The London Magazine December 2025 by The Chelsea Magazine Company

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From the

EDITOR

As I write, the Christmas lights are going up across town. In this, our festive issue, we have packed in everything that’s exciting us about London this season. There are Scrooges and Nutcrackers, a Christmas pudding recipe from Wiltons and, of course, shopping. The likes of Jodie Kidd, Claudia Schi er, Anya Hindmarch and Jamie Cullum reveal what’s on their Christmas wishlists. We note the rise of the ‘fragrance economy’ and clock the latest trends in watches and jewellery, from rose gold to statement bombé rings. And to wrap it up, the Paddington actor and comedian Ben Miller talks to us about his latest book and “going big” on Christmas decorations.

Editorial

Editor Anne Cuthbertson

Creative Director Chloë Collyer

Content Editor Tallulah Rushaya

Sub Editor Laura Sutherland

Publishing

Managing Director Marie Davies

Chief Financial O cer Vicki Gavin

Publisher Caroline Paton-Philip

Email Marketing Manager Rob Payne

Advertising

Group Account Director

Caroline Warrick

Acting Advertising Manager

Carly Bell

carly.bell@chelseamagazines.com

You can manage your print and digital subscriptions online. Sign up today at www.subscription.co.uk/chelsea/Solo/ The London Magazine is published by The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0DT Web: www.chelseamagazines.com Email: info@chelseamagazines.com

The London Magazine (print) ISSN 1350360X Distributed by Seymour Distribution Ltd. 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT Tel: 020 7429 4000 Fax: 020 7429 4001 Production All Points Media. Printed in England by Walstead Roche Ltd. © The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd 2025, part of the Telegraph Media Group. All rights reserved.

Anne Cuthbertson Editor

MONTH'S WISHLIST…

OUR AGENTS

The London Magazine represents Central London Estate Agents, the capital’s most prestigious and expert property agents. For a list of members, go to thelondonmagazine co.uk/about-us CLEA Ltd Board

Chairman: Lucy Morton, JLL

Backyard Cinema

26 November -31 December, backyardcinema.co.uk

“One of my favourite Christmas activities is to re-watch old classics! If the winter weather permits, it ’s quite a treat to watch a ﬁ lm in an equally wintry atmosphere in London Bridge!”

Tallulah Rushaya CONTENT EDITOR

St-G ermain x Glassette Tablescape Edit, £150, glassette.com, stgermainliquer.com

“I enjoy everything about Christmas, even wrapping. Settling down with a nice drink, a Christmas movie and my Sellotape dispenser is one of my favourite traditions – and this selection curated by Laura Jackson has everything I need”

Chloë Collyer CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Henry VIII and six wives Christmas tree ornaments, £70, historicroyalpalaces.com

“Christmas decorations should be characterful and quirky! This year, I’d like to add a touch of British history to my tree with these beautiful handcrafted ornaments”

Anne Cuthbertson EDITOR

Directors: Craig Tonkin, Hamptons; William Carrington, LonRes; John Ennis; Emma Herriman, LonRes; Liza-Jane Kelly, Savills; Rory Penn, Knight Frank; Mark Pollack, Aston Chase; Peter Wetherell, Wetherell

Company Secretary: Jonathan Perrin

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Available on subscription. Published by The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd on behalf of CLEA Ltd (Central London Estate Agents). CLEA Ltd does not accept any responsibility for editorial or advertising content.

13 THE WISHLIST All of the capital’s December news and events, from carol concerts with star-studded readings to expert party-season beauty tips

20 FIRST LONDON HOME

Actor, comedian and author Ben Miller on his love of books and Christmas traditions

23 PRESENT DAY A luxury gift guide ﬁlled with lavish inspiration for the giving season

26 SHINE BRIGHT Amy Wakeham on the latest watches and jewellery trends

30 ALL THE TRIMMINGS Our bumper Christmas shopping edit, from decorations and fashion to food and children’s gifts

39 UNDER THE TREE Find out what’s on leading Londoners’ luxury wishlists

46 SEASON’S EATINGS The tried-andtested recipes from London's top chefs

50 ADVENT TELEVISION Lindsay Swan on how her west London home has been the star of Christmas adverts and ﬁ lm

52 HOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE

Tallulah Rushaya gets expert advice on preparing the home for yuletide guests

58 VILLAGE LONDON A hop, skip and a jump from Hyde Park, Connaught Village’s cosy community is the city’s best-kept secret

63 PROPERTY OF THE YEAR Zoe Dare Hall reﬂ ects on the capital’s house sales that made an impact on the 2025 market

69 THE LONDON LIST A little black book of shops and services for all your yuletide needs

72 ANNE ASHWORTH Our columnist sni s out the London retailers broadening their fragrance o erings this season

130 PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

A unique historic St Katherine’s Dock residence has hit the market

This cosy scene o ering a joyful glimpse of Christmas preparations against the city’s night sky is by leading author, artist and illustrator, Mitchell Toy. mitchelltoy.com

Timber windows WINTER SALE

OFF ALL TIMBER WINDOWS & DOORS IN DECEMBER & JANUARY

Naturally beautiful, our award-winning timber windows and doors are the logical choice. Constructed from engineered timber slow grown in cold climates, their strength, stability and beauty are guaranteed.

Our collection has been carefully and sensitively tailored to complement the English home. Unlike timber windows of old, our products will not twist, will not rot and require very little maintenance. High levels of insulation and security ensure there is no need to sacri ce beauty for comfort.

Pick up our brand new INSPIRATIONS magazine in your local showroom

With a15% discount off all windows & doors in our Winter Sale, explore the range in 56 showrooms nationwide.

TheWISHLIST

Starring the legendary Jennifer Saunders, Burberry's 'Twas the Knight Before... campaign welcomes the festive season with open arms in the label's signature fashion, with the styling of its recognisable check pattern paying homage to the Burberry Knight. Directed by John Madden, it also stars models Naomi Campbell and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. uk.burberry.com

GLAD TIDINGS

The events, shows and dining experiences coming to the capital this Advent

PAS DE DEUX

Relive the classic story of The Nutcracker once more this Christmas, set to the beguiling score composed by Tchaikovsky and magical set designed by Julia Trevelyan Oman. Since 1984, Peter Wright’s production has captured the imagination of generations. This year’s enchanting production is sponsored by jewellers Van Cleef & Arpels. Book tickets now. rbo.org.uk

SKY-HIGH APRES-SKI

Feast Oﬀ-Piste comes to The Berkeley hotel with a pop-up treat for all, from hotel guests to diners with bookings. Enjoy wintry views of Hyde Park and far beyond on the Knightsbridge rooftop as you sample a winter warming menu of traditional Swiss raclette, milk chocolate fondue and gingerbread. Book now. the-berkeley.com

ART FOR THE AGES

Presented by the Saatchi Gallery on Duke of York Square, The Long Now exhibition celebrates four decades of contemporary art with established and new artists shown side by side. Across two ﬂoors of the gallery, ﬁnd works by Chris Levine (pictured ), Alice Anderson and Gavin Turk, among others. The showcase is open now. saatchigallery.com

Bah! Humbug!

The Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol returns with the actor Paul Hilton (Slow Horses, below) as Ebenezer Scrooge. Adapted by Jack Thorne, the immersive production is a festive favourite that continues to delight theatregoers. On now. oldvictheatre.com

We woof you a

merry Christmas

Tails & Tidings Christmas Carol Concert is London's only dog-friendly service. Returning to St Andrew's Chelsea (Park Walk), the concert raises funds for the Wild at Heart Foundation, started by ﬂorist Nikki Tibbles to support canine friends in need. £30 per person, 5 December. tickettailor.com/events/ wildatheartfoundation

GETTING CLAUS

Santa Claus is coming to town, speciﬁcally The Peninsula. He and his helpers will bring festive cheer across the hotel.

Festive afternoon teas have a kid-friendly option, while Canton Blue o ers a Winter Solstice menu of Cantonese cuisine, and a Christmas menu is available on Christmas Eve and the big day itself. peninsula.com

GET YOUR SKATES ON

Glide at Battersea Power Station is back and better than ever. Whether new to the ice or pro, take in the riverside scenery of one of London's most iconic destinations. For those who just want to chill, you can dine in one of Glide's igloos or indulge in mulled wine and other treats at the Glass House. Open for booking now. glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk

YULE LOVE IT

This festive season at the historic Great Scotland Yard hotel, Westminster, celebrate the season in style with its Festive Afternoon Tea. In the hotel's decadent parlour, you'll ﬁnd a tower of delight with savoury morsels, such as wild mushroom and rocket quiche, turkey with celeriac remoulade and cranberry, and sweet oﬀerings including Christmas trees and bespoke chocolate délices hyatt.com

ALL WRAPPED UP

The Christmas campaigns providing ample gifting inspiration for all

A WRITE CHRISTMAS

Starring Rupert Friend and Joey King, Montblanc’s festive campaign marries the art of pen-making and timeless storytelling. Writing and travel is rooted in the luxury brand’s identity, and at a time when making connections is more important than ever, the instrument is as vital as the message. Visit Montblanc on New Bond Street. montblanc.com

JOY TO THE WORLD

Actress Anya Taylor-Joy is the star of Tiffany & Co.'s holiday campaign. Titled Love is a Gift, it highlights classic Tiffany pieces that will be on everyone's wish list, all tied up in the cherished Tiffany blue boxes. Available in six London locations. tiffany.co.uk

PUT A RING ON IT

Not only is it the most wonderful time of the year, it is also the most popular time to pop the question. Lylie's perfectly hexagonal Amor Cluster ring (£7,950) echoes the vintage styles favoured by many brides-to-be this year. Visit the Graham Terrace store in Belgravia to slip on the sparkler. lylies.com

Sweet treats

A new jewel in Notting Hill's chocolatier crown, Pierre Marcolini opens its latest location. In time to navigate gift buying, the new boutique will house its world-famous macarons, in addition to the ﬁne confectioner's Art Deco collection. Open now. marcolini.co.uk

STOCKING FILLERS

Little presents mean just as much as the larger ones. At Smythson, found on Sloane Street and in Selfridges, you'll ﬁnd elegantly crafted presents which can be personalised with initials or a bespoke motif, for an extra ﬂourish of thoughtfulness. smythson.com

LIVE WELL

Get party-season ready with tips and tricks to shine on through

FLUTTER MAGIC

Lynne Sanders, Founder Cosmetics à la Carte

“The smoky eye is on pause – this year it’s all about clean lids and a deﬁned lash line. We recommend our Eye Velvet matte watercolour shadow in a neutral shade, paired with the limited-edition Lash & Line Duo, comprising Gel Eyeliner Pencil and Intense Volume Mascara.” Find Cosmetics à la Carte at 192 Pavilion Road. cosmeticsalacarte.com

Achieve radiant-looking skin for the festive season and beyond. This limited edition set includes 10 full sized award-winning products. A must-have for skincare enthusiasts, the set includes The Rich Cream, The Body Cream, The Essence, and The Retinol Serum among other skincare wonders.

CITY INSPIRATION

Juanita Hubert-Millet, founder & creative director of Townhouse

"This season, I drew inspiration from New York, capturing its energy and glamour for the After Dark collection. This look, Gramercy, has molten gold petals crafted with couture-level precision. A nod to Gramercy’s most exclusive soirées, it reﬂects reﬁned maximalism.” Find your nearest London Townhouse salon at townhouse.co.uk

Top to bottom: Paradoxe Radical Essence EDP (90ml), £160, prada.com; Gloss Bomb Swirl Twisted Lip Luminizer, £22, fentybeauty.co.uk ; Radiant Blush, £91, chantecaille.co.uk ; Gentle Exfoliator, £45, vitavitaebeauty.co.uk ; TirTir Mask Fit Red Foundation, £23, sephora.co.uk ; Rouge Opulent Reﬁllable Lipstick in Red Couture, £49, byterry.com

DECK THE HALLS

Inspired decorations and homewares ideas to ring in Christmas in luxury style

SEVEN SWANS A-SITTING

Curate your winter tablescape with Casa by Josephine Jenno. The collection includes items inspired by Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and traditional wreaths. Go all out this year with decor that marries ﬁne craftsmanship and old-school artisan charm. Tell the story of your family and wider home with intricately designed motifs that the household will treasure for years to come, and that guests will enjoy. Prices vary between standard and membership, available online now. casabyjj.com

ROLL THE DICE

The Lighthouse Social private members' club has partnered with heritage British brand, Aspinal of London to create The Resident. The lounge within the Fulham riverside club combines Aspinal’s heritage artistry with the contemporary setting of the club. Featuring bespoke interiors and tabletop games, guests can socialise over competition and conversation. lighthousesocial. com; aspinaloﬂondon.com

CHECK, PLEASE

The Unﬁnished Works of William Morris and his creative director John Dearle are a labour of love by Morris & Co to successfully continue the heritage of the brand. The Hanover Check fabric, available in Madder and Forest (£150 per metre), can make for a characterful upholstery refresh just in time for winter. wmorrisandco.com

A MERRY MATCH

Anna + Nina are taking over Marylebone smoothie bar Avobar. Displaying Anna + Nina's unapologetically festive homeware, there will be limited-edition drinks for customers to toast to the collaboration. Customers will also be treated to 15% oﬀ at Anna + Nina store on Chiltern Street and for Avobar drinks. 8-24 December. anna-nina.nl

OF PILATES AT THE CUTTING EDGE

Pilates Squared was founded in 2012 with the mission to set up a studio that stepped away from the large gym classes and allowed the client to have a Pilates workout that was personalised for their bodies.

At Pilates Squared, we have an extremely varied clientele. From pre and post natal, to injuries, to the super ﬁt, we are a studio that caters to all levels and abilities.

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced, we can ensure you have a workout tailored to you. From private sessions to small group classes, we offer something for everyone.

STORY HUNTER

AUTHOR BEN MILLER

MY FIRST LONDON HOME

BEN MILLER

The actor, comedian and children’s author talks to Tallulah Rushaya about the joy of reading and going all out at Christmas with family

I was born in London. My parents lived in Stoke Newington, on Green Lanes. I have happy memories of living there. Some of my earliest memories were of seeing the goats and peacocks in nearby Clissold Park.

My parents were atheists, but for some reason went really large at Christmas. I remember my dad hanging the paper chain decorations. I loved Christmas from such an early age. We always had real trees. I remember lots of lametta, silver strands on the tree. Now everyone has very chic Christmas trees, everything silver or red and gold. Back then, you just chucked everything on – even the chocolate you had left over.

When I was about four or five we moved to a village called Willaston in Cheshire. My dad was originally from the East End and had this notion of moving to the countryside. He was a lecturer at Birmingham Polytechnic and he’d commute in.

After university, I lived in Highbury Fields, myself and some friends, above a bookshop. The house was found by word of mouth, and the rent was so low, I don’t think the landlord realised just how low it was. Christmas in Highbury is amazing! There’s an incredible Bonfire Night firework display, and Upper Street has lots of lights.

From there, I worked my way west, to Kilburn and Queen’s Park. We lived in Queen’s Park

when my children were very small. There’s a brilliant playground there. We moved out about 12 years ago to Gloucestershire.

I do miss London, but I still come and go a bit. I recently visited for a Death in Paradise reunion, celebrating 20 years of Red Planet Pictures. I caught up with all the other detectives.

I still love Soho and spend a lot of time there. At one point, it looked as if it was going to be gentrified – that hasn’t happened which is a relief. If London had an Outback, it would be Soho.

I love the bookshops on Charing Cross Road, particularly Foyles, and antiquarian bookshops. I’ve been spending more time in King’s Cross, it’s changed beyond belief. When I go to Shepherd’s Bush, I find that all roads lead to White City House, as a lot of shows are still recorded at BBC Studios.

At the Millers, we have two Christmas trees: one in the kitchen and one in the sitting room. Both last about four days. We like to go big. Decorations everywhere! There are two full-size wicker reindeers, plus a life-sized snowman, which scares the life out of me every morning when I come downstairs and think

it’s an intruder. We have heaps of presents, everything is wrapped, even packets of biscuits. We also have real fires, which is one of the really lovely things about living in the countryside.

