PLUS COLOUR WITH CONFIDENCE
DISCOVER OUR SUMMER-FRESH PAINT IDEAS
THE LUXE LIFE WE EXPLORE THE CAPITAL’S BEST BRANDED RESIDENCES




PLUS COLOUR WITH CONFIDENCE
DISCOVER OUR SUMMER-FRESH PAINT IDEAS
THE LUXE LIFE WE EXPLORE THE CAPITAL’S BEST BRANDED RESIDENCES
EXCLUSIVE AHEAD OF THREE EXCITING ROLES ON STAGE AND SCREEN IN THE SECOND HALF OF THIS YEAR, WE CHAT LIFE AND WORK
This month, our minds are inevitably drifting to holidays. But, here, we are so lucky –even if you’re not jetting off to a sunny beach just yet, come July, London becomes its own kind of resort: chic riverside rooftop bars hum with sunset cocktails, Hampstead Heath offers moments of green serenity, and Marylebone’s boutiques unveil their summer collections.
In this issue, we bring you the best of both worlds: cultural experiences that capture London’s essence, and the season’s ultimate style and travel inspirations.
It goes without saying that the worst part of a holiday is packing up to come home –who hasn’t dreamt about living forever in five-star, hotel-style opulence? Thanks to the growing number of branded residences across the Capital, you can stop dreaming. Offering exquisitely designed homes with an unprecedented level of integrated service from the most highly-regarded names in hospitality, we take a look at some of the best. Alternatively, if you really can’t bear the thought of coming home and you’re in the market for a holiday home, we check out an extraordinary development in Provence.
Whether you’re boarding a plane or heading to the theatre to catch cover star Rosalie Craig in Good Night, Oscar – may your July be everything you’re hoping it will be. Here’s to summer days…
Liz Skone James liz@hattoncollective.com
FOLLOW US ON @londonfabricmag @londonfabricproperty
Make yourself at home in one of
ON THE COVER Rosalie Craig
Photographed by Mark Cant
Styled by Abigail White Shot at Montcalm Mayfair Rosalie wears: dress by Clea; and earrings by Giovanni Raspini Read our exclusive interview on page 32
OUR AGENTS
Editorial Director Liz Skone James Creative Director Penny Clements Interiors Editor Ali Howard Schools Editor Claire Atherton Lifestyle Editor-at-Large Martine Montgomery Client Services Director Becky Pomfret Production Heidi Pomfret Publisher Katie Hutley
Advertising Debbie Russell debbie@fabricmagazine.co.uk +44 7811 347299
New Homes & Developments Karen de Pommereau karen@fabricmagazine.co.uk +33 6 70 80 42 45
Editorial and publishing enquiries 020 8242 6222
FABRIC MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED 12 TIMES A YEAR on behalf of REAP Magazines Ltd by Hatton Collective Ltd, 27 Mortimer Street, London, W1T 3BL fabricmagazine.co.uk
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Glentree Estates Trevor Abrahmsohn Goldschmidt & Howland Philip Green Savills Jonathan Hewlett and Liza-Jane Kelly Aston Chase Mark Pollack
Aston Chase astonchase.com
Benham & Reeves benhams.com
Dexters dexters.co.uk
Glentree glentree.co.uk
Godfrey & Barr godfreyandbarr.com
Goldschmidt & Howland g-h.co.uk
Hamptons hamptons.co.uk
Heathgate heathgate.com
Jeremy James & Company
jeremy-james.co.uk
Knight Frank knightfrank.co.uk
Savills savills.co.uk
TK International t-k.co.uk
Winkworth West End winkworth.co.uk
23 SHOPPING
Time for a change? There’s wonderful watches aplenty in our latest luxury accessories edit
24 CULTURE
Your guide to what to do in London this month
26 THE LUST LIST
Whether holidaying or at home, allow lifestyle editor-at-large Martine to style your July
28 BRANDED RESIDENCES
Make yourself at home in one of the Capital’s best branded residences; we take a look around
32 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ROSALIE CRAIG
From Good Night, Oscar at the Barbican, to ITV’s The Hack and the BBC’s Riot Women, Rosalie has a busy few months coming up, she reveals all
42 STYLE
Summer fitness tips from trainer Charlotte Dunnell, and an exciting new facial from Vaishaly
46 FOOD & DRINK
Take a holiday in a day to one of the UK’s most iconic restaurants, plus a recipe for a simple summer supper from the team at COOK
51 SPOTLIGHT ON
Spain’s Costa del Sol is our focus this month, and it may not be what you’re expecting
52 TRAVEL REVIEW
We’re all about the city break, with a review of a culture-filled weekend away in Estonia
54 HOLIDAY HOMES
Discover the French hotel that’s been transformed into a $390 million residential estate
58 OBJECT OF DESIRE
Andrew Martin’s Aimi chandelier is dazzling
59 INTERIORS NEWS
The latest launches and luxurious new lines
60 INTERIORS TRENDS
Bring a feeling of optimism and calm to your space with a seasonal paint refresh
65 AT HOME WITH Dreams, sculpture, and surrealism collide in artist Charlotte Colbert’s East London home
68 DESIGNER PROFILE
Say it with stone – we meet Urvashi Agarwal, creative director at Stone World London
71 A CAPITAL EDUCATION
Planning a term time holiday? Read this first. Plus, introducing Dominic Mott, head at Hurst College
74 TALKING POINTS
For today’s homeowners, it’s not just where you live, but how you live that counts, say our experts
76 HOT PROPERTY
The best homes on the market this month
79 LAST WORD
Vivienne Harris celebrates 35 years at Heathgate
Set on the highly sought-after, tree-lined Corringham Road, on the edge of Hampstead Garden Suburb, this beautiful semi-detached home is just moments from the Heath Extension.
Katy Brookes 020 3918 7804
katy.brookes@knightfrank.com
Hampstead Underground Station: 1.0 miles
Set behind a discreet gated entrance and walled front garden, 108 Frognal is one of Hampstead’s most treasured private residences — a Grade II listed home of exceptional provenance, architectural significance, and quiet grandeur. 4 reception rooms, 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and an enchanting roof terrace offering extraordinary panoramic views across London’s skyline.
Freehold | Council Tax Band = H | EPC Rating = E
Neir Gigi James Diaper
07973 742 846 neir.gigi@savills.com
07870 999 645 jdiaper@savills.com
This elegant residence on Bracknell Gardens offers an impressive 515.78 sq m/5,552 sq ft of beautifully proportioned living space, combining period charm with modern comforts. Set behind private gates, the home benefits from a spacious driveway accommodating 2-3 cars, enhancing its exclusivity and convenience. The property boasts wonderful ceiling heights and an abundance of natural light throughout, accentuating the grandeur of its expansive reception rooms and providing an exceptional sense of space. The generous lateral layout makes for seamless family living, with formal and informal entertaining spaces effortlessly flowing onto a superb landscaped rear garden, a rare find in this sought-after location.
Bracknell Gardens is a prestigious tree-lined road in Hampstead, known for its grand homes and village-like atmosphere. The property is within easy reach of Hampstead Underground Station (Northern Line) and Finchley Road Underground Station (Jubilee & Metropolitan Lines), providing swift access to the West End, City, and Canary Wharf.
2 Reception Rooms, Dining Room, Kitchen/ Breakfast Room, Principal Bedroom with EnSuite Bath/Shower Room & Dressing Room, 5 Further Bedrooms (3 with En-Suite Shower Rooms), Family Bathroom, Family Shower Room, Utility Room, Guest Cloakroom, Loft with planning consent to create an additional 65 sq m/700 sq ft of accommodation, 73' x 46' Landscaped South West Facing Rear Garden. Council Tax: H. EPC: D.
An immaculate five bedroom duplex apartment (232.3 sq m/2,501 sq ft) located over the raised ground and garden levels of this charming Victorian property located on one of Little Venice’s most sought-after roads.
The apartment has been beautifully designed and furnished to the highest standards and benefits from its own private entrance, a stunning 45 ft open plan reception/dining/kitchen room with double doors opening onto a balcony overlooking and providing access to both the private and communal gardens beyond.
Randolph Crescent is ideally situated moments from Regent’s Canal and the boutiques, cafés, and restaurants of both Clifton Road and Formosa Street with Oxford Street and Marble Arch only 1.5 miles away. Excellent transport links including numerous bus routes on Maida Vale, Warwick Avenue Underground Station (Bakerloo Line) and Heathrow Express at Paddington Station are all within 0.7 miles away.
Principal Bedroom with Large En-Suite Shower Room, 4 Further Bedrooms (1 with En-Suite Bathroom), Family Bathroom, Family Shower Room, Reception/Dining/ Kitchen Room, Play/TV Room, Utility Room, Guest Cloakroom, Private Entrance, Patio, Garden, Direct Access to Communal Gardens.
Council Tax: H. EPC: D.
Leasehold plus Share of Freehold
Principal Agent
Asking Price: £5,200,000
£2,300,000
Located at the quieter end of the road, close by the ‘cafe society’ and public transport amenities of Walm Lane and Willesden underground station, is this lovely and bright five-bedroom semi-detached house of some 2,728 sq ft (net internal) which includes a detached one-bedroom ‘granny annex/consulting room’ as well as an extensive rear garden and off-street parking for one/two cars.
The internal accommodation is arranged over three floors with the ground floor providing a large entrance hallway, 26' x 14' reception/ dining room opening to a 19' kitchen/breakfast room which both lead onto the garden, a front family room, utility room and a guest WC. Adjacent to the house is the self-contained one-bedroom annex.
The first floor offers a principal bedroom with en-suite bathroom, two further double bedrooms and a family bathroom, with the top floor offering two further bedrooms, a family bathroom and extensive attic storage.
To the rear is a surprisingly large garden made up of a suntrap 50' x 25' patio which leads onto a 60' lawned garden.
Set back behind a deep grass verge, located close to the huge open spaces of the Heath extension and backing directly onto one of the fairways of Hampstead Golf Club, is this delightfully characterful, surprisingly lateral and bright semi-detached five-bedroom Grade II Listed family house of some 2,575 sq ft (gross) which retains many period features and benefits from a huge, wonderfully mature garden with the house sitting on a total site of approximately 0.2 acres. The ground floor of this house boasts three generously sized intercommunicating reception rooms with the original Crittall doors leading onto the rear garden, kitchen/breakfast room, study, utility cupboard and WC.
The first floor offers a principal suite comprising double bedroom, large en-suite bathroom, two further double bedrooms and a family bathroom. The second floor enjoys two further bedrooms, one of which includes a dressing room and en-suite bathroom.
A major feature of the house is the south-east facing suntrap lawned garden which wraps itself around the property.
DRIVE, N2
£5,250,000
Located on a wider than average plot backing directly onto Hampstead Golf Course and set behind a newly laid resin carriage driveway, is this spacious 6-bedroom, 6-bathroom family home arranged over 3 floors and spanning 4,191 SQ FT (389 SQ M) and is currently undergoing a programme of refurbishment. This fine home is flooded with natural light and higher than average ceiling heights and features a magnificent 35” x18” reception room, a newly fitted, stylish kitchen breakfast room, a family room, an office and a garage that could be converted, subject to the necessary consents.
On the upper floors there are 6-bedroom suites including an indulgent principal with a spacious dressing room and a brand new, large ensuite bathroom, about to be fitted. In addition, a further 3 of the ensuites have newly appointed bathrooms. Furthermore ,bedroom 2 benefits from a roof terrace overlooking the garden. To the rear, the south facing garden is wide, private and backs on to the golf course.
Located directly opposite the Hampstead Heath Extension, is one of and meticulously refurbished to the very highest quality.
throughout, a “Lutron” lighting system, a “Sonos” sound system and CCTV features a grand entrance hallway, a drawing room/dining room with spacious patio and garden.
S OLE A GEN T
The kitchen with “Gaggenhau” appliances leads on to both a casual family dining area and a breathtaking, double volume family room with a vaulted ceiling and a mezzanine level, currently used as a library, billiards room
principal suite with a dressing room and an oversized teenager’s bedroom with an ensuite bathroom.On cinema room/bar and a good-sized gym.
Kempe Road, NW6
£2,500,000
Dexters Kensal Rise & Queen's Park. 62 Chamberlayne Road, London, NW10 3JJ
T: 020 8600 3100 E: kensalrisesales@dexters.co.uk
In a sought after north London neighbourhood and close to the open space of Queen's Park, an extraordinary Victorian home with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Offering two generously sized reception rooms, the house displays the perfect blend of characterful charm and contemporary elegance. Moments from the area's excellent amenities and transport connections, navigating the rest of capital has never been easier, energy rating e. @dexterslondon
Highfields Grove, N6
£5,000,000
Ideally placed within a prestigious gated development, an impressive detached property providing versatile accommodation. On an imposing sized plot, there are four bedrooms, three reception rooms and a grand mature garden, ideal for a growing family. Complete with the added luxury of 24-hour security, residents can enjoy this peaceful and secure setting without losing out on the London lifestyle, energy rating c.
Dexters Highgate. 35 Highgate High Street, London, N6 5JT T: 020 8545 8584 E: highgatesales@dexters.co.uk
dexters.co.uk
It’s the scent of a city that never quite sleeps, where lights reflect in wet pavements and music spills out of doorways. Inspired by London after dark, MIDNIGHT captures that moment when the night begins to blur, when laughter echoes between buildings, cultures collide and strangers become friends.
EXHIBITION
From wearable tech to AI therapists and robotic tails (yes, really), Design Museum’s latest large-scale exhibition dives head-first into the weird, wonderful world of human enhancement. With immersive installations and mindbending prototypes, it explores how design and technology are reshaping not just the things we use, but who we are becoming. Ever fancied an exoskeleton for your morning commute? Or wondered what it feels like to sense magnetic north? This is your chance to explore a future where the lines between body, machine and environment blur – and where our potential might be stranger (and more thrilling) than we imagined. 11 July-5 October, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 (020 3862 5900; designmuseum.org)
THEATRE Inter Alia
Rosamund Pike makes her National Theatre debut in Inter Alia – a fierce new drama from Prima Facie playwright Suzie Miller. She plays Jessica Parks, a no-nonsense Crown Court judge with a karaoke habit, a teenage son, and a
life that’s about to be turned completely upside down. Think razor-sharp writing, emotional gut-punches and a performance that’ll stay with you long after curtain call.
Directed by Justin Martin (Stranger Things: The First
Shadow), this one’s already buzzing. And if you don’t manage to snap up a ticket, don’t worry – it’s hitting cinema screens soon via NT Live.
10 July-13 September, Lyttelton Theatre, Upper Ground, SE1 (020 3989 5455; nationaltheatre. org.uk)
It’s not often the grown-ups become the canvas. But that’s exactly what’s happening at the Unicorn Theatre, where kids take creative control in a striking, funny and unexpectedly moving photography exhibition by Australian artist Jessica Wilson. Working with local schools and families, children were invited to art-direct a portrait of their parent or guardian – complete with props, costume and all the imagination they could muster. The result? A wall of brilliantly bonkers, wildly perceptive photo-portraits that reframe the parent-child dynamic entirely. There’s even a hands-on version where families can create their own. One for the fridge door, surely. Until 31 July, 147 Tooley Street, SE1 (020 7645 0560; unicorntheatre. com)
Back for another round of sun-drenched hedonism (fingers crossed), Kaleidoscope is once again taking over the sprawling grounds of Ally Pally. Expect a one-day mash-up of live music, DJs, comedy and all-ages antics, with enough feel-good energy to power a glitter cannon. Faithless headline with a full live band – yes, that Faithless – with Goldie, Sara Cox, Sleeper and more on the bill. The comedy line-up hits just as hard, with Shappi Khorsandi and Andrew Maxwell bringing the laughs. Throw in kids’ theatre, circus acts and a giant bubbleologist, and you’ve got one extremely colourful day out.
