Knightsbridge, & A particular take on property SPRING 2012 020 7235 9959 (Sales & Lettings) Chelsea & South Kensington 020 7225 3866 (Sales) 020 7589 9966 (Lettings) West Chelsea, South Kensington & Earls Court 020 7373 1010 (Sales & Lettings) Fulham & Parsons Green 020 7731 7100 (Sales & Lettings) Kensington & 020 7938 3666 (Sales) 020 7938 3866 (Lettings) CELEBRATING A CITY & Bayswater OF CONTRASTS AND 020 7221 1111 (Sales & Lettings) HIDDEN WONDERS A particular on take property

SPRING 2012

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Welcome to & by Strutt & Parker, a new magazine that celebrates this great city. With seven offices for residential sales and lettings situated in the heart of London, we’re privileged to see some of the capital’s finest properties and to have built up a wealth of expertise in the most sought-after Cover story areas. Full of beauty, heritage and distinctive As a photographer, London’s an inspiring place. The architecture is charm, the areas we cover, with their wonderful mixed and the city is thriving, with an residents and homes, never cease to amaze us. energy level that offers visual potential A cause for celebration indeed. We hope you agree. all around you. I was, therefore, delighted when Strutt & Parker asked me to shoot &London magazine’s first A particular take on property SPRING 2012 front cover. The brief was beautifully Regulars simple: to look at London’s architecture 04. First & foremost in a different way and show readers / The hottest properties and the latest area highlights. something unexpected. 16. Trends & analysis I’m always looking up, trying to / Strutt & Parker experts take stock of market conditions. find things that aren’t really there by 20. The S&P map design. Usually this style is applied to / Take a tour of London’s movie location hot spots. higher and more modern structures, so it was interesting to see how things 38. Anatomy of Victorian architecture / The enduring appeal of London’s favourite period home. would work in Kensington, Chelsea and . 42. Love & war I was pleasantly surprised with / Two Strutt & Parker agents go head to head. what I found in Kensington. There was 56. Strutt & Parker’s London an abundance of old sculptural detail in / An at-a-glance guide to our London offices. the right places as well as perspective 58. When one tires of London… and shadows. The result is some very / One couple’s escape to an idyllic country retreat. strong images of beautiful architecture. There are so many fascinating buildings in London. I love those that Features still seem to have one foot in the past, 10. A perfect family home / A slice of family life in Fulham’s Niton Street. such as Leadenhall and Butler’s Wharf. The glass and height of buildings in The 24. The secret history of Georgian London City also do it for me on a dynamic level. / Historian Dan Cruickshank reveals the city’s sinful past. If I could live anywhere in London, 29. The art of intaglio it would be somewhere overlooking / Artist Elizabeth Ockford shares her printmaking skills. Hyde Park. I like to step in and out of 34. The secret streets of Old Chelsea rural/urban environments rather than / Agent Jason North gets passionate about his patch. be faced with one or the other. 44. The floral village Peter Defty, cover photographer / A day in the life of Chelsea florist Nicole Gago. 50. My city hideaway / Chelsea resident Hugo Lindsay-Fynn on his SW3 haven. 52. Mixed blessings / How London is blazing the mixed-use property trail.

pp02_&London_END_des2.indd 2 13/01/2012 13:02 pp03_&London_Contents_desFIN.indd 3 20/01/2012 10:39 First & foremost SPACE IN THE CITY

Roland Gardens SW7 an extra outdoor room to the lovely fl at. ‘Gorgeous is really the best word for Bright and well arranged, this really has it all.’ this breathtaking fl at in trendy South Ken,’ £2,650,000 says Strutt & Parker Partner Simon Rose. Contact 020 7373 1010 THE HEIGHT ‘The fl at is luxuriously done with a spacious OF ELEGANCE kitchen with direct access to a fabulous landscaped west-facing garden – adding Tedworth Square SW3 ‘This is an exceptionally grand house in a lovely ,’ says Head of London Residential Andrew Scott. ‘Beyond its size – almost 5,000 sq ft over six floors – it FRESH INSPIRATION actually has ticks in all boxes having been fabulously refurbished and remodelled two Some of the fi nest design houses years ago. It’s incredibly high-spec, with are launching their spring collections. innovative design features and cutting-edge At Chelsea Harbour’s Design Centre, intelligent technology throughout. I love the Cole & Son is introducing Albemarle, double-height atrium on the ground floor and a collection of nine damask prints the rooftop terrace is rather special, giving a inspired by the Romantic period (below) heady view over Chelsea and beyond.’ – perfect for revamping a study or living £7,500,000 room. With names such as Wyndham, Contact 020 7225 3866 Blake, and evoking 18th- and 19th-century cultural icons, wallpapers in fresh, spring colourways the collection debuts at the end of – fi nd them at Lelièvre’s Chelsea Design January, after its launch in Paris. Centre showroom and Fromental’s Ladbroke Fromental, meanwhile, launches six Grove showroom. Finally, Swedish design exquisite, hand-painted chinoiserie house Sandberg introduces two gorgeous new ranges: Villa Harmonica (wallpaper) and Ofelia (fabric). Both collections are available at Skandium’s Marylebone Road and Brompton Road stores, and Fiona Campbell Design on New King’s Road.

STELLA PERFORMANCE

2012 is gearing up to be Stella McCartney’s year. The English fashion designer, who lives in Notting Hill, is staging her fi rst show in London for 16 years as part of London Fashion Week (17-21 February) and, in the SHOP & DROP AT THE CADOGAN same week, will open her second store in the capital in Brompton Cross. The Kensington The Cadogan in Knightsbridge is now and on the fl agship, at 91-97 Fulham Road, will include offering a ‘Shop & Drop’ service for local doorstep, the service is sure to appeal. the fi rst Stella McCartney Kids shop. residents who live within a one-mile radius ‘We want to provide the best service Meanwhile, across town, will of the hotel. Local shoppers can hand over possible to our guests to maximise join the celebrations with a ‘World of Stella’ their shopping bags to the hotel’s bellboy everyone’s enjoyment,’ says general manager showcase from 26 January-14 February: who will then deliver them to their homes Will Oakley. ‘We know it’s often the small the event will launch her new fragrance, while they relax and unwind. things that can make a big difference and along with ready-to-wear, accessories, With fashion boutiques including Gucci, hope that this extra service to our local kids, lingerie, sunglasses and the Adidas Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Chanel plus guests will help put a smile on their faces.’ by Stella McCartney collections.

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BRITISH CLASSICS If classic E-type Jaguars, British street signs, Ernest Race furniture and Alexander McQueen gowns set your design pulse racing, then the V&A’s major exhibition this spring is for you. British Design, which opens at the end of March, will showcase the best of the country’s design and creative talent, from the 1948 ‘Austerity Olympics’ to the summer 2012 Olympics. Drawing on the museum’s own collections, and complemented by other works from across Britain, the exhibition brings together over 300 objects, charting the development of British design in all its myriad forms. Some pieces have never before been on museum display, including Kit Williams’ jewelled golden hare from the iconic 1979 book, Masquerade. And it’s not just products – on show will also be models and architectural drawings created for new towns such as Harlow and Milton Keynes. vam.ac.uk

TERRACE STYLE Eaton Terrace SW1 ‘The stunning kitchen of this beautiful Georgian house opens out on to an unusually large 42ft garden,’ says Strutt & Parker Partner Charlie Willis. ‘This classic townhouse, built around 1820, on the Grosvenor Estate (formerly a marsh heath), GREAT EXEXPECTATIONSPECTATIONS is set over fi ve fl oors and has the lovely rooms and the great location that make Ashburton House SW7 these houses so popular.’ ‘Originally designed as a coachhouse £4,700,000 and stabling for Lady Ashburton in 1873, Contact 020 7235 9955 Ashburton House in Rutland Gardens is STEP BACK IN TIME steeped in history,’ says Strutt & Parker Partner Charlie Willis. ‘It has since been Kensington Church Street is home to one ‘A family clock has a story to tell, having remodelled to make a fabulous six-storey Alamy; ‘Double-D’ mini dress by Foale & Tuffi and Albert Museum; n, 1966, Photograph © Victoria Alamy; ‘Double-D’ mini dress by Foale & Tuffi of the largest concentrations of antique passed from one generation to the next.’ mansion. Located in Knightsbridge, just shops in London. Dealer Nigel Raffety Nigel’s clocks will feature at the BADA opposite Hyde Park, this seven-bedroom BELGRAVIA of Raffety & Wallwyn owns one of the 60 (British Antique Dealers Association) house is a remarkable find. It now has chic, WELCOMES MARK HIX antique shops on the street. He specialises Antiques and Fine Art Fair from 21-27 contemporary interiors, with plenty of PHOTOGRAPHY in 17th- and 18th-century clocks, including March in Duke of York Square, Chelsea. space for serious entertaining. There’s HIX Belgravia is the latest offering from celebrated chef an Edward East mantle clock made for ‘It’s the foremost antiques fair before the a spacious media room, dining room and and food writer Mark Hix. The just-opened 80-seat Charles II, dating back to 1665. All are summer season,’ says Nigel. ‘You’ll find living room, but the pièce de résistance, restaurant is located in the stylish new Belgrave Hotel guaranteed to be in full working order: a over 100 dealers covering all areas and perhaps, is a fantastic roof garden with at 20 Chesham Place SW1. Mark promises an exciting

testament to the skill of early clockmakers. specialities. It’s a great day out for specialists a hot tub and wonderful views of the city.’ Hannah Booth menu, inspired by his foreign travels: ‘We’ve had fun with ‘A beautiful clock is a focal point of a and amateurs, and everything is guaranteed Price on application. the menu and are going off-piste,’ says Mark. ‘If you’re WORDS room and a point of interest,’ says Nigel. by BADA.’ bada-antiques-fair.co.uk Contact 020 7235 9959 SOLD and Albert Museum; Children crossing sign by ‘God Save the Queen’ poster by Jamie Reid, 1977 © Photograph Victoria 1961 © Jaguar Heritage 1964 © Margaret Calvert; Jaguar E-Type, Margaret Calvert and Jock Kinneir for the Ministry of Transport, expecting my signature British style, then think again.’

