CHELSEA FEBRUARY 2014

ABSOLUTELY CHELSEA Chelsea

FEBRUARY 2014 2014 FEBRUARY £3.95 £3.95

ALL

ABOARD PACK YOUR PASSPORT, IT’S HOLIDAY TIME

Daniel Boulud EXCHANGING LYON FOR NYC

Sir Rocco Forte HOTELS, FAMILY & TOMFOOLERY

Pierre Koffmann LIFE BENEATH THE BERKELEY

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*The following Tenant charges may apply prior to tenancy commencement: Tenancy Agreement ÂŁ210 (inc VAT) Credit References per application ÂŁ54 (inc VAT). All advertised prices are excluded and other associated services.

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ABSOLUTELY CHELSEA

EDITOR EDWINA LANGLEY CHIEF EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CATHERINE HALES FASHION FEATURES EDITOR VIOLET NAYLOR-LEYLAND INTERIORS EDITOR TARA CRAIG TRAVEL EDITOR GEORGIE LANE-GODFREY CONTRIBUTING EDITOR EMMA STOREY ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER NICOLA OWENS GROUP PROPERTY DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER • property editor HUGO HUNTER CENTRAL PROPERTY MANAGER ANNA HUTTON-POTTS ART DIRECTOR RAY SEARLE • Senior deSigner PHIL COUZENS DESIGNERS GEMMA ISTEED, TAHIR KAPUCU, ANDREW MAVIN • ArtWorKer EKREM YILMAZ • junior deSigner EDWARD TAYLOR PRODUCTION MANAGER STEWART HYDE • production ASSiStAnt CHRISTINE MANN • FinAnce director ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR GREG HUGHES MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO THE MANAGING DIRECTOR MARIANNE MCFADDEN

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FEBRUARY / 2014

CONTENTS 9 11

ABSOLUTELY LOVES

Absolutely’s top picks this month

TALKING TOPICS

What’s on and buzzing in Chelsea

STYLE 25 FASHION NOTES

Donna Ida jeans and poodle pumps are on Violet Naylor-Leyland’s wish list

28 UNDERCOVER LOVER

Bunny ears and lingerie? Yes it’s our super sexy Valentine’s shoot

37 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

Clear out your make up bag for Jo Malone, Clinique and MAC

EDITOR’S letter ‘Wintertime, And the livin’ is easy…’

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oesn’t quite work does it? Because nothing is easy in winter.

Not staying warm, nor staying dry, nor most aspects of basic living. Why can’t we just get away, we huff, ‘spread our wings and take to the sky’, like the song says? Well actually, we can. And guess what? We did! Where did we go? Well, Baku – know it? Bermuda? Brazil? No, we’re not teasing, we really did visit all those places. And since we couldn’t jet off and leave you behind, we decided to take you with us. So pack your trunk, trumpet ‘cheerio’ to those thundering clouds and skip aboard our Travel Special.

First and foremost, where to stay? Fiona Hicks suggests somewhere luxurious, somewhere chic, somewhere belonging to the Rocco Forte Collection. Why so specific? Because there’s a chance Sir Rocco himself might pick you up, incognito, in a golf buggy and ferry you across the hotel grounds. Now that’s what we like to see: service.

Next, what to eat? The great chef Daniel Boulud has given us a delicious mussels recipe to try, and also told us why he replaced farm life in Lyon for the fast life in New York.

Holidays aren’t all about play, they sometimes mean work. So I went and did some at a kitchen underneath a hotel. Sorry, did I say ‘a’ kitchen and ‘a’ hotel? I meant Pierre Koffmann’s kitchen under The Berkeley. An entirely different kettle of fi sh, I think you’ll agree.

All that plus boutique owner, Esther Fieldgrass, tells us how to sizzle in lingerie this month because yes, it’s odious/lovely [delete as appropriate] Valentine’s Day. I’m running out of space, so I better sign off. Happy travelling, dear readers, and let the holidays commence.

46 MEN ONLY

Vicomte A. splash colour on our closets and we learn a valuable plumbing tip

FEATURES 18 STANDING THE HEAT

Edwina Langley rolls up her sleeves to get hot, behind the scenes at Koff mann’s

40 A HEAD FOR HOTELS

Actor-cum-hotelier. Really? Fiona Hicks discovers the ‘other’ career of Sir Rocco Forte

62 TRUE BOULUD

Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud tells of his love for NYC, his most romantic dinner and why he always carries eye drops

INTERIORS 59 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

Modernism and monochrome are Tara Craig and Emma Storey’s focus this month

FOOD&TRAVEL 61 RESTAURANT REVIEW

The Good Life Eatery is put to the test by bad life eater, Edwina Langley

76 BAKU TO THE FUTURE

Ever considered a trip to Azerbaijan? Go on, be adventurous – cow’s tongue ain’t that bad...

80 HOME FROM HOME

Homebody Alex Jones enjoys her first holiday abroad in Bermuda

PROPERTY 110 PRIME PURCHASE

Fancy a Victorian house with lots of entertaining space? Find it on Lamont Road

118 PROPERTY NEWS News and views on the area

Edwina Langley

Editor

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BODEN  Think Britain, think Boden.

Their Spring/Summer 2014 collection features lots of quintessentially British things – tweeds, tartan, trenches. This (pictured) Marylebone Mac in red is particularly British. Made of 100% cotton, fully lined, it is guaranteed to ward off all storms. £129; boden.co.uk

OR’S EDIT

PICK

Absolutely

GUCCI Sunglasses ▼ They may not be rose-tinted, but orange-tinted is just as cool. The Gucci Techno Colour Capsule SS14 Collection features these GG4252/S sunnies; softly rounded, ultra lightweight and with ruthenium frames, we just can’t wait to get them in our sights. £219; gucci.com

MASSATO ▼ Want a haircut to rival all those fashionistas' tottering around town for Fashion Week?

Head to Massato. Renowned for imaginative creations, Massato’s salon is ritzy, glitzy and great for colour treatments. 54 Fulham Road, SW3, 020 3620 6183; massato-london.co.uk

▼ Even if you don’t have a lover we suggest buying a box of these for Valentine's. Pimlico-based Amelia Rope’s Pale Sea Salt Collection Chocolate Cubes include her award-winning Pale Lemon & Sea Salt flavour. A box of these and 14th Feb is sorted. £39, Available from The Conran Shop, Michelin House, 81 Fulham Road, SW3, 020 7589 7401; ameliarope.com

THEO Fennell

▲ ‘Where do you live?’ Chortle, chortle. Yes, these are a bit much but we simply couldn’t resist. Don’t get jealous now, if you don’t live at this address, immortalize your own street sign by turning it into a beautiful pair of bespoke cufflinks.

18ct Yellow Gold & Hand Painted Enamel Cufflinks, £7,500, 169 Fulham Road, SW3, 020 7591 5000; theofennell.com

GUERLAIN pring is nearly upon us but till then, Guerlain’s reedition Cherry Blossom Eau Du Toilette will keep us going. With a delicate aroma, its top notes of green tea and bergamot, and ‘heart notes’ of jasmine, will bring 'spring' to your skin with each spritz. £168, Available at Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1, 020 7730 1234; harrods.com

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L O V E S

AMELIA Rope

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ART&CULTURE don’t miss

FEBRUARY © NAZRIN MAMMEDOVA

Talking TOPICS JAMEEL PRIZE 3 V&A Until 21 April Showcasing the work of the ten shortlisted candidates for the Jameel Prize 3, the exhibition features over 20 pieces, ranging from typography and calligraphy to fashion and video installations. Inspired by the ancient Islamic traditions of art, craft and design, the collection explores the relevance of cultural heritage to modern living in a stunning diversity of mediums.

Cromwell Road, SW7, 020 7942 2000; vam.ac.uk

THEATRE review

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, QUIDAM

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THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

first went to Cirque du Soleil when I was 17. I had been offered a ticket to Saltimbanco in the gods, which was a bit like staring at it through a back-to-front periscope, but that didn’t matter. For the eye-popping spectacle I witnessed that night ignited my love affair with the circus.

And it’s been an affair to remember. Mostly, for the Canadian troupe’s performance of Totem. Totem charters ‘Evolution’ with such gasp-inducing acrobatics, such mysticalmagical music, such bombs of colour, that I’m quite certain even Darwin’s socks would have been knocked off.

So a lot was expected of this season’s show, Quidam. Quidam follows Zoe, a little girl neglected by her parents, who, to escape her feelings of rejection, creates an imaginary world for herself – the ‘Wonderland’ of Alice… in a gymnastics hall.

‘Quidam’ itself means ‘a nameless passerby’, and is depicted by a giant man with no head carrying an umbrella. It’s avant-garde, yes, but that’s Cirque. So whilst I was more than willing to abandon logic for the afternoon, I was expecting something spectacular in

return. Sadly, however, I wasn’t given it.

To put it bluntly, Quidam felt like Cirque du Soleil on a budget. The set was minimal, the story, uncoordinated, and just as I was wondering when the ‘warm up’ acts would finish, the lights rose signalling the interval.

Yes, the ‘naked’ Julie Cameron suspending herself from the lighting rig with blood red ribbons and the Yves Decoste/Valentyna Sidenko double act (which defied all laws of gravity like something from Dynamo) deserve a mention for their pure wow-factor-ness. But mostly, I found myself wondering if perhaps I’ve seen too much Cirque du Soleil. It was all rather familiar. I’m immune to back flips and human pyramids, I discovered, and crave something even more spectacular. What that is though, I’m sure I don’t know – walking on air?

Perhaps I’m too fussy and difficult to please – or maybe it’s just that my love affair with the circus has ended.

Dagnabbit, I hope not; I’ve always wanted to run away with the circus.

By Edwina Langley Until 9th February. Tickets: 0845 401 5045; cirquedusoleil.com/quidam

LA BOHEME Royal Albert Hall 17 Feb - 9 March Nothing quite captures the romance and the futility of the poor student in Paris and the Bohemian lifestyle like Puccini’s tragic opera.

Set in the French capital in the 1940s, it tells the story of three impoverished artists and their cohorts, whose lives descend into tragedy set against the backdrop of vibrant café society and the bitter cold of the police checkpoint.

Kensington Gore, SW7, 020 7589 8212; royalalberthall.com

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Book Picks 01 THE FARM

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Tom Rob Smith £12.99 Simon & Schuster Daniel is summoned to his parents’ retirement home in Sweden by his father when his mother is committed to a mental hospital. But before he can get on the plane his mother phones and wants to meet him at Heathrow. In a taut psychological thriller from the author of Child 44, Daniel must wade through a horrific crime and a life of lies, choose between his parents and maintain his own carefully held secret.

02 MAD GIRL’S LOVE SONG

Robert Galbraith £7.99 Sphere When Robert Galbraith was just Robert Galbraith the reviews for his debut crime novel were warm, indeed, but sales modest. And then Robert Galbraith was unmasked as JK Rowling, unintentionally in receipt of many glowing reviews, and suddenly everyone was curious and an industry duped. The paperback is now available for those who missed the hardback original.

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Andrew Martin £9.99 Simon & Schuster Following her suicide at 30, how Sylvia Plath’s work was publicly perceived was down to Ted Hughes, her lover and literary executor, the result being that much of her earlier work – and indeed much of pre-Ted life – has been marginalised and overshadowed by their sensational relationship. This book examines Sylvia’s life and work pre-Ted, with access to interviewees who have never before spoken.

03 FIVE STAR BILLIONAIRE

Tash Aw £8.99 HarperCollins Five Malaysian migrants have come to the sprawl of Shanghai to make fortunes and remake identities. But in this kaleidoscopic story of new China, where old traditions jostle with new ambition, all five find their lives converging in unpredictable ways. It reads like the synopsis of an outrageous thriller but is actually the true story of a young woman called Priscilla.

04 THE CUCKOO’S CALLING

05 THE LAST WORD

Hanif Kureishi £18.99 Faber & Faber Harry has been commissioned to write a biography of Mamoon, an eminent Indian-born author whose career and bank balance need some revitalisation. The publisher wants sex and sleaze and salacious detail; Harry wants to uncover the truth of the artist’s life; Mamoon has an altogether different vein of truth in mind. Only one of them will have the last word.

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06 THE COAT ROUTE

Meg Lukens Noonan £8.99 Scribe Publications Even the biggest of big spenders would balk at the idea of spending $50,000 on a coat so when writer Meg Lukens Noonan learned of this eyewateringly expensive creation, she impulsively set off on a quest to find out how it was made.

This unique journey of artisan producers took her from a tailor in Sydney to fleece from Peru.

Supplied by Belgravia Books, 59 Ebury Street, SW1, 020 7259 9336; belgraviabooks.com

THE MISTRESS CONTRACT The Royal Court Throughout Feb An unconventional romance that spanned 30 years and is still going strong today, The Mistress Contract tells the true story of a couple known only as He and She. At the start of their relationship She suggests an agreement that in return for a home and an income, she will provide ‘mistress services’ which entails ‘all sexual acts as requested, with suspension of historical, emotional, psychological disclaimers.’ Based on recordings of conversations throughout their 30-year dalliance Abi Morgan’s play is at once shocking and strangely life-affirming.

50-51 Sloane Square, SW1, 020 7565 5000; royalcourtheatre.com

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ART&CULTURE

Artist of the Month LOCAL ART CONSULTANT NICHOLAS CAMPBELL CHOOSES FEBRUARY’S TOP TALENT.

Works on Paper Fair Science Museum 6~9 Feb An opportunity to expand your art collection (or start one!) the Works on Paper Fair hosts a range of Early, Modern and Contemporary art dealers all of whom will be displaying a selection of museum quality art, presented in interconnected galleries on the first floor of the museum. First time buyers need not fear hefty price tags with the price spectrum ranging from a manageable £250 to a slightly more daunting £75,000.

Exhibition Road, SW7, 0870 870 4868; sciencemuseum.org.uk

PLANT OF THE MONTH with CLEMMIE HAMBRO

HELLEBORE

February. The name alone strikes fear into the heart. Not quite winter, not quite spring – and terrible limbo that is endlessly cold, quite dark and very inhospitable. But hurrah for the Hellebore! What a brave and beautiful creature she is, dancing her way through these dark times. And so varied: dark and velvety, crisp and white, tawny and soft, limey-sharp, husky dusky. You name the mood and there is a hellebore to match it. My favourite? Helleborus argutifolius for those clean lime green flowers curled in a soft bowl shape offset by spiky dark evergreen leaves. Fabulous, even in February.

RUPERT NEWMAN n contrast to this miserable weather, my choice this month is the wonderful technicolor prints and paintings

by Chelsea-based artist Rupert Newman. Newman graduated from the Royal College in 2010 and his colourful, dynamic compositions achieve rhythm and movement by juxtaposing complementary colours and overlapping crystalline shapes in a logical, balanced composition. This month sees his new body of work exhibited at Mark Hix’s ‘Tramshed’ restaurant in EC2, curated by the very talented Aretha Campbell. Prices range from £200 - £5,000 so if you are looking for some colour at home or for the office then this show is a great excuse to head east for dinner.

Nicholas is Head Consultant and Director of Narcissus Arts;

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narcissusarts.com

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Original, limited-edition Art Deco posters by leading artists

Limited to editions of 280, our posters feature glamorous resorts along the Côte d’Azur, in the French and Swiss Alps, as well as the world’s greatest historic automobiles. Printed on 100% cotton fine art paper, they are signed, hand-numbered and bear our embossed stamp of authenticity. Each poster is approximately 97 x 65 cms (38 x 26 inches).

Price: £395 each inc. VAT, unframed

Pullman Editions Ltd 94 Pimlico Road Chelsea London SW1W 8PL www.pullmaneditions.com Tel: +44 (0)20 7730 0547 Email: georgina@pullmaneditions.com

Our central London gallery

All images and text copyright © Pullman Editions Ltd. 2014

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ART&CULTURE

CHELSEA COUNTRY DIARY

Book Review

PRISCILLA THE HIDDEN LIFE OF AN ENGLISHWOMAN IN WARTIME FRANCE

By Nicholas Shakespeare £18.99. Vintage Books

BETFAIR SUPER SATURDAY

Newbury Racecourse 8 Feb ll racing enthusiasts not entirely cleared out by the Boxing Day meetings will have already marked out this season staple in their diaries as one of the precursors to the Cheltenham Gold Cup. One of the highlights of the day is the nail-biting Denman Chase, formerly the Aon Chase but renamed in 2008 after the winning horse, which covers three miles and features eighteen fences. For those more interested in the social side (as well as the opportunity to don a large hat) there is plenty happening around the raceground. In short, grab your binoculars, pray for sunshine and a good day out will be had for all. The Racecourse, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 7NZ, 01635 40015; racecoursenewbury.co.uk

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ST. IVES FEAST

St. Ives 10 Feb urling the Silver Ball is a sport that has tragically fallen from public favour and is now only ever played on the day of the St. Ives Feast. The day’s proceedings start sedately enough with the mayor’s civic procession for the blessing at St Ia’s Well near Porthmeor Beach but quickly descend into mayhem as the hurling begins. A silver ball is slung into the crowd and is wrestled away from the holder as everyone in the town attempts to return it to the mayor for the strike of midday and are rewarded with a silver coin. Whether you reckon you have what it takes to win or you just fancy a trip to the seaside, this event is a unique and fabulously silly excuse to do so.

Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1JZ, 01872 322 900; visitcornwall.com

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By ALICE COKE

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INDEPENDENT BATH LITERATURE FESTIVAL

Bath 28 Feb - 9 March staple of the cultural calendar, Bath’s literature festival is in its 17th year and shows no sign of slowing. Set in the historic Bath, this year’s line-up includes Jennifer Saunders, Germaine Greer and Henry Blofeld. In and around Bath, 01225 463 362; bathfestivals.org.uk

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© ESTATE OF DEREK JARMAN COURTESY K.COLLINS

Almost Bliss

Throughout Feb Almost Bliss commemorates the 20th anniversary of the death of artist, filmmaker, writer and activist Derek Jarman. This blue-lit installation centres on a group of Jarman’s handpainted and carefully written notebooks, giving a visual insight into the artist’s creative thinking towards what was to become his seminal late film work, Blue.

16 John Islip Street, SW1P, 020 7514 6983; chelseaspace.org

gripping exploration of Nicholas Shakespeare’s mysterious late aunt’s Priscilla’s racy past in wartime France, this true story reads like fiction. Shakespeare felt inspired to write the book after discovering a hidden cache of his aunt’s love letters and journals revealing many riveting dark secrets. Glamorous and amoral, Priscilla attracted many suitors and married a French aristocrat. After war broke out and France was occupied, she was seized by the Gestapo, interrogated and interned in a Prisoner of War camp, during one of the coldest winters of the war. Luckily, she managed to escape and survived the war after becoming involved with a man called ‘Otto’. Shakespeare had heard intriguing family rumours that his aunt had fought for the Resistance and been tortured by the Germans – but the truth turned out to be far more ambiguous. This is both a family memoir and meticulously researched historical account of the dangerous world of Nazi-occupied France, driven by the author’s search for the truth. Shakespeare perfectly captures the perilous and precarious atmosphere and provides insight into the complexity of women’s lives at that time. It’s also a reminder not to throw away old family papers before you’ve read them.

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absolutely / SOCIAL ▼ GUESTS ENJOYING DINNER AT CHINA TANG

▲ AML AMEEN AND PORTIA FRENO SAM BOMPAS AND MODEL, DAVID GANT

▼ MODELS ATOP THE URBAN SCAFFOLD

▲ STEPHEN FRY AND LI QUAN

Tiger,Tiger ir David Tang and Stephen Fry hosted a dinner.

Obviously, this wasn’t just ‘any dinner’. In support of new charity China Tiger Revival and the Prince of Wales’s Charitable Foundation, a host of wellknown faces swooped into China Tang restaurant in Mayfair for a delicious seven-course feast. Mark Shand and Princess Tamara Czartoryska were in attendance, alongside China Tiger Revival Founding Director, Li Quan.

Of the event Sir David said, ‘We must rescue beautiful animals such as the South China Tigers…because we want to live in a more civilized and kinder world.’ Who could disagree with that cool cat?

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TICKLE ME PINK ver 200 Thomas Pink aficionados flooded the Institute of Contemporary Art last month for the brand’s A/W 2014 presentation. The fourth instalment of 'London Collections: Men', 20 male models populated an urban scaffold set to display the new range – replete with wools and tweeds. Guests, including Sam Bompas, sunk champagne and chatted about shirts, plus, of course, their favourite colour – pink.