12 July, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 (kaleidoscope-festival.com)
Lightroom’s latest attraction sees the prehistoric world reimagined through state-of-the-art visuals and powerful storytelling. This immersive experience takes visitors big and small on a journey
9 July-2 November, 12 Lewis Cubitt Square, N1C (0300 303 4216; lightroom.uk) EXPERIENCE
through ancient landscapes – deserts, oceans, skies –where dinosaurs and long-extinct species appear at life-size scale. With scenes from Apple TV+’s acclaimed series of the same name,
plus exclusive new content and one dramatic original score, it’s an awe-inspiring adventure.
Martine Montgomery is heading off on holiday this month, but she’ll be relishing quiet time in London, too
I’m in two minds this July. On the one hand, I’m excited to be packing for the Hamptons –sundresses, swimsuits, and a fresh bottle of Hampton Sun’s Bronze Sunscreen, which is, frankly, non-negotiable. It’s one of those products that everyone out East seems to have in their beach bag – light, chic, and infused with their signature scent, inspired by the lush privet hedges that line the lanes from Southampton to Montauk. It’s clean, clever beauty: rich in vitamin E and aloe vera, the ultra-fine mist hydrates, soothes, and protects in one very elegant sweep. niche-beauty.com
On the other hand, while I can’t wait to go away, I’m secretly thrilled to be spending part of the summer right here in London. When the city empties out for the school holidays, it becomes a little quieter, a little slower, and somehow even more magical. There’s something about long light evenings, warm pavements, and the freedom to flit between exhibitions, rooftops, and last-minute dinners that makes staying put feel like its own kind of escape.
Holidays always bring out my inner child – the one who wants ice creams at odd hours and ‘just a little treat’ with every coffee. I’m trying not to completely fall into a sugar spiral, so instead, I’ve decided to wear my sweet cravings. I just picked up the most charming little ice cream cone necklace by Sydney Evan, the LA-based jewellery designer best known for those iconic nameplate and ‘Love’ pieces. (net-a-porter.com)
Of course, strolling around town in the Hamptons is non-negotiable – which meant finding a pair of new, walkable-but-wonderful espadrilles was high on my pre-holiday checklist. This season, the most beautiful ones I’ve seen
are by Penelope Chilvers. She’s played with rich textures – velvet and cotton – and embroidered them in a gorgeous, painterly palette that feels both timeless and totally of the moment. They’re comfortable (crucially) but still statement enough to elevate even the simplest sundress. I fully intend to give them a second life on the London pavements when I get home, too. (penelopechilvers.com)
The obligatory holiday read this month is How to Lose Your Mother: A Daughter’s Memoir by Molly Jong-Fast, daughter of feminist icon Erica Jong. It may sound heavy, but it’s a deeply moving reflection on maternal bonds, grief, and the ache of absence. Jong-Fast delves into the complexities of her relationship with her mother, who is battling dementia – a journey that resonates deeply with me, having experienced my father’s own battle with the disease. (Pan Macmillan, £16.99)
Back in London, I’ll be raising a chilled glass to La Famiglia, the beloved Chelsea restaurant that is celebrating 50 years this summer. I’ve been eating there for 40 of those years; my kids have practically grown up there. With its unusually large garden and rare sense of real community, it’s the kind of place that holds memories in the napkins and joy in the pasta. (lafamiglia.co.uk)
I’ve just watched Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius on the BBC and, honestly, it’s one of the most compelling programmes I’ve seen in years. With insight from Helen Fielding, Greg Wise, and Kate Atkinson, it brilliantly explores Austen’s sharp wit, radical spirit, and enduring cultural influence. She died over 200 years ago at the age of just 41, yet her legacy feels more alive than ever – and I couldn’t resist following that spark of
inspiration. Which brings me to the picturesque village of Castle Combe, in the heart of the Cotswolds, where the beautifully restored Manor House hotel is offering a Jane Austen–inspired escape to mark what would have been the author’s 250th birthday. The one-night stay, bookable through Exclusive Collection, includes breakfast and tickets to the Jane Austen Centre in Bath – a city rich in bonnets, wit, and elegant rebellion. There’s even a themed afternoon tea, complete with pastel-hued pâtisserie that’s almost too pretty to eat. (exclusive.co.uk)
Coming home after a holiday or mini break always feels a little flat, but I’ve softened the landing with something indulgent: a set of exquisite Pratesi sheets from the Treccia collection, rumoured to be Lady Gaga’s current obsession. The Italian heritage brand dates back to the early 1900s and has counted Chanel, Hemingway, and Elizabeth Taylor among its fans. I didn’t opt for monogramming this time –though I was tempted. Bed linen is something of a family passion; my father was a retail draper, so I suppose it’s in the blood. (pratesi.com)
A GRAND FREEHOLD RESIDENCE WITH THE LARGEST FRONTAGE, IN THE BEST POSITION IN AVENUE ROAD.
IT HAS A RARE NEW PLANNING CONSENT FOR A 17,000 SQ FT (1,600 SQ M) SUPER-MANSION ON FOUR FLOORS WITH LUXURY INDOOR POOL COMPLEX, SET IN A LARGE 0.41 ACRE (0.17 HA) PLOT, WITH GARAGING AND ONSITE PARKING.
For high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking exquisitely designed homes in the very best locations, with an unprecedented level of integrated service, branded residences are proving the perfect purchase
Imagine your dream home, beautifully designed and thoughtfully conceived for modern living, complete with access to the amenities of your favourite five-star hotel brand – from Michelinstarred meals to massages. Branded residences across the globe are elevating the concept of luxury residential to a whole new level, and increasingly, more and more discerning purchasers looking for the very best in services, quality assurance and security are buying into the market.
A branded residence is a residential property which is associated with an established brand, in most cases a luxury hotel operator; the brand provides the property with its branding, services and amenities. Such residences are certainly not a new concept – almost a century ago, in New York, the Sherry-Netherland hotel opened with luxury apartments overlooking Central Park – but in recent years, such projects have rapidly gained popularity. The latest market report from Savills reveals that, globally, “there are 740 completed developments with another 790 expected to be delivered by 2031”. And London is no stranger to the market, with increasing numbers of new projects planned across the Capital. Here, the teams behind two existing developments introduce their exclusive offering. Time to dream…
Describe your location
At the heart of London’s most prestigious neighbourhood, Mayfair Park Residences sits right off Hyde Park. With Bond Street, Berkeley Square, and the city’s finest dining just steps away, the address offers both seclusion and access. Seamlessly integrated with Dorchester Collection’s 45 Park Lane hotel, it’s the epitome of discreet luxury in a landmark location.
What kind of homes are available?
Designed for discerning buyers, the last few residences range from chic one-bedroom
apartments to an opulent four-bedroom subpenthouse and an expansive duplex townhouse. Each home is generously proportioned – from 778 sq ft to over 3,600 sq ft – ideal for elegant city living or a luxurious pied-à-terre.
Tell us about the building and the interiors – what’s the design concept?
Mayfair Park Residences is a bold architectural statement by PLP Architecture – a modern classic marrying restored Georgian façades with sleek, contemporary design across six striking elevations. Inside, Jouin Manku’s interiors are timeless yet innovative, blending historical detail with bespoke materials like leathered marble and artisan-crafted finishes, creating homes that are both luxurious and deeply personal.
Seamlessly integrated with Dorchester Collection’s 45 Park Lane hotel, it’s the epitome of discreet luxury in a landmark location
What amenities are on offer for residents?
This is London living elevated. Residents benefit from full Dorchester Collection services – think 24-hour concierge, valet, housekeeping, and in-residence dining. There’s also a private wellness floor with a pool, spa, gym, and treatment rooms, ensuring every comfort is met with quiet perfection.
What’s the price point?
Prices start at £4.5 million for a one-bedroom residence, rising to £23.7 million for the grandest four-bedroom home.
dorchestercollection.com/residences/mayfair-parkresidences
Describe your location
The OWO is situated at one of London’s most historically important and powerful addresses.
The former Old War Office building has undergone a monumental transformation and is home to nine destination restaurants and three bars, a 120-room hotel, Raffles London at The OWO, and 85 Raffles branded residences.
The OWO directly faces Royal Horse Guards and lies within easy walking distance of the Capital’s highlights. Residents are just a short stroll from Buckingham Palace, The National Gallery, The Tate, The Royal Academy, St. James’s Park, Embankment and the South Bank, as well as the sought-after shopping streets of Regent Street, Bond Street and Jermyn Street.
What kind of homes are available?
The OWO offers 85 Raffles branded private residences, the first branded residences from the luxury hotel group in Europe, ranging from duplex, lateral and penthouse residences. In terms of size, the residences range from studios to five beds, each has been meticulously designed to blend heritage with modernity, and can be tailored to the individual’s preferences upon purchase.
Tell us about the building and the interiors – what’s the design concept?
The Grade II* listed Old War Office (now named The OWO), originally completed in 1906 by British architect William Young, is steeped in history. Formerly the site of the original Palace of Whitehall, home to royalty between 1530 and 1698, The OWO has witnessed world-shaping
events whilst influential political and military leaders, including Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George, held office there. It was also John Profumo’s base when he was Secretary of State, and inspired Ian Fleming to write the James Bond novels after working for Britain’s Naval Intelligence Service and spending time in the building.
Leading architects EPR Architects restored and converted the Old War Office into the Capital’s
finest Raffles branded residences and the first Raffles hotel in London, while the residences were designed by award-winning interior architects 1508 London. The final design of The OWO included a series of rooftop extensions along with six new basement levels, integrating the already strong personality of key spaces with new areas that offer facilities for hotel guests and residents, such as a grand ballroom, the destination spa, restaurants, bars and a car park.
Each
of the
branded residences was carefully crafted to complement the existing fabric of the historic building
The building has such incredible history and character; from the get-go, EPR Architects intended to keep its authenticity alive. They set out to preserve an iconic building and create a living landmark that could be enjoyed by local and international visitors alike. They worked to preserve the heritage features unique to the original Grade II* listed building, whilst also
creating a luxurious contemporary design with modern-day innovations. The original façade has been largely retained and sensitively cleaned and restored to its former glory, with the original stone Portico meticulously reinstated as a grand hotel entrance. The iconic grand marble staircase and second-floor staterooms within Raffles London at The OWO are particularly outstanding, and these key spaces – along with the external quadrangle courtyard – remain the anchor points in the masterplan.
Each of The OWO’s 85 branded residences is a distinct expression of British design excellence and has been carefully crafted to complement the existing fabric of the historic building. As such, each is unique in size and layout, including duplex, lateral and penthouse residences. Two spectacular turret residences, elevated above the London skyline, offer an address like no other. London’s most iconic address, The OWO Residences by Raffles is home to five show apartments by a handpicked roster of the UK’s most revered design studios: Sims Hilditch, StudioMorey, Angel O’Donnell, HBA Residential, and Accouter.
What amenities are on offer for residents?
All residents at The OWO enjoy access to over 30,000 sq ft of private amenities designed by the award-winning practice 1508 London. Taking inspiration from the Old War Office’s original features, the firm has reinstated architectural details with authenticity while introducing new spaces that boast both grandeur and proportion.
Amenities include a fully equipped wellness suite, gym, picture room, cinema, games room, private dining room, and lounge areas set within the building’s historic shell. A landscaped courtyard by 1508 provides a verdant centrepiece, while residents also gain privileged access to The Raffles London Spa, operated by Guerlain and Pillar Wellbeing.
How much does a home here cost?
Each of the residences is unique, however, prices start from approximately £4 million for a one-bedroom property, £8 million for a twobedroom, £10 million for a three-bedroom and £17.4 million for a four-bedroom. theowo.london/the-owo-residences
From the thrill of treading the boards to the joy of taking on a challenging lead role with an A list cast, Rosalie Craig fills us in on her latest projects ahead of an exciting six months on stage and screen
Words by Liz Skone James
Rosalie Craig is in the middle of learning lines for an upcoming theatre role. “We start rehearsing in two weeks,” she exclaims, “so I’ve been kind of desperately trying to learn every single line, which just won’t happen at this stage. I’m in the denial stage, basically!” She laughs. “Honestly, I think it gets worse the older you get. It’s all about repetition; it’s a sort of form of madness. Sometimes my daughter catches me around the house just reciting random lines, and she ignores me now; she realises that I’m not actually talking to myself.”
At the end of this month, she will be appearing in Good Night, Oscar at the Barbican. The play, written by Doug Wright, centres on the character of real-life pianist, composer, comedian and all-round entertainer Oscar Levant, played by Sean Hayes, who brings his acclaimed, Tony Award-winning performance to London, direct from a critically acclaimed Broadway season. The action centres around the filming of a fictionalised episode of The Tonight Show in 1958, and explores themes of celebrity, genius, the questionable role of the media, and Levant’s struggles with mental illness.
“I didn’t know how big a deal it was out on Broadway,” Rosalie admits, recalling when she first heard about the project. “Certainly, for Sean; apparently, he’s absolutely sensational in it, and I’m really excited about watching him do this. And I didn’t know anything about this character, Oscar Levant, and what a kind of traumatic life he had, and how complicit we all are in fame, and in other people’s downfalls, you know, and it’s kind of a nice lens on that. An interrogation of that really.”
Rosalie plays Oscar’s wife June, the only female in the cast.
“They sent me the script to read, and I was really taken with it,” she tells me, when I ask about her character. “I just thought it was a really interesting project, and an interesting role for me. She’s a late-1950s American, quite a powerful wife character. I usually steer clear of playing wives, but this is kind of a different situation, because she commits him to a psychiatric ward because of his behaviour. But then she is the person who facilitates him going on television again; she gets him this pass for four hours, so he can go on this talk show. Essentially, she could be ending his career, so it’s quite a strange thing, that she feels that she has to get him on this TV show in order to end that chapter of himself. Maybe because she also needs to move on herself. There’s a lot of love there, you know, even if it’s a bit turbulent, and not a regular type of relationship.”