We always go to the theatre with the kids and see a Christmas show. This year we’ll see Paddington: The Musical. I’m very excited about that. We go to The Ivy in west London and treat the kids to lunch.

My wife is an amazing cook. She goes to the effort of making the gravy a month before. We have turkey, none of that duck nonsense. Some people have beef! Part of the appeal of turkey is while the Christmas lunch is great, turkey is great for sandwiches. We’ve perfected it in our household, the key is to add crispy onions. I also love sprouts.

I started by writing a story where each of my kids was the main character. I ran out of children, then wrote one for the dog. The first story I wrote was a version of A Christmas Carol – The Night I Met Father Christmas

I just really didn’t expect it to be as much fun as it is. I like going to schools and doing events for kids. It’s so fun, they’re so enthusiastic about books, and stories. They love having stories read to them. They’re also really into the artwork, which is down to my amazing illustrator, Elisa Paganelli.

Kids have a lot of things vying for their attention. Some of, like

smartphones, are damaging, so it’s good to be part of something that’s good for kids. I get letters from children, and it’s heartening to hear a child say, “I didn’t like reading, until I read your books”. Making people laugh can be fulfilling, but there’s something more permanent about books.

I’ve been involved with the NSPCC since 2018. At this year’s Childline Carol Concert, I am going to read a bit from my first book, The Night I Met Father Christmas. There’s a funny bit at the beginning where the boy is waiting up, and Father Christmas pretends to be a chimney sweeper from the council. It’s fun to read, and one everyone enjoys.

I’m writing an adult book now, called A Very Dangerous Pursuit. It’s a prequel to The 39 Steps, taking place two years before. It has the same character, and hopefully people also find it funny. It’ll be coming out next May.

I stopped making resolutions in January, now I make them in September. I’ve decided that the year really begins and ends in September. My kids go to school in September, the year’s over by January. Most people have a holiday in August. So depressing, it’s all the usual things: exercise more, eat less ice cream. L

Childline’s Carol Concert is on 11 December at Holy Trinity Church, nspcc.org.uk. The Night I Met

Father Christmas by Ben Miller (published by Simon and Schuster) available to buy in bookstores and simonandschuster.co.uk

CHRISTMAS Your London

WHAT'S ON THE WISHLISTS OF LEADING LONDONERS; WATCHES & JEWELLERY; PREPPING YOUR HOME FOR GUESTS; RECIPES & MORE...

Luxury gifts from our exclusive selection

ON THE SCENT

New for 2025, Bentley BECOME Zenith is an elevated fragrance that embodies ambition, refinement, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It ’s a fragrance designed for those who never stop at the summit but always seek the next horizon. The captivating Bentley BECOME Zenith scent features addictive violet leaf notes intertwined with rich, elegant leather undertones. It ’ s a fragrance for someone who knows where they ’re heading. Bentley BECOME Zenith 100ml Eau de Parfum, £80, shop.bentleymotors.com

IN A NEW YORK MINUTE

To commemorate the grand opening of its flagship New York boutique, Lalique proudly unveils an exclusive limited-edition candle. Le Parc celebrates the wonder of nature in Central Park. An opening flourish of bright, herbaceous shiso and uplifting laurel effuses with the sweet, earthy aroma of cardamom. Smoky oak, along with aromatic cedarwood, intertwines with the green, floral tones of geranium, before crisp, refreshing fir balsam segues into the warm and aroma of cistus absolute, rich moss and velvety patchouli. Le Parc, New York – USA, Scented Candle 190g, £69, lalique.com

ALL SET

Club Matters is passionate about creating stylish tableware that’s handmade in England. From its fabulous range of table mats, and trays to salad bowls, glassware, candlesticks and bone china , the choices for Christmas decor and gifting are endless.

Harlequin serving mat (Elephant), £34 per mat, clubmatters.com

BLACK GOLD

Attilus is the name that gourmet chefs and connoisseurs associate with exquisite caviar. It ’s one of the few producers in the world offering “real ” O scietra caviar to customers. Royal Oscietra is renowned for its excellent egg quality. The grain has a slightly nutty flavour, with a mellow length that lingers beautifully on the palate. Attilus Caviar, from £28 for 20g, attiluscaviar.co.uk

JUST A LITTLE BLUSH ROSE GOLD AND DIAMONDS ARE THE STARS OF POMELLATO’S STATEMENT

ICONICA JEWELLERY LINE

... AND THINGS

Top to bottom: Rolex Land-Dweller 40 watch in rose gold, £40,300, rolex.com; peridot and diamond 18kt gold drop earrings, £7,500, kiki.co.uk ; gold vermeil cord bracelet, £145, otiumberg.com; 4946R-001 Annual Calendar Moon Phase watch, £47,440, patek.com

ALL THAT GLITTERS

THESE SPARKLING GIFT IDEAS TICK ALL THE RIGHT JEWELLERY BOXES, WRITES AMY WAKEHAM

FRINGS... Top to bottom: 18kt gold Bombé II ring set with diamonds, £18,000, bearbrookbanks.com; Raindance 20th Anniversary platinum, rose gold and diamond ring, £63,000, boodles.com; white, yellow and rose gold Trinity ring, £1,480, cartier.com; 18kt gold ring set with a topaz and diamonds, $6,800, halleh.com; Yvonne Léon 9kt gold and coral ring set with a topaz, £2,440, harveynichols.com

rom shimmering stocking ﬁ llers to little boxes tied up with bows, there’s nothing like receiving a beautiful piece of jewellery or a new timepiece at Christmas. And here’s exactly what loved ones will desire most this festive season, from the rose gold revival to dramatic bombé rings, via timeless vintage-inspired watches. ’Tis the season for a bit of sparkle, after all.

ROSE GOLD

You only need to look around you to see that, recently, jewellery has been all about yellow gold – and ideally 18kt at that. But with the ever-growing cost of gold, alternative metals have been creeping up in popularity. Alongside silver, rose gold is o cially back, and seen at the likes of Dior, Ti any and Pomellato this season. It was ﬁ rst used by Carl Fabergé, jeweller to the czars, at the end of the 19th century, when it became known as “Russian gold”. The signature rosy hue is created by mixing gold with copper alloys, meaning it’s also often more a ordable than its yellow counterpart.

Rose gold “brings a beautiful warmth to jewellery,” says Honour Wainwright, director

of marketing at Boodles, which pairs it with its signature pink diamonds. It’s also brilliant for pieces made from a mix of metals, another leading trend this season. “It works especially well in our Raindance ring, where the white diamonds are set in platinum and the pink diamonds in rose gold, creating a striking contrast between the two,” she continues.

Another brand famous for mixing metals is Cartier, which started using rose gold in its jewellery collections in the early 20th century. The Trinity ring, introduced in the 1920s and inspired by Jean Cocteau, incorporates pink alongside yellow and white gold, and helped to popularise the metal for the age of Art Deco.

BOMBÉ RINGS

Large, domed and eye-catching, bombé rings are this season’s answer to the cocktail ring. Named after the French for “bomb”, and originating in the 19th century, the style has appeared in many jewellers’ collections this year, from Lylie and Lily Gabriella to Lucy Delius.

“I love the shape of bombé rings, often curvaceous and super feminine or very structured and tactile,” says independent east London jeweller Bear

SCINTILLATING

Clockwise from top left: 18kt gold star chain, €27,000, marialichtenberg.com; 14kt gold ring set with rainbow sapphires, $7,020, jacquieaiche. com; 18kt yellow-gold and blackened white-gold diamond hoop earrings, £15,000, jessicamccormack.com; 9kt gold necklace set with rubies, black spinels, malachite and lapis, £4,200, metierby tomfoolery.co.uk ; 14kt gold chain set with a diamond, £2,933 ashleyzhangjewelry.com; 18kt gold and diamond initial charm, £2,500, cecejewellery.com

Brooksbank, known for her unique rings.

“I think customers are very interested in shape and moving away from the standard classics. I think they make the wearer feel powerful and they feel a bit less obviously antique-inspired in comparison to say, a target or cluster ring.”

Often set with brightly hued gems, a bombé ring makes a great gift for a friend, romantic partner – or perhaps evenfor yourself.

BLACK, GOLD & DIAMONDS

There’s a new trio in town, and it’s pretty unbeatable. The combination comprises black, gold and diamonds (or another white gemstone), and has been seen recently at Jessica McCormack, Jessie Thomas and Cece Jewellery. The colour, often created by black rhodium or blackened metal, creates a striking contrast when paired with yellow gold and white gemstones, highlighting the negative space around the setting.

“It feels perfect for this moodier, darker season,” says Laura Vann, a Birminghambased jeweller who has incorporated the trio extensively into her AW25 collection, Form.

“As a studio long-inspired by Art Deco design, we’ve embraced black as a grounding, expressive element – it featured heavily in that era and feels as relevant now,” she continues. “It feels both statement-making and e ortless – it’s the new neutral for the season.”

lapis and ruby, to name just a few.

The collection is “inspired by the everchanging colours of the sky,” says Kay. “My background in photography has always drawn me to the way light shifts throughout the day; the subtle gradients, reﬂections, and fades that transform the sky from one hue to another.” To achieve this she carefully chooses each slice of semi-precious stone, to “capture that ﬂuid transition of colour and light.”

Another designer who has always embraced colour, and is known for her unique, divinely hued stones, is Kiki McDonough. “There’s something truly special about working with one-of-a-kind gemstones,” she says. “Each stone has its own story.”

McDonough celebrates 40 years in business this year, proving that, although they might be growing in popularity, coloured gems can also be a pretty timeless choice.

CHAINS

Forget the charm, locket, or pendant; chains have become a conversation piece in themselves. On the SS26 catwalks, Chanel, Balmain, Etro and Tory Burch either layered interwoven strands, or blew up their chains to make statement collars. In the high jewellery collections, Pomellato took inspiration from its 1970s archive, when its founder Pino Rabolini ﬁ rst elevated the functional chain to the height of glamour.

COLOURED GEMS

Forget a diamond solitaire: the freshest way to wear sparkling gemstones this season is to go bright, bold and unique. The trend reﬂects a wider movement in jewellery towards designs that have more individuality, and feature more unusual, colourful stones – the global coloured-gemstone industry is predicted to double by 2035, growing to about $5.7bn.

Jewellery designer Marie Lichtenberg is known for her signature chains, some humorous, some poignant, some simply beautiful. There are rows of dollar signs, words spelling out ‘love you to the moon and back ’, and chains of striking stars.

One designer who has leant into the joy of colour is Laura Kay, whose label, Métier, has just launched a series of rainbow-bright necklaces, earrings and rings. They are made from carefully selected hand-cut gemstones: kyanite, moonstone, malachite,

“Chains are everything,” she explains. “They connect, they anchor, they empower. I love taking something ancient and giving it a bold, modern twist–full of soul, full of story. It’s a dialogue between past and present.”

And there’s absolutely “no rulebook” when it comes to wearing them well, according to Lichtenberg. “Wear it solo like armour, or stack it loud like a love declaration. It should feel like a second skin – intimate, powerful, unapologetically you.” L

These elegant timepieces take inspiration from the 20th century’s golden design decades – resulting in truly timeless styles proven to stand the test of time

1920s

Tissot SRV 30mm watch, £370. tissotwatches.com

Cartier Tank Louis Cartier 18kt yellow gold watch, £12,600. cartier.com

1930s Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel Xu BeihongThe Running Horse watch, £POA. jaeger-lecoultre.com

1950s

Longines Conquest Heritage stainless steel watch, £2,700. longines.com

1970s

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5, £POA. audemarspiguet.com

Ho ho home decor

THAT’S A WRAP! RECYCLED WRAPPING PAPER BY NANCY AND BETTY STUDIO NANCYANDBETTY.COM

Clockwise from top right: Jo Laing ceramic topped matchbox and matches, £69.95, holly.co; Ceramic candle holder, £28, npg.org.uk ; Felt tree ornament, £9, daylesford.com; mini Delft tile tree ornament, £27, petrapalumbo.com; ﬁne bone china dinner plates (set of 4), £192, mrsalice.com; fabric-wrapped LED wax candles (a pair), £37, tinkalink.com; porcelain ornament set (a pair), £68, uk.jonathanadler.com; velvet and foam lounge settee, £3,894, ligne-roset.com/uk ; glass tree ornament, £10.95, libertylondon.com; felt tree ornament, £15, vam.ac.uk ; metal candle holder, £12.95, lathamshome.com; glass stackable trees, ranging in size from small to large, from £200 to £425, shop.ninacampbell.com

Li le s prises

Clockwise from top right: Teddy bear, £29.99, the-ivy-shop.com; Chelsea Clothing Company boys’ sweater, £65, trotters.co.uk ; knitted gloves, £13, monsoon.co.uk ; Djeco drum, £19.69, tickety-boo-toys.co.uk ; Nicky Hilton x La Coqueta Kids dress, £99, lacoquetakids.com; ﬁrst memories baby gift set, £400, bluealmonds.co.uk ; cotton bodysuit, £40, organic-zoo.com; Banwood bikes classic model in Beige, £290, scandiborn.co.uk ; wooden dolls’ house, £249.95, letoyvan.co.uk; intarsia-knit cardigan, £69, rachelriley.co.uk ; leather T-bar shoes in Rose Gold, from £69, youngsoles.com ON

M y chic

SHINE BRIGHT PALERMO JACQUARD

SLEEVELESS DRESS, £595, THEFOLDLONDON.COM

Clockwise from top right: 18kt yellow-gold diamond earrings, £65,000, cecejewellery.com; royal stewart tartan cotton midi dress, £350, smocklondon.com ; crocodile-eﬀect leather tote in Ivy Green, £1,795, uk.burberry.com; rhinestone-embellished fabric hair clip, £245, michel-paris. com; lam é leather shoes, £205, bobbies.com; resin cord necklace with a 9kt gold star charm set with sapphires, £1,540, roxanneﬁrst.com; velvet evening jacket in Orange, £995, richard-james.com; velvet embroidered slippers, £395, crockettandjones.com; scarf, £295, richardjames.com; Polo intarsia-knit jumper £545, ralphlauren.co.uk; motif socks, £20, octobre-editions.com; Land’s End X Lulu Guinness pyjamas, £75, luluguinness.com

Festive treats

BAKING MERRY PANETTONE FROM IL GATTOPARDO

GATTOPARDO.RESTAURANT

Clockwise from top right: Noël Impérial tea, £28, mariagefreres.com; A Good Old-Fashioned Christmas Whisky 2009, £79.95, thewhiskyexchange. com; Bonifanti panettone, £29.50, onlineshop.petershamnurseries.com; Organic stollen bites, £9.95, daylesford.com ; Christmas cracker gift set with milk chocolate & milk sea salt caramel truffl es, £28, charbonnel.co.uk ; Christmas Coal cinder toffee, £15.95, fortnumandmason.com; Traditional Mead (20cl), £16, shop.shakespearesglobe.com; Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Second Skin 2010 extra-brut champagne, £280, selfridges.com; dark chocolate & mint butter bites, £8.99, the-ivy-shop.com; mulled wine, £20, ottolenghi.co.uk; Christmas tree truffl e box, £15.90, marcolini.co.uk

WE ASK SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE LONDONERS, WHAT’S ON THEIR 2025 CHRISTMAS WISHLIST FOR LOVED ONES (AND THEMSELVES)…

“Traditions for me are always Christmas Eve in my pub and then we head home and always lay carrots and a mince pie by the chimney! Christmas day ALWAYS starts with stockings on the bed when everyone wakes up, Champagne Bellinis (adults only) scrambled eggs and smoked salmon brunch. Next, it’s opening presents from under the tree and then a long late Christmas lunch followed by snuggling in front of the ﬁ re to watch a movie and a Christmas nap.”

Clockwise from top left: Cotton T-shirt, £48, manavacollection.com; Loewe Honeysuckle s cented candle, £366, selfridges.com; Coco & Wolf r attan dog b ed with Strawberry Thief print cushion, £315, libertylondon.com; alpaca wool throw, £260, sohohome.com; 9k t gold handmade triple diamond p endant, £325, libertylondon.com

“I can’t wait to wear the More Champagne Manava tee on Christmas Day, styled with a sparkly skirt for a touch of festive fun!”