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ALEX FIELD

PANDEMONIA WITH THOMAS PINK MODELS

▲ MODELS FROM THOMAS PINK

▲ CAMDEN SLAGS DJ-ING

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SUZANNE ROBERTS

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STAND NG THE HEAT BASHING SHELLS, NICKING KNIVES & FOOD COMAS, Edwina Langley DONS CHEF WHITES TO DISCOVER THE LIFE OF A KITCHENHAND BEHIND THE SCENES AT Koffmann’s

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hen I interviewed Pierre Koffmann (once described simply as ‘Superchef’

by Jay Rayner) for this magazine last December, he happened to suggest that ‘one day’ I should visit his kitchen for a cooking lesson. He was just being polite, of course, for we all know that when someone says ‘one day’ they actually mean ‘never’. But I was determined to ‘un-know’ this. And so it was, that on a wet January morning, I enthusiastically and remarkably managed to slop my way into the dining room of restaurant Koffmann’s for such a lesson.

Situated in the lower ground floor of The Berkeley hotel, I was greeted by the hotel’s PR Manager, Cristina, who beamed at me and announced she had got me a present: my very own The Berkeley embossed chef whites, under which was embroidered…MY NAME. ‘You don’t have to wear them!’ she laughed. ‘It was just for fun!’

‘Are you joking?’ I replied. ‘Of course, I’m going to wear them.’

Suitably suited she led me through a door at the side of the dining room, straight into the steel laboratory that was Koffmann’s kitchen. A hive of staff crowded various benches within – cutting, churning, chopping – dressed identically, like kitchen medics, in pristine whites and uniform

blue and white-striped aprons. Alive with activity, the place was immaculate. So immaculate, in fact, I could see my warped, rain-soaked reflection, bouncing off the work surfaces like a distorting mirror in the horror section of a fairground.

It was 10:30am and the staff were preparing for lunch. Pastry chefs steamrollered their way through slabs of custard-coloured dough, washer-uppers splashed and sploshed with hose-pipe taps, and every now and then, a waiter appeared with baskets of leftover buns and breads from the breakfast spread.

Feeling a little lost and vacant, I was then introduced to Chris, Koffmann’s charming Number Two, who took me boldly under his wing. A quick tour of the kitchens was essential, and kindly, he obliged. We swooped round Koffmann’s and then into The Berkeley hotel kitchen next door, Chris ‘hello-ing’ various chefs as we passed.

There’s camaraderie between the two kitchens, that much was clear, but whilst I’d love to say I could distinguish between them, save the dividing doors, they looked identical – gleaming metallic Edens, all stoves, and trays, and surfaces. At one point we passed a smaller kitchen, which looked from the outside like an industrial butchers. ‘Ooh, what’s in there?’ I asked, hoping I’d be allowed an actual butcher’s.

But Chris wasn’t keen. ‘We don't go in there,’ he said firmly. ‘That’s Marcus Wareing’s kitchen.’

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BEHIND THE SCENES

Back in Koffmann's, I found myself suddenly faceto-face with the great man himself. And he is great, somewhat taller then I remembered too. He looked at me like he had no idea who I was or what I was doing there, but I strangely got the impression he knew exactly. Not much gets passed that three Michelin-starred nose.

Having found him wonderfully approachable the last time we met when I was in charge of proceedings, I suddenly felt rather panicked. This time I was on his turf, and it was my job to impress him. I must have shown this terror, for when I finally plucked up the courage to say ‘hello’, he completely disarmed me by replying, ‘Do you have a lover?’ I turned the very distinct colour of rouge.

‘We’ll teach you to make soufflé. You make soufflé for your lover and he'll ask you to marry him.’ I blushed harder. ‘But first, you help Chris.’

‘You can chop these,’ said Chris, presenting me with dish of skinned half-moon tomatoes, before demonstrating how to cut them into perfect cubes.

‘“WE DON'T GO IN THERE,” CHRIS SAID FIRMLY. “THAT’S MARCUS WAREING'S KITCHEN.”’ ‘Ha,’ I thought smugly, recalling a knife skills class I took once. ‘Prepare yourself for some excellent slicing.’

I picked up a razor-sharp knife and proceeded to dice the scarlet fruit with purpose. I thought I was doing brilliantly, until…

‘They’re a bit big,’ Chris exclaimed, in his Glaswegian drawl, leaning over my shoulder and casting a cold shadow over my tomato massacre. He was right, they were. Turns out, slicing things to 1cm cubed is actually a very difficult job. But I never like to admit fault. ‘That’s because you’re distracting me,’ I replied. And he was, by the way. Chris was putting together pots of cassoulet next to me (a far more interesting job than mere dicing) and slopping my leftover tomato cuttings into a massive pot of bubbling stock. Who wouldn’t get sidetracked?

When I finished my chopping, and corrected the chunkier pieces, Chris looked over my cubed jewels again and said they were ‘perfect’. He was lying, of course, but I was grateful all the same. This bolstered my confidence somewhat, and I bowled over to Mike, another chef, to ask if I could help him ‘prep’ the cauliflower. I didn't give him a chance to say ‘no’ I basically snatched his knife and got on with it. This caused a bit of a kerfuffle, however, because he wanted to use his knife, and had to go off to find me another one. Minutes later, I was merrily chopping away with my new non-Mike knife when

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behind the scenes

'He may know how to confit duck legs,but I know how to turn something on and off at the mains'

suddenly an angry Russian chap stormed over to say I had stolen his knife. I’m quite good at stealing things – socks, mainly – so it didn't surprise me I had committed this crime twice in quick succession. But I was rather baffled about all this knife possessiveness. Of course, I hadn’t really thought about it then, like I have now. I am a writer, and if a stranger barged into my office and, say, stole my laptop, I’d probably have something to say about it.

In and amongst my knife saga, my third new friend, Sous-Chef Phil, started bashing away at some sizzling langoustine shells in a searing hot pan by the stove.

Following a holler from Pierre across the kitchen, Phil looked at me panic-stricken and asked me to have a go bashing one of the pans.

‘Don’t burn the shells,’ he ordered and scuttled off. And so I dutifully bashed away, adamant not to burn one single shell, caring not if I burned my arms off instead.

After that excitement, I badgered Chris to entertain me. He found some pork crackling for me to guzzle, which I did, and that shut me up pretty quickly because it was so gooey it stuck my actual mouth shut. Then I entertained him, and

the others, by fixing the defunct vacuum-pack machine. He may know how to confit duck legs, but I know how to turn something on and off at the mains.

After that great feat, my stomach rumbled again and Chris gave me some half-cooked-but-now-chilled grapes from a drawer-fridge to try. ‘They came from the breakfast display,’ he explained, ‘and since we don't throw things away here, we decided to cook them and serve them with the foie gras.’ They were like sweet little bursts of grape confectionery – if anything stood as testament as to why Koffmann’s’ mantra is ‘waste nothing’, they did.

Time was ticking and as lunch service approached I felt I was becoming even more of a hindrance than I had been at the beginning. At last Head Pastry Chef, Sylvain, came to relieve the others of my pestering and give me a top class soufflé lesson. I watched him like a hawk as he weighed various ingredients with precision, then whisked pistachio crème patissiere over a bain-marie with welly. I watched him carefully combine the egg whites and fill the fluffy mixture into a gigantic ramekin, thumbing round the top and placing it the oven. And then,

minutes later, I watched him retrieve this majestic pudding, with its perfectly puffed-up baked green and brown crown. He placed it in front of me and from nowhere I heard ‘bon appétit!’ Turning around I found Pierre Koffmann passing me a spoon.

I cannot describe this pudding to you. A chocolatey, pistachio cloud of… no, I just can’t. It was SO delicious, that when Chris wandered over (spoon in hand) he found I had gobbled it all – everything – and I wasn’t even a little embarrassed about it (did I mention the pudding was big enough for two?).

By this point, I was so full, I was of no use to anyone, and thought it best I downed apron and flee the kitchen before I collapsed in a food coma by the pass. But before my departure, I observed Chris and Mike cook and plate the first lunch dishes of the day (squealing with delight to see my cubed tomatoes appear in the sauce drizzled atop one of them). They made it look so easy, and thus I left thinking I could probably make both just as easily too. And the soufflé.

And I will, of course...one day.

Koffmann’s, The Berkeley, Wilton Place, SW1, 020 7107 8844; pierrekoffmann.co.uk

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BEAUTIFUL WEIGHT LOSS It's always the right time to try something new. New to you, but where hundreds of people just like you have bravely gone before. They've lost weight, got properly fit and found a balance, a way of living, that will outlive a thousand fads.

We are weight loss experts. We don't mess around. Our plans support you intelligently from start to finish and then we show you how to keep it - forever.

For nearly twenty years we've changed the bodyshape, habits, mindset of exceptional people, just like you. It doesn't matter if you've failed before. What matters is that you're content with where you are. If not, set aside some time and just get the job done - once and for all.

The Intensive Programme combines our simple eating method with world class personal training. We train you for optimal fat burn and metabolic uplift. In your own home - six hours a week.

Our Dietitians coach you, monitor your body composition weekly and ensure you're highly motivated. Most women lose twenty pounds, men thirty. Such is life.

Our Optimum Weight Loss Programme coaches you personally for 12-weeks, shedding body fat and taking you back to basics.

No gimmicks. We simply teach you how to eat again. We cut through any lifestyle challenges and show you how to come out on top. We can support you from our Belgravia Clinic absolutely anywhere in the world.

We obsess about your metabolism, so you don't have to. Simply hand yourself over and do exactly what we say. For six weeks, or twelve. We'll be honest about what you need.

All we have is our health and our bodies – whatever your age or lifestyle, we will help you be the best you can be.

Why settle for compromise? We don't.

Sound Accessible Nutrition | Metabolic Workouts | Intelligent Lifestyle Support

www.louiseparker.uk.com Telephone: 0800 084 2828

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

The Imperial We don’t think Valentine’s needs to be a big deal but it can be a special ‘date night’ out. We are offering our ‘A la Carte’ menu with some exciting and decadent new specials, such as: ‘Kent & Essex Oysters with Shallot Vinegar, Lemon & Tabasco’ and ‘Poached Lobster Tail, Claw Ravioli, Carrot & Cumin Puree, Fennel & Orange’. Enjoy these alongside our lovely English sparkling wine from Ridgeview in Sussex or perhaps a special cocktail from our new list.

The Imperial, 577 King’s Road, SW6, 0207 736 6081; the-imperial.co.uk / Reservations@the-imperial.co.uk,

YOU’RE THE

ONE THAT I WANT Romance your way to the perfect Valentine’s AMOUAGE

▼ The Interlude Bath and Body Collection includes the latest in sophisticated body products from Amouage. Each is perfumed with the highest concentration of the chypre oriental fragrance, Interlude, which subtly envelops the skin to last throughout the day. The range has been carefully formulated, using the finest natural ingredients, to nourish and rejuvenate the skin and leave all skin types noticeably softer and more radiant. From £25, Amouage, 14 Lowndes Street, SW1X, 020 3021 9874; amouage.com

Strip

▲ If your man needs help finding you a gift this Valentine’s, point him in the direction of Strip. Strip Wax Bar & Boutique is now offering personalised Valentine e-gift vouchers at the click of a button. E-vouchers can be used in stores for their world-renowned waxing services, exquisite lingerie or luxurious skincare products. Buy online now to give you more time to plan that most romantic of nights! Book your free consultation today. Strip Notting Hill,112 Talbot Road, W11, 020 7727 2754, Strip Chelsea, 102 Fulham Road, SW3 020 7590 0050; stripwaxbar.com

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STYLE

All you need is…

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01. BOODLES, BEETLE TSAVORITE PENDANT IN 18CT YELLOW GOLD WITH TSAVORITES, £3,800; boodles.com 02. ERICKSON BEAMON, GOLD-PLATED SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL CUFF, £515, net-a-porter.com 03. HALYCON DAYS, ST. VALENTINE’S DAY 2014 BOX, £150; halcyondays.co.uk 04. TIFFANY & CO., THISTLE RED ENAMEL BRACELET SET IN 18K GOLD AND PLATINUM WITH DIAMONDS BY JEAN SCHLUMBERGER®, £106,000; tiffany.co.uk 05. CARTIER, PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER BROOCH, WHITE GOLD, DIAMONDS, EMERALDS AND ONYX, £68,500; cartier.co.uk 06. HERMÈS, CAPE COD WATCH, £1,800; uk.hermes.com 07. LINKS OF LONDON, 18CT GOLD HEART LOCKET CHARM, £550; linksoflondon.com 08. LUCIE CAMPBELL, ALL WHITE GOLD DIAMOND EMERALD CLUSTER HANGING EARRINGS, £4,950; luciecampbell.com

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ZAHEEM JAMAL.indd 2

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STYLE

FA S H I O N

NOTES With Violet Naylor-Leyland EDIT

OR’S

PICK

 So you’ve spent your first month faithfully frequenting the gym but now your motivation’s wearing thin. I say, invest in one of these Alexander Wang duffle bags. You’ll feel better just wandering round the changing room with it or (post a quick swim) staring at it in front of the mirror whilst drying your hair. From £665, Available at Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X, 020 7730 1234;

Boutique in Brief

alexanderwang.com

donna ida The Idea

▲ Donna Ida is your dream store – that is if you’ve never quite completed the eternal quest for your perfect pair of jeans. Each shop greets you with a wall of them in every style, shape and colour you can possibly imagine – J Brand and Frame Denim included.

The USP

▲ The denim clinic! Book in or just turn up. Super nice staff offer a specialised service to find (by analysing your body shape and lifestyle) the best pair for you. They even offer an alteration service (from £7) for a ‘nearly-there pair’ you bought elsewhere, or for mums-to-be wanting stretchy panels fitted.

The Buy

▲ It’s got to be something from shop’s own brand IDA. They’re all high-waisted, very cool and seriously flattering.

106 Draycott Avenue, SW3, 020 7225 3816; donnaida.com

TO THE GYM…

TOP LOVE ▼ It’s February, the month of love, and therefore it’s appropriate for me to ‘heart’ something. This is my choice: the cotton intarsia short-sleeved heart sweater by JC de Castelbajac. Swoon. £290, Gallery 28, Avery Row, W1, 020 7499 3651;

jc-de-castelbajac.com

Hearty SOLE ▲ The great thing about Valentine’s Day is it’s another excuse to treat yourself! Totter down to French Sole, for not only have they a new Love Heart collection, but to celebrate their 25th anniversary, founder Jane Winkworth has been inspired by her own brand motif (a poodle) to release some poodleperfect toe pleasers, arriving soon.

From £160, 323 King’s Road, SW3, 020 7351 1634; frenchsole.com Violet is a stylist, journalist and owner of fancy dress and vintage boutique, Violet’s Box; violetsbox.com

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LONDON CHELSEA 40 DUKE OF YORK SQUARE +44(0) 207.259.99.36 LONDON MAYFAIR 72 NEW BOND STREET +44(0) 207.493.90.80

Made in Italy

WWW.SARAHPACINI.COM

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undercover

LOVER Racy lacy looks for Valentine’s Day Photography Steve Wallington Alex Longmore

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Black plain bra, £42 and black plain pants £21; laperla.com or 0845 602 103 / houseoffraser.co.uk Lace bunny ears, £7; urbanoutfitters.co.uk

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Black baby doll, halter neck negligee £425, 0844 873 6111; myla.com Black pants by Sexy Pants and Naughty Knickers, £18, 020 7376 5336; pomlampson.com Heart and arrow necklace, £208, 01608 811 889; daisyknights.com

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Black stripy lingerie dress, £350, 020 8968 4488; bordelle.co.uk, Black patent peep toe platform heels, £140; kurtgeiger.com Star necklace, £180; kirstengoss.com

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Nude and black lace body, ÂŁ385; sarrieri.com Black stones knuckleduster ring, ÂŁ316, 020 3399 9303; ESHVI.co.uk

Photography: Steve Wallington Styling: Alex Longmore Assisted by: Beatrice Trodden Hair & Make Up: Aly Hazelwood using Rococo Nail Apparel Model: Tyler @ FM With thanks to The Portobello Hotel 22 Stanley Gardens, W11 2NG 020 7727 2777

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SS/14 COLLECTION AVAILABLE IN STORE AND ONLINE

LEON MAX FEB.indd 2

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LEO

020 7221 1204 



www.maxstudio.com

227-229, WESTBOURNE GROVE



W11 2SE LONDON ( OPPOSITE 202 )

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17/01/2014 25/10/2013 17:25 12:30 23/10/2013 14:33

HappyNewYou! HAIR TIP JANUARY 2014

“

Dare to be different Try a sharp sexy bob with stunning vibrant copper tones start this year right”

love Skye

H&Y Jewellery is not just a product but an ‘art form’. Situated in the prestigious Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge, their store boasts the finest rare jewellery.

With expertise in the fields of watches and diamonds, each member of staff can provide a unique insight into the world of fine jewellery.

Showcasing the most vibrant designs and well-known names in luxury, their Italian design jewellery has the finest craftsmanship whether modern or classic.

41 Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge, London SW13 1NX 020 7589 8877 www.hyjewellery.co.uk

H&Y Jewellery.indd 1

SKYE NORMAN

Hair&Beauty 55 OLD CHURCH ST CHELSEA SW3 5BS | 02077514527 | WWW.SKYENORMAN.COM

23/10/2013 09:50

REFORM YOUR FITNESS

Reach your personal fitness goals with the new Pilates Reformer membership at The Peak Health Club & Spa, Knightsbridge. Sculpt your body with Pilates classes alongside one-on-one Pilates Reformer sessions with a specialist Pilates trainer or personal trainer.

For more information, call 020 7858 7302, email JCTmembership@jumeirah.com or visit peakhealthclub.com

14-10-17, Abs Chelsea half page - pilates at The Peak.indd 1

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24/01/2014 09:48

HEALTH&BEAUTY

Beauty

CO N F ID ENTIAL Protect, pamper & love your body SALON REVIEW

HARIs ver since watching Grease, I have always, always, wanted to have my head encapsulated in one of those 1950s hood dryers. Last month, I can announce, it happened – courtesy of two treatments at HARIs. The first, exfoliated and moisturised my dandruffed scalp, and the second, breathed life into my straggly locks. Both worked wonders. During this, I sipped on a freshly squeezed pineapple and chili juice, read every magazine under the sun, and had a delightful manicure, which ended with a spritz of almond oil, obliterating that nasty pong of varnish I do so loathe. But that wasn’t all. Postpampering, I had my now gleaming barnet snipped by the wizardess, Chelm.

In record time, my hair was chopped, dried and glossed, so shiny, I practically needed sunglasses to look at it. Perhaps that’s why actresses wear them so often. If you want such a Hollywood hairdo, hurry to HARIs. Edwina Langley

E

Drama Queen There are times when it is essential to make an entrance.

Skyscraper heels, a killer dress and, of course, dramatic make-up. MAC's new Huggable Lipcolour (£17.50) comes in 12 statement hues, whilst their Punk Couture Pigment powder (£17), colourfully highlights cheeks and cheekbones.

Trust us, you'll get noticed. maccostmetics.co.uk

Dip tick ▼ Anything Diptyque is ok by us, but their Eau du Rose Collection is especially lovely.

Body lotion, hand lotion, candles…we love it all. £32 body lotion, £20 hand lotion, £42 candle, available from Space NK, 307 King’s Road, SW3, 020 7351 7209; uk.spacenk.com EDIT

Allude to nude

▲ How many shades? 16. Yes, that’s right, Clinique have introduced their ‘16 Shades of Beige’ range – soft nudes for nails and eyes, to suit every skin type. Their ‘Limited Edition All About Shadow 8-Pan Palette’ (£32) specifically caught our eye.

