modern itchen a master bedroom with ensuite bathroom two further double bedrooms one ensuite), a family bathroom and plenty of storage throughout. dne ews is located close to outh ensington station ust behind the ulham oad. rating .

Leasehold: Approximately 85 years remaining Guide price: ÂŁ2,500,000 020 7225 6700 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 5467 HE Absolute1ads.indd 1

22/02/2016 12/02/2016 17:02 16:31

5467

Established 1897

HOLLAND PARK, London W11 A spacious two bedroom apartment (approximately 983sq ft/ 91sq m) located on the lower ground floor of an attractive period building. The apartment benefits from a large reception room, open plan kitchen, master bedroom and second bedroom both with ensuite bathrooms, a study area and a private patio. Holland Park is one of London’s premier addresses, situated close to Holland Park itself and is near to the shops, cafés, restaurants and excellent transport links that Holland Park Avenue and the surrounding area have to offer. EPC rating D. Leasehold: Approximately 96 years remaining Guide price: £1,295,000 020 3650 4600 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

16:31

HARRODS.indd 5467 HE Absolute2ads.indd 2

22/02/2016 12/02/2016 17:02 16:31

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_Feb16_Property_ITOW.indd 132

132 25/02/2016 10:08

PROPERTY / PROFILE

IN THEIR OWN

WORDS

CHARLIE NAUGHTEN Associate at Strutt & Parker, Fulham Photography

R E B ECCA N O O N A N

G

rowing up, I was lucky enough to live all over the world in countries including Canada, Germany, Ireland and and all over Africa; in Kenya, Zimbabwe and Nigeria.

My father was in the army, which meant a lot of moving around – but it was such an experience to get to know so many different cultures at a young age. I am especially fond of Africa and still spend a lot of time there visiting my parents who settled in Kenya.

I was educated at boarding school in Yorkshire, and when I left I spent some time in Bristol before moving to London in the early noughties. Before I entered the property world five years ago, I spent ten years working in sports sponsorship sales at Lord’s Cricket Ground. I’ve always loved sport, although the time demands of being a London estate agent mean that I rarely get to play cricket or rugby these days.

Some people seem surprised when I tell them how I made the leap from sports to property, but to tell you the truth I see huge similarities between what I did

AS A RESULT I KNOW THE AREA LIKE THE BACK OF MY HAND WHICH IS A BRILLIANT ADVANTAGE

at Lord’s and what I do now. In sport, I was pitching new business ideas to chairmen and CEOs of major brand banks and law firms.

Now, whilst I’m pitching and selling a very different ‘product’, the majority of my clients at Strutt & Parker are very similar – successful business people who have risen to the top. Our clients mean the world to us and we go to great lengths to give them the very best advice. Our service is something we are well-known and respected for.

My love affair with Fulham was certainly not an instant one. When I first moved to the capital, I was very keen on living as centrally as possible. I thought Fulham was the back end of beyond. But after a long property search, I was offered a room in a flat in Parsons Green which I decided I would use as a stop gap for a few months.

That was June 2002 and I’ve never left. I fell in love with the area, its people and the relaxed, villagelike atmosphere.

Since 2002 I have moved around a lot within SW6 and bought a flat here in 2006. As a result I know the area like the back of my hand which is a brilliant advantage for my job.

The changes that I have witnessed in my time here are quite remarkable; old run-down shops have become high end boutiques, while greasy spoon cafés have been transformed into popular bistros. It’s a far cry from when I first arrived. We have great bars, restaurants, parks, schools, shops and even two football teams.

Some of the biggest changes have taken place in the property market. In 2012 we saw a dramatic uplift in values in Fulham and whilst things may have cooled somewhat since the Chancellor’s Stamp Duty Land Tax change in December 2014, the area is still incredibly popular. The 2015 General Election also tested a few nerves but we’ve pulled through and things are looking up for this fantastic patch – I’m very proud to both live and work here. ◆

STRUTT & PARKER / Fulham / 020 7731 7100 / struttandparker.com

133 NH_Feb16_Property_ITOW.indd 133

MARCH 2016

25/02/2016 10:09

RENTING OR SELLING A PROPERTY?

WE HAVE THE TOOLS TO ADAPT TO YOUR EVERY NEED

SALES | LETTINGS | MANAGEMENT

020 7339 3073 W W W. O N E P R O P E R T YC O N S U LTA N T S . C O M

OPC .indd 7

23/02/2016 17:26

AS���S L � � � � �

Independently Boutique 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-mar.indd 1 ASTONS.indd

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

22/2/16 15:43:26 22/02/2016 16:24

ASTONS L O N D O N

Talbot Square W2 £1,599,950 �hare�of�freehold

Period property Gardens square location Balcony and terrace Two double bedrooms Excellent decorative condition

������� � � � � � �

astons absolute 2featured sale-let-mar.indd 2-3 ASTONS.indd

22/02/2016 16:24

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

astonslondon.com

Lancaster Gate W2 Period building Close to Hyde Park Two bedrooms / two bathrooms Private patio Recently decorated Furnished

£800�per�week Furnished

������� � � � � � �

ASTONS.indd 3

22/2/16 15:43:32 22/02/2016 16:24

Needham Road

ÂŁ5,250,000

London W11

freehold

A beautifully refurbished 5 bedroom semi-detached house on Needham Road. The property is one of 4 houses of exceptional architectural style in this lovely street with an elegant curve to the front of the building, sash windows & decorative ironwork.