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BRITISH DESIGN CLASSICS ALL FIRED UP

Whether you’re a serious collector or curious beginner, Ceramic Art London, held at the Royal College of Art on Kensington Gore from 24-26 February, is the perfect place to pick up a piece of contemporary, one-off artwork. The show will feature the work of over 75 ceramicists and potters from around the world alongside young, emerging talent from the Royal College itself. With so many artists, there’s something to suit every taste. Highlights include Elke Sade’s ceramics (left), James Hake’s stoneware ceramics decorated with oriental glazes from his workshop in Lancashire, Sue Binns’ distinctive, striped kitchenware that nods to popular ceramics from the 50s, and Stephanie Quayle’s large, rough-edged animal pieces, moulded from raw clay. Every piece on show will be for sale, with prices starting at £12 up to £4,000. ceramics.org.uk

A CREATIVE SPACE VINTAGE STOCK

Kensington Park Road W11 and shopping facilities of Notting Hill Gate South Terrace SW7 ‘This stylish four-bedroom house has a and Westbourne Grove, and several beautiful ‘One of our star properties has to be in creative past,’ says Strutt & Parker Partner open spaces including South Terrace,’ says Head of London Lettings Miles Meacock. ‘It’s the former home of and Holland Park. But you don’t have to Zoë Rose. ‘This is a fantastic six-bedroom COCKTAIL Barbara Hulanicki, founder of iconic 60s venture far to enjoy al fresco living as fabulous family house, which includes a stunning fashion house Biba. She was no doubt French doors lead out to a well-kept garden.’ formal reception room, a wine cellar for HOUR IN attracted by the creative and cosmopolitan Price on application. 1,300 bottles, a kitchen with a glass ceiling SOUTH KEN location, which is still special. Set in one of Contact 020 7221 1111 SOLD and a garden with an amazing those brightly painted terraces that makes hot tub and water feature. It’s Old-fashioned glamour is the order of the your head turn in envy when you pass, it’s in a lovely original Georgian day with the opening of Galante, a new a stone’s throw from the excellent transport street just off , cocktail bar inspired by the dazzling cocktail a minute’s walk from trendy scene in Buenos Aires in the 30s and 40s. Brompton Cross with its The cocktail list and sophisticated Art-Deco array of useful local shops styling pays homage to Argentina’s legendary including Chanel, Joseph bartender, ‘El Barman Galante’, Santiago and Bibendum. And good ‘Pichin’ Policastro. news for dog owners: the Cocktails dating back to 1935, together house includes access to with a range of new recipes including the the lovely , signature El Pato, are prepared at the bar’s Thurloe Square, which Lalique-inspired glass bar by bartenders allows dogs.’ in traditional white jackets, then poured £5,750 per week. Furnished into cut-crystal glasses. Light snacks served or unfurnished on elegant silver stands, including delicious Contact 020 7589 9966 Argentinian sweet and savoury copetines, make the perfect accompaniment. 87 Sloane Avenue SW3, bargalante.com

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pp04-09_&London_F&F_desFIN2.indd 5 25/01/2012 12:41 pp04-09_&London_F&F_desFIN2.indd 6 25/01/2012 12:42 A PERFECT FAMILY HOME In their quest for more space, Justin and Sue Sumner looked to Fulham’s leafy streets for a home they could make their own This page: the family kitchen is the hub of WORDS Hannah Booth activity. Right: a discreet PHOTOGRAPHY Rachel Whiting office, decorated with daughter Annabel’s painting of the house

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THE KITCHEN IS end and a more formal dining antique maps of New Zealand, Clockwise, from area at the other. An architect- where Sue is from, as well opposite left: the OUR HOLDING ROOM. designed large double door – as colourful artwork by young front living space; GUESTS COME IN AND that folds flat – allows the space Annabel – a budding artist. the master bedroom; to be divided when necessary. With its sumptuous makeover, daugher Annabel’s JUST PULL UP A STOOL On the first floor, the master the Sumners have now created attic bedroom; and bedroom now has a dressing the perfect family home. interior detail, area with his-and-hers mirrored Guide price £1,800,000 featuring a portrait a cheerful Marimekko tablecloth closets and an airy en-suite Contact 020 7731 7100 of Annabel – seats up to 14, and is where bathroom – previously a small the family eat most of their bedroom. Justin specified simple, meals, particularly when friends colonial shutters on all the front visit. In summer, the doors open windows: ‘They add an extra full out to the garden. A central layer of insulation, as the front island acts as a more relaxed faces north.’ At the back of the seating area. ‘The kitchen is our house, a guest bedroom is holding room and entertaining dressed with a distressed vintage space,’ says Justin. ‘Guests wardrobe and lace and gingham come in and pull up a stool.’ accessories. It also has an en-suite It’s a cosy place to be: the shower room. Up a final flight elegant slate flooring in the of stairs is a converted attic hallway, kitchen and basement housing a small shower room, has underfloor heating. Annabel’s pretty pink bedroom The front room has been and a study/bedroom that knocked into the dining room overlooks the garden. behind to create one large living The space is perfectly space with soft seating, a pair of arranged, with distinctive mid-century modern armchairs personal styling: on the walls and matching sideboards at one hang paintings, prints and

rom the outside, it towpath, the green expanses of through a solar-reflective glass may look like the other Barnes wetlands across the river, roof at the back and side, houses on this lovely and the River Café restaurant even on a grey, overcast day. F tree-lined street in just a five-minute stroll away. A dining table – covered in Fulham. But inside, this house Working with an architect, is no ordinary London abode. Justin and Sue, who loves Although period details abound design, reconfigured the layout – from ornate cornicing to to suit their lifestyle better and original tilework – it has give them more space. After been given a contemporary three months of planning, work makeover, extending up, started in spring 2007. They dug down and sideways to create out a basement level and created a luxurious family home. a vast kitchen room above which Property consultant Justin extends into the garden. They and radiographer Sue Sumner also built into the roof. bought the house in early 2007. The basement, accessible via ‘With our daughter Annabel, a spotlit staircase off the bright we’d outgrown our last home,’ hallway, is a cosy family room, says Justin. ‘This house was with sofas, a television and great value, because you get a access to the garden up a lot of space. The gardens on flight of stairs. ‘Annabel and this street are longer than most, her friends have colonised this and the nearest house behind is room,’ says Justin. There’s 100ft away.’ The area attracted also a utility room next door. them, too: good transport links, Upstairs, light pours into The house sits proudly on Niton Street, one minutes from the Thames the south-facing kitchen of Fulham’s most desirable residential roads

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Perfect family homes CITY HOMES WITH GENEROUS LIVING SPACE AND IDEALLY LOCATED FOR SCHOOLS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Somerset Square W14 ‘This is, in my opinion, a Brunswick Gardens W8 wonderful family house,’ says ‘This elegant house is in one of the Strutt & Parker Partner Rupert best roads in Kensington,’ says Wiggin. ‘Not only does it have Sophie Wedlock Smith, great entertaining space, it has Head of Kensington Lettings. plenty of parking. In addition, ‘It’s perfect for families: the it has a fabulous gym.’ entertaining space is excellent, Price on application. Chelsea Square SW3 the layout is well proportioned Contact 020 7938 3666 ‘The interior of this lovely five- and, unusually for the area, bedroom family home is modern there’s a large garden.’ and chic, having been refurbished £4,500 per week. Unfurnished to a very high standard. It’s within Contact 020 7938 3866 LET walking distance of and South Kensington. It also enjoys Chester Square SW1 access to communal gardens,’ says ‘A mid-terrace, white stucco- Zoe Innes, Head of Chelsea Lettings. fronted house overlooking £6,950 per week. Unfurnished communal gardens. Living Contact 020 7598 9966 here must be rather like being gently pressed between the pages of Debrett’s,’ says Strutt & Parker Partner Charlie Willis. ‘It’s in the square to live in, with residents such as the great Lady Thatcher. A splendid house, on the best London square – simple!’ £9,970,000 Contact 020 7235 9959 SOLD

runswick Gardens is an ideal in spring when the trees that line the picnic and taking a pedalo ride with Stanley Gardens W11 location for families looking street are in blossom. It’s off the map an ice cream out on the Serpentine. ‘This is the chic version of the to take advantage of all the for passing traffic, too, which makes ‘The house’s interior space and sometimes scruffy Victorian attractions of central London it very quiet and family-friendly. garden make it a lovely home: the two house, with sparkling modern Tyrawley Road SW6 Bwhile living in one of the area’s prettiest ‘London offers it all for the family and upper floors of living space have great rooms that work well with the ‘This six-bedroom family home at the residential streets. this location allows it all to be accessed. light and space, so a family can really period backdrop of large end of a lovely Fulham street has The elegant Victorian stucco-fronted Schools, shops, climbing centres, tennis spread out. The huge double reception high-ceilinged Victorian rooms. recently been refurbished,’ says property was an ideal choice for the clubs and football squads are all close space is fantastic and there’s a top floor It’s this juxtaposition that’s just Strutt & Parker’s Nicky Upton. ‘The current owner, who lovingly renovated by, as are Kensington Gardens and Hyde built especially for children and a nanny so “Notting Hill”,’ says Albert Bitici, house enjoys direct access to Eel the interior to retain the homely period Park – great places for bike riding and – it even has its own mini kitchen.’ Head of Notting Hill Lettings. Brook Common and has the added features and character of the house. outdoor activities. My personal favourite £6,350 per week. Furnished bonus of off-street parking.’ ‘Brunswick Gardens is incredibly is watching the changing of the guard at Contact 020 221 1111 LET £2,500 per week. Unfurnished charming,’ he says. ‘It’s at its prettiest before having a Contact 020 7731 7100 LET

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NATIONALITIES OF OUR LONDON BUYERS & TENANTS 8% OTHER 6% ASIAN 5% 35% Trends & analysis MIDDLE EASTERN BRITISH 12% Strutt & Parker experts take stock of volatile economic times and AMERICAN reveal wby they are well placed for 2012. Cheryl Markosky reports

34% EUROPEAN

LONDONERS MIGHT BEGIN TO Lettings forecast FEEL MORE CONFIDENT FROM AS If you ever fancied being a may be less fl exible in EARLY AS JANUARY IF THE OLYMPICS and fi nally dipping price, modifi cations and specifi c your toe into the lettings tenant requests. It’s all about % AND QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE market, now is the time. striking a balance so that both A click to a view EFFECT TAKES HOLD With more prospective parties get what they want.’ tenants hunting for a limited Having carried out 35% 35 Ever keen to adopt new number of homes, Zoë Rose, more transactions last year technology, Strutt & Parker has Bright outlook Strutt & Parker Head of London than the previous 12 months, embraced the use of QR codes, After a massive property- London with our excellent art to narrow later in the year. Residential Lettings, says this Rose predicts more of the same where buyers hold smartphones spending spree in the capital in galleries and shops, a fair ‘Londoners might begin to feel 15% imbalance has pushed up rental in 2012, perhaps with rental up to a barcode to get the fi rst six months of last year, judicial system and olde-worlde more confi dent from as early as TRANSACTION values in 2011 and supports the prices softening a little. Prices information about a property a quieter summer and somewhat stuffi ness that can be perceived January if the Olympics and LEVELS UP OVER need for more people to invest in are at an all-time high and MORE RENTAL on their phone in an instant. PEAK 2007 LEVELS TRANSACTIONS unsettled autumn followed, as charming if you’re looking Queen’s Diamond Jubilee effect (Jan-June 2011) buy-to-let property in 2012. she believes landlords need to WERE CARRIED ‘As one of the earliest due to the eurozone crisis. for safety and solidity.’ takes hold. I do hope it rubs off ‘The market’s been bouyant remain level-headed and must OUT IN 2011 adopters of new technology But market activity in 2011 Despite foreigners’ adoration on those displaying nervousness, all round over the past year,’ resist the temptation to be too THAN IN 2010 in the property world, we’ve