Available from Boots, 60 King’s Road, SW3, 020 7589 3234; clinique.com

233 King’s Road, SW3, 020 7349 8722 305 Brompton Road, SW3, 020 7581 5211 183 New King’s Road, SW6, 020 7731 6062 harissalon.com

OR’S

PICK

Joy-in-a-box This was love at first sight. Jo Malone have teamed up with florists Wild at Heart to create this, the Valentine’s Floral Box: a seven rose-made ‘Red Roses Cologne’, sleeping in a bed of roses. Aah! Available from 8th-14th Feb, Jo Malone boutique at Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1, order: 0870 950 5096; jomalone.com

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STYLE

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PICK

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LOVE ME tender

Get in the mood for

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Valentine’s Day

01. REVLON, COLORSTAY 16 HOUR EYESHADOW PALETTE IN ATTITUDE, £7.99; boots.com 02. MAC, POWDER BLUSH/PRO PALETTE REFILL PAN IN FRANKLY SCARLET, £15; maccosmetics.co.uk 03. AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES, RENEWING ROSE MASSAGE & BODY OIL, £40; uk.spacenk.com 04. LANCÔME, LIMITED SPRING EDITION BLUSH HIGHLIGHTER, £35; lancome.co.uk 05. DIOR, ROUGE DIOR IN 999, £25, dior.com 06. BOBBI BROWN, SMOKEY EYE MASCARA, £22; bobbibrown.co.uk 07. RIMMEL LONDON, SOFT KOHL KAJAL EYE LINER PENCIL IN JET BLACK, £2.99; uk.rimmellondon.com 08. YVES SAINT LAURENT, LIP PENCIL 17, £16; yslbeauty.co.uk 09. NAILS INC, THE BOLTONS POLISH, £11; nailsinc.com

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23/01/2014 16:52

AHEAD FOR HOTELS

SERVING CUSTOMERS INCOGNITO & TRUMPING SIR MICHAEL CAINE FOR A PART, Fiona Hicks DISCOVERS A PLAYFUL SIDE TO SERIOUS HOTELIER, Sir Rocco Forte

ir Rocco Forte’s name is, quite literally, synonymous with luxury hotels. This distinguished businessman started working for his father’s company aged 15, rising to become the CEO of some 800 hotels and 1,000 restaurants which comprised the then Forte Group. In 1994, he was knighted for his services to tourism. Youthful, distinguished and successful, it seemed he was at the top of his game, but his professional life was to take a serious hit. In an appropriation which was to reverberate uncomfortably around the industry, The Forte Group was subject to a hostile takeover by Granada. ‘The tragedy was that they then broke it up. It was a complete waste of time as far as they were concerned and they destroyed what was a pretty good business,’ he commented shortly afterwards.

Not one to be held down, he went about setting up his own chain of luxury hotels, simply christened

‘The Rocco Forte Collection’. ‘As a family, we’ve been involved in the hospitality industry for generations,’ he says matter-of-factly. ‘It’s in our blood.’

Starting with The Balmoral in Edinburgh, the collection now includes 12 properties around the globe, including the resplendent Brown’s in our own fair city. ‘I don’t have a favourite,’ he smiles. ‘They’re like children, I can’t have a favourite.’

Preferences aside, the secret to their luxury, Sir Rocco reveals, is that they ‘are as un-chain-like as possible.’ Graciously avoiding naming names, he explains that ‘so many of the international chains have hotels which could be anywhere, so when you wake up in the morning you don’t really know where you are. That’s what we try and avoid. We always try to give a local feel to our hotels, so if you’re in Brown’s you know you’re in London, if you’re in Hotel de Russie you know you’re in Rome, and so forth.’

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FOOD&TRAVEL

Keeping it a family affair, it is his sister, Olga, who has a hand in creating this local ambience. She designs the interiors of ‘our hotels’, as he affectionately refers to them, while his children have even done stints on reception at various locations. ‘They’re all quite keen to get involved,’ he says proudly.

‘It’s rather fun working with them, actually.

And occasionally challenging.’

Whether father, brother or boss, his exacting standards remain the same. ‘My name is on the door,’ he says, ‘so any aspect of the service comes under scrutiny from me.’ His working week involves a great deal of travel, as he makes a point of visiting all his locations regularly. ‘If I sat in my office all the time, I wouldn’t have any idea what was going on. I get to know the people, the

“SIR MICHAEL CAINE ASKED ME IF I WAS EVER IN A TELEVISION PLAY, TO WHICH I REPLIED, I WAS. TURNS OUT, HE REMEMBERED ME”

staff get to know me directly, and they learn what I like and what I don’t like. It makes a hell of a difference.’

This people-orientated approach was a something he acquired from his charismatic father, the late Lord Forte. ‘I learnt almost everything from him: a total commitment to the business, passion for what you’re doing, and the importance of the people you employ.’ While Sir Rocco believes that a luxury hotel must have a central location (‘close to the entertainment and the business parts of a city’) and sumptuous interiors, the service always keeps customers coming back. ‘80% of the product at a hotel is the people. You’ve got to give them the tools to do the job properly, but recruit people with

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“IF I SAT IN MY OFFICE ALL THE TIME, I WOULDN’T HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT WAS GOING ON”

the right attitude in the first place.’ A sociable man himself, he looks for staff who are similarly confident and engaging. ‘They need be out there interacting with the customers.’

In the spirit of leading by example, he has been known to drive around his golf buggy incognito at his Verdura Golf & Spa Resort in Sicily. ‘I offer customers a lift, and find out how they like the place without telling them who I am. So far, I haven’t been disappointed by a response,’ he chuckles.

It is anecdotes like this which speak volumes: his investment in his brand is far more than fiscal, it’s genuinely personal, and his management follows suit. ‘I don’t like management by fear, that’s the last thing you want. The ‘shoot the messenger’ approach is always disastrous, especially in today’s world.’ The only time he gets truly ‘irritated’ is when he receives

a complaint from a customer because it means ‘they haven’t been treated properly.’ But even then, he uses it as an ‘opportunity to make a friend out of them.’

With hotels, hospitality and business coursing through his veins, has he ever been tempted to dip his toe in somewhere else? ‘Well,’ he pauses, ‘I took part in a television play once.’ He goes on to explain, with a charming hint of pride, that ITV were putting on a series of European plays to celebrate their fifth anniversary. ‘One was based in Italy, so they wanted someone who could speak Italian.’

Having grown up with an Italian-born father, Sir Rocco has a native’s command of the language. ‘I got the part, so at the age of 13, I played an Italian waiter in an Italian restaurant.’

Although he was offered many other parts afterwards, he was dissuaded from pursuing acting by his father, and the episode was largely forgotten until he ran into Sir Michael Caine many years later. ‘He asked me if I was ever in a television play, to which I replied, I was. Turns out he remembered me.’ Sir Rocco recounts his reaction, swapping his plummy tones for

Sir Michael’s cockney twang.

‘He said, ‘I was in that play too, before I was discovered.’ So Sir Michael Caine was an extra and I had a talking part!’ he laughs.

Other than this brief flirtation with acting, he has ‘never’ thought of doing anything else. So involved is he with his hotels that when he himself goes on holiday, he struggles to let go. ‘Last time it took me about 12 days before I started switching off.’ A typical holiday for him involves lots of cycling and reading, but all in one location. ‘I move around a lot, so when I go away I want to be able to relax and rest.’

Back in London, Sir Rocco can often be found enjoying the delights of Chelsea. ‘I’ve lived there since I got married, so have effectively spent 37 years in the same house. I very much like it: the roads are wide and leafy, and the whole environment is very villagey. I have a farm out in Surrey too, and at the right time of day I can drive across Albert Bridge, on through Wandsworth and get there in under 25 minutes.’

And just like that, Sir Rocco is on the move again.

Browns Hotel, 33 Albemarle Street, W1, 020 7493 6020; roccofortehotels.com

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Bacon sofa - design Andrea Parisio - meridiani.it

MERIDIANI Pure and resolute forms distinguish a wide-ranging collection that reinterprets the past with character and - thanks to the ample choice of fabrics and finishes - leaves space for personal interpretation. Over five hundred fabrics make up the collection, chosen from amongst the finest cottons, linens, wools and leathers available world-wide.

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lady of lingerie FROM HAIRDRESSING TO HONG KONG, PETITS BISOUS FOUNDER Esther Fieldgrass TELLS Absolutely WHERE IT ALL BEGAN (& HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GLORIOUS FIGURE) ABSOLUTELY: You founded both EF Medispa skincare clinic and also luxury lingerie boutique, Petits Bisous. How did you develop your business acumen?

ESTHER FIELDGRASS: Well, I started out at the age of 16 working as an apprentice hairdresser. In those days apprenticeships were more about hard work than training, and I realised that, to get on, I needed to emulate the most successful sylists, so I watched and learned. That was the pattern that I followed when I opened my first hair and beauty salon at the age of 20. Then I was watching and learning from the most successful salon owners. Some would say I was self-taught, but really throughout my business career, it has been a question of identifying who are the best in the field and watching and learning. I hope that I’ve added a little of my own technique along the way, so perhaps I should say: ‘learning from the best and making some adjustments to imprint my own originality’.

ABS: You started off as a hairdresser, why was that?

EF: When I was at school, I dreamt of being a fashion designer, but my mother wanted me to learn a trade so that I would always be able to earn a living. I enjoyed the creativity in hairstyling, and it led naturally to beauty and the aesthetics industry. I realised my ambition in fashion when I lived in Hong Kong, 30 years ago.

Whilst there, I developed couture labels and opened a factory in China. Petits Bisous has brought me back full circle to high end fashion design.

ABS: You moved to Asia in 1983 with a young family, what prompted the move?

EF: We thought it would be a good idea to travel before the kids started school. My

husband was involved in banking and a headhunter called him up one day to offer him a job in Hong Kong. It sounded really exotic so I thought, why not? My husband told me years later, that he knew Hong Kong was an entrepreneurial place and he was confident that I’d be able to create business opportunities there.

ABS: Whilst in Hong Kong you developed an interest in alternative medicine. Why? EF: I suppose it was serendipity. I was at a Christmas Fayre and at one of the stalls someone asked me to let them put their hands on my shoulders. I got this incredible warm sensation and a feeling of well-being. That was my introduction to Reiki, which opened my eyes (and mind) to a whole area of the healing arts and alternative medicine. I then became a sponge absorbing any information about a whole range of healing modalities. I truly

believe that our move to Hong Kong was a way for the universe to show me a path to healing and spirituality.

ABS: On returning to England, you set up EF Medispa in 2006. Why? EF: As I have said, beauty, fashion and aesthetics have always been a part of my life and when I came back from Hong Kong, I started to research the way that technology was being used more in healthcare and aesthetics. My interest in alternative medicine had also led me to a holistic approach to beauty and anti-ageing. However, the industry was fragmented. You either went to a high street beauty salon with limited options for serious skincare and rejuvenation, or you went to a very uninviting doctor’s surgery for injectable procedures or laser work. As a woman, I wanted to have the most advanced treatments, using the

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ART&CULTURE

latest medical advances, but I want the treatments in a comfortable spa-like environment. And EF Medispa was born.

ABS: You then went on to open Petits Bisous.

How did you make the transition from one to the other, i.e. how were you led to the idea of Petits Bisous?

EF: Again, for me fashion wasn’t an afterthought, it was really a first love. There is a huge synergy. At EF Medispa it is all about helping my clients to look great with radiant skin and beautifully toned bodies.

The natural complement to their beautiful bodies is well-designed, sensual lingerie and outerwear to show off their figure. Whilst there are some wonderful lingerie designers out there, I struggled to find one place with a wide range of the best quality lingerie, so I put together my favourite designers and also got a few of them to put together some exclusives just for Petits Bisous.

ABS: We love the Petits Bisous concept – a lingerie styling experience designed to enable women to feel beautiful and confident through the lingerie they wear. Why do you think so many women lack this confidence?

EF: I find that very few women are happy with the way they look. Even women with great bodies will usually find some feature that they dislike. Consequently, they are often apprehensive when getting undressed in front of their partner.

With Petits Bisous lingerie, we strive to emphasise the most beautiful aspects of each client, and we also have a bespoke service, to allow for the uniqueness of the individual, and to make sure that our clients feel confident in the boudoir no matter what shape or size.

ABS: What types of lingerie suit the following body types…

PEAR SHAPES

EF: If you have a fantastic shapely bottom then why not show it off with a silky thong or lacey Brazilian cut brief? If you don’t like to show your bum then a high waisted knicker will emphasise the small waist and curve of the thighs.

HOURGLASS

EF: If you are a D cup or over, be sure to choose an underwired bra and try to find one with broader straps to help carry the load. There are plenty of sexy and exciting fuller-bust brands available these days such as Harlow & Fox, which provides luxurious pieces in silk and leavers lace with a vintage pin-up feel, specifically for D to G cup sizes.

APPLE SHAPES

EF: If you carry your weight around your middle and are not comfortable with your stomach then try a high waisted knicker. These cover the mid-section whilst contouring the figure.

TUBULAR

EF: If you are lucky enough to have a small bust then you have a very easy task when it comes to buying bras. Try a delicate, soft triangle or demi-cup bra in a seductive sheer mesh or delicate lace. Or, if you crave bigger cleavage, choose a slightly padded or push-up bra to enhance your natural assets.

ABS: What should we be wearing this Valentine’s Day? EF: Silks, satins and laces, unless you’re into BDSM, in which case anything goes!

At Petits Bisous we have some of the most enticing corsetry available in London, which we can make to measure if you are a special size.

ABS: Why did you choose the King’s Road for both EF Medispa and Petits Bisous? What do you like about the area?

EF: King’s Road has always been a fashion leader for the fashion cognoscenti. For me,

it is the vibrancy and energy and the fact that the local residents are always happy to experiment and not afraid to spend money on something new.

ABS: Do you have a favourite lingerie label?

EF: I have several favourites, but watch out for I.D. Sarrieri and Fleur of England SS14.

ABS: What’s coming up for Petits Bisous for the rest of 2014?

EF: Of course, you can’t mention Spring/ Summer without thinking of swimwear.

We have wonderful collections coming in from Beautiful Bottoms, Bordelle and Sumarie’s new couture swimwear.

Petits Bisous’ swimwear catwalk events have become a feature of the fashion calendar. Last year, so many people were disappointed because of the limited space at the Bulgari Hotel poolside event, that we had to run a series of in-house shows. This year we have chosen an even more amazing venue, so readers should register on our website to make sure they don’t miss out.

187 King’s Road, SW3, 020 7352 7044; petitsbisous.com

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STYLE

MEN ONLY

FRENCH FANCY  Ever spring cleaned your wardrobe?

It’s quite therapeutic. All it is, is throwing away anything not spring-like in colour and replacing it with things that are. For vibrant blazers, patterned sarongs and cotton shirts, French label Vicomte A. is the place to go.

113 King’s Road, SW3, 020 7349 7547; vicomte-a.com

VALENTINE’S NEIGH  We’re not all that into receiving Valentine’s gifts, but if we have to, we’d like one of these Limited Edition Frankel prints.

Photographer Mark Havey is one of just three artists allowed to work with the British thoroughbred racehorse (unbeaten in his 14-race long career).

Now retired, this exquisite animal covered his first mares on Valentine’s Day last year. From £280, from 11th Feb; mark-harvey.com

Snap

ATTACK  No man should be without a good camera and with the Nikon DSLR, Df (inspired by the Nikon F 1959-73) you won’t be. With a 16.2 megapixel full frame sensor and the ability to shoot at ISO 204,800 (so it’s a ‘yes’ to night pictures) you won’t miss a whisker. £2,750, Available from Peter Jones, Sloane Square, SW1, 0844 693 1751; europe-nikon.com

WOOF!

 Everyone knows dogs are our best friends, but walking them first thing in the morning can be a miserable, affair. Keep your mitts toasty with these cashmere gloves from the ‘Dog and Cat Outfitters’ (whatever that means), Mungo & Maud. £55, 79 Elizabeth Street,

SW1W, 020 7022 1207; mungoandmaud.com

Saved by the PLUMBER t’s a story we know well.

You and Algernon are commiserating about your lack of, ehem, action on Valentines night and the only solution is to crack open a bottle of Famous Grouse and get blind drunk. This brings a boyhood smile to your face, one you carry with you when, a few whiskeys down, you pop off quickly for a

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tinkle. As a well-mannered chap, after one has ‘tunkled’, one washes one’s hands in the sink. Somewhat underestimating the brute strength of one (possibly because one is blottoed) you surprise yourself by pulling off the entire tap. Quel error!

Most chaps, here, would try to fix it themselves. Trust us, you won’t be able to. Far better you call a plumber, who will point you towards the

stopcock (nothing to do with one’s nether regions) and abracadabra the water turns ‘awf’ and the flooding ceases. Hurrah! Arrange for the plumbers to pop round tomorrow (and since we’re the best, we suggest calling us) and then it’s ‘all’s well and back to the brandy’...or was it whiskey? Staunch and Flow Plumbers, 020 8964 6714; london-plumber.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

Happy

Valentine’s Day Exquisite lingerie from Petits Bisous is a present for her and for you sther Fieldgrass knows what women want. Having built the award winning clinic chain EF MEDISPA, Esther says women spend so much time investing in making their bodies look beautiful that it makes perfect sense they want to embellish their beauty by wearing only the most sensual of materials and beautifully cut lingerie next to their skin. Petits Bisous (London’s best kept secret) is just next door to EF MEDISPA on The Kings Road. It was created by Esther, who believes luxurious lingerie should not be saved for special occasions, or purely for your partner’s gratification. It should be worn for your own happiness and pleasure. The boutique offers the first luxury lingerie styling experience for women, to fulfil your every desire. In addition, a madeto-measure service is also available for all your corsetry, lingerie and swimwear needs and, for when only the finest will do, you can create your own bridal trousseau in-boutique. Petits Bisous will work with the finest corsetieres to design and make stunning bespoke pieces that are totally unique to you.

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Shell Belle Tease bra (£136) and brief (£80)

Fleur of England Amour bra (£102) and brief (£77)

Fred & Ginger Romance half cup bra (£114) and thong (£87)

FINDING HER THE PERFECT VALENTINE’S GIFT

Petits Bisous welcomes gentlemen into their boutiques every day and their trained stylists are happy to help you choose the right Valentine’s gift for her. They know you appreciate the way her body looks, but you also need to understand what works for her body shape, and what she is going to look and feel best in. The Petits Bisous stylists will be able to help you make the perfect choice. Choose from their exquisite collections, including lingerie sets in laces and silks, sensual sleepwear, bodies, playsuits and intimate accessories in their downstairs turquoise boudoir. If you are unable to visit the boutique, the fantastic online styling service will get the goods to you in time for Valentine’s Day. Each item chosen, in store and online, will be beautifully gift wrapped in a signature Petits Bisous gift box and presented with a perfect bow.

WINTER SUN RESORT WEAR AT PETITS BISOUS

SuMarie couture swimwear has now launched at in the Chelsea boutique.

Inspired by the classic and chic designs embodied by the French Riviera, SuMarie strives to offer timeless swimwear and beachwear for all body types and shapes.

With an emphasis on bespoke tailoring and attention to detail, the sophisticated SuMarie collections are designed to make the wearer always feel chic, confident and at their very best on the beach. Private appointments are available at the boutique with founder Marie Su, where she can create an exquisite piece of couture swimwear just for you.

SuMarie prices range from £95 to £543

www.petitsbisous.com 187 Kings Road, Chelsea, SW3 5EB 020 7352 7044 51 The High Street, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3DP

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julia boston antiques

www.juliaboston.com 588 king’s road london sw6 2dx tel: 020 7610 6783 CIF_Desire_C14_134x90_CIF_Desire_C14_134x90 12/12/2013 13:15 Page 1

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JEWELLERY & SILVERSMITHING FAIR

Purchase direct from the UK’s leading designer makers

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STYLE BATHE In white. Sometimes a good splash in the tub is the only way to warm up chilly toes… and these blue and pinkstriped towels from The White Company are sometimes the only way to dry them too.

From £14, 4 Symons Street, SW3, 020 8166 0199; thewhitecompany.com

READ ▲ Rag books. Remember these?

Books that survive all manner of attempted rippings and bitings?

These eight-page vintage cloth books feature favourite nursery rhymes, excellent for encouraging your littleuns to develop a love of literature. £7.90;

EAT ▲ COYO. These coconut milk yoghurts are gluten free, nut free and have no artificial nasties or preservatives neither. Oh, and they’re rather good. £1.40, Available from Revital, 83 King’s Road, SW3, 020 7351 4390; coyo.co.uk

Kids NOTES O OTES

What to wear, buy & eat with the little ones

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▲ Songwriting. If your youngster has a talent for music, get them to enter Song Academy’s Young Songwriter 2014 competition.

The prize? To record their winning song at Universal Music’s recording studio. La, la, la-la-la.

Entries open 1st Feb-6th April; songacademy.co.uk

Peter Jones, Sloane Square, SW1W, 0844 693 1751; johnlewis.com

Thick jackets. We’ve heard the BIG CHILL is on the way. Prepare with this John Lewis ‘Owl Padded Jacket’. From £28,

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Easter Revision Courses The best way to boost your GCSE and A-level results

Based in the heart of Kensington, Duff Miller enables its students to achieve the highest grades possible by giving them the opportunity to develop confidence and enthusiasm.

A leading sixth form college in London, Chelsea Independent College was founded with a very simple ideal; to fulfil the academic potential of its students and to ensure they gain entry to top universities.

Lansdowne College is a leading independent college in Notting Hill that helps its students achieve excellent results and access top universities.

