DRAWING BOARD
Raffles London at The OWO
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: The Hinduja Group, Obrascon Huarte Lain Desarollos Operator: Accor Architecture: EPR Architects Interior Design: Thierry Despont Main Contractor: Ardmore Group www.raffles.com
Interior renderings of the Old War Office have
is the perfect location for its debut,” says Marc
been released ahead of its completion in 2022,
Dardenne, COO of Luxury Brands, Europe at
when the landmark will open its doors for the
Accor. “It is our honour to be passed the torch
first time in more than a century. As the home
for the next phase of the building’s history.”
of Raffles’ debut hotel in London, the project
Located opposite Horse Guards on Whitehall,
will incorporate 125 guestrooms and suites; nine
the architectural masterpiece was created as a
restaurants and bars; a spa with a 20-metre
mark of empirical British power and is grand in
indoor pool and separate vitality pool; and a
both size and stature, with ceiling heights and
620-capacity grand ballroom.
full-length windows in the private residences
Since acquiring the Grade II*-listed building
reaching over four metres. Interior proportions
in 2014, The Hinduja Group has worked with
reflect classic Edwardian architecture too,
Historic England and the Museum of London
though have been adapted for modern living.
Archaeology (MOLA) to restore the iconic site
Originally built in 1906, the Old War Office has
to its former glory. The redevelopment is
played host to a number of political and military
being overseen by EPR Architects, while New
leaders throughout its history, including
York-based designer Thierry Despont is taking
Winston Churchill, H. H. Asquith, David Lloyd
the lead on interiors, and 1508 London has
George and John Profumo. It also inspired Ian
envisioned the design for 85 Raffles-branded
Fleming to write the James Bond series after
residences – the first of their kind in Europe.
working for Britain’s Naval Intelligence Division
“Raffles has been seeking the right property in London for a number of years and The OWO
and has featured in several 007 films since, as well as The Crown.
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