“I’m a constant note writer – lyrics, journals, lists, quotes from books, memories, overheard conversations and this pen, matched with a deep-green ink, is what takes 90% of these notes.”

PIANIST AND SINGER

“This is not only a beautiful portable keyboard that allows me to practise wherever and whenever I want, but adding the Airwave device makes this a gamechanging experience for learning the piano. Its interface is astonishingly addictive and well designed and the keyboard itself is elegant and well made.”

Clockwise from top left: Leica MP camera, £5,080, leica-camera.com; Roli Piano and Airwave bundle, £638, roli.com; Niche Ze ro coﬀee grinder, £549, nichecoﬀee.co.uk ; Audi Q8 car, from £81,950, audi.co.uk ; gold-coated fountain pen, £920, montblanc.com ; Light Phone 3, $699, thelightphone.com; waxed canvas and leather artist roll, £136, pegandawlbuilt.com

“My favourite part of Christmas is the anticipation and organisation of decorating the house, the festive smells – which is why I created my Love Christmas candle with M&S – and the time o spent with family and friends, indulging in good food and laughter.”

Kelly Ho en CBE

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Clockwise from top left: Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur, £17.50, baileys.com; silk-s atin pyjama set, £620, oliviavonhalle.com; Christmas M&S x Kelly Hoppen Joy candle, £25, marksandspencer.com; M&S x Kelly Hoppen marble tray, £40, marksandspencer.com; limited-edition carry-on case, £2,795, globe-trotter.com; Advanced Skin Repair Serum, £160, kerenbartov.co.uk ; The Wand, £1,650, kerenbartov.co.uk

“It’s no secret that I’m an organisation nerd, and I also love great stationery. I have lots of these notebooks dotted around for when I want to scribble something down.”

“I love Christmas, it’s my favourite time of the year, especially the runup. When Anya’s Grotto opens in The Village, it signals the start of the season for me. From then on, it’s all twinkly lights, mince pies and Christmas carols.”

“Wine gums. I love

them .”

Anya Hindmarch DESIGNER

“The Mortimer tote – a forever classic. I wear mine loaded up with charms; Nurofen and Pez are my current favourites.”

Clockwise from top left: Fabric-bound n otebooks, from £7.50 to £10, presentandcorrect.com; leather tote in Taxi Yellow, £1,150, anyahindmarch.com; box of wine gum sweets, £12, anyahindmarch.com; Rosa Gardenia EDC (100ml), £125, uk.smnovella.com

“Krug Grande Cuvée is my ultimate favourite champagne. As a Krug ambassador, I know just how much passion goes into every bottle, and this bottle in particular is elegant, complex, and full of depth”

Adam Handling MBE

CHEF

Clockwise from top left: Leather trainers, £555, uk.burberry.com; 2025 GMT-Master II Rolex, POA , rolex.com; dog p uﬀer jacket for Maya (Adam’s puppy), £175, ralphlauren.co.uk; Krug Grande Cuvée 173ème Édition, £275, fortnumandmason .com

“For me, the festive season is about connection, slowing down long enough to see and celebrate each other. Every year, I light a candle before everyone wakes up – it’s a quiet moment just for me and a moment to be grateful. I love how these small, sensory rituals help reclaim calm and make the season feel meaningful.”

Dr Anna P saud

CEO OF THIS WORKS

Clockwise from top left: 1970 ceramic candle in Gold, £70, bellafreud.com; a weekend at Thyme Hotel in the Cotswolds, POA, thyme.co.uk; nurosym device, £599, nurosym.com; deep sleep b eauty oil, £45, thisworks.com

“We go often to German Christmas markets and last year we were in Nürnberg. It was a magical day full of old-fashioned Christmas stalls, just as I remember them from my childhood. Mulled wine and potato pancakes.”

“Christmas is my favourite holiday; I decorate every single room in our house. I put German wooden carved ornaments from my childhood on the tree and have Christmas trees all lit up outside. We celebrate German Christmas on the evening of the 24th with a roast goose, and then the English version on the 25th with ham and turkey. My Christmas wish every year is for my siblings to send me German Christmas chocolates and cookies”.

SUPERMODEL AND FASHION ICON

Clockwise from top left: Panthère de Cartier yellow-gold watch, £22,800, cartier.com ; geranium Sugar Polish, £44, bamford.com; 18kt gold, diamond and mother of pearl ring, £2,550, dior.com; chestnut & cashmere Christmas candle, £40, bamford.com; Royal Fern phytoactive anti-aging r ich c ream, £240, johnbellcroyden.co.uk ; Chloé charm necklace, £450, harveynichols.com; Bordallo Pinheiro by Claudia Schiﬀer earthenware container, £140, mytheresa.com; alpaca wool sweater in Mottled Grey, £110, sezane.com

“What I love most about Christmas is the slower pace of life. I like staying in London, simply enjoying home and time with my family. With fewer expectations, the season feels calmer, and I love that.”

Jane Lewis FOUNDER OF JANE ATELIER

Clockwise from top left: Sentei garden s cissors, £32, niwaki.com; lit Up Highlight Stick in Garçonne, £44, westman-atelier.com; cashmere-blend cardigan, £520, janeatelier.com; 34 Boulevard Saint Germain wax perfume diﬀ user, £55, diptyqueparis.com; John Derian tray, £165, summerillandbishop.com

“What I love most about Christmas is the spirit that ﬁlls people’s hearts, the kindness, the joy, the magic in the air, and most of all, the warmth of being surrounded by family.”

“For those who like ballerina’s, this CL is the real one.”

Nada Ghazal

JEWELLER

Clockwise from top left: Salim Azzam shirt, £3 4 0, curated-crowd.com; pearlised egg clutch bag with pearl chain, £595, simonerocha.com; Attar Rose Aqor EDP (12ml), £425, amouage.com; Gohar World rubber gloves with a pearl in Yellow, £50, selfridges.com; Christian Louboutin s atin ribbon-tie heels, £945, harrods.com; 18kt gold r ing set with champagne diamonds, £6,995, nadaghazal.com

“If one is going to wash the dishes this Christmas, then they better wash them with a touch of glamour.”

“I’ve gifted our locket to a few people and it’s always so well received. It’s a piece of jewellery that will become part of you – a forever piece.”

Dominic Jones

“I’ve gifted Dali’s tarot set a few times. He designed it for himself and Taschen reproduced it beautifully, the illustrations are so exquisite and the book it comes with gives such interesting explanations and guidance for reading the cards.”

Clockwise from left: Vyrao candle, £98, niche-beauty.com; culinary s eeds s et, £18, labourandwait.co.uk ; 18k t yellow-g old locket and chain, £2,795, 886.royalmint.com; leather-bound n otebook, £60, smythson.com; s olstice tea, £20, wilderbotanics.com; Mar ía Cacao celestial g rade pure criollo cacao (500g), £65, the-dream-of.com; Dalí. Tarot book and box set, £50, taschen.com; a rchitect tool set, £24 0, makerscabinet.com

FEAST FESTIVE

LONDON’S LEADING CHEFS AND RESTAURANTS SHARE THEIR YULETIDE RECIPES TO BE ENJOYED IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME, FROM SWEET TO SAVOURY AND IN BETWEEN

WINTER ROOT VEGETABLE SALAD

Daylesford, daylesford.com

SERVES 3-4 AS A STARTER, OR 2 AS A MAIN

The vibrant salad is the creation of the Daylesford Cookery School tutors. Using produce from the market garden, the salad can be prepared in larger and smaller quantities. Daylesford Organic can be found in Notting Hill, Pimlico and Brompton Cross.

INGREDIENTS

1/4 celeriac, diced milk to cover

1 tbsp butter

handful kalettes or kale

2 tbsp toasted walnuts

leaves from 1/2 head of radicchio

1/4 an apple, sliced into matchsticks

2-3 jerusalem artichokes, scrubbed

1-2 beetroots, peeled and sliced finely

150ml vinegar

150g sugar

1 star anise

extra virgin olive oil

blue cheese (optional)

METHOD

• Melt the butter in a lidded pan, add the diced celeriac and a pinch of salt. Cook with lid on for 10 minutes, then pour over milk to cover and simmer until fully cooked. Strain the celeriac, add to a blender and blend, adding the cooking liquid until you have a smooth, silky puré e. Check for seasoning and set aside.

• Place the beetroot slices into a bowl and add a little salt. Put the vinegar, sugar and star anise into a pan, bring to the boil, then pour over the sliced beetroot and leave to

cool to make a quick pickle.

• Tear the kalettes or kale leaves into bitesize pieces. Toss with a little oil and salt, place on a tray in a 100°C oven and cook for 20-40 minutes , till crisp. Remove from the oven and keep in an airtight container.

• Cut the Jerusalem artichokes into wedges, toss in a little oil and salt and roast at 180°C for 20 minutes, or until tender.

• To build the salad, place a spoonful of the celeriac puré e on the base of your serving plate. Dress the radicchio leaves with a little beetroot pickling liquid and olive oil. Add to the plate, alternating between pieces of roasted Jerusalem artichoke, pickled beetroot, toasted walnuts, kale crisps, apple and radicchio.

SASHIMI WREATH

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

Chef Dana Choi, head chef at JANG, jangrestaurant.co.uk

“The sashimi wreath celebrates freshness and balance, combining premium cuts of fish with crisp radish, aromatic herbs, and a vibrant chojang dressing. A festive interpretation of sashimi, the sashimi wreath brings together delicate slices of fish, bright seasonal herbs, and a touch of spice in a composed ring.” [Perilla leaf is a herb from the mint family, which can be found in Asian supermarkets].

INGREDIENTS

40g bluefin tuna

40g salmon

40g sashimi-grade s ea bass 1/5 of a whole white radish, 3 perilla leaves

40g chojang [a sweet, spicy Korean paste] Dill, chervil, micro purple shiso, and flying fish roe.

METHOD

• Thinly slice white radish and keep in cold water.

• Slice perilla leaves thinly and set aside.

• Slice tuna, salmon, and sea bass thinly –3 pieces each and set aside.

• Place in a round bowl upside down on the flat plate and place sliced radish around in a ring shape.

• Divide the radish ring into 3, then place 3 different sashimi then fill the gap with sliced perilla.

• Drizzle chojang sauce around on top and garnish with dill, chervil, micro purple shiso and flying fish roe.

SIP OF THE DAY

ADD

LYRE’S POINSETT IA

MAKES 1 DRINK

Benedicta Tornieri , Lyre’s marketing manager, lyres.com

“Eminently refreshing and satisfyingly quaffable, the Poinsettia is as elegant as it is simple. It’s the perfect festive party starter, combining two of Lyre’s non‑alcoholic spirits to let you enjoy every moment of the season without compromise.”

INGREDIENTS

15ml Lyre’s Orange Sec splash of cranberry juice

60ml Lyre’s Classico Grande METHOD

• Pour the first two ingredients into a chilled flute or coupe glass.

• Top up with Lyre’s Classico Grande.

• Garnish with rosemary sprig

WILTONS ’ TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS PUDDING

SERVES 12 @ 70G PER PORTION

Jason Phillips, director, Wiltons Holdings, Jermyn Street, wiltons.co.uk

“In the 1640s, Christmas puddings were banned by the Puritans for being ‘sinfully rich’! Fortunately, King George I revived the tradition in 1714 and only 28 years later, George William Wilton started his oyster business near Haymarket. By 1840, Wiltons was a fully‑fledged restaurant and Christmas puddings were once again extremely popular, particularly at Wiltons. Great care and attention is made each summer when the puddings are prepared carefully, following the recipe that has been passed from generation to generation.”

INGREDIENTS

150g raisins

150g currants

150g sultanas

34g c andied o range cubes

34g c andied s mall lemon cubes

150g soft dark b rown sugar

2 u nwaxed lemon, zest and juice

2 N avelina o ranges, zest and juice

42g nibbed almonds

60ml b randy

2 Bramley apples, g rated

150g b rown b readcrumbs

3 e ggs

30g fl our

1 tsp mixed s pice

150g vegetable suet

ALL FIRED UP

METHOD

• Marinade the dried fruit, sugar, orange, lemons, almonds and brandy together, for 24 hours.

• Mix with the rest of the ingredients.

• Por tion out 70g into each pudding mould.

• Steam for 2 hours.

• Cool and store in cool, dark place.

BRANDY BUTTER

INGREDIENTS

250g unsalted b utter

250g g olden c aster sugar

1 N avelina o range, zested

37.5ml b randy

METHOD

• Soften the butter.

• Cream the butter and sugar together until smooth, then add the orange zest. Slowly add the brandy.

• Roll the mixture into rolls and store in the fridge until needed.

BRANDY SAUCE

INGREDIENTS

1/2 vanilla p ods

140g double c ream

41.25g sugar

36.25g pasteurised e gg yolk

50ml b randy

METHOD

• Boil the cream and vanilla

• Add to egg yolks and sugar

• Return to the pan.

• Cook to 82°C and pass off through a chinois

• Add brandy.

STRAWBERRY AND GINGER TRIFLE

Adam Handling MBE , chef at frogbyadamhandling.com

“Trifle’s a proper Christmas classic for me, and I like to put my own spin on it. The ginger custard and Yorkshire Parkin give it that big, warming flavour that feels really festive, while the strawberry jelly keeps it bright and fresh.”

YORKSHIRE PARKIN

INGREDIENTS

150g golden syrup

150g unsalted butter

40g black treacle

150g soft brown sugar

150g self-raising flour

115g oats

2 whole eggs

8g ginger, ground

1.5tsp nutmeg, ground

1.5tsp mixed spice

METHOD

• Melt the butter, syrups and brown sugar in a saucepan.

• Place all of the dry ingredients into a mixer, on a low speed, and combine them.

• Add the wet ingredients and mix until incorporated.

• Finish with the eggs and beat for 5 minutes, until smooth and pale.

• Bake in a lined 900g loaf tin, at 160°C, for 25 minutes.

STRAWBERRY JELLY

INGREDIENTS

350g frozen strawberries, defrosted and blended

125g caster sugar

6 gelatine leaves

METHOD

• Soften the gelatine in a bowl of cold water and squeeze to remove all the water.

• Warm the blended strawberries in a saucepan with the sugar and the gelatine.

• Pour through a fine-mesh sieve or coffee filter, to make the liquid become clear.

GINGER CUSTARD

INGREDIENTS

8 egg yolks

130g caster sugar

100g plain flour

500ml whole milk

1tsp ginger, ground

METHOD

• Add the milk and ginger to a saucepan and

heat until just before it reaches the boil.

• Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together, add the flour and then add the milk.

• Pour into a saucepan, cook on a low heat and whisk for 5 minutes until the custard thickens.

• Chill down in a tray and cover with greaseproof paper, to cool.

CREAM

INGREDIENTS

300g double cream, cold

50g icing sugar

1 vanilla pod, scraped METHOD

• Add the icing sugar and vanilla seeds to the cream.

• Whip the cream to stiff peaks, then transfer to a piping bag for serving.

FOR SERVING

150g frozen strawberries, defrosted and chopped

Nuts (of your choice), chopped

• Dice the Parkin cake into chunks and add it to the bottom of the glass.

• Place a few of the defrosted strawberries on top.

• Pour the strawberry jelly over the defrosted strawberries and diced Parkin, and transfer to the fridge, to set.

• Once set, spoon a layer of ginger custard onto the top of the jelly.

• Pipe dots of the cream on top, until the whole glass is covered.

• Garnish with the chopped nuts. L

‘OUR HOME IS CENTRE STAGE’

LINDSAY SWAN ’S WEST LONDON HOUSE HAS STARRED IN NETFLIX DRAMAS, CUSTARD COMMERCIALS AND THIS SEASON’S TESCO CHRISTMAS ADVERT. HERE, SHE DESCRIBES HER LIFE AS A FILM LOCATION HOMEOWNER

It all started, as many good stories do, with a dead body.

That was years ago for Kavanagh QC, the legal series starring John Thaw. A location scout knocked on the door, asked if our house was available for filming and said it would involve murder. And so, we became part of the strange, delightful world of film locations.