31 March - 25 April 2014 • • • • •

Exam practice every day Small class sizes Board and Syllabus specific courses Highly experienced tutors Boarding available

Contact us for further details admissions@astrumeducation.com +44 (0)20 3667 6640 www.astrumeducation.com

As individual as the students we teach

EDUCATION

PAY

YOUR WAY WHY FUSS WITH STRUGGLING TO GET YOUR CHILD INTO AN OVERSUBSCRIBED SCHOOL WHEN YOU CAN PAY SOMEONE TO DO IT FOR YOU? AMANDA CONSTANCE INVESTIGATES THE DARK ARTS OF THE SCHOOL PLACEMENT SERVICE

o you’ve got deep pockets and sharp elbows but are they enough to get your child into the school you want? In the now hyper-competitive world of our most elite independent schools, the answer, probably, is no.

In the race for a place, high-octane parents are using a School Placement Service. For a sizeable fee, super-tutor agencies such as Holland Park Education and Bonas MacFarlane will not only identify the appropriate school for your child, they will assess and tutor the child for the examination and interview process, fill in any applications, provide personal references to the chosen schools and even

ILLUSTRATION BY PHIL COUZENS

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arrange private visits to them. It is handholding of the highest order, with both agencies boasting they will look after your loved one’s every educational need ‘from cradle to career’.

And it doesn’t come cheap. Holland Park Education charges £5,000 for the service.

But as William Stadlen, the Savile Rowsuited founder and managing director of HPE attests, this is ‘investment insurance’.

Many of HPE’s clients will be spending ‘500K per child over 10 years’, and ‘we get that investment right for a fraction of the cost’.

Holland Park Education’s clients are mostly bankers and the global super-rich.

And they start early. Stadlen admits to meeting ‘a bizarre amount of pregnant

women’. He recounts having to reassure the mildly hysterical parents of an 18 month-old girl that it was not ‘too late to get her into Cambridge’. Holland Park Education doesn’t carry out assessments on children under the age of five, but it does have an early years consultant who can place your baby in the nursery of your dreams, part one of a ‘road map’, an educational strategy designed for your child that should see the apple of your eye waltzing into Oxbridge 15 years later.

The process starts with an initial consultation with Stadlen where he ascertains the family’s situation and what ambitions they have for their children.

There follows an assessment; a quantitative analysis using a sophisticated computer program, and a qualitative assessment with one of HPE’s specialist consultants who have more than 1,000 hours of preparing children for exams under their belt.

HPE create a longlist and then whittles this down to a shortlist of the most suitable schools based upon the family’s specific wishes, the child’s academic potential and extra-curricular concerns such as music or sport etc. The assessments will also highlight any areas where your child might need extra help to achieve the sky-high academic standard these schools require. If so, the agency has a battery of young Oxbridgey tutors who can make sure your child is ready for their entrance exams at 7+ or 11 or 13+.

Once a shortlist of schools has been decided, HPE will send on the assessor’s reports plus the agency’s own reference to the chosen schools. And this is really what you are paying for. Stadlen has spent the last decade or more building relationships with the registrars and heads in all of the best schools. His recommendation opens doors.

As he explains: ‘There is currency to our word because we have successfully placed children before.’ The schools want the best pupils and know that HPE can deliver them.

As Stadlen wryly adds, when it comes to the quid pro quo relationships between schools and agencies, ‘we’re not ahead of the curve, I think we created the curve.’

HPE refute the notion that ‘there is one perfect school – this often only serves to increase the pressure on a child,’ says Stadlen. But how do you tell a Russian oligarch that his Evgeny isn’t a suitable candidate for Harrow? ‘It’s all about expectation management,’ says Stadlen smoothly. ‘In the cases where a family have their heart set on a couple of schools, then our close relationships with these schools means we may be able to open certain doors. If we want to get a child into Eton or St Paul’s, then we get that child into Eton or St Paul’s.’ Sounds like good value for money.

hollandparkeducation.com, bonasmacfarlane.co.uk

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Architecture and Interior Design Planning and Project Management Design and Build

Crawford and Gray Architects Ltd

7 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 1DF www.crawfordandgray.co.uk

Specialists in residential projects and interventions in period buildings with twenty years of experience and a portfolio of over 300 building projects successfully completed in Central London.

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Grate Expectations has been established and successfully running for over 25 years and remains a family business.

Whether you're looking for a rare antique feature, a classic reproduction, or a truly impressive contemporary feature we offer you the technical advice & assistance required with full in house bespoke design fans and chimney lining a speciality.

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INTERIORS

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Travel the world from the comfort of home with February’s exotic picks

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01. ANTHROPOLOGIE, SAVANNAH STORY BUST, GAZELLE, £58; anthropologie.eu 02. WILLIAM YEOWARD, PENN STEWART ROUND MIRROR, RICH MAHOGANY, £1,195 / SANDOS MIRROR, DISTRESSED BLACK, £1,980; williamyeoward.com 03. JOANNA WOOD, BURNT ORANGE PAISLEY CUSHION, £72; joannawood.co.uk 04. OKA, THE BOY WITH THE RED TURBAN LAMP, £110; okadirect.com 05. JOHN LEWIS, HAYWORTH GRAND CHESTERFIELD SOFA, HARLEQUIN JUNIPER BLOSSOM LIME, OAK LEGS, £3,200; johnlewis.com 06. DE GOURNAY, ‘BAMBOO’ IN GOLDEN DESIGN COLOURS ON AN EDO GREEN PAINTED SILK, poa; degournay.com. Photography © James Harris 07. LINLEY, GLOBE, £3,250; davidlinley.com 08. DALE ROGERS, IRIDESCENT AMMONITE, 120 MILLION YEARS (LOWER CRETACEOUS), £5,800; dalerogersammonite.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY R ICHARD WAITE

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AWARD-WINNING INTERIOR DESIGNERS, INTARYA, REVEAL HOW THEY TRANSFORMED THIS KENSINGTON MEWS HOUSE

his pretty mews house sits on a leafy secluded square in the heart of Kensington. Until recently, it was somewhat forlorn and in need of modernisation, having remained untouched for many years. Intarya was given a brief by the house’s new owner: to maximise the property’s proportions, create impact and add value. All of which they achieved – particularly on impact, because this is an impressively stylish house.

Firstly, the space and flow was meticulously and creatively planned, maximising every opportunity for physical and visual expansion. A well-proportioned open-plan space was formed on the ground floor with seamless flow from living and dining

▼ Mirror cladding was used on the Master headboard wall to open up the space to great effect which in turn allowed the embroidered headboard of autumnal leaves to take centre stage

areas, kitchen and out to the private terrace. The staircase shares the area and its sleek and contemporary glass balustrade increases the impression of space. The simple lines of the limestone fireplace and fresh white floating shelves establish a modern backdrop for the

‘THE SPACE AND FLOW WAS METICULOUSLY PLANNED, MAXIMISING EVERY OPPORTUNITY FOR PHYSICAL AND VISUAL EXPANSION’ 1950s-inspired interior scheme. In the seating area, opposite the sofa sits a pair of vintage armchairs with trademark tufted detail, reupholstered in a combination of neutral suede and linen.

The seating is anchored by a highly polished timber coffee table, its chestnut colour co-ordinating with the subdued colour scheme, and its figured movement

creating subtle interest in the room. The rosewood dining table and chairs were another vintage find, re-conditioned and re-upholstered to their former glory. The tulip shape of the table pedestal and the Murano pendant light above create softening curves against the square lines of the joinery, sideboard and kitchen beyond.

The small kitchen needed to deliver on design impact despite its size. A combination of Zebrano gloss wall cabinets and white lacquer base cupboards give instant effect, while the combination of materials remains simple. The high sheen of the cabinets and reverse painted glass splashback reflect light from the skylight above to create a bright and inviting space where appliances and finishes are perfectly co-ordinated.

A new basement level was created to provide a flexible space, ideal as a media den or home office, with extensive storage. The desk is built-in to function as a tidy space with drawers and cupboards to hide away computer equipment with simple open shelves that give an asymmetry to the joinery design, while the bookmatched honey-toned timber adds warmth and interest.

The L-shaped sofa opposite is also built-in to maintain the sleek aesthetic, using tufting to the seat cushion to add a retro edge.

Upstairs, the entire first floor is devoted to the master suite. Again, increasing the feeling of space was top of the agenda for the Master Bedroom. Mirror cladding was used on the headboard wall to great effect, allowing the embroidered headboard to take centre stage. The autumnal leaves are given three-dimensionality by way of varying tones of burnt orange and brown that pick up on the silk ribbed cushions dressing the bed.

Wardrobes were clad in taupe leather to tone with the walls. Never without a nod to the vintage theme of the house, the parchment sideboard features a subtle motif and retro-inspired handles.

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 A well-proportioned open-plan space was formed on the ground floor with seamless flow from Living and Dining areas, Kitchen and out to the private Terrace. As the staircase shares the area, its architectural detailing needed to be sleek and contemporary by way of a glass balustrade that increases the feeling of space

The Master Bathroom provides a double basin in honed limestone, combined with a contrasting dark stained timber vanity below that provides ample storage, realising the practical needs of the owner to maintain the bathroom’s tidy appearance which in turn allows the beautiful veined marble slabwork above the bath to be fully appreciated.

The guest bedroom takes more of a dramatic direction, with the headboard wall painted a deep indigo blue.

This contrasts with the other crisp white walls to create a clean and striking colour scheme. Against the dark wall, the timber-framed headboard has a nickel inlay that lifts it and highlights the

lighter blue of the textured linen upholstery.

The smallest bedroom was reserved for the youngest resident. A built-in bed occupies a cosy corner with a storage shelf alongside for favourite toys and an open niche below for books.

Close attention is paid to each architectural detail throughout – internal doors reach up to the ceiling, elongating their proportions.

Built-in joinery and 1950s-inspired, tailor-made and furniture merge with the soft colour palette to create a calm, sublime home – and the client’s initial investment was more than doubled.

 Following the vintage theme of the house, the parchment sideboard features a subtle motif and retro-inspired handles whilst the wardrobes, clad in a taupe leather to tone with the walls, give a luxurious feel to the room

Albion Riverside, 8 Hester Road, SW11, 020 7349 8020; intarya.com

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DON’T WORRY Does the sofa look good with the table? Does the table go with the carpet? What colour would go with the fabric on the chair?

There is a reason why we have the word ‘concept’ in our name. We have had all the worries about matching and fitting. And our interior designers can guide and advise you. BoConcept is all about making your home come together. So that you can enjoy the harmony of an interior look that will last for years.

Come and visit our professional design consultants in-store and ask about our FREE interior design service.

www.boconcept.co.uk BoConcept Notting Hill 18-24 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5RH

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notting-hill@boconcept.co.uk

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BOOK OUR FREE INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE TODAY

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TUR NING YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY Here at Town & Country Lofts and Extensions, we appreciate the importance of finding a reputable, reliable and professional team to carry out your building works whether it be a complete extension, loft conversion or a smaller project. We pride ourselves in providing a service second to none, from our initial no obligation quote through to the signing off of the completed works. We also provide an unrivalled level of customer service because at Town & Country we never expect our customers to have to compromise. All work is fully guaranteed for 10 years Read More About TC Loft Conversions

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INTERIORS

INTERIOR

METROPOLITAN CHAIR

BY EINAR LARSEN & AXEL BENDER MADSEN

▲ Scandinavian design influenced the Modernist movement with its sleek, pared down creations. Danish designers Einar Larsen and Axel Bender Madsen produced this sculptural armchair in 1959 and it still retains its original petroleum blue-painted frame and wicker seat. *Collector piece* £2,800, 73.5x75x54cm, 263 King’s Road, SW3, 020 7751 5801; sigmarlondon.com

INSPIRATIONS Tara Craig and Emma Storey explore Modernism and monochrome

FBC EVOLUTION SIDE TABLE

HERMÈS

▲ This hand-carved wood, with a liquid bronze patina finish, echoes primitivism.

Contrasting textures break up the solidity and would create movement in a room.

FBC’s designs are produced by artisans in north-east England, who combine traditional and modern techniques. £5,930, 57x44cm, 66 Pimlico Road, SW1W, 020 7730 9555; fbc-london.com

‘FINISH’ FABRIC Keeping with its traditional equine roots, Hermès’ fabric is a horse race sketched from life, available in four colours as fabrics or wallpapers. Use this lively pattern for curtains in a Modernist-style room, to soften the edges and add warmth.

£175 p/m, 100% Cotton, 155 New Bond Street, W1S, 020 7499 9856,

uk.hermes.com

Serge Mouille Clamp Lamp GEORGE III LIBRARY ARMCHAIR

▲ This sturdy English library armchair, in a soft antique black leather (1785), has been recovered! Sink into the sumptuous deep buttoning for a cosy conversation. *Collector piece* £7,685, 110x80x83cm, Available from Freshfords Fine Antiques, Bath, 01225 722 111; 1stdibs.com

erge Mouille was a renowned engineer and designer, who favoured minimalism and uniformly black painted metal materials. This original 1958 lamp has articulated arms, with two brass ball joints, which is typical of Mouille’s discrete, functional style. *Collector piece*, £5,687, 69x48cm, Available from Portuondo, 90-92 Pimlico Road, SW1W, 020 7259 0099; 1stdibs.com

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FOOD&TRAVEL Restaurant Review

‘Going out to eat healthy’ isn’t a phrase often uttered by Edwina Langley. So what would she make of the newly opened all-day health café, The Good Life Eatery?

The Good Life Eatery

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would say, on balance, I am a healthy eater. If I go for more than a few days without salad of some sort, I start to get tetchy.

That said, when I go out to review a restaurant the very last thing I would order would be a salad. There are some that say if restaurants can do something simple like that exquisitely, then that is the true test of a good restaurant. I say, if that were the case then my kitchen would be a good restaurant.

So deciding to review the newly opened The Good Life Eatery on Sloane Avenue was an odd decision.

It’s menu includes things like the ‘Goodness Bowl’ and the ‘Vegan NonCeasar Salad’ (surely just a ‘salad’ ?) and all manner of other extremely healthy things I’d never heard of – like smoothies with ‘hemp protein’ and ‘lucuma powder’, and puddings saturated with those odious fad fruits of the day, goji berries. I was dubious as to how much I would enjoy this all-day café, so I took someone with me who I believed definitely would: the vegetable-loving, non-vegetarian, Luscious Laura.

Luscious Laura and I arrived to find ourselves transported across the Atlantic. The restaurant’s brick walls, low-hanging lights and straight-backed chairs instantly nodded to something befitting New York. That and it instantly screamed this: ‘you’re not here for cosy, lethargic indulgence’. It was a sharp-edged, on-trend food station for on-the-goers in need of fast re-fuelling. And I suppose that was the point, for when you’re trying to be healthy, you want to go somewhere that encourages healthiness – hard chairs equal good deportment. No one would go to the gym in a patisserie.

We started off sharing a plate of ‘Sweet Potato and Dukkah Dip’, which came with spelt crispbread. I am a huge fan of white stodgy bread, so anything calling itself ‘bread’ that isn’t that, is always slightly disappointing.

However, the sweet potato was excellently flavoured by the dukkah spice, and the crunch of the crispbread offset its mushiness, so it was actually quite delicious.

For our main course, Luscious Laura had ‘Miso Prawn Warm Salad’, which featured buckwheat noodles, smoked tofu, prawns and broth. It was light and delicate, and the noodles were chopped into bite-sized mouthfuls so at no point did you feel you were stocking up on carbs.

On the waitress’s recommendation, I had ‘The Good Life Superfood Salad’, with kale, broccoli, hazelnuts and... omega sprinkle. Now, I have to say the ‘omega sprinkle’ bit had me worried. I wasn’t sure what it was and it sounded

like a protein powder. Luckily, though, it was just a selection of seeds (phew) and the whole thing came drizzled in a delicious vinagrette that I believe had tahini in it. What with the hazelnuts, seeds and sesame paste, it was very much a ‘nut feast’, and therefore I’m not entirely sure how healthy it was on the fat-front (I’m overlooking the sea of kale it arrived in) but perhaps that’s why I enjoyed it so much.

To drink, LL opted for ‘Dr Green Love’ – a pea-coloured juice with kale, spinach, coconut and ProGreens powder (I didn’t ask what that was because it tasted great and I didn’t want to ruin it) and I slurped happily on the purple, kidney-cleansing ‘Lucky Seven’, with beetroot, carrot, apple and lemon.

We left feeling very proud of ourselves. We had eaten healthy and we felt satisfied; there was no need to rush round the corner for a pizza like we joked we might need to. Though of course, that’s what I told LL. For when I got home, I made an emergency dive for my chocolate cupboard. LL and I had agreed our experience of The Good Life Eatery had been good – but I need all my reviews to be a tiny bit bad.

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59 Sloane Avenue, SW3 020 7052 9388 goodlifeeatery.com

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true

boulud But when a farmer or purveyor brings their product to one of my restaurants the same morning it was harvested, it reminds me of growing up. The food I grew up on was very directly farm to table.

WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO EXCHANGE A FARM IN LYON FOR THE PAVEMENTS OF NEW YORK? Absolutely CHATS TO AWARDWINNING, THREE Michelin-starred chef, Daniel Boulud, TO FIND OUT…

D

aniel Boulud grew up in Lyon and moved to the United States in 1982 to pursue his career as a chef. He opened restaurant Daniel in 1993 in New York City, which went on to receive the coveted three Micheline stars. He has since opened restaurants worldwide, written a number of books and was named a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur by the French government in 2006.

ABSOLUTELY: You were raised on a farm in Lyon, France – how does that compare to the bright lights of NYC? DANIEL BOULUD: That’s a very hard comparison to draw since my village (St.-Pierre-de-Chandieu) had a population of 2,000 people and New York has over 8 million.

ABS: Did your parents or grandparents inspire you to cook?

How did you get into it?

DB: Yes, very much so. My grandmother was cooking for 10 people every day, all home-grown or raised, and made at our farm – cheese, livestock vegetables, charcuterie, poultry. At 14, I began apprenticing at the best restaurant in Lyon, Nadron, and never looked back.

ABS: Becoming the private chef to the European Commission in Washington, D.C led you to the States. You’ve said it was your dream to move there. Will you ever return to live in France?

DB: During my two years in Washington I visited New York often and fell in love with the city — I knew I could do my best cooking there and there was a captive clientele. Years later, I’m still in love with New York City, and my life is here, so I won’t move back to France permanently.

ABS: You have restaurants in New York, Palm Beach, London, Singapore... Is there anywhere else you’d like to open in?

DB: I am very happy the way things are, but opening a small bistro in Lyon is a dream.

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FR to PE w EE Abs OF C he lin o n en lu FE IA y o t te L u hro ly R or w re de , ad r y wo er ou rth s. rs £ of 89 a. ,

Shop for your sofa off the high street.

Pay for British craftsmanship, not unnecessary overheads.

Key in lock. Jacket on newel post. Feet out of shoes. Ah, yes…that familiar welcome home as you sink into your Sofas & Stuff sofa.

It’s the shape you decided on from the dozens we offer. It’s stuffed anywhere from cloud soft to supportive. It’s covered in the fabric, colour, texture and fibre you found most sympathetic from our huge range of samples (Belgian linen and Harris tweed are becoming very popular).

And, if you have exceptionally long legs, or wanted a sofa a bit higher in the back, say, you may have opted for a ‘made-to-measure’.

By operating off the high street, at Sofas & Stuff we save you (and ourselves) stress and money. So you’re able to park near and for nothing. And we’re able to offer a lifetime guarantee on every frame and spring.

Window-shop the range on our website. Or, for information and directions to your nearest Sofas & Stuff, let’s speak on 0207 078 8835.

sofasandstuff.com 7 PARSONS GREEN DEPOT, PARSONS GREEN LANE, LONDON SW6 4HH

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RECIPE

ABS: In 2010, your restaurant, Daniel, was awarded three Michelin stars (and it’s also a Relais & Châteaux member).

What did that feel like?

DB: It was certainly an honour for me and my team; we work very hard every day to keep our prestigious reputation.

We never take it for granted.

Mussel & Cauliflower Velouté FROM DANIEL: MY FRENCH CUISINE MAKES 3 QUARTS (SERVES 8 TO 10) ❖ 3 pounds fresh mussels ❖ 3 tablespoons butter ❖ 3 cups (about 2 small) sliced onions ❖ 2 sprigs thyme ❖ 3 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced ❖ 2 bay leaves ❖ 1 quarts fresh chicken stock ❖ 2 cups dry white wine ❖ 1 teaspoons saffron threads ❖ 2 heads (about 3 pounds) cauliflower, woody stems removed, cut into small florets ❖ 1 cup heavy cream ❖ 1 cup crème fraîche ❖ salt and freshly ground white pepper ❖ 2 cups inch cubed white bread, toasted ❖ 1 bunch of chives, cut into batons

ABS: Which of your awards mean the most to you?

