A particular take on property SPRING 2014 Spring is the time of plans and projects… Leo Tolstoy

pp03_&London_Orange statemant page_des2.indd 3 13/02/2014 13:50 First & foremost Spring updates and property highlights Welcome to the spring 2014 issue of &. Appetites awaken as the sun begins to shine, with fresh shoots being felt across the property market. International buyers in particular are being tempted outside and onto the streets of the capital in search of safe investments, while Londoners are also looking for rural idylls to satisfy their quest for the good life. Whether in town or country, we’re ready to make the most of this season of growth and renewal.

Regulars 05. First & foremost / The latest launches, openings and our pick of properties. 16. The S&P map / Go for a ramble in prime central London. 52. Trends & analysis / Strutt & Parker experts take stock of the market. 56. Development insight / Meet the man on a global mission. 59. When one tires of London… / Escape the city to The Thatched Cottage, Wyck, Hampshire.

Features 10. The high life / A spectacular penthouse overlooking St James’s Palace. 20. The Italian job / Three chefs on London’s lasting passion for Italian food. 24. Head girl / Meet milliner Bundle MacLaren and her new collection. 28. Why west is best / Take a tour of West Chelsea with Simon Rose. 32. The finishing touch / Talking texture with designer Fiona Barratt-Campbell. 39. Clock watching / The many timeless faces of horological London. 44. The rehearsal / Behind the scenes with the Chelsea Opera Group. 50. Where the wild things are / Wildlife photographer Roger Hooper’s city roost. Dan Funderburgh Published on behalf of Strutt & Parker by Sunday

Editors Lucy Ryan & Vicki Brookes Repro F1 Colour Art Director Adrian Morris Print Geoff Neal Deputy Editor Marc Grainger Creative Director Matt Beaven The views expressed in this Account Director Steph Hill publication are not necessarily Senior Account Manager Bryony Bromfield those of Strutt & Parker or the Managing Director Toby Smeeton publishers. The information contained in this magazine is

sundaypublishing.com correct at time of going to press. COVER ILLUSTRATION

pp04-09_&London_Contents_F&F_des4.indd 4 19/02/2014 11:50 loft-style living

Old Church Street SW3 ‘This stunning triple-aspect apartment is located in the heart of historic Chelsea,’ says Alice Umfreville of Strutt & Parker Chelsea Lettings. ‘The open-plan living space, contemporary split-level galleried areas and huge windows give it a New York loft feel that is unusual for Chelsea, and the space has been imaginatively and stylishly refurbished. A truly sophisticated home.’ £3,495 per week. Furnished. Contact 020 7589 9966

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pp04-09_&London_Contents_F&F_des4.indd 5 21/02/2014 14:53 THE POWER OF THREE

This spring sees the launch of three luxury hotels in central London. Jeremy King and Chris Corbin – the men behind The Wolseley – are opening The Beaumont (above) on Mayfair’s Balderton Street. Legendary US hotelier André Balazs is launching his fi rst London hotel on Chiltern Street, Marylebone, while Tim and Kit Kemp, owners of Firmdale Hotels (including NEW SHOOTS The Hotel), are opening a second Looking for some fresh inspiration for Soho site at Ham Yard. thebeaumont. GOOD MOOD FOOD spring? Then pay a visit to two new com, andrebalazsproperties.com, west London stores. Cabbages & Roses, fi rmdalehotels.com Known for delivering its tasty detox known for its quintessentially British boxes to customers across London, fashions and homewares, has opened two The Detox Kitchen now has its fi rst adjoining stores on Sydney Street – one deli, in Harvey Nichols’ Fifth Floor for clothes, one for interiors. New for Food Market. Developed by chef/ spring are faded fl oral and striped linens owner Lily Simpson, the healthy food in dusky greys and pinks that nod to the company sells wheat-free, dairy-free English countryside. Meanwhile, in and sugar-free juices, salads and Chepstow Place, luxury bathroom snacks. Options available from the specialist Drummonds has opened salad bar include Skin Brightener, a concept showroom to showcase its with quinoa, avocado, toasted seeds, new cast-iron tubs, shower heads and celery, coriander and lime. Fans accessories. cabbagesandroses.com, of the company include Elle drummonds-uk.com Macpherson, Pixie Geldof and Agyness Deyn. detoxkitchen.co.uk LIGHT AND AIR

SOURCE OF PRIDE Chester Square SW1 The chef stepping into Gordon Ramsay’s shoes ‘This stunning six-bedroom home is at Claridge’s, Simon Rogan, takes the helm at the fl ooded with natural light, thanks to its hotel this spring. Holder of two Michelin stars at south-east aspect,’ says Charlie Willis L’Enclume in Cumbria (which was also voted best of Strutt & Parker . ‘The UK restaurant by the Good Food Guide 2014), proportions throughout are excellent, he recently ran a two-year pop-up, Roganic, and a sympathetic redevelopment in Marylebone and has now signed a by Finchatton a few years ago has 10-year contract with Claridge’s. It is maintained some beautiful features, expected that much of the produce including a period stone staircase for the new restaurant will be sourced leading directly to the rear roof terrace. at Rogan’s 12-acre farm in the Lake There is also a front-facing balcony, District, where he grows fruit and as well as an integral garage.’ vegetables, and breeds chickens, £16,500,000. Freehold. sheep and cattle. claridges.co.uk Contact 020 7235 9959

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The look of luxury

Italy’s most iconic fashion houses will be exhibiting haute couture, ready-to-wear collections and sumptuous accessories this spring – not on the catwalks, but at the & Albert Museum. The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014 will explore the country’s rich contribution to fashion, examining the craftsmanship and luxury for which it has become known. On display will be around 90 menswear and womenswear creations by leading fashion houses including Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Missoni, Prada, Valentino and Versace, as well as forgotten post-war designers such as the Fontana Sisters and Simonetta. The work of young, emerging Italian designers will also be on show. The exhibition, which will bring the clothes to life through film and fashion photography from each period, runs from 5 April to 27 July. vam.ac.uk

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space to grow

Lansdowne Crescent W11 ‘Set in the heart of the Ladbroke Conservation Area, Secrets and spies Lansdowne Crescent is one of ’s most The highly anticipated new play from acclaimed young playwright sought-after addresses,’ says Miles Meacock of Strutt James Graham opens at the Donmar Warehouse in April. With & Parker Notting Hill. ‘Laid out over four floors, this surveillance in the digital age as its backdrop, Privacy will explore impressively wide, semi-detached family house has how governments and corporations collect and use our personal seven bedrooms, excellent entertaining space, a data, and what that means for our security, identity and future. garage and direct access to communal gardens.’ Graham, 31, whose Olivier-nominated, sell-out National Theatre £13,250,000. Freehold. Contact 020 7221 1111 hit This House exposed the workings of British politics, was inspired by last year’s revelations by whistleblower Edward Snowden. Privacy runs from 10 April to 31 May. donmarwarehouse.com

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pp04-09_&London_Contents_F&F_des4.indd 8 19/02/2014 11:57 high street heritage

John Lewis is celebrating its 150th anniversary in style with a range of new and revamped products designed exclusively for the retailer’s landmark birthday. Celebrations will centre around John Lewis’ Oxford Street store, which first opened its doors in 1864, and its iconic Peter Jones store on , which will stock a range of products featuring prints from John Lewis’ vast archive. These include Experiments in form curtains, jackets, womenswear and Two pioneering artists are exhibiting homewares – and designs from as early at internationally acclaimed gallerist as 1864, such as the ‘Cummersdale’ David Zwirner’s contemporary Mayfair print (above). Look out for new products showroom this spring. Until 29 March, in stores from spring. johnlewis.com Al Taylor is showing work from the mid to late 1980s, marking his move from canvas paintings to makeshift objects constructed using everyday materials such as broomsticks and scrap wood (above). From April, Michael Riedel will be displaying his mixed-media art, incorporating large-scale works on canvas, film and video – plus restagings of experimental events such as book readings, screenings, concerts and communal dinners. davidzwirner.com

fashion’s cutting edge a perfect balance Designer Karl Lagerfeld is opening a hi-tech flagship store on Regent Street this spring – his Bina Gardens SW5 first in the UK capital – to showcase his own-label collections and display his love of all things ‘This exceptional penthouse maisonette digital. The Chanel creative director’s brand offers an ideal combination of living and comprises ‘accessible-luxe’ ready-to-wear bedroom accommodation, with a grand collections as well as handbags, watches, reception room, three double bedroom shoes and scarves. iPad minis will be suites and an abundance of natural embedded into display racks, enabling light,’ says Simon Rose of Strutt & visitors to explore the collection online, Parker Chelsea SW10. ‘Of particular take photos of their favourite items and note are the 40ft balcony and stunning even leave a note for the designer. private roof terrace, which has 360˚ Fitting rooms will be equipped with panoramic views across the city.’ touchscreens that allow shoppers £3,750,000. Share of freehold. to photograph their looks and share Contact 020 7373 1010 images on social media. karl.com

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pp04-09_&London_Contents_F&F_des4.indd 9 21/02/2014 14:55 THE HIGH LIFE With its spectacular views overlooking St James’s Park, the luxury refurbishment of Palace View Penthouse is the latest project for developer Gerry Jackson

WORDS Clare Dowdy PHOTOGRAPHY Rachel Whiting

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ix fl oors up in a 20th-century refurbishment projects in the capital. The purpose-built block in the heart decision was taken to retain the same S of Mayfair, Palace View Penthouse accommodation as before, but to completely ticked all the boxes for developer Gerry reconfi gure the apartment so as to optimise Jackson. ‘It’s in a portered block, and has every individual space: three bedroom suites outside space, high ceilings, a tremendous and a study on the lower fl oor, and a amount of light throughout, and amazing kitchen-cum-living room and 40ft reception views over St James’s Palace and St James’s room upstairs, with 800 sq ft of terracing. Park beyond,’ he says. Gerry sees the fl at as appealing to high-net What’s more, Gerry, who has been worth individuals on the hunt for a second, investing in high-end property in central third or even fourth home. Discerning British London for more than a decade, recognised and international purchasers are all likely to that its postcode was much in its favour. be interested. ‘More than half of apartments ‘Mayfair has always been great, but in the in , Mayfair and Knightsbridge are past fi ve or six years it has had more focus going to foreigners,’ he estimates. However, from big developers, and the Crown Estate ‘Mayfair is also known as “hedge fund has put more money into the area, so it’s alley”, so it might go to an owner or partner become more a place to live as well as work.’ of a hedge fund who works 500 yards away.’ The penthouse had been lived in by the It’s an audience that Gerry is familiar with. same family for the past 20 years, and hadn’t His portfolio of properties, which he either been touched in that time, so it was looking sells or lets, are all in the smartest locations in tired. This suited Gerry too, as ‘I completely town: Belgravia, Knightsbridge, Chelsea and refurbish everything I buy’, with his wife Mayfair. ‘My focus audience is the high-end Annie looking after the interior design. So professional,’ he says. ‘Our developments everything, including the exterior windows have attracted buyers from the music, and doors, was taken out and replaced. internet, shipping and banking industries.’ Gerry and Annie brought in the same Gerry himself spent 25 years working in team that they’ve used for the past decade investment banking and running a corporate or so, including architectural design bond trading operation. In preparation for consultant Andy Murphie, whose company leaving the City, he began investing in Fold4 specialises in high-profi le residential residential property in prime locations.