turned out to be surprising for of the capital, Scott says he’s which can sometimes be an says Rose. ‘The market froze greedy. ‘In this pro-landlord overcome one of the biggest a number of reasons, reports been witnessing a tug-of-war excuse for not taking any action. temporarily in late autumn, due arena, tenants need careful barriers for “time-poor” Andrew Scott, Strutt & Parker scenario developing between ‘To allay any fears, we should 57% to uncertain economic times and consideration too. Although viewers,’ says Fiona Brierley, OF STRUTT & Head of London Residential. vendor and purchaser in these remember that property remains PARKER’S LONDON the trauma occurring in Europe the landlord’s our client, the Strutt & Parker Head ‘We had our best ever year uncertain economic and political king, outstripping every other BUYERS WERE over the summer. tenant’s our customer. Our of Marketing and until June, with transaction times: a test of strength not asset over the years,’ Scott adds. INTERNATIONAL ‘This unsettled patch was role is to broker harmonious Communications. ‘Those levels up by 15% over peak dissimilar to two determined ‘Equities have lost around 20% short-lived and created a relations between the two. who fi nd it diffi cult to get levels in 2007,’ he explains. teams pitting themselves against of their value and even the bottleneck of people now Sometimes it’s not just down to a viewing can download Such heady value hikes in one another at a village fête. worth of high-end commodities, frantically pursuing somewhere to money,’ she concludes. brochures, pictures and other prime London spots were mainly And this frustrating impasse such as gold and wine, fell last 77% to live because renting offers details. Also, they don’t need due to fewer homes coming onto looks set to carry on in early September. House prices in OF SALES IN more fl exibility,’ she adds. ‘Also, to worry about scribbling down the market, foreign investment 2012, predicts Scott. ‘Some Westminster, and Kensington KNIGHTSBRIDGE many recognise that they simply telephone numbers when driving (57% of Strutt & Parker’s buyers were offering 10% and Chelsea, however, are now AND BELGRAVIA need to get on with their lives.’ past a sign outside a home they WERE FROM London buyers last year were below asking prices, and then 10% higher than pre-recession INTERNATIONAL Nervous sentiment on both fi nd interesting.’ international, accounting for not wanting to bid up beyond peak levels.’ BUYERS sides resulted in a changed Brierley also points out that 77% of sales in Knightsbridge 5%, which sometimes meant no dynamic whereby tenants are Strutt & Parker is the only and Belgravia) and London’s deal. On the other side, vendors enquiring about earlier break national estate agency so far prized status as a ‘safe haven’. became fed up with “mean” clauses in contracts before they using bespoke a mobile-friendly ‘Our green and pleasant land buyers as a result,’ he explains. sign on the dotted line. ‘Instead IN THIS PRO-LANDLORD website for smartphones. is a kind of liberation for those However, no one’s a winner with 10% of locking themselves in, which ‘We have a separate mobile HOUSE PRICES ARE ARENA, TENANTS NEED from troubled places, such as the such a stalemate highlighting a NOW HIGHER THAN was the pattern in 2011, many site that is easier to operate Middle and Far East,’ suggests seller’s over-optimism and a PRE-RECESSION tenants are requesting an earlier CAREFUL CONSIDERATION on smartphones,’ she explains. Lulu Egerton, Partner in Strutt buyer’s pessimism. Scott PEAK LEVELS IN get-out slot of around four to ‘It’s important that we do WESTMINSTER, AND TOO. SOMETIMES IT’S NOT & Parker’s London Residential buoyantly believes that the KENSINGTON AND six months,’ explains Rose. ‘In everything we can to help team. ‘They like to stop in expectation gap could start CHELSEA return for shorter commitment, JUST DOWN TO MONEY people buy and sell property.’

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Landing a sound investment Capital ventures ‘They’re not making any more farmland and we all need It’s rare to stumble across completion at the end of 2013. to eat,’ argues James Farrell, any new development of It will include 115,000 sq ft Strutt & Parker Head of Rural any scale in the desirable of Grade-A offi ce space and Consultancy: two good reasons % Country prospects gentlemen’s club-land of 13 luxury residential apartments why arable acreage is the UK There has never been a greater St James’s. So, a new project in the nearby quiet cul-de-sac, sector he’s backing. divide between the capital and for leading international mining Babmaes Street (below). 10 0 TAKE UP IN While some other types of RELIEF FROM the country in terms of values Q4 2011 TOTALLED group Rio Tinto will reinforce Dorman believes we’ll see property slip in the value stakes, INHERITANCE TAX with 50% more buyers in and regenerate the area. more interesting stratagems ON AGRICULTURAL land prices have remained high PROPERTY London than the regions. 807,198 sq ft According to Mark Dorman, similar to this one, as new at an average of £6,874 an acre, ‘Buyers coming out of London THE HIGHEST Strutt & Parker Partner, London commercial funds and according to Strutt & Parker’s have never been in a better RECORDED QUARTER Residential Development and developers like the idea of Energy effi ciency SINCE THE HEIGHT on the agenda latest English Farmland Market position in terms of spending OF THE MARKET Investment, the scheme came diversifying into high-end Review, with price increases power in the country house IN Q4 2007 about because of the mining development. ‘A lot of this

Two new government initiatives during the third quarter of market than they are now,’ says company’s plans to redevelop activity is driven by the fact that could help save energy and 2011 in the south, south-west 50% Michael Fiddes, Head of Agency its former global headquarters London is truly international, money for homeowners. and northern regions. MORE BUYERS IN at Strutt & Parker. ‘Someone OVERALL DEMAND in St James’s Square. ‘Rio Tinto so we’re not relying on only UK IN THE WEST END From 1 April, prospective ‘The world population is LONDON THAN IN selling a £2 million house in Conversion success is redeveloping its former head buyers for high-end new homes. THE RURAL MARKET HAS INCREASED tenants will need to see an growing at an alarming rate and Fulham can now get more for The recent trend of London FROM 3.5 MILLION offi ce and, due to the size of the Purchasers come from a number Energy Performance Certifi cate climate change is affecting our their money than they have local authorities supporting SQ FT LAST blueprint, planning dictates of places, including Italy, QUARTER TO (EPC) when they view a ability to produce more food,’ been able to for many years. the conversion of unwanted some residential homes must be Moscow and India, and like the property. It’s typically ‘hidden’ says Farrell. ‘Large areas are ‘The country market had a offi ce buildings into residential delivered as well.’ The venture idea of a base in Westminster.’ at the back of property details, being used to grow crops for 12% strong fi nish to 2011. While property is good news for the 4.29 – by London developer Exemplar, but come the spring, sellers need fuel, so UK agricultural land DROP IN PRICES IN outside London prices remain capital, points out Damian MILLION sq ft which is also developing 290 to be more open about energy is considered to be safe. Even THE COUNTRY FROM below their 2007 peak by as Cronk, Strutt & Parker Head apartments at the former consumption. ‘It’s all about better, it’s tangible – you can THEIR 2007 PEAK much as 12%, there is still of West End. ‘You must look Middlesex Hospital – is currently reducing your carbon footprint, actually walk on it. You get business to be done if you get the carefully at the building and its under construction and due for which pays for itself and is 100% relief from Inheritance pricing right. For London buyers location to see if you can alter a sensible thing to do,’ says Tax on agricultural property, there is great value to be had.’ its use, as well as get planning Michael Verity, Strutt & Parker too, so buying land provides 51% Fiddes predicts that prices will consent for modifi cations, but Head of Resources & Energy. roll-over relief from Capital INCREASE IN bottom out during the fi rst six councils such as Westminster are The government also announced Gains Tax and it’s a sector that’s VIEWINGS IN months of 2012 but believes that most encouraging,’ he reports. DECEMBER 2011 in its Autumn Statement that easier than others to borrow COMPARED TO THE urbanites will wake up to the There is currently no end of £200 million will be provided against,’ he adds. ‘A number of PREVIOUS YEAR excellent value in the British international buyers, who regard to make homes more energy people are now looking towards countryside. Those who have London as a ‘safe haven’ and a effi cient as part of its Green the next generation.’ been delaying moving to a bigger sensible place to put their money. Deal. Being green isn’t just house or downsizing will seize ‘Sterling’s weakened, so there’s about pricey windfarms and the great opportunities and the added advantage of gaining solar panels, however. ‘Form more people will see property on the currency swap,’ he adds. a strategy and examine all the as a safe haven for their money. Recent high-end acquistions options: insulation, lighting, for clients include offi ce and a new boiler and a smart meter retail space at Savoy Court Jerry Hoare

that shows who’s using what PRICES HAVE DROPPED BY and St Martin’s Place, offi ces when. And small solutions, such ABOUT 12% IN THE COUNTRY, in Great Newport Street and as installing double-glazing, can the medical consulting rooms pay dividends for not a great BUT THERE IS STILL BUSINESS in Harley Street for the Crown

deal of cash,’ Verity advises. IF YOU GET THE PRICING RIGHT ILLUSTRATION Estate (above).

18 A particular take on property struttandparker.com/london 19

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1 Kensington Gardens W2 6 Royal Court Theatre SW1 The fountain in the Italian Garden will be familiar A key scene in Woody Allen’s first London-set to fans of Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. film, Match Point, features Chris (Jonathan Rhys After Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) challenges Daniel Meyers) bumping into Nola (Scarlett Johansson) Cleaver (Hugh Grant) to a fight over Bridget, their on the way to her audition at the Royal Court scrap escalates to a water fight in the fountain in Theatre. He waits for her outside the exterior of the garden – not to be recreated by visitors, you what Harpers & Queen called ‘London’s coolest understand. Situated in the north-west end of theatre’. Built in 1888 by architects Walter Emden Kensington Gardens, the Italian Garden features and Bertie Crewe, the theatre champions new several fountains and classical sculptures. writing talent at home and abroad. It also hosts behind-the-scenes public tours twice a season. 2 The Serpentine Gallery W2 The park’s elegant Serpentine Gallery is the setting 7 Brompton Cemetery SW10 for the not-so-accidental meeting between Kate The beautiful chapel on Fulham Road stars (Helena Bonham Carter), her lover Merton (Linus in Pierce Brosnan’s first Bond film GoldenEye Roache) and the heiress Millie (Alison Elliott) in as a double for the church in St Petersburg where The Wings of the Dove. The film was released in Natalya hides from the baddies (the interior scenes 1997, the year of Princess Diana’s death, and the were filmed at St Sofia’s Greek Cathedral in Serpentine Gallery now features a permanent work Bayswater). Down the road in Fulham, the fate dedicated to Diana as she was a former patron. of poor Father Brennan was sealed in horror classic The Omen. Desperate to reach safety 3 , Kensington SW7 and during a storm, he escapes numerous obstacles 4 Natural History Museum SW7 only to be impaled by a lightning conductor In Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the falling from the roof of All Saints Church. Apes, Tarzan (Christopher Lambert) rues the day he is invited to the opening of the ‘Greystoke Wing’ 8 35 Glebe Place SW3 of the Natural History Museum. Later, he and Uncle Monty’s London lair in Withnail & I is the his adoptive ape father head straight for the Albert picture of bohemian opulence and has a suitably Memorial, the tribute to Queen Victoria’s husband artistic history. 35 Glebe Place was designed in Prince Albert and a splendid example of Gothic- 1868 by leading Arts and Crafts architect Philip revival style. Commissioned in 1861 and completed Webb, who created William Morris’s Red House. in 1872, Sir George Gilbert Scott’s ornate structure It was owned by the design director of Liberty and protects the seated figure of Albert and features the was recently sold to François Pinault, founder of Frieze of Parnassus, which depicts 169 individual Gucci, and Stella McCartney owners PPR. composers, architects, poets, painters and sculptors. 9 Albert Bridge SW3 5 The Linley Sambourne House, Chelsea’s iconic Albert Bridge features in many 18 Stafford Terrace W8 films, including the parallel-universe romance Cecil Vyse (Daniel Day-Lewis) may not have Sliding Doors. James (John Hannah) catches up captured the heart of Lucy Honeychurch with Helen (Gwyneth Paltrow) and declares his Sets for success (Helena Bonham Carter) but he certainly had love, only for fate to strike a cruel blow when London’s property hotspots are home to many movie locations. a fine townhouse in A Room with a View. she runs out into the road. Designed and Film critic Anna Smith takes a tour of some familiar on-screen sights The Victorian Society organises tours of this late built by Rowland Mason Ordish in 1873, Victorian home, built for the former owner, Punch the bridge was awarded Grade II Listed ILLUSTRATION Amie Jones cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne. The original status in 1975. It’s now open again décor and furnishings are still largely intact. after lengthy restoratation work.