EPC rating D

Notting Hill

chestertons.com CHRSTERTONS.indd 1

020 3040 8585

sales.nottinghill@chestertons.com

17/02/2016 15:22

www.cbreresidential.com/uk

South Penthouse Parkside, Knightsbridge, SW1 Exquisite penthouse in the heart of Knightsbridge This stunning penthouse apartment is bright and spacious with a multitude of floor to ceiling windows throughout creating an abundance of natural light in every room and far-reaching views across London.

– Master suite benefits from a dressing room and a modern ensuite luxury bathroom – Two further double bedrooms both with built in wardrobes – Newly renovated – 24hr concierge

Guide price £9,995,000

CBRE.indd 1

West End sales 020 7420 3050 westend.sales@cbre.com

17/02/2016 15:21

275 Willesden Lane, Willesden Green, London, NW2 5JA Tel: 020 8459 1133 Fax: 020 8451 2008 enquiries@cameronsstiff.co.uk cameronsstiff.co.uk

EPC - G

Gardiner Avenue, NW2

£1,235,000 Freehold

An excellent example of a 1930s semi-detached 4 bed family

• Intercommunicating reception room/dining room

home in a "ready to move" condition situated in a quiet cul-

• Original features including parquet flooring

de-sac just off Anson Road and close to the 94 acre Gladstone

• Master bedroom with en-suite

Park. Early viewing is highly recommended.

• Garage, OSP, immaculate rear garden

EPC - D

Burrows Road, NW6

£1,650,000 Freehold

Beautifully presented fully extended mid-terraced period

• 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

house in one of Kensal Rise's premier roads with a converted

• Contemporary style 25 ft kitchen/diner

loft space into a master bedroom suite. Great position close

• 56 ft south facing rear garden

to Chamberlayne Road and Queens Park..

• Viewing is essential to fully appreciate

cameronsstiff.co.uk

CAMERON STIFF.indd 12 CAMERON_STIFF.indd

23/02/2016 18/02/2016 14:28 16:09

CAM

EPC - C

Brondesbury Villas, NW6

£1,600,000

Situated equidistance to Queens Park & Kilburn Park station

• 4 bedroom/3 bathroom triplex apartment

is this stunning 2085 sq ft apartment that needs to be seen

• 23ft reception room opening onto a study/bedroom

to be appreciated. Great position close to shops, eateries and

• Modern 20ft kitchen/diner

cafes. Viewing highly recommended

• Sunny 40 ft rear garden & 25 ft roof terrace

EPC - E

Keyes Road, NW2

16:09

£2,000,000 Freehold

Beautiful presented semi-detached period property offering

• 5 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms

2259 sq ft of accommodation in this sought after road on the

• Principle bedroom has an en-suite, family bathroom

Mapesbury Conservation Area. Full of original features. Great

• Family room, 20ft heated conservatory & kitchen

position close to the Mapesbury Dell & local transport.

• Beautiful 53 ft mature rear garden & patio

CAMERON STIFF.indd 23 CAMERON_STIFF.indd

23/02/2016 18/02/2016 14:28 16:09

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

EPC - D

HARVIST ROAD, NW6

£2,075,000 Freehold

End of terrace property arranged over 1939 sq ft which is currently divided into 2 selfcontained flats but with planning consent to convert back into a single family dwelling.

Benefits include 40 ft garden & double detached garage. Situated close to Queens Park Bakerloo Line/Overground Station (Zone 2). Viewing recommended!

• 5 bedrooms • Spacious rear garden • Double detached garage • Close to transport links

EPC - D

TORBAY ROAD, NW6

£1,550,000 Freehold

Charming 4 bedroom/2 bathroom mid-terrace property that must be viewed to be fully appreciated, with 27 ft double reception, large kitchen/diner with glass bi-fold doors opening onto a 40 ft rear garden, master bedroom with en-suite. Positioned in the heart of Brondesbury Conservation Area with easy access to Salusbury Road & transport links.

• Providing 1643 sq ft of living space • Many period features • 4 bedrooms/2 bathrooms • Close to transports & shops

QUEENSPARK.indd 1

22/02/2016 10:22

EPC - D

CHEVENING ROAD, NW6

£899,999 Leasehold

Beautifully presented top floor flat situated within a stone's throw to the open spaces of Queens Park and the numerous shops and restaurants of Chaberlayne & Salusbury Road.

Boasting open plan kitchen/reception, 2 bedrooms and a walk-in wardrobe that could be easily converted to form a third bedroom, modern bathroom & section of garden.

• First floor flat • Semi-detached period building • 858 sq ft • 2/3 bedrooms

EPC - D

FERNHEAD ROAD, W9

£695,000 Share of Freehold

Arranged over the ground floor of a charming period building is this 2 bedroom flat with many original features, modern bathroom, contemporary kitchen & south facing private garden. Situated in the Borough of Westminster with excellent transport links into Central London! Viewing recommended.

• Spanning 706 sq ft • 2 bedrooms • Close to Queens Park • Period features

QUEENSPARK.indd 2

22/02/2016 10:22

A perfect example of a late 70s build with original features throughout Matching people and property in London for 160 years.