Having made her name professionally and spent much of her early career on the London stage, this will be Rosalie’s first theatre project for some time. “I was saying to some friends of mine recently, who are also in the business, that it’s a strange feeling, because I haven’t been on stage for maybe over four years now,” she reveals. “It had got to the point where, not that I was complacent about theatre projects, but I suppose that there would be less fear attached to them, because I would have maybe finished a big run in something, and then I’d be into rehearsals for something else. So, I was already on that treadmill. But because I’ve been filming for so many years now, I’m actually genuinely a little bit scared, which I never thought I would be. I think it’s kind of a good place for me to be though, that I am slightly fearful. Hopefully rehearsals will put those nerves in a slightly different place. But yeah, it’s a nice thing ahead…”
And, at just seven weeks, it is the perfect length of run for her to dip her toes back into the world of theatre without committing to anything huge. “When you do a show in the West End, maybe not at the National or the Donmar, seven weeks is kind of the beginning of a run,” she laughs, “so you’re just sort of finding your stride. I’m hopeful that I’ll get to the end of the seven weeks and think, oh was that it? And want to do some more…”
While it remains to be seen whether it is a theatre role or a screen role that comes next for Rosalie, we will be seeing her this autumn in a couple of TV projects that she filmed last year. First up, a part in The Hack, a seven-part ITV Studios series about the News of the World phone hacking scandal. Written by BAFTA, Tony and Olivier award winning screenwriter, Jack Thorne and starring David Tennant, Robert Carlyle and Toby Jones in leading roles it has been produced by the team behind Mr Bates vs The Post Office. Like that series, it promises to be
“THIS INDUSTRY IS SO ADRENALINE CHARGED –YOU’RE ON THE HEAP AND THEN YOU’RE NOT –WE ARE KIND OF PROFESSIONAL GAMBLERS, I THINK, WITH OUR LIVES”
both complex and thought-provoking. “The scripts are excellent, and Lewis Arnold is a phenomenal director,” Rosalie tells me. “And I think, from what I’ve seen, and what I was doing on set, they have handled it brilliantly. But it won’t come without a noise, you know, because this is something that always needs to be squashed down by the press, rather than elevated, I think.”
Her character has not currently been announced, making it tricky to discuss the role in any depth, but is obviously based on a true-life person. “It’s not the most enormous role I’ve ever played, but it was certainly an undertaking,” Rosalie explains. “I think that’s true of any sort of person who’s still living. There is a sort of different challenge, because people know her mannerisms potentially, or what she looks like, what she sounds like… I sort of did a deep dive into her – it’s probably over a year or so ago now, when I played her and when we were shooting – just researching and watching her. It is also funny playing a character who is not potentially liked by people. Sometimes I prefer playing real people, because you’ve got boundaries, or you’ve got a sort of blueprint of how to be that person, whereas with a fictional character, you’ve got to start from scratch, really – which is also thrilling, because you get to build them from the ground up. But I think this person is such a controversial figure for many people, so that was kind of slightly daunting, taking that on. But there’s lots of us who are playing those kinds of people in this series.”
BBC drama Riot Women will come hot on the heels of The Hack. Written by award-winning writer Sally Wainwright (of Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax fame), and also starring Joanna Scanlan, Tamsin Greig, Lorraine Ashbourne, Amelia Bullmore and Taj Atwal, it tells the story of five women who put together a rock band in a bid to win a local talent contest. As they juggle demanding jobs, grown-up children, complicated parents, absent husbands and disastrous dates and relationships, the band becomes a catalyst for change in their lives, making them question everything they thought they knew.
Talking about the project, Sally has said that she is more excited about this than anything else she has ever written, and that she can’t wait to share it. And Rosalie is equally excited. “I’m sort of giddy excited about this one,” she admits. “It is the biggest TV role I have ever played; one of the greatest challenges of anything I’ve been asked to do, really. I mean, Sally’s an exceptional writer, but for her to say this is her favourite series she’s made so far… I mean, maybe she says that whenever she makes a series, but yeah, this one seems like a real labour of love for her. It’s a phenomenal story for women. I guess it’s a big story about friendship, and also new beginnings, and if it’s possible to start again post trauma, or post a part of your life where it’s been given solely to everybody else, and then they have moved out and moved on, and what are you left with? But equally, it’s Sally, so she likes the dark side of things, but also the humour and the joy and the love. It is incredible. So, so hilarious, but at the same time, you’ll have an amazingly hilarious, fantastic scene, then followed by something that is just gut punching.”
Rosalie plays the part of band member Kitty Eckersley. “She’s not like anything I’ve ever played before,” she tells me. “I think that was why it was so incredible, and so sort of mind-blowing, when Sally was like, ‘I want you to play the part’. Every day I was thinking somebody was going to tap me on my shoulder, and say, ‘This way please, you’re not supposed to be here!’,” she laughs. “If I’d been asked a year or so ago, would you love to work with Sally Wainwright, I’d have been like, are you kidding, yes, but how does anyone do something like that!” she tells me. “But if I had set my sights on her, I probably would have fallen apart in the meeting. And thought, oh my God, I can’t do this, because I want it so much that I’ll just scupper my chances.”
What can Rosalie tell us about Kitty? “She’s sort of from the wrong side of the tracks – very vulnerable,” she reveals.
“I’m trying to think of stuff to tell you about her that won’t give away too much of the story… She hasn’t got a fixed address, and she’s this sort of person who has never really found their place in the world, and she just doesn’t belong anywhere. She’s very sharp, and hard, and vulnerable, and she’s quite violent at times… you know, just nothing that I’ve ever done before.”
Though she might not have played this sort of character before, with a background in musical theatre, the band scenes came more naturally to Rosalie than they did to others. “The other actresses had to learn to play instruments from scratch, and luckily, I didn’t,” she recalls. “But I think they loved the challenge of that. They were so amazing and just picked it up –learning the drums or bass guitar or the piano when you’re sort of mid 50s-early 60s was just a really beautiful, sort of all-embracing thing for them to do. It’s so uniting when you get to play music together as a band – I recommend it. You get to know people much quicker that way. When we first played a song together, we were like, oh my God, this is so cool! You know, where have we been? Because it’s a loud, angry noise. And I thought, yeah, I get what all those boys were doing at school now; I get it, they were getting all the angst out there.”
There were lessons to be learned for Rosalie, though. “I think having the gift of doing a part on screen, on film, for over six months, that was the biggest learning curve for me, and one that I don’t think I’ve been exposed to before,” she muses. “I’ve shot series before, but never played a character who was in every single scene. Theatre and film are different worlds, and they require different strengths, and different parts of you. I always feel like theatre is so instant – you create that scene there, and then it is gone. And I’ve always loved that about it. But I also really get why a lot of actors just love to be on camera. It is just a different feeling, and a different kind of adrenaline, I suppose. And essentially that’s what we are as beasts I think – we’re chasing the adrenaline. This industry is so adrenaline charged – you’re on the heap and then you’re not – we are kind of professional gamblers, I think, with our lives, and everything that we own.”
Acting certainly isn’t for the faint hearted, but Rosalie’s dedication seems to be paying off. “I grew up in Nottingham, in not a theatrical family, but my parents always took us to the theatre. I suppose I went to the theatre as a young girl, the Nottingham Playhouse, the regional theatre there, and just fell in love with it, and couldn’t shake it,” Rosalie recalls. “I ended up auditioning for a drama school called Rose Bruford College, because my parents said, ‘You can go somewhere where you can get a degree’. I mean I don’t know what a degree in performing arts would’ve got me in the real world, but I was like, ‘OK, if I’m allowed in, great!’ And I’m still amazed I got in there, because I was just so green. I think maybe my parents thought I might grow out of it at some stage, maybe they’re still hoping I will, but I haven’t grown out of it yet, so, yeah… I’m still going, still chipping away at the acting things. You know, when you go back home, and people go, oh, you’re still doing that are you? And I’m like, yep, all these years later, yes, I am…”
What is it that has kept her doing this, I ask. “I can’t deny that I love the feeling of performing or just becoming someone else,” she says. “I don’t know what that is – sometimes it’s a bit of an escape, really. Especially if you’re on stage, you sort of put your whole life on hold, and you just pretend to be someone else for a few hours, and then you can come back to you. I suppose it’s a form of escapism, but I don’t know quite what I’m escaping from. I haven’t quite worked that one out yet!” She shrugs. I can see where she is coming from – there’s undeniable appeal in the ability to shrug off everyday responsibilities for a few hours.
Good Night, Oscar runs from 31 July (barbican.org.uk)
Conscious, cultured, characterful, and considerate, the new Montcalm Mayfair is a five-star hotel that sits proudly in the heart of London’s most prestigious neighbourhood
The stunning Montcalm Mayfair, an Autograph Collection hotel, opened its doors earlier this year, following a landmark refurbishment led by award-winning architects Holland Harvey. The five-star boutique property is the flagship in the Montcalm Collection.
Over the course of two years the whole property has been reimagined and expanded in a past-preserving, forward-thinking manner. Most noticeable is the restoration of the Georgian Grade II-listed façade – which was damaged in WWII and rebuilt in the 1970s. The team have worked meticulously to enhance its appearance whilst preserving its historical integrity. Significantly, a new extension has also been added; designed to mirror the traditional mansard roof design, and in keeping with the local architecture, it has added 15 new guest rooms and suites, making a total of 151 rooms including three signature suites.
The new interiors, designed by Studio Est, blend historical charm with contemporary, handcrafted furnishings and playful artistic details. A floral and garden theme runs throughout the hotel, brought to life with a palette of rich, natural, earthy tones and the use of organic materials like oak, marble and brass. This is particularly evident in the lobby, which has been reimagined as
a dynamic living room with food and drink at the heart of the experience.
In this respect, the hotel is as much of a destination for Londoners as it is for guests. Lilli by Akira Back is Montcalm Mayfair’s signature restaurant. The exceptional food offering features modern interpretations of classic British dishes with global influences, combining the very best seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. At the helm is world-renowned, Michelinstarred chef Akira Back who has created a menu that honours his Korean heritage and dynamic creative flair.
Equally special is the bar, which serves an innovative cocktail list, taking guests on a journey through England’s Georgian gardens, with flavours that pay homage to English horticulture with an Asian influence. In a further nod to the garden theme, the space features a dramatic hand-painted mural by Will Foster; a playful, ethereal garden dances across the expansive ceiling.
Another favourite spot is the stunning new spa, which features four luxurious treatment rooms, including a couples room; a space for yoga, meditation, movement and reflection; infrared and traditional wood saunas and heat experiences; a hydro pool and jacuzzi; a gym fitted with the latest TechnoGym equipment; and a peaceful relaxation space offering tea rituals in partnership with Camellia’s Tea House. YĀTRĀ – meaning journey in Sanskrit – is a cocooning, subterranean space dedicated to pampering. Promoting relaxation, mindfulness, and personal growth, with an emphasis on balance, selfdiscovery, and harmony, the new spa goes beyond traditional treatments, offering immersive journeys that promise to leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and connected to your inner self. Decorated in soothing pastel tones, with a bespoke scent featuring notes of eucalyptus, raspberry, and clove, with a heart of pine and a woody base of cedarwood, sandalwood, and musk, and a signature soundscape created by MindFidelity to reflect British woodlands and forests, it feels gloriously sophisticated and tranquil. Heaven on earth.
2 Wallenberg Place, W1H (020 7958 3200; montcalmcollection.com/ montcalm-mayfair)
Over the course of two years, the entire hotel has been completely reimagined in a pastpreserving, forwardthinking manner
£4,250,000
A luxurious and spacious, three bedroom penthouse apartment with a private roof garden, set over the 3rd & 4th floors of this gated development.
This apartment offers 3,048 sq ft of generous living space with private & secure lift access & is fully air conditioned with 36’ reception room and a separate eat-in kitchen with Gaggeneau appliances & utility area. The 4th floor provides a wonderful entertaining space leading to a private roof terrace of around 1600 sq ft. The apartment has been kept to a high standard and provides 2 underground parking spaces and a generous storage room in the basement.
49 The Bishops Avenue is one of the most prestigious addresses in London. The three buildings are tied into the walled garden communal garden. The subterranean car park and leisure facilities which include swimming pool, gym & changing rooms are located below the courtyard with direct secure lift access to all apartments. The grounds extend to two acres, with mature trees and shrubs and extensive landscaping. A 24-hour concierge / security service is also available for residents’ peace of mind and convenience.
In an exciting ‘next-step’, the Marylebone-based facialist adds Botox to her Mesotherapy treatment – we put it to the test
Words by Liz Skone James
Despite having been tempted to try the increasingly weird and wonderful in my quest for eternal youth – salmon sperm and bee stings, anyone? – I’ve always been absolutely terrified at the mention of Botox, fearful of being left with a swollen-looking, expressionless face. Indeed, I will only countenance its use when it is suggested by superfacialist Vaishaly – not simply because I trust her implicitly when it comes to matters of the skin, but also because she is proposing to use it in a very different way. Vaishaly now applies the Botox superficially into the skin’s surface, not the muscle, in microscopic quantities, as part of her Mesotherapy treatment. This I have tried, and loved, and Vaishaly promises that with this new secret ingredient, the results will be even better – the ultimate tightening and rejuvenating treatment, clients have dubbed Mesotox the Porcelain Facial because it leaves skin looking so utterly radiant and smooth.
I’m told that when applied in this way, Botox not only has a tightening effect, eliminating fine lines and lifting, but it also closes open pores, preventing the skin from becoming oily and congested (bye, bye breakouts). And in doing so, it can even prevent facial sweating; saying goodbye to the perimenopausal summer face sheen is a clincher for me. I’m in.
Clients have dubbed Mesotox the Porcelain Facial because it leaves skin looking so radiant
effects got better over the coming weeks, lasting for months. The idea that the results could be even better is certainly compelling.
The best bit? No injections. Vaishaly uses a process called ‘nappage’ to tap across the surface of the skin on the face, neck and under the eyes with a micro-needle which barely penetrates the surface. From past experience I know that application feels like a series of tiny scratches and is totally bearable, though does make me squirm in more delicate areas, particularly around the eyes.
I hop on the bed in the treatment room and Vaishaly makes a thorough assessment of my skin before going to mix up a bespoke cocktail of goodies to target its specific needs today. She then cleanses my skin and performs a superficial glycolic peel – explaining that exfoliating dead skin cells and unclogging pores
allows for improved penetration of the magical Mesotherapy ingredients. The actual treatment is quick and totally painless, as I remembered it. After a first thorough application, Vaishaly scans the skin for imperfections, before going back over those areas again, taking the results to a whole new level.
The results are immediate – I look well rested and my complexion is glowing. And the effects become more exaggerated over time; fine lines disappear, including, most impressively, a seemingly permanent sleep crease on my forehead that has been bothering me for some time. And my lower jawline looks tighter. I am converted, and will definitely be back for more. The 30-minute treatment with Vaishaly is priced at £395, with two treatments recommended, two weeks apart. Vaishaly Clinic, 51 Paddington Street W1U (020 4509 9700; vaishaly.com)
Developed in the 1960s by Michel Pistor, a French doctor, Mesotherapy was originally used to relieve pain. Now one of the most popular natural, non-surgical anti-ageing treatments, the procedure enables a bespoke combination of powerful vitamins, minerals, amino acids and hyaluronic acid to be administered to the lower layers of the skin, immediately delivering hydration, while toning and smoothing the surface of skin.
I first tried it in Vaishaly’s gorgeous Marylebone clinic a few years ago and was wowed by the results: my skin was left looking smooth and glowing. And, remarkably, the
The latest in luxury fashion, beauty and healthy living
Sloane Street jeweller Anabela Chan has just launched an exciting new collection featuring gemstones synthesised from fruits and vegetables – an industry first. An innovative combination of science and art, the Fruit Gems collection has been created in response to the staggering amount of food wasted annually, and marks the latest chapter in Anabela’s mission to create wonder from waste using modern technology.