There are thousands of properties of every conceivable kind all over the country, from magnificent castles and churches, to tattoo parlours and prisons, which are available for filming. Our large Victorian house in west London is popular with film companies needing easy access, parking and lots of adaptable space.

Dogs have been a prevailing theme. Our first came with the Ambrosia Custard shoot where six dogs of various sizes, plus owners and an on-site vet, turned up to audition. The assignment: to sniff a bowl of custard on a worktop, which could have been anywhere but happily was in our kitchen.

Since then, there have been many more canines of every breed and none. Even a robot dog. Our favourite remains Barley, a wonderful rescue dog and star of Poldark, who played Dave opposite a laid-back cat in Tetley’s Now We’re Talking ad. They chatted amiably about their owner, the weather and, of course, the tea, which they sipped daintily, while machine-created rain beat down on the sitting room window. “Raining chaps and gals,” said Ella the cat.

The major retailers depend on their Christmas campaign to make the cash tills ring and production budgets stretch accordingly, which means it’s an important time for anyone living in a film location. And there are many of us in leafy Ealing with its big houses and the Elizabeth Line. Come August shoot time, competition hots up as news filters through that M&S has been spotted outside a rival’s house and Waitrose is ensconced across the Common.

Our house is centre stage in this year’s Tesco Christmas commercial, for which the garden was transformed into a huge tented kitchen complete with seven ovens, four fridges and a gas hob where a team of home economists cooked five colossal turkeys and all kinds of delicious Christmas fare. Outside our festively dressed dining room, snow fell in thick soft fake flakes.

It’s not all advertisements, although they tend to pay better, but movies and television series come with benefits – they often send us away, all expenses paid. We had a few days at the Jack Russell Inn in Hampshire (with

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Opposite, clockwise from top left: Barley, rescue dog and star of Poldark and the popular Tetley’s television commercial; Lindsay’s daughter’s childhood bedroom – and the landing wallpaper – took supporting roles in a Direct Line ad; a robot dog performs for crew in the back garden; a film shoot underway on Hamilton Road in Ealing; Barley and his feline co-star in the finished Tetley’s advert

TIPS TO BEING

a London location

• Don’t do it if you can’t handle disruption. Filming is always full-on with between 50 and 100 people in the house. Every single available space is occupied.

• Show your house as it is, warts and all. It’s either what a production company is looking for or it isn’t. In any event, it will be styled, dressed and even painted to suit the purpose. We delight in spotting some of our things popping up in the sets. Our favourite jug was centre stage with the teabags for the Tetley’s ad.

• You need a bolthole where you can get on quietly with life and any pets have a safe haven.

• Be prepared for early starts and late finishes, even if the contract says otherwise. Make sure overtime is agreed well in advance.

• Even with the best of intentions and photographs of everything, breakages can happen and things can get mislaid. They’ll be replaced but take treasures out of harm’s way.

• Neighbours! They have to deal with a fair bit of disruption. The Location Manager will keep them informed and give a number for queries but it’s good to think of them too.

• If you’d like your house to be a film location, good photos, internally and externally, are essential. Describe the decor and number of rooms, including bathrooms. A floorplan is handy if you have one. Does your house have any USPs – e.g. lots of parking, fabulous view, river access?

• Sign up with a good location library through which you’ll get bookings and who’ll handle contracts, payment and smooth out any snags. We’ve been working with Salt Films saltfilm.com and WeAreFind wearefind.com for years and can recommend both.

our Jack Russells of course) while the ITV psychological drama Cheat with Katherine Kelly and Molly Windsor was filmed.

The interiors in Anatomy of a Scandal, the Netflix mini-series about Westminster goingson starring Sienna Miller and Rupert Friend, were said to be sending fans wild. They were sensational but they weren’t ours. Our house was the home of one of Sienna’s chums, who lived more modestly, mainly in the hall judging by the wallpaper. We were sent away for that too – to a glorious house in Norfolk.

There are always leftovers after shoots. Our kitchen blinds owe their existence to an advertisement lost in the mists of time and the sitting room window shelf is a hangover from the joyful Tetley’s ad. There are many splendid plants and endless unused bed linen. It took us years to get through the Ambrosia custard and our grandchildren’s parents were surprised and delighted with a big box of new potties. We didn’t get to keep the stairlift installed for US fast food outlet Arby’s shoot where the golfer Andrew “Beef” Johnson putted a golf ball downstairs past his ‘grandfather’, travelling up on the stairlift. More’s the pity as we totter into our mid-70s.

Our wallpaper turned up again in Direct Line’s That’s How It’s Done ad, with the storyline that it’s easier to take out insurance than potty train a toddler. I’m paraphrasing. The doorway of our daughter’s childhood bedroom was transformed into a fully equipped loo, from which the nappy clad toddler emerged speaking in a disconcertingly grown-up voice.

Sometimes we go through fallow months, only to have three or four bookings in a few weeks. It’s intense but worth it. A few days of major disruption, early starts and dozens of people all over our house mean we can’t be too precious. The production companies pay well (the fee for our house is £2,500 for a 12-hour fixed day but overtime and extras can bump this up), look after us well and leave. The next day it’s as though nothing has happened, the house is quiet again and the bank account boosted.

Every shoot is a small adventure, a glimpse behind the scenes of Britain’s creative industries, and a chance to see our home – quite literally – in a different light. L Lindsay Swan is co-author with Sylvia Holder of Accidental Lives, the story of how two intrepid women travelled the world, ran an unconventional PR company and set up a charity in India, published by Black Spring Press and available to order in bookshops and on Amazon, price d £16.99.

CHRISTMAS CHEERS

Opposite: London-based partyplanning agency Lettice Events is able to turn your grandest Christmas party aspirations into a reality with luxury catering and events logistics

Be our guest

WELCOMING VISITORS TO STAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS OR THROWING A WINTER SOIR É E? TALLULAH RUSHAYA ASKS THE PROFESSIONALS FOR TIPS ON HOW TO BE THE HOST WITH THE MOST AT THIS JOYFUL TIME OF YEAR

One of the joys of Christmas is bringing loved ones together in your own home. Once the annual debate of who is hosting this year’s festive gathering has been settled, leave the ins and outs of planning and delivery to the experts. Welcome visitors into a warm home full of personalised flourishes that will make this Christmas even better than the last.

CHRISTMAS PREP

Preparations start with a tidy home for minimum stress, with trustworthy staff that can be relied on, according to specialist household staff recruitment agency, Marshall Harber (marshallharber.com). While committed to excellence all year round, Christmas is a highlight for the agency, with some of its recruited staff having worked for the same family for years. “We vet candidates rigorously for skills in deep cleaning, attention to detail, and creative finishing touches, ensuring they can handle everything from arranging bespoke guest amenities to managing event setups seamlessly,” says Jo Harber, founder of Marshall Harber, who are also able to procure live-in staff.

Senior housekeeper Aneta, who recommends starting with large traffic areas, already thinks ahead to the “post-Christmas recovery ” while in preparation mode.

“During initial cleaning, I stock a ‘reset kit’ with storage bins for decorations and quick-wipe cloths,” she says. For Aneta, family inclusion ramps up the yuletide excitement. Assigning light tasks for the children, such as polishing

ornaments, after Aneta has deep cleaned the display shelves can turn prep into a bonding ritual, rather than a solo chore. An integral part of the London family, pets are also part of the celebrations. “Deep clean pet areas early – vacuum fur from upholstery and use enzyme cleaners on spots,” advises Aneta, who’s able to create designated pet zones, with beds and toys away from guest spaces. She finds adding festive bandanas or treats for pets brings a sense of harmony to the household.

Also going above and beyond for clients, concierge service 48 London is equipped to handle all Christmas dilemmas. “We take care of our clients’ every request and need, no matter how large or small or how last-minute,” assures Hope Dowlen, co-founder of 48 London (48london. com). For its clients, preparing the home before decorations go up is especially important. From transforming homes and takedowns to finding and professionally wrapping gifts, nothing ’s beyond its capabilities. For families planning a winter getaway after hosting duties, 48 London can also help with holiday prep, even flying cases out to be unpacked and steamed ahead of arrival.

SETTING THE TABLE

No Christmas is complete without a beautiful table. While staircases and mantles are adorned with reds, greens or any other preferred winter colour, the table is the hive of activity. Offering event design and styling, LAY London has brought residential tablescapes to life,

and has worked with clients including Garrard and Belmond. “At Christmas, a classic red-and-white look with potted poinsettia or vases of dahlias always brings a cheery feel,” cites Alice Herbert, co-founder of LAY London (laylondon. com). Observing the rise in gothic banquet-style tablescapes, for a Christmas twist, Alice recommends French linens, tall candelabras and and silver bowls of pomegranates and clementines “for pops of fragrant colour”

A real opportunity to include thoughtful details, Alice delights in leaving surprise tokens for each guest. Rather than traditional place cards, personalised glass baubles are mementos they can keep for years. “Ribbon-tied fabric crackers are a chic alternative to disposables and can be homemade to include chic presents that guests actually want to keep!” Alice suggests.

For Mayfair and Belgravia luxury floral couturist Neill Strain (neillstrain.com), spruce, pine, fir and conifer are what draws him into the spirit of Christmas. “I love incorporating dried elements such as pine cones, twigs, oranges and limes, which bring warmth, colour and a gentle scent to the home,” he says. Neill and his team can work their floral magic in any London home. While he

“AT CHRISTMAS, A CLASSIC REDAND-WHITE LOOK WITH POTTED POINSETTIA OR VASES OF DAHLIAS ALWAYS BRINGS A CHEERY FEEL”

TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY

This page: Alice Herbert, co-founder of LAY London adds finishing touches to an elegant festive tablescape Opposite, clockwise from top left: Six The Residence’s Wave bed, from £2,650, with its frame and headboard upholstered in caramel velvet would make for a welcoming guest room; Luxury florist Larry Walshe Studio can provide lush green wreaths for modern decoration schemes; the festive colour palette of this Devon home’s VSP Interiors-designed drawing room is beautifully set off with a mantlepiece draped with fresh holly and pine branches; Sharland England’s seasonal candles create a comforting ambience

agrees poinsettias are timeless, he says early hyacinthus and narcissus offer a gentle reminder spring is returning.

FOOD & DRINK

Christmas isn’t just nourishing for the spirit, but appetite too. The season presents a tapestry of flavours that everyone looks forward to from mulled wine to the main meal and everything in between, as well as the ensuing “crimbo limbo”. Purveyor of luxury catering and events, Lettice Events has been inundated with requests for its feasting tables. “We create tables that can be laden with seasonal favourites, ahead of guest arrival. Think comté gougères, homemade blinis and sharing house-cured smoked salmon,” explains Holly Congdon, managing director at Lettice Events (letticeevents.com). The perfect start to Christmas? A great cocktail, she says. Curating a mini martini bar of ice-cold options, paired with canapés, is always a winner. A ‘bump’ of caviar, Holly adds, sets people’s expectations for the night ahead, especially with flourishes, such as pearl canapé spoons. Holly finds clients add a fourth or fif th course to make guests feel extra special.

Clarence Tan, manager of Jeroboams King’s Road ( jeroboams.co.uk), recommends its own-label champagne, Laytons, as the perfect party starter. While drinks with echoes of cranberry and cream are favoured for the period, he urges us not to overlook alternatives. “People sometimes forget about cognacs for cocktails, but it’s super versatile in long drinks, like a Hine and ginger,” shares Clarence, who specifies the H by Hine Cognac as a solid choice. “Or classic cocktails like a vieux carré or sazerac with a split base (cognac and American whiskey).”

BEDROOMS

Before, during and after Christmas, peaceful sleep is another gift of the season. Again, it’s all about preparation. “Make sure the stage is set when they arrive and the lights are dimmed,” advises Hattie Hansard, interior designer at Joanna Wood ( joannawood.com). Hattie suggests leaving guests a hot water bottle or electric blanket the evening they arrive. Just as Christmas decoration themes are matters of personal preference, so is temperature. “Some people like a hot room, others prefer a cool one with lots of blankets, so make sure the heating is working and there are plenty of layers on the bed (think quilt, blanket and duvet),” she advises. To finish off, scent the room with a candle. Hattie recommends leaving a Nosegay candle with fresh notes, designed by herself and her interior designer mother Joanna Wood. For

FLEECE ON EARTH

Right: Made from lime wood and sheepskin, Ewenique Furniture’s large Edith sheep bench seats, priced £825, are one of many functional yet decorative pieces from Holly & Co, which offers a handpicked selection of homeware and gifting options from independent homeware brands

a sweeter scent, Louise Roe, founder of Sharland England (sharland-england.com) lights up its England’s Redcurrant & Clove candle.

Floral arrangements are a thoughtful addition to an inviting bedroom. Andrea Bassoli, studio manager at McQueens Flowers (mcqueensflowers.com), says the studio loves a ‘mini-wreath’ for children and guest bedrooms, which has been requested by clients. Working with bay, rosemary and olive, bound together with silk ribbon, usually hung from a wardrobe handle or headboard, Andrea notes its subtly evokes an instant welcome. “For the kids, we often add in wooden figures of woodland animals,” Andrea says. After being commissioned by a private client who “wanted each guest room to feel like its own suite”, they soon became a signature for McQueens. Instead of thinking of the guest bedroom as a ‘spare’, Georgia Metcalfe, founder and creative director of French Bedroom ( frenchbedroom.co.uk), sees the guest bedroom as an extension of the home. A top tip for maximum comfort? “A duvet one size larger than the bed frame so that it drapes over the edges of the bed, softening the look of the whole room,” says Georgia. For pillows, duck feather pillows not only look beautiful, they offer support and ample softness. “I always position one pillow beneath the duvet, and one on top. The one on top neatens and finishes the look while the one beneath is ready for your guest to rest their head as soon as they draw the duvet back – it’s the little things!”

Aneta from Marshall Harber agrees that luxury bedding is a must for guests. Opting for high-thread count linens in neutral tones, ensures a “hotel-like serenity”. Details, such as monogrammed pillow cases or a bedside tray with artisanal chocolates, makes visitors feel truly pampered and welcome.

Tokens of gratitude for guests, can invite them to feel more at home. Calum Wild, gift and seasonal buyer at Liberty Home (libertylondon.com) handpicks and gifts visitors a tree decoration. “I like to choose it based on their personality, or their hobby, or a memory from the past –something that reflects them in glittery glass form!” says Calum, who also leaves a handwritten card on the pillows of guests before they arrive.

The power of words is a common theme for the season, whether in cards, carols, stories or simply goodwill. Specialists in buying first editions of some of history’s most treasured tales, Peter Harrington also sells rare books with shops on Dover Street and Fulham Road. While first editions may not be suitable for guests to freely flicker, there are alternative options that are still visually

appealing. “When choosing what to leave on bedside tables or library shelves, familiar novels, anthologies of verse, festive tales, and children’s classics (whether for visiting youngsters or simply nostalgic value) are all excellent choices,” says Lily Bayntun-Coward, cataloguer and bookseller at Peter Harrington ( peterharrington.co.uk). Lily views books with Christmas inscriptions as especially engaging, and a poignant reminder of traditions we still engage in today.

BATHROOMS

Calm and cosiness are also important in the bathroom, comments Claire Hester, product director at Christy. Softness through fluffy towels, and flooring can make all the difference. She recommends a pair of terry lounge socks, or an oversized robe as simple yet caring details (christy.co.uk). The Marylebone-based Derek Rose (derekrose.com) monograms pyjamas and dressing robes, and is able to inscribe special messages.

Making the link between scent and memory, Jessica Hanley, founder of Piglet in Bed ( pigletinbed.com) and Wallow says it’s linked to the part of the brain that governs emotions. “That’s why a familiar scent can transport you to a particular moment in an instant,” Jessica expands. The sensory details are what makes guests feel at ease. In the bathroom, Jessica opts for scents with “gentle depth ”, such as lavender, patchouli and geranium. That, coupled with plush towels and a soft cotton robe? She gently warns that your guests may be hard pushed to leave. L

VILLAGE LONDON

CONNAUGHT VILLAGE

FULL OF ELEGANT PERIOD PROPERTY AND PRETTY GARDEN SQUARES, CONNAUGHT VILLAGE IS ONE OF CENTRAL LONDON’S HIDDEN GEMS

It’s rare to ﬁ nd a community vibe, with quiet tree-lined streets and garden squares so close to the transport hub of Paddington and within walking distance of Oxford Street, the West End and Hyde Park. Welcome to the delights of Connaught Village.