MP.indd 1

22/02/2016 10:16

Melbury Court W8 £4,750,000 An elegant and generously proportioned five-bedroom penthouse apartment, set in a prestigious gated development next to Holland Park. EPC=E

• Five bedrooms • Approx 2,700 sqft of living space • 5th floor with a lift & porter • Prime location Kensington Sales: 020 7368 4450 sales.kns@marshandparsons.co.uk

MP.indd 2

22/02/2016 10:16

Ansleigh Place W11 ÂŁ2,095,000 A spectacular three-bedroom, architect-designed house created from three mews properties. Freehold. EPC=E Holland Park Sales: 020 7605 6890 sales.hol@marshandparsons.co.uk

Dunworth Mews W11 ÂŁ1,850,000 An exceptional two-bedroom mews house tucked away in the heart of Notting Hill. Freehold. EPC=D Notting Hill Sales: 020 7313 2890 sales.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

MP.indd 3

22/02/2016 10:16

Redesdale Street SW3 £1,295 per week A stunning three-bedroom apartment with a private patio, located in a prime Chelsea location. EPC=D Chelsea Lettings: 020 7591 5570 lets.chs@marshandparsons.co.uk

Peach Road W10 £650 per week A stunning three-bedroom house, located moments from Queen’s Park and Ladbroke Grove. EPC=C North Kensington Lettings: 020 7313 8350 sales.nkn@marshandparsons.co.uk

MP.indd 4

22/02/2016 10:16

PROPERTY / NEW TO THE MARKET

Prime

PURCHASE LONDON’S FINEST ASSETS

TALBOT SQUARE  W2

£1,599,950

superbly presented split level apartment with balcony and terrace, set in a classic stucco house. Offered in excellent decorative order, the property features a fantastic double aspect reception room, high specification kitchen, guest shower room, with stairs leading down to the privacy of two double bedrooms and further stunning bathroom.

Talbot Square is located moments from the transport hub of Paddington Station and a short stroll to Hyde Park. u Astons London W2 Central London 020 7262 2900; astonslondon.com

A

2

ST. CHARLES SQUARE  W10

£4,650,000

six bedroom single fronted Victorian house with magnificent proportions that has been carefully refurbished to offer a seamless blend of charming character and convenient modernity. Offered in excellent condition throughout, the property enjoys fantastic high ceilings, spacious reception rooms and has a large private garden. The house also benefits from a

self-contained flat. St. Charles Square is a popular location situated just off Ladbroke Grove. The wonderfully eclectic bars, boutiques, restaurants and of course the world famous market of Portobello Road is just a short walk away as is Ladbroke Grove underground station. u Bective Leslie Marsh Ladbroke Grove, 020 7313 7711; bective.co.uk

A

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_MAR16_prop_PP.indd 148

BREAM’S BUILDINGS  EC4A

£1,200,000

wonderful duplex apartment positioned within this contemporary development

A

which was completed approximately four years ago.

With just under 1,000 sq ft of space, the apartment offers an open-plan reception/fully fitted kitchen space with double heighted ceilings in the

reception that leads onto a winter garden, two rooms, bathroom, shower room and a utility room. u Chestertons Covent Garden, 020 3040 8300; chestertons.com

148 25/02/2016 10:28

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

TRUE ASS.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

23/02/2016 09:38

lawsons & daughters

KINGFISHER HOUSE, SW18 1TX £590 per week

PROPERTY FEATURES • Riverside Apartment • Two Double Bedrooms • Private Balcony • High Spec Fixture & Fittings • Private Parking & Gym

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

Lawsons & Daugthers USE.indd 2

23/02/2016 09:45

Record prices.

Some call it precedent setting, we consider it elementary.

It’s all very gauche shouting about record prices per square foot, but yes, we’re estate agents and that’s what we do. For us it’s all part of our standard service, to achieve the best we possibly can for all of our clients. Basic really. #smallthingsbigdifferences Aspire.co.uk

ASPIRE.indd 1

17/02/2016 15:28

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

LYNTON ROAD, NW6 £2,500,000 FREEHOLD This lovely house has accommodation arranged over three floors of around 2300 sq. ft. including four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two receptions, utility, kitchen diner, conservatory and stunning courtyard garden to the rear. This location in Queens Park is second to none. Transport links are excellent with the Bakerloo Line and both branches of the London Overground less than a quarter mile from the front door. In real terms this means that buyers have easy access to the City, Euston, Hampstead Heath and Westfield as well as all the local connections.

KENSAL & QUEEN’S PARK | 020 8960 4947 kensalrise@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/kensal-queens-park

WINKWORTH.indd 1

OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS. SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY

22/02/2016 17:25

Get an Instant Valuation in 60 seconds www.portico.com/valuation

S AL ES

MAIN T ENANCE

L E T T INGS

portico.com

PORTICOCORP.indd 1

22/01/2016 17:19

KENSINGTON HIGH STREE T, KENSINGTON, W14 ÂŁ1,140,000

KE Y FE AT URES Two Bedrooms Fifth Floor Private Balcony Well Proportioned Two Bathrooms Secure Underground Parking Fantastic Location

PORTICO.indd 1

22/02/2016 17:07

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

22/02/2016 17:07

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

www.finlaybrewer.co.uk

FAROE ROAD W14 £980 PW / £4,247 PCM • • • • •

STYLISH FAMILY HOME 3 DOUBLE BEDROOMS SPLIT LEVEL RECEPTION WITH OAK FLOORS BEAUTIFUL FULLY INTEGRATED KITCHEN 2 FAMILY BATHROOMS (1 EN-SUITE)

LETTINGS 020 7371 4071

• • • • •

BALCONY GOOD SIZED PAVED GARDEN WELL LOCATED FOR SHEPHERDS BUSH & HAMMERSMITH OFF STREET PARKING FOR 1 CAR EPC RATING E 51

LOCAL . INDEPENDENT . INVOLVED

FB.indd 1

17/02/2016 15:23

LUXEMBURG GARDENS W6 GUIDE £4.5M FREEHOLD • • • • •

5/6 BEDROOMS RECEPTION KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM DINING AREA 4 BATHROOMS (2 EN SUITE)

BROOK GREEN 020 7371 4171

• • • • •

GUEST CLOAKROOM & UTILITY SOUTH EAST FACING GARDEN APX 19' WIDE & 3950 SQ FT POTENTIAL TO EXTEND FURTHER STPP EPC RATING C 75

LOCAL . INDEPENDENT . INVOLVED

FB.indd 2

17/02/2016 15:23

Thinking of moving out of London? We’re bringing the best properties to you.