Working in her London atelier, through a process of trial and error, Anabela discovered how pigmentation could be extracted from fruits and vegetables: carotenoids contributing red and orange from dragon fruits and tomatoes; flavonoids contributing yellow from carrots and lemons; betalains contributing red and purple from beetroot; anthocyanins contributing blue from blueberries and spirulina; and chlorophyll green from spinach and plankton. Through a combination of processes including crushing, grinding, simmering, straining, air-drying and freeze-drying, the Fruit Gems are bonded and stabilised with a bio-resin derived from plants and renewable organic materials such as corn, soybean, agave and avocado seeds. The rough gems can then be cut, faceted and polished in the same way as natural gemstones, with the ability to be casted into forms like molten metals. Simply astonishing. anabelachan.com
The epitome of luxury scent
If you’re familiar with niche French luxury perfume house Fragrance du Bois, you’ll know that their Oud-based fragrances are seriously special, crafted by fifth generation perfumers using 100 per cent pure, organic Oud oil and other sustainably sourced ingredients.
One of the most expensive raw fragrance ingredients in the world, Oud is extracted from the fungus-infected resinous heartwood of the agar tree. Only two per cent of these trees, which are considered a threatened species, produce the resin, making it incredibly rare.
Perhaps the most iconic scent in the Fragrance du Bois selection is Sahraa; this exquisitely balanced eau de parfum is meticulously crafted around Rose Absolute and the finest vintage Oud. Featuring notes of geranium, jasmine, moss, patchouli, sandalwood, saffron, vanilla and amber, it is sophisticated and captivating. And now, for fragrance connoisseurs with the most refined tastes, it is available in an exquisite, bespoke, Swarovski-encrusted bottle. The handcrafted bottles are totally unique, a true collector’s edition. Usually priced at £695, Sahraa in a Swarovskiencrusted bottle is priced at £3,000, and is available made-to-measure by contacting the team at info@fragrancedubois.com
A state-of-the-art clinic is offering new levels of private healthcare to Londoners. MhM has just opened an outpatient clinic on the Fulham Road. The new facility offers a wide range of treatments, therapies and non-surgical services, alongside a dedicated walk-in GP practice. Services include health consultations, preventative screenings and a host of non-surgical aesthetic and therapeutic treatments, including vitamin and nutrient injections, massage therapy, reflexology, PRP, microneedling, and personalised nutrition and fitness guidance, as well as first aid training and lifestyle coaching.
The luxurious space features thoughtful architectural detailing, natural light, and soft, tranquil interiors to ensure that every consultation space feels calm and considered. And an industry-first training initiative, delivered in collaboration with the Dorchester Collection Academy ensures that service excellence extends beyond medical treatment, delivering a personalised, fivestar experience for every patient, every visit. This is healthcare as you’ve never experienced it before. 169 Fulham Road, SW3 (memorialhouston.com)
An individualised, holistic approach to personal training and wellbeing lies at the heart of Coached by
Tell us a bit about your background and how you came to launch your business From 2013 to 2017, I studied at Loughborough University, where I had access to incredible fitness facilities and first discovered my love for strength training. Those years sparked a deep interest in movement, resistance training and wellbeing, and I spent much of my time learning everything I could. After graduating, I started a corporate job but quickly realised that my real passion lay in helping others feel their best. I began supporting friends and family with their training, and by 2019, launching my business, Coached by Charlotte, felt like the natural next step.
What services do you offer to clients?
I offer 1:1 and paired personal training sessions, both in-person (in central London) and online, along with bespoke programmes delivered through my app. Each session is thoughtfully designed around your individual goals, lifestyle and preferences.
What’s your fitness philosophy?
My philosophy centres around longevity and enjoyment. I help clients build fitness routines that complement their lifestyles and that genuinely feel good, as that’s what makes
consistency with exercise sustainable – not just for weeks, but for years. I work with clients ranging from 20 to 80 years old and always remind them that maintaining – and ideally improving – your strength and mobility throughout your life is one of the most powerful fitness goals. I genuinely believe fitness should support your life so you can keep doing the activities and sports you love for as long as possible.
Describe your training style – what can we expect from a session?
My sessions focus primarily on strength training, with elements of Pilates, movement-based work, sport-specific drills or rehab exercises woven in depending on your goals. Each session is completely tailored to you, with adjustments made based on how you’re feeling, how you’ve
been performing and what’s going on in your life, taking into consideration factors such as sleep quality and stress levels.
How do you want your clients to feel during and after a session with you?
That depends on the client. Some want to be pushed to their limit, while others prefer a gentler pace – and I fully respect both. My aim is always for clients to feel comfortable but challenged. You should leave a session feeling stronger, more mobile and more connected to your body. Just as much as I want clients to feel challenged, I want them to enjoy the process. Laughter and fun are a big part of how I coach. For many of my clients, training is one of the few moments in the week that’s entirely theirs – so making that time feel positive and enjoyable is key.
Charlotte’s sessions focus on strength training, with elements of Pilates, movement-based work, sport-specific drills or rehab exercises woven in
I want clients to enjoy the process. Laughter and fun are a big part of how I coach
What are your personal fitness and wellbeing must-dos and must haves?
For fitness specifically, having a set of resistance bands and adjustable dumbbells at home is an essential. Just these few pieces of equipment allow you to perform a huge range of exercises. Even if you only have a very limited amount of time to exercise, you can still fit in a challenging session at home.
Beyond training, my must-dos are really just the basics – quality sleep, staying hydrated, eating a wide variety of unprocessed whole foods, moving daily and spending quality time with your community. With so many wellness products on the market, it’s easy to get distracted or swept up in the latest fad. The true game-changer is being consistent with the simple foundations.
Community is also a huge part of wellbeing –and one that’s often overlooked in the pursuit of health goals. In the Blue Zones, where people live the longest and healthiest lives, social connection is central to daily life. I always encourage clients to bring friends, partners or even their children to sessions. Exercising with your community can be incredibly motivating and joyful – and it’s something I actively encourage.
What advice do you have for people wanting to stay active and healthy while on holiday? Decide ahead of time what your intention is. Some clients see holidays as an opportunity to move more and really focus on their health, while others want to completely switch off. Both options are completely valid – the key is making a conscious decision before you go, so you’re not stuck in limbo or feeling guilty while you’re there.
What’s next for Coached by Charlotte?
I’m currently arranging workshops and collaborations with some of London’s leading nutritionists, physiotherapists and women’s health experts to ensure my clients receive the highest standard of care and a truly holistic coaching experience. Watch this space… coachedbycharlotte.com
PREP 20 MINS COOK 15 MINS
Nothing brings people together better than sharing a meal, and no-one knows more about gathering friends and family around a table than the award-winning COOK
You might think you’ve never tried one of COOK’s frozen meals, but we’ll wager that at some point friends or family have passed off one of the gourmet creations as their own and served it up to you!
And there’s absolutely no shame in that, because this is seriously good food – hand prepared in the way you cook in your own kitchen, using the very best ingredients from only the best, most trusted suppliers.
Founded almost 30 years ago, COOK now boasts over 100 shops and 1,000 distribution outlets throughout the country, from supermarkets to independent department stores, farm shops and garden centres. A founding member of B Corp UK, part of the global movement of responsible businesses, COOK has won multiple Great Taste
Awards. And, excitingly, they’ve just released their first ever recipe book, sharing some of their best loved recipes. COOK: Serve up Joy includes more than 80 recipes – with options that are suitable for a whole host of occasions, from work night wonders to celebratory feasts – alongside kitchen wisdom and menu-planning advice. It’s a musthave for serious foodies.
We love this zingy recipe that’s perfect for a below par summer day. They say: “Zingy Asian flavours to brighten up a dreary weeknight. This offers the perfect solution for what to do with the mango you bought on a whim at the supermarket that’s slowly going soft in the bottom of the fridge. Don’t skimp on the chilli – the heat balances the sweet, fresh salsa perfectly.”
COOK: Serve up Joy by The COOK Kitchen, Kyle Books, £28
For the salsa
• 100g fine green beans, trimmed and sliced into 3cm pieces • 1 red pepper, cored, deseeded and finely chopped • 3 spring onions, trimmed and finely sliced • 1 ripe mango, cut into small cubes
• 4 tbsp toasted sesame oil • 1 lime
For the salad
• 200g wholemeal noodle nests • 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
• 20g piece of fresh root ginger, peeled and grated
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 2 red chillies, deseeded and sliced • 3 spring onions, trimmed and finely sliced • 200g raw king prawns • 100g fresh or frozen garden peas • 3 tbsp fish sauce • 1 carrot, peeled and cut into fine matchsticks • ½ cucumber, deseeded and cut into fine matchsticks • 2 tbsp soy sauce
To serve
• small handful of fresh coriander • 1 lime, cut into wedges
METHOD
1. First, make the salsa. Put a small saucepan of water on to boil and blanch the green beans for 2 minutes. Drain, run under cold water and place in a bowl.
2. Add the red pepper, spring onions and mango. Add the sesame oil and the lime juice. Mix and place to one side.
3. Cook the noodles according to the packet instructions. Cool under running water, drain and place in a large mixing bowl.
4. Place a large frying pan on a high heat. Add the oil, ginger, garlic, chillies and spring onions, and stir-fry for 1 minute.
5. Add the prawns, turn the heat down to medium and stir-fry for a further 2 minutes.
6. Add the peas and fish sauce, and stir-fry until the peas and prawns are cooked through. Make sure the prawns have all turned pink and there are no grey bits remaining. Don’t cook them for too long, though, or the flesh will become tough.
7. Tip the prawns into the bowl with the noodles along with the carrot, cucumber and soy sauce. Toss to combine.
8. Transfer the noodle salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the salsa on top of the noodles. Scatter the coriander on top and serve with the lime wedges.
SERVING TIP
Use tongs or two forks to pile the noodles and prawns in the centre of four bowls. Spoon the salsa on top, nice and high. Sprinkle on the coriander leaves and add a bowl of prawn crackers on the side to share.
Tuck into the latest foodie news from across the Capital
BOOK THIS
A newly curated wine list at Fire & Wine celebrates small-scale, sustainable producers
Budding bakers would do well to get themselves down to Bermondsey, where artisan French bakery Comptoir Bakery hosts a series of immersive workshops focusing on the art of traditional patisserie.
The sessions are led by Comptoir’s charismatic pâtissier Sebastien Wind, who has previously worked in the kitchens of Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White. Telling us about the masterclasses, he explains: “We share deep-rooted traditional baking techniques through our bespoke bakery classes and workshops, each designed to teach and encourage would-be pastry chefs to experience tradition and embrace what is new to create their own version of some Comptoir Bakery favourites.”
Whichever treat tickles their fancy, attendees are fully involved at every
step of its creation, from mixing and kneading dough to shaping and baking. In the brionut workshop, you’ll master the art of crafting a soft, golden brioche, as well as make a variety of fillings for them – from pistachio cream to banana jam. Or perhaps you’d prefer to get stuck into the croissant, pain au chocolat and pain aux raisins workshop, where you’ll get your hands floury and dive into the heart of French baking, learning to create these buttery classics from scratch, leaving with the skills to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked viennoiserie. Naughty, but oh-so nice. Three-hour workshops are priced at £99 per person and include tasty treats to take away at the end, as well as a Comptoir branded apron. 96 Druid Street, SE1 (comptoirbakery.co.uk)
NOW OPEN
A new neighbourhood classic
Celebrating the beauty and simplicity of traditional Roman osterias with a distinct London flare, Lupa has just opened in Highbury. The new neighbourhood restaurant has been launched by locals Ed Templeton (co-founder of Carousel) and actor Theo James, and the
kitchen is led by head chef Naz Hassan.
Naz’s Italian upbringing, combined with Ed’s time spent living in Rome have informed the delicious menu here, while Ed and Theo’s deeply rooted connection to the area has been instrumental in guiding its welcoming and laidback approach. Think low lighting, comfortable seating and unhurried service.
The food echoes this stripped back approach: crowdpleasing favourites and big Italian flavours, with an emphasis on regional specialities from Rome and the surrounding Lazio region, feature on a succinct menu that is seasonally changing. And the drinks list focuses on wellmade, aperitivo-style cocktails and spritzes, and Italian wines
NEW CONCEPT
A bold new chapter for Marylebone dining
Making an exciting debut this summer is Fire & Wine, a new identity for Boxcar Bar & Grill. The reimagined dining destination, which opened in mid-June, sees high quality produce-led plates, cooked over fire, and low intervention wines come together in a space that blends neighbourhood warmth with culinary ambition. With this new identity comes a new head chef, Zisis Gkalmpenis; originally from Greece and trained in some of the Capital’s top kitchens, including Michelinstarred Pied à Terre and Cord by Le Cordon Bleu, he brings an international approach to fire-led cooking, crafting simple, produce-first dishes that celebrate seasonality.
Wine is central to the concept: the new wine list has been built around small-scale, sustainable producers, and offers a mix of natural and old-world bottles selected to complement the bold, fire-cooked fare. An exciting addition for summer sipping is Fire & Wine’s own-label rosé, Tinted Glasses, created in collaboration with Château Saint-Maur in Provence. Ankur Wishart, cofounder of the Boxcar group, explains: “We’re pouring wines with real personality, from skin-contact wines to organic favourites and cooking food that lets the fire speak for itself.” Count us in. 23 New Quebec Street, W1H (020 3006 7000; boxcar.co.uk/fire-wine)
from independent winemakers.
Ed tells us:
“Theo and I are both locals and share an ambition to open an enduring neighbourhood classic… Working together with Naz, we’ve conceived a menu that’s casual, fun and delicious.”
73 Highbury Park, N5 (lupa.restaurant)
Quite possibly the Isle of Wight’s best-kept secret, the superb setting is more than matched by the quality of the food here
Words
by Katie Hutley
It started, as all the best British summer stories do, in the rain. Arriving at Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight – soggy, and clinging to our optimism like our clothes clung to our bodies – we disembarked from our transfer wondering whether this was, in fact, a mad idea. But as we took our seats and gazed across the Solent, it seemed hardly feasible somehow that we’d left Waterloo station barely two hours ago. Despite the rain, the crossing (in our very own chartered yacht, no less) was smooth as silk and, in stark contrast to our dampness, as soon as we stepped inside, the atmosphere was buzzing, with a vibe as lively as it was friendly. As the first glass of rosé was poured, all memories of rainy crossings melted away.
If you haven’t heard of The Hut, you won’t be alone; the island itself flies fairly under the radar, but is heaven for family holidays on unspoilt, sandy beaches, beautiful countryside, and a general air of a slower pace of life. Knowing the island relatively well, I wasn’t therefore quite expecting what awaited us behind The Hut’s doors. Set right on the water at Colwell Bay, this is where the yachting crowd from the Solent and super-smart Londoners in Breton stripes converge for lazy lunches that last until closing – quite the scene. No buckets and spades here.
What was here was ridiculously good cocktails, from an extensive list; we chose from the aperitifs, a refreshing Lonkero – Salcombe Sainte Marie, Campari, Gomme, grapefruit soda and lemonade – for me, and a Cucumber Sake Martini for him, a blend of Akashi-Tai Shiraume Umeshu, Lillet Blanc and cucumber peel that was as delectable as it was unpronounceable.
We started with a line-up of dishes that felt like a love letter to the sea
With a setting as beautiful as this, it would be easy for a kitchen to become complacent – let the view do the talking as they dial it in. This is emphatically not the case here. We started with a line-up of dishes that felt like a love letter to the sea. The crab salad was a work of art: cool avocado, a whisper of Togarashi, dotted with pearls of caviar and lifted by a citrusy yuzu mayo. The fish tacos were generous and punchy, slick with Baja sauce and green mole, and scattered with coriander like confetti. Scallops and pork belly came seared to a silky finish, with XO dressing bringing a deep umami hum. But the sleeper hit was the mackerel – sharp green tomato gribiche, ikura, and a tang of yuzu pear, all cooled by dill yoghurt. It was smart food that didn’t shout about itself.