DB: Over the last 30 years in NYC they all have meant something powerful and meaningful each step of the way.

Of course in our business the James Beard Awards are very prestigious and special because they are awarded by peers.

ABS: What is your favourite thing to eat – or cook (a very boring question!)?

DB: To eat – the freshest ingredients from the sea, such as sea urchin, whereas I love to cook freshly caught fish on the bone.

ABS: Your ideal Valentine’s dinner would be...?

DB: At home, cooking something special with my wife – each preparing two courses for each other. Key ingredients would be caviar, oysters, chocolate and champagne.

ABS: Why did you choose to open Bar Boulud London (2010) in Knightsbridge, particularly?

DB: London has always had a special place in my heart and I’ve been going regularly for 30 years. I was very fortunate to be able to partner with the Mandarin Oriental, one of the finest hotel companies in the world. I wanted to bring a casual French-American bistro to the heart of Knightsbridge, and this was the perfect opportunity to do it.

ABS: Tell us about the ethos behind your new cookbook, DANIEL: My French Cuisine.

DB: The cookbook marks the 20th anniversary of my restaurant, Daniel, with three sections: recipes from the

restaurant, a section of essays inspired by iconic century-old dishes, and an ‘at home’ section representing the different regions of France.

D

ABS: The ingredient you respect most is…

DB: Any ingredient with purity of flavour, honesty in its traceability, and seasonality.

ABS: You are a co-president of Citymeals-on-wheels, the charity that delivers food to the elderly in New York City. Why that charity?

DB: Taking care of the elderly has always been an important mission for chefs, and I have taken it on as my primary goal, along with culinary education, to support the people who built and made me a success in NYC. ABS: We read somewhere that when you travel you pack a lifetime’s supply of eye drops. Is that because of all the onions you have to chop?!

DB: No, it’s because I wear contact lenses.

ABS: Finally, what have you got coming up for the rest of 2014?

DB: A return to Las Vegas with DB Brasserie at The Venetian and a DBGB in Washington DC. Bar Boulud, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, SW1, 020 7201 3899; barboulud.com/london

iscard any mussels that are cracked or open and will not close with a tap on the counter. Place the rest in a large container and cover with cold water for 20 minutes to filter out any sand. Lift the mussels from the water, leaving all the sand behind. Remove the beards by grasping them with a dry towel and pulling toward the hinges of the shells. Scrub the mussels under cold running water. Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add half of the onions, thyme, garlic, and bay leaves and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add 2 cups of the stock and the wine and bring to a boil. Toss in the mussels, cover, and simmer until the mussels open. Drain the mussels through a cheeseclothlined colander set over a bowl and reserve the liquid for the soup. Pick the mussels from the shells, place in a shallow container, and cover with enough cooking liquid to keep them moist.

(At this point the mussels and cooking liquid can be reserved, chilled, overnight.) In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the remaining onion, thyme, garlic, and bay leaf and the saffron threads and cook, stirring, until the onions are translucent. Add the cauliflower and cook, stirring, for another 5 minutes. Add the reserved cooking liquid and the remaining chicken stock. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is very tender.

Add the heavy cream and crème fraîche and bring to a simmer. Discard the bay leaf and thyme and transfer the mixture to a blender (you will need to do this in batches). Puree until smooth and season with salt and pepper. Return to the pan, bring to a simmer, and stir in the mussels just before serving. Serve, garnishing with the toasted bread and chives.

DANIEL: MY FRENCH CUISINE

BY DANIEL BOULUD, SPHERE, £35

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The Imperial, a great place to relax, grab a snack or share a meal any time of day.

We have a lovely bar area for a few pints or glasses of wine, a snack or just sit and read the paper with a latte and a croissant for breakfast. It is a good space to work if in need of a virtual office. Our wonderfully light and healthy food is served throughout. In the 50-seater restaurant next to our open plan kitchen you can watch the chefs in action. Also try our special detox dishes we have on the menu, fresh fruit and vegetables juices. Or, for those who prefer we have a great cocktail menu. Opened by the Eco Chic Restaurants team Alan Turtill, Kate MacWhirter and Tom Hope, as the chef – this is their first venture but will not be their last.

020-7736-6081

find us

the-imperial.co.uk 577 King’s Road, London SW6 2EH

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FOOD&TRAVEL

RECIPE

ORGANIC STRAWBERRY SHORTBREAD HEARTS MAKES 12 biscuits PREPARATION TIME 10 mins COOKING TIME 10 mins INGREDIENTS 225g salted butter, softened, 100g caster sugar, 225g plain flour, sifted. Icing: 200g icing sugar, sifted, 4tbsp Rachel’s low fat strawberry yogurt, A few drops of pink colouring, if required METHOD  Pre-heat the oven to 150C/300F/Gas Mark 2. Lightly grease a baking tray.

 Beat the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until pale. Add the flour and mix until a soft dough is formed.  On a floured surface, roll the dough to 1/2 cm thick. With a heart-shaped cutter, cut 12 biscuits. Place on the baking tray.

LIGHTb i te s

 Bake until golden brown for 10 mins.

Leave for 5 mins on the tray to cool, then transfer to a cooling rack.

❤

❤

choc ❤ & pop

 To make the icing, mix the icing sugar with the yogurt and beat until smooth.

Add the colouring and beat again.  Using a small piping bag, pipe the strawberry icing within the contours of the biscuit. Allow to set. rachelsorganic.co.uk

GORGE AT THE GORING

THE GORING

PUCKER UP FOR LA POULE AU POT

Yes it’s a cliché to go OTT on 14th Feb, but hear us out. Would you like a bottle of champagne and some Hans Sloane chocolates? Would you like a rose petal bed cover ‘turndown’? Would you like to wake up in this bed of roses? And then eat a ‘famous’ Full English Breakfast? And maybe enjoy an elegant dinner the night before? Then you book yourself (and your lover) into The Goring. 7th– 17th Feb, £389 per night (dinner not included), Beeston Place, SW1W, 020 7396 9000;

There are very few places that do ‘romance’ quite like Belgravia institution, La Poule Au Pot. If you can get a table, book now for their ‘Réveillon de la St. Valentin’ menu. Featuring Escargot and Foie Gras Poêle on the Hors d’Oeuvres, Entrecôte ou Filet de Boeuf for the mains and Crème Brûlee or Tarte Tatin for the puddings, this is French food to feast on for sure. Just don‘t wear your tightest dress if you can possibly help it. £60 for 3 courses, 231 Ebury Street, SW1W, 020 7730 7763;

thegoring.com

pouleaupot.co.uk

hampagne and chocolates may not be an original idea for Valentine’s day, but it’s a classic one – and if you’re going to do it, no half measures allowed. Champagne Laurent-Perrier and Belgravia’s finest Chocolatier, William Curley, have buddied up to produce a Valentine’s Day fusion – a 75cl bottle of LaurentPerrier Cuvée Rosé and a box of four Laurent-Perrier champagne couture chocolates by William Curley – for you to guzzle with your amore. All we have to say to that is, just four chocs?

Erm, William, there appear to be some missing… £59.99, Available from

C

Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A; laurent-perrier.co.uk, williamcurley.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW… JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES BARE NO RELATION TO JERUSALEM AND ARE NOT EVEN ARTICHOKES (THOUGH BOTH BELONG TO THE DAISY FAMILY)

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

PONY

TALE

At Hyde Park Stables, London’s equestrian history is alive and kicking, reports Pearl Boyd

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here is something about bestriding a fine horse that makes a man feel more than mortal, I am told. He has doubled in status and added to his dignity the power, the speed, and the stateliness of the beautiful animal on which he is mounted. Horse riding is marvellously healthy for mind and body, it tones your thigh and buttock muscles, oxygenates your brain and it is uplifting for the spirit to connect with large animals. For hundreds of years, riding was a fashionable and social ritual, but in this hightech age people now stagnate, hunched over their computers, squinting over their kindles, instead of acquiring elegant and energising skills.

Records show that numerous riding stables have existed in the vicinity of Hyde Park since Stuart times.

One was started by Monsieur Foubert after fleeing religious persecution in France, and his establishment continued for generations. In 1900 there were at least 300,000 working horses in central London, but now there are less than 300, including those in the army.

Apart from the odd police officer, it is unusual to see people on horseback in London today. In the past, everyone could expertly handle a mighty beast and apart from the practical advantages of getting from A to B, riding was many people’s chief recreation to relieve the stresses of life. Sedentary bank managers

Splashing through puddles brings out romantic Dick Turpin tendencies

could do well to emulate previous generations. In an article published in 1920, it was stated that an hour’s canter for a businessman before going to the office, was ‘the salvation of many a brain-weary man’.

Only two riding stables now remain in the centre of the city. Hyde Park Stables, owned by Richard Briggs OBE, is the only one that is open all year round. It is a jolly place situated a hundred yards from the park which offers five miles of bridleways, and is open every day and in all weathers.

In fact ‘foul weather riding’ enjoys surprisingly great popularity and clients return after an hour of braving bracing wind and rain with glowing complexions and rosy cheeked humour, and enthusiastically re-book for the following week. They say it does wonders for a hangover. One can only presume that splashing through puddles brings out romantic Dick Turpin tendencies, though it is just as joyful and glamorous a-pastime to ride out in the spring or summer sunshine.

Indeed the stables can take credit for a number of weddings between couples who have met there and many other romances have flourished. Everyone looks impressive on horseback. At

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the stables, ambassadors, peers and younger members of the Royal Family mix with assorted celebrities and film stars as well as the general public. Twelve horses of varying sizes guarantee a suitable mount for riders of all abilities and courage. Cheerful dedicated staff welcome timorous beginners and with expert tuition they soon become riders of a capable and polished standard.

Children are welcome from the age of five and are first taught on a leading rein in the arena. Safety is of paramount importance and once they have confident command of the horse they can make their muchanticipated debuts on Rotten Row. In a short time they will have achieved an important accomplishment and need never feel embarrassed in their future life at being unable to ride. Birthday parties are available together with an accompanying educational lecture on stable management. Children love learning about all aspects of keeping a pony, even if they haven’t got one.

Hen parties are also welcome (as long as they don’t frighten the horses).

All horse riding is accompanied by an escort/instructor. The more experience you have the more freedom you will be given when riding. If one of the riders is a novice and the other is experienced then the beginner can be kept safely on a lead rein, while the experienced rider can have a more adventurous ride. This way both can enjoy Hyde Park together. This also applies to larger groups, and the stables always supplies sufficient instructors. So get out there, ban sluggishness and wasted opportunities in your life and get fit.

63 Bathurst Mews, W2, 020 7723 2813; hydeparkstables.com

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LC Luntley Court Farm Holiday Cottages In Herefordshire

Luxury self catering cottages with sixteenth century origins in the centre of the famous Black and White Village Trail. Set amongst Herefordshire countryside between the Welsh border town of Hay-on-Wye and Ludlow. The four cottages are designed around a small courtyard with their own private garden at the rear and large recreation area where a marquee could be situated for reunion/ party venue. Quiet location ideal for cycling and walking

T:01544388422 ď źM:07814797721 www.luntleycourtfarm.co.uk Lu n t l e y C o u r t F a r m C o t t a g e s , Pe m b r i d g e , L e o m i n s t e r, He r e f o r d s h i r e , H R 6 9 E H ď ź i n f o @ l u n t l e y c o u r t f a r m . c o. u k

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FOOD&TRAVEL

The Spa ▼ Perched on the banks of the serene lake waters, The Jetty Spa is an awardwinning modern architectural masterpiece. Twin massage beds look out across the lake, allowing for couple treatments.

For the most decadent, try the Jetty Spa Trail – 5 hours of pure indulgence, starting with a bespoke aromatherapy blend consultation, a dip in the pool, a sauna and body scrub, a blissful massage, afternoon tea in the cosy little boathouse and a spell in the hot tub with a glass of champagne. Book to start in the late afternoon – nothing beats a hot tub under the stars.

GILPIN LAKE HOUSE LAKE DISTRICT

THE HOTEL ▲ Just two miles from Lake Windermere, the family-run Gilpin Lake House is a perfect base for exploring the Lake District. Surrounded by varied trails, taking in charmingly traditional pubs (many with their own microbreweries), it is a wonderful destination for walkers, not least because they’ll have the roaring sitting room fire to look forward to after an afternoon exploring. Personal touches here make the difference – staff will find you wellies, lend you maps and recommend routes so that you make the most of your stay.

THE ROOMS ▼ All rooms at the Lake House are suites and, with just six on offer, stays here are not only exceptionally exclusive but totally private too. All with quintessentially British names, high-end cosiness is the order of the day and bathrooms are stocked with home made Jetty Spa products. If you can, stay in Harriet, the most decadent room with lake views.

The Restaurant ▲ After a private transfer up to the main hotel, you can look forward to some seriously fine dining for dinner. Having been awarded three rosettes by the AA Restaurant Guide, Head Chef Dan Grigg serves up local Lake District produce and West Coast seafood to create modern British masterpieces – think linecaught mackerel, sauced beets, apple compressions and horseradish bark.

£ T H E DA M AG E

From £485 per room, per night, including a five course dinner, full English breakfast and VAT, plus complimentary chauffeur to and from Gilpin Hotel for dinner. The ‘Jetty Spa Trail’ is exclusive to guests staying at Gilpin Lake House, £300 for two people. 01539 488 818; thegilpin.co.uk

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BEAUTY spot BUMS & BEACHES, BUNS & BOND, Edwina Langley FINDS IT ALL IN Brazil 72

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f you Google the word ‘Brazilian’, this is what the search engine suggests you might be looking for: ‘wax,’ ‘blow dry’, ‘butt lift’.

Apparently, when the world searches for Brazil, it’s beauty they’re after. That might seem a little contrived, but in the days leading up to my trip it was generally beautiful things I thought about – Astrud Gilberto’s ‘tall and tan and young and lovely’ girl from Ipanema, the colour explosion of Carnival, Gisele Bündchen…

The day before I touched down in Rio de Janeiro, British beauty Cara Delevigne had flown in for a Vogue Brazil shoot and as I pulled up outside my hotel, the notorious Copacabana Palace, I was told past guests included Madonna, Marilyn Monroe and Diana, Princess of Wales. Yes, Brazil plays host to the beautiful people, both past and present.

Copacabana Palace is indeed palatial and sits overlooking the bay of Copacabana Beach, like a glistening white tooth in the curved smile of a beautiful Amazonian.

Built in 1923, the hotel is a landmark in its own right and in 2011 underwent a $20million refurbishment, which saw the lobby extend by 90%, its 145 rooms redesigned and the introduction of two new boutiques. In spite of its facelift, however, there is something very traditional

‘IF I WERE YOU, I’D SPEND MOST OF MY TIME SWIMMING IN THE BAY OR CANOEING (RATHER, CAPSIZING) AROUND THE MINI ISLAND’

about the place. The rooms are elegant and understated – ornate bathrooms in muted colours and a small sitting room overlooking the Atlantic. To swim in the outside pool at night as Fly Me To The Moon floats along on the breeze and waiters plump sun bed cushions nearby, is to feel you’ve been transported back to the 1950s.

Cocktail hour will commence after you’ve beehived your hair, the feijoada (stewed beef with beans) will be served up piping hot, the pão de queijo (cheese flavoured buns) will be fresh from the oven, and everything will, of course, look beautiful.

What’s also beautiful is the view from the top of Corcovado Mountain by the foot of Christ the Redeemer. The 98ft reinforced concrete and soapstone statue stands with arms outstretched, guarding the swell of Rio below. Mighty in size, you can’t help but feel humbled by it, not least since the winds there are so strong you get treated to a rather different type of Brazilian blow dry – whether you’re after one or not.

The view backwards, from Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf) mountain overlooking the city, with Christ as the backdrop, is no less beautiful, nor dramatic, plus you have the added thrill of imagining yourself in a real drama. The 1979 Bond flick Moonraker was filmed there, most famously, the hairraising 007 v. Jaws battle for the cable car.

For those visiting Rio for the World Cup (this June) or the 2016 Olympics, there are

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Latin Odyssey Exquisitely Tailored Travel To South & Central America

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The Atacama Desert, Chile

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Jaguar spotting, Rio de Janeiro and the best beaches in South America

ECUADOR

Colourful markets, snow-capped volcanoes & the Galapagos Islands

PANAMA

Luxury hotels on remote islands, excellent birding and the Panama Canal

CHILE

Lunar landscapes in the Atacama Desert, lakes and Patagonian Mountains

Private Presentations in our office in Putney, or at your own home. Call us to start planning the adventure of a lifetime

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LATIN.ODYSSEY_NOV.indd 2

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FOOD&TRAVEL ‘IF I WERE YOU, I’D SPEND MOST OF MY TIME SWIMMING IN THE BAY OR CANOEING (RATHER, CAPSIZING) AROUND THE MINI ISLAND’ many more beautiful things to gawp at. The Santa Teresa District comprises cobbled winding streets with higgledy-piggledy houses dressed in murals, whilst the tiled steps of Escadaria Selarón, designed by Chilean artist, Jorge Selarón, mirrors the bohemian feel the area exudes. But for boho meets music, there’s only one place to go: Rio Scenarium Restaurant and Nightclub in Lapa. If it’s décor were to have a theme it would be ‘film set vintage’. Old televisions, telephones and artwork hang from the walls, its windows are guarded by 1950s-style shutters, fans whirr from the ceiling and people chatter quietly eating dinner downstairs, until…the music starts.

At around midnight the building erupts; live bands play, bums wiggle and hips sway, as the rhythm takes over and you (and your derrière) lose yourself in the fiesta.

But if Rio is the place to lose yourself, Ponta dos Ganchos is most definitely the place to find yourself again. Just a twohour flight from Rio to Florianopolis and a 50-minute drive from there, you’ll find you’ve arrived at heaven. Literal heaven.

Somewhere so beautiful that only the most beautiful people would visit. Like, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, for example.

This privately owned peninsula lies peacefully near the waters of the Emerald Coast. Discrete but luxurious bungalows (just 25 in total) sit hidden in sunspots on the hillside. Designed strictly for adults, this resort is a no children zone, which

means everything really is as peaceful as you’d hoped it would be. With a modest but perfectly usable fitness centre and a heated swimming pool, you can work off any Rioinduced stress with vigour. But you don’t really want to stay inside because Ponta dos Ganchos is all about the outdoors.

Whilst each bungalow boasts an open fire, double showers, double lavatories, double wardrobes (no arguments allowed), a sauna, a Jacuzzi and a massive telly, they also feature an outdoor hammock overlooking the coast, an infinity-edged plunge pool and an open-air shower. I mean, what more could a human want?

Away from bungalow haven, there are nature trails to be had (as an avid walker I would say they are more ‘strolls’ than ‘treks’), which lead you to castaway white sanded beaches. If I were you though, I’d spend most of my time swimming in the bay or canoeing (rather, capsizing) around the mini-island. And after all that exercise, there is a sweet little restaurant on site to stock up on those lost calories, serving up my favourite type of food: octopus. I must have had it about three times. Don’t worry if that’s not your bag though, the menu changes every day. And as an aside, they have a notably good bread basket too – not ideal if you’re hoping to acquire a ‘beach bod’, but it’s just too good not to scoff.

So no, it’s no surprise I didn’t come back from Brazil with a more beautiful body.

What I did come back with, at least, was a tan, a plastic gold necklace of Christ the Redeemer, and a newfound love for shaking my posterior. Perhaps that’s what Google meant by ‘Brazilian butt lift’.

COPACABANA PALACE

From £485 per room, per night, including taxes based on two sharing a Superior City View Room with breakfast. Call OrientExpress Hotels Ltd UK reservations on 0845 077 2222; copacabanapalace.com

PONTA DOS GANCHOS

From BRL 1410 (approx. £364) per bungalow per night based on two sharing, +55 48 39537000; pontadosganchos.com

TAM

Return flights to Florianópolis via São Paulo from London Heathrow with TAM Airlines start from £864 per person and depart daily. TAM Airlines is part of LATAM Airlines Group and flies to over 50 destinations across South America. For three or more flights within Brazil and across South America, get up to 60% off with LATAM Airlines Group’s South American Airpass; tam.com.br

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BAKU to the future

Edwina Langley HEADS EAST FOR ARCHITECTURE, ART & Azerbaijani COW’S TONGUE IN A VERY MODERN MUSLIM CITY 76

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FOOD&TRAVEL However, there are also new and modern structures, like architect Zaha Hadid’s new project, the Heydar Aliyev Centre (2012), and these add yet another dimension to the skyline. The Heydar Aliyev Centre in particular is a difficult building to describe for it looks rather alien in its current location – by the busy main road that leads out of the city. It’s a conceptual, spaceship-esque structure, which to me, looked like something from the future: ‘in the year 2100, buildings will look like this…’. The curves and fluidness of design make it a shapely madam.