THE

Roadshow

SATURDAY 12TH MARCH | 11AM - 3PM Join us for a comprehensive insight into where to move outside the capital.

Regional experts offering one to one advice | A wealth of locations and properties to peruse Entertainment for the children | Refreshments Battersea & Wandsworth 98-100 Northcote Road, SW11 6QW | Blackheath 46 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath, SE3 0BD Chiswick 48 Turnham Green Terrace, W4 1QP | Earlsfield & Southfields 350 Garratt Lane, SW18 4ES Muswell Hill 256 Muswell Hill Broadway, N10 3SH For more details about the event or for a free market appraisal, please contact your local Hamptons branch or call 020 7265 6595

www.hamptons.co.uk Please dial in full. If you have already appointed another agent, you may be subject to a restrictive contract.

HAMPTONS ROADSHOW.indd 1

28/01/2016 10:46

The Henley Apartments Launching Soon A contemporary selection of 2 and 3 bedroom premier apartments with panoramic views over the River Thames with an array of on-site leisure and entertainment facilities

Register your interest with the sales team at the Fulham Reach Marketing Suite:

020 3603 4575 enquiries@fulhamreach.co.uk www.fulhamreach.co.uk

Computer generated image is indicative only.

STGEORGE.indd 1 STC_FR_AbsolutelyPrimeCentral_297x210_Mar16_v2.indd 1

Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

24/02/2016 24/02/2016 11:15 10:55

PROPERTY / PRICE COMPARISON

RENT VS OWN Is owning cheaper than renting in London?

S

ince early 2009 the typical variable rate for a UK mortgage has remained constant at 2.5% despite regular warnings that such low rates cannot continue for ever. Rock bottom rates have sheltered millions of London home owners from the worst ravages of the financial crisis and helped the capital’s economy bounce back. But one unintended effect of this Bank of England policy has been to make it theoretically cheaper to own a home than to rent one. But this extended post-crisis interest break, like all good holidays, really does look set to come to an end following strongly worded comments recently by Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England, that a rate hike really is due this year.

So while the low interest rate deals are still up for grabs, is it still cheaper to rent than buy in London? Or have the capital’s recent

DULWICH

Seven bedroom house on Mundania Road, East Dulwich, £1.6 M Mortgage payments: £7,178

KFH, 020 3792 6736; kfh.co.uk Seven bedroom house on Therapia Road, East Dulwich Monthly rental: £3,950

KFH, 020 3792 6886; kfh.co.uk Cheaper or more expensive? £3,228 a month more expensive to own

CHISWICK

Two bedroom apartment, near Ravenscourt Park, £1 M Mortgage repayments: £4,486

Winkworth, 020 8994 7096; winkworth.co.uk Two bedroom apartment, Church Street, Chiswick Monthly rental: £3,683

KFH, 020 3792 1014; kfh.co.uk Cheaper or more expensive? £803 a month more expensive to own

ROCK BOTTOM RATES HAVE SHELTERED MILLIONS OF LONDON HOME OWNERS

fast-rising house prices scotched all that? Research by Santander in December last year revealed that in London it is £179 a month less expensive to own a property than it is to rent. But do the figures stack up on the ground? We went out to the market to find out, basing our figures on a 10% deposit and a variable rate of 2.5%. ◆

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_March16_Prop_RENT VS OWN_SP_.indd 160

160 25/02/2016 10:27

Imperial Wharf London SW6 Apartments to rent from £400 per week

n Premier riverside development adjacent to Chelsea Harbour n Vibrant location; shops, bars, gym and restaurants on your doorstep n Own train station plus water taxi service to the City (20 mins)

Manhattan Studios from £400 per week

2 Bed Apartments from £550 per week

Call us now on 020

3503 0015 or email iw@brlets.co.uk or visit www.brlets.co.uk 15 The Boulevard, Imperial Wharf, London, SW6 2UB London offices: Canary Wharf | City | Colindale | Ealing Fulham | Greenwich | Hammersmith | Hampstead | Highgate Hyde Park | Kensington | Knightsbridge | Surrey Quays | Wapping International: 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_PC.indd 6

Convenient on-site office at 15 The Boulevard, Imperial Wharf (next to the Karen Hardy Dance studio)

19/02/2016 14:05

South Kensington

ÂŁ2,600 pw Unfurnished

5 Bedrooms | 3 Receptions | 3 Bathrooms | House Nearby Amenities | Patio Garden | EPC - E 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_PC.indd 1

19/02/2016 14:04

To arrange a viewing or for more information call

020 7319 9783

Notting Hill Borders

£450 pw Furnished

London’s Letting Agency

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

Knightsbridge

£575 pw Furnished

1 Bedroom | Reception | 1 Bathroom | Apartment Balcony | Nearby Amenities & Tube | EPC - B Hyde Park 020 3417 3703 hyde@brlets.co.uk

1 Bedroom | Reception | 1 Bathroom | Apartment Terrace | Nearby Amenities & Tube | EPC - E | Sole Agents Knightsbridge 020 3302 7174 knight@brlets.co.uk

Imperial Wharf

Hammersmith

£795 pw Furnished

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

£1,250 pw Unfurnished

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

Hong Kong | India | Malaysia | Singapore

• NEW_B&R_PC.indd 2

19/02/2016 14:05

West Kensington

ÂŁ1,500 pw Unfurnished

3 Bedrooms | Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Apartment Balcony | Gym | EPC - B | Sole Agents 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_PC.indd 3