Then came the main event: a whole John Dory, caught that morning and served like an altar offering, on a huge platter surrounded by Roscoff onions, new potatoes, Isle of Wight tomatoes, and bathed in a trio of sauces: sauce vierge, chive beurre blanc, and chimichurri. Regular readers
will know my stance on tomatoes, and let me just say: Isle of Wight ones are different. Jess, our angelic waitress, agreed. We bonded over their sweetness and intensity, which she told me is down to the island’s microclimate – all that sunshine and sea air.
There were at least two points where we should have headed back to the ferry. But when the rosé flows like that and the sun reappears, what’s the rush? To better match our moods, the sun finally appeared, the roof was rolled back and we moved to the terrace to take in the sunset views and the sea air. We re-ordered the tacos. We rearranged our ferry (twice). Technically, by the time we arrived back home, it was the next day, pushing the concept of ‘a holiday in a day’ to its outer extremes. But as life gets ever busier, having world-class dining, in such a beautiful sea-edge setting, just a short journey away, made the next such holiday seem a whole lot closer. Next weekend, anyone? Colwell Chine Road, Colwell Bay, PO40 9NP (01983 898637; thehutcolwell.co.uk)
This summer, The Leopard Room at The Rubens plays host to Sweet Serve - a limited-time pop-up with an elegantly crafted dessert paired with Champagne Lanson and live screenings throughout the Championship.
For private events, The Leopard Room offers an intimate setting with its own entrance, cocktails, canapés and live entertainment - just steps from Buckingham Palace.
Forget the Brits abroad stereotypes, away from the brassy resorts, Spain’s sunshine coast does glamour like nobody else
This new hotel is set within the La Hacienda Links Golf Resort, one of the area’s premier golfing destinations. Tucked between the mountains and the sea, with views across to Gibraltar, the hotel enjoys a peaceful spot with direct access to La Alcaidesa beach, a 4km-long sandy strip.
There are 213 bright and airy rooms, suites, and private villas on offer here, offering uninterrupted views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Providing a tranquil escape for those in search of a little more privacy, the 47 villas, all with private pools, are located away from the main hotel in an area that has been inspired by a traditional Andalusian village; with whitewashed façades the buildings are set along charming streets.
There are a number of restaurants to choose from on site, from al fresco Umbra, which offers light bites beside the pool, to El Faro, where Spanish tradition meets modern flair in a menu designed for sharing, and gourmet restaurant Dalmar, overseen by Michelin-starred chef Benito Gómez, who has created a menu of elevated Andalusian cuisine.
As well as the two golf courses, guest facilities include a serene spa, complete with hydrotherapy pools, a Hammam, yoga and fitness spaces, and treatment rooms. Holiday heaven guaranteed. fairmont.com/la-hacienda-costa-del-sol
Finca Cortesin
This independently owned luxury resort is located in one of the most tranquil and sought-after enclaves of the Andalusian coast, not far from the picturesque village and tranquil hills of Casares, as well as Sotogrande, Marbella and Málaga.
Offering the perfect blend of superb cuisine, impeccable service, and an unrivalled ambiance of peace and tranquillity, this is a place where traditional Mediterranean lifestyle is seamlessly wedded to the latest in contemporary living. The resort comprises an award-winning all-suite hotel; stunning contemporary-designed villas for purchase and rental; one of the best championship golf courses in the world; an outstanding spa and sports facilities; an exclusive shopping area and a Beach Club.
Set within acres of manicured gardens, the hotel itself is inspired by traditional Andalusian architecture, and built around cloistered courtyards. Whether you choose a junior suite, the stately Cortesin suite, or anything in between, all 67 suites offer spacious accommodation with perfectly pitched décor, luxurious spa-style bathrooms, and secluded outdoor space, including a private pool in the pool suites.
From Asian cuisine to laidback snacks at the Beach Club, guests can choose from five eateries, but the jewel in the crown is REI, overseen by chef Luis Olarra, who presents his take on Japanese cuisine in a unique setting. Simply divine. fincacortesin.com
Set on the shores of Playa del Real de Zaragoza, Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club makes its debut this month. It is the ninth property in the iconic Luxury Hotels collection.
There are 125 elegantly designed rooms here, and 10 signature suites – highlights include the opulent Royal Marbella Suite, the tranquil Garden Suites, and the breathtaking Terrace Suites, featuring private pools or Jacuzzis and unparalleled views. With local stone masonry, ornate zellige tilework, delicate jali windows and handcrafted lanterns, the interiors pay homage to Andalusia’s Moorish legacy, while intimate courtyards with tinkling water features and lush greenery recall traditional Andalusian riads.
The spa is huge, with seven treatment caverns, plus a sauna, steam room, indoor swimming pool, fitness suite, and a studio offering yoga, meditation, breathwork, and Pilates classes.
But the beating heart of the hotel, with its infinity pool, chic oceanside dining spots, sunset views and direct beach access, has to be the Amù Beach Club, which is open to non-residents, too. A seriously chic spot to while away a summer’s day. granmarbellaresort.com
Small
yet captivating, nestled on the shores of the Baltic Sea, Estonia boasts an enchanting mix of medieval
charm, pristine natural beauty, and modern innovation, and deserves a spot on any must-visit holiday list
Words by Becky Pomfret
Our Estonian odyssey begins in Tartu. But not before a little luxury experience in getting there: we fly Finnair business class to Helsinki with a very pleasant pitstop in the Schengen Business Class Lounge, before hopping on a smaller plane for the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it connecting flight.
Tartu was named 2024’s European Cultural Capital so expectations are high. With a population of just 100,000 (one fifth of this being students), we’re to expect a compact but creative city where medieval heritage meets modern life. We’re not disappointed. With seamless train and bus links from Tallinn, Estonia’s second-largest city proves an unexpectedly rich cultural escape – and one that’s easily reached from London.
Tartu’s past is storied. The oldest city in the Baltic States, it was once part of northern Latvia under Baltic German rule. In the 19th century, locals fighting for Estonian independence conceived the Singing Festival movement, a musical uprising disguised as choral harmony. The first rehearsal took place in a Lutheran church in Tartu. Today, the legacy lives on in city-wide celebrations, and this duality of resistance and celebration echoes throughout the streets.
A guided walking tour proves a wonderful way to explore. Striking street art is everywhere, and we spot work by Edward von Lõngus, Estonia’s answer to Banksy. Another highlight is the Angel and Devil Bridges, each with their own local legend. The city park is extraordinary: lush, musical, and dotted with statues, including a touching tribute to Estonia’s first poet, who walked 300km from Riga to write his legacy. We come across a semi-ruined church, now a concert and wedding venue, which only adds to the romance.
Tartu is positively built for life outdoors: think rooftop terraces and vibrant outdoor markets. We fall for the charms of the Soup Town district, a bohemian pocket with colourful wooden houses and road names like Potato Street (with a surname like Pomfret, no potato reference goes un-noted!). At the riverfront, a trip on the Jõmmu Barge allows us to glide along the Emajõgi (cosy sheepskins optional), which is just as dreamy as it sounds.
The Estonian National Museum proves a mustvisit, too: high-tech and immersive, it offers a futuristic journey through a folkloric past. Here, we scan our microchipped tickets and delve into tales of magic saunas, love charms, and yes, Skype, proudly described as the “great-grandfather of WhatsApp”. Speaking of futuristic, we arrive here on a driverless shuttle bus. Though the idea is somewhat hair-raising, it is surprisingly efficient, and importantly, completely safe.
We’ve had an early start, and a long day, so we’re more than ready to check into the centrally located V Spa and Conference Hotel to put our feet up for an hour or so. We have evening plans – a wellearned dinner and wine-pairing. In the heart of the Old Town, the team at Pompei restaurant serve Italian cuisine made from local Estonian produce, alongside a menu of their own craft wine. We tuck into some tasty and unusual dishes, rounding off the meal with gelato laced with olive oil and a 25-year-old balsamic vinegar – an unexpected mix, but truly, a taste sensation.
Estonia’s secondlargest city proves an unexpectedly rich cultural escape
Our time in Tartu is all too short, but we’re excited to set off on a scenic drive to Tallin. On arrival, we drop our bags off at Nordic Hotel Forum, situated right in the heart of the city, and meet our guide, the entertaining and knowledgeable Stanislav Lomunov. He seems to know everyone in the city and manages to get permission for us to have a sneak peek into the monastery at the beautiful 14th century Church of the Holy Spirit. Afterwards, we pop into the Schlössle Hotel for coffee – with an open fire and comfortable sofas, it is gorgeous, and it’s easy to see why this is the choice of the rich and famous, whose photographic portraits line the walls. We dine at the Fotografiska restaurant, where the interiors are straight out of the pages of a design magazine; we snap many a photo for inspiration. And the food tastes as good as the restaurant looks. It’s a Michelin Green-starred
eatery that works on a zero-waste basis, proudly using every part of each ingredient.
The following day, we head off to the Maritime Museum, and this experience is nothing short of mind-blowing: we take in an incredible hangar, jaw-dropping design and extraordinary exhibits. It’s fair to say we’ve discovered a hitherto unknown interest in all things maritime. Afterwards, we take a gentle stroll, enjoying views of the incredible 18th century Kadriorg Palace, on our way to lunch at Mon Repos. A Michelin-listed restaurant, it serves hearty, traditional Estonian/ Russian cooking in a cosy setting.
Next stop is the Noblessner Quarter, and the Proto Museum, where there’s plenty of interactive, virtual-reality experiences on offer for visitors of all ages. Here, we ‘fly’ hot air balloons and get to live out our cowboy fantasies. Indeed, we’re having so much fun that it’s only the knowledge we’re booked on a tour of the Põhjala Brewery that persuades us to leave. At Põhjala, we enjoy a seriously entertaining tour that happily allows us to sample several of the beers brewed here – in increasing strength. It’s fair to say that memories are somewhat hazy after this, but we can recall there’s a sauna here, so customers can have a few drinks, sweat it out in the dry heat, and repeat!
We round the trip off with another blissful business class flight back to Heathrow, via a stopoff at the luxurious Finnair lounge for a lovely lunch in Helsinki Airport. It certainly softens the blow of coming home somewhat. Estonia, you have stolen our hearts, and we will return.
Flights to Tallinn with Finnair (return, via Helsinki) from £199 (economy), £585 (business). And Tartu (return, via Helsinki), from £241 (economy), £614 (business). Rooms at the V Spa & Conference Hotel start from €195 per night, and at the Nordic Hotel Forum from €129 per night. For help planning your trip, see visitestonia.com/en
Historic Côte
d’Azur
glamour meets 21st-century ultra-luxury as Le Provençal opens its doors once more
Words by Katie Hutley
Appropriately enough, considering how he built his empire, when John Caudwell takes on a project… people talk. They did when he embarked on turning a London parking complex and adjoining buildings into 1 Mayfair, anticipated to be one of the world’s most expensive residential addresses, and they certainly have as he’s shifted his attention to the French Riviera. The former Phones 4U billionaire doesn’t do things by halves – and his latest venture, the painstaking restoration of the longabandoned Hôtel Provençal in Cap d’Antibes, has been closely watched by both property insiders and Riviera regulars alike.
Le Provençal isn’t just another luxury development. The site had sat silent and deteriorating since 1977 – a sleeping giant perched between Juan-les-Pins and Antibes, its Golden Age grandeur gradually slipping into disrepair beneath the Mediterranean sun. Once, it had been the Côte d’Azur’s most glamorous hotel, its guestbook reading like a who’s who of 20th century royalty and celebrity: Marilyn Monroe, Coco Chanel, Winston Churchill, Pablo Picasso, Charlie Chaplin, F. Scott Fitzgerald and the Kennedys all passed through its grand salons and terraces. But after nearly 50 years shuttered, many doubted whether anyone could successfully bring it back to life.
When I mentioned I was visiting for its official unveiling, the reaction was near-universal: “Can he really pull it off?”
Now, the doors have reopened, it’s clear that he has indeed pulled off one of the Riviera’s most remarkable resurrections. After purchasing the site in 2014, Caudwell embarked on a decade-long, highly sensitive redevelopment, one that carefully balanced the site’s historic architectural status with the expectations of today’s UHNW buyer.
Originally built in 1926–27 by architect Lucien Stable for American millionaire Frank Jay Gould, the building’s original glamour has been restored with the help of Richard Martinet of Parisian firm Affine Design – known for their work on hotels like Hôtel de Crillon and Hôtel de Paris in Monaco. Every intricate detail of the façade – its French stonework, elegant mouldings and iconic balconies – has been preserved and, where necessary, carefully restored. Even the building’s iconic porte cochère and grand octagonal reception lobby have been recreated in exacting detail, now anchored by gold leaf domes, bronze
Caudwell hasn’t simply restored a building –Łhe’s reopened a chapter in Riviera history
sculptures and Art Deco chandeliers that wouldn’t look out of place in The Great Gatsby Interiors, meanwhile, have been entirely reimagined for 21st century luxury living. The public areas remain unapologetically theatrical: soaring ceilings, Nero Marquina marble columns, gilded rotundas and curved glass installations set the tone. Yet behind these showstopping communal spaces lie 41 private residences – a mixture of lateral apartments, penthouses and villas – designed to offer a more refined, understated elegance.
At the unveiling, Caudwell revealed the first fully furnished apartment, located on the 7th floor: a 2,242 sq ft four-bedroom home with an additional 495 sq ft of private terraces. The interiors strike a careful balance: luxurious without ostentation, modern but with subtle nods to Riviera design of the 1950s and 60s. Light oak and stone flooring are paired with bespoke cabinetry, curated ceramics, and iconic mid-century pieces like Le Corbusier armchairs. In the dining room, an oak table by Christophe Delcourt sits beneath a sculptural OCHRE light installation reminiscent of Calder’s mobiles, while the kitchen features Taj Mahal marble and integrated Gaggenau appliances.
Even the bedrooms blend comfort with quiet sophistication: upholstered leather headboards, Porta Romana lamps, Pierre Casenove ceramics, and dressing rooms lined with bespoke joinery. The principal bathroom, clad in white Volakas marble, adds further gravitas, its double vanity framed by brass detailing and Deco-inspired mirrors.
Beyond the apartments themselves, the amenities are designed to rival any world-class resort. Residents can enjoy a 16-seat cinema, children’s playroom, gym, private treatment rooms, and an extraordinary 2,155 sq ft health spa. The spa is particularly striking, with its Ottoman-style domed ceiling, mosaic-lined pools, saunas, Hammam, cold plunge, vitality pool, hydrotherapy jets, and hot stone benches – all accessed directly from residents’ apartments via private lifts.
Residents benefit from concierge, spa treatments, private fitness coaching, and full-service management provided by the adjacent Hôtel Belles Rives, alongside privileged reservation at the hotel’s restaurants, cocktail bar, spa and private beach club. A curated retail arcade is also in the works, adding further convenience to the already self-contained Riviera enclave.