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Gerry and Annie have created a neutral, contemporary interior that can easily be adapted to suit different tastes. All the fi xtures and fi ttings are of the highest quality, such as the Bulthaup kitchen (right) and B&B Italia furniture

As for the aesthetic, Annie says her aim Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist Andy is to create ‘a beautiful model with perfect Sturgeon. The terrace also has a seating, bone structure, who can be easily dressed dining and cooking area, because ‘I wanted and adapted to accommodate different to create a happy holiday feel,’ says Annie. tastes’. She and Andy confi gured ‘rooms ‘The most important thing is to be able that fl ow smoothly from one to the other, to create something that will not date,’ creating a series of comfortable spaces to she adds. ‘That’s why I use timeless, high- live in with plenty of storage and light’. quality materials and, most importantly, There is also a focus on quality materials insist on the fi nest craftsmanship.’ and craftsmanship. ‘Because I work with a With the penthouse now complete, Gerry small and dedicated team, I’m able to instil has his eye on a fl at in . an ethos of meticulousness throughout If that goes ahead, the Jacksons will hope everything we do,’ Gerry explains. ‘Whatever to transform it into another model home. I use is the best.’ So the kitchen is by German Palace View Penthouse 1, 73 St James’s Street, Turn over for a manufacturer Bulthaup, the cabinetry is SW1A. Leasehold. £12,000,000. Contact selection of properties handmade, the furniture is by B&B Italia, James Gilbert-Green on 020 7235 9959 or with some of the best and the terraces are designed by RHS [email protected] views in the capital

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These apartments boast spectacular views over the London skyline

Cadogan Place SW1 An elegant and classically presented apartment, occupying the principal reception rooms of this grand terraced house in the fi nest address in Knightsbridge. £11,950,000. Share of freehold Contact 020 7235 9959

One Hyde Park, Victoria Street SW1 Knightsbridge SW1 The new 55 Victoria Street An outstanding and development includes 54 beautifully interior-designed apartments ranging from three-bedroom apartment studio fl ats to split-level with south-facing city penthouses. There is a views, in what is commonly 24-hour concierge, gym regarded as one of the and two communal most exclusive addresses gardens, including an in the world. eighth-fl oor Sky Garden £23,000,000. Leasehold with south-facing views. Contact 020 7235 9959 Contact 020 7318 4677

Cadogan Square SW1 In the heart of Knightsbridge, this newly redecorated, split-level apartment is arranged over the top two fl oors and has a roof terrace with fantastic views of London. £2,500 per week. Unfurnished Contact 020 7589 9966

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Albion Gate, Hyde Park W2 Finished to a high standard throughout, this impressive three-bedroom penthouse apartment is situated in a portered building and has a decked terrace with SW1 stunning views directly This immaculately over Hyde Park and beyond. refurbished four-bedroom £4,950 per week. lateral penthouse is Unfurnished situated on the top fl oor Contact 020 7221 1111 of a purpose-built building overlooking the communal garden square. £15,950,000. Leasehold Contact 020 7235 9959

Knightsbridge SW1 This spectacular penthouse occupies the entire sixth fl oor of this Victorian apartment building, with a direct 150ft-wide frontage onto Hyde Park. As well as fi ve reception rooms and six bedroom suites, it has no fewer than six terraces and roof gardens. £32,500,000. Leasehold Contact 020 7235 9959

Kings Gate SW1 Ennismore Gardens SW7 The new Kings Gate development features 100 A stunning three-bedroom, second- apartments, studios and penthouses with views fl oor apartment, laterally converted of Buckingham Palace and the central London across two Portland stone-fronted skyline beyond. All apartments feature a rich Victorian villas in the centre of the palette of natural materials with beautiful fi nishes, western terrace of this garden square. and most have private balconies or terraces. £12,950,000. Leasehold Contact 020 7318 4677 Contact 020 7591 2210

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pp10-15_&London_Property Showcase_desREPRO.indd 15 14/02/2014 16:36 AA LONDONLONDON RAMBLERAMBLE This six-mile circular route around takes in some 4 of central London’s most attractive spots. Paul Clements The traffi c-clogged artery road packs his Thermos and picks his personal highlights is a bit of an eyesore. But if you want to refuel, then Paul ILLUSTRATION Deanna Halsall Rhodes Bakery (number 26), which specialises in inventive tarts, herb-fl ecked speciality breads and handcrafted cakes, 1 Garden is the ideal spot. With one of the ’s Jacobean superb Americanos, try a thick, mansion was largely destroyed fudgy brownie, berry danish or in the Second World War, but its the house speciality, cheesecake. formal gardens remain a paulrhodesbakery.co.uk wonderland, with box-hedged fl owerbeds, a giant chessboard and a mural depicting Victorian society at play. Before lunching offi ce workers commandeer the ROAD benches, look for a seat beneath 4 the brick arch with the cryptic engraving ‘Gosh! 18.03.2005’.

3 Campden Hill Square Diana Memorial Playground NOTTING HILL GATE This lovely tree-lined square is set on a fearsome slope that was 3 put to use by JMW Turner to capture the sun setting behind the rooftops below. It’s worth a lung-busting circuit to take St George’s Church in the impeccable townhouses and blue plaques to war poet Siegfried Sassoon, Scottish explorer John McDouall Stuart 2 Kyoto Garden and writer Evelyn Underhill. If this beautifully manicured Japanese-style garden isn’t CHURCH STREET arresting enough itself, there’s KENSINGTON an army of peacocks and a curious lifesize walking-man 2 sculpture, too. Life seems to 1 slow to a trickle as you enter the contemplative space. Follow the path over stepping stones by a 10 lake that’s fed by a waterfall and teeming with plump carp. FINISH QUEEN’S GATE START 10 Whole Foods Market A fi tting end to your journey, where you can refuel on the fi nest foodstuffs. In 2007 this multistorey temple of ethical epicureanism opened in the Art Deco building that used Commonwealth Institute to house Barker’s department store. If you make it past the patisserie in the entrance hall, the cheese room, with dozens of artisan varieties, is a pungent delight. wholefoodsmarket.com

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pp16-17_&London_RambleMAP_des4.indd 16 19/02/2014 16:04 THE MAP

5 Physical Energy statue 6 Queen Anne’s Alcove 7 Reformers Tree This colossal bronze of a man The long, rounded bench inside After the oak that once stood on horseback has stood sentry Sir Christopher Wren’s 18th- near this spot was burnt down for more than a century, and is century classical summerhouse during the Reform League Riots the most celebrated statue of the is the most sought-after seat in in 1866, its stump became Victorian painter and sculptor , offering a notice boardOXFORD for political STREET George Frederic Watts. Use a secluded, sun-trapped perch demonstrations. That, too, is it as a vantage point to take in from which to take in the nearby gone, but this mosaic of black the avenue of trees and to look Italian Gardens, in whose ornate and white cobbles was laid in its PARK LANE down to the Long Water, across fountains Colin Firth and memory in 2001. It’s a subtle which Henry Moore’s superb Hugh Grant fought for Renée landmark, but an eloquent stone sculpture Arch rises like Zellweger’s affections in Bridget tribute to Hyde Park’s historical a giant squared-off wishbone. Jones: The Edge of Reason. role in forging British democracy. 6

WEST CARRIAGE DRIVE

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Diana Memorial Playground Joy of Life Fountain

5

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Albert Memorial 9 Diana Memorial Fountain If you need to cool down, this sloping stone ring fi lled with contra-fl owing 8 Wellington Monument waters is a nice spot to dip a toe. Achilles has the best legs in KENSINGTON ROAD Indeed, after its troubled opening town. Not that the Victorian in 2004, it was unkindly referred to ladies who paid for this as the ‘memorial footbath’. But after Walk the route sculpture honouring the Duke fl ooding and toddlers slipping on of Wellington knew they’d This walk is based on the Inner the wet Cornish granite, the be getting such a revealing London Ramblers’ Kensington remodelled merry-go-round has specimen until it was erected Circular Walk, a six-mile route become one of the most popular in 1822. The 18ft hero of the that starts and ends at High attractions in Hyde Park. Trojan War wasn’t allowed to Street Kensington Underground go the full Greek, although his Station. Part of the Ramblers’ fi g leaf has been subject to Association, the Inner London sabotage over the years. Area comprises nine groups across the city, running group walks and sharing route ideas. Turn over for a selection of properties To fi nd out more or to join, visit located along this Kensington route innerlondonramblers.org.uk

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Historic, iconic, beautiful... Add these eye-catching properties to your guided tour of Kensington and Notting Hill’s finest attractions

Kensington Court W8 A newly refurbished flat in an attractive red-brick building close to Kensington High Street. Features a large reception room and two double bedrooms. £695 per week. Unfurnished LET Contact 020 7938 3866

Pitt Street W8 Lansdowne Road W11 A cleverly designed, Occupying more than beautifully presented 3,000 sq ft, this stucco- south-facing period fronted six-bedroom house with garden. family house benefits £2,650 per week. from wood flooring, Unfurnished LET period features and Contact 020 7938 3866 a wonderful south- facing garden. £4,500 per week. Unfurnished Contact 020 7221 1111 Princedale Road W11 A beautifully presented three- bedroom period house close to Holland Park. This property is spread over three floors and boasts a stunning roof terrace. £1,100 per week. Furnished Contact 020 7589 9966

Norland Square W11 A beautiful family home situated on a prestigious garden square in Holland Park. The excellent entertaining space includes a wonderful drawing room, plus a reception room that leads out onto a well-maintained garden. £3,950 per week. Unfurnished Contact 020 7221 1111

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De Vere Gardens W8 W11 Ideally located to the A modern, architectually south of Kensington designed house situated Gardens, this three- in the heart of Notting Hill. bedroom, stucco-fronted The property has a spacious Victorian house has great kitchen and dining area with space for entertaining, sliding doors onto a terrace, including a drawing and three bedroom suites. room with French doors £2,250 per week. Unfurnished opening onto a balcony. Contact 020 7221 1111 £2,850,000. Freehold Contact 020 7938 3666

