The Mayfair Townhouse LONDON Inspired by the bohemian dandy era, Goddard Littlefair transform a row of Georgian townhouses into a personality-packed abode. Words: Ianthe Butt • Photography: © Adam Lynk
E
verything in moderation, including moderation,” so
magic over grand dame Gleneagles and scores of high-end
said Oscar Wilde. One wagers then, that he’d approve
residences – has created rooms and public spaces that have
of The Mayfair Townhouse, the newest Bright Young
“a Georgian heart, but contemporary rhythm,” says co-
Thing on the central London scene. Located on Half Moon
The spirit of Victorian dandyism – embodied by Wilde
comedy The Importance of Being Earnest – the latest opening
and his contemporaries who spearheaded the Aesthetic
from Iconic Luxury Hotels (ILH) cuts a vivacious dash from
Movement and celebrated ‘art for art’s sake’ – and Mayfair’s
the entrance lobby, where a dazzling Clarita Brinkerhoff
history as a magnet for bohemians, were core inspirations for
peacock sculpture adorned with over 25,000 Swarovski
the design narrative, which, in Littlefair’s words “overlays
crystals stands atop marble-effect tiles.
contemporary themes onto a historical canvas, marrying Old
Owned by L+R Hotels, ILH is synonymous with classic
and New Mayfair with a layer of 1920s extravagance”.
British elegance, counting the likes of Cliveden House and
On the ground level is The Dandy Bar, a drinks spot
Chewton Glen in its portfolio, but its newest outpost, with
with dramatic black lacquered panelling, rattan wall lights
the tagline ‘Oscar Wilde meets Alice-in-Wonderland’, offers
by Colonel and herringbone walnut timber flooring by
something a little different. “Each of the Iconic Luxury
Havwoods. Littlefair imagined the bar as a twinkling jewel
Hotels has its own distinct personality; what’s unique about
box to wow guests on arrival, and verre églomisé panels
The Mayfair Townhouse is a playful, flamboyant ambience,
framed in bronze on central columns along with antique
and the use of art as a core design component,” says Andrew
mirror panels criss-crossing the ceiling are used cleverly.
Stembridge, ILH’s Executive Director.
“Not only do mirrors add sparkle and make an intimate space
Just a short walk from leafy Green Park, it comprises 15
feel larger, their reflectivity transports you to a different
Georgian townhouses, seven of which are Grade II-listed.
place, and almost distorts the world,” says Littlefair.
The exterior is a step-back-in-time vision; cream, charcoal
Bespoke Ozo Living furniture includes seaweed-hued leather
grey and maroon accented façade, leaded, fan-patterned
stools with antique brass stud finishing, alongside Abbey
Palladium windows and cast-iron balcony railings. Once
Upholstery burnt orange leather fitted banquettes, which riff
inside, things take on a different tempo, as luxury interior
on 1950s Zephyr car seating.
design studio Goddard Littlefair – renowned for casting its
098
founder Jo Littlefair.
Street – Wilde’s regular haunt, and setting for his farcical
The bar’s bespoke plumage-look gantry, by Northern