While most of the residences range from €4.5 million to €8 million, marquee apartments – including the vast penthouses spanning up to 9,440 sq ft with private pools and panoramic views – are priced from €15 million, with detailed pricing on request. Along the Cap d’Antibes waterfront sits Domaine de la Belle Étoile, the former Hôtel Provençal Tennis Club, now a new private villa set on 3.65 acres, with sea views, its own tennis court, multiple pools, and an asking price rumoured to be €58.95 million.
In many ways, Le Provençal offers a rare hybrid: a Riviera address steeped in glamorous history, yet entirely rebuilt to meet the hyper-personalised demands of today’s UHNW clientele. Increasingly, wealth today is about more than just square footage or postcode. It’s about turnkey luxury –fully serviced, fully secure, and ready to walk into. In that sense, Le Provençal fits squarely into the global trend toward branded residences and ultraprime serviced living.
And yet, unlike many gleaming modern towers or new-build compounds, Le Provençal stands apart precisely because of its soul. The Riviera has no shortage of luxury developments, but few can match this one for sheer heritage. Caudwell hasn’t simply restored a building – he’s reopened a chapter in Riviera history.
As one guest at the launch remarked, while gazing across the Bay of Golfe-Juan: “It’s like something out of Fitzgerald – only now with WiFi, Gaggenau and your own concierge” In a world of ever-rising UHNW expectations, that may just be the ultimate luxury.
Detailed pricing is available on application. For more information, contact Caudwell (+33 (0)4936 55336; lars.christiaanse@caudwell.com; leprovencal.com)
WE’VE
Don’t let insurance get in the way of purchasing your dream property, say the experts at Howden
In our experience, buyers often leave insurance to the last minute when purchasing a new home, as they assume arranging it will be easy. And often, they aren’t aware that risk typically passes at the exchange of contracts, and this is when insurance should be in place. There are also all sorts of things that can trip you up and leave you without the right level of cover that you need, when you need it.
There are lots of potential insurance complications that can derail what seems like a straightforward sale, from a non-standard property, or one with an adverse prior history of subsidence or flooding, to an indemnity issue causing problems.
And if you can’t find cover, it July adversely affect the your purchase. By speaking to a specialist insurance broker like Howden as early as possible in the buying process, you can make sure that insurance is not a barrier to purchase and that you’re all set to go on the date of exchange.
One thing that is easy to overlook is your contents insurance during the move. Most policies will provide some level of cover but there could be limits, such as restricting the total value of items covered or what is covered – for example jewellery might be excluded. There July also be a time limit or complete exclusion for contents being kept in storage.
In the excitement of moving to a new home, it’s easy to overlook the need to have adequate insurance in place at the time that contracts are exchanged
Make sure that insurance is not a barrier to purchase and that you’re all set to go on the date of exchange
Alternatively, if you’re using a removals company you July be tempted to rely on their cover. However, check the small print as it July be limited, and should you wish to top up, it could prove expensive.
If you’re planning to renovate, convert or extend your new property, remember to let your insurance company know. Insurance policies have a building works condition written into the wording, and if you break this condition, you could find yourself without any cover. Larger scale works, especially if you’re not living at the property, July require an additional specialist policy.
Building works insurance can be a minefield and it’s easy to find
yourself lost in a myriad of terms and conditions. That’s why you should speak to a specialist broker like Howden. We’ll translate policy wordings, explain any detail you might be unsure of and, most importantly, make sure that you have the right level of cover in place.
Remember that once you’ve finished the works, you’ll need to review your sums insured. Failure to increase them upon completion of the building work could result in your home being significantly underinsured.
Providing advice is at the heart of everything we do, so we always offer clear, sensible and independent advice about what our clients should insure and how, so you can
be confident in the event of a claim. To that end, we’ll always check the small print and offer guidance on any limits and exclusions. And we’ll offer transparency and clear communication throughout the claims process.
To speak to Howden about your insurance, call 020 8256 4901, or visit howdeninsurance.co.uk/private-client
AIMI CHANDELIER
Andrew Martin’s Aimi is lighting with soul – a shimmering cascade of coco shell discs that catches the light and plays with it. Suspended from a vintage gold leaf frame, she brings natural texture and quiet glamour to the room. Sculptural but serene, each piece is one of a kind, celebrating the soft imperfections and organic beauty of nature.
Medium £3,575; large £7,295 (andrewmartin.co.uk)
Modular furniture-makers
USM’s new Marylebone showroom marks a subtle shift in focus – from commercial interiors to considered residential design. Set across two floors, the space presents the Swiss brand’s multi-use storage pieces in a more domestic light, with curated room sets highlighting form and function. It’s a confident move that reflects how we live now – flexible, design-led, and built to last. Visit the new store at Marylebone Square, 12 Cramer Street, W1U (020 7183 3470 uk.usm.com)
Seletti’s Kintsugi collection reimagines broken porcelain as something quietly striking. Drawing on the Japanese art of visible mending, each piece is fused with real gold, transforming cracks into intentional lines of beauty. The result is a series of elegant, sculptural designs –from dinnerware to vases – that speak to restoration, imperfection and the art of considered design. From £42 (uk.seletti.it)
In Casa by Paboy x Silo Studio is a joyful collision of craft and colour. Paboy Bojang – the Naples-based maker who founded his cushion brand in lockdown – brings his signature handsewn vibrancy to the table, while Silo Studio’s Hannah Watts adds painterly prints inspired by African craft. Together, they’ve created a richly layered, story-led capsule that’s proudly handmade. £165 (incasabypaboy.com)
From rich reds to buttery yellows and grounding greens, here’s how to bring fresh energy home this season
Words by Ali Howard
Nothing says summer like a fresh lick of paint. And while seasonal trends come and go, this year it’s all about finding those shades that strike a balance between optimism and calm. From buttery yellows to grounding greens and terracotta tones that bring the warmth (even if the weather doesn’t), it’s never been easier to add colour with confidence. The trick? Think in layers – build your palette with the same thought you’d give to an outfit, combining contrast, texture and tone.
At Farrow & Ball, colour is a slow burn – the kind of rich, lived-in hue that doesn’t need shouting about. The heritage paint brand has just introduced 12 new shades to its signature palette, from earthy clays to crisp sky blues. Nine are brand new; three are carefully chosen revivals from the archives. And while the colours may span quite a spectrum, they’re all rooted in the everyday.
“Over the last few years, we’ve relished living with colour,” says Joa Studholme, Farrow & Ball’s colour curator. “It’s opened our eyes to all the shades surrounding us, which we often don’t think about. The treasures right under our noses. Now, we’re ready to embrace more colour and celebrate these unsung heroes in our homes.”
It’s a comforting sentiment, and one that comes through in the brand’s new hero shades. Marmelo, for instance, is an orange-tinged terracotta that takes its cue from the marmelo quince – the fruit behind marmalade. “Who could fail to be comforted by that familiar orange reminiscent of warm, buttered toast and conversations around the breakfast table?”
Joa argues. Another favourite is Douter, a deep, complex green inspired by the soot and tarnished brass of old candle snuffers. “It sits somewhere between Inchyra Blue and Green Smoke,” says Joa. “I always think candlelight brings a magical quality, whether it’s a dinner party or just a cosy evening in.”
Even the neutral tones come with character: Sizing is a crisp take on off-white with a hint of blue, while Reduced Green is one
of those elusive shades that changes with the light – sometimes olive, sometimes brown, but always grounded. From the archive, the reissued Sap Green is worth noting, too. Rich and warm, it boasts an olive tone that makes a small room feel more inviting than enclosed.
“I love delving into our archive,” says Charlotte Cosby, creative director at Farrow & Ball. “There are some real treasures tucked away in there and I’m thrilled these three are getting another turn in the spotlight.”
At Lick, the approach to colour is a little more contemporary, but just as thoughtful. Tash Bradley, the brand’s director of interior design, has noticed a shift in how clients are embracing colour. “They’re leaning into those richer tones but still pairing them with lighter, softer shades,” she explains. One of her current go-to pairings is Lick Supreme Red 06 with Blue 02 or Blue 03 – a classic wine red set against soft, warm blue-greens.
“These blues are light and airy with a warm undertone, and when you bring in that deeper red, it just instantly elevates the whole space,” she says. “What’s great is how versatile it is – the blue takes the lead as the main colour, and then you layer in the richness of that red in smaller moments. Think colour drenching in blue, and then adding the red accents on the inside of cupboard doors, upcycled furniture, or soft furnishings which brings such a lovely balance.”
Yellow, too, is making a quiet return. Not the sugary shades of the past, but something a little more considered. “Yellow is well and truly back, but in a much more refined way,” says Tash. “Lick Supreme in Yellow 07, for example, works beautifully in any room direction. It has grey and brown undertones that give it a more premium, grounded feel and it’s warm without being sickly.” Pair it with dark-toned wood for a sophisticated finish. Earthborn, meanwhile, brings a wholesome edge to the conversation. Known for their eco-friendly credentials and soft, chalky finishes, they’ve become a go-to for anyone after a gentler take on colour. Interior stylists Maxine Brady and Gemma Gear – also hosts of the How to Home podcast – are keen advocates.
“I love ‘The Lido’ from Earthborn, which is a bright and bold shade of teal,” says Maxine. “It reminds me of Brighton’s coast – it’s a fresh and zingy! A lot of the promenade is painted this shade; it makes me smile and reminds me of home.”
For Gemma, green still reigns supreme. “Green has to be my favourite colour… it’s incredibly versatile and instantly brings a sense of calm and freshness to a space,” she says. Her go-to is Earthborn’s Cricket, a vibrant but grounded shade that works across rooms.
Yellow gets a mention here, too. “Daisy Chain is a gorgeous, cheerful yellow that radiates warmth,” says Gemma. “I’ve currently got my eye on it for an upcycling project I’m planning soon. Buttery yellows also continue to be a hot trend for summer 2025 – they add warmth without being too bold.”
For those wanting to go further, Earthborn’s eco-friendly paints lend themselves to more creative applications. “I’d say colour and pattern are probably the most important factors in creating that sunshine feeling in our homes,” Gemma adds. “Can-Can is a rich, playful red that adds energy and personality to any room, and is perfect for creating bold, playful patterns.”
So whether you’re looking to revamp an entire room or just add a dash of colour to an alcove, the message is clear: summer is the season to be playful. With so many nuanced shades to choose from, the biggest challenge may be knowing where to stop. But that’s part of the fun. As the colour experts all agree, it’s less about following trends and more about embracing what makes you feel good – whether that’s a whisper of dusty blue, a full wall of marmalade orange, or just a cheerful flash of daisy yellow on your favourite chair legs. farrow-ball.com; lick.com; earthbornpaints.co.uk
Whether you’re going from a Hampstead family home to a Marylebone apartment, or a Kensington townhouse to a Belgravia pied-à-terre, Pickfords Gold ensures the premium moving experience
Inevitably, there comes a point when the house that once felt full of life and laughter suddenly feels a little too quiet. Grown-up children have flown the nest, you’re travelling more, spending weekends abroad, or simply dreaming of a change in pace and postcode. Downsizing, when done right, isn’t a compromise – it’s an upgrade in lifestyle. A curated next chapter. A deliberate move towards something smaller, yes, but infinitely more refined.
Whatever the catalyst, moving from a large family home into a more compact, luxurious residence is no small task – and for discerning individuals and families, it’s not just about logistics, it’s about lifestyle. Pickfords Gold understands this shift better than most.
Their premium, white-glove moving service is built around the needs of high-net-worth individuals and families, offering a seamless, stress-free journey from sprawling family homes to elegant city pads.
The experience begins with a personalised consultation that goes far beyond ticking off a checklist. Their expert team works closely with clients to understand their vision, their new space, and the pieces that will complement it. This plan becomes the roadmap to a seamless and stressfree move – helping you decide what to retain, what to store, and what to part with. In fact, every possession’s journey is as thoughtfully considered as its original acquisition.
Of course, not everything needs to come with you. For those treasured items that won’t immediately fit into your new lifestyle – seasonal décor, heirloom furniture, or fine art pieces –Pickfords Gold offers secure storage in its flagship Fire Safe Warehouse here in London. Each item is inventoried, stored with museum-grade care, and will be ready when you are.
There’s also the question of what to leave behind, and here too Pickfords Gold offers thoughtful support. Their comprehensive environmental clearance service ensures unwanted furniture, textiles or electronics are either responsibly recycled or donated, avoiding unnecessary landfill. Through their Move Day Charity Collection service, items such as clothing are delivered directly to the Salvation Army, helping to raise funds for vulnerable families.
Downsizing with Pickfords Gold is not about
what you’re leaving behind – it’s about what you’re stepping into: a new rhythm, a new address, a new sense of space. It’s about understanding the emotional and practical complexities of downsizing and delivering a service that removes stress, respects heritage, and preserves what matters most. So with the details expertly handled, all that’s left for you to do is enjoy the journey. Contact Pickfords Gold on 020 3188 2544 or gold@pickfords.com (pickfordsgold.co.uk)
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Words by Ali Howard
Tucked behind a façade of Victorian shopfronts sits Charlotte Colbert’s home-slash-studio – a layered, theatrical space where dreams, sculpture, and surrealism collide. It’s a building with history and character in every floorboard, but don’t be fooled by its genteel East End exterior. Step through the doors and you’re immediately transported into something closer to a waking fantasy – part film set, part fairy tale, part feminist fever dream – all very Charlotte.
“It’s split between work downstairs and home upstairs,” she explains. “We kept as much of the original design as possible and gave it a twist – from shop frontages to the floorboards and doors. There’s something so nice about seeing the fabric and evolution of a building over time.” It’s a sentiment that sums up the whole space. This is not your average ‘architectural gem’ of clean lines and neutral palettes; rather maximalist storytelling made domestic – a creative sanctuary layered with symbols, sculptural furniture, and the occasional disembodied eyeball.
The renovation was overseen by architect Chris Dyson and visionary interiors duo Buchanan Studio, all close friends of Charlotte and her husband, fellow artist Philip Colbert. “Chris helped us very early on, so he could make sure that our crazy plans were backed by proper engineering,” she says. “And Angus [Buchanan] helped to materialise our madcap interior visions.” That collaborative approach has paid off. The resulting home is a kaleidoscopic mix of colour and form – surreal without tipping into kitsch, playful but deeply thoughtful.
Double-height ceilings and an abundance of natural light lend the upper levels a gallery-like atmosphere. “Light is everything,” Charlotte says. “You can be in a box and, if it’s properly lit, it will be interesting. So light is a big focus of mine, not only daylight and windows, but also evening light. It creates the vibe – the way people exchange and interact with one another –a bit like music and smell.”
She’s not wrong. The space does feel immersive. Oversized surrealist sculptures sit alongside hand-crafted furniture and subtly bizarre details: a giant eye, a breast-shaped light fixture... Even the cabinetry has its quirks. “We made tiny eye-shaped handles on the cupboards,” she adds. “A house is always alive – it’s more of a relationship that grows and changes as you do.”
Charlotte’s creative identity spans film and visual art, and both disciplines are richly embedded in her home. “I’m interested in stories, the stories we tell ourselves culturally, internally, and to our children, making them who they are,” she says. “Psychotherapy, fairy tales, constant reinterpretation of history are things I’m fascinated by. They infuse all elements of my practice, from film to sculpture, and more recently, design.”