Turn over for a selection of star properties in these sought-after areas

20 A particular take on property struttandparker.com/london 21

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Carlyle Mansions, Margaretta Terrace SW3 Cheyne Walk SW3 The lovely front gardens of this Situated in an impressive fine Victorian terrace make it one mansion block on Cheyne of the prettiest in Chelsea. The Walk, this four-bedroom rooms are also slightly wider than apartment offers a seamless in most Chelsea houses, making blend of Victorian and modern them popular with aesthetes and features. Its spacious rooms families alike. This modernised and desirable location close to house is a great example. the Thames and Battersea £3,875,000 Park make it ideal for a family. Contact 020 7225 3866 SOLD Price on application. Contact 020 7225 3866

Clareville Grove SW7 A highly sought-after address Cranley Mews SW7 on a beautiful tree-lined street and In the heart of West Kensington one of the largest private gardens this quirky and contemporary in South Kensington: two good three-bedroom house is situated reasons why this superb house in an idyllic mews. Offering rarely comes to market. It also has spacious living with an open-plan outline planning permission to ground floor, it’s perfect for those extend at the rear of the property. who like to entertain. £4,950,000 £1,650 per week. Furnished Contact 020 7225 3866 Contact 020 7373 1010

Linden Gardens SW3 ‘This stunning family flat has been architect designed to make the most of the space,’ Elm Park Road SW3 says Albert Bitici, Head of Notting This lovely, wide early-Victorian Hill Lettings. ‘Windows line the family house, in this pretty semi-open south-facing kitchen street, has been beautifully and provide an abundance of restored over the past few light throughout the flat.’ years – a real treat to see, £760 per week. Unfurnished let alone live in! Contact 020 7221 1111 £4,750 per week. Furnished or unfurnished Contact 020 7373 1010

Royal Court House, Hillgate Place W8 Milliner House SW10 SW1 Situated in the utterly lovely Designed by award-winning Situated on the second floor Hillgate Village, these little architects Dixon Jones and of Royal Court House, just early Victorian houses (c1840) developed by the Trevor Osborne 200m from Sloane Square, are cherished by locals and Group and Manhattan Loft this five-bedroom apartment residents. The area has excellent Corporation, this well-located is in a prime location. Its transport links, an eclectic mix flat benefits from full-height gorgeous furnishings and of one-off restaurants and old windows, wooden flooring, ample space make it perfect pubs – such as The Windsor an Italian-designed kitchen for a family. Access can also Castle – and all that goes with and sleek interiors. be arranged to enjoy the Notting Hill. A gem! £695,000 extensive £1,950,000 Contact 020 7373 1010 Gardens and tennis courts. Contact 020 7938 3666 £3,950,000 Contact 020 7235 9959 SOLD

22 A particular take on property struttandparker.com/london 23

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Their homes epitomised elegant living, yet these cool façades masked a London fuelled by passion and lust Georgian London was the product of a at the very least, to escape the debtors’ potent mix of economic and social forces. prison if the volatile economy of the age, The harmonious Georgian quarters of London as vulnerable as ours to unpredictable such as and Marylebone are, like forces, should suddenly turn sour. the coherent classical city of Bath, corporate Architectural beauty was only pursued in works of art and models of refi ned urban so far as it served to make the speculatively living, famed for their beauty and civilised built houses easier to let or lease for the virtues. But beauty was not the primary aim maximum amount of rent. Georgian cities when these areas were constructed, nor was were created by private fi nancial adventurers the creation of urban perfection. with money to invest in the hope of making Britain’s inspirational and exemplary more money. By good fortune, indeed almost Georgian cities, towns and urban enclaves paradoxically, the pursuit of profi t and short- were largely and invariably created by term interest resulted in the creation of ruthless speculating builders and ambitious internationally admired works of timeless landlords striving to make their fortunes or, architectural beauty. WORDS Dan Cruickshank ILLUSTRATION Rebecca Moses The secret history of Georgian London

pp24-28_&London_Georgian_desFIN2.indd 4 20/01/2012 15:39 pp24-28_&London_Georgian_desFIN2.indd 5 20/01/2012 15:39 LONDON IS PACKED WITH BEAUTIFUL, HISTORICAL PROPERTIES FROM THE & LONDON PORTFOLIO GEORGIAN ERA, WHICH OFTEN RETAIN MANY OF THEIR ORIGINAL FEATURES. HERE ARE SOME OF THE CAPITAL’S FINEST

Georgian delights Since, therefore, the creation of Georgian LONDON IS PACKED WITH BEAUTIFUL PROPERTIES FROM THE cities was often the work of private GEORGIAN ERA. HERE ARE SOME OF THE CAPITAL’S FINEST entrepreneurs embroiled in money-making exercises, it is fascinating to consider where the money for their schemes came from and who the investors actually were. The sex industry played a signifi cant role in the social life of Georgian London too. It was GEORGIAN LONDON, When the economy was buoyant and stable and demand for houses high, the a sophisticated and well-organised enterprise ALTHOUGH VIGOROUS returns for speculators seemed generous that crossed class boundaries, overlapped Bedford Gardens W8 and certain. Those already making money with most aspects of daily life, and enjoyed a AND VISUALLY BEAUTIFUL, ‘This is a beautiful example in London’s most lucrative trades – for highly ambiguous relationship with the law. of a London townhouse in WAS ALSO A VERY SAVAGE example, brewing, the river trades and It also had a profound infl uence not only on the Georgian style,’ says Strutt PLACE AT TIMES port, the silk industry and the construction the appearance of the city but on the fi ne arts & Parker Partner Rupert Wiggin. industry itself – ploughed their profi ts into generally. Indeed, much of London life was ‘The overall effect is one of house building. And among these prime organised around the activities of the sex elegance and proportion, with money-making ventures was the capital’s sex industry; thanks to the fl esh trade, distinct a flat-fronted façade, stuccoed industry, which was one of the most valuable and now long-forgotten purpose-designed lower-ground floors, ornamental commercial activities in 18th- and early- building types such as hummums or bagnios balconies and a lovely fanlight.’ 19th-century London. It was the service appeared, and courtesans played the role of Price on application. industry par excellence that distributed muse and model for painters such as William Contact 020 7938 3666 money into different strata of society and Hogarth and Sir Joshua Reynolds. London’s generated an estimated gross turnover of sex industry – a world of riches, high glamour around £20 million per annum (in 1792 the and artistic invention, yet equally of tragedy, Eaton Place SW1 London docks handled imports and exports brutal abuse and disease – offered a mirror to Eaton Place consists of two worth around £27 million). Consequently, society and was perceived to carry a moral splendid Georgian terraces, built profi ts from the sex industry fi nanced the message for the age. It intrigued and inspired in 1826 by Thomas Cubitt, where development of whole sections of the city, writers like Daniel Defoe, John Gay, Jonathan Upstairs Downstairs was set so that – quite literally – much of Georgian Swift, Henry Fielding and William Blake, (although it was actually filmed Chester Street SW1 London was built on the wages of sin. many of whom saw London’s underworld, in Cheltenham). It is now almost which was deeply entwined with the illicit ‘These buildings were originally completely converted into

indmill at £9.99. built as convenient townhouses for HOUSES OF ILL REPUTE aspects of the sex industry, as a metaphor for, beautifully modernised flats, City professionals and merchants,’ The sex trade did more than help to fund the and refl ection of, the corrupt and immoral and this one is a great example. says Strutt & Parker Partner Charlie construction of the city. It created a rich new worlds of politics and exploitative business. Price on application. Willis. ‘Some have more recently sub-division of society, made up of wealthy ublished by W Contact 020 7235 9959 SOLD been converted to provide stunning brothel-keepers, prosperous pimps and A TALE OF TWO CITIES flats, like this fine property, which high-paid courtesans, who could afford Georgian London, although vigorous and was modernised for our high-profile to occupy fi ne houses, especially in the visually beautiful, was also a very savage place at times, far removed from the imagined client, an American banker.’

fashionable, newly built areas such as ruickshank 2009. P world of grace and elegance. It was a city C £5,450,000

Marylebone. Consistently from the mid- an Contact 020 7235 9959 SOLD 18th century onward, social commentators where, from time to time, homosexuals were calculated that one London woman in fi ve hunted down and hanged, infamous women was involved in some manner in the sex were stoned to death while pinioned in the

pillory, brutalised child prostitutes thronged ruickshank. © D Bramerton Street SW3

industry, with a former rake calculating in C the main thoroughfares, and where the mob 1758 that there were as many as 62,500 an ‘In the area known locally as prostitutes in London and its environs. And could indulge in uncontrollable acts of “Old Chelsea”, this house was even when this army of bawds, prostitutes violence and mutilation. built in 1830 and has lovely and their ‘bullies’ did not lease entire houses, It is the dramatic and paradoxical mix Georgian rooms and a long many were able to pay exceptionally high of different worlds, the counterpoints of garden, which Victorian rents to landlords for part-occupation. beauty and of brutality, that characterise speculators excluded due to its life – and not least the exploitative yet the cost of land. This is one of inspirational role played by the sex industry my personal favourite Chelsea – that make Georgian London a forever streets,’ says Strutt & Parker fascinating and incomparable city. Head of London Residential Andrew Scott. Historian, broadcaster and author Price on application. Dan Cruickshank is a leading expert Contact 020 7225 3866 SOLD on architecture and historic buildings. xtracted from The Secret History xtracted from of Georgian London by D Extracted from The Secret History Extracted from of Georgian London by Dan Cruickshank. © Cruickshank 2009. Published WindmillE at £9.99.

struttandparker.com/london 27

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Brompton Square SW3 ‘Georgian developers would build houses around communal gardens so that the owners, who often had mansions outside London, could overlook trees and greenery,’ says Strutt & Parker Partner Charlie Willis. ‘The square is a fine example of Georgian architecture with many of the original buildings retaining the charm of how it was built.’ £4,950,000 Contact 020 7235 9959 SOLD