Stanley Gardens W11 This meticulously renovated six- bedroom house on a sought-after Notting Hill street offers direct access to pretty communal gardens. £6,950 per week. Furnished/unfurnished Contact 020 7221 1111

Palace Gardens Terrace W8 A well-presented five-bedroom family house Bedford Gardens W8 offering spacious living and period features A fabulous five-bedroom family house throughout. The property is located near to with excellent entertaining space Kensington Gardens and Notting Hill Gate. and a large, south-facing garden. £3,950 per week. Unfurnished LET £5,950,000. Freehold SOLD Contact 020 7938 3866 Contact 020 7938 3666

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For chefs Guglielmo Arnulfo, Federico Sali and the godfather of Italian cuisine, Antonio Carluccio, food is not just a profession – it’s a lifelong passion

words Fiona Maclean PHOTOGRAPHY Rebecca Miller The Italian job

erhaps the strongest individual chefs who have moved 1975 there have been many changes, expression of stile Italiano here, intent on sharing some of the mostly improvements, especially on is in the country’s food special dishes they grew up loving, the food scene,’ he says. ‘There’s and wine. Wonderful that make these places unique. much more ethnic food making the Pfresh ingredients and simple meals We ask three of London’s favourite food scenario a bit more interesting.’ full of flavour. Regional food with Italian chefs and restaurateurs to tell A more recent London resident, subtle variations from village to us more about their view of the city Federico Sali owns and runs Tinello village. Recipes that come from the and how the food scene has evolved. on Pimlico Road with his brother heart of the family and are passed Antonio Carluccio, TV personality Max. ‘I first came to the UK in 1998; down through the generations. and author of more than 20 cookery my brother had moved to work in a London’s thriving restaurant books to date – with a new one on hotel in Castle Combe and I joined scene is home to a wealth of Italian pasta due out this spring – has been him six months later. I couldn’t restaurants. It’s the enthusiasm of a Londoner for over 37 years. ‘From speak any English, which was quite

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pp20-23_&London_Chefs_Properties_des3.indd 20 19/02/2014 11:25 ITALIAN CHEFS

a challenge – when someone that time,’ he says. ‘Though,’ in the kitchen asked me to adds Antonio, ‘through the advent fetch salad, I’d turn up with a of so many foreigners, a little bit chopping board,’ he remembers. of Englishness has been lost.’ ‘In my early 20s the country The original Carluccio’s on Neal hotel was a bit quiet for me, so Street in Covent Garden was one I moved to London 15 years ago. of the first restaurants to challenge Then, everyone wanted posh the English perception of Italian restaurants, now it’s much more food beyond pizza and pasta, and affordable and family-orientated became a much-loved landmark. – and the quality is better too.’ It’s also the place where Jamie At 24, Guglielmo Arnulfo is Oliver was first employed – as a the youngest of the trio, but chef pastry chef. With 12 restaurants in patron of Acciuga on Kensington central London alone, and another High Street. ‘I started to live in 75 around the UK and as far afield the UK just five years ago, but as Qatar and Abu Dhabi, does I’ve noticed that quality of food Antonio miss those early days? and a better knowledge of food ‘Yes, if I had the chance to do has developed really fast even in it again I would,’ he says.

From left: Federico Sali, who runs Tinello; Antonio Carluccio, who has a chain of restaurants across the world; and Guglielmo Arnulfo, chef-patron of Acciuga

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‘Most of all I miss the people who school in Italy when they left school, I was a cook Federico stresses came – it was a great collection of Federico as a chef and Max as front and am still a cook. that Tinello is a people from the business world, of house. ‘We always had in mind i am self-taught. family restaurant – creatives, people from opera and to open our own restaurant,’ says in Italian, tinello is I simply love food. theatre. The location meant we had a Federico. ‘Max and I were lucky the room next to the lot of people from the theatre world. because Giorgio [Locatelli] and his My favourite meals kitchen where you All nice people and the conversation wife Plaxy helped us set up, it was are the simplest entertain family and was always interesting.’ just a question of waiting for the pasta dishes friends informally. Guglielmo had to persuade his right place to be available for what Antonio Carluccio, restaurateur Guglielmo, despite family that switching from studying we wanted – a family restaurant. spending all day in law to train as a chef was a good ‘I wanted to be a chef right from the kitchen, loves to cook at home idea. He blames his business partner school. I did five years’ training in and experiment; for him food is an Edoardo Ferrera, a fellow Italian chef Italy, working for three months each art that involves all dimensions and from Genoa, for convincing him to summer in a different restaurant. senses. Antonio, meanwhile, rarely abandon his legal training. ‘I opened That really makes you realise what eats out now, preferring to invite Acciuga through passion; my idea of needs to be done. But having said friends to his home in Wandsworth, cuisine is based on mixing traditional that, you never stop learning.’ no more than ten at a time, with his and modern techniques,’ he says. Although he writes all his own fantasy guests including the Pope ‘Initially I studied as I never recipe books (in long hand) and was and the late French actor Jean Gabin had before – to cook you must always in the kitchen in his restaurant to ensure good conversation. understand how a dish is made, and caffès, Antonio has never been a It’s obvious the driver for all three and to make it properly you need to chef and doesn’t wear whites. Both is a passion for authentic Italian understand the texture and flavour Federico and Guglielmo are keen to food, from Guglielmo, who says you want to achieve – so you must lend him a set, an offer that is quickly he couldn’t live for more than two study a lot. I started to work harder declined. ‘I was a cook and am still weeks without pesto, to Antonio, and harder to demonstrate that I had a cook,’ Antonio says proudly. ‘I am who still misses his mother’s cucina the potential to be on another level.’ self-taught. I simply love food. My povera. And it is London that Unlike Antonio and Guglielmo, favourite meals are the simplest pasta benefits from that passion. Federico and Max went straight into dishes, either with fresh tomatoes and antonio-carluccio.com, tinello.co.uk,

the business, training at catering basil, or aglio e olio [garlic and oil].’ acciuga.co.uk Academy for our photography for the use of their Islington Training Thank you to Carluccio’s

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RECIPE FOR SUCCESS DELICIOUSLY FINE properties ON THE DOORSTEP OF OUR THREE FEATURED ITALIAN EATERIES

Eaton Place SW1X Wilbraham Place SW1 A magnificently restored An exceptionally well designed two-bedroom duplex flat and presented studio flat located located on the first and in this red-brick building near second floors of this Victorian Sloane Square. The property has period property. Featuring been painstakingly refurbished a further self-contained with real flair, and includes studio flat/third bedroom. a private entrance. £5,250,000. Leasehold £400 per week. Furnished Contact 020 7235 9959 Contact 020 7235 9959

Launceston Place W8 A superb three-bedroom maisonette with its own private entrance and views out towards the . £2,750,000. Leasehold Contact 020 7938 3666

Kings Road SW10 St Michael’s Mews SW1 A beautiful four-bedroom house, An immaculately presented extensively renovated to the highest of four-bedroom house in this gated standards. The accommodation is laid out development, with the rare over five floors and includes a cinema benefit of underground parking. room and stunning roof terrace. £4,895,000. Share of freehold £3,995 per week. Unfurnished Contact 020 7235 9959

Sloane Gate Mansions SW1X This super flat is situated in a well-maintained residential building with porter and lift. Located on a quiet street, Sloane Gate Mansions is only moments from Sloane Square. £950 per week. Furnished Contact 020 7235 9959

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pp20-23_&London_Chefs_Properties_des3.indd 23 19/02/2014 11:32 Head girl From her home studio in Battersea, Bundle MacLaren has made a name for herself designing vintage-inspired, distinctively British for a well-connected clientele

WORDS Stephanie Rafanelli PHOTOGRAPHY Jessica Long

pp24-27_&London_Bundle HATS_des3.indd 24 13/02/2014 17:02 DESIGN

Milliner Bundle MacLaren in her Battersea studio, where she designs her eclectic collections

pp24-27_&London_Bundle HATS_des3.indd 25 17/02/2014 11:03 Having studied at Kensington and Chelsea College and run a stall at Portobello Market, MacLaren has a close connection with West London

the fantastic thing about hats is that they sell themselves. They are there to be seen. it’s not like designing underwear Bundle MacLaren, milliner

at-making for Bundle MacLaren has always year. ‘When Pippa Middleton been a personal affair. ‘One of the first hats wore that hat, I sold a dozen overnight, H I ever designed was for my mum for my exactly the same, all to Americans.’ wedding,’ she recalls over tea at her home studio The Britishness of Bundle’s hats is key. ‘When in Battersea. ‘It was a navy-blue straw hat, badly foreign clients go to Ascot, they get so excited. blocked with a wonky brim, a one-dimensional They are really buying into Britishness, so it’s flower and two shoddily curled quills.’ essential to have that as part of your brand.’ Then there are the hat parties where 15 friends There is one American, however, who is are invited over to whittle down 45 designs to the not quite sold yet. ‘Lady Gaga’s stylist chose a final pieces in each of her yearly collections. She selection of hats for her. I posted them off and even names hats after them. ‘Each headpiece has nothing happened. Then, about six weeks later, a character. I always have someone in mind when they came back, utterly battered and broken.’ I’m designing,’ she says. ‘But I’ve run out of Still, the singer is one of Bundle’s hat-wearing friends now, so I’m seeking inspiration elsewhere.’ inspirations, along with Daphne Guinness, the late Luckily for Bundle, her friends are well Isabella Blow and Paloma Faith. ‘I create connected. Since she launched her first collection of a collection with both Kate Middleton and affordable, vintage-inspired pieces four years ago, someone like Gaga or Paloma in mind,’ she says. her name has quickly spread via word of mouth in One of Bundle’s strengths is her own rural influential circles. ‘My biggest break was getting background. She grew up in Herefordshire, where 12 bespoke hats into the royal wedding. They were her father was a sheep farmer, and attended mainly Wills’ and Kate’s friends, and friends from Monmouth School for Girls and Hereford Sixth school, university or of the family,’ she explains. Form College. ‘I know my customer, because we ‘The fantastic thing about hats is that they sell always went to country weddings, race meetings themselves. They are there to be seen. It’s not like and Ascot as a family,’ she explains. designing underwear.’ And seen they were. Not least It was not until later in life that she identified a by the Duchess of Cambridge’s sister, who wore a ready-made market in her close circle. At first, she navy MacLaren design to a wedding the following had wanted to be an actress. After attending college