Those ideas are made tangible throughout the house, where recurring motifs – the eye, the uterus, the lobster – surface in sculptural, functional and provocative ways. “Everything around us in our human-made world has been imagined by someone before – this pen, your glasses, the building we’re in. What we imagine today becomes tomorrow’s reality,” she explains. “The eye, which I make into large-scale polished steel public sculptures, has come to symbolise our individual and collective power of visualisation. We’re currently in a battle of images, with big conglomerates pushing forward their visions of the future as fact, but we can, at grassroots level, reclaim that and reimagine futures in whatever way we collectively choose to.”
The house acts as a live-in manifesto for the couple’s creative power. Rooms are defined less by traditional function and more by visual mood. A boobthemed tub – impossible to ignore – takes centre stage in the bathroom. “It’s fun. A motherhood-themed boob bath,” Charlotte enthuses. “It stemmed from my Mameria sculptures – giant, sort of grape-like clusters of breasts that were shown at the Biennale last year. I had lots of nipple moulds, so why not?”
The bedroom, meanwhile, is home to Charlotte’s Love Bed, crafted from white wrought iron with golden details, like something out of a modern
fable. To the artist, beds are not merely furniture pieces but portals. “I’m very interested in dreams and fairy tales, the archetypal stories we tell ourselves as a species. I’ve already made surrealist beds shown within gallery contexts – one was recently exhibited by [Italian film director] Luca Guadagnino at the Venice Biennale. I think of them as portals, taking us between worlds.”
This creative thinking has found its way into a broader design venture. Born organically from her desire to make pieces for the home rather than buy them, Charlotte Colbert the brand now includes a growing collection of sculptural and surrealist furniture and homewares. “Although the bulk of my practice is sculpture – my first permanent eight-metre public sculpture will be launching in Dallas later this year – and films, which I write and direct, the house pushed me to do interiors because I thought, why get a bed or a chair when I can make my own? This set the train in motion, with shop collaborations, etc.”
The collection includes eye chairs, hand-painted stools and trays, ceramic crockery and embroidered bed linens. “Some are in wrought iron, like the Love Bed, white with golden details, or the blue fairy-tale bed with a face and crown, as well as a range of eye chairs. Others are ceramic, like the Eye Shall Have crockery range, or even hand-painted wood for stools, trays, and cupboards,” she says. “For the show in Venice, Luca Guadagnino asked me to write a poem, which was embroidered on the bed sheets by the wonderful Peter Reed. It was great, and we’ve since decided to do a capsule collection of embroidered sheets together, which is coming out soon.”
The homeware and furniture line can be seen as an extension of Charlotte’s inner universe – wild, symbolic, full of layers – and her home mirrors exactly that. Living and working in a space that’s part studio, part fantasy, part family base sounds intense. “I’m in a constant state of bewilderment,” she confirms. And yet, it works. Beneath the theatrical touches and mythological symbols lies a surprisingly grounded philosophy: light, stories, evolution. Nothing is static. Everything changes. Just like the house itself, which will naturally continue to shift and grow with its owners. “Do I see it as a finished piece? Never,” she says. “A house is always alive.” charlottecolbert.com
Words by Ali Howard
You trained as an engineer – how does that shape your creative process today?
I’m inherently creative, which is why pursuing an engineering degree seemed an odd choice for me. But the part I’ve always found most fascinating is exploring where design meets purpose. Simple training like doing drawings in AutoCAD, seeing exploded views of objects, and disassembling a mechanical product and being able to piece it back together, all provided an extra dimension of ‘sight’ for me creatively. I find that when I see a particular stone, I can imagine the cuts in places and how it would look installed in a space. It’s especially useful when curating stone for our warehouse, Stone Atelier, with my dad, but also allows me to give clients more in-depth assistance with their stone choices. I can look at design schemes and suggest stone choices that would fit together well or help clients understand how a slab can translate and transform a space.
How are designers and clients using stone right now? Marble has always been perceived as an aspirational material in design, and remains so today. The shift we’ve noticed is the extent to which natural stone is now used. If a client has a limited budget, they may opt for stone accents in the form of a door frame, fireplace surround or even a small coffee table. Clients who want their space to exude luxury are choosing stone in multiple rooms and in abundance. The concept of a natural stone feature wall, or drenching an entire bathroom in the same stone type has become more common. Tastes have also changed. There’s been a big shift from the more classically neutral Carrara type marble to the more dramatic; the statement makers. Bold veining aside, there’s been a shift from cooler bluegrey tones to warmer beige, yellow, pink, red and greens.
How do you balance curating timeless pieces with tapping into what feels current? Our curation process is so special. We don’t purchase slabs based on what clients ask for, but instead try to find pieces that inspire. My dad has an incredible eye for the unique, and together we handpick some interesting pieces. This has been the foundation of the business. Current trends happen to be the Italian classics, with colours like Breccia Botticelli, Rosso Levanto, Calacatta Viola, Arabescato and Calacatta Altissimo being demanded. The sorts of marble you’d expect to see in a palazzo. The really timeless pieces like Carrara marble are balanced well as we invest in the new and unknown, which can often inspire designers and then become a trend. Ultimately, stone is an investment.
Why do you think rare stone has become such a marker of individuality in interiors? I always describe stone as nature’s art, because truly, the particular patterns, colours and veining that you see in a slab of a rare material will never be matched to that of the next. When clients spend time looking at slabs, they admire the crystal structure, the change in shading, the natural waves and swirls, which create scenes reminiscent of something personal to them – just as one would admire a piece of art. With a highly globalised society and technological advances, we have the pleasure of seeing such a vast collection of stone now, far more than what we saw 15 years ago. That lends itself to the concept of individuality, as clients find new and unique colours and pieces which can truly make the space one-of-a-kind and specific to their own personality.
Stone is an investment, a key indicator of luxury and an aspirational material
You describe stone as a legacy material – what do you mean by this? Traditionally, Italians have always used marble as a legacy material. Over time, some types of stone are considered a relic, as that exact stone is no longer quarried, but remains a key hallmark in historical places. Stone is an investment, a key indicator of luxury and an aspirational material. It’s a legacy material as the stone you choose is so personal – you select it with the intention of it remaining in an interior space for some time. Natural stone is known for its value and this value translates into the value of the space.
Have you been involved in a project where stone leads the entire design? I met with a client last week who arrived with set slabs she wanted to see, but in the end she chose an entirely different selection, with a particular slab being one that she fell in love with. With no specific place to use that slab, she decided she would base the design of her master bath around that particular slab. It’s so wonderful to see instances like this, where stone really stands as the focal point or the key piece, tying the rest of the design scheme together. We were recently told by a well-known interior designer that their visits to Stone World London serve as inspiration when working on a client’s scheme!
How do you approach sustainability in a world that prizes the rare and the exotic? I think prizing the rare and the exotic can be a perfectly sustainable mindset, provided you view it not as a trend, but as something you’ll continue to love for a lifetime. As with investing in a piece of art, you choose something based on its beauty and the emotions it evokes, as well as it possibly being rare and valuable. Selecting manmade materials is different, as they lack the individual character that natural products have, and tend to be replaced more often, making them less sustainable. I always believe that if you select stone, it could very well remain in that space for years to come, and as such, is a timeless piece of luxury. Who knows, it may be a slab that’s even rarer in the future! stoneworldlondon.co.uk
What attracted you to the school? The opportunity to help take a school from ‘good’ to ‘great’. The previous head, Tim Manly, had achieved remarkable things in his first 10 years in charge, and in my book will go down as one of the greatest educational leaders of his generation. But when I joined as head of the senior school back in 2015, the job clearly wasn’t yet finished (is it ever?) and I saw that I could be part of that exciting journey. I was lucky enough to work alongside Tim, learn from him, and help him complete the transformation of the whole culture and fabric of Hurst. Ten years later, having served my apprenticeship, it’s my turn to map out the exciting future for the next decade and beyond.
Pupils: around 1,080 boys aged 10 to 18
Founded: in 1837, in purpose-built premises in Milk Street, Cheapside. But the school dates to 1442, when John Carpenter, Town Clerk of London, left a bequest to educate four boys attached to the Guildhall Chapel
How would you sum up the school in a sentence? I can’t begin to distil Hurst’s magic into a single sentence, so I shall settle for a single word: dynamic.
What makes it different? The focus is on ensuring that every single pupil – irrespective of age, ability or interest – achieves their personal best in everything they do. We aren’t in the league tables because we only compare the pupils against themselves and their own potential – not against each other. We have a core mantra: ‘no one on the bench’. This means I’m just as proud of our D teams as I am of our title-winning top teams.
How would you describe the atmosphere? I’d say warm, friendly, vibrant and dynamic. But
The focus is on ensuring that every single pupil achieves their personal best in everything they do
almost every visitor uses the same three adjectives: calm, purposeful and happy. That last adjective is the one that really strikes prospective parents; they always comment on how everyone seems to be smiling all the time. It’s true – Hurst is a very uplifting, energising and positive community.
What about your personal educational ethos? As part of the transition process when I was taking over as head, I refreshed the Hurst Vision and distilled our whole educational philosophy on to one side of A4. I’m more than happy to share it with anyone who would like a copy. Right at the top is our mission statement, which is that “every pupil experiences an outstanding all-round education that prepares them for life”. The word ‘every’ is underlined, because that’s the secret that eludes most schools.
How do you balance your extra-curricular activities with the academic side? By packing a lot into the working week! Lessons start at 8.30am and are over by early afternoon, but we don’t finish until 6pm most days. The afternoons are filled with vast amounts of cerebral, charitable, creative, cultural, physical, social and sporting activities and opportunities. And crucially, every child engages with a broad range of these activities, no matter what their level or ability.
How do you look after the wellbeing of your pupils? It starts with a warm, supportive and inclusive environment where every pupil feels welcomed, respected and valued for who they are. There is a real sense of belonging to the Hurst community. This culture is championed by all staff, not just the housemasters and housemistresses who are the obvious points of contact in the day and boarding Houses. Yes, we have a head of mental health and extensive pastoral and safeguarding teams, but all staff are caring and committed, and we all nurture physical health, mental wellbeing and happiness. That’s what makes Hurst such a wonderful place in which to live and work. College Lane, BN6 9JS (01273 834975/01273 833636; hppc.co.uk)
Entrance requirements: registration, then online and written assessments at the school and an interview (10+, 11+ and 16+). Bursaries covering up to 100 per cent of fees are available at 11+.
Occasional places may be available in Years 9 and 10
Destination universities: each year, around a fifth of leavers head to Oxbridge and around a third to top universities in the Capital (King’s College London, University College London, Imperial College London, Queen Mary University, London School of
Economics). A growing number go overseas too, among others, Harvard University, Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley Known for: academic excellence, an iconic location (on the Thames close to St. Paul’s), a diverse pupil body, outstanding
pastoral care, and a commitment to make a City of London School education available to as many boys as possible
Fees: from £7,885 per term not including school lunches
Find out more: cityoflondonschool. org.uk
We asked Catherine Stoker, founder of The Independent Education Consultants, for her insights on the divisive topic of taking term-time holidays
Words by Claire Atherton
Holidays provide essential family time and an opportunity for children to learn about new cultures and develop skills outside of the classroom. But going away during the school holidays creates a logistical nightmare for many working parents who can’t get the time off work, or afford the hiked costs during these periods.
As a result, parents increasingly choose to take their children away during term time instead. According to the Department for Education, 91 per cent of the 443,300 absence penalty notices issued in England during the 2023/24 academic year were due to unauthorised family holidays. That’s a 22 per cent increase on the previous year, continuing an upward trend that started before the pandemic. And while the data applies to state schools, those in the private sector aren’t exempt from the trend.
The bottom line is that taking your child out of school without permission in term time is breaking the law, irrespective of whether the school is state or private. But Catherine Stoker, founder of The Independent Education Consultants, firmly believes that term-time holidays should be avoided even if you have permission. “Children don’t just miss out on learning, but on important opportunities to develop social skills,” she says. “Post-pandemic, there are still children, including those who are neurodivergent, who struggle with peer friendships and integration. Term-time holidays can also disrupt the class and create additional work for teachers who have to prepare lessons for students taking time off, and help them catch up on their return.”
But what if you’ve fully assessed the situation and a term-time holiday is still your only workable option? How do you go about obtaining permission? “If parents feel it’s absolutely necessary to take their children out of school for a holiday during term time, the most important thing is to have an
The most important thing is to have an honest dialogue with the school
honest dialogue with the school,” Catherine explains. “Try and meet with the head face to face; the discussion doesn’t have to be confrontational. You might consider asking about the potential downsides of taking your child out of school, explain your reasons for wanting to go and discuss how you can work together to reach a compromise to make the trip feasible.” independenteducationconsultants.co.uk
State sector Since September 2013, state schools in England have only been allowed to give permission in ‘exceptional circumstances’ – for example, to attend the funeral of a close family member.
If you ask for permission and it’s denied, but you still take your child out of school, it will be logged as an ‘unauthorised absence’. The school can issue a penalty notice after five days of unauthorised absence within a rolling period of 10 school weeks. A first offence could result in a fine of £80 or more per parent. A second offence brings an automatic fine of £160; for a third offence, it’s prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500.
Private sector Private schools can be more flexible in managing attendance than state schools, but they still have a legal obligation to monitor attendance and report unauthorised absences of 10 continuous days or more to the local authority. And while parents can’t be fined, they are still responsible for ensuring their child’s attendance and could face legal action and a £2,500 fine if they proceed without permission.
5 tips to help you do the right thing
1 Negotiate with your employers to take leave during the school holidays as far in advance as possible.
2 Work with the school – ask the head’s permission to take your child out of school in term time, clearly explaining your reasons. If they say no, don’t go!
3 Avoid booking holidays around key school events such as exams, starting a new year and so on.
4 Look for educational opportunities on holiday, for example, dealing with currency (maths) and reading maps (geography). Speak to the school about homework for your child to complete while they’re on holiday.
5 Consider taking shorter trips to reduce the amount of school time your child will miss.
We ask the experts what a ‘dream home’ really means for buyers in 2025
Forget postcode envy or the race for more space – today’s dream homes are less about big statements and more about thoughtful ones. For a new generation of homeowners, it’s not just where you live, but how you live that counts. And according to three leading designers, this year’s buyers are rethinking what it means to truly feel at home – from wellness-driven layouts to handpicked heritage finishes.
Rebecca Hughes, whose namesake studio is behind some of London’s most elegant residential projects, says the narrative has changed. “We’re witnessing a significant shift in our client base, with a notable increase in young high-net-worth families seeking comprehensive design services. These next generation clients approach interior design differently – they value authenticity and uniqueness over traditional status symbols.” She describes a cohort that’s highly visual, digitally savvy and emotionally invested in every design decision. For these homeowners, the dream isn’t marble for marble’s sake – it’s about knowing where that
marble came from, who quarried it, and how it speaks to their lifestyle.
This new breed of buyer is more collaborative, more curious, and often more conscious. “They’re interested in the narrative behind each piece, the sustainability credentials of materials, and how their spaces can adapt to their evolving lifestyles,” Rebecca adds. That means practical elegance – a coffee station that hides behind beautiful joinery, or bold floral wallpapers tucked inside an otherwise pared-back space – and a growing appetite for reclaimed, reimagined and responsibly sourced interiors.
For Tommaso Franchi, founder of Tomèf Design, a dream home is one with narrative. “My experience with clients has shown that increasingly, homes need to tell a story, to enhance their owners’ lifestyle rather than focus solely on aesthetics, square footage or location.” This shift is reflected in more fluid layouts – think soft zoning with drapery or screens, and layered material palettes with a reverence for artistry.
