GALLERY
Kabul Connaught
Heartening to see something positive and beautiful emerging from Afghanistan. London’s famous Mayfair hotel, the Connaught has just unveiled what they call The Prince’s Lodge. It is part of a recent £70 million restoration by the designer Guy Oliver, in collaboration with The Turquoise Mountain Foundation in Afghanistan, formed in 2006 by the Prince of Wales to help restore the historic districts of Kabul, devastated by war. It now employs 350 people and restored some 40 buildings. Its students are also trained in traditional disciplines, including hand-carving, pottery, adobe architecture, jewellery and glass making.
The Prince’s Lodge at The Connaught represents the Foundation’s first commercial endeavour and is inspired by the 19th century Peacock Palace in the old city of Kabul. It features a vaulted, double-height ceiling with antique oak beams and detailed oak panelling on the walls while the cabinetry is hand-carved solid walnut. The cabinets conceal a bar and dressing table while secret doors in the intricate panelling open to reveal a study filled with art and architectural reference books. Original maps, photographs and oil paintings grace the walls, creating the atmosphere a private retreat rather than a hotel guest room. w w w. m a y b o u r n e . c o m w w w. t u r q u o i s e m o u n t a i n . o r g
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