Chapel Street SW1 A wonderful Georgian family house, now beautifully modernised throughout. £5,950,000 Contact 020 7235 9959

Vine & Bell Cottage SW6 ‘Built in 1780, this is one of The art of intaglio Fulham’s oldest houses,’ says Strutt & Parker Partner Ivor With the renaissance of Campbell-Davys. ‘Imagine the wallpaper, modern designs horror of the owners when the abound. Yet age-old Victorians turned the area into a techniques still lie behind rural suburb with thousands of Zoffany’s intaglio collection red-brick terraced houses! Not unsurprisingly, it’s never on the WORDS Lucy Ryan market for more than a few days.’ PHOTOGRAPHY Alun Callender Price on application. Contact 020 7731 7100 SOLD

South Terrace SW7 ‘These are some of the grandest part-stucco early Georgian houses, built around 1800. This house, with low sashes and original period detail, has been modernised with sensitivity,’ says Strutt & Parker Head of London Residential Andrew Scott. £3,350,000 Contact 020 7225 3866

28 A particular take on property struttandparker.com/london 29

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AS A PRINTMAKER YOU HAVE TO LET GO. A CERTAIN LEVEL OF RANDOMNESS IS PART OF THE BEAUTY AND CHARM OF

THE CREATIVE PROCESS recognisable from the slightly fuzzy lines that it leaves on the paper. It is a method that allows for a greater depth of interpretation and atmosphere, which results in an almost painterly quality.’ It’s a technique that requires years of practice to perfect. First, Elizabeth scratches a design onto a soft polished copper or Perspex plate using a sharp, hard needle. This throws up a rough ridge (the burr) along the incision lines. The plate is then ‘inked’ using etching ink, a thick, tacky medium with a pungent linseed smell. She then uses a bundle of cotton cloth (the scrim), followed by fine tissue paper, to wipe away the ink until it only remains in the grooves and on the raised burrs. When the print is transferred to paper, the fuzzy drypoint lines are left behind, creating the distinctive intaglio effect. From above: the etching ink is thick, tacky and has a ‘The way in which the ink is applied heady linseed smell; wiping away the ink with fine tissue and then wiped off the plate is unique Elizabeth peels the Palladian column print off the press to each artist,’ says Elizabeth. ‘Drypoint prints always show the “hand” of the artist – no two people could engrave or ink the same plate in the same way.’ It’s this unique quality that appeals to Elizabeth, who studied at Chelsea School of Art and, more recently, did an MA in rtist Elizabeth Ockford turns the Fine Art (Print) at Camberwell College of wheel of her cast iron printing Arts. ‘The making and inking of the plate A press. The heavy roller passes over adds an element of randomness to the the plate and comes to rest. A corner is lifted creative process that adds something to the and, beneath the protective layers of felt image,’ says Elizabeth. ‘I love that aspect blanket and tissue paper, a tantalising of printing. The process itself can create glimpse of the artwork that lies beneath. something fresh and sometimes surprising.’ ‘This is the most exciting part,’ says It can also, she admits, be frustrating. Elizabeth as she gently peels the soft paper ‘You only get one shot at engraving a off the press and holds it aloft. ‘I never tire drypoint plate. It’s an all-or-nothing of that sense of anticipation and the thrill technique, so it can be challenging as you of seeing your design for the first time. can’t control it fully. As a printmaker you It’s like a creative baby being born.’ learn to let go and accept the fact that a One of Elizabeth’s beautiful drypoint certain level of randomness is part of the intaglio prints sees the first light of day. beauty and charm of the process.’ The architectural design is one of a set One thing Elizabeth can count on, for the new intaglio collection of wallpaper time and time again, is her press from and textiles by Zoffany, yet the age-old the 1920s – a British-made ‘Frankenstein’ technique has changed little since it was that is composed of two parts made by practised by the leading exponents and grand manufacturers Hunter Penrose and Kimber. masters Rembrandt and Dürer. ‘These presses are very hard to come by,’ ‘Drypoint is one of the oldest and she explains. ‘They were made in an era simplest forms of intaglio printmaking,’ when engineering for such things was explains Elizabeth. ‘The process is easily Left: Elizabeth ‘inks’ the plate, pushing it deep into the furrows and ‘burrs’

30 A particular take on property struttandparker.com/london 31

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Wonder walls FORGET MINIMALISM. WALLS CAN BE USED TO CREATE A DRAMATIC FOCAL POINT IN ANY ROOM, AS THESE PROPERTIES REVEAL

I’M SURE THERE ARE Pont Street Mews SW1 CLEVER WAYS TO Chester Street SW1 ‘I don’t know of any other private REPLICATE PRINT MARKS ‘This lovely, elaborate silk and homes within two minutes’ walk of hand-stitched wall covering was Harrods that boast a simulated golf IN PHOTOSHOP, BUT THEY added to bring the feeling of course!’ says Strutt & Parker Partner ARE NEVER THE SAME the glorious garden into this James Forbes. ‘This fabulous house charming morning room,’ is packed with the latest technology.’ says Strutt & Parker Price on application. Partner Charlie Willis. Contact 020 7235 9959 SOLD keep an eye on trends and the market, Circa £8,500,000 but ultimately, you go with your instinct Contact 020 7235 9959 SOLD about what will be attractive in a home environment. Antony Little once told me to simply design things that I myself would Wilton Row SW1 want to live with and only that way would ‘Our client made a statement feature a design be “true”. You can’t second-guess panel running up the height of the taste of others.’ the staircase to throw light and intrigue Working with Liz Cann, design director into this rear section of the house,’ says at Zoffany, is a partnership that Elizabeth Strutt & Parker Partner James Forbes. welcomed as an printmaking artist. The ‘It’s a stunning three-bedroom mews house intaglio collection draws inspiration from north of and close to architect Palladio’s 16th-century drawings. Hyde Park. Wilton Row also has its own ‘I researched the architectural detail private courtyard and is one of the most extensively and began designing from this. prestigious Belgravia mewses.’ Drypoint was the ideal medium to give the £5,500,000 images an antique and hand-drawn feel.’ Contact 020 7235 9959 SOLD The renaissance of wallpaper is embraced with equal enthusiasm. ‘There’s been something of a backlash against the Christowe Road SW6 minimalism of the 90s,’ says Elizabeth. ‘Having been lovingly renovated ‘There are many exciting new techniques over six years, this house is light, these days, with a wealth of wallpapers bright and full of fantastic details,’ Elizabeth’s woodcut designs done to an incredibly high standard. to choose from – from the traditional to says Strutt & Parker Partner Ivor have also been used in a It’s solid, heavy and extremely reliable. the cutting-edge designs of holograms Campbell-Davys. ‘The use of range of wallpapers I found it in an art printing workshop and digital prints. You really can make statement wallpaper adds fun in Peckham. I’m in love with it!’ a stunning decorative statement.’ accents throughout: this bookcase For Elizabeth, working with such And does she still get a thrill from wallpaper in the fireplace alcoves traditional tools imbues her work with knowing her designs are making such is a splendid example.’ Montpellier Hall SW7 almost intangible qualities. Qualities that statements of interior beauty? ‘Always,’ £1,595,000 ‘By cleverly using mirrors, our she doesn’t believe any computer could says Elizabeth. ‘To see my work chosen Contact 020 7731 7100 client created this atmospheric replicate. ‘I’m sure there are clever ways by other people for their homes is the feature wall that works brilliantly to copy print marks using Photoshop, but reason why I do it. It’s very satisfying.’ with the double-sided fireplace,’ in my mind, they are never quite the same.’ says Head of Kensington Having spent two years as design director Lettings, Nina McDowall. ‘This at Osborne & Little, and now working is a spectacular apartment set for clients such as Jane Churchill, Nina in a boutique development Campbell, Mulberry Home and Zoffany, Elizabeth exhibits at the Trowbridge Gallery, in the heart of Knightsbridge.’ Elizabeth’s work has adorned many a 555 King’s Road SW6. For more details visit £9,500 per week. Furnished splendid interior. ‘As a designer, you elizabethockford.com. Contact 020 7235 9959

32 A particular take on property struttandparker.com/london 33

pp29-33_&London_wallpaper_desFIN.indd 12 25/01/2012 12:52 pp29-33_&London_wallpaper_desFIN.indd 5 20/01/2012 11:18 Chelsea calling MAKE YOUR MOVE TO ONE OF LONDON’S MOST SOUGHT- AFTER ADDRESSES IN SW3

The secret streets

of Old Chelsea Sydney Street SW3 This fi ve-bedroom house has been We hop on agent Jason North’s Strutt & Parker scooter architecturally redesigned to marry to fi nd out why his heart belongs to this historic enclave contemporary fi xtures and fi ttings with original Victorian features. There’s a WORDS Clare Dowdy PHOTOGRAPHY Pauline Boldt lovely garden and off-street parking too. £3,850 per week. Unfurnished Jason North has a real affection for ‘More recently, increasing numbers Contact 020 7589 9966 Old Chelsea. He’s been based at Strutt of overseas people have been putting & Parker’s Chelsea offi ce since 1995, down roots, particularly Americans, but his connections with the area go French, Italians and Russians. They back much further than that, as his like the area’s English charm.’ parents did their courting in the area. This new international affl uence ‘I wouldn’t work anywhere else,’ manifests itself in the quality of vehicle he says. ‘It’s a really lovely place to that can be found parked outside the walk and cycle around as everything houses. ‘The old battered Mercedes is easy to get to.’ Estates have been replaced with And, like Jason, many residents Porsche Cayennes,’ laughs Jason. ‘And are there for the long haul, which the houses are now in better repair.’ Cheyne Court SW3 adds to its appeal. ‘It’s not transient Buyers with the deepest pockets This beautifully restored fi ve-bedroom at all,’ notes Jason. ‘I’ve seen people target Chelsea’s most beloved streets. fl at offers a light and spacious family move into area when they’re young, ‘St Leonard’s Terrace is wonderful,’ home in a portered Victorian mansion get married, bring up children and says Jason. The Georgian part of the block. Ideally located, it is close to they’re still here. That’s lovely to see.’ terrace has larger windows and more King’s Road, local schools and parks. At the same time, he’s witnessed restrained architectural detail than £3,350,000 Chelsea become increasingly affl uent. their more opulent stucco-fronted Contact 020 7225 3866 ‘Originally there were a lot of traditional neighbours.’ Bram Stoker, author of English families living here alongside the Dracula lived there from 1896 to 1906, artists, who have colonised the area for and now it is home to many very well- decades,’ he says. In fact, it’s still known known public fi gures, one of whom as an artists’ hub, particularly around has knocked two houses together. Cheyne Walk, and there remain a lot of The similar splendid terraces of purpose-built studios, which can only be Cheyne Walk are also a favourite, sold to artists. And, of course, there’s the but one needs £20 million for one Chelsea Arts Club on Old Church Street. of the best houses there now.

