We’re thrilled to announce that we have been shortlisted as finalists in the ‘Residential House Over £1M’ category in the SBID International Design Awards 2020.
The house – situated in beautiful Belgravia, London, in walking distance to lovely, village-like Elizabeth Street and the magnificent Eaton Square, this stately Georgian Villa was built in the 1830’s, the era of British master builder, Thomas Cubitt.
Cubitt was a true innovator, notable for his role in developing many of London’s historic areas like Belgravia, Bloomsbury and parts of Buckingham Palace.
The Georgian Villa boasts an abundant, leafy charm, hidden away behind a wall of yew hedging, is a delightfully private front garden – an unusual perk for the area and an enticing hint of what’s to come. Enter further into the property to discover a wonderfully grand, lush private courtyard garden that then connects the main house to its corresponding Mews house.
The gardens, large entertaining rooms, sumptuously appointed ensuite bedrooms, the gym/ballet room, and the cinema/family room all reflect AHD’s classic sense of laid-back glamour. Playing with an almost monochromatic white scheme, I wanted to bring in characterful layers of texture with white oiled oak floor boards, white chalk finished walls, pale grey silk rugs, handpicked antiques, bespoke crystal Murano chandeliers, French style carved marble fireplaces, and more.
The ground floor entrance hall has French doors that open into the dining room and then into the family room/kitchen. There lies a wonderful surprise: a double height Crittal window and roof, which makes one feel as if they’ve just walked into a palatial orangery, lush with climbers and ancient urns holding camellias. The interiors embrace the beauty of outdoor living, letting these green visages and the lovely London light stream in.
The kitchen within this show stopping light box is a collaboration between myself and Officine Gullo and it makes home cooking and entertaining a totally glamorous affair.
Matte white cabinetry, nickel detailing, antique wooden floors in a herringbone pattern, and plenty of white marble to tie it all together are just a few of the elements of this extraordinary space.
The garden itself has the feel of a living room within the home, appointed with classical metal furniture topped with soft buttoned cushions, a low lounge seating area around a carved gas fireplace, sun loungers, a breakfast area and an Officine Gullo X AHD barbecue set up in keeping with the kitchen