“The area is mainly populated by owner-occupiers , including a former prime minister and current TV presenter,” says Mark Ru ell, head of Hyde Park sales at Knight Frank.

Pubs, a cheeseshop, a ﬂorist, restaurants, boutiques and galleries o er a vibrant mix. “The main thoroughfare of Connaught Street has undergone somewhat of a transformation over the past couple of years with new restaurants and businesses opening up, along with a widening and landscaping of the pavement area on the corner by Kendal Street,” says Ru ell. “The Duke Of Kendal and The Victoria are two of my favourite pubs. For a treat I love to visit La Maritxu which specialises in Basque cheesecakes which are amazing.”

Among the varied homes on o er, from Georgian and Victorian to post-war, you’ ll ﬁ nd pretty mews streets.

“The annual community celebrations bring everyone together and underscore the village’s character”

“Connaught Village feels like a calm pocket of London with a real sense of community,” says Mike Lurot, sales associate at mews specialist Lurot Brand. “The village is surrounded by charming, cobbled mews – including Archery Close, Albion Mews and Frederick Close – o ering quiet, characterful homes moments from cafe s, galleries and boutiques ” “There’s a real village atmosphere here which residents love,” adds Oliver Cooper, lettings manager at Lurot Brand. “We’ve had tenants in Archery Close who’ve stayed for over a decade, which says everything about the area’s appeal.”

Christmas is particularly special, says Verity Chick, sales manager at Cluttons. “The annual community celebrations which, last year, featured a Christmas market and carol concert, bring everyone together and really underscore the village's character. Connaught Village has become a bit of a well-kept secret among those in the know.”

FREE REIN

A day IN CONNAUGHT VILLAGE

9AM

We ride out at dawn

O n Bathurst Mews, start the day with a wintry trot to neighbouring Hyde Park. The last mews with horses in central London, Hyde Park Stables (hydeparkstables.com) o ers private rides for children and adults all year round. S ee the city like never before now, or add it as a resolution for 2026.

11AM

Pastries and paintings

After the trot, refuel at one of the local eateries. Boxcar’s Bread & Wine Connaught branch specialises in freshly baked pastries (boxcar.co.uk) Find Persian-inspired teas and treat s a t Assal Patisserie, (assal.co.uk) which opened on Connaught Street in 1978. After indulging, explore the area’s art galleries. Dorothy Circus Gallery (dorothycircusgallery. com) is dedicated to avant- garde while Matt Carey-Williams (mattcareywilliams.com) hosts a year-round programme. Browse Rosewood Carpets (rosewoodcarpets.com), which is home to antique and vintage rugs.

1PM Village feast

Connaught Village has no shortage of lunch options. Whether you want to indulge in afternoon tea at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, taste the vibrant ﬂavours of Bombay Palace or ﬁ ll up with a pub lunch at The D u ke of Kendall, the neighbourhood is your oyster.

3PM

Christmas shopping

Making a list and checking it twice? Find gifts in the village ’s independent shops. C.Atherley (c-atherley.com) on Porchester Place is the brainchild of Cath Kidston Padgham, specialising in geranium-based bodycare. Neighbouring Faegar ( faegershop. com) focuses on pieces inspired by the English countryside with a kitsch twist. Luxury homeware store , Circus 25 (circus25. com) has a curated selection. For those seeking eveningwear or planning nuptials, head to The Atelier (theateliercouture.com), Eliza Jane Howell (elizajanehowell.com) and Bridal Rogue Gallery (bridalroguegallery. co.uk). A rrange a bouquet delivery at PM Flowers or a chalet getaway with Purple Ski.

5PM

Preened to perfection

With the party season in full swing, get ready at Sugaring London (sugaring.london), the hair-removal destination that can cover brows to toes using the ancient Egyptian sugaring method. Tend to tresses at Hair on Kendal (haironkendal.com) or David McNeil London (davidmcneilhair.com). For manis and pedis, try Connaught Nail Bar & Spa (connaughtnailbar.co.uk) on Connaught Street.

Ask a local

SARAH DUNCAN

Head of Jewellery at Lyon & Turnbull

“Connaught Village is a true London gem. I meet people from all over the UK who come into our Lyon & Turnbull gallery and so often I hear ‘what a lovely little area this is, I never knew this was here!’ I feel lucky to work surrounded by such lovely independent shops and cafes. I’m right between two wonderful coﬀee shops, Markus and Boxcar, both of which I adore escaping to with colleagues, friends and clients. If I'm treating myself, it’s a tough choice between sweets at La Maritxu or wine and cheese at Buchanans. I never seem to get much of a lunch break but when I do, it's nice to be able to pop into West and Hill or C. Atherley for a browse. We're truly spoiled for choice here! It’s a privilege to bring a little sparkle through our jewellery auctions to Connaught Village.” lyonandturnbull.com

Left: Saddle up for private rides at Hyde Park Stables, central London's last mews with horses Bottom, inset: Boxcar's Bread & Wine branch serves pastries and hot drinks, as well as wine and cocktails alongside an all-day brunch menu browse.

FOOD & DRINK

IN THIS QUIET CORNER, YOU'LL FIND FAMILY-RUN RESTAURANTS FULL OF FESTIVE MERRIMENT – AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, DELICIOUS DISHES

KENDAL STREET KITCHEN

17-20 Kendal Street

The modern Mediterranean restaurant is known for its welcoming atmosphere. Its a ll-day menus offer dishes that appeal to a wide range of palate s , from small plates to Napoletana pizzas. Open daily, the neighbou rhood establishment is perfect for catching up with friends and family over the Christmas and winter season. kendalstreetkitchen.com

THE

DUKE OF KENDAL

38 Connaught Street

Th is family- owned pub sits on the corner of Connaught Street. The seasona l menu is currently full of festive favourites , including traditional turkey with all the trimmings, lamb, sea bass and Sicilian aubergine. Exercise your vocal chords by belt ing out Christmas classics with the pub’s Sunday Sing-A-Longs or at Friday ’s Open Mic Night. thedukeofkendal.co.uk

BOXCAR BREAD & WINE

30-31 Kendal Street

Part of the Boxcar group, with Fire & Wine on New Quebec Street and Baker & Deli on Wyndham Place all within walking distance of each other, the collection of eateries has every dining style. At Bread & Wine find a menu of fresh pastries, brunch and lunch

options , from salads to pancakes and a Boxcar-style Full English. From 3 to 8pm enjoy late snacks, Wednesday to Saturday. boxcar.co.uk/bread-wine

BOMBAY PALACE

50 Connaught Street

With branches in Beverley Hills, Kuala Lumpur and Toronto, the Connaught Village restaurant has welcomed visitors from 1981. Inspired by the diverse flavours of India, voyage through a s treetfood selection made for sharing , with main courses including butter chicken, jeera aloo and a tangy Goan curry made with coconut milk, tamarind and green chil lie s. bombay-palace.co.uk

CASA MALEVO

23 Connaught Street

The family-run Argentinian steakhouse works with selected farmers to ensure the finest ingredients are in every dish. While the country is known for their beef, it ’s also known for tremendous wine , which Casa Malevo has. The restaurant’s wine list explores various regions across the country. You’ ll find options for varying taste s and empanadas , which are hand-shaped. casamalevo.com

SCHOOLS

Miss Daisy’s Hyde Park (missdaisysnursery.com) on The Long Garden, Albion Street, takes an eco-forest school approach. Part of Duke's Education, it has strong links to popular London schools for pupils to progress to. Founded in 1953, family-run co-ed Connaught House School (connaughthouseschool.co.uk) for ages 4 to 11 is on Hyde Park's doorstep (inset). Principal and director Victoria Hampton is the third generation of her family fostering an environment of kindness and learning. Hampden Gurney (hampdengurneyschool.

and biodynamic

co.uk) on Nutford Place is a Church of England primary school with a strong academic reputation. Wetherby Prep Marylebone (wetherbyschool.co.uk) on Bryanston Square for boys is one of the city’s top performers, with an equally prestigious senior school (wetherbysenior.co.uk) on Marylebone Lane. For girls, comprehensive St Marylebone School C of E (stmarylebone.school ) is a wellregarded option specialising in performing arts. Halcyon London International School (halcyonschool.com) enables pupils to profit from an IB curriculum from 11 to 18.

VILLAGE CHOICE

Top to bottom: Boxcar offers a selection of low-intervention

wine; sample Indian street food at Bombay Palace; enjoy a roast at the Duke of Kendal pub

ON THE MARKET

FROM GEORGIAN SQUARES TO POST-WAR FAMILY PROPERTIES,

CONNAUGHT VILLAGE HAS MUCH TO OFFER PROSPECTIVE BUYERS

Hot property

HYDE PARK STREET

Located mere moments from Hyde Park, this wide terraced family home beneﬁts from oﬀ-street parking. Inside, highlights include an open-plan living and dining space with a balcony, six double bedrooms, a cinema room, gym, swimming pool, sauna, and plentiful private outdoor space.

£5.75m Agent: knightfrank.co.uk

CONNAUGHT SQUARE

This handsome ﬁve-bedroom Georgian house sits mid-terrace on the east side of the storied square. It boasts two studies, a gym and access to the private communal garden.

£6.5m Agent: struttandparker.com

HYDE PARK CRESCENT

Set opposite a charming church, this ﬁvebed lateral home covers a generous 5,733 sq ft, complete with a mature garden and balcony overlooking a quiet mews.

£7.5m Agent: cluttons.com

ANDREW CHAMBERS Director, Strutt & Parker

“People often forget just how centrally located Connaught Village really is. I often walk there from Mayfair or Marylebone in 15 minutes, yet as soon as you arrive, you’re met with a village-like feel. With the vast green spaces of Hyde Park quite literally on your doorstep, residents enjoy an exceptional blend of city, country and village living rolled into one. While there are many high-end properties, the reality is a more diverse property landscape, ranging from one- to four-bedroom conversion apartments, with prices typically starting around £500,000, through to the more exclusive super-prime homes at £10m+. Connaught Square sits centrally, oﬀering strong value compared to its W1 neighbours. This last year, Mayfair houses in fair condition achieved around £2,300 per sq ft. Comparable Georgian homes around Connaught Square average closer to £1,500+ per sq ft for the same period charm with the beneﬁt of a prestigious garden-square setting.” struttandparker.com

THE TURN OF THE CENTURY

SALES 2025 of

Against a backdrop of overseas conflict and domestic economic uncertainty, the London market has faced challenges in the past 12 months. But rare and ‘best in class’ homes will always win, Zoe Dare Hall discovers, as the capital’s top agents reveal their deals of the year

Right: Savills oversaw the £8.25m sale of this six-bedroom Regent's Park Road home, which had been passed down through one family line for more than 100 years

In a year of geo-political turmoil, what prime London agents have considered to be their most memorable sales hasn’t always been about achieving earthshattering figures. Some reflect the tenacity needed to push the deal over the line and the friendships formed during a protracted process. Others have been about setting new records and achieving eye-watering prices. Here, leading agents share their highlights.

SALES OF THE CENTURY

Londoners own their home for an average of 11 years before selling – but Savills secured two sales this year on houses that hadn’t changed hands for more than a century. One six-bed terraced townhouse in Regent’s Park Road, guided at £8.25m, had been in the same family for 121 years. Another, a Chelsea landmark that saw competitive bids, is Vale End in Mallord Street, which went on sale for £7.25m for the first time since it was built for the late artist Arthur Croft Mitchell in 1914. Hamptons also had a piece of history on its hands with a £4.6m semi-detached villa on Kensington’s Canning Place, its first time on the market since it was built in 1837. “The original title deeds state that you can have two cows tethered in the front garden and 10 grazing sheep in Kensington Gardens, and all the features inside are original, including a working dumb waiter,” says Kourosh Tamjidi at Hamptons Kensington. The house sold at a record price per square foot for an unmodernised property, he adds, “to a family who are going in for planning and two years’ worth of work”.

FULL HOUSE

Finlay Brewer’s £4.2m sale of a house on Brook Green’s Luxemburg Gardens represented “the perfect balance of heritage, individuality and lifestyle appeal – a one-off in its area,” says Paul Cosgrove. Its owners had lavished attention on renovating the house, combining original cornicing and fireplaces with modern living spaces. The European buyers were won over by the west London neighbourhood’s cosy cafes and family-run shops, which reminded them of home. And the property is just around the corner from St Paul’s Girls’ School, currently top of the UK league table for independent girls’ schools.

A STELLAR SALE

A three-bed apartment in the palatial, historic Star & Garter building on Richmond Hill,

priced at £5.8m, also broke records this year in a sale by Knight Frank. “This property achieved the highest sale price in the building since its launch, setting a new benchmark for excellence. It also secured the highest pound-per-square-foot price in Richmond this year, underscoring the building’s exceptional quality and desirability,” notes Knight Frank Richmond’s senior negotiator Liam Doyle.

A LANDMARK SALE

Strutt & Parker didn’t just achieve £24m for a five-bed apartment in the David Chipperfielddesigned development, One Kensington Gardens. They also helped the international buyer – who paid in US dollars – exchange within a week. “This transaction sends a clear message about the prime location and calibre of this development. Buyers continue to value green space, proximity to landmarks, and accessibility – factors which are increasingly rare in London new builds,” says Orla O’Sullivan, associate director at Strutt & Parker.

THE PERSONAL TOUCH

Jessica Moreton at UK Sotheby’s International Realty flags up the £3.25m sale of a threebed house in Charles II Place, bought by American parents for their daughter who was moving to London. “It’s one of those Chelsea addresses that feels calm, private and perfectly connected, but it stands out to me for the people too. It quickly became a collaboration,” says Moreton. “We brought in architects to explore layout ideas, discussed design and even began curating furniture together. I guided them from that first viewing to completion and beyond.”

WRITTEN ON THE WALL

The Pimlico home that belonged to the BBC’s founder Lord Reith in the 1920s – as marked by a Blue Plaque on its facade – was a notable sale for Sean Williams at Hamptons. Having been on the market on and off since 2018, and seen various price reductions, Hamptons achieved its asking price of £4.65m in February this year. “An English family who own another house in the countryside fell in love with the house’s early Georgian history and wanted it as their London residence,” comments Williams.

Another Blue Plaque – on Montagu Mansions in Marylebone, honouring the songwriter Marcel Stellman – “was a great talking point on viewings, as many buyers are interested in the history,” notes James Staite, director of Dexters Marylebone, who sold an

apartment in the building for £3.2m this year. “A high-net-worth UK buyer who mostly lives outside of London bought this as a second home to use when in the capital. The area is ever-popular with those seeking a traditional red-brick apartment and a turnkey interior,” Staite adds.

LATERAL LIVING AND THINKING

Against a difficult market backdrop, JLL successfully secured a £1.38m sale within six weeks for an apartment in Riverlight Quay in Nine Elms – and found a purchaser for the buyer’s existing property. But then things got tricky when the buyer struggled to secure a mortgage. “We negotiated a rental income, allowing the buyer to continue with the purchase, before selling the property at a later date – all handled by us,” says Liam Bartlett from JLL Nine Elms. “Through it all, the buyer and seller became friends and even met up in Turkey afterwards for a celebration.”

TURNKEY HERITAGE

“This outstanding four-bedroom apartment in Albert Hall Mansions, a Grade II-listed mansion block overlooking Hyde Park, proves that a perfectly refurbished period property can rival the newest branded residences,” says Shaun Drummond, director of Harrods Estates, who sold the property

MARKET LEADERS

Opposite, clockwise from top left: On the market for the very first time since its 1837 construction through Hamptons, this Canning Place villa achieved a £4.6m record; another competitive first-timer, late artist Arthur Croft Mitchell's Chelsea home was sold by Savills; Hamptons sold BBC founder Lord Reith's Georgian Pimlico pad for £4.65m; the bumpy £1.38m sale of this Riverlight Quay apartment was excellently negotiated by JLL; Knight Frank achieved the highest sale price in Richmond Hill's Star & Garter building for one of its three-bed apartments; Sotheby's sold this Charles II Place home for £3.25m and even helped the US buyers with early development plans; with a blend of heritage, modernity and excellent local lifestyle amenities, this £4.2m Luxemburg Gardens property was an easy sell for Finlay Brewer Above: Strutt & Parker sold a five-bed apartment in the new One Kensington Gardens development to an international buyer for £24m in a dizzying one-week exchange

guided at £10.75m to an overseas buyer relocating to London.