26 A particular take on property

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in Bristol and completing an internship at ABC in A sense of joie de vivre runs through Bundle’s New York, followed by 18 months of ‘disastrous’ creations, which are often inspired by materials auditions, she moved to Africa for a year with her she sources, as well as clashing colours or textures. doctor boyfriend, by which time her friends were As well as making bespoke hats on request, she all getting married and she spotted a gap in the designs an annual, cross-season collection, which market for affordable hats. From there she applied always includes a few witty pieces. Her 2014 Gaia to Kensington and Chelsea College to train under collection features a of rearing horses, as Noel Stewart, as well as seeking an apprenticeship; well as polka dots and fuchsia pink leather. ‘Gaia is she was taken on by Gina Foster and launched her the Greek goddess of the earth, and the collection own collection after graduation at the age of 27. was inspired by the global climate conference that ‘It all happened very quickly, but I fell pregnant will take place next year – although I was thinking unexpectedly. I was 40 weeks pregnant when I shot of Katy Perry, too, with this collection,’ she smiles. my first collection in the garden,’ she shudders. ‘I Bundle would love Perry to invest in one of her then did a stall every Saturday at Portobello in my pieces. Better still, the Duchess of Cambridge: ‘It’s first year. The key to success was that I sold direct, my dream to get her into one of my hats this year.’ worked from home and kept my price points low.’ Yet, despite her growing renown, Bundle has no Another essential to Bundle’s ethos is a sense intention of expanding, beyond moving to a bigger of fun: ‘It’s all about personality, confidence and studio. ‘I want to keep it small, to keep quality up how you wear it,’ she says. ‘I have a client, a and prices down. I want my hats to be a bargain, magical Irish woman who is 75 with bright-pink and for clients to come whenever they want for a hair. She tried on every hat in my studio – and chat and consultation with a cup of tea.’ she looked amazing in everything.’ bundlemaclaren.co.uk

ICONIC BRITISH HATS

THE CITY BOWLER Originally designed in THE CHELSEA PENSIONER TRICORN 1849 for Edward Coke, brother of the 2nd The three-pronged military hat is worn by Earl of Leicester, by Thomas and William pensioners living at the Royal Hospital Bowler to protect his gamekeepers when Chelsea, a retirement home for former riding under low-hanging branches. It went members of the British Army, on ceremonial on to be associated with hard-headed occasions and when travelling. It is worn businessmen in the City and has reemerged with a scarlet coat. The Chelsea Pensioners in recent fashion collections by Hermès. also wear the tall, cylindrical shako cap. Bowler-hatted style icons include Charlie Chaplin and Malcolm McDowell’s character, THE CUSTODIAN Worn by Alex DeLarge, in A Clockwork Orange. Bobbies on the beat throughout and , the custodian helmet was first THE ROYAL GUARD BEARSKIN BUSBY adopted by the Metropolitan in This cylindrical bearskin cap is worn by 1863. Its distinctive design was based the Royal Horse Artillery and is a British on that of the (‘spike hat’), version of the military headdress worn which was worn by German armies in the by the Hungarian Hussars. It is thought 19th and early 20th centuries. It replaced to be named after 19th-century supplier a traditional , which was worn with W. Busby of The Strand, London. white trousers and a swallow-tail coat.

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pp24-27_&London_Bundle HATS_des3.indd 27 17/02/2014 11:17 Why west is best Simon Rose of the Chelsea SW10 office loves the energy of Chelsea proper’s cool cousin. He shows us a few of his favourite places and reveals why those in the know go west

WORDS Clare Dowdy PHOTOGRAPHY Tim E White

‘I get a buzz walking down the and European, meaning it’s a little Road every day,’ says Simon more informal than Sloane Square; Rose. As a Partner at Strutt & Parker less staged, more ties off.’ and Head of the Chelsea SW10 office, European families are attracted he loves his patch along by the lateral living offered by certain and its surrounding streets. blocks, and ‘the chance for the The best vibe, he says, is around discerning house buyer to hand-pick its lively western end, known locally a house size and have a quieter living as ‘The Beach’. ‘It had a raffish charm experience,’ explains Rose. in the 1970s and still has a good Although the indigenous number of independent shops,’ he population tends to have grown up explains, citing a butcher, a baker here, there’s such a strong French and and numerous coffee bars. ‘It has Italian contingency that there are two an old high-street feeling to it.’ small shops catering specifically to The west end of Chelsea is deemed them: Le Pascalou and Luigi’s, more low-key than the heart of the respectively. ‘Throughout all the hard area, around Sloane Square and the times we had last year, the British and Kings Road, but Rose prefers its the French were still buying,’ says understated charm. ‘It’s got much Rose. ‘The French had decided that more of a soul and a less commercial they weren’t going back, and that feel than SW3,’ he explains, London was going to be their home.’ highlighting the quirky institution Their decision must have been Chelsea Arts Club on Old Church helped by the presence of the popular Street, which, he says, sets the area’s Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle in tone. ‘What goes on tour stays on nearby . tour behind those doors,’ he laughs. Although West Chelsea may be ‘This area is less transient,’ he more low-key, many of its residents adds. ‘Most people we sell to here are past and present can hardly be looking for their home. In terms of described as low profile. Rose can the people, it has the best of British rattle off a host of famous names,

28 A particular take on property

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west chelsea offers an architecturally eclectic mix of flats and houses

Gledhow Gardens SW5 Superb lateral flat with four double bedrooms and two reception rooms. £2,750 per week. Unfurnished Contact 020 7373 1010

Cavaye House SW10 A wonderfully bright flat with open-plan living space and two large terraces. £775 per week. Unfurnished Contact 020 7373 1010

Elm Park Road SW3 An immaculately refurbished two- bedroom flat with two private terraces. £1,800,000. Leasehold Contact 020 7373 1010

pp28-31_&London_WChelsea_SimonRose_des4.indd 29 13/02/2014 17:11 including Adele, Frank Lampard, ‘First it was the loft extension, now Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Rowan people are going down. The basement Atkinson, Hugh Grant, Liz Hurley, dig-out reared its head around here Pippa Middleton and Kylie Minogue. five years ago. However, it’s an instant Beyond the attractions of The way of making an enemy before Beach, West Chelsea boasts some of you’ve moved in,’ he cautions. the finest traditional houses in central Aside from homeowners’ own London, in , The Little improvement ideas, there is a major Boltons, Tregunter Road and Gilston regeneration scheme earmarked for Road. Ten Acre Estate – between Earls Court. Developer EC Properties Fulham Road and Kings Road – has is hoping for an ‘urban renaissance’, the area’s largest houses, and Cheyne courtesy of an ambitious masterplan Walk by the river is steeped in history. by architect Terry Farrell. The plan ‘Architecturally, there is an eclectic includes 7,500 new houses in four mix – no two houses are the same,’ ‘urban villages’, and a 21st-century says Rose. ‘There are a few hidden high street. ‘That will definitely have gems behind those garden walls.’ an impact,’ says Rose. ‘Regeneration Despite the generous proportions with such a huge number of new of many properties, people are still homes can only be good, as long determined to add value, says Rose. as the area retains its unique soul.’

Secret Seven: the best places for…

Being artistic Chelsea Arts Club, 143 Old Church Street. About as it cool as it gets. If you’re lucky enough to know a member and get invited, bite their arm off!

Lazy Sunday lunches Sophie’s Steakhouse & Bar, 311-313 Fulham Road. Sophie’s sets the benchmark for steaks across London. A great atmosphere, too.

Boutique shopping Luigi’s, 349 Fulham Road. The best place to go for good old-fashioned Italian cooking and treats, just like Mama used to make.

Jogging Cheyne Walk (from no 91 onwards) – it’s difficult to think of a more romantic strip of the Thames along which one can pound the pavement.

Looking up Cineworld Cinema, 142 Fulham Road. This architectural beauty is how all cinemas should look. It gives going to see a film a sense of occasion.

Gourmet dining Eight over Eight, 392 King’s Road. Here, Asian fusions meet the ‘it’ crowd and yummy mummies. Book to avoid disappointment.

A romantic date The Painted Heron, 112 Cheyne Walk. This wonderful restaurant has made its name showing how Indian cuisine should really taste. A little gem.

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Callow Street SW3 This recently refurbished property benefits from wooden flooring, a large decked garden and a small terrace. £795 per week. Furnished Contact 020 7373 1010

Edith Terrace SW3 A three-bedroom maisonette boasting five windows spanning the length of the south-facing reception room. £2,400,000. Share of freehold Contact 020 7373 1010

Netherton Grove SW10 A stunning two-bedroom, first-floor maisonette in a quiet location. £2,550,000. Share of freehold Contact 020 7373 1010

&More Take a virtual tour of West Chelsea’s highlights at struttandparker.com/andlondon

pp28-31_&London_WChelsea_SimonRose_des5.indd 31 21/02/2014 15:11 pp32-39_&London_Interiors_Prop_clock opener_des3.indd 32 14/02/2014 16:40 Words Trish Lorenz Photography Ben Anders

the Finishing touch

Interior designer Fiona Barratt-Campbell is inspired by texture, drawing on the organic surfaces, intricate patterns and tactile finishes found in nature to create her beautiful pieces. We visit her new London store to experience them for ourselves

Shopping for furniture isn’t usually a sensual experience, but walking around interior designer Fiona Barratt-Campbell’s Belgravia store I find I’m constantly drawn to touch things: stroking the silky soft, fish skin-covered Teres bench; rubbing my fingers along the pale green outline of the verdigris bronze wall; drawing my hand over metal table tops, glossy wooden consoles and roughly textured, lunar-inspired brass finishes. Fiona encourages people to connect with her pieces. ‘My designs are a feast for the senses,’ she says. ‘I want to draw people in and involve them; I want my furniture to engage with the environment it’s in, not fade into the background.’ Fiona has run her interior design business, Fiona Barratt Interiors, since 2006, creating furniture and styling homes for high-end clients. In October she opened her first store, on London’s Pimlico Road, bringing her furniture collection, FBC London, within reach of a broader audience. It is the place to go if you like your interiors to be textural havens that invite touch and exploration. ‘My style is not about lots of pattern or colour, it’s about creating interest with texture,’ says Fiona, pointing to the pairing of a high-gloss wooden table with