19/02/2016 14:05

To arrange a viewing or for more information call

020 7319 9783

Chelsea

£340 pw Furnished

London’s Letting Agency

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

Hammersmith

£750 pw Furnished

Studio/ Living Space | 1 Bathroom | Apartment Nearby Amenities & Tube | EPC - D | Sole Agents Knightsbridge 020 3302 7174 knight@brlets.co.uk

2 Bedrooms | Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Apartment 24hr Concierge | Gym | EPC - B | Sole Agents Hammersmith 020 8528 4110 fr@brlets.co.uk

Imperial Wharf

Marylebone

£1,000 pw Furnished

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

£1,350 pw Furn/Unfurnished

2 Bedrooms | Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Apartment Porter | Lift | Near Amenities & Tube | EPC - D Hyde Park 020 3417 3703 hyde@brlets.co.uk

Hong Kong | India | Malaysia | Singapore

• NEW_B&R_PC.indd 4

19/02/2016 14:05

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 5674, 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: 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_PC.indd 5

19/02/2016 14:05

PROPERTY / NEW TO THE MARKET

Luxurious

LETTINGS LONDON’S FINEST ASSETS

BOLINGBROKE ROAD W14

£1,500 P e r We e k

generous five double bedroom, three bathroom family house with two floors of living space and a lovely garden area. The house has an elegant double reception and a spacious study on the ground floor, with stairs leading down to a generous and well fitted kitchen/dining room with French doors to the north west facing garden. Upstairs there are five bedrooms and two bathrooms (one en suite).

The house is well located for both Shepherds Bush and Hammersmith and all the amenities of Brook Green. u  Finlay Brewer Brook Green, 020 7371 4171; finlaybrewer.co.uk

A

MARATHON HOUSE NW1

£10,000 P e r We e k

his immaculate penthouse delivers T stunning views in every direction. The leafy tranquillity of Dorset Square and Regents Park are to the north of the property. The light and airy apartment has undergone a luxurious refurbishment and comprises of three/four bedrooms, four

bathrooms, guest cloakroom, kitchen, double aspect open plan reception/dining room, utility room, private parking and an on site porter. u  Beauchamp Estates Mayfair, 020 7499 7722; beauchamp.com

ACADEMY GARDENS W8

£2,700 P e r We e k

natural light. The kitchen boasts marble worktops and integrated appliances; the master bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom. The two further double bedrooms are served by an en-suite

his three bedroom apartment is situated on the Duchess of Bedford Walk .It comprises a large double reception space linked with dining area, feature fireplace and tall windows introducing lots of

T

167 NH_Prop_LL.indd 167

bathroom. The property combines contemporary furnishings with striking period interiors. u  Benham & Reeves Residential Lettings Imperial Wharf, 020 7938 3522; brlets.co.uk

MARCH 2016

25/02/2016 10:24

£

NIGEL LEWIS

PRICE BANDS

£1.35 Million

What price to be near ‘outstanding’ secondary schools?

£780,000

CHISWICK

£ 9 9 2 ,0 0 0 a ve r a ge he area has ten extremely good secondary schools including the much lauded Chiswick Community School, London Oratory and West London Free School, famously set up by writer Toby Young. And while Chiswick is a much sought-after property market, it’s secondary schools greatly increase its appeal.

Prices in the area are, consequently, high. On average detached house prices go for £1.8 million, semis for £1.7 million

T

I

t’s no wonder that many Londoners move out to the country when their children reach secondary school age.

The capital may be awash with decent state primary schools, but if you want a good education for your children in their later years then you’ve got a postcode battle on your hands. So it’s either pay for them to attend a private school or try and move into a catchment area of a decent secondary school.

Subterfuge is the third way.

Many agents report a brisk trade in rented accommodation as parents try and secure an address within a catchment area. But many schools are getting wise to this and requiring multiple and much more robust proof of address.

But if you’d prefer to take the legitimate route and buy a home, how much does it cost? We’ve cast around London to find four educational hotspots where some of the best secondary schools are to be found.

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_March16_Prop_PriceBands_DPS.indd 168

£735,000

168 25/02/2016 10:31

PROPERTY / PRICE COMPARISON 01 A TWO BEDROOM COTTAGE BETWEEN MORTLAKE AND RICHMOND, £780,000. MARSH AND PARSONS, 020 8939 1770.

02 TWO BEDROOM FLAT WITHIN A NEW-BUILD DEVELOPMENT NEAR EAST FINCHLEY TUBE STATION. £1.35M. SAVILLS, 020 7472 5018.

03 TWO BEDROOM FLAT NEAR WIMBLEDON CHASE TRAIN STATION. £735,000. FOXTONS, 020 8605 2900

04 FIVE BEDROOM HOUSE IN CHISWICK, £995,000 WITH FOXTONS, 020 8996 6000

RICHMOND SHOULD BE KNOWN AS A CENTRE FOR INDEPENDENT SECONDARY SCHOOL EXCELLENCE

selective secondary school in the country last year by The Sunday Times, and was recently picked out by a Tatler survey too.

If you want to join this merry throng of education excellence, then you’re going to need to pay for the privilege. Hampstead Garden Suburb demands £2.4 million on average for a detached house, £1.22 million for a semi or terrace and £780,000 for a flat.

WIMBLEDON

£ 7 3 1 ,0 0 0 a ve r a ge here are at least nine state secondary schools that can claim to be in areas in or near Wimbledon (rather than neighbouring Raynes Park or Earlsfield) and Ursuline High School (an Ofsted ‘outstanding’) followed by Wimbledon College (‘good’) both recently made it into Sunday Times

T

£995,000

and terraces for £1.1 million. Don’t expect to see much change out of £550,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.