Extraordinary. Magnificent.

Named after Heydar Aliyev (leader of Soviet Azerbaijan from 1969-82), the centre was built for culture and contains a conference hall, a gallery hall and a museum. It was only

‘Where is Baku?’

‘AZERBAIJAN.’ ‘Where’s that?’

T

his is the conversation I had with pretty much everyone prior to my visit to the Eastern capital. I’d vary my response depending on who I was talking to. To my friends it was: ‘bang next to Georgia, overlooking the Caspian.’ To my mother: ‘on the cusp of Europe, Mumsie. Just bordering Iran!’ Either way it sounded exciting and exotic, exactly the sort of place for an intrepid traveller.

When I arrived in Baku it was 4am, so as I drove through nigh on deserted streets to the Fairmont ‘Flame Towers’ hotel, my first impressions of the city were limited. One thing, however, did stand out. The place was spotless.

Pavements were impeccably clean and almost gleamed under the glow of lights from passing cars. It was eerie.

When I woke up to daylight, however, it all made sense. For the view over the city from Baku Turkish Martys’ Memorial said it all: it’s just too beautiful to be dirty.

Aesthetics are foremost in Baku and its architecture is some of the most interesting I’ve seen. A lot of it is new-build, but it doesn’t look ‘neuvo’. Much was built in the early 20th century, instigated by Azerbaijan’s ruling power, Russia, taking inspiration heavily from Europe. The Azerbaijani State Philharmonic Hall (1912) for instance, was built in the style of the Italian Renaissance, whist the Baku Puppet Theatre (1910) owes its design to that of the French. Fountains are abundant and wide streets look a lot like Parisian boulevards. Not for nothing is Baku known as the ‘Paris of the East’.

Having said that, there is a very strong Soviet influence too. Part of the Soviet Union from 1920 until its collapse in 1991, Baku’s cityscape nods to that era of monumental and structural domination.

‘HEYDAR ALIYEV CENTRE IS A CONCEPTUAL, SPACESHIPESQUE STRUCTURE, WHICH LOOKED LIKE SOMETHING FROM THE FUTURE’

fitting therefore, that I got to see some of Azerbaijani’s culture in play whilst I was there, in the form of a gala concert. This musical spectacle took place in the auditorium and incorporated energetic folk dance (men ‘en pointe’ – shockingly without pointe shoes), a desperately fiddly instrument plucked dextrously and a duo of haunting solos.

Turkish dancers meet leaping Cossacks, if you need a visual.

In addition to its musical heritage, from carpets to history, Baku houses many museums and galleries. I’m not usually a fan of modern art, but I highly rated ‘Zavod’, presented by contemporary arts space organisation, YARAT. Zavod is a new project designed to exploit unconventional art spaces.

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FOOD&TRAVEL The Baku Air Conditioning Plant was where I visited – a factory that, one day, was closed and left untouched for over a decade. This was until YARAT ‘re-discovered’ it and invited 29 young artists to find inspiration there for a new exhibition they had planned. The idea is to be able to walk around the plant and come across installations that seem part of the factory’s DNA. I am not an art buff, but Zavod blew me away. One installation, for example, was simply a line of clocks, which had been collected from around the factory and had long-since ceased to tick. What was happening when they stopped, the installation asked, and why?

Another exhibit was a video of a beach, with an ebbing and flowing tide, projected onto a factory wall. It depicted the sort of conditions the air-cooling plant was designed to create. To write it down makes it sound rather basic; you’d have to visit to appreciate its full genius.

All of this modernity sits alongside Baku’s captivating Islamic architecture; Shia Islam is, after all, Azerbaijan’s majority religion. Walking through the cobbled streets of the ancient Old City, past the 12th century Maiden Tower, you could be in Marrakech. Stray cats creep cautiously across slim alleyways, whilst washing hangs on lines from balconies above. Mosques stand discreetly near dusty carpets for sale and Aladdin surely lurks in

the shadows. This is the magical walled city that was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003 – fitting protection for this ‘undiscovered’ architectural jewellery box.

I was increasingly coming to believe that Baku was indeed, as it has been celebrated, an ‘Islamic Culture Capital’, but its nightlife had yet to be tested. Rated eighth in Lonely Planet’s top 10 party cities of the world, I can tell you now, Baku deserves its accolade. Pacifico, for example, is one of the most popular nightclubs and lies on Seaside Boulevard. With a ‘Boujis-esque’ feel it has a terrace outside which is ideal for late night tête-à-têtes if the club itself gets a bit steamy – or smoky; Baku appears to be the last place on earth where smoking is allowed indoors. The dancing’s wild and the drinks flow freely, most unusual for an Islamic country.

So, when you wake to the inevitable (and deserved) hangover, what do you eat? If I am to be truly honest, I wasn’t all that enamoured with Azerbaijani cuisine.

Thankfully, though, it varies a bit. The cow tongue I tried one night was disgusting.

The Beluga caviar however, was not. A typical ‘starter’ is a spread consisting of

HEYDAR ALIYEV CENTER Designed by Zaha Hadid, it first opened in May 2012 and celebrated its gala opening in November 2013. The centre will host art exhibitions, symposia, expositions and other events to promote Azerbaijani art and culture.

‘MOSQUES STAND DISCREETLY NEAR DUSTY CARPETS FOR SALE AND ALADDIN SURELY LURKS IN THE SHADOWS’ all sorts of cheeses, salamis, olives, nuts and breads – with an aubergine dip that made its way everywhere. One lunch I was presented with ‘Bolva’, a traditional type of soup. It was tepid, and came in a tall glass, which allowed me to dubiously eye its offwhite colour and some green bits floating around inside. A massive gulp later and it almost came back up again – apparently along with dill and hard-boiled eggs, one of its main components is sour milk.

After the starter, slivers of smoked salmon appear and then some sort of meat – like mutton or lamb, barbecued or stewed.

For pudding, its fruit and baklava. Nothing you can buy in this country compares.

I am still reeling from my visit to Baku and I can’t quite get my head around it.

What I can get my head around though, is how safe I felt. It wasn’t that I expected to feel ‘unsafe’, but with unfamiliar lands it is something I think about. The genuine warmth of the Azerbaijani people undoubtedly made the trip. For whilst many do not speak English, with a right amount of hand gesturing and enthusiasm, you get there in end. And so I’m glad I made it to

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HOME from home

Alexandra Jones REALLY DISLIKES TRAVELLING. SO WHAT WAS IT ABOUT BERMUDA THAT MADE HER NEVER WANT TO LEAVE? 80

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FOOD&TRAVEL

V

ery rarely do I get the sense that I’d rather not leave a place. I will forever be that ghastly thing that no person with even vague pretensions towards adventure would want to be called – a homebody. For me, home is heavenly. My one, rather doomed, foray into backpacking, for example, ended with me on an early plane back, sick to the stomach (literally and metaphorically) of South America and strange beds and my own stilted Spanish.

What, then, to make of Bermuda? On the last day, having spent an afternoon in the sun, hopping from one heart-breakingly beautiful beach to another, I experienced something like an epiphany: a brilliant, completely mad idea that maybe I should just stay. A month – or maybe six would be about enough.

I turned to our taxi-driver-cum-tourguide (many taxi drivers in Bermuda are also experienced tour guides and can offer tips and potted histories of the island as they ferry you around): ‘You know Larry, maybe I should stay for a while.’

He nodded a little, ‘I guess you enjoyed the Rum Swizzles, then.’

At Sharky’s Bar, a shanty sort of set-up, built around a split in the cliff, facing out onto a crystalline bay you could get any drink you wanted as long as it was rum.

On that last afternoon, Sharky had played ‘Smooth Operator’ by Sade and expounded on the glories of the island. I think the spirit of Mark Twain, who first visited Bermuda in 1867, was hovering around whispering in my ear about how I could go to heaven, but that he was staying in Bermuda. And I thought to myself, you’ve got it right there Mark; clouds and divinity paled in comparison to pink sanded beaches and deadly cocktails.

The question is this: was it, as Larry had wryly surmised, the rum talking? After all, I did get on the plane. But in London far from feeling that familiar relief (a gentle sigh like a cork unstopping, ‘ah, home’) I was still wrangling with the crazy thought that maybe I should have stayed.

So, what to chalk this up to?

Settled in the 17th century by a shipwrecked Admiral George Somers and his 150 or so crew, the uninhabited island

‘YOU KNOW LARRY, MAYBE I SHOULD STAY FOR A WHILE.’ ‘I GUESS YOU ENJOYED THE RUM SWIZZLES, THEN.’

had been overlooked for over a century by Spanish sailors, who had used it as a stopgap on journeys to the new world, but never claimed it.

Thought to be the inspiration for William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Bermuda has had a reputation as a paradise for over 400 years.

And its natural charms are unquestionable; the beaches around the island are some of the best in the world with achingly lovely blue-green waters and excellent marine life for snorkelling or diving.

A subtropical climate means that temperatures are mild to hot and that more often than not, it is gloriously sunny. The island proper (all 21 miles by one mile of it) abounds in lush green vegetation and fresh, wild-growing fruits. It is, quite simply, a beautiful place.

Divided into ‘parishes’, houses are often painted in candy-sweet pastels and the church is still considered the heart of the community.

The town of St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is largely unchanged since it was founded and built in the late 17th century and offers a picturesque glimpse into life on the island way back then.

For me, it was enough to walk around and absorb the history, but for those who are looking for more of a story, St. Peter’s Chapel, the oldest Anglican Church outside of the British Isles, is largely unaltered since its completion in 1612.

Meanwhile, the Royal Naval

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Windlesham

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24/01/2014 24/01/2014 09:22:10 11:32

FOOD&TRAVEL Dockyard, though geared towards masstourism, is a fascinating hub of shops (be sure to get some cake from the Bermuda Rum Cake Company), museums (the National Museum of Bermuda is housed in the sprawling fortress) and even a Dolphin Quest, where you can swim with the winsome creatures.

For their part, the islanders take the paradisiacal reputation seriously. This means two things: firstly, service in hotels, bars and restaurants is in the American mode – quick, quiet, effusive – while locals are almost unfailingly helpful and friendly. Secondly, it means that Bermuda is extremely safe. As Larry put it, ‘in the Caribbean you’re told to stay inside your resorts, in Bermuda, the whole island is your resort.’

Be that as it may, as befitting a paradise, the hotels cater to a luxury market and can be hard to leave. I stayed in the Fairmont Southampton, a sweeping coralpink building, set atop a hill on the south side of the island. Classically furnished throughout, with grand staircases and dark wooden beams, it has a solid, American Deep South charm. I would recommend that you go for a Fairmont Gold stay. Each ‘Gold’ floor has a lounge where breakfast is served in the mornings and where an almost constant flow of canapés, cream teas and cocktails will have you wondering whether to even bother with dinner.

‘IF I ATE NOTHING OTHER THAN THE REEF & BEEF - STEAK TOPPED WITH GUINEA CHICK FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE, I WOULD BE PERFECTLY CONTENT.’ Not bothering, though, would be a mistake.

The food in Bermuda is often a delight.

From the very top end – the Blu Bar & Grill in Warwick Parish is cool and plush, with heavy white tablecloths and a comprehensive sushi selection – to the unpretentious local favourite, with a killer Bermuda Fish Chowder, the Swizzle Inn at Baileys Bay, you’d be hard pressed not to find some really wonderful seafood. My particular favourite was Mad Hatters in Hamilton, where the list of specials

PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS Offering seven nights departing in April staying at the Fairmont Southampton in a Moderate room. Flights from Gatwick with British Airways include private transfers. Prices start at £1,589 per person and includes two free nights saving £416 per couple for travel until end of April 2014. Based on two adults sharing. For more information about Bermuda, please visit gotobermuda.co.uk. Prestige Holidays, 01425 480400; prestigeholidays.co.uk

was longer than the menu and took our waiter 10 minutes to reel off. If I ate nothing other than the Reef and Beef – steak topped with Guinea chick, a type of Bermudian lobster – for the rest of my life, I would be perfectly content. And I’m not even a big fan of red meat.

Just like I’m not a big fan of travelling. Perhaps Bermuda, then, is a haven for us homebodies. It is suffused with a particular charm: no nasty surprises, no dodgy characters. There is history: beautiful, engaging, protected pockets of history that spark the imagination. There is food: traditional or nouveau, whatever your tastes, it’s all well cooked and wellpresented. There are trails to explore: the disused railway forms an 18-mile circuit of Bermuda that will have you rounding corner after corner of dazzling island vistas. It can be walked, cycled or taken on horseback. And there is the knowledge that you won’t feel at all guilty if all you want to do is lay on the beach and drink some rum and listen to Sade.

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FOOD&TRAVEL

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S

NOTES

One for the girls bit unstable on your skis? Why not try the Backcountry Freeride Camp for Women in the glorious Chamonix Valley? Designed specifically for women wanting to gain confidence on the slopes, the camp is led by Kit DesLauriers, the only woman in the world to have won two consecutive World Freeskiing Champion Titles. Visitors stay in a luxurious Alpine chalet and receive direct coaching from Kit, which includes video analysis and six days of well-planned off-piste skiing. It’s a healthy holiday – what more could you ask for? 6th-13th April 2014, approx. £2,644 pp (2 sharing) including expert coaching from Kit, a 6-day ski tour programme and 7 nights’ luxury accommodation. Flights extra.+33 (0)6 82 89 15 23; marmottemountain.com

A

Loews & behold tart spreading the news... Midtown luxury hotel, Loews Regency, New York, has reopened after a $100million renovation. Top design studios, including Rottet Studio and Meye Davis Studio, were on-hand to assist with the redesign, which included the introduction of the Julien Farel Salon & Spa. The new Regency Bar & Grill is run by renowned restauranteurs, Gherardo Guarducci and Dimitri Pauli, and features Sullivan County Foie Gras and Seared Yellowfin Tuna on the menu. With unrivalled views across Park Avenue...we’re on our way. loewshotels.com

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MALDIVES MELT Do you like the sound of ‘pearly beaches’ and ‘crystal clear waters’? Beach House Iruveli is located in the northern most atoll of the Maldives. As part of the recently opened Kakuni Village, this five-star resort offers guests a truly Maldivian experience, plus fresh local seafood served daily and a special ‘Turtle Club’ for kids. 7 nights in a Deluxe Beach Villa from £1,949 pp; beachhousecollection.com

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Smart explores the local area.

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FEBRUARY 2014

ABSOLUTELY

PROPERTY

ONSLOW SQUARE, SW7 This is a beautifully restored, meticulously maintained 3 bedroom lateral apartment situated on the third floor (top floor with a lift) of a stucco fronted Victorian house on the south side of Onslow Square, with views over the communal gardens.

A further benefit includes access to the Onslow Square communal gardens. 5 minutes walk from South Kensington underground station and shopping amenities of Fulham Road and Brompton Road, including Harrods.

ÂŁ1,650 per week (ÂŁ7,150 pcm) Maskells Estate Agents | 020 7581 2216 | lettings@maskells.co.uk | www.maskells.co.uk *All potential tenants should be advised that administration fees may be applicable when renting a property. Please contact us for more details of these charges.

PFC.CHELSEA Feb.indd 87

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Just Maskells 1. Buy House 2. Organise Removals 3. Interior Designer 4. Kitchen Refurbishment 5. Builder 6. Electrician 7. Children’s New School 8. Find Nanny 9. House Security 10. Housekeeper 11. Internet & TV 12. Cleaning Services 13. Housewarming Party 14. Caterers 15. Find Gardener

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Mas

RESIDENTIAL AGENTS IN THE ROYAL BOROUGH AND SW1 SINCE 1965

Egerton Gardens, Knightsbridge SW3 • Two Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • Reception Room • Separate Kitchen • Patio Garden • Energy Rating D

A newly refurbished two bedroom apartment in a prime Knightsbridge location, situated on the lower ground floor of this handsome Victorian building on the favourable side of the street facing Egerton Crescent. Egerton Gardens is less than one third of a mile from Harrods and a short walk from either Knightsbridge or South Kensington underground stations. *All potential tenants should be advised that administration fees may be applicable when renting a property. Please contact us for more details of these charges.

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RESIDENTIAL AGENTS IN THE ROYAL BOROUGH AND SW1 SINCE 1965

Chesham Place, Belgravia SW1X • Two Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • Reception Room • Separate Kitchen • Lift • Energy Rating D

A spacious two bedroom first floor flat (with lift) in the heart of Belgravia.

The property comprises two bedrooms, reception room, separate kitchen, two bathrooms (both en suite) and ample storage. The property is a few minutes’ walk to Sloane Street or Knightsbridge. *All potential tenants should be advised that administration fees may be applicable when renting a property. Please contact us for more details of these charges.

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£1,250 per week (£5,416.67 pcm)*

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Mas

RESIDENTIAL AGENTS IN THE ROYAL BOROUGH AND SW1 SINCE 1965

Brompton Square, SW3 • Leasehold 112 years • Two Bedrooms • Reception Room • Conservatory/Dining room • Kitchen

• Bathroom • Patio Garden • Approx 832 sq ft • EPC rating E

£1,475,000 stc A newly refurbished and immaculately

quietly situated on this popular Knightsbridge garden square.

020 7581 2216 JSA Savills 020 7581 5234

M A S K E L L S E S TAT E A G E N T S W W W. M A S K E L L S . C O . U K

09:25

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NORTHKENSINGTON KENSINGTON NORTH

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Local know-how. Better results.

Battersea

Chelsea

Fulham

Kensington

Mayfair

Pimlico & Westminster

Balham

Bishops Park

Clapham

Hammersmith

Little Venice

North Kensington

South Kensington

Barnes

Brook Green

Earls Court

Holland Park

Marylebone

Notting Hill

ur of ces:

Old Church Street £4,250,000 Previously ‘Wright’s Dairy’ in 1796, this wonderful house boasts an abundance of period charm. Decorated to a high standard throughout, the accommodation comprises a vast, open-plan kitchen/reception/dining room, a further reception room and a guest cloakroom. The master suite occupies the entire first floor hilst the upper floors offer a bathroom t o further bedrooms and access to a stunning roof terrace. Freehold. EPC=E

CH LS A: 020 7 9

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70 sales.chs@marshandparsons.co.uk

23/01/2014 09:23

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/marshandparsons

Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/marshandparsons

Visit our YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/marshandparsons

SALES

See all of our properties online: marshandparsons.co.uk

Sailmakers Court SW6 £1,925,000 This superb penthouse apartment is presented in exceptional condition throughout with incredible views of the Thames. The accommodation includes a breathtaking reception room with a conservatory area overlooking the river, a large eat-in Bellini kitchen, a master bedroom with en suite shower, three further double bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms and a further WC. The property also benefits from underfloor heating and secure off street parking. Leasehold. EPC=C.

FULHAM: 020 7736 9822 sales.ful@marshandparsons.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY Property

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ABSOLUTELY Property

IN THEIR OWN

WORDS NICOLA CHAMBERS, Manager/Associate Director : Douglas & Gordon, Chelsea Photography: Rebecca Noonan

A

rriving at the office this morning there is a flurry of excitement, it is our annual charity day and the team are busy filling sacks with all sorts of food and toys which will later be distributed by Kids Company headquarters. For three years running, Douglas & Gordon have closed their offices and pounded the streets knocking on doors collecting for Kids Co. This is just the type of thing which has made working for Douglas & Gordon for 14 years so varied and rewarding.

17 years ago I was lucky enough to ‘fall into’ estate agency, starting as an inexperienced negotiator off the Kings Road. I have since worked in Fulham and Battersea, returning to this area 8 years ago. I have always loved Chelsea, from the peaceful tranquility of ‘Old Chelsea’ to the hustle and bustle of the Kings Road, the good transport links, the Cosmopolitan feel and the huge variety of restaurants and shops. Now as a mother of two I see that it is also a great place to raise a family with a fantastic choice of schools and museums on the doorstep, with the Kids Zone at the Army Museum on Royal Hospital Road being a firm favourite on a rainy morning. Combined with the fact that it is considered an extremely fashionable place to live, this has fuelled the rental demand – especially from the corporate market.

Working in this office I have seen the best and the worst, many highlights and a lot

of challenges. One highlight was 2006/7 when rental demand was at its highest, far outstripping supply. The relocation agents were at their busiest, with endless company lets rental prices reached new heights and landlords were reaping the rewards. It was a great time to be in the industry, but this was closely followed by one of my most challenging times as a manager, when Lehman Brothers collapsed and rents followed suit. Phone calls came from all directions – corporate tenants giving notice daily, current tenants negotiating price reductions, landlords wanting to know why their properties were not renting and, endless price reductions. During that period our property register reached its highest level and the tenants had the upper hand. Although it was a long, slow road to recovery the landlords that weathered the storm and are still landlords today could not have ever imagined the capital growth.