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matt walnut chairs upholstered in Wall and we were always being taken to embossed gold leather as an example. Roman ruins when I was at school.’ It’s taken her four years to create and Fiona’s Oswald table, named after launch her furniture collection, and she a post-Roman king of the north, is an manufactures most of her pieces in north- example of that inspiration made real. With east England, working with craftsmen curved, solid cast bronze legs and antique ranging from ceramicists and upholsterers brass detailing inset into a laser-cut oak to cabinetmakers and metalworkers. top, the table is reminiscent of a Roman ‘I’m really committed to keeping skilled shield: sturdy and classic in design. people and businesses alive in the north Though Fiona’s designs are classic, of England,’ she says. ‘I’m originally from they complement contemporary as well as Newcastle, and I knew there was a great traditional spaces – thanks to a reliance on heritage of craft and industry in the region.’ simple forms and natural materials. ‘We live Her northern heritage inspires her creatively in a listed Georgian hall and the pieces work too. ‘My inspiration comes a lot from nature. really well against the original features,’ she We have a house in the Northumberland says. ‘But we have some designs in our countryside and I like to walk there and London flat too and they don’t look out along the beach. I’m also inspired by of place in a modern space either.’ Roman history. I grew up near Hadrian’s fionabarrattinteriors.com, fbc-london.com

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pp32-39_&London_Interiors_Prop_clock opener_des3.indd 34 14/02/2014 16:41 INTERIORS

WOOD My designs ‘I work with a mix of solid woods are a feast for the and veneers. When I find a veneer senses. I want to I like, I work with the craftsmen to draw people in and play around with the colour and involve them create something really different, Fiona Barratt-Campbell, such as the white-grey walnut finish interior designer on the sides of the City chest of drawers. For that piece, I was inspired by roof tiles to create the chipped oak finish of the drawers. The oak is cut into tiny pieces and hand applied, and it is very textural and tactile. I like to combine high-gloss finishes with rough textures on a lot of my pieces. The Housesteads console table has a high-gloss oak top – we apply 20 coats of gloss to achieve the shine – and I’ve combined it with legs that have a textured brass finish.’

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METAL

‘Metal is really important to my work. Most designers use metal in very limited ways, as handles or small details, but I use it for the basis of a piece: the Sol armchair has metal sides, while the Minerva desk has legs of solid cast bronze and is so heavy it takes six men to lift it. I’ve also created a wall finish made of verdigris bronze; it’s beautifully textured and very tactile and sensual. The Aurora table is really textural too – it has a bronze patina top that resembles cracked, dried earth. I was travelling in South Africa and took a picture of the dried ground. When I got back, the craftsmen modelled the image in clay and then cast it in bronze.’

TEXTILES

‘Fabrics are so important, they can utterly change the character of a design. I tend to prefer natural materials that resemble sand or earth. I especially like linen, but also silk, brushed cotton and leather. I get my leather from America; they have fantastically large hides there with a nice big grain that I love. I’d like to work more with leather, and there will be leather accessories in my next collection. I’ve also started working with fish skin. It’s very difficult to get hold of, but I found a supplier in the Amazon who has beautiful skins that are quite big, so you can use it on a larger scale. I’ve used it on the Teres bench and it’s beautifully textured and soft but still quite robust.’

&More Fiona shares her interiors tips and design do’s and don’ts at struttandparker.com/andlondon

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Designs for life STUNNING PROPERTIES THAT HAVE BEEN EXPERTLY REFURBISHED TO REVEAL THEIR BEST FEATURES

Redcliffe Place SW10 Cadogan Court Gardens An outstanding south-facing, SW1X three-bedroom upper An immaculately refurbished maisonette located on a tranquil three-bedroom lateral flat in this tree-lined street that runs mansion block on the borders parallel to Fulham Road. of Knightsbridge and Belgravia, £975 per week. Unfurnished offering easy access to shops, Contact 020 7373 1010 public transport and the open spaces of Hyde Park. £2,950 per week. Furnished Contact 020 7235 9959

Palace Gate W8 When this magnificent building (dating back to the 1870s) was recently refurbished, its original murals and intricate cornicing were discovered and have been brought back to life. £5,500,000. Share of freehold SOLD Contact 020 7938 3666

Wilton Street SW1 This interior-designed end-of- Egerton Place SW3 terrace period house is flooded with A classic first-floor flat with high natural light throughout its four ceilings, two double bedrooms exceptional reception rooms. and a west-facing balcony. £11,000,000. Freehold £1,400 per week. Furnished Contact 020 7235 9959 Contact 020 7589 9966

Gowan Avenue SW6 A spectacular, architect-designed house offering wonderfully bright and spacious accommodation on this popular road in Fulham. The property boasts unusually high ceilings throughout. £1,195 per week. Unfurnished LET Contact 020 7731 7100

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Upper Addison Gardens W14 An outstanding and beautifully presented three-bedroom Rutland Gate SW7 maisonette occupying the A superb, newly refurbished raised ground and lower ground third-floor lateral apartment, floors of this impressive finished to exacting standards. stucco-fronted teraced house. Offering a good balance of well £2,999,950. Leasehold laid-out accommodation and Contact 020 7938 3666 exceptional light from its six front windows, which give open views across Hyde Park. The apartment benefits from direct lift access and a resident caretaker. £6,500,000. Freehold Contact 020 7235 9959

Smith Terrace SW3 A contemporary four-bedroom family house extending to some 2,634 sq ft, which has been completely rebuilt behind the original facade. £5,750,000. Freehold UNDER OFFER Contact 020 7225 3866

Kensington Place W8 A lovely townhouse in the sought-after Hillgate Village, Elm Park Gardens SW10 this property has wooden floors A grand and generously throughout, plus a contemporary proportioned two-bedroom kitchen, beautiful double reception maisonette, which has been room and private terrace. tastefully interior designed. £1,695 per week. £1,850,000. Leasehold Unfurnished LET Contact 020 7373 1010 Contact 020 7938 3866

Montrose Place SW1 Spacious, light and well laid out, this spectacular four-bedroom, four-bathroom duplex has a sophisticated feel and is finished to an exceptional standard. £7,450 per week. Furnished Contact 020 7235 9959

38 A particular take on property

pp32-39_&London_Interiors_Prop_clock opener_des4.indd 38 21/02/2014 15:16 Clock watching In anticipation of the arrival of British Summer Time, we present a guide to some of London’s most famous, interesting and quirky clocks

words Paul Clements ILLUSTRATION Herds of Birds

t’s quite a boast, but which sailors and explorers could which is synchronised and averaged London can claim to be the calculate their ocean position – soon by radio signal, and will lose less I birthplace of time. When adopted a standardised clock, with than a second in 138 million years. in 1851 the Astronomer Royal Sir a little encouragement from a time As the clocks go forward for the George Airy defined an imaginary signal radioed on the hour from the summer, the time-consuming ritual dateline around the globe, separating Royal Observatory. London’s status of winding-on begins again, not least east from west in the same way the as global timelord was soon sealed. in Buckingham Palace where staff Equator divides north from south, How times change – but not that have some 500 clocks to change. the Greenwich Meridian was born. much. Today, it’s Teddington in Here, we present a countdown of Countries along the arbitrary line Middlesex that is home to the London’s most timeless public at 0° longitude – a zero point from world’s most accurate atomic clock, clocks. Ready, set...

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KENSINGTON PALACE GARDENS SECURITY HUT

This security checkpoint on Bayswater Road guards the entrance to what is often cited as the most expensive residential street in the country, a Billionaire’s Row of embassies and royal residences. Erected in 1998, the guards’ hut is painted black to distinguish it from the green Victorian ‘cabman’s shelters’ for resting taxi drivers dotted around west London. Another way to tell it apart is the blue and TURQUOISE ISLAND, gold-embossed clock on its NOTTING HILL wooden turret.

Part fl ower kiosk, part park bench, part public loo, this eye-popping, angular structure is the brainchild of playful British architect Piers Gough and transformed a west London traffi c island into a magnet for fans of 90s modernism. The cherry on top – or, rather, round the side – is a minimalist, numerals-free clockface in a thick, matt-silver casing that’s set into a wall like a coin being pushed into a slot. So when it’s time to spend a penny…

LIBERTY CLOCK

Set into an arched stone bridge over Kingly Street, the magnifi cent clock is as much a part of the department store’s quintessentially English identity as its timbered Tudor Revival exterior and the iconic fl oral prints sold inside. Time is told by a single, circular hour hand in gold, against a deep-blue dial CLOCK decorated with a suitably ornate sunburst. When this decorative white limestone hall Following recent restoration, the moving opened in the heart of Chelsea in 1907 – the fi gure of St George on horseback can brainchild of British architect Robert Fellowes once again be seen slaying the Chisholm – it was as a Christian Scientist church. dragon on the hour. Now it’s a Grade II Listed concert hall that’s home to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Inside, the auditorium is dominated by a steep barreled roof that offers perfect acoustics for classical, jazz and world music. Seen from Sloane Square, the dominant feature remains the Byzantine tower, whose illuminated clockface is complemented spectacularly at night by backlit stained-glass windows.

40 A particular take on property

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CLOCK WATCHING

BIG BEN ST PANCRAS As every Londoner knows, Big Ben is the name of the 13.7-tonne bell, not the 315ft clocktower in which Sir George Gilbert Scott’s fantastical it hangs. But here’s the killer pub-quiz question: what is pinky-red brick frontispiece to the railway the name of the clock itself, whose mechanism, designed terminus underwent a spectacular renovation in by Victorian horologist Edmund Beckett Denison, 2010. With a design based on gothic Italian belfries is still accurate to within one and a half seconds? and fairytale castles, the old Clock Tower was only Answer: the Great Clock (disappointingly, ever intended as a Victorian folly, housing the perhaps). But it does have a 14ft pendulum, mechanical winding mechanism, pulley system and a minute hand that’s only marginally long weights box needed to operate the four-faced shorter and faces that have to be clock. But since 2010, the tower has found cleaned by abseilers. a real purpose: as a two-bedroom, two- bathroom duplex with a 10m-high living room and views over King’s Cross.

CANARY WHARF CLOCKS

A collection of near-identical timepieces make up Six Public Clocks, a 1999 installation by ST DUNSTAN-IN-THE-WEST German designer Konstantin Grcic. Mounted on Dating from the 10th century, this church was stainless-steel ‘stems’ in Reuters Plaza, at the foot of saved from the Great Fire of London by scholars the Canary Wharf tower, the 12 clockfaces are from Westminster School who doused it with buckets modelled on the iconic Swiss railway clock – of water. After reaching near-dereliction, it was rebuilt utilitarian white background, no-nonsense black in 1831-2, and remains a much-loved City landmark hands and a second hand in distinctive red. – thanks in no small part to its clock, which was Though the clocks are synchronised perfectly installed in 1671 and was the fi rst in London and tell the same time, each carries with a minute hand. In an alcove above stand just one, seemingly randomly the fi gures of Gog and Magog, mythical chosen numeral. pagan giants and traditional guardians of the City.