Cheltenham Terrace SW3 Overlooking Duke of York Square, this Grade II Listed building was designed by John Sanders, a pupil of Sir John Soane, in 1803. It boasts immaculate living space and a beautiful garden. £2,950 per week. Furnished or unfurnished Contact 020 7589 9966 34 A particular take on property

pp34-37_&London_back of bike_desFIN.indd 4 20/01/2012 11:39 pp34-37_&London_back of bike_desFIN.indd 5 25/01/2012 12:57 Also, as the residents have become Over the years, Jason has noticed wealthier, the shops and restaurants that some of Chelsea’s most amazing have evolved accordingly. The area houses never come on the market. Durham House SW3 is now home to the sort of high-end ‘Eventually they might change hands This is the ultimate ‘Chairman’s fl at’, boutiques you fi nd on . over the dinner table,’ he says. with lovely big rooms overlooking People are also keen to set up home He believes that Chelsea’s star Wren’s Royal Hospital and Burton in Durham Place, which runs down will continue to rise. ‘The King’s Road Court. It is one of the UK’s most the side of the cricket pitch, and is still a much preferred shopping expensive two-bedroom fl ats, and has Cheltenham Terrace, with houses on street to High Street Kensington, the added benefi t of off-street parking. one side and the Saatchi Gallery on the and Cadogan Estates have done £4,395,000 other. Gallery owner Charles Saatchi an amazing job with Duke of York Contact 020 7225 3866 SOLD now lives near the King’s Road, having Square. It really has rejuvenated moved from his house on St Leonard’s that part of the King’s Road.’ Terrace. When that house was on the And for Jason, the area’s distinctive market, Jason looked around it on X-factor is that very mix of a bright behalf of a client. He was somewhat future fusing with a glorious past. taken aback when he turned the lights ‘Old Chelsea is a place of history and on in one room and was confronted by famous fi gures,’ he says. ‘You really an over-sized baby, part of Saatchi’s art feel that wherever you go, someone collection. ‘I nearly fainted,’ he recalls. of substance has gone before.’

First Street SW3 JASON’S FAVOURITE PLACES FOR… Charming and well-designed, this period house has wooden fl oors A GOURMET BLOW-OUT Ziani’s Restaurant, 45 Radnor Walk throughout, four bedrooms, a lovely The locals love this small Italian restaurant. It’s been there for such a long time. reception room, a study and a separate dining room. The house is ideally A PIE AND A PINT The Surprise, Christchurch Terrace situated in a sought-after location. This was a miserable workmen’s drinking place, but it’s changed hands and is The property also has a terrace. now warm and friendly, and serves really good food. £1,675 per week. Unfurnished Contact 020 7589 9966 WALKING THE DOG Burton’s Court Local residents can pay for a pass to use Burton’s Court, a private park owned by the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

COMMUNING WITH NATURE Chelsea Physic Garden, Royal Hospital Road London’s oldest botanical garden is tucked away and a lot of people don’t know it’s there. I’ve heard that the tearoom serves a mean banoffee pie.

SOAKING UP HISTORY The Royal Hospital Chelsea It’s well worth taking a tour of the Chelsea Pensioners’ home, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. It’s steeped in military and architectural history. Burton Court SW3 STUDYING FINE ARCHITECTURE Crosby Hall, Cheyne Walk The views from this bright and Originally built in 1466 in the City, the Great Hall was the only part of the house to survive spacious fi fth-fl oor fl at are stunning a fi re in 1672. It was moved brick by brick to its present site in 1910, and the rest of and far reaching. Five minutes from the house was built around it. It’s now owned by property tycoon Christopher Moran. Sloane Square, Burton Court is one of the best-located blocks in Chelsea and apartments rarely come to market. £3,250,000 Contact 020 7225 3866 SOLD

36 A particular take on property

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Anatomy of SASH WINDOWS The four-paned vertical sliding sash window was BAY WINDOWS the most common form Single-storey bay windows of window in the early and porches, formed by Victorian period. As glass Victorian simple columns with manufacturing improved architecture moulded capitals, were towards the end of the typical of many early period, this became two Victorian terraces. Towards panel. These were then the end of the 19th century, incorporated into bay the middle classes window setpieces with extended their bays up to heavy steel, lead or the fi rst fl oor so that the cast-iron counter-weights front bedroom could benefi t concealed within the from the extra space. wooden window frame.

SLATE ROOFS Prior to the Victorian period STAINED GLASS WROUGHT-IRON roofs were often hidden, WINDOWS RAILINGS usually behind parapet In much Victorian domestic The invention of the EGERTON TERRACE SW3 walls, which gave a terrace architecture there is a puddling process during ‘This Grade II Listed property was built in the 1840s, an appearance of classical tension between the the industrial revolution but was altered in the Victorian era with the notable uniformity. With a move introduction of new resulted in stronger, more addition of a stucco-fronted façade,’ says Strutt away from classicism, the materials and the desire to malleable iron, making & Parker Partner Charlie Willis. ‘Many houses were roof became a feature. Also, maintain a Romantic link it possible to use it in a refurbished at this time to enhance earlier styles and new mining techniques and with the past. Technical more decorative manner. to be in keeping with fashion. Today, this elegant transportation meant that innovations meant that Wrought-iron fences let the four-bedroom house has the added caché of being Welsh slate was available glass panes could be property-owning classes on one of the most desirable streets in Knightsbridge.’ to English housebuilders larger during this period, delineate the boundaries £14,000,000. Contact 020 7235 9959 SOLD in cheap and apparently however, the Gothic revival of their new castles. endless supply. from the late 1850s onwards treasured the GOTHIC FINIALS medieval, so in came Houses of Parliament smaller panes of glass, architect Augustus Pugin which were often stained. made his name by building TERRACE W8 The most ornate windows a number of ecclesiastical A stunning stucco-fronted featured fl oral motifs and buildings during the early fi ve-bedroom family home. religious themes, in the Victorian period. Pugin Price on application. manner of William Morris. thought that medieval Contact 020 7938 3666 Frequently, the stained Catholic society provided glass was used as a VICARAGE GATE W8 a better model than the BRICKWORK decorative inlay in doors This two-bedroom fl at industrial scrum of the new With the repeal of a tax on or around doorframes, or boasts lovely terracing. cities. Partly through his bricks in 1850, and the rise in a combination with large £950 per week. Furnished example, detailing from of mass transportation, glass panels in windows. Contact 020 7938 3866 Gothic cathedrals was brick replaced local stone introduced into everyday as the cheapest building architecture. Finials, which material. Red became the DONERAILE STREET SW6 were originally ornamental dominant colour for brick ‘Doneraile Street is without doubt one of the most capping pieces placed on We examine the architectural features that make London’s during the mid-19th prestigious streets of those in the Bishops Park top of church or cathedral century, but other hues Conservation Area,’ says Strutt & Parker Partner spires, were used to cap Victorian properties such sought-after homes created patterned lintels or Ivor Campbell-Davys. ‘This fabulous red-brick domestic roofs, and often ornamental cornices. Stone Victorian family house has fi ve bedrooms and is used the same medieval WORDS Tim Abrahams was also used as an added rich in attractive period detail, including fi replaces devices such as gargoyles ILLUSTRATION Thibaud Herem decorative element. and wrought-iron balcony railings.’ and fl eur-de-lys. £2,650,000. Contact 020 7731 7100

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CEILING ROSES These ornate pieces of plasterwork were designed to hide the mount of a chandelier or a hanging gas lamp. Following fashion, the rose became bigger and more ornate during the Victorian period. Originally only around half a metre in diameter, they grew to almost twice that size, and the foliage and fl uting that were the typical motifs became full friezes with fl owers and urns on some ceilings. When the Arts and Crafts movement PATTERNED SKIRTING BOARDS kicked in around 1860, WALLPAPER These were not a Victorian mock Tudor ceilings At the beginning of the innovation, but when fabric became more common. Victorian period, walls in wall coverings gave way FIREPLACES CORNICING houses were decorated to ornate wallpapers they In the 18th and early-19th One of the most INTERNAL ARCHWAYS in pale coloured fabric, were retained. Skirting century, the most common conspicuous interior Each room was special such as lavender damask, boards were made of plain form of fi replace was the design innovations in the and different, with its but throughout this era wood, around 30cm in HALKIN HOUSE SW1 hob grate, which had three Victorian period was the own clearly defi ned use. wallpapers became more height and 3cm thick, ‘Halkin House is a Listed building with a refi ned or four bars across the tripartite wall: the dado, In a house with servants, popular and increasingly protruding from the wall to heritage,’ says Strutt & Parker Partner Charlie Willis. COLLINGHAM GARDENS SW5 FLOOR TILES front to hold in the coal, the wall itself and the doorways also became more ornate. This mirrored protect the wall covering. ‘This elegant stucco-fronted property is on one of ‘This is a stunning fi rst-fl oor fl at on a sought-after The different colours of and two iron plates on cornice. The cornice was special to mark clear increasing affl uence, as the fi nest , designed by architect street,’ says Strutt & Parker Partner Simon Rose. a tile are often produced which kettles and pans originally a handcarved transitions between social homeowners strove to CORBELS Thomas Cubitt. It oozes opulence, with seven ‘The large south-facing drawing room has charming by different kinds of glaze. were heated. Homeowners ornamental insert that functions. Ornamentation outdo each other, as well Essentially a bracket made bedrooms, a swimming pool and a separate staff fl at. period features, and is spacious and full of natural The encaustic tile used were keen to limit food fi tted into the junction was more marked in as developments in of stone, a corbel is a You couldn’t ask for a more sought-after address.’ light. There’s a good-size terrace at the front, and by the Victorians was preparation to the kitchen between wall and ceiling, reception rooms and, chemical dyes. It was simple device used to Price on application. Contact 020 7235 9959 SOLD it has the added bonus of access to award-winning made from two or more and have decorative but during the 19th century during the Gothic revival, industrial advances that transfer load from an communal gardens.’ kinds of clay combined, fi replaces in other areas. these began to be mass pointed arched door allowed William Morris to overhanging part of a £2,250,000. Contact 020 7373 1010 SOLD which means that as a Iron fi replaces became produced. When most frames were introduced make his gold and ochre building to a perpendicular tile is worn down the ever more ornate houses could afford to the British home. swirling fl oral designs. load-bearing wall beneath. pattern remains. The throughout the century, intricate plasterwork of this They were common in mass production of these as did the extravagant kind, tastes changed and classical architecture and allowed them to be used mantelpieces above. wealthier homeowners in the Scots Baronial style in fl ooring. Charles began applying full-length to support motifs such as Eastlake, author of Hints DADO RAILS wood panelling to their battlements and turrets, on Household (1868) In the 18th century, dados walls – something that only which were incorporated wrote that, ‘There can be protected the wall from the wealthy could afford. into even the most basic little doubt that the best accidental scrapes by tenement blocks. Corbels mode of treating a hall chairs and marked the end also supported the corner fl oor is to pave it with of any panelling used to towers on Queen Anne encaustic tiles.’ cover the lower part of the revival-style buildings. wall, an area subject to rising damp stains. The Victorians decorated the BRUNSWICK GARDENS SW8 dado rail and the section ‘This beautifully presented fi ve-bedroom, stucco-fronted beneath. They were painted family house has excellent entertaining space with fi ne in a different colour to the period detail,’ says Head of Kensington Lettings Sophie upper section, or covered Wedlock Smith. ‘The kitchen/family room on the lower in ornate wooden panelling. ground fl oor has French doors leading on to the garden.’ £5,000 per week. Unfurnished. Contact 020 7938 3866 LET