Like any investments, there are ups and downs; landlords will at times have to compromise. Those who are realistic, keep their property in good condition, and take their agents advice will always secure a good quality tenant. Looking at the bigger picture in terms of property values, I certainly would like to be a Chelsea landlord now. � 020 7581 6666; douglasandgordon.com

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Draycott Avenue, SW3

£999,000 for sale

One Bedroom Flat For Sale On Daycott Avenue An impressive one bedroom flat, situated on the top of Draycott Avenue, seconds away from the world famous Walton Street’s shops and restaurants. The spacious open plan reception room is perfect for entertaining and benefits from a plethora of natural light.

Evelyn Gardens, SW7

 

1 Bedroom  1 Reception Rooms 1 Bathrooms  Approx 704 Sq ft

“available at the end of March on a furnished or unfurnished basis”

Two Bedroom Flat For Rent On Evelyn Gardens A stunning recently refurbished two bedroom flat overlooking, and with access to, the beautiful Evelyn Gardens just off the Fulham Road.

The flat benefits from very modern kitchen and bathrooms, and ample storage throughout. It is available at the end of March on a furnished or unfurnished basis.

 

£875 per Week

2 Bedroom  1 Reception Room 2 Bathroom  Approx 839 Sq ft

0207 584 1100

chelsea@engelvoelkers.com

ENGEL VOLKERS_CHELS_JAN.indd 2

21/01/2014 17:01

87% of our London Your London gateway to the most properties were exclusive global property agency purchased or let by foreign buyers OF LONDON BUYERS & TENANTS and tenants in 2012.

HAVE COME THROUGH OUR GLOBAL NETWORK IN 2013.

Isn’t it time you chose ISN’T IT TIME YOU CHOSE A TRULY INTERNATIONAL AGENCY a truly global agency TO GET THE BEST POSSIBLE RESULT? to get the best result?

93%

OUR

500 OFFICES

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5

CONTINENTS

Established in 1977, Engel & Volkers is a premium brand and one of the largest

Established 1977 , Engel Völkers is a premium internationalin estate agencies in the& world.

With our unrivalled network andbrand reach, we can attract potential buyers and tenants for your property from London and all over and one of the largest international estate agencies in the world. Our experienced and dedicated London office will ensure that you receive theunrivalled best possible sales and lettings service. the world. With our network and reach, we can attract potential buyers and tenants for your property from London and all over the world.

293 Brompton Road SW3 2DZ, London | chelsea@engelvoelkers.com | www.engelvoelkers.com/chelsea

Our experienced and dedicated London office will ensure that you receive the best possible sales and lettings ENGEL VOLKERS_CHELS_JAN.indd 3

21/01/2014 17:01

ABSOLUTELY Property

Beauchamp Estates: Prime & Super Prime London Housing Market Report

A

cross central London’s residential market, momentum is building and we are seeing unprecedented levels of demand for prime properties. Transactions in the third quarter of 2013 were some 58% higher than those in the same quarter of 2012.

That said, there are variations across price brackets, with the very top of the market seeing the greatest increase in sales. There were 69% more sales over £10 million in 2013 than in the first nine months of 2012.

The rarefied nature of these properties,

“

Global wealth is at an all time high and mounting confidence in the economy is intensifying demand for prime London properties

“

and strong demand from across the globe, means that properties here attract fierce competition. As such, the average time taken to sell properties over this threshold reduced by 20% in 2013 compared to 2012.

In other price bands, the prices being achieved across central London are being supported by low levels of available stock.

As such, the average price paid per square foot across the market as a whole was 7% higher in the third quarter of 2013 than in the same period of 2012.

At the very top end of the market, sales of London’s most expensive properties remain buoyant. In 2013, Sales have ranged between £20 million and £51.5 million, averaging £26.9 million, with an average price of £3,394 per square foot. This is 9.1% higher than for 2012. The net value of central London properties on the market over £20 million is a staggering £1.8 billion, with an average asking price of £33.4 million and an average price of £3,312 per square foot.

Continued speculation on the introduction of a mansion tax, along with the proposed changes to Capital Gains Tax in the Autumn Statement could have a noticeable impact on the market. Should overseas investors choose to hold onto their properties, this would impact already constrained stock levels. It could also deter some buyers from investing in the UK. However, with these tax increases bringing the UK in line with other countries, at this stage it looks likely that the changes will be absorbed by the market. London continues to hold significant appeal to overseas investors as a safe investment. � Beauchamp Estates 020 7499 7722; beauchamp.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Luxurious Lettings A beautiful three bed lateral apartment.

Lowdown

For Landlords

Q: A:

What is the landlord responsible for? What will the property manager take care of?

When renting out a property, a landlord needs to decide who is going to manage the property.

If rather than manage the property themselves, a landlord chooses an agent to manage a property they will have the peace of mind that almost every aspect of the tenancy will be taken care of.

ALL properties are required by law to have a Gas safety certificate. This must be carried out by a registered engineer. An up to date energy performance certificate is also required. If a property is managed by a property manager, they will arrange for both of these to be carried out. The agent will also transfer the utility accounts into the tenant’s name.

Once the tenancy has started, the agent will be the only point of contact for a tenant and any service can be tailor made to suit a client’s requirements. Property managers will deal with anything from a dripping tap to a substantial insurance claim that might, for example, make a property uninhabitable.

A property manager is also responsible for making routine visits to the property throughout the tenancy. At the end of a tenancy a property manager will put together an end of tenancy claim which can be a time consuming process for landlords.

�

A beautifully restored and meticulously maintained three bedroom lateral apartment situated on the third floor of a stucco fronted Victorian house on the south side of Onslow Square.

T Ella Newhouse, Douglas & Gordon, Lettings, Fulham Area Manager & Associate Director

he flat has been decorated in a contemporary style with modern fixtures and fittings in the kitchen and bathrooms, and wide plank wood flooring throughout. A further benefit includes access to the Onslow Square communal gardens. Onslow Square itself is within a 5 minute walk from South

Details

Onslow Square, SW7 £1,650 Per Week

Kensington underground station and the shopping amenities of Fulham Road and Brompton Road, including Harrods. The accommodation comprises: entrance hall, master bedroom with large built in cupboards and an en suite bathroom, two further double bedrooms, family bathroom, large reception room and separate kitchen.

Contact

Maskells, Chelsea 020 7581 2216; maskells.co.uk

� 020 7731 4791; douglasandgordon.com

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Contemporary elegance vintage style

Ravenscourt Gardens, • Stunning 2 bedroom apartments in a Grade II listed building – some ready for occupation now London W6 0TU • Many beautiful original features retained and restored 2 bedroom apartments • A gated development with secure parking and private from £750,000

Marketing Suite open daily 11am – 6pm QR scan me now

walled garden • Westfield Shopping Centre just 10 minutes by car* and 0844 644 1576 Stamford Brook tube station less than 5 minutes walk* lindenhomes.co.uk/ashlarcourt

Price and details correct at time of going to press. *Travelling times approximate. Computer generated image shows the homes at Ashlar Court.

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Ultimate elegant city living

Set in the desirable neighbourhood of Fulham, Hurlingham Gate presents a superb collection of just 13 four bedroom classic townhouses, all benefiting from private terraces, secluded gardens and gated off-street parking.

Prices from ÂŁ2,250,000 * For more information call 020 8246 4199

Traditional vernaculars and beautiful interiors by Martin Goddard showcase exceptional quality and award-winning design from St James.

*Prices correct at time of going to press.

CGI’s are indicative only.

Classic luxury townhouses in Fulham SW6

Visit Hamptons International 193-195 Kings Road, London SW6 4SS Open Monday-Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm

St James is proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Hamptons_NewHomes.indd 2 9478_035_Hurlingham_advert_The Fulham Resident V2.indd 1

www.hurlinghamgate.co.uk

20/01/2014 06/12/2013 15:13 15:52

NOW OVER 50% SOLD

LAUNCHING THE WEST COLLECTION AT LONDON SQUARE FULHAM SATU RDAY 15 TH FE B RUARY 2014, 11AM – 4 PM Situated in the heart of Fulham, The West Collection is set behind a grand gated arch overlooking the beautifully landscaped garden square. The townhouses benefit from private gardens, secure underground parking for two cars and an outstanding level of specification.

4 & 5 B E DROOM TOWN HOUS ES FROM £3,9 0 0,0 0 0

CALL NOW FOR YOUR INVITATION TO THE LAUNCH

0333 666 2737

www.londonsquare.co.uk

Computer generated image of London Square Fulham. Price correct at time of going to press.

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Living the Dream The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market.

Kensington Court, W8 This beautifully refurbished Grade II listed residence (6,315 sq ft) comprises of four stunning reception rooms and seven bedroom suites and is arranged over six floors with lift access to all floors except the top two floors. The property benefits from fabulous proportions, high ceilings and a host of 19th century architectural styles ranging from the Victorian façade to an extravagant Baroque inspired fireplace in the first floor drawing room to an intricate Gothic influenced ceiling in the library. All the features have been expertly restored and combined with the highest specifications to provide a magnificent residence.

Price on Application Harrods Estates 020 7893 8044; harrodsestates.com

Warwick Gardens, W14 A spacious three/four bedroom apartment with a bright double reception, a separate dining room/fourth bedroom and great views over Kensington, situated on the top floor of this very popular portered block. The property benefits from three bathrooms, and a cloakroom/ utility room,. St. Mary Abbots Court is located on the corner of Warwick Gardens and Kensington High Street, near to Holland Park.

£3,500,000 Home House Estates 020 7493 1911; homehouseestates.co.uk

Draycott Avenue, SW3 An impressive one bedroom flat, situated on the top of Draycott Avenue, seconds away from Walton Street’s shops and restaurants. The property consist of a large master bedroom with generous storage space and a newly refurbished bathroom. The spacious open plan reception room is perfect for entertaining and benefits from a plethora of natural light, with double French doors opening out onto a balcony with views over the Avenue.

£999,000 Engel & Voelkers 020 7584 1100; engelvoelkers.com

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Cheyne Walk, SW3 An enchanting Grade II listed Georgian period house, with wonderful uninterrupted south-facing views over the River Thames and Albert Bridge. Located east of Oakley Street, the house is positioned well back from the Embankment and immediately to the west of the private lane leading to Cheyne Mews, on the site of Henry VIII’s Manor House. Cheyne Walk is located in Old Chelsea, beside the River Thames and enjoys easy access to the many and varied amenities of the King’s Road, including an excellent range of shopping, transport and recreational facilities, along with the green, open spaces of Royal Hospital’s Burton’s Court, as well as Battersea Park.

£8,200,000 Beauchamp Estates 020 7499 7722; beauchamp.co.uk

Old Church Street, SW3 This light and airy freehold house was the centrepiece of Wright’s Dairy, established in 1796. This wonderful home has been decorated to a beautiful standard and boasts a large roof terrace. The property has three double bedrooms, two bathrooms, including the sumptuous master-suite with a study/dressing room, a vast, openplan reception/dining room with kitchen,. and a fabulous reception.

£3,750 Per Week Marsh & Parsons

020 7591 5570; marshandparsons.co.uk

Shawfield Street, SW3 A recently refurbished, Grade II listed terraced house. Situated just off Kings Road, the house has been extended at the rear. The property consists of four bedrooms, three bathrooms, reception room, drawing room, study, family room, fully fitted kitchen, two cloakrooms, utility room, garden, two balconies, and a roof terrace.

£4,700,000 Freehold

Jackson-Stops & Staff

020 7581 5881; jackson-stops.co.uk

Egerton Gardens, SW3 Situated within the heart of Chelsea and nearby Knightsbridge, this charming one-bedroom period conversion benefits from an abundance of natural light and comprises a generously proportioned reception with high ceilings, double-height bay window and original features alongside a highly functional separate kitchen. The double bedroom has a built-in wardrobe while the beige marble bathroom is finished with chrome fittings and enjoys the luxury of both a bath and separate walk-in shower.

£695 Per Week

Benham & Reeves Residential Lettings 020 7581 2112; brlets.co.uk

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sullivanthomas.co.uk | carterjonas.co.uk

CLONCURRY STREET SW6 £4,000,000 F/H A unique wider than average, immaculate newly built corner house offering approximately 4,000 sq ft of well laid out space.

• 2 reception rooms

• Parking

• Kitchen/breakfast room

• Garden

• 6 bedrooms, 2 en suite

• Energy efficiency: Band D

• 2 bathrooms

RADIPOLE ROAD SW6

£2,250,000 F/H

A sensational Victorian family house with scope for modernisation, offering excellent potential to extend and refurbish throughout (subject to necessary planning consent).

• Double reception room

• South-facing garden

• 5 bedrooms

• Energy efficiency: Band E

• 3 bathrooms Fulham Parsons Green Sales: 020 7751 8899

Full online details including the EPC are available by scanning this code using any QR code scanner

Fulham Bishops Park Sales: 020 7731 3333

Part of a network of 9 offices in London and a further 20 across the country

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KIMBELL GARDENS GARDENS SW6 £850 pw/£3,683 pcm* A well presented family house on this popular residential road close to local transport links and close to Bishops Park

• Reception room

• Patio

• Kitchen/dining room

• Energy efficiency: Band D

• 4 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms

Fulham Parsons Green Lettings: 020 7751 8898

GOWAN AVENUE SW6

£575 pw/£2,492 pcm*

A stunning maisonette split over the first and second floor of this period conversion, ideally located off Fulham Palace Road.

• Open plan reception

• Storage

• Kitchen

• Roof terrace

• 2 bedrooms

• Energy efficiency: Band C

• Bathroom

Fulham Parsons Green Lettings: 020 7751 8898 *Rent excludes administration fees. Please contact your local branch for this information

Full online details including the EPC are available by scanning this code using any QR code scanner

*Rent excludes administration fees. Please contact your local branch for this information

sullivanthomas.co.uk | carterjonas.co.uk

SULLIVAN THOMAS_Feb.indd 2

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Prime Purchase A fantastically located three bed house.

�

A superb Victorian house with spectacular entertaining space and three double bedrooms in this fantastic location between the King’s Road and Fulham Road.

T

his stunning freehold house is situated in the heart of the popular Ten Acre Estate and is presented in excellent condition throughout. There is an abundance of reception space, most notably, the beautiful first floor drawing room with a southerly aspect.

There are three large double bedrooms, two bathrooms along with a guest cloakroom.

The house also has the enormous benefit of a beautiful garden and a roof terrace. It also comprises a generous open-plan kitchen

Details

Lamont Road, SW10 £3,600,000

dining/family room on the raised ground floor with a separate dining room, which leads out to the private garden. This house is incredibly well laid out and has a great feeling of light and space.

Lamont Road runs parallel between the King’s Road and Fulham Road and sits in close proximity to the excellent shops, restaurants and amenities of both. The closest undergrounds are Earls Court, South Kensington and Gloucester Road.

Contact

020 7591 5570; marshandparsons.co.uk

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We pull the strings so you don’t have to.

Tel: 0208 563 0202 404-406 North End Road, Fulham, London SW6 1LU w w w. l a w s o n sa n d d a u g h t e r s. co m LAWSON & DAUGHTERS_NEW.indd 5

20/01/2014 17:21

ALLEN MANSIONS, W8 A 1st floor flat with a garage and a well proportioned double reception with sash windows.

Close to Kensington High Street Underground station. Approx. 1,432 sq ft. Energy Rating: .

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms 1 en suite , double reception, communal terrace, store room, garage.

Lease to 2134 Guide Price £2,350,000

johndwood.co.uk

KENSINGTON 020 7908 1100 kensington@johndwood.co.uk S

S

Palace Gardens errace W8

Guide £3, 50,000

Victoria Grove

S

ews, W2

Guide £1,4 5,000

7 offices in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea:

JDW.indd 2 Absolutely Notting Hill Feb14.indd 1

ar Place, W2

S

Guide £2,990,000 Kensington Church St, W8

Guide £2,4 5,000

Chelsea (2), Holland Park, Kensington (2), Ladbroke Grove, South Kensington.

10/01/2014 17:26 10/01/2014 16:51

Abs

CAMPDEN STREET, W8 A beautifully presented Victorian house designed with much flair in a contemporary style, arranged over 4 floors. Close to Notting Hill Underground. Approx. 1,441 sq ft. Energy Rating: E. 3/4 bedrooms, bathroom, en suite shower room, reception, dining room, 2 terraces, patio garden.

Freehold Guide Price £2,900,000

johndwood.co.uk

KENSINGTON 020 7908 1100 kensington@johndwood.co.uk SOLD

Argyll Road, W8

SOLD

Guide £8,350,000 Jameson Street, W8

SOLD

Guide £1,950,000 Kelvin Court, W11

7 offices in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea:

16:51

JDW.indd 3 Absolutely Notting Hill Feb14.indd 2

SOLD

Guide £1,150,000 Philimore Gardens,W8

Guide £15,000,000

Chelsea (2), Holland Park, Kensington (2), Ladbroke Grove, South Kensington.

10/01/2014 17:26 10/01/2014 16:51

ABBOTSBURY CLOSE, W14 A charming house set over 2 floors, with off-street parking. Beautifully presented and adjacent to the entrance of Holland Park. Approx. 1,390 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, garden.

Freehold £2,950,000

johndwood.co.uk

HOLLAND PARK 020 7727 2233 hollandpark@johndwood.co.uk SOLD

Woodsford Square, W14

SOLD

Guide £3,950,000 Holland Park, W11

SOLD

Guide £2,800,000 Princedale Road, W11

7 offices in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea:

JDW.indd 4 Absolutely Notting Hill Feb14.indd 3

SOLD

Guide £2,950,000 Pickwick House, W11

Guide £499,000

Chelsea (2), Holland Park, Kensington (2), Ladbroke Grove, South Kensington.

10/01/2014 17:25 10/01/2014 16:52

Abs

HARVIST ROAD, NW6 A substantial family home in a desirable location which has recently been opened up to offer maximum living space. Close to Queen’s Park Underground and Mainline stations. Approx. 2,859 sq ft. Energy Rating: C. 4/5 bedrooms, 3/4 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, garden.

Freehold Guide Price £3,000,000

TAVISTOCK ROAD, W11 A beautifully presented 4 storey family house with a private south facing garden. In a great location, close to Portobello Road and Westbourne Grove. Approx. 2,238 sq ft. Energy Rating: E. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms 2 reception rooms, garden.

Freehold Guide Price £2,850,000

johndwood.co.uk

LADBROKE GROVE 020 7229 2356 ladbrokegrove@johndwood.co.uk SOLD

Norburn Street, W10

SOLD

Guide £2,000,000 Latimer Road, W10

SOLD

Guide £1,795,000 Westbourne Gardens, W2

7 offices in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea:

16:52

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SOLD

Guide £1,100,000 Hiley Road, W11

Guide £850,000

Chelsea (2), Holland Park, Kensington (2), Ladbroke Grove, South Kensington.

10/01/2014 17:25 10/01/2014 16:52

ABSOLUTELY Property

Ask the Experts Our panel of professionals give you the edge on the property market

1. When is the best time to sell?

P

roperties are sold throughout the year in London, but there are periods of the year that are notoriously quiet, namely just before Christmas and in August. Many buyers leave London during public holidays, so if you can put your home on the market at the start of a period without a public holiday then you can market to the largest audience possible. Spring and autumn tend to be the busiest periods for the London property market due to the weather allowing good photography and properties showing well.

2. Why hasn’t my property sold?

Y

our property may not have sold for many reasons. Do you have the right agent on board, who has a proven track record in the area, and can demonstrate a good level of service? Is your property getting the right exposure through your agent – is the marketing effective and are the brochures enticing? What is the presentation of the property like – is it untidy or cluttered, remember first impression is everything! There are many aspects to get right, and any successful agent will be able advise you accordingly. If the property has been marketed for a while after received excellent exposure and many viewings, the feedback should give you a clear indication of why it hasn’t sold. Ultimately the most common reason tends to be down to price – whilst there is no harm in asking a premium, this is often why something doesn’t sell. It is very easy to be too ambitious on price in what is currently a very price sensitive market – a good agent will be able to support the value with recent comparable evidence.

3. Should I use a Financial Adviser?

I

t depends on your own financial situation.

A good agent will know the basics involved within the property market and should be

1) Jamie Hope Maskells 020 7581 2216 maskells.co.uk

2) Harry Wigram Strutt & Parker 020 7591 6691 struttandparker.com

able to advise whether further advice should be sought. If you are raising finance, then a proactive IFA is worth their weight in gold!