RECORD BREAKERS

Above and inset: Mick Jagger's Marylebone flat, sold by Beauchamp Estates for £5.5m in spring, generated a lot of clicks Opposite, clockwise from top left: Immaculately refurbished, this four-bed apartment fetched £10.75m through Harrods Estates, setting a record price for its Grade II-listed building; sold for just under its £14.95m asking price by Carter Jonas, 28 Charles Street is proof that Mayfair's still a hit with international buyers; this six-storey residence achieved Pimlico's biggest sale of the year: £4.2m through John D. Wood; Aston Chase negotiated the lengthy sale of this 6,000 sq ft Wadham Gardens rental property; with the help of deVOL's social media, this refurbished mews house, sold through Lurot Brand, achieved a new record price for its much-coveted W11 street; sold for £2.7m through Chestertons, this Wandsworth home offers an excellent opportunity to add value; prospective Barnes residents are buying into the enclave's rich history, as evidenced by Marsh & Parson's over-the-askingprice sale of this family home

“The apartment set a record price per square foot for the building. It has a scale that modern schemes often cannot achieve because of planning restrictions, including 4.1-metrehigh ceilings in its two vast reception rooms, but it also needed no work, no redesign. It has the standard of a new-build and the character of a century-old address,” Drummond adds.

MAYFAIR FOREVER

Carter Jonas’s sale of the year is an indication that Mayfair still has pulling power among global UHNW buyers looking for a London home. 28 Charles Street, a large doublefronted house with eight bedrooms and a huge reception room, was listed at £14.95m and sold to a Middle Eastern buyer for £14.35m in July. “Its sale is a stand-out achievement in this year’s market, achieving a premium result in a challenging economic climate,” comments Samuel Richardson, Carter Jonas Mayfair’s head of sales.

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF VICTORIAN COMMUTERS

Woodlands Road in Barnes has been a commuter hotspot since it was first developed in the 1880s, when workers began to travel into the City on the new Waterloo line, says Phil Coombes, director of Marsh & Parsons

in Barnes. One of the street’s houses – marketed at £3.875m, sold for more than £4m in October – is his stand-out choice for sale of the year “as it captures everything that people love about Barnes. Buyers understood they weren’t just buying a warm family home but a piece of the area’s history.”

PIMLICO ON THE RISE

Pimlico’s most expensive sale this year – a sixstorey, 4,600 sq ft period house in Cambridge Street that sold for £4.2m – wasn’t just “a period house with an immaculate finish,” says Can Gerlirli from John D. Wood in Pimlico, who handled the sale. “It stands out for what it represents about Pimlico’s quiet transformation. In recent years we’ve seen a younger, creative and professional crowd moving in, drawn by the easy access to Victoria, Battersea Power Station, and improved transport links.”

Jackson-Stops’ Harry Buchanan also chooses a Pimlico sale: a five-bed apartment priced at £3.35m in Carlisle Mansions, which sold to Saudi Arabian buyers who had been renting locally. “It presented lateral living in a traditional block, which is particularly attractive to the international market,” says Buchanan. In Pimlico, you get “more bang for your buck than Chelsea”, he adds – and things move fast. “Three-quarters of our current property pipeline in Pimlico is entirely cash-funded, with no mortgages or chains involved,” says Buchanan.

A PIGEON PAIR

The sale of “a brace of penthouses” in Upper Brook Street is Wetherell’s pick of 2025. The reason? “Selling two properties at the same time, to the same buyer, for a phenomenal price,” says Wetherell’s Robert Britten of the two duplex properties which totalled 3,346 sq ft and had a guide price of £14m for the pair. “They occupied the top two floors of the building, located side by side with a corridor separating them. You can’t combine them, but they were sold completely renovated,” Britten adds.

MOVES LIKE JAGGER

Celebrity homes sell in half the time of a ‘normal’ home, according to Beauchamp Estates, and Mick Jagger’s ‘sub-penthouse’ in Harley House in Marylebone – where he lived with Marianne Faithfull in the 1960s, using

one of the four bedrooms as a ‘hippy lounge’ – caused a stir when it went on sale in April for £5.5m. It generated 1,100 webpage views within two weeks, numerous enquiries and several o ers, eventually selling to a young UK buyer as his London pied-à-terre. Beauchamp Estates point out that several other similar apartments in Harley House are on the market and remain unsold.

STAR OF THE SOCIALS

A newly refurbished mews house in Holland Park Mews sold above asking price, within a week, setting a new price record for this eternally popular W11 street. “It had 12 viewings, more than 144,000 views and 5,000 likes. It also helped that deVOL, the bespoke kitchen company, shared it among their followers too, leading to multiple bids,” says Mike Lurot at Lurot Brand.

UNMODIFIED GEM

The rarity of a large “unmodiﬁed” family house in Wandsworth’s ‘Toast Rack’, close to the Common, shops and great schools, led to 67 viewings in 12 days, 12 o ers and sold for £500,000 over its £2.2m asking price. “Most of the surrounding houses are already fully extended and valued at £4m to £5m, so for a buyer to get something to put their own stamp on in this location is huge,” says Rae Firminger at Chestertons Wandsworth.

TO LET FOR SALE

It was, says Mark Pollack, co-founder of Aston Chase, a “very creative deal”. The six-bedroom family home on Wadham Gardens, just o Elsworthy Road, was sold for a ﬁgure close to the asking price of £17.95m, approaching £3,000 per square foot. What made this transaction particularly noteworthy was that the property was not formally on the sales market. At the time, it was being let by Aston Chase for £15,000 per week to American tenants. Extending to around 6,000 sq ft, the home perfectly met the speciﬁc requirements of an international family represented by a buying agent. The purchasers were seeking a generously proportioned residence without basement levels, o ering ample parking and a substantial private garden – steering clear of the “mega basements” and overabundance of home amenities that have become fashionable across prime central London in recent years. Aston Chase negotiated with the landlord on behalf of the buyers, who then patiently waited for almost nine months for the tenancy to end, before completing the purchase. L

istmas

THE LONDON LIST

Your little black book of essential London services, specially curated each month by the editors of The London Magazine and including recommendations from some of prime London’s top property agents

ILLUSTRATIONS: ANNA LOUISE OLIVER AT THE ARTWORKS

THE LONDON LIST

FOOD & DRINK

ARTHUR’S MARKET

279 King’s Road, SW3 5EW 020 4615 1600 arthurs.market

The new premium grocery store was established by the founders of Prince Arthur pub in Belgravia.

Offering a delectable selection of grocery, deli and butcher produce, the store is also home to a fishmonger. Inside, find two countertop dining options: ASA Izakaya and tapas bar, Salvador.

BERRY BROS & RUDD

63 Pall Mall, St James’s, SW1Y 5HZ bbr.com

Proudly Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant, Berry Bros & Rudd was founded in 1698. The family-owned and run business has built an extraordinary network of producers. Find experts in their ﬁeld who are able to advise which reds or whites are best this December. Its historic venue in St James’s also hosts bespoke events and tastings in their cellars.

FORMAN & FIELD

H. Forman & Son, Stour Road, Fish Island, E3 2NT 020 3601 5464 formanandﬁeld.com

Synonymous with smoked salmon, Forman & Field has been delivering gourmet produce since 1905.

Would

Forman & Field offers grade -one fish, in addition to grass-fed meats and rare -breed poultry. If you're on the hunt for the ultimate Christmas hamper, fish favourites, or a show-stealing centrepiece, Christmas dining with Forman & Field is ensured to be the finest.

LETTICE EVENTS

Kennington 020 8038 4796 letticeevents.com

Whether planning a festive soirée or smaller aﬀair, Lettice Events provides sustainable luxury catering and event planning. Working closely with its clients, the carefully curated menus can reﬂect seasonal dining. Catering for clients such as the Royal Academy of Arts, Chanel, and Vivienne Westwood, Lettice can plan an unforgettable day or night.

PARTRIDGES

Gloucester Road partridges.co.uk

Elevate Christmas dining with Partridges, the grocers that has been selling the ﬁnest quality foods from British producers since 1972. The family-run business originally opened its doors on Sloane Street, before moving to Duke of York Square. The shop is now at 17-19 Gloucester Road.

PAXTON &

WHITFIELD

93 Jermyn Street, Mayfair, SW1Y 6JE paxtonandwhitﬁeld.co.uk

Established in 1797, the London cheesemonger has been cited by Winston Churchill as where a gentleman buys his cheese. The cheesemonger of choice to Queen Victoria, Paxton & Whitﬁeld held royal warrants under Queen Elizabeth II. Find ample choice in store and online, with generous hampers that make the perfect gift for hosts to cheeses that will complete a decadent cheeseboard.

THE HAMPSTEAD BUTCHER & PROVIDORE

Hampstead; West Hampstead and Muswell Hill hampsteadbutcher.com

Known for its traditional meat cuts, The Hampstead Butcher is also a delicatessen, charcuterie, cheesemonger, wine shop and grocer. Using British free-range farms in addition to game, its fresh -food counters are always

stocked with the widest variety and artisan suppliers.

THE WHISKY EXCHANGE

Covent Garden, Great Portland Street, London Bridge thewhiskyexchange.com

For 2025 The Whisky Exchange has launched an exclusive. A Good Old-Fashioned Christmas Whisky (£79.95) is available online and in the three Whisky Exchange stores in Covent Garden, Great Portland Street and London Bridge, and is Christmas in a glass.

WILD BY TART

3-4 Eccleston Yards, Belgravia wildbytart.com/catering

Founded by Jemima Jones and Lucy Carr-Ellison, the duo behind Tart London, Wild by Tart focuses on big ﬂavours and seasonal ingredients. If you're planning a get-together, they can cater for a minimum of 20 guests seated or minimum 30 standing. Going above and beyond, the team can also provide a preferred list of suppliers for AV, entertainment and more.

WRIGHT BROS

thewrightbrothers.co.uk

The specialist seafood delivery service can bring the best of the sea to your door. London’s seafood experts have curated an indulgent selection of Christmas ﬁsh and meat. Options include a whole side

SPOTLIGHT ON…

Jeroboams was founded in 1985 by Peter Rich, starting life as a cheese and wine club. Dubbed ‘London’s local wine merchant’ Jeroboams can be found in locations from Kensington to Wimbledon, King’s Road to Holland Park. Working with exclusive family- owned wine producers, its expansive collection suits a range of preferences. To prepare shoppers for the festive season's feasting, the King’s Road (Chelsea) branch is hosting a Christmas wine, gifting, pairing and tasting event on 6 December. 10 London locations; jeroboams.co.uk

JEROBOAMS

of beetroot gravadlax, Carlingford oysters and Christmas smoked fish box. Supplying to chefs at London’s finest restaurants, the Wright Bros has its own restaurants within the capital.

PANZER'S

13 Circus Road, St John's Wood, NW8 6PD

panzers.co.uk

The beloved north London deli and grocer has a host of Christmas and festive delicacies to welcome the season in delicious style, alongside well-curated hampers.

FLOWERS & DECORATION

ANYA BANKS

020 633 1961

anya@anyadesigns.ltd

Professional Christmas decorator

Anya Banks can tailor designs to any colour scheme. Focusing on London in addition to the Midlands, Anya can illuminate any residence to make residents feel as if they have just stepped on to a festive film set. Beginning with a personal visit or photographs, from a theme, Anya is able to conjure up a design that will impress your holiday guests. Once the festive period is over, she will return to remove decorations.

NEILL STRAIN

11 West Halkin St, Belgravia, SW1Z 8JL 020 7235 6469 neillstrain.com

Floral wizards, Neill Strain and his talented team are able to create the ultimate floral couture. Neill Strain also has a Mayfair boutique and concession in Harrods. Transforming the ordinary into extraordinary, the Belgravia facade has continued to capture the city’s imaginations with seasonal blooms designed in all their glory. Whether looking for a centrepiece for the table, wreath for the front door, or something more bespoke, Neill can bring any botanical vision to life.

GIFTS & WRAPPING COLFORD

colford.co.uk

Founded by Imogen Beresford and Nathan Cole, the responsible gift-wrapping service ensures those highly anticipated presents are wrapped to perfection. Using only FSC-certified papers, Colford works with luxury brands and

private individuals to design beautiful papers. Able to neatly wrap classic gifts, they also tackle unique offerings such as works of art and miniature trees.

THE GIFT CONSULTANCY

07984 178307

thegiftconsultancy.co.uk

Hetty Lintell has been procuring the finest presents for clients since 2020. An expert in the world of luxury, she helps clients who are time pressed or are finding it challenging to source a gift. Each project is bespoke, and with more than 15 years' experience in the field, she doesn’t leave it to chance.

PARTY

ALEX MERZ PHOTOGRAPHY

London 07960 012364

alexmerz.com

Capture Christmas on film. Alex Merz has worked on an eclectic mixture of events, from corporate to private. Shooting in a timeless style, Alex focuses on candid images of party guests, resulting in naturally warm pictures that can be treasured. View Alex’s portfolio online which includes interiors, luxury and campaigns.

JESSICA BIRD ILLUSTRATOR

London based jessicarosebird.com

Primarily working as a fashion illustrator, Jessica Bird does live event drawing. Clients she has worked with include Samsung, Hermès and Tiffany. Able to capture guests with speed, her work is highly pigmented using chalk pastel and willow charcoal. Guided by her artistic intuitiveness and surroundings, her work makes a wonderful Christmas memento.

MATT MAURICE EVENTS

4th Floor, 86-90 Paul Street, EC2A 4NE 020 7129 7460 mattmaurice.co.uk

Able to set the tone for client’s nights, Matt Maurice is the original event DJ hire company in London. As a former DJ himself, Matt knows how to locate talent that will get your guests on the dancefloor. In addition to DJs, Matt Maurice also has singers, bands, string quartets and violinists that can play a whole host of musical genres. Working with international

SPOTLIGHT ON…

MARSHALL HARBER

For 25 years, under Jo Harber’s hands-on leadership, Marshall Harber has expertly sourced and vetted exceptional household staff for London’s discerning homes. From housekeepers to butlers and more, its discreet, bespoke placements span the UK and beyond. Trust them to deliver unparalleled service. 020 7938 2200; info@marshallharber.com; marshallharber.com

and British celebrities, Lamborghini and Spotify, your music playlist will be in safe hands.

MERI MERI

merimeri.co.uk

Make all your part y dreams come true this festive season. Supplier of fun party paraphernalia and thoughtful gifts, the company was created by Meredithe Stuart-Smith who transformed her enthusiasm for design into a renowned brand. Enhance the magic of Christmas with Meri Meri, whose latest collection includes an advent calendar with Ladurée and a Harrods Charm bracelet calendar.

BEAUTY

RUUBY

11 Palace Ct, London W2 4LP ruuby.com

One of the pioneering digital beauty services, book five -star beauty and wellness treatments without leaving home, hotel or office. With a network of more than 600 qualified and vetted professionals to hand, Ruuby can also cater for large events.

CAR SERVICES

EG CHAUFFEUR

Office 222 C, 2nd Floor, 239 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 6SN egchauffeurs.com 020 711 72905

Arrive in style. Counting HNWI, business executives and music producers among its loyal client base, you'll find efficiency and courtesy with the trusted chauffeur company.

DRY CLEANING

JEEVES OF BELGRAVIA Mayfair; Hampstead jeevesofbelgravia.com

Red wine down your best dress? The royal-warranted dry cleaners deliver garments direct to customer’s doors. Founded more than 50 years ago, London’s finest dry cleaner is renowned for excellence. Clothing undergoes its meticulous seven stages of care, with skilled experts able to restore items to be as good as new, just in the nick of time for the glittering party season.