“I’m seeing a renewed appetite for pieces that are handcrafted and richly detailed,” he says. “Clients want items that feel bespoke and are rooted in artistry and heritage.”
Architecturally, the line between old and new is more finely drawn than ever. While period properties still hold a romantic appeal, they’re being retrofitted with a quiet efficiency. “Many clients appreciate the character of period architecture but expect it to be balanced with sustainable, high-performance interiors,” says Tommaso. It’s about subtle upgrades – smart tech that hides in cornicing, insulation that doesn’t compromise original detailing, and heirloom pieces that age gracefully with the home.
Sustainability is no longer niche. Amrit Marway, associate director at Architecture for London, says low-energy builds and retrofits are now central to her practice’s work. “We’re finding that most of our clients come to us because they want a low energy home that achieves the highest sustainability and comfort standards.” And while that once meant compromising on aesthetic –especially in listed buildings – that’s no longer the case. “A low energy retrofitted home can be fitted out quite cleverly with minimal impact on the original features,” she explains. “There are thinner types of insulation with a higher performance value that could improve the air tightness and thermal envelope of an old building.”
Perhaps most telling is the renewed focus on spatial planning. All three designers agree: luxury is no longer about size. “Luxury isn’t about square footage, it’s about intention,” says Rebecca. Tommaso adds, “Even in a small apartment I always try to incorporate a hallway... it immediately sets a luxurious and spacious tone.” And Amrit points to multifunctionality – spaces that flex with life, from yoga rooms to music studios – as today’s holy grail. The takeaway? The dream home of 2025 is quietly confident. It’s curated and considered, where meaningful design decisions take precedence over flashy ones. It’s a sanctuary with soul – a place that works hard behind the scenes, and looks fabulous while doing it. rebeccahughesinteriors.com; tomefdesign.com; architectureforlondon.com
This new breed of buyer is more collaborative, more curious, and often more conscious
In partnership with
RENTAL PROPERTY OF THE MONTH
A collection of design-led apartments brings a modern sensibility to one of NW8’s most exclusive addresses
There’s a classy, luxurious feel to this collection of eight apartments located on Avenue Road, best known for its ambassadorial mansions and gated estates. Each home offers its own refined take on contemporary living, with generous layouts designed for both grand entertaining and easy day-to-day living.
Set within an elegant red brick building, the homes share a palette of clean-lined modernity softened with warm tones and beautiful natural materials, all serviced by a communal lift. Vast reception spaces open onto private terraces – ideal for an al fresco meal or evening drinks with leafy views, while expansive glazing ensures a constant dialogue between indoors and out, flooding the interiors
with natural light.
Kitchens are sleek and sociable, designed with serious foodies in mind but perfect for casual gatherings, too. Bedrooms offer a sense of calm retreat, with indulgent en suites and extensive fitted storage promising to keep things elegantly clutter-free. Every detail has been considered, from underfloor heating and comfort cooling to seamlessly integrated smart-home features and discreet, high-spec security systems. These apartments are perfectly suited to those looking for flexibility and a sophisticated London base – whether for family living, entertaining or working from home in style.
Two-bed apartments from £1,570, three-bed apartments from £1,779 Aston Chase (020 7724 4724; astonchase.com)
This elegant Victorian villa blends heritage charm with rare garden space in the heart of St.
There’s no shortage of charm on St. John’s Wood’s Circus Road, but this red brick villa has stories to tell. Once home to Steptoe and Son star Harry H. Corbett OBE – national treasure, party host and comedic legend –this four-bed Grade II-listed house
John’s Wood
is now up for grabs for the first time in 50 years.
Built in 1841, the property sits proudly on a corner plot, with dual gated entrances leading into a leafy 150 ft walled garden. Inside, it’s full of elegant period details – lofty ceilings, ornate fireplaces, original sash windows – all wrapped up in 3,425 sq ft of living space across four floors.
The layout is traditional, but far from stuffy. A vast drawing room opens out onto a decorative wrought iron balcony, while the dining room is pure old-school sophistication, complete with twin built-in dressers. The entire first floor is dedicated to a sprawling principal suite, which includes a sunny gardenfacing bedroom, dual bathrooms and a walk-in dressing room. There’s also a self-contained garage at the foot of the garden with potential to be converted into a
studio, home office or guest annexe (plans in place).
St. John’s Wood is known for its leafy, villagey calm – but here, you’re also just minutes from Regent’s Park, The American School in London and the boutiques and restaurants of the High Street. And if you fancy retracing the footsteps of British comedy royalty, well, that’s a bonus. Asking price: £6.95 million, Aston Chase (020 7724 4724; astonchase.com) and Savills (020 3043 3600; savills. co.uk)
We take a peek inside some of the finest properties on the market in Prime London this month
Behind the grand stucco façade of this Regent’s Park address lies a home of rare scale and elegance. Spanning over 7,850 sq ft, this sixbed Grade I-listed townhouse comes complete with its own mews house – ideal for guests, staff or working from home. Interiors are luxurious with double-height ceilings, a sweeping stone staircase and a private terrace overlooking the park. There’s also a gym, spa, and secure garage. Part of the iconic Nash terraces, this is London classicism at its best –with the park on your doorstep and Marylebone just a short stroll away. £34.75 million, Savills (020 3043 3600; savills.com)
This architect-designed home oozes modern luxury. Set behind electronic gates and spanning over 5,000 sq ft, it’s packed with standout features: a sculptural concrete staircase, full-height glass doors opening onto a 180 ft landscaped garden, and even a private AstroTurf football pitch. Inside, there’s a sleek openplan kitchen and family room, a basement gym, and a plush home cinema. Smart tech runs throughout – from Crestroncontrolled lighting and AV to automated blinds and an NVHR system. Expect a seamless blend of design, comfort, and cuttingedge engineering. £4.75 million, Godfrey & Barr (020 8959 9000; godfreyandbarr.com)
This four-storey Marylebone home reimagines mews living with a contemporary twist. Designed by Alan Higgs Architects, the fourstorey, 3,079 sq ft home comes with three en suite bedrooms, including a top-floor principal suite that could belong in a boutique hotel. The living space is open-plan and effortlessly chic, spilling out onto a private roof terrace. There’s also a gym, a second outdoor terrace, and an integrated garage – plus underfloor heating and air con throughout. Add in Regent’s Park up the road and you’ve got a seriously central luxury hideaway. Guide price: £7.5 million, Aston Chase (020 7724 4724; astonchase.com)
Vivienne Harris reflects on three and a half decades at the helm of Heathgate – the independent Hampstead agency built on local knowledge, loyal clients and a refreshingly human approach
This coming September, Heathgate will proudly celebrate 35 years in the business – a milestone that reflects our longstanding dedication to Hampstead, Hampstead Garden Suburb, and the wider north west London property market. Over the decades, we’ve built a reputation for selling, letting, and managing homes for clients not only around the corner from our office, but for those based in far-reaching corners of the world. What’s the secret to our longevity? Quite simply, it’s about
delivering professional, efficient service with empathy, insight and integrity.
In an age where agencies can feel impersonal and overly targetdriven, we’ve carved a different path. While others focus on KPIs and data dashboards, we focus on people. Every sale, letting, renovation or management project is approached with care and creativity – not a one-sizefits-all checklist. We take the time to craft individual marketing strategies that reflect both the property and the person behind it, with a clear goal: achieving the right result for each client.
At Heathgate, we firmly believe that good things often come in small packages. Bigger doesn’t always mean better. That’s why we’ve chosen to remain intentionally compact, with specialised teams dedicated to sales, lettings, and property and block management. This structure keeps us agile and ensures our clients receive an attentive, tailored service – with clear communication at every step. We embrace innovation and make the most of modern technology to promote our properties, from high-quality listings to social media campaigns.
At Heathgate, we firmly believe that good things often come in small packages
But we’ve also said no to the faceless systems that have become all too common in the industry. There are no automated menus or chatbots here – every call and email is answered by a human being, 24 hours a day. Real communication is what sets us apart.
We’re also proud to support local businesses where we can, fostering meaningful relationships within the community and encouraging collaboration in everything we do. Our unified, transparent approach creates a sense of trust and reliability that our clients value, and it’s a standard we hold ourselves to every day. We all know the phrase ‘Location, Location, Location’ – and at Heathgate, we’d add one more mantra to the mix: ‘Service, Service, Service’.. heathgate.com
Loudoun Road
St John’s Wood, NW8
Guide Price: £4,495,000
Freehold
Joint Sole Agent
67–71 Park Road
London NW1 6XU
020 7724 4724
astonchase.com
A well presented six bedroom modernised family home (286 sq m/3,080 sq ft) providing spacious family accommodation arranged over four floors. The house benefits from off-street parking for one car, a landscaped rear garden and a fantastic spiral wine cellar with 1,000 bottle capacity. Loudoun Road is situated within close proximity to the American School in London (ASL), the fashionable boutiques and restaurants of St John’s Wood High Street and St John’s Wood Underground Station (Jubilee Line).
Accommodation and Amenities
Drawing Room, Family Room, Study, Kitchen/Breakfast Room open plan with Dining Room, Play Room, Utility Room, Principal Bedroom with En-Suite Bathroom & Dressing Room, 5 Further Bedrooms (1 with En-Suite Shower Room), Family Bathroom, Family Shower Room, 1,000 Bottle Capacity Wine Cellar, Control 4 Smart Home System, Banham Security System, Lutron Lighting, Rear Garden, Off-Street Parking for 1 Car. Council Tax: H. EPC: C.
Kidderpore Gardens
Hampstead, NW3
Guide Price: £4,850,000
Freehold
Sole Selling Agent
67–71 Park Road
London NW1 6XU 020 7724 4724 astonchase.com
This delightful five bedroom Edwardian semi-detached family house (283.7 sq m/ 3,054 sq ft) is situated on one of Hampstead’s most sought-after tree-lined streets. The property is beautifully presented, benefiting from a west-facing rear garden backing onto the West Heath Lawn Tennis Club. There is also potential to extend to the rear and into the lower ground floor cellar. The property is well located for the many transport connections of Finchley Road and the extensive amenities of Hampstead Heath and Village.
Accommodation and Amenities
Reception Hall, Reception Room, Dining Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Principal Bedroom with En-Suite Bathroom, 4 Further Bedrooms, 2 Family Bathrooms, Guest Cloakroom, Separate WC, West-Facing Garden, Residents’ Parking. Council Tax: H. EPC: D.
IT’S A JOURNEY, WE’LL GET YOU THERE.
Located in NW1 - a well-proportioned, long lease, beautifully appointed studio apartment, located in one of London’s finest garden squaresDorset Square. The apartment is set within a handsome, Georgian, Grade II Listed former town house and features air conditioning, underfloor heating, hardwood flooring, wet room, and German appliances in the kitchen.
Only a short stroll away, the open green space of London’s Royal Park - ‘Regents Park’ and within close proximity to the world-renowned “Harley Street” (about 0.6 mile).
| Lease: About 980 years remaining | Service Charge: About £2,200 per annum | Ground Rent: Peppercorn | Council Tax Band: D
HYDE PARK | 020 7467 5770
CLOSE, NW11 £2,295,000
We are delighted to present this charming Grade II listed six-bedroom family home, ideally located in a highly sought-after cul-de-sac off Hampstead Way, directly adjoining the green open space of the Heath Extension.
Set behind beautifully maintained communal gardens, this elegant residence offers over 2,000 sq ft of light-filled living space arranged across three floors. The ground floor features a welcoming entrance hall, a spacious double-aspect reception room, a separate dining room, and a family kitchen/breakfast room.
The upper floors comprise a principal bedroom with en suite shower room, 5 further bedrooms, and a modern family bathroom.Further highlights include a first-floor rear terrace and a stunning, private south west-facing rear garden.
Conveniently located just 0.6 miles from the open spaces of Golders Hill Park and 0.7 miles from Golders Green Underground Station, the property is also within easy reach of a variety of local shops and amenities.
7435 3344
3 bedrooms | 3 en suite bathrooms | en suite dressing room/study | guest cloakroom with utility room | expansive reception room and separate dining room | kitchen/breakfast room | 3 terraces | direct and exclusive lift access | underground parking for 2 cars | use of the leisure complex with swimming pool, sauna and changing rooms | secure gated entrance and a lift. HIGHGATE, N6
Home with a view. A penthouse apartment with spectacular views across London and The City, including a vista of the iconic Shard and other well-known landmarks. This superb, lateral flat, with windows to three sides, spans approximately 2,095 sq ft (194.6 sq m) and is bathed in sunlight from the plethora of natural light. The generous south-facing reception room opens onto an extensive private roof terrace measuring 29’1 x 26’3 (8.87m x 8m), perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying the stunning cityscape. The principal bedroom suite features its own private terrace along with an en suite bathroom and dressing room/study. Situated within an exclusive, gated development the property benefits from direct lift access into the apartment, underground parking for two cars, and a superb leisure complex with a swimming pool, sauna and changing rooms. Located within just 0.5 mile of Highgate Hill and Highgate High Street, the flat enjoys tranquility and excellent access to the local shops, cafés and transport links of the area. The numerous other benefits include 2 further double bedrooms, both with en suite bathrooms, guest cloakroom with utility room, a spacious dining room with a third private balcony, kitchen/breakfast room, exclusive direct lift access into the apartment and underground parking for 2 cars.
This bright and spacious second-floor apartment is situated in a purpose-built block of four flats on the south side of New Cavendish Street, just moments from the junction with Marylebone High Street.
Offering well-proportioned accommodation with the principal reception rooms overlooking New Cavendish Street, the property presents a rare opportunity to acquire a stylish home in the heart of Marylebone Village, further enhanced by the added benefit of outside space. The apartment comprises an entrance hall, an elegant double reception room, a wellappointed kitchen/breakfast room, a principal bedroom with en suite bathroom and walk-in dressing room, a second double bedroom, and a separate shower room.
LEASEHOLD
£2,250,000
A beautifully presented two-bedroom apartment located in one of the most soughtafter residential addresses in Marylebone Village.
Measuring approximately 1,078 sq ft (100 sq m), the apartment comprises two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious reception room and kitchen. The building benefits from 24-hour porterage.
2 Mansfield Street is a prestigious mansion block situated on the east side of Mansfield Street, close to the junction with Queen Anne Street. It is just moments from the boutiques and amenities of Marylebone High Street and Oxford Street. Bond Street and Oxford Circus underground stations, as well as the A40/M40 road links, are within easy reach. The open spaces of Regent’s Park are also nearby.
SHARE OF FREEHOLD
£1,750,000
Brunswick Place
Regent’s Park, NW1
Unfurnished
£3,800 Per Week
Principal Agent
A beautiful 5 bedroom double-fronted lowbuilt Nash residence (277.40 sq m/2,986 sq ft) situated in a quiet turning adjacent to Regent’s Park and within easy walking distance of Marylebone High Street and the extensive shopping and entertainment amenities of London’s West End. Arranged over 3 floors, this Grade II Listed period property benefits from two reception rooms, an integral garage and use of Park Square’s private residents’ gardens.
Accommodation and Amenities
Reception Rooms, Media Room, Fully Fitted Kitchen, 5 Bedrooms (3 En-Suite), Family Bathroom, Study, Integral Garage, Access to Residents’ Garden.
Council Tax: H. EPC: D