4. Rental yield vs. capital growth

C

helsea is familiar with the ever increasing housing prices. Foreign money and a high demand for a sought after and cosmopolitan neighbourhood have added buoyancy to the market, as well as a wall to first time buyers or those looking at the lower end of the market. Currently there is an oversupply of rental stock across the middle lower markets in prime central London.

Despite the lacklustre general economic conditions, rental yields in the area are improving alongside gains in house prices. As demand exceeds supply, landlords are faced

3) William Hughes - Ward Marsh & Parsons 020 7590 0800 marshandparsons.co.uk

with the challenge of providing enough goodquality rental properties to meet this market. In this part of London, capital growth dominates, with sales prices going from strength to strength due to the lack of available stock on the sales market.

5. Best Buy-To-Let investments?

A

t the moment, demand in Chelsea is more heavily concentrated towards 1 and 2 bedroom flats as opposed to large family houses. If I was going to buy a flat to let in Chelsea, it would have to be a really good size one bedroom property in a great location and I’d furnish it in the style of a 5 star boutique hotel as that is what most tenants seem to want! Beware of purpose built blocks with very high service charges.

4) Sophie Murray Bective Leslie Marsh 020 7589 6677 bective.co.uk

5) Virginia Skilbeck

Douglas & Gordon 020 7581 6666 douglasandgordon.com

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020 7381 4998 • 190 Fulham Palace Road London W6 9PA sales@lockettestates.co.uk • lettings@lockettestates.co.uk • www.lockettestates.co.uk

Distillery Wharf, Fulham reach, W6

Waldemar Avenue, SW6

A selection of two and three bedroom apartments located within this new riverside development, offering far reaching views. Due for completion Summer 2014. Residents will enjoy exclusive use of a Private Members Club featuring a host of facilities from a private screening room, spa, steam room, lounge area, gymnasium, swimming pool, snooker room, virtual golf simulator and wine cellar.

A meticulously refurbished modernised mid terrace family house arranged over four floors. Located in the heart of Fulham. EPC pending. 2114 sq ft.

Five Bedrooms, Study, Bathroom, Three Shower Rooms (One EnSuite), Double Reception Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Garden

£1,363,877 - £2,470,000

Price on Application

020 7381 4998

020 7381 4998

Drayton Gardens, SW10

Greyhound Road, W6

An extremely well presented two double bedroom flat benefiting from a balcony, situated in this fantastic location in the heart of Chelsea with the advantage of an underground parking space.

Newly refurbished to a very high specification, this top floor one bedroom flat benefits from underfloor heating throughout, additional storage space of 118 sq ft and wonderful open views. EPC D

Two Double Bedrooms, Two Bathrooms, Reception Room, Kitchen, Balcony, Underground Parking Space

Bedroom with built in wardrobe, contemporary bathroom, open plan reception room/kitchen, additional storage room.

£850 per week

£395 per week

LOCKETTS_CHELS_FEB.indd 2

020 7381 4998

020 7381 4998

23/01/2014 14:47

Property News

Tom Ward

Director at aspire, Fulham � 020 7381 7381; aspire.co.uk

15% price rises for Fulham in 2013 IN 2013, certain areas of Fulham saw property prices increase by as much as 15% within twelve months! So what has fuelled such sharp price rises? On a daily basis, the complaint we heard from buyers was the lack of available property on the market, this coupled with greater demand and improved mortgage availability, created an extremely buoyant market place.

So where do we see the market moving to in 2014? We predict a majority of transactions taking place in the early part of the year but with steady, if less spectacular, price increases throughout the year. We are struggling to find reasons within the current economy as to why we shouldn’t expect to have a good property market in 2014.

HOUSE Hunting

Stevenage Road, SW6

Wayland Ward-Smith Manager at Sullivan Thomas, Fulham

� 020 7731 3333; sullivanthomas.co.uk

Property I’d most like on my books and why?

Fulham Palace – an amazing building and gardens that, in my opinion, is under utilised by Fulham residents (however I would not want public access to be lost!)

The best place to invest?

All of Fulham has experienced strong growth in the last few years, which analysts are predicting to continue into 2014.

The most interesting property I have been involved in is..

In Notting Hill I sold an original artist studio, the space and feel were incredible.

The toughest sale and why?

I have had a number of tough sales where garden boundaries are in dispute, one fell through 3 times before the owners got the matter resolved and the sale went through. My best advice is to resolve the dispute before you commence.

Finest property showcase..

Stevenage Road, SW6. A simply exceptional and unsurpassed newly refurbished and fully extended 6/7 bedroom semi detached house, offering circa 4500 sq ft of space and situated in arguably the best location in Fulham, overlooking Bishops Park and the River Thames. £5,000,000 Freehold.

Buyer confidence and transaction levels at highest in 5 years AS WE entered 2014 we questioned if the market would initially slow down at all, but due to the momentum we had at the end of 2013 and thanks to elements such as the help to buy scheme, this certainly hasn’t been the case.

We are registering more buyers than ever before, but a continued limitation on the supply means we foresee a continued increase in asking prices throughout 2014.

With buyer confidence and transaction levels at their highest for 5 years and interest rates still at a record low there has never been a better opportunity to be able to take that next step up the property ladder, as first time buyers continue to want to join the market in their droves, areas such as Parsons Green and Munster village continue to grow in desirability.

Mark Davison

Sales Manager at Bushells, Fulham � 020 7731 9680; bushells.com

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Breteuil launch first London office in Fulham

5 minutes with...

Benson Beard Associate Director, Bective Leslie Marsh, Chelsea

What makes Bective Leslie Marsh the go-to-agent in Chelsea?

Bective Leslie Marsh has been in the area for nearly ten years and has extensive experience in selling and buying for established and new clients.

How long have you been in the area?

I started living in Chelsea in 1991 and apart from a short spell in Fulham, I have been living and working here in SW3 ever since.

What is your company ethos?

We pride ourselves on our service and tenacity. Nothing is too much trouble and we never give up. We also offer exceptional customer service.

Elena Baskerville Lettings Manager Breteuil, Fulham

� 020 7351 6308; breteuil.co.uk

FOLLOWING the success of their ten offices in Paris, Breteuil are delighted to have recently opened their first London office in Chelsea.

Situated on the Fulham Road, Breteuil’s boutique shop front remains true to its Parisian roots, combining slick, contemporary furnishing with the very latest in technology and just a hint of French artistic flair.

Breteuil’s London team pride themselves

on their unique mix of fluent French, English and Swedish speakers, their extensive local area knowledge and sound understanding of the current property market. Excellence and client care are placed at the heart of the business and with the ability to simultaneously market property in London and Paris, our staff aim to provide the highest level of service and maximum coverage.

To celebrate their arrival in the UK in style, Breteuil hosted their launch party on 23rd January where they invited local residents, agents and property specialists to join them for champagne and canapes. They look forward to becoming a part of the Chelsea community.

South west in its prime Peter Shaw

Fulham Director at Featherstone Leigh � 020 7610 9755; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

FIGURES RELEASED in late 2013 illustrated house prices in South West London have risen faster than prices in Central London for the first time, so it’s no wonder the Fulham offices have seen exceptionally high levels of registrations in early 2014. It’s a great time to sell, with newly listed properties often going

under offer within 2 to 4 weeks of coming onto the market. This should only encourage homeowners to put properties on the market.

Here at Featherstone Leigh we not only sell properties, but are also extremely proactive in finding new homes for our vendors, to help speed up their moving process.

What can we expect for the market in the new year?

The year has finished on a positive note with an encouraging number of sales, and we expect the market to carry on in this way into the New Year. � 020 7589 6677; bective.co.uk

Brian Corson Director at Lawsons & Daughters

� 020 8563 0202; lawsonsanddaughters.com

PRICES CONTINUE to go from strength to strength due to the ongoing supply and demand struggle, which has seen properties in the area achieving record figures. A report from the Land Registry revealed that Hammersmith & Fulham saw the second highest price percentage increase of the London boroughs in 2013 which demonstrates the high demand for this increasingly desirable patch of London.

With lending on the steady increase and the government schemes in place, we are seeing a surge of applicants registering to buy. I foresee prices continuing to push up through the first half of 2014. However, the upcoming election and a potential interest rate rise may see the market slow down slightly as we approach Q3.

Spotlight on SW7 Average asking price - £4,263,158Average asking rents - £4656 pcmAverage property value - £2,266,809

Data provided by 119

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some things get so much better with time

Established 2001...

020 7937 9777 21 Earls Court Road, Kensington, London, W8 6EB Tel: 020 7937 9777 • 020 7938 3425 Email: info@rickmanproperties.com

www.rickmanproperties.com

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OFFICES THROUGHOUT SOUTH WEST LONDON clapham south

balham

battersea

clapham north

020 8673 6111

020 7801 3400

020 7840 3700

020 8675 1222

fulham central

fulham south

tooting

020 7381 7381

020 7736 6110

furzedown 020 8769 7900

020 8772 7080

New King’s Road, SW6

£1,250,000

Located within a stone’s throw to Parsons Green, is this completely renovated maisonette offering wonderful amazing interior design. The property has its own front door off the New King’s Road and offers a contemporary open plan living area with a feature fireplace, space for dining which opens onto the kitchen providing its own breakfast bar and plenty of work space.

• Four bedrooms • Large master en-suite • South-East facing roof terrace • Fully converted loft

aspire fulham south 020 7736 6110 fulham@aspire.co.uk

SOUTH WEST LONDON’S LEADING ESTATE AGENT

ASPIRE_CHELSEA_MARCH.indd 149

.co.uk

23/01/2014 16:57

OFFICES THROUGHOUT SOUTH WEST LONDON clapham south

balham

battersea

clapham north

020 8673 6111

020 7801 3400

020 7840 3700

020 8675 1222

fulham central

fulham south 020 7736 6110

furzedown

tooting

020 7381 7381

020 8769 7900

020 8772 7080

Cranbury Road, SW6

£1,495,000

A spectacular family home arranged over four floors offering the most amazing basement; comprising a contemporary kitchen with island and breakfast bar together with a games room section. Further features includes a comfortable and relaxing double reception room as well as a separate dining area and four double bedrooms including a master en-suite.

• • • •

38ft Garden Within the ‘Bury Triangle’ Close to prestigious local schools Exquisite family bathroom

aspire fulham south 020 7736 6110 fulham@aspire.co.uk

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Oakbury Road, SW6

£725pw

A superb four bedroom house situated in the highly sought after ‘Bury Triangle’ offering spacious accommodation throughout. The property offers a master bedroom with an en-suite shower room, three further double bedrooms, family bathroom, double reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, downstairs cloakroom, conservatory and pretty rear garden.

• Bright conservatory • Close to South Park • Large converted basement • Four double bedrooms

aspire fulham south 020 7736 6110 fulham@aspire.co.uk

SOUTH WEST LONDON’S LEADING ESTATE AGENT

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.co.uk

23/01/2014 16:58

Offices throughout London

Hurlingham Business Park

£575,000

Arthur Henderson House £530,000 Leasehold

This ground floor and first floor commercial unit is conveniently located between South Park and Hurlingham park with good transport links. The ground floor is approximately 1325 sq ft and the first floor approximately 1323 sq ft. EPC = TBC

This third floor flat is beautifully presented and conveniently located on Fulham road for transport links and local amenities.

Accommodation comprises three bedrooms, open plan kitchen/ reception room, modern bathroom and balcony. EPC=E

Fulham Office  020 7731 9680 fulham@bushells.com

Fulham Office  020 7731 9680 fulham@bushells.com

Earls Court Square £1.695m Share of Freehold

Sherbrooke Road £650,000 Share of Freehold

A beautifully presented two bedroom, two bathroom flat with high ceilings in Earls Court. This ground and lower ground floor maisonette is beautifully presented with a large reception room.

Excellent transport links of Earls Court to Central London EPC = C

A stunning two double bedroom garden flat in an extremely sought after location. The flat compromises a lovely open plan kitchen, two double bedrooms, bathroom, and lovely spacious living room. Location is close to the ever so sought after Munster village. EPC=C

Fulham Office 020 7731 9680| fulham@bushells.com

Fulham Office  020 7731 9680 fulham@bushells.com

Acton  Balham  Bloomsbury  Battersea  Camden  Clapham  Dulwich  Fulham  Hammersmith  Islington  West Hampstead

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bushells.com

Fabian Road

£1.625m Freehold

A wonderful four bedroom terraced house which has planning permission for a loft conversion. Property comprises four double bedrooms, two bathrooms, a double reception room and lovely courtyard garden. Fabian Road is proving to be more and more popular with its convenient position for Fulham Broadway as well as Parsons Green. No onward chain. EPC=D

Fulham Office 020 7731 9680 fulham@bushells.com

PART OF THE EDMUND CUDE GROUP

Acton  Balham  Bloomsbury  Battersea  Camden  Clapham  Dulwich  Fulham  Hammersmith  Islington  West Hampstead

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Knightsbridge

ÂŁ4,000 + Fees Unfurnished

5 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 4 Bathr ooms Balcony | Garden | Tube Nearby | EPC - C Knightsbridge 020 7581 2112 knight@brlets.co.uk Eleven offices open six days a week Monday - Saturday Beaufort Park 020 8732 7980 | Canary Wharf 020 7517 6088 | City 020 7213 9700 | Ealing 020 8280 0140 | Greenwich 020 3440 7010 | Hampstead 020 7435 9681 Highgate 020 8341 2335 | Hyde Park 020 7402 9866 | Imperial Wharf 020 7348 7620 | Kensington 020 7938 3522 | Knightsbridge 020 7581 2112

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To arrange a viewing or for more information call

020 7319 9783

Imperial Wharf

£335 pw + Fees Furnished

London’s Letting Agency

info@brlets.co.uk www.brlets.co.uk

Imperial Wharf

£420 pw + Fees Furnished

1 Bedroom | 1 Reception | 1 Bathroom 24hr Concierge | Amenities Closeby | EPC - D Imperial Wharf 020 7348 7620 iw@brlets.co.uk

2 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms Gym | 24hr Concierge | Near Amenities | EPC - D Imperial Wharf 020 7348 7620 iw@brlets.co.uk

Chelsea

Knightsbridge

£525 pw + Fees Furnished

1 Bedroom | 1 Reception | 1 Bathroom 24hr Porter | Communal Garden | Lift | EPC - E Knightsbridge 020 7581 2112 knight@brlets.co.uk

£750 pw + Fees Furnished

3 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 3 Bathrooms Lift | Parking | Amenities & Tube Nearby | EPC - B Knightsbridge 020 7581 2112 knight@brlets.co.uk

Dubai | Hong Kong | India | Malaysia | Singapore

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The spoils of the hardy workplace warrior.

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jackson-stops.co.uk

Queensdale Place, Holland Park, W11 A three storey Victorian house located in this very quiet no through Holland Park road.

Three double bedrooms, two bathrooms, double reception room, kitchen, garden and roof terrace.

EPC = E

£2,900,000 Freehold

AB55078

People Property Places Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices JSS_CHELS_FEB.indd 1

Holland Park

020 7727 5111

holland.park@jackson-stops.co.uk

23/01/2014 15:39

Duchess of Bedford House, W8 Recently completely modernized ground floor flat in this mansion block close to Kensington High Street and Holland Park. 1340 sq ft. Double reception, 3 bedrooms, bathroom ensuite, shower room, kitchen, hallway, service entrance, parquet floors. 140 years approx.

EPC = D

Offers in excess ÂŁ2,650,000. Leasehold JSA Knight Frank 020 7938 4311. AB55274

People Property Places Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices JSS_CHELS_FEB.indd 2

Chelsea

020 7581 5881 chelsea@jackson-stops.co.uk

23/01/2014 15:39

Sales

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ÂŁ2,825,000 Share of Freehold Draycott Place SW3

A 1,254 sq.ft top floor flat with wonderful light via large windows and a huge skylight, a south-facing roof terrace, balcony and wooden floors throughout.

Master bedroom with en-suite shower room, Second bedroom, Bathroom, Reception/dining room, Kitchen, Balcony, South-facing roof terrace, EPC: C.

Chelsea Sales 020 7225 1225 | chelseasales@dng.co.uk

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Sales

douglasandgordon.com

ÂŁ2,750,000 Share of Freehold Iverna Court W8

A superb top floor (lift) four bedroom apartment presented in excellent order. The property has a fabulous south-facing reception room with far reaching views over the communal gardens.

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Lift, Porter, EPC: E.

Kensington Gate Sales 020 7581 1152 | kengatesales@dng.co.uk

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Sales

ÂŁ1,895,000 Freehold Inglethorpe Street SW6

A substantial family house offering 2,342 sq.ft of impressive living space located on the corner of a very desirable road in the Alphabet Streets.

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Garden, EPC: F.

A recently refurbished and immaculately presented garden flat arranged over the lower ground floor of this stucco-fronted period corner building.

Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, Second bedroom, Shower room, Reception room, Kitchen, Study area, Garden, EPC: D.

Fulham Sales 020 7731 4391 | fulhamsales@dng.co.uk

ÂŁ1,650,000 Share of Freehold Walton Street SW3 Chelsea Sales 020 7225 1225 | chelseasales@dng.co.uk

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Sales

douglasandgordon.com

ÂŁ1,295,000 Leasehold Sloane Gardens SW1W

On a 32 year lease a fabulous newly refurbished two bedroom 875 sq.ft fourth/fifth floor flat featuring a wonderful top floor air-conditioned studio style room.

2 bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Dining room/conservatory, Kitchen/breakfast room, Access to flat roof, Lift, EPC: E.

A wonderfully spacious three bedroom property offering 1,196 sq.ft of excellent living and entertaining space located on a popular tree-lined street in Fulham.

3 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Shower room, Double reception room, Kitchen, Study, Garden, EPC: D.

Chelsea Sales 020 7225 1225 | chelseasales@dng.co.uk

ÂŁ1,075,000 Freehold Archel Road W14 Fulham Sales 020 7731 4391 | fulhamsales@dng.co.uk

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Lettings

ÂŁ875 per week Unfurnished Atalanta Street SW6

A wonderful opportunity to rent a beautifully refurbished four bedroom house, located on this quiet road.

4 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Double reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Garden, EPC: D.

An immaculate three bedroom property which is quietly located to the rear of this well kept portered building, with a large west-facing garden.

3 bedrooms, En-suite bathroom, Shower room, Cloakroom, Reception room, Kitchen, West-facing garden, Porter, EPC: D.

Fulham Lettings 020 7731 4791 | fulhamlets@dng.co.uk

ÂŁ850 per week Furnished Onslow Court SW10 Chelsea Lettings 020 7581 6666 | chelsealets@dng.co.uk

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Lettings

douglasandgordon.com

£850 per week Unfurnished Settrington Road SW6

A neutrally decorated Victorian house enviably situated on one of Fulham's premier streets.

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (one en-suite), Double reception room, Kitchen, Dining area, Garden, 2 roof terraces, Cloakroom, EPC: D.

An absolutely stunning, interior designed flat in this sought-after location on Collingham Place, boasting high ceilings and plenty of natural light.

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Open-plan kitchen/ reception room, EPC: D.

Fulham Lettings 020 7731 4791 | fulhamlets@dng.co.uk

£650 per week Furnished Collingham Place SW5 Kensington Gate Lettings 020 7589 5252 | kengatelets@dng.co.uk

Douglas & Gordon will charge an initial one off tenancy agreement fee of £240 per tenancy and an individual tenant reference fee of £45 per tenant. For further details please go to www.dng.co.uk/fees

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Lettings

ÂŁ3,950 per week Furnished Pelham Place SW7

Pelham Place is a Grade II listed house on one of the most attractive streets in this exclusive area.

The house has a private west-facing garden, as well as the use of Pelham Gardens.

Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and dressing room, 3 further bedrooms, 2 further bathrooms, Drawing room, Dining room, Study, Kitchen/breakfast room, Garden, EPC: F.

Chelsea Lettings 020 7581 6666 | chelsealets@dng.co.uk

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Douglas & Gordon only advertise 90% of their property

Amazingly, over 10% of our properties are sold or let without being advertised.

Some transactions happen so quickly we do not have time to advertise.

In other cases our clients ask us to sell or let their property discretely.

We source property specifically to fulfil our buyers’ needs – with the perfect solution sometimes being a property that has not even reached the market.

To make sure you are getting the full picture, register with Douglas & Gordon now.

douglasandgordon.com

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“I say! What a corker!”

Three Cubitt House venues in Harden’s London Restaurant Guide “Top 10 Best Pub Food” category, as nominated by you.

Thank you.

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