40 A particular take on property struttandparker.com/london 41

pp38-41_&London_Victorian_desFIN.indd 6 24/01/2012 11:07 pp38-41_&London_Victorian_desFIN.indd 7 25/01/2012 13:02 & LONDON LOVE & WAR Ivor’s Charlie’s Fulham Knightsbridge TWO STTRRUTTUTT & PPARKERARKER AGENTAGENTS. TWO AREAS.AREAS. IVOR CAMPBELL-DAVYSCAMPBELL-DAVYS AND CHARLIE WILLIS DO BATTLE FOR THE BEST PATPATCHCH

Who lays claim to the best coffee? Where’s the best place for people watching? If you could live in one property IVOR IVOR on your books, which would it be? Tinto Coffee in Fulham, no question. The manager The White Horse or ‘Sloaney Pony’, of course – a IVOR Paul Arbelaez is a well-known face to those who place that so many generations know and love and Ranelagh Avenue is one of the best roads in Fulham frequent this independent café on the way to where you can always bump into people you haven’t and we have a house for sale moments away from the Bishops Park or Fulham Palace. seen for years, as I did the other day. (Laughter) Hurlingham Club and fantastic schools. It offers scope for CHARLIE CHARLIE extension and parking too – an added attraction for me. It’s got to be Ottolenghi in Motcomb Street. The coffee Our nearest corner shop, Harrods. It’s fascinating CHARLIE is great and it has an incredible selection of patisseries to see every nationality under the sun and every I’d be happy in the exquisite refurbished family house in the presented in the most amazing colourful display. kind of character that you could ever hope to see best bit of Chester Square. It overlooks the front communal (Munch munch) exploring the store. gardens, and has a great roof terrace, a lift, a double garage and so many other things. It’s been refurbished Where’s the best spot to find some by one of my favourite design teams and, with seven peace and quiet? Who’s got a good historical tale to tell? bedrooms, has plenty of room for my family and guests. IVOR IVOR You can’t beat a stroll along the Thames towpath Two Danish armies once camped in Fulham after from to Hammersmith, passing sailing down the Thames and attacking Flanders (for What’s your area’s best-kept secret? Fulham Football Club, the River Café and The the second time), having been beaten by the French. IVOR Crabtree pub on the Crabtree Estate. CHARLIE Fulham is located on all the major arteries into central CHARLIE Legend has it that in The Grenadier pub in Wilton London and you can find amazing houses here at a fraction The Cadogan Hotel is one of my favourites, Row, the Duke of Wellington was gambling with of the price you would pay half a mile up the road. With no or Hyde Park. It’s right in the heart of the city some of his soldiers. A fight ensued and a soldier traffic-soaked bridges to cross, commuting in couldn’t be yet a wonderful open space. was killed – and he is said to still haunt the bar. easier and there’s so much more space. I think the secret Also, the Kray twins were meant to meet some may be out now! of their gang members in The Star Tavern at the CHARLIE What’s your favourite building? top of Belgrave Mews West. The fact that you can still find villagey corners, which IVOR provide local charm and where you can meet the locals Fulham Palace is amazing. It dates from who have lived here for more than 20 years. I’ve learnt 1495, although my favourite part is the Where would you take your mother for tea? a few tricks too – Old Barrack Yard is a great pedestrian Georgian façade overlooking the lawns that IVOR cut-through from Wilton Row to Knightsbridge, and the separate the former Bishop of London’s The Wyndham Grand Hotel in Chelsea Harbour for ‘hole-in-the-wall’ from Montpelier village to the bottom residence from the walled gardens. scones and tea overlooking the yachts in the marina of Rutland Gate is a great time saver. CHARLIE and the River Thames. The river wins every time! We’ve got so much incredible architecture, CHARLIE

from Thomas Cubitt’s stucco-fronted Paul Stuart But we’ve got the views. The Mandarin Oriental

terraces to Wren’s triumph at the Royal overlooking Hyde Park, the Hilton on Hyde Park THE WHITE HORSE OR ‘SLOANEY Hospital. The Brompton Oratory or Corner... But I’d say Harvey Nichols’ Fifth Floor PONY’ IS THE PLACE WHERE YOU Harrods is the most iconic but, for me, Restaurant. It has a wonderful light and open CAN ALWAYS BUMP INTO PEOPLE the best-looking stretch of Knightsbridge is environment and is good for a modern twist

the wonderful façades of . PHOTOGRAPHY on afternoon tea. YOU HAVEN’T SEEN FOR YEARS (Reverie)

42 A particular take on property struttandparker.com/london 43

pp42_43_&London_love&war_desFIN2.indd 42 25/01/2012 13:03 pp42_43_&London_love&war_desFIN2.indd 43 25/01/2012 13:03 With thriving independent shops and a fiercely proud local community, Chelsea has a distinct village feel. We speak to florist Nicole Gago and her loyal

WORDS Jane Carta customers to find out why PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Terry SW3 is a lovely place to be

icole’s Flowers is all of a bustle. It’s a busy Friday in December, and Nicole N and her assistant Graeme have just taken delivery of a fresh consignment from her supplier in Holland. The stall, nestled on the corner of Callow Street, is a riot of colour and fragrance; eager customers study the fresh blooms to make their selection. Nicole is just one of the local characters who make this corner of Chelsea such a delightful place to live. Her cheery smile, canine sidekick Simba and skilful eye for beautiful fresh-cut bouquets draw her loyal customers and local businesses back time and time again. Having grown up in the area, and worked with the previous owner for years, she jumped at the chance to take on the licence herself five years ago. ‘I love the area,’ says Nicole. ‘The people are friendly, and the streets are clean and safe. I’m so lucky to have such a prime spot.’ One unavoidable downside is the weather, which is where Strutt & Parker parasols have come to the rescue. ‘They’ve been a godsend,’ says Nicole. ‘They give us total cover from the Nicole Gago and Simba, her dog, of elements. Before, we were constantly ducking Nicole’s Flowers, a Strutt & Parker in and out of the rain. But now it’s as if we’re sponsored stall on the corner in our own little shop. It’s much cosier.’ of Callow Street SW3 Her stall certainly seems to be a focal point for local residents and businesses. ‘I have many regular customers who have been coming here for years and I supply flowers to lots of the businesses nearby,’ says Nicole, who deftly juggles her bespoke arrangements with catching up with the local gossip. ‘It’s hard to think I’m in the middle of a huge city. I feel part of a such a strong community, it’s more like a village.’

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‘I’ve lived in this area most of my life and now live in Seymour Walk. I always come to Nicole’s as she offers such a lovely, kind service – you get such assistance and beautiful fresh-cut flowers. This bouquet for my daughter’s birthday. How old is she? Too old to tell you!’ Alezandra Syson

‘I’m a native New Yorker ‘I’m not a local, but ‘This is Bill. He’s a but have lived in the area this seems a lovely Dogue de Bordeaux I LOVE WORKING WITH FLOWERS for 37 years. I’m here with spot. I’ve come up and he’s still a puppy – THEY’RE BEAUTIFUL THINGS my daughter Alexandra, from Battersea to visit really. He weighs about buying a wreath and a friend in hospital so 49kg, which is more THAT MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY. tree for her new home the flowers are for him.’ than me! I’ve lived in IT’S GREAT TO SEE MY in Barnes. This is a Justin Harmen Henniker Mews for a wonderful area: you’re in very long time. We’re CUSTOMERS WALK AWAY WITH the centre of London, yet just nipping along to A BOUQUET IN THEIR HAND it’s just so neighbourly – Rymans and these AND A SMILE ON THEIR FACE There’s no reason to go flowers are for a friend.’ anywhere else. I never go Katherine and Bill Nicole Gago north of the park!’ Dolores and Alexandra Nash

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THIS IS AN AREA WITH LOTS OF INDEPENDENT RETAILERS. EVERY MORNING, I ARRIVE ON MY BIKE, AND EVERYONE’S SETTING UP. WE ALL KNOW EACH OTHER AND HELP EACH OTHER. IT’S LOVELY AND IS SOMETHING WORTH FIGHTING FOR Max Porter, Daunt Books

THIS IS THE BEST PART OF ‘I’ve been a Redcliffe LONDON: IT’S BUZZY, Gardens resident for RESIDENTIAL AND HAS A more than 30 years. WEALTH OF EXCELLENT I grow my own flowers, but Nicole gets some RESTAURANTS AND interesting variations. I SHOPS. I HAVEN’T BEEN like more unusual things: pussy willow, cabbage LIVING AND WORKING roses and anything with HERE FOR THAT LONG, BUT berries. The high-street atmosphere here is just I LOVE IT ALREADY wonderful. Everyone Todd Langford-Archer, knows everyone.’ Strutt & Parker, West Chelsea office Marylyn Coosner

‘I’ve created a lovely ‘This part of town is ‘I’ve lived here since I ‘We have many regular display of poinsettias in great: such a mix of was four years old. It’s clients at the salon, so one of my hearths and cultures and it’s on the a small village really. it feels very local. Nicole needed a cyclamen to doorstep of everything. Why would you want pops along every week finish it off! I love this Real people live here. to live anywhere else?’ with a fresh seasonal area of London and I’ve lived all over the Jane Manaras (near right) bouquet – we trust her have lived in Drayton world and this is the first ‘Before we knew each to come up with Gardens for 15 years.’ time I’ve lived in central other, my husband something lovely.’ Helen Given London. I’m really worked on this stall Megan Odgers, Soma happy. I can see myself when he was doing his Lifestyle Salon and Spa spending the rest of my GCSEs. My sister did life here. I’m buying too, so there’s a lovely flowers for my girlfriend. family connection.’ I buy them for her every Davina Lishawa (far couple of weeks.’ right) with baby Leonora Dan Henbest