FITNESS

PILATES SQUARED

27 Emperors Gate, Kensington, SW7 4HS

pilatessquared.co.uk

Keep fit this winter and into the new year with in studio and online classes at Pilates Squared. Teaching classic pilates as pioneered by Joseph Pilates, the South Kensington-based studio also teaches the increasingly popular Reformer Pilates to give support in developing a toned body. L

ANNE ASHWORTH

There’s one sector of the London economy that’s going from strength to strength: fragrance houses and department store halls are enjoying the sweet scent of success

Asweet smell of success hangs over one part of the economy. This is the perfume sector which is prospering in London, occupying an ever-larger amount of retail space than ever before. Prices range from £10 to £1,000. This is a democratic indulgence.

A Christmas shopping trip provides the ideal chance to observe this trend, and maybe solve some present problems since many women, and an increasing number of men, are accumulating a ‘ wardrobe’ of perfumes.

Once ‘ fragrance monogamy ’ was the rule. You stayed faithful to one cologne or perfume all your adult life. Now people are adopting scent polyamory. They want an assortment of scents for the different parts of their lives; they also desire amazing fragrances for their homes. Today ’s luxury prime central London development requires a bespoke scent that discreetly pervades the premises

This altered relationship with perfumes is partly the result of the return to shopping in stores. Customers have embraced the chance to sniff and sample and explore the offerings of recently-established independent brands. In response, retailers are enlarging areas devoted to olefactory delights. In the 16,000 sq ft beauty hall of John Lewis Oxford Street the perfume brands range from the haute luxe to the niche labels with an artisan feel.

In nearby Wigmore Street, the upmarket pharmacy John Bell & Croyden has responded to demand for something out of the ordinary by establishing a fragrance bar this Christmas. The choice includes Revolution from the Paris perfume house Trudon, founded in 1643. Such is the importance of perfume that Boots has opened a branch in the City ’s Broadgate Centre stocking solely fragrance.

Once fragrance monogamy was the rule. Now people are adopting scent polyamory

The predominant scent of the Square Mile is said to be money. But now it’s Le Labo’s Santal 33, or another refined treat for the nose.

When I asked Alexander Johnston, John Bell & Croyden’s general manager, why customers want more than the output of Chanel, Dior and the other traditional French houses, he said: “People are looking for a story ”.

On my Christmas shopping expeditions this year, I plan to make some diversions to key sites around Jermyn Street and Savile Row

in the story of great 18th and 19th century London perfume houses: Floris, Penhaligon and Creed, now owned by L’Oreal. Until the building of an effective sewage system as part of the Victoria Embankment scheme in the 1860s, London was an odiferous metropolis, which made perfumes a necessity as well as an accessory. The year of 1858 was dubbed the Great Stink , such was the stench from the river.

Jo Malone, now a division of the Estée Lauder empire, arrived in 1990 on Walton Street, in another burst of innovation, blending English florals with a top note of British eccentricity. And London continues to inspire perfumiers. London Dusk from Ruth Mastenbroek evokes the mood of anticipation as twilight falls on the city and the population heads out for the evening, with hints of saffron and sandalwood.

Next year, caramel-type constituents are forecast to surge in popularity, catering for the cravings of people on weight-loss drugs. It seems that if you’re denied puddings, smelling like dessert is a decent substitute. Pop star Sabrina Carpenter’s perfumes are some of the examples of these ‘gourmand ’ fragrances. But more are coming.

As I look back on 2025, I reflect that one of the best parties that I attended was the launch of the Duran Duran perfume by Italian house Xerjoff. What is a band, after all, without its own fragrance line? The event, part dramatic performance, part DJ set, took place in the basement of a West End cinema. Members of the band played roles in the drama , which culminated in the unveiling of the scents which embody the glamour of pop stardom.

My Christmas gift to myself will be a visit to London’s great beauty halls for some fresh notes for my perfume wardrobe. L

PHOTOGRAPH: JOHN BELL & CROYDEN

PUTTING ON THE SPRITZ John Bell & Croyden has established a festive fragrance bar

MARKET

SALES & LETTINGS

FIND THE FINEST HOMES IN THE CAPITAL ON THE

pages 76 – 129

CENTRAL

Sales

• 5-bed ﬂat, One Hyde Park SW1, £45m (Sotheby’s UK ) • 12-bed house, Princes Gate SW7, £30m (Knight Frank) • 6-bed house, Tregunter Road SW10, £27.95m (Beauchamp Estates, pictured )

Lettings

• 4-bed ﬂat, One Hyde Park SW1, £27k pw (UK Sotheby’s) • 8-bed house, Cheyne Walk SW3, £18k pw (Beauchamp Estates) • 3-bed house, Grosvenor Crescent Mews, £10k pw (UK Sotheby’s)

NOT ALL ESTATE AGENTS ARE THE SAME … THE DIFFERENCE IS CLEA

What is CLEA? CLEA members represent prime central London’s leading estate agents, working in collaboration to provide exclusive data insights on the market, and publishing The London Magazine since 1991.

CLEA (Central London Estate Agents) is made up of 24 of the most respected household names in property, with a dominant presence on all prime central London’s h igh s treets. CLEA represent s the gold standard in sales and

lettings . With a collection of more than 500 o ces across prime London and its collaboration with LonRes, the property data network, CLEA o ers unrivalled real-time insights into the housing market.

CLEA agents are trusted and established, representing strength and reliability in prime London property.

The London Magazine , owned by CLEA,remains the leading property and lifestyle magazine for prime London. thelondonmagazine.co.uk/about-us/

Top sales of 2025 by area

(ALL PRICES ARE GUIDE PRICES)

NORTH Sales

• 6-bed house, Hamilton Terrace NW8, £20m (Sotheby’s UK ) • 7-bed house, Wadham Gardens NW3, £17.95m ( Aston Chase , pictured ) • 14-bed house, Frognal NW3, £16.95m (Knight Frank)

Lettings

• 7-bed house, Elsworthy Road NW3, £17.5K pw (Knight Frank) • 6-bed house, Cornwall Terrace NW1, £15k pw ( Aston Chase) • 6-bed house, Acacia Road NW8, £7.5k pw ( Aston Chase)

SOUTH

Sales

• 5-bed ﬂat, Casson Square SE1, £12m (Knight Frank) • 10-bed house, Great College Street SW1, £9.5m (Savills) • 6-bed house, Cambridge Street SW1, £4.8m (John D Wood & Co)

Lettings

• 4-bed flat, Buckingham Gate SW1, £6k pw (JLL, pictured ) • 4-bed flat, Carnation Way SW8, £3.9k pw (JLL) • 3-bed flat, Carnation Way SW8, £3.75k pw (JLL)

WEST

Sales

• 9-bed house, Addison Road W14, £35m (Savills) • 5-ﬂat, Kensington Road W8, £24m (Strutt & Parker) • 6-bed house, Kensington Park Gardens, £24m (UK Sotheby’s)

Lettings

• 6-bed house, Vicarage Gate W8, £22k pw (Knight Frank) • 5-bed house, Campden Hill Road W8, £10k pw (Knight Frank) • 6-bed house, Lansdowne Crescent W8 £8k pw (Strutt & Parker, pictured )

LonRes is an independent business-to-business subscriber-based data platform used by London’s foremost property professionals. LonRes is widely regarded as having the deﬁnitive database on the prime London sales and lettings markets with archives that date back to 1979 and 2004 respectively. The data is collected in real-time. Property type and area data based on the three months to the end of October 2025. Lonres.com

Opportunities are there for the taking

ANTHONY PAYNE CEO at LonRes

It’s the beginning of November and we’re inching our way towards the Budget. While the market is cautious, some buyers are taking the opportunity to make the most of weak conditions.

As I’ve mentioned before, sellers are becoming increasingly realistic on pricing and there are some genuine bargains to be had. Properties on sought-after streets, or properties sought after in their own right, are out there.

Even if they’re not in turnkey condition, these are homes where, frequently, the cost of renovation can be o set by the discounted asking price, leaving the new owner with something very special.

For buyers, I’d say there’s value in being counterintuitive.And for sellers I’d add, if they’re ﬂexible on pricing they should win out. I’ve heard of sales in the last few weeks where multiple buyers have bid on a property. But with only one victorious purchaser that leaves several disappointed others actively searching and wanting to buy.

I’ll leave you with this stat – in total, buying agents registered with LonRes are currently searching for close to £3bn worth of prime London property on behalf of their clients. These are committed buyers, who’ve paid a fee to engage a search agent. That’s a lot of buying power in a small area.And there are many more buyers out there. See you post-Budget! L

Cottenham Park Road, SW20

£4,500,000

Set behind a gated driveway, an imposing family house with six bedrooms situated on a peaceful and prestigious street. Surrounded by the delicious eateries of Wimbledon Village and Ofsted rated outstanding schools, this Neo-Georgian property has superb features including a cinema room and a gym, ideal for a morning workout. There is also parking available for several cars, energy rating e.

Dexters Wimbledon. 12 The Broadway, London, SW19 1RF T: 020 8545 8580 E: wimbledonsales@dexters.co.uk

Arkwright Road, NW3

£7,250,000

On one of north London’s most desirable streets, a newly renovated six bedroom home complete with extensive living spaces to host. Recently remodelled and providing interiors flooded with natural light and contemporary style, this is the perfect place to socialise with guests. Offering a fantastic variety of amenities on your doorstep, residents will find boutique shops and restaurants nearby, energy rating c.

Dexters Hampstead. 56 Heath Street, London, NW3 1DL T: 020 7433 0273 E: hampsteadsales@dexters.co.uk

@dexterslondon

Cambridge Park, TW1

£5,523 per week

Moments from Richmond town centre, a remarkable family house that has seven bedrooms. Nestled behind secure gates on a leafy street, this exquisite property offers luxurious living and exceptional privacy. Providing five sophisticated reception rooms, landscaped gardens and a self-contained annexe, this home is a must see for those who love to entertain, energy rating c.

Dexters St Margarets. 1 Chertsey Road, London, TW1 1LR T: 020 8744 9700 E: stmargaretslettings@dexters.co.uk

Lancaster Gate, W2

£4,615 per week

Perfectly placed within an exclusive development, an impressive apartment providing four bedrooms and a generously sized reception room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Beautifully presented throughout, further benefits include a 24-hour concierge, private parking, a gym and a spa. Neighbouring the Royal Hyde Park, this is a highly desirable London location, energy rating c.

Dexters Hyde Park. 4 Spring Street, London, W2 3RA T: 020 7298 1560 E: hydeparklettings@dexters.co.uk

PRIORY WALK, CHELSEA SW10

An exceptional, five to six bedroom, white stucco-fronted townhouse situated on the peaceful and prestigious Priory Walk in Chelsea, with an impressive 72 ft west-facing garden.

Rebecca Jane Higgins 020 7871 4115

rebecca.higgins@knightfrank.com

WANDLE ROAD, WANDSWORTH SW17

Hawthorn House is an impressive family home set on a quiet residential road with a wonderful south-facing garden and off street parking.

jack.gravestock@knightfrank.com

GILKES CRESCENT, DULWICH VILLAGE SE21

Only 1 of 12 homes remaining! An impressive four bedroom, four bathroom new-build home with split-level garden and two parking spaces in Dulwich Village. 4 bedrooms | 4-5 bathrooms | 2-3 reception rooms | EPC A Freehold | Service charge: approximately £2,155.55 per annum, reviewed annually, next review 2026 | Council Tax band H Guide price £2,800,000 knightfrank.co.uk

catherine.stage@knightfrank.com Catherine Stage 020 3815 9410

WILTON ROW, BELGRAVIA SW1X

The home features state of the art security, A/C, underfloor heating and surround sound system to all floors, ensuring that the property is equipped for contemporary living.

Guide price £30,000 per calendar month knightfrank.co.uk

ellie.white@knightfrank.com

Natasha Efstathiou 020 3907 2194

Ellie White 020 7349 4314 tom.smith@knightfrank.com Tom Smith 020 7861 1782 natasha.efstathiou@knightfrank.com

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent and the deposit, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £60 per person will apply when renting a property (if not an AST). (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) If the landlord agrees to you having a pet, you may be required to pay a higher deposit (if not an AST) or higher weekly rent (if an AST). Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.

TIERNEY LANE, LONDON W6

Found on the seventh floor of Faulkner House within the Fulham Reach Development, this apartment offers the best of modern living, set within beautifully landscaped gardens.

Francesca Levy 020 8682 7765

francesca.levy@knightfrank.com

Katie Shaw 020 3761 3157

katie.shaw@knightfrank.com

Beth Tighe 020 3761 3157

beth.tighe@knightfrank.com

HYDE PARK SQUARE, LONDON W2

This house features an elegant design with pristine white walls and natural light throughout, benefiting from a patio, terrace and fireplace.

sofia.lira@knightfrank.com

Sofia Lira Salas 020 7871 5074 carmen.vigneron@knightfrank.com

Gaia Londei 020 3869 4692

Carmen Vigneron 020 3978 2463 gaia.londei@knightfrank.com

Make this Christmas your perfect home this festive season. a move to remember

Stafford Terrace, Kensington, W8 | Guide Price £2,950,000

This exceptional two-bedroom, split-level apartment on the Phillimore estate blends period charm with modern luxury. Featuring a bespoke Smallbone kitchen, parquet flooring, meticulous storage, a study and sunny roof terrace with estate views. Just a short walk from High Street Kensington’s amenities, the property is finished to the highest standards throughout, offering elegant, contemporary living. Approx. 1,659 sq ft. Energy Rating: E. Council Tax: G. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 reception room, roof terrace, period features, prime location.

Share of Freehold | JMogg@johndwood.co.uk | 020 7908 1100 3 2 1

James Stuart-Mogg Kensington | 020 7908 1100

Auron, 06660, France | Guide Price €2,490,000 Freehold | international@johndwood.co.uk | 020 3151 0367 6 3

This 226 m2 chalet in Auron offers panoramic views and year-round sunshine. Spanning four levels, it features six spacious en-suite bedrooms, including two attic rooms. Designed for family getaways, it includes a large living room, dining area, and kitchen opening onto a south-facing terrace. Located near local amenities, it blends comfort and style, ideal for enjoying both summer and winter seasons in the Alps. 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, spa, south-facing terrace, converted attic, closed garage.

Alasdair Hedley Sales - International | 020 3151 0367

Priory Lane, SW15 | £25,000 pcm

This impressive, detached family home offers elegant, modern living within extensive landscaped gardens. It features a grand reception hall, multiple reception rooms, a study, and a cosy media room. The heart is a stylish open-plan kitchen with garden access. Upstairs includes spacious bedrooms and a luxurious principal suite. Outside, enjoy manicured lawns, a private pool, and terraces ideal for entertaining in a serene, refined setting. Approx. 5082 sq ft. Energy Rating: E. Council Tax: H. 7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms, open-plan, landscaped gardens, media room.

Furnished | AMaynard@johndwood.co.uk | 020 3151 5480 7 3 4

Alan Maynard Lettings | Richmond | 020 3151 5480

Marylebone Road, Marylebone NW1

Marylebone Road, Marylebone NW1 £2,900,000

£2,900,000

An elegant five bedroom flat spanning a generous lateral layout in one of London’s most sought after addresses.

Wycombe Square, Kensington W8

£8,950,000

A truly magnificent six bedroom town house overlooking an immaculate landscaped garden square.

Six bedrooms | Seven bathrooms | Two receptions | Swimming pool | Concierge

Eaton Place, Belgravia SW1X

£27,083 pcm

A stunning two bedroom lateral apartment located on the first floor of an end of terrace building on the exclusive Eaton Place.

Two bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Large reception

Balcony | Highly sought after location | 1,240 sq ft

EPC Rating D | Furnished

020 3695 3726

SLOANESQUARE.LETTINGS@DRAKERKFH.CO.UK

Pembridge Road, Notting Hill W11

£16,250 pcm

A beautifully presented four bedroom house, nestled in the heart of Notting Hill close to local amenities.

Four bedrooms | Three bathrooms | Open plan

A beautifully presented four bedroom house, nestled in the heart of Notting Hill close to local amenities.