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From classic Georgian townhouses to the latest modern developments, these properties tell the story of London’s changing architecture

Physic Place SW3 A three/four bedroom post-war house with garage, parking and a west-facing garden, situated in a secure, quiet development. £1,650 per week. Unfurnished Contact 020 7589 9966

Westbourne Wilton Place SW1X Park Road W2 Ideally located on the This fi ve-bedroom favoured southern mid-Victorian property section of Wilton Place, has excellent entertaining this classic Regency space, including a townhouse has fi ve Pembridge Villas W11 wonderful fi rst-fl oor double bedrooms A stunning one-bedroom drawing room with three (including three ensuites) apartment situated in a beautiful sets of windows across and a large roof terrace. period house moments from the front of the house. £5,500 per week. Notting Hill Gate and Hyde Park, £4,250,000. Freehold Furnished with high ceilings, wood fl ooring Contact 020 7221 1111 Contact 020 7235 9959 and period features throughout. £650 per week. Unfurnished Contact 020 7221 1111

One Hyde Park, Knightsbridge SW1 A spacious two-bedroom apartment situated in this iconic new development. Both bedrooms have bathrooms, and the apartment comes with a wine cellar and underground parking space. £9,500,000. Leasehold Contact 020 7235 9959

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Wolfe House, Kensington High Street W14 A stunning contemporary fl at situated on the third fl oor of this newbuild development Winchendon Road SW6 with parking and concierge A beautifully presented service. The property has three six-bedroom property with bedrooms, two bathrooms, extensive entertaining an open-plan kitchen/reception space, including a spacious room and access to a ground-fl oor drawing room. communal fi tness centre. £3,150,000. Freehold £1,200 per week. Unfurnished Contact 020 7731 7100 Contact 020 7938 3866

Albert Court, Prince Consort Road SW7 A marriage of newbuild technology and Victorian charm, this three- bedroom penthouse is on the seventh fl oor of a 24-hour portered mansion block. Located right next to the Royal Albert Hall, it has a large roof terrace. £6,950,000. Leasehold Contact 020 7591 2210

Lilyville Road SW6 Rawlings Street SW3 An exceptional semi-detached This beautifully refurbished four-bedroom Victorian house on this sought-after family home offers excellent entertaining road, with fi ve bedrooms and three space, including a double drawing room. reception rooms set over three fl oors. £2,350 per week. Unfurnished £2,350,000. Freehold SOLD Contact 020 7589 9966 Contact 020 7731 7100

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the REHEARSAL The Chelsea Opera Group holds a unique place in the history of British opera. We go behind the scenes at the final rehearsal before its acclaimed performance of Euryanthe at Cadogan Hall WORDS Lucy Ryan PHOTOGRAPHY Mischa Haller

or most people, Friday night is the he says. ‘Conducting calls for great tact and time to switch off, kick back and sensitivity. You need to be clear and direct but relax. Not so for conductor Cameron at the same time encouraging and inspiring. Burns and the 112 members of the Your mood on the podium dictates the mood Chelsea Opera Group. It is the of the room, so it is extremely important to be Fevening before they perform Carl Maria von calm and relaxed, especially when dealing Weber’s Euryanthe at Cadogan Hall, and the with a challenging work such as Euryanthe.’ orchestra and chorus are assembled in Henry This unusual choice for the performance Wood Hall for their final tutti rehearsal. at Cadogan Hall – one of three a year – is The German grand-heroic Romantic opera typical of the Chelsea Opera Group. It was in three acts is a tough choice for Cameron’s founded in 1950 by music critic David Cairns Left: conductor debut with the group – technically challenging and the late Stephen Gray, General Manager Cameron Burns for the musicians and extremely demanding of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic with the Chelsea on the soloists. He, however, has absolute Orchestra. At the time, both were unknown Opera Group. faith in the talented company of amateurs and young musical enthusiasts with a passion for Above, from left professionals before him, and urges them on. opera, and their first performance, Mozart’s to right: mezzo- ‘It is an extremely difficult opera, so we still Don Giovanni, was conducted by a young soprano Camilla need to iron out a few things,’ he confirms. Colin Davis, who went on to become one Roberts; violas He tackles the tricky sections with gusto, of Britain’s greatest conductors. Stefan Laros and calling for replays and firmly but fairly taking The group’s mission – to bring opera to a Ellie Merton; the chorus to task when necessary. ‘It is my wider public and give young instrumentalists double bass responsibility to bring out the best in people,’ and singers the chance to perform leading Jacob Head

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i feel proud to operatic works before At 31, Cameron is one of the group’s be part of our the public – is alive and youngest conductors. He hopes to offer a grand operatic well today. fresh perspective, marrying his voice and heritage and to The group is a magnet opera-coaching expertise to his conducting work with such for talented amateurs, skills, described as ‘urbane, unhistrionic and young professionals and impeccable’ by The Times. ‘Conducting talented musicians chorus singers, while opera singers and conducting an orchestra and singers opera aficionados relish require very different disciplines,’ he says. Cameron Burns, conductor the opportunity to enjoy ‘It is hard work to bring both areas together. Chelsea Opera Group less well-known operas Performances are extremely demanding, and see performers who mentally and physically.’ If further proof may be established abroad but are unknown were needed, he mops a dripping brow to British audiences. Celebrated alumni of the and restores order to a ruffled, damp shirt. Chelsea Opera Group include conductors Sir In the highly competitive world of Simon Rattle, Sir Mark Elder and Sir Roger conducting, Cameron is in a privileged position. Norrington and opera legends Dame Kiri Te ‘I’ve always been a fan of Sir Colin Davis, so to Kanawa, Sir Willard White and Jill Gomez. work with the group with which he started his The combination of amateur and career is a great honour. I feel proud to be part professional talent gives the group its unique of our grand operatic heritage and to work energy – a quality that appeals hugely to with such talented musicians and singers.’ conductors such as Cameron. Having largely Inspired by a team that includes celebrated worked abroad, he seized the opportunity to violinist Diana Cummings as leader of the take to the podium here in London. ‘In the orchestra, and internationally renowned UK, we produce some of the best opera in the mezzo-soprano Deborah Miles-Johnson as world,’ he says. ‘We are blessed with some chorus master, the group performs with of the finest conservatoires with exceptional passion and brio. Little wonder critic Richard standards of teaching and coaching. We take Nicholson regards their performances as opera seriously; as a largely subsidised art, it ‘among London’s most joyful operatic events’. comes with a great sense of responsibility to As for Euryanthe on the night at Cadogan our sponsors to live up to expectation and Hall? ‘It was a triumph,’ reports Cameron the merit their support.’ following Monday. ‘An absolute triumph.’

46 A particular take on property

pp44-47_&London_OperaGroup_des4.indd 46 19/02/2014 12:34 CHELSEA OPERA GROUP

talent spotting Kirstin Sharpin (soprano, Diana Cummings (first violin Jonathan Stoughton (tenor, above) A graduate of the Royal and leader of the orchestra, below right) Having trained at Scottish Academy of Music below centre) One of the the Royal College of Music’s and the Cardiff International country’s most distinguished Benjamin Britten International Academy of Voice, Kirstin has violinists, Diana boasts a Opera School and the National performed numerous critically glittering international career Opera Studio, Jonathan made acclaimed roles, notably The as a soloist and an orchestra his debut as Radames in Aida High Priestess in Aida with the leader. She is currently a at the Royal Albert Hall, and London Symphony Orchestra Fellow and professor at the has embraced various roles as at the Royal Albert Hall. Royal Academy of Music. an oratorio and concert soloist.

Visit chelseaoperagroup.org.uk for details of the group’s spring/summer performances

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pp44-47_&London_OperaGroup_des4.indd 47 19/02/2014 12:38 & LONDON

These exceptionally presented properties are the cream of the crop in upmarket Chelsea. Music to your ears…

Kingston House South, Ennismore Gardens SW7 A beautifully presented two- bedroom flat in the 24-hour portered Kingston House South. This modern property benefits from generous open-plan living. £3,595,000. Share of freehold SOLD Contact 020 7235 9959

River House SW3 Belgrave Mews A stunning, newly North SW1 refurbished one- A newly developed bedroom flat on the mews house with lower-ground floor of this off-street parking. This Listed building, with its Victorian property has Lowndes Square SW1X own patio area. been reconfigured to A four/five bedroom penthouse £750 per week. Furnished include three bedrooms flat, overlooking the communal Contact 020 7589 9966 and three bathrooms. Lowndes Square gardens. £6,950,000. Freehold Situated on the top floor of UNDER OFFER a 24-hour portered building, this Contact 020 7235 9959 property has been modernised to an exceptional standard. £15,950,000. Leasehold Contact 020 7235 9959

Cadogan Gardens SW3 A west-facing lateral flat on the second floor of this handsome red-brick and stone building, with views down over Cadogan Gardens. £3,950,000. Leasehold SOLD Contact 020 7225 3866

48 A particular take on property

pp48-49_&London_COG Properties_des3.indd 48 14/02/2014 09:49 & LONDON

Cadogan Square SW1X Tedworth Square SW3 A spacious two double- A substantial, newly bedroom flat in this refurbished corner house prestigious Knightsbridge that hasn’t been on the garden square. market for 25 years. £2,250 per week. Furnished Features views over the 020 7235 9959 gardens of Tedworth Square. £5,750,000. Leasehold SOLD Contact 020 7225 3866

Hans Crescent SW1X Meticulously modernised and interior designed using the highest quality materials, this flat offers contemporary living in a unique setting. £3,950 per week. Furnished/unfurnished Contact 020 7235 9959

One Hyde Park Knightsbridge SW1X A spacious two-bedroom apartment situated on the ground and first floors of this Bramerton Street SW3 iconic development. The large A beautiful white-stucco fronted five/ reception room leads on to a six-bedroom family house on a particularly private terrace with views of quiet and leafy street off Kings Road. Hyde Park. £6,750,000. Freehold SOLD £9,500,000. Leasehold Contact 020 7225 3866 Contact 020 7235 9959

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pp48-49_&London_COG Properties_des3.indd 49 21/02/2014 14:59 50 A particular take on property

pp50-51_&London_RogerHooper_des3.indd 50 19/02/2014 12:43 Where the wild things are Wildlife photographer Roger Hooper roams the world snapping exotic species, but since moving to Parsons Green he has rediscovered London’s own natural treasures