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a well-designed space that accommodates things that have a personal history.’ The a study area, spacious bathroom including sense of family history in Hugo’s flat is MY CITY HIDEAWAY Hugo’s beloved walk-in shower, a bedroom strong, and has a distinctly artistic twist. and, every girl’s must-have, a dressing room. Hugo, who studied art and history at ‘I was single when I finished the flat,’ Harrow and whose grandfather was an art says Hugo. ‘My girlfriend has since moved dealer in Paris, has many splendid paintings in and influenced my style. She’s got a great and prints including an 1840s Irish map, eye.’ By way of example, he points to the posters from his grandfather’s Surrealist beautiful Indian mirror, fashioned from auctions and a funky graphic by his salvaged architraves from a traditional house photographer cousin, Ellie Lindsay-Fynn. in Kerala, and the colourful Berber rug from ‘Wherever I go, I collect work by local Marrakesh. ‘I had to haggle hard for an hour artists,’ says Hugo, who includes the for this,’ he laughs. ‘I’d had no intention Northcote Gallery in his list, having bought of buying a rug, so put up a good fight.’ the print of a tree in there. The rug, like all the artefacts and ‘I love the fact there are so many galleries Above left: striking artworks on the walls, has a personal and art shops around here,’ he says. Nina Campbell connection. ‘I like things with a story to The area hits the spot for restaurants too. wallpaper in the tell,’ says Hugo. ‘I believe you should do ‘If I really want to treat Chloe, we go to downstairs things slowly and with care, collecting Eight Over Eight for amazing pan-Asian,’ cloakroom says Hugo. ‘Riccardo’s is my favourite. He’s always there with his wife, there’s a great atmosphere all year round and the food is great value. My hot tip, though, is The Medlar. It’s only been open for six months but has Michelin Star potential. The food is phenomenal. And don’t forget Bluebird’s summer barbies – great for people watching.’ When he’s not savouring local delicacies, Hugo dons his running shoes. ‘I love running so head over Albert Bridge to ,’ he says. ‘It’s a wonderful place and so close. Above: the bright To get there I cross the King’s Road and go bedroom. Far left: through Old Chelsea with all its lovely nooks Hugo’s favourite and crannies. Every time I do, I realise that chairs face the this really is a special place to live.’ garden view. Below: £895,000 ancestral sketches WHEN HUGO LINDSAY-FYNN FIRST HEARD OF A GROUND- Contact 020 7373 1010 in the bathroom FLOOR FLAT FOR SALE ON ELM PARK GARDENS IN SW3, HE KNEW HE’D FOUND HIS PERFECT PAD

lmost. The property had been the with its trees and sense of space was very home of a hoarder and it took a special,’ says Hugo. ‘This really is a road week to clear it of wall-to-wall to nowhere with no through-traffic, so it’s A rubbish, yet the 33-year-old incredibly quiet. It’s a little hidden gem.’ company director could see the enormous The project was a tough challenge, potential. ‘It was disgusting,’ shudders but one that Hugo, who runs property Hugo, who hails from Trim in County development consultancy The Palladian Meath, Ireland. ‘But this was an area I’d Group, relished. ‘I designed the flat myself, had my eye on. I was familiar with the so it’s a very personal project,’ says Hugo. area having gone to school in London and ‘Working with my interior design team, it

had always thought that this square was took four months to turn the place around.’ Ben Anders

undervalued. It made financial sense for And what a transformation. The flat me to buy somewhere to modernise.’ is now an elegant retreat for Hugo and The location ticked another important his partner Chloe. The bright kitchen box. ‘Coming from Ireland, I crave green and reception room both enjoy garden

space, so the view onto the private garden views while the lower-ground floor is PHOTOGRAPHY

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Wind turbines generating self-sustaining power

Restaurant and sky bar Exclusive penthouse apartments

High-rise offi ces

Residences

Public observatory

Luxurious residences

Shops, restaurants and 24-hour concierge Shops and restaurants Five-star hotel, restaurants, , offi ce and retail space EC2 , SE1 Strata, SE1

ack in the mid 90s, Westminster have begun at the behest of councils and cladding of this project near authority began to acknowledge been born of a real need to get housing back announces a change to the area between Mixed blessings B something that the rest of the into the heart of the city, but this need has Holborn and , known as country is now keenly aware of: there materially improved the cultural life of Midtown. The development has materially A NEW ERA OF SHARED LIVING, is a lack of housing. The authority began the city. Looking at the biggest and best changed its immediate environs, adding RETAIL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE insisting, where they were legally able, commercial projects across London, they housing to an area that had been dominated that developers include residential elements are all mixed use. , The by offi ces or bars. The immediate vicinity is IS CHANGING THE LONDON to offi ce or commercial developments. Shard and Central St Giles are all shining now active in the mornings and evenings as LANDSCAPE. FOR THE BETTER, If a new development were to exceed the size examples. Even Westfi eld Stratford City well as during the day, making it safer and SAYS TIM ABRAHAMS of a demolished property then the developer contains offi ces and hotel space. more pleasant. The offi ces have been let and would have to earn his uplift by adding or Take Central St Giles. We can see how the residential fl ats have sold well. increasing the amount of residential space. positive an impact large-scale mixed use can Of course, for commercial developers, The rise of mixed-use developments may immediately have. The sherbert-coloured it has proved a minefi eld in a completely

52 A particular take on property struttandparker.com/london 53

pp52-55_&London_mixeduse_desFIN2.indd 4 20/01/2012 15:42 pp52-55_&London_mixeduse_desFIN2.indd 5 20/01/2012 15:42 & LONDON TRENDS

Central St One New Giles, WC2 Change, EC4

different economic environment. Strutt balconies. I sometimes have to sit down and street. ‘In some cases you need to planning operates on a more intimate scale. Dover Street W1 apartments for the long term. & Parker Partner Mark Dorman, who teach them what a residential scheme is!’ have active frontage,’ says Mark. Not that the city has been without bold new Mayfair’s Dover Street is a With the help of Strutt & is charged with helping commercial The planning landscape is, of course, ‘That means putting retail on the gestures. High-rises, by economic necessity, perfect example of mixed-use Parker, they are now renting developers bridge into a different sector, more complex. Mixed use is not simply a ground fl oor of a residential block so have become mixed use. With wealthy space in the heart of the city. them out. ‘The building was says that the real issue is a design one. case of putting residential into commercial that it provides both an active frontage international buyers increasingly looking When the existing 35,000-sq-ft designed by the architects ‘The biggest challenge is architecture,’ projects. If a borough demands that 40% and amenities for residents.’ to invest in London, and with foreign building was demolished and Squire and Partners and has says Mark. ‘The architects that commercial of any development is given over to From 1945 until the 1960s, London investors more amenable to living on one increased to 50,000 sq ft, a stunning glass façade,’ developers normally use are commercial affordable housing, which generates no was largely planned and built in estates floor, a new typology has arisen in London. the local authorities obliged says Head of Knightsbridge architects and there are very few of them profi t, the amount of housing may be cut where residential and commercial areas The Shard, Heron Plaza and Strata are the developers to retain Lettings, Nina McDowall. who understand how to design residential. and a hotel added instead. Furthermore, were kept distinct (one-off ventures such mixed-use developments with large 10 existing apartments. ‘The smaller units are ideal You look at the initial sketches and they planning offi cials are now interested in as or the Olympic Park components of residential. They offer Unusually, the developers for young professionals.’ have long thin living rooms or one ensuring that residential developments notwithstanding). Those days are gone. entire experiences and will be remembered made a strategic investment £695 per week. Unfurnished bathroom for three bedrooms and no present more than a blank wall to the We are entering an era when building and as the signature building type of this era. decision and retained the Contact 020 7235 9959

54 A particular take on property struttandparker.com/london 55

pp52-55_&London_mixeduse_desFIN2.indd 6 24/01/2012 11:43 pp52-55_&London_mixeduse_desFIN2.indd 7 25/01/2012 13:09 Notting Hill & Bayswater

Development & Valuations

Sales Lettings Miles Meacock Albert Bitici

Developments Valuations Kensington & Holland Park Mark Dorman Patricia Luck-Hille

London Residential London Lettings

Sales Lettings Rupert Wiggin Sophie Wedlock Smith

Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair

Head Head Andrew Scott Zoë Rose

Chelsea & South Kensington

Sales Lettings Charlie Willis Nina McDowall

Sales Lettings Lulu Egerton Zoe Innes West Chelsea, South Kensington & Earls Court

Sales Lettings Fulham & Parsons Green Simon Rose Harriett Hustler

Sales Lettings Ivor Campbell-Davys Nicky Upton

Strutt & Parker London offi ces Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair West Chelsea, South Kensington & Kensington & Holland Park London Residential (Sales & Lettings) Earls Court (Sales & Lettings) (Lettings) Valuations 66 Sloane Street 140 Fulham Road 62 Kensington Church Street 13 Hill Street London SW1X 9SH London SW10 9PY London W8 4DB London W1J 5LQ 020 7235 9959 020 7373 1010 020 7938 3866 020 7629 7282 [email protected] [email protected] kensington.lettings@ patricia.luck-hille@ struttandparker.com struttandparker.com Chelsea & South Kensington Fulham & Parsons Green (Sales) (Sales & Lettings) Notting Hill & Bayswater London Residential 43 Cadogan Street 701 Fulham Road (Sales & Lettings) Development & Investment London SW3 2PR London SW6 5UL 303 Westbourne Grove 13 Hill Street 020 7225 3866 020 7731 7100 London W11 2QA London W1J 5LQ [email protected] [email protected] 020 7221 1111 020 7318 5198 [email protected] [email protected] Maps illustrated

Chelsea & South Kensington Kensington & Holland Park (Lettings) (Sales) Property Management 33 Cadogan Street 104 Kensington Church Street 35 Cadogan Street London SW3 2PP London W8 4BU London SW3 2PR 020 7589 9966 020 7938 3666 020 7052 9417

ILLUSTRATION [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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pp56_57_&London_Contacts_desFIN.indd 50 23/01/2012 15:15 pp56_57_&London_Contacts_desFIN.indd 51 23/01/2012 15:16 & LONDON

WHEN ONE TIRES OF LONDON... ‘It was love at first sight,’ says Katherine Woodrow of her charming home set among 19 acres of land in East Sussex. ‘We’d been looking in the area for three years and this felt just right. After living and working in London for 16 years, we wanted somewhere away from it all in the beautiful countryside, yet still within easy reach of London, where I continue to work. My partner grew up in the local village and I grew up about an hour away, so we feel as if we’re returning to our roots. We love the peace and quiet and sense of space. I have a horse, so he’ll love all the land it comes with, too.’ For details of properties for sale in East Sussex, please contact our Lewes office 01273 475411

Published on behalf of Strutt & Parker by Sunday Editor, Lucy Ryan; Art director, Adrian Morris; Consultant editor, Victoria Brookes; Sub editor, Samantha Whitaker; Creative director, Matt Beaven; Account director, Steph Hill; Managing director, Toby Smeeton. sundaypublishing.com To see the latest selection Repro, F1 Colour. Print, The Colourhouse. of Strutt & Parker residential properties for sale or to let, The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Strutt & Parker or the simply hover your phone publishers. The information contained in this magazine is correct at time of going to press. over the QR code (right).

58 A particular take on property

pp58_&London_Tire of London_desFIN2.indd 4 25/01/2012 13:09 pp59_&London_END_des2.indd 5 12/01/2012 16:06 Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair A particular take on property SPRING 2012 020 7235 9959 (Sales & Lettings) Chelsea & South Kensington 020 7225 3866 (Sales) 020 7589 9966 (Lettings) West Chelsea, South Kensington & Earls Court 020 7373 1010 (Sales & Lettings) Fulham & Parsons Green 020 7731 7100 (Sales & Lettings) Kensington & Holland Park 020 7938 3666 (Sales) 020 7938 3866 (Lettings) CELEBRATING A CITY Notting Hill & Bayswater OF CONTRASTS AND 020 7221 1111 (Sales & Lettings) HIDDEN WONDERS A particular on take property

SPRING 2012

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