RICHMOND

£ 78 8 ,0 0 0 a ve r a ge he borough has ten secondary schools with another in the pipeline. But in fact, Richmond should be known as a centre for independent secondary school excellence nationally with three in the top 100 (St Paul’s School, The Lady Eleanor Holles School and Hampton School).

The best state secondary schools are Grey Court School, Sir Richard Reynolds High Catholic and Waldegrave School, all of which have

T

an Ofsted ‘outstanding’.

House prices in Richmond are noticeably more affordable than prime central London’s, but only just. Detached houses go for £1.2m on average followed by semis at £814,000 and terraces at £658,000. Two bedroom flats go for £370,000.

HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB

£ 1 . 3 9 m i l li o n a ve r a ge ampstead Garden Suburb has five state secondary schools (if you include one free school in East Finchley) but the undisputed star is The Henrietta Barnett School, which was judged to be the second best

H

169 NH_March16_Prop_PriceBands_DPS.indd 169

top 150 best schools in London.

Wimbledon’s property market is reasonable among London’s other white hot southern suburbs although not at the top where a detached house fetches nearly £2 million. Smaller homes are most reasonable, though. Semis go for £800,000 on average while terraced houses are £600,000. Two bedroom apartments are reasonable at £350,000. ◆

MARCH 2016

25/02/2016 10:32

JDW.indd 1 Absolutely Notting Hill March16 1

22/02/2016 18/02/2016 10:09 11:45

The next opportunity, the next adventure, that next sunrise.

View the film at johndwood.co.uk

JDW.indd 2 Absolutely Notting Hill March16 2

22/02/2016 18/02/2016 10:09 11:45

MANSON PLACE, SW7 A fantastic three bedroom, lateral flat on the 2nd floor (with lift) of this elegant, part-stucco fronted period building. The flat has recently been refurbished to a high standard. Energy Rating: D. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 en suite), reception, lift.

Freehold Share Guide Price ÂŁ2,650,000

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

ST ANDREWS SQUARE, W11 A spacious and well arranged maisonette on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors with its own front door and plenty of natural light. Approx. 1,132 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. 3 bedrooms, 2 bath/shower rooms, reception, cloakroom, balcony, parking via separate negotiation.

Freehold Share Guide Price ÂŁ895,000

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

johndwood.co.uk

JDW.indd 3 Absolutely Notting Hill March16 3

22/02/2016 18/02/2016 10:09 11:50

ALEXANDER PLACE, SW7 This is a most charming Grade II Listed south facing period house on this important, secluded Knightsbridge street. Approx. 2,742 sq ft.

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite), drawing room, dining room, study, library, cloakroom, 37 ft garden.

Freehold Guide Price ÂŁ5,500,000

CHELSEA 020 7887 2311 chelsea@johndwood.co.uk

WOODSFORD SQUARE, W14 An immaculately presented townhouse in Holland Park with wonderful reception space, off-street parking, fabulous views and direct access to the communal garden via its own private garden. Approx. 2,950 sq ft.

Energy Rating: C. 3-5 bedrooms, 4 bath/shower rooms (2 en suite), 1-3 receptions, kitchen/dining room, study, cellar, garden.

Freehold Guide Price ÂŁ4,350,000

KENSINGTON 020 3151 6269 kensington@johndwood.co.uk

johndwood.co.uk

JDW.indd 4 Absolutely Notting Hill March16 4

22/02/2016 18/02/2016 10:09 11:47

Living the

DREAM THE MOST LUXURIOUSLY APPOINTED PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET

SUMNER PLACE SW7

£4,250 Per Week

remarkable and substantial stucco A fronted family house built over six floors and just moments from South Kensington. The house comprises a fabulous reception room on the first floor with front and rear terraces, master bedroom suite and bathroom occupying the second floor, five further bedrooms and four bathrooms. There is a lovely kitchen and breakfast room with doors leading to a private garden and dining room. u  Farrar and Co Fulham Road, 020 7751 5100; farrar.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_Mar16_Property_LTD.indd 174

GODOLPHIN ROAD W12

£2,400,000

truly magnificent four story Victorian end of terrace with modern architectural features, exceptional natural light and an overwhelming sense of space. This five bedroom Victorian bay fronted family house has undergone extensive renovation and restoration, offering high spec finishes and top of the range interior design throughout. The spacious and truly elegant home has been rebuilt to the highest standards, making it the perfect family home in the heart of Shepherds Bush. u  Kerr & Co Shepherd’s Bush, 020 8743 1166; kerrandco.com

A

174 25/02/2016 10:34

PROPERTY / NEW TO THE MARKET

UPPER BELGRAVE STREET SW1X

SW7

Per Week

PCM

£3,500

MELROSE AVENUE

LANSDOWNE ROAD

£1,499,950

£4,650

NW2

stylish red brick Victorian property A which has been meticulously refurbished with flair and attention to detail. It boasts beautiful bespoke finishes and fittings along with architectural period features, providing excellent entertaining space and light.