WORDS Cheryl Markosky

oger Hooper has spent Indian, Chinese, two Thai and two DIY aside, Parsons Green is a 15 happy years travelling Italian restaurants. Nadia doesn’t welcome refuge for Roger, who has to all seven continents, drive, so was another busy year ahead with four R capturing shots of some isolating for her. Here, we can walk trips abroad, work on his third of the rarest animals and birds on with our dog just about everywhere.’ wildlife photography book and the planet – but he always likes Great discoveries so far include an exhibition at the South Bank’s coming home. ‘I do get withdrawal Bishops Park, running along the gallery@oxo in the summer. He’s symptoms for London,’ he admits. Thames and the London Wetland also preparing several calendars and Home is currently a five-bedroom Centre just over the river in Barnes. diaries for the World Wildlife Fund. house (rented through Strutt & Roger loves testing his new lenses Given he’s now viewing London Parker) on Lilyville Road in Parsons on the centre’s wild birds and otters. through a lens too, we may yet see Green, south-west London. Hooper ‘I was a judge once for the British a photography project focused on is adept at exploring new terrain and Wildlife Photography Awards, and the capital. ‘There are great skies he and his partner, PA/writer Nadia, seeing all these brilliant pictures here, if only people bothered to have done exactly that by scouting taken in the UK did make me feel look up. Foxes are becoming more their potential new neighbourhood. guilty. I visit so many exotic places, common as well, and I love taking ‘We’re selling an apartment at but perhaps I should be seeking pictures of cormorants and grey Chelsea Harbour and renting in more wildlife here.’ herons feeding on the Thames.’ Parsons Green to decide if it’s what He confesses he’s ‘not a great People often ask Roger how he we really want,’ explains Roger, 63. renter, as there’s always a lot I want can settle in London after travelling The trial run’s been so successful to do to the property I’m in. When to wonderful places all over the that he says he might even ask the things go wrong, I just want to sort globe. ‘I go to all these exciting landlord if he can buy the house. them out.’ However, that’s made him locations and then I get to come It’s easy to see why he’s keen to a valuable tenant in Lilyville Road: home to the greatest city in the remain on this cosmopolitan patch when the locks and bolts didn’t world,’ he replies simply. just off Fulham Road. ‘Within a work due to the damp weather, rogerhooper.co.uk, couple of hundred metres there’s an he simply fixed them himself. hoopersafricatrust.org

roger’s Top tips for London wildlife photography

Concentrate on Don’t be afraid to Shoot an hour an animal’s eye. take plenty of before or an hour Capture it with shots. People ask after sunset. &More real sharpness how I get such great That way you’ll To find out more about Roger and and everything else pictures – it’s because capture wonderfully his work, read our interview at works around it. I discard a lot. warm light. struttandparker.com/andlondon

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pp50-51_&London_RogerHooper_des3.indd 51 21/02/2014 15:01 & LONDON

Trends & analysis Strutt & Parker experts consider current market conditions and look forward to a buoyant spring MIND THE GAP Londoners are beginning to recognise the sizeable gap between values in the capital and the country, says James Mackenzie, Head of the Country House Department. ‘They now realise that a house worth £2.5 million in Fulham will get them a FOREIGN BUYERS SPRING INTO ACTION beautiful Georgian property Increasingly, the spring in prime central London have with a tennis court, stables and summer markets are continued to build on strong THE RISE AND RISE and several acres,’ he notes. becoming more important to growth, as pent-up demand OF THE CAPITAL WILL ‘And with more new homes buyers than trading property from the latter half of 2012 CARRY ON WHILE being built on green-belt in the autumn months, and a particularly severe sites, a country house at the observes Andrew Scott, Head winter were buoyed by fi rm BUYER DEMAND end of a drive with land of London Residential. interest from overseas buyers. INCREASES FASTER around it is becoming ‘Continental appetites seem Such demand is leading to increasingly attractive.’ to awaken in the capital when more property transactions, THAN SUPPLY However, he stresses that the sun starts shining,’ he with a 21.5% increase in purchasers today don’t want says, noting that purchasers total sales for the prime market. It’s possible some an overabundance of land, from countries such as central London market buyers and sellers will be as they are concerned about France, Italy and Spain during the third quarter cautious and delay making managing it. ‘They don’t become more vigorous about of 2013, compared to the decisions until they know want to move and become hunting down property when same period a year ago. what will end up on the landowners; they just want the weather is clement and the This resulted in overall trade statute books,’ he argues. to be country house owners.’ idea of venturing outdoors values of nearly £1.9 billion However, any concerns Popular rural idylls include becomes more attractive. for Q3, a 40.8% increase on about future legislation the Cotswolds, where Strutt Strutt & Parker research the previous year, according will balance out in the long & Parker recently sold three shows that nearly 44% of to Strutt & Parker research. term. A property valued at signifi cant houses, and all buyers in central London While economic £1 million today was worth Hampshire. A new trend are foreign (62% in the fundamentals are expected about a 10th of that 20 towards buying second prime central market), so to remain strong over the years ago, Scott reassures homes, which eventually he hopes for positive reports medium term (2014 to any wavering buyers. become primary residences, from meteorologists over the 2015), Scott believes it’s ‘Will we see a house is evident in these key areas. next six months. He also diffi cult to ignore the effect between the Commons ‘These days, many buyers recognises that other factors of the upcoming general that now costs £750,000 want something that’s almost besides blue skies come into election in May 2015 on ending up with a £7.5 million turnkey. They haven’t time to play, including how London properties around the price tag in two decades?’ do up a tired property, and is viewed as a safe haven in £2 million mark. ‘Proposals he asks. ‘It’s highly likely the are worried about runaway which to invest currency from some politicians to rise and rise of the capital costs. They don’t want to from beyond Britain’s shores. introduce mansion tax and will carry on while buyer budget for £1 million to Another key marker for other fi scal measures could demand increases faster refurbish a house, then end purchasers is how prices lead to uncertainty in the than housing supply.’ up spending £1.5 million.’

52 A particular take on property

pp52-55_&London_Trends_des4.indd 52 19/02/2014 12:45 MARKET OVERVIEW

Facts & fi gures LONDON RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS

TOP 3 TENANT NATIONALITIES 40% 33% 14% EUROPEAN BRITISH CENTRAL AMERICAN

TENANTS ARE HERE TO STAY TOP 3 LANDLORD NATIONALITIES

Zoë Rose, Head of London landlords enjoy longer Lettings, believes that a much tenancies and income surety.’ 70% 14% 5% BRITISH EUROPEAN ASIAN more balanced pro-tenant This year is about service, environment is evolving and service and more service, will continue throughout according to Rose. Strutt & TENANT AND LANDLORD AGE PROFILES 2014. The Committee of Parker’s lettings team is Advertising Practice (CAP) texting tenants and landlords Regulations took effect from post-move to ask both sides 1 November 2013 and called to rate the service they’ve 25% 20s for greater transparency received. ‘We’d rather know 30s within the industry, so that all the good, the bad and the 40s 50s costs associated with a rental ugly in order to improve 25% Tenants 60s must be displayed next to service, and fi x matters any advertising material that quickly if something doesn’t contains a rental asking price. quite go to plan,’ she says. ‘As the average Strutt & In a bid to combine good Parker London tenant rents old-fashioned service in a 40% a home for nearly 30 months more modern context, Strutt (compared with a national & Parker is trialling a new 2% average of 19.8 months), online feature where tenants 13% it’s the equivalent of buying in managed properties can 21% a decent amount of time in log any maintenance matter a property and costs a lot of and confi rm logistics to effect money,’ she says. ‘Renting is a speedier response time. Landlords no longer a temporary choice; ‘As agents, we need to it’s like taking out a short reach out to both landlords lease. As such, tenants are and tenants and hear what expecting exacting standards they have to say,’ says Rose. 43% and good value in return for ‘It’s important to see things the sizable rents they pay.’ from both sides. Every other With the industry fi nally industry is driven by listening giving more consideration to customers’ voices, so it’s towards tenants’ welfare, important that the property landlords are under pressure industry looks outside in to ensure the property is well and not inside out.’ % maintained. ‘Tenants won’t OF LANDLORDS WORK IN THE BANKING AND accept a poorly functioning FINANCE SECTOR boiler, especially when paying optimum rents. Improving standards is positive for the RENTING IS NO LONGER industry as a whole as it A TEMPORARY CHOICE; means that everyone wins in %

IT’S LIKE TAKING OUT OF TENANTS WORK Strutt & Parker Research Source: the long run – tenants are IN THE PROPERTY happy to stay on and A SHORT LEASE SECTOR

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pp52-55_&London_Trends_des5.indd 53 21/02/2014 15:21 & LONDON

NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO TAKE RISKS The London property market is attracting a great deal of attention from global investors. There is fi erce competition for some assets, and in some cases potential purchasers are being asked to exchange contracts in seven to ten working days. ‘Completing all the requisite due diligence within that time period is challenging but achievable if the client has carried out signifi cant due Lettings seen diligence in advance,’ believes Andrew Yeandle, Partner, Property Wealth Management. as a safe bet ‘In their desperation to acquire a property, some purchasers have taken short cuts, often to avoid fees, and in some cases have James Geddes, Partner, Private Property Search, explains why rental neglected to assess all potential investments are in vogue risks or future costs associated with an investment,’ he warns. What are Chinese clients currently Q What’s the latest trend for Q Entering into a tight timescale searching for? Private Property Search? for exchange of contracts is not a A Purchasers are looking at rental A Chinese purchasers like newbuild problem if purchasers have had investments in London. They’re buying homes. Many developments look great the correct professional guidance several smaller units, rather than one on paper, but I’d advise caution. Beware from property and legal advisors, large unit, due to higher Stamp Duty of your home being one of hundreds. bringing in other specialists as tax above the £2 million mark. Also, avoid the boundaries – you’re required for planning issues or better off in the heart of key districts. offshore structuring, for example. Q Who’s using your services? ‘We within Property Wealth Management seek to ensure our A A huge mix, including British expats clients are fully prepared and, and Middle Eastern, American and PURCHASERS ARE if a commitment is made to Asian purchasers. BUYING SEVERAL proceed, this should be done with full awareness of any risks Q What about downsizers? SMALLER UNITS, that exist,’ assures Yeandle. A Downsizers are selling their main homes RATHER THAN ONE ‘Taking shortcuts can result for about £8 million and buying something LARGE UNIT, DUE in future problems, and is smaller for about half that amount that will unnecessary if the appropriate see them out. They then give the remaining TO HIGHER STAMP questions and advice are cash to their children. DUTY TAX obtained in advance.’