Private patio garden | Balcony | Hardwood floors 1,850 sq ft | EPC Rating A | Furnished

Private patio garden | Balcony | Hardwood floors

1,850 sq ft | EPC Rating A | Furnished

020 4579 1786

NH.LETTINGS@DRAKERKFH.CO.UK

£16,250 pcm kfh.co.uk

Glebe Place, Chelsea SW3

£36,833 pcm

An incredibly rare five bedroom house available on one of the most exclusive streets in Chelsea.

Five bedrooms | Three bathrooms | Private entrance

Unique terrace | Excellent location | 4,000 sq ft

EPC Rating C | Furnished

020 3695 3726

SLOANESQUARE.LETTINGS@DRAKERKFH.CO.UK

Aldridge Road Villas, Notting Hill W11

£9,533 pcm

A gorgeous four bedroom penthouse, set across the third and fourth floors of a charming building on a tree-lined street.

Four bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Open plan

Marble countertops | Hardwood flooring

1,057 sq ft | Furnished

020 4579 1786

NH.LETTINGS@DRAKERKFH.CO.UK

kfh.co.uk

Parliament

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Apartments

| Lambeth, SW1

This newly refurbished flat is set within a striking riverside development, boasting stunning views of the Thames and the Houses of Parliament, as well as close proximity to a variety of local amenities and landmarks. Offered with no onward chain, the property spans over 1,130 sq. ft. and features a light-filled open-plan reception room, bespoke kitchen, 24-hour concierge, gym, and dedicated underground parking.

Cambridge Gardens | North Kensington, W10

Asking Price 2,500,000 Leasehold with a share of freehold and 997 years remaining

A newly refurbished duplex apartment occupying the second and third floors of a striking detached Victorian villa in a prime W10 location. Spanning over 1,620 sq. ft., this immaculate turnkey family home combines period charm with contemporary luxury, and boasts a bright, triple-aspect, south-west-facing reception room with large windows and wooden floors, and excellent storage seamlessly integrated throughout.

Charlie Cunningham-Reid – Sales Director 020 3040 8586 charlie.cunningham-reid@chestertons.co.uk

This end-of-mews home sits on a sought-after street, featuring a terraced row of multi-coloured period houses around a centralised private garden, next to Earl’s Court Underground Station. Designed and refurbished by Squire & Partners and spanning 1,500 sq. ft., the property features walnut floors throughout, panelling, floor-to-ceiling doors, built-in entertainment, a walk-in wardrobe, and a south-west-facing garden. Natalie Gold – Sales Director 020 3040 8241 natalie.gold@chestertons.co.uk

Campden Hill Gate, Kensington W8

£4,595,000

Share of Freehold

A stunning and beautifully refurbished two-bedroom apartment on the top floor (with lift) of this prestigious portered mansion block.

1,570 sq ft (145.86 sq m)

Reception room | Principal bedroom suite with dressing room

Kensington 020 7938 3666 | kensington@struttandparker.com

Drayton Gardens, Chelsea SW10

£5,250,000 Freehold

A stunning six-bedroom house with a large east-facing garden situated on Drayton Gardens.

2,660 sq ft (247.13 sq m)

Double aspect reception room with west-facing balcony

Modern kitchen/dining room | En suite principal bedroom suite

Five further bedrooms | Garden | Timeless period features EPC rating D | Council tax band H

Chelsea SW10 020 7373 1010 | ChelseaSW10@struttandparker.com

*After an offer is accepted by the

Cheniston Gardens, Kensington W8

£1,200,000 Leasehold

A stunning two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment, beautifully refurbished in the heart of Kensington.

701 sq ft (65.1 sq m)

Kensington 020 7938 3666 | kensington@struttandparker.com

Sirdar Road, Holland Park W11

£2,950,000 Freehold

A beautifully presented family house with an excellent studio room and a west-facing garden.

2,373 sq ft (220 sq m)

Open-plan kitchen/dining room | Sitting room | West-facing garden

First floor studio | Three en suite double bedrooms | Laid out over four floors | EPC rating D | Council tax band F

Notting Hill 020 7221 1111 | nottinghill@struttandparker.com

Sarda House, Queensway W2

£1,295,000

Share of Freehold

A fully renovated three-bedroom flat with lift access and secure parking.

971 sq ft (90.2 sq m)

EPC rating C | Council tax band G

Notting Hill 020 7221 1111 | nottinghill@struttandparker.com

Royal Avenue, Chelsea SW3

£1,200,000 Share of Freehold

A superb raised ground floor apartment with its own front door and westerly drawing room, located on the Royal Avenue, Chelsea.

563 sq ft (52.3 sq m)

Chelsea 020 7225 3866 | chelsea@struttandparker.com

Rowallan Road, Fulham SW6

£807.69 per week Unfurnished

A stunning two-bedroom, two-bathroom split-level maisonette with a private roof terrace.

786 sq ft (73.05 sq m)

Immaculately presented | Two double bedrooms | Two contemporary bathrooms | South-facing private roof terrace Mezzanine kitchen with bi-fold doors | Vaulted reception room

EPC rating D | Council tax band D Fulham 020 7731 7100 | fulham@struttandparker.com

Smith Street, Chelsea SW3

£2,000,000

Share of Freehold

A meticulously refurbished turnkey split-level apartment found on a prime Chelsea address.

1,090 sq ft (101.3 sq m)

Chelsea 020 7225 3866 | chelsea@struttandparker.com

WESTBOURNE TERRACE, W2

A magnificent first floor lateral apartment set within a Grade II listed stucco fronted building on Westbourne Terrace. Extending over 3,500 sq ft and spanning two adjoining properties, it offers grand proportions and period detailing throughout. The impressive reception rooms feature high ceilings, parquet flooring and full height sash windows, complemented by a mezzanine study leading to a south west-facing terrace. Council Tax Band: G. EPC: C

RECTORY GROVE, SW4

A Grade II listed Georgian home set on one of Clapham Old Town’s most sought after streets, offering beautifully proportioned living space arranged over four floors. The refined double reception rooms showcase period features, complemented by a bespoke kitchen and dining area on the lower ground floor. A private driveway provides off-street parking, while Clapham Common and the vibrant cafés and restaurants of the Old Town are just moments away. Council Tax Band: G. EPC: D

DOWNHAM ROAD, N1

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Shard Place, SE1

2 beds from £1,325pw

3 beds from £1,875pw

A collection of 176 stunning apartments available to rent at Shard Place, situated in the heart of London Bridge next to The Shard. These high-end London apartments are purpose-built for the rental market, offering an effortless and sophisticated lifestyle in the capital. Encompassing impressive amenities including a beautiful orangery as well as a state-of-the-art gymnasium with a steam room and sauna, a private boutique cinema and a rooftop swimming pool with breathtaking views of London.

Fitzrovia, W1

£2,150,000 | Leasehold 989 Years

3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1 Reception Room

A sixth floor, three bedroom apartment Situated in the heart of Fitzrovia at Rathbone Place. This apartment has been interior designed to an exceptional standard, including custom furniture throughout. The principle suite offers direct balcony access and residents benefit from a host of amenities including concierge, pool and gym.

Parke Road, SW13

£3,500,000

Positioned on a sought after tree-lined street and close to the desirable Barnes Village, an exceptional three bedroom property offering versatile and luxurious living throughout.

Bingham Place, W1U

£5,500 per week

Moments from the picturesque Regent’s Park, a spectacular period house that has three bedrooms. There is the added luxury of a private roof terrace, charming courtyard and a gym.

ALDERNEY STREET, SW1V

An exceptional family home offering a well-balanced layout that blends contemporary living with period charm. Set across five floors, there are four bedrooms, a double reception room and garden, energy rating d.

• Four Bedrooms • High Ceilings • Five Floors

• Three Bathrooms • Garden • Terrace

£1,900,000 - FREEHOLD

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£4,850,000

Elegant two bedroom Penthouse with AC, moments from Harrods

Basil Street, Knightsbridge, SW3

Set within the sought-after Basil Street, this newly refurbished two bedroom penthouse combines luxury living with unrivalled convenience. The property offers a bright and spacious layout, featuring air conditioning throughout, a sleek modern kitchen, and two well-proportioned bedrooms. Residents benefit from the services of a daytime porter, ensuring security and peace of mind. Ideally located within walking distance of Harrods and the world-class amenities of Knightsbridge.

PRICE: £2,000 per week / £8,667 per calendar month plus property fees•

DEPOSIT: £12,000

SIZE: 1,620 sq ft / 150.5 sqm

EPC RATING: B

COUNCIL TAX BAND: H

CONTACT: KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE +44(0) 20 7225 6506 sofien.scappini@harrodsestates.com *www.harrodsestates.com/tenants

A magnificent three bedroom duplex apartment in this landmark building

Montpelier Hall, Knightsbridge, SW7

This very elegant, generously proportioned, three bedroom duplex apartment forms part of this famous landmark Edwardian building on Montpelier Street, in the heart of Knightsbridge. Beautifully interior designed, it features luxurious finishes and modern technology, with 24-hour concierge, security, and parking. Accommodation includes grand reception and dining rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, study, principal suite with dressing area, and two further ensuite bedrooms.

GUIDE PRICE: £9,500,000

TENURE: Leasehold 983 years

GROUND RENT: Peppercorn

SERVICE CHARGE: £41,993 PA inc. 24 hour concierge & security, lift, underground parking and reserve fund.

SIZE: 3,066 sq ft / 285 sqm

EPC RATING: D

COUNCIL TAX BAND: H

CONTACT: KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE

+44(0)20 7225 6506 shaun.drummond@harrodsestates.com www.harrodsestates.com

Gloucester Square, London, W2

An exceptional freehold house in the heart of Hyde Park

Asking price: £10,000,000

Freehold | Council Tax Band: H | EPC: C

This exquisitely designed six-bedroom property represents a rare opportunity in the heart of Hyde Park. Meticulously modernised, the home seamlessly blends timeless elegance with contemporary luxury, featuring air conditioning, underfloor heating, and a central lift servicing all floors.

The ground floor boasts an open-plan reception and kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, separate chef’s kitchen, formal dining room, and floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto a juliet balcony. The lower ground floor includes a spacious gym and access to an outdoor patio. A private entrance leads to a self-contained one-bedroom apartment.

The first floor houses a double reception room and principal suite with walk-in wardrobe and marble bathroom. Four generously sized bedrooms and two bathrooms occupy the second floor. Crowning the property is a versatile top-floor study with arched ceilings and private rooftop terrace, perfect for entertaining.

Draycott Place, Chelsea, SW3

A beautifully presented top-floor maisonette spanning a generous layout

Asking price: £2,300,000

Share of freehold | Council Tax: G | EPC: C

This bright and beautifully maintained top-floor maisonette occupies one of Chelsea’s most desirable addresses on prestigious Draycott Place. Extending nearly 1,700 square feet, this three-bedroom home is bathed in natural light throughout.

The third floor accommodates three well-proportioned bedrooms, two benefiting from ensuite bathrooms, all thoughtfully equipped with ample storage and wardrobe solutions. The upper level features an expansive open-plan kitchen and reception area, creating a luminous and inviting environment perfect for both entertaining and relaxation.

Situated on charming Draycott Place, lined with classic red brick residences, the property enjoys proximity to Sloane Square and the vibrant Kings Road. The neighbourhood is renowned for its picturesque streets, tranquil garden squares, and elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture.

A breathtakingshowcase

Nestled within the gated development of Petersham Village, this exceptional home is masterminded by acclaimed British architect and urban designer, Sir Terry Farrell, and is enveloped by tasteful landscaping by Chelsea Flower Show gold-medallist John Sallis Chandler. The interiors are anchored by dramatic volumes and sprawling lateral arrangements. Set on River Lane, the home is an expression of bold architecture designed for entertaining and family life, with spaces that flow seamlessly between indoors and outdoors — underscoring the property’s connection to its natural setting.

KINGSTON HOUSE SOUTH,LONDON, SW7

A bright and spacious two-bedroom lateral apartment located on 7th floor corner of this much sought-after purpose-built block in Ennismore Gardens. The property has recently undergone a full refurbishment and benefits from wooden floors, two balconies and wonderful tree top views to the south and East. The building benefits from 24 hour porterage as well as communal gardens and the property comes with an underground parking space. This is a sophisticated flat in a highly regarded and well run building. Kingston House South is moments away from Hyde Park and a short walk to all the amenities that Knightsbridge has to offer.

Two reception rooms · Fully fitted kitchen · Principal bedroom with bathroom en suite · 2nd bedroom · 2nd bathroom · Guest cloakroom · Two private balconies · Approx. 1377 sq ft · Lift · 24 hour porter ·

LEASEHOLD: APPROX. 118 YEARS REMAINING GUIDE PRICE £3,500,000 STC

CAITHNESS ROAD W14

£3,500,000

A truly wonderful 4/5 bedroom, semi-detached early Victorian, Villa-style, stucco-fronted residence with excellent living/entertaining space over 2 floors, a fabulous westerly garden, a roof terrace and a garage with rear access via Applegarth Road. This elegant villa commands a premium given its rarity value as there is a limited number of such special/trophy houses in and around Brook Green.

4/5 Double Bedrooms • Double Reception • Kitchen/Dining Room • 2 Bathrooms(1 En Suite) • Wet Room Study/TV/Media Room/Bedroom 5 • Westerly Garden & Roof Terrace • Garage • Council Tax Band H • Freehold

Burton Mews, SW1W

A beautifully refurbished home, de ned by exceptional cra smanship and style.

UPPER GROSVENOR STREET, W1

A contemporary and bright 3 bedroom duplex apartment extending to 1,803 square feet situated over the first and second floors of a popular purpose-built block in this highly sought after Mayfair address just off Grosvenor Square.

3 Bedrooms - 3 Bath/Shower Rooms - Guest Cloakroom - 2 Reception Rooms - Kitchen - Air Conditioning - Communal Gardens - Lift - 24 Hour Porter - Council Tax Band H - EPC Rating C

Leasehold 100 years unexpired

£5,250,000

EATON TERRACE, BELGRAVIA SW1

£2,950,000 | Leasehold (exp. 2134)

1 Reception Room 2 Double Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms (En Suite)

Occupying the upper floors of a handsome period building, this superbly designed Belgravia maisonette extends to 1,516 sq ft (141 sqm) and offers the feel of a house with the convenience and security of a flat. Accessed via its own front door, the property enjoys an east–west orientation allowing natural light throughout the day, generous ceiling heights, and excellent built-in storage. The first floor is dedicated to living and entertaining, featuring a spacious reception room with defined dining area and a large, wellappointed eat-in kitchen. A guest cloakroom sits conveniently on the half landing between the first and second floors. The second floor comprises a generous principal bedroom with stylish en suite bathroom, while the top floor offers a versatile second bedroom or study with its own en suite shower room. A further benefit of the property is a private roof terrace. Beautifully decorated and ready for immediate occupation, the flat is ideally positioned for the independent shops and village atmosphere of Elizabeth Street, the lifestyle of Orange Square (Pimlico Green), and the excellent transport links of nearby Sloane Square and Victoria.

MASTERPIECE

THIS UNIQUE THAMESIDE HOME ON ST KATHERINE’S DOCK OFFERS AMPLE ACCOMMODATION, PRIVACY, HISTORY AND UNRIVALLED VIEWS OF TOWER BRIDGE AND THE SHARD

Samuel Richardson, head of sales Mayfair, Carter Jonas, commented: “This is a very rare opportunity for a discerning buyer; one for whom a statement property in a globally renowned city, with an iconic vista, exceptional accommodation, almost unrivalled security and an important historical provenance, is appealing. Dating back to 1827, The Dockmaster’s House was designed by celebrated architect Philip Hardwick – best known for Euston’s Doric Arch and Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City. Built into the dock walls, one of only a handful of private single residences situated directly on the River Thames, it’s surrounded by water on two sides – offering exceptional privacy – as well as spectacular, far-reaching views. Under private ownership for the past 30 years, this is a chance for someone else to enjoy this Grade II-listed property’s history.”

The Dockmasters House is for sale at £16m through Carter Jonas, carterjonas.co.uk