Accommodation comprises reception room with original fireplace, designer kitchen with high quality appliances, cloakroom and utility room, master bedroom with en-suite walk-in shower, four further bedrooms, two bathrooms and off-street parking. u  Camerons Stiff & Co Willesden Lane, 020 8459 1133; cameronsstiff.co.uk

newly refurbished apartment situated in A the heart of Belgravia; surrounded by Mayfair, Knightsbridge and St James Park. The flat is spread across one floor and comprises of two large double bedrooms both with en-suite bathrooms and walk in wardrobes. The impressive living space opens out to a stone courtyard which has a middle placed fire feature and outdoor lighting. The cosy dining room also faces onto the outside space making it a delightful room for entertaining guests. ◆  Portico Bloomsbury, 020 7291 0650; portico.com

W11

Per Week

beautiful four bedroom house with a spacious garden and direct access to communal gardens on this wonderful street in Notting Hill. The house is set out over four floors and benefits from two reception rooms, two bathrooms, a stylish kitchen/ dining area and four spacious bedrooms. The property has been designed and furnished with incredible flair to provide the perfect balance of family living, spacious accommodation and elegant entertaining space. u  Mountgrange Heritage Notting Hill, 020 7221 2277; mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

A

175 NH_Mar16_Property_LTD.indd 175

QUEEN'S GATE MEWS

£2,708 ueens Gate Mews is a wonderfully charming house just off Queens Gate Terrace in Kensington.

Imperial College and the Royal Albert Hall are only a short stroll away, with Hyde Park as your front garden. This cottage-style mews house offers two bedrooms, reception room, kitchen and bathroom.

Highlights include a very large garage, ideal for storage and cars, and a large roof terrace.

The house sits on a cobbled street and is the ideal spot for a quiet home in the heart of one of London’s finest areas. ◆  One Property Consultants Bolsover Street, 020 7339 3073; onepropertyconsultants.com

Q

MARCH 2016

25/02/2016 10:34

Completely at home in West 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 and more than 50 branches across the Capital, our local knowledge and London network will ensure we achieve the right result for you.

Our dedicated West London branches include • Bayswater • Fulham • Fulham and Chelsea • Holland Park • South Kensington

KFH.indd 1 Brand adverts.indd 1 03 March 16

22/02/2016 16/02/2016 10:14 17:45

Garden Mews, Notting Hill, W2 £3,250,000

A stunning Notting Hill house offering three bedrooms and two bathrooms across three floors. This property showcases many charming period features and has recently been refurbished to a high standard to include terraces and an integral garage.

Bayswater 020 7724 1222 bayswater.sales@kfh.co.uk

This home is situated in a private gated mews, moments from a wide choice of shops and restaurants and a short walk to Kensington Gardens and Notting Hill Gate underground stations.

KFH.indd 03.16 KFH 2Absolutely Nottinghill and Kensington.indd 2

• • • • • • •

Three bedrooms Two bathrooms Modern kitchen/diner Modern, neutral décor throughout Balcony and terrace Freehold EPC rating C

22/02/2016 18/02/2016 10:14 16:34

Rigault Road, Fulham, SW6 £1,950,000 Fulham 020 3486 2280 fulhamroad.sales@kfh.co.uk

KFH.indd 03.16 KFH 3Absolutely Nottinghill and Kensington.indd 3

This beautiful five bedroom home has been refurbished to the highest standards and benefits from a double reception room, spacious kitchen/diner and a lovely patio garden. Located on a quiet residential street between Putney Bridge and Parsons Green.

• • • • • • • •

Five double bedrooms Two family bathrooms Modern and spacious kitchen/diner Double reception room Beautiful patio garden Planning permission for full basement Freehold EPC rating C

22/02/2016 18/02/2016 10:14 16:35

New Kings Road, Fulham, SW6 £1,745,000 Fulham and Chelsea 020 7731 0051 fulham.sales@kfh.co.uk

KFH.indd 03.16 KFH 4Absolutely Nottinghill and Kensington.indd 4

This impressive four bedroom Victorian house has undergone extensive refurbishment to combine traditional features with contemporary interior.

Many of the features are made from bespoke materials and specialist techniques have been used throughout to create a completely unique home.

• • • • • • • •

Four bedrooms Two bathrooms Kitchen and dining room Fully refurbished 1,712 sq ft of accommodation Private garden Freehold EPC rating D

22/02/2016 18/02/2016 10:14 16:35

Holland Park Avenue, Holland Park, W11 £950,000 A stylish two bedroom, two bathroom maisonette offering a very light reception room leading onto a private roof terrace.

The beautiful green acres of Holland Park itself are only a short walk away, while a fantastic choice of shops, cafés and restaurants are to be found on Holland Park Avenue. Leasehold. EPC rating E. Holland Park 020 3542 2111 hollandpark.sales@kfh.co.uk

Onslow Square, South Kensington, SW7 Guide price £3,295,000 A generously proportioned four bedroom purpose built apartment, smartly presented with a newly fitted kitchen, three modern bathrooms and wonderful views across London.

Set on the fifth floor of a beautifully maintained 1930s mansion block, with the added benefit of a porter and lift access. Malvern Court is ideally located close to the excellent shopping, restaurants and transport links of South Kensington.

Leasehold. EPC rating C. South Kensington 020 3040 6370 southkensington.sales@kfh.co.uk

KFH.indd 03.16 KFH 5Absolutely Nottinghill and Kensington.indd 5

22/02/2016 18/02/2016 10:14 16:35

Elsham Road, Holland Park, W14 £495 pw / £2,145 pcm Holland Park 020 3542 2120 hollandpark.lettings@kfh.co.uk

KFH.indd 03.16 KFH 6Absolutely Nottinghill and Kensington.indd 6

A recently refurbished two bedroom apartment, comprising two double bedrooms, fully fitted kitchen and a spacious reception with wooden floors.

The flat benefits from beautiful furniture and is flooded with natural light.

This property is well located for the local amenities of Holland Park, Westfield shopping centre and Kensington High Street, as well as convenient transport links including Shepherd’s Bush and Kensington stations.