54 A particular take on property

pp52-55_&London_Trends_des5.indd 54 25/02/2014 16:54 MARKET OVERVIEW

Facts & fi gures LONDON RESIDENTIAL SALES

TOP 3 REASONS FOR SELLING 24% 19% 17% FINANCIAL RELOCATION DEVELOPER PROPERTY

LENGTH OF OWNERSHIP OF CURRENT HOME CAPITAL GAINS WILL CAPITALISING ON INFLUENCE LONDON EASTERN PROMISE 31% 29% The strapline for the Having just returned from the Chancellor’s 2013 Autumn fi rst ever Christie’s auction in Statement was ‘responsible Mumbai, Lulu Egerton, Partner, recovery’, with George Osborne London Residential, says the enjoying the opportunity to Eastern excursion gave Strutt offer positive economic news. & Parker the opportunity ‘There were some areas of to showcase prime London 13% note, such as the residential property to prospective 10% Capital Gains Tax [CGT] high-end Indian purchasers. 7% for non-UK residents, which ‘Working closely with Mark 6% 5% will affect the London market Dorman, Strutt & Parker’s Head most’, predicts Stephanie of Residential Development, I <2 2-3 3-4 5-9 10-19 20-29 30+ years McMahon, Head of Research. was able to present outstanding ‘Return on investment gains homes for sale, including 88 post-April 2015 will be reduced St James’s, a landmark Grade II PROPERTY USE by nearly a third, and this may Listed residential and commercial 25% INVESTMENT encourage investors to look to property next door to St James’s PRIMARY other locations to guarantee Palace in one of the capital’s 52% returns. It’s worth reminding grandest quarters,’ she reveals. 23% SECONDARY ourselves that CGT is only The Christie’s sale was the on the portion of gain and, hottest ticket in town, according although details are yet to be to Egerton, attracting inquisitive provided, may well be over and and acquisitive upper-scale % above the annual exemption purchasers, many of whom are OF BUYERS’ FINANCE rates currently offered.’ very in tune already with London IS CASH, COMPARED TO McMahon reassures us that and the UK. ‘Art and property is 33% CASH/MORTGAGE the tax is a transaction, and a very powerful combination,’ more sensible than an annual she says. ‘If you add the BUYER AND SELLER AGE PROFILES

mansion tax. ‘Consultations on Christie’s astonishing marque of 32% how to best introduce the tax trust and expertise to the blend it 28% will be published this year. becomes even more powerful.’ 27% However, experience suggests This strong association with 24% Buyers Sellers timings are likely to be elastic.’ another leading brand has 22% 22% Of greater note to the helped Strutt & Parker make domestic market is the new friends and forge valuable shortening of the grace period on new links in Mumbai. ‘By taking 14% CGT Private Residence Relief. advantage of the remarkable 11% ‘With April 2014 marking the global reach of Christie’s, it’s 9% shortening of 36 months’ relief given greater us greater insight to 18, we’ll witness a fl urry of into what this aspirational 4% Cheryl Markosky 3% activity as second-home owners emerging market requires and 1% 1%

and investors look to reduce indicates where we’re going in 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80+ Strutt & Parker Research Source:

WORDS their tax bills,’ says McMahon. the future,’ Egerton concludes. years

struttandparker.com/andlondon 55

pp52-55_&London_Trends_des5.indd 55 20/02/2014 15:14 James Puddle, Associate in London Residential Development & Investment, tells Caroline McGhie why London’s prime central developments are attracting interest from the Far East

55 Victoria Street, currently the hottest area for James Puddle and the London Residential Development & Investment team

56 A particular take on property

pp56-58_&London_resdev_des5.indd 56 19/02/2014 12:55 PRIME MOVERS James Puddle, Associate When it comes to Far Eastern buyers who want The London property market phenomenon in London Residential a slice of the London property market, James is known around the world, so international Puddle has his fi nger on the pulse. He knows buyers are already wise to the fact that prime Development & Investment, their budgets, their desires and their astuteness. central values have more than doubled in eight tells Caroline McGhie He pre-sells to investors willing to buy off-plan years. But a careful decision has to be made why London’s prime and so taps into the booming economies on about how many are exported for sale. ‘We the other side of the world to underpin new release only a certain number of properties central developments developments and regeneration schemes. depending on the size of the project, because are attracting interest ‘Two years ago we established a ‘project there is a delicate balance to be reached about from the Far East marketing’ team, focusing on marketing central how many overseas investors there are in any London residential developments to overseas one development,’ says Puddle. buyers. By doing this we have ensured we are He is now a familiar fi gure in the exhibition able compete with our peers on an equal rooms of large international hotels in these Far footing in the marketplace,’ he explains. ‘We work closely with developers, helping them successfully deliver their projects by planning strategic launch campaigns in multiple locations. Our international presence was born out of necessity. We knew that if we didn’t have the capability to de-risk our clients’ projects and be involved in this phase of the sales strategy, we’d be giving our competitors an advantage.’ The team builds on Strutt & Parker’s partnership with Christie’s International Real Estate, which has affi liates in key markets such as Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as other up-and-coming locations throughout the South East Asia-Pacifi c region. Puddle’s approach is to provide a bespoke service, spending plenty of time on each project and taking on no more than half a dozen schemes a year. ‘This means 55 VICTORIA STREET we are able to dedicate a suffi cient amount of time to each project, which ultimately helps 54 residences, from studio maximise sales results,’ he says. apartments to split-level penthouses Key features ‘Developers hope to sell maybe 20-40% of 24-hour concierge a new development abroad at an early stage Gymnasium off-plan. This gives them an adequate level of Two communal gardens comfort before they start construction, and Developer helps them meet any fi nancial demands and Alchemi Group establish sales prices.’ These preliminary sales Architect tend to go at a discount, making them Stiff + Trevillion Architects attractive to buyers.

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pp56-58_&London_resdev_des5.indd 57 19/02/2014 12:55 low res THE

A rare newbuild of 93 private apartments in Notting Hill Key features Secure underground parking Private communal garden square Business centre 55 Victoria Street is Developer due in 2015. 20-40% Taylor Wimpey Central London of the development will Architect be sold off-plan abroad Allford Hall Monaghan Morris

Eastern cities. These serve as a kind of catwalk being shown each weekend. Management London itself needs no sales pitch. It is loved for the latest haute couture buildings rising out and lettings experts and lawyers join the around the world. Figures show that foreign of the ground here. In Singapore or Hong Kong team to smooth the process for buyers. investors snapped up 65-70% of newbuild in there may be three to fi ve overseas projects ‘Investors are very well informed,’ says prime London in the past two years, and Puddle. ‘They can often quote the specifi cation Nationwide reports that average newbuild and price per square foot values of different capital values have risen by 47.7% since 2009. developments. They want brand new, they like Can this continue? ‘It is amazing to see the buying off-plan; they don’t have to touch and level of middle-class wealth in the Far East,’ feel fi rst. Some want a long-term investment of, says Puddle. ‘Some wealthy buyers are very say, fi ve to seven years, some want buy-to-let, young. People in their early 30s are buying at some buy for their children in the future.’ around £1 million. The economy is good and The hottest area for the London Res Dev they are diligent about saving.’ team, as it is called, is currently Victoria, which Will 2014 bring new trends to keep Puddle has attracted £2.2 billion of investment from and his colleagues on their toes? The team Land Securities and is undergoing a huge is already exploring new markets in China, renaissance. ‘We are concentrating on one Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, all of which area that we know a lot about,’ says Puddle. look promising. And although the sweet spot ‘The investment from Land Securities makes it over the past two years has been at the THE HANSOM very attractive. It was seen as a bit commercial, £1,000-1,500 per sq ft, or £500,000 to £2 but is surrounded by prime areas of London. It million, level, Puddle believes there is going A 26-apartment residential block in sits on top of a tube and railway station, and to be resurgence and increased appetite for the heart of Victoria’s regeneration Gatwick is within easy reach.’ Whereas true newbuild properties in more peripheral London Key features prime values are currently around £2,500 per locations, where more affordable capital values David Vintiner High-quality designer interiors sq ft, those in Victoria are £1,500-2,000 per sq of £600-800 per sq ft are available for buyers 18 underground parking spaces ft, so it represents better value and is one of looking to enter the market. Concierge desk with dedicated porter the off-prime locations (others include Fitzrovia, For more information, please contact Strutt Developer Paddington, Nine Elms and Kings Cross) that & Parker on 020 7318 4677 or newhomes@ Bmor & Partners

are exciting buyers now. struttandparker.com PHOTOGRAPHY

58 A particular take on property

pp56-58_&London_resdev_des5.indd 58 20/02/2014 11:36 low res

when one tires of london... The Thatched Cottage is a characterful Grade II Listed period property set in the pretty rural hamlet of Wyck, Hampshire, in the South Downs National Park. Though in a peaceful and private setting, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, the amenities of Alton and Farnham are just a short drive away. A network of footpaths on the doorstep leads to the local pub and golf course, and the nearby villages of East Worldham and Binsted.

For details of this and other properties for sale in Hampshire, please contact our Farnham office on 01252 821102

The Thatched Cottage will be taking part in Strutt & Parker’s National Open House Day on Saturday 5 April, when homes outside London open their doors for buyers to view as many To visit our mobile site properties as they like in one day. If you’re considering a to search for the latest move to the country, register for the Open House Day at properties for sale and to let, simply scan this QR code struttandparker.com/openday with your smartphone

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pp59_&London_Tire of_desREPRO.indd 59 14/02/2014 16:39 05/03/2014 11:23 SPRING 2014 SPRING

A particular take on property take on A particular

A particular take on property SPRING 2014 struttandparker.com around the world, visit around the UK and affiliate offices sales and lettings offices in For details of other residential For details of other residential

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London City Office Street 20 Gracechurch EC3V 0BG 020 7600 3456 Head Office 13 Hill Street W1J 5LQ 020 7629 7282 Sales & Lettings 303 Westbourne Grove W11 2QA 020 7221 1111 [email protected] Notting Hill & Bayswater Belgravia & Mayfair Sales & Lettings 66 SW1X 9SH 020 7235 9959 [email protected] Knightsbridge, Kensington & Holland Park Sales Street 103 Kensington Church W8 7LN 020 7938 3666 [email protected] Lettings Street 104 Kensington Church W8 4BU 020 7938 3866 [email protected] Fulham & Parsons Green Fulham & Parsons Green Sales & Lettings 701 Fulham Road SW6 5UL 020 7731 7100 [email protected] Chelsea SW10, South Kensington & Earls Court Sales & Lettings 140 Fulham Road SW10 9PY 020 7373 1010 [email protected] SW3 2PP 020 7589 9966 [email protected] Chelsea & Chelsea South Kensington Sales Street 43 Cadogan SW3 2PR 020 7225 3866 [email protected] Lettings 33-35 Cadogan Street pp01-60_&London_Cover_desREPRO.indd 1