• • • • • • • •

Second floor Victorian conversion Two double bedrooms Modern and well fitted bathroom Spacious reception Benefits from excellent light Conveniently located for the Central and District underground lines Furnished EPC rating C

£210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

22/02/2016 18/02/2016 10:14 16:35

Inverness Terrace, Bayswater, W2 £625 pw / £2,709 pcm Bayswater 020 7563 5090 bayswater.lettings@kfh.co.uk

Bright and airy apartment offering two double bedrooms, two bathrooms and an exceptionally spacious reception room.

With modern fittings throughout, this flat is finished to a high specification.

Located only moments away from Hyde Park, as well as both Queensway and Bayswater underground stations.

• • • • • • • •

Two double bedrooms Two bathrooms (one en suite) Great storage Finished to a high standard Two minute walk to Hyde Park Close to tube stations Furnished EPC raing C

£210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

KFH.indd 03.16 KFH 7Absolutely Nottinghill and Kensington.indd 7

22/02/2016 18/02/2016 10:14 16:36

Quintessentially British An exquisite collection of Grade II listed Lateral Apartments and Townhouses with concierge, set on a private garden square

Computer generated image

7-12 Leinster Square, Westbourne Grove W2 Lateral Apartments from ÂŁ4,450,000 Townhouses from ÂŁ6,250,000 Hamptons International | londondi@hamptons-int.com +44 (0)20 7758 8441 Carter Jonas | newhomes@carterjonas.co.uk +44 (0)20 7518 3240 leinstersquarew2.com

ALCHEMI.indd 1

20/01/2016 17:27

KF.indd 1

23/02/2016 09:55

KF.indd 2

23/02/2016 09:55

PROPERTY / NEW TO THE MARKET

DREAM Developments

THE GOODMAN PENTHOUSE E1

£5m

erkeley Homes will establish a new benchmark in luxury high-rise living with the launch of the Goodman Penthouse at its Aldgate development, Goodman’s Fields. Set amidst the City’s newest urban quarter, the scheme is within walking distance of the world’s leading financial district and intertwined with some of London’s finest cultural, dining and shopping experiences. The three-bedroom triplex culminates in a private roof terrace – a haven above the city. The Goodman Penthouse combines magnificent views over the two acres of parks and landscaping that characterise Goodman’s Fields with elegant interior design, devised by Box 66. Floor to ceiling windows capture London’s world famous city scape, and provide a unique perspective over the capital’s iconic landmarks, reaching as far as Canary Wharf. With exterior architecture inspired by the romantic towers of San Gimignano in Tuscany, award-winning architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands designed Goodman’s Fields to reimagine the ancient Italian landmarks for a 21st Century audience. ◆

B

 Berkeley Homes 020 7977 9100; berkleygroup.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_MAR16_Property_DEV.indd 186

THE MAPLE BUILDING  NW5

£525,000

eding London developer The Linton Group is undertaking with Savills the launch of The Maple Building, a collection of 57 one, two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses, within the former Kentish Town Maple & Co. maple furniture factory.

The 19th century six-storey red brick building has undergone an extensive refurbishment and restoration programme, with bright and spacious apartments ranging in size.

Dating back to the 1890s, The

L

Maple Building was first developed as a Maple & Co. maple furniture factory, once one of the world’s leading antique furniture makers. The factory produced furniture sold in the main outlet located on Tottenham Court Road, as well as providing bespoke furnishings by Royal Appointment to the British

Royal Family. Retaining its industrial façade, The Maple Building provides an elegant mixture of modern furnishings and fittings, with period features, including exceptional ceiling heights. ◆  The Linton Group 020 3402 5101 thelintongroup.co.uk

186 25/02/2016 10:36

IT TAKES AN ICON

Tº BUILD ONE

DON’T DO ORDINARY

Gehry Partners’ first UK show apartment is coming soon to Battersea Power Station.

BPS.indd 1

The first two-bedroom Gehry Partners' show apartment will shortly be available to view at Battersea Power Station. From kitchens to bathrooms, Gehry Partners’ attention to detail captures the imagination of the discerning aesthete. Take the opportunity of a lifetime to see this visionary architect’s British masterpiece.

To register your interest, call 020 7501 0678 or visit batterseapowerstation.co.uk

22/02/2016 14:17

d Roa

Marloes Road

t our l’s C

Ear

ith

m ers mm

ad Ro

d ell R mw Cro

Ha

Talgarth Rd

W

BARON’S COURT

A

GLOUCE

EARL’S COURT RW

IC

K

WEST KENSINGTON

RD

Earl’s Court

WEST BROMPTON

am Fulh

d eR rav ag Se

MOV E I N N OW hE

rt No

ne

La

Chelsea FC

FULHAM BROADWAY

O

NS

GR EE L

N

N

LandauLondon.com

m

r Fa

FULHA M R D

RS

020 7205 2858

Rd nd

Arrange a viewing of our show apartments and gardens PA

1 bedroom duplex starting from £1, 365 ,000* 2 bedrooms starting from £1,190,000*

d ce R Pala

A boutique collection of one and two bedroom lateral and duplex apartments in Fulham - all with access to private outdoor space, secure underground parking, fully equipped gymnasium and a beautiful residents’ lounge.

MARKETING SUITE

The Landau Sales & Marketing Suite 72 Farm Lane, SW6 1QA Open daily

PARSONS GREEN

Developed by:

Selling agents:

A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN MOUNT ANVIL AND AFFINITY SUTTON ON BEHALF OF 72 FARM LANE DEVELOPMENTS LLP *Prices correct at time of going to press Photograph of two bedroom lateral show apartment

MOUNT ANVIL.indd J103766 Landau press1 ad – Absolutely PCL – 210 x 297mm March_2.indd 7

14:18 22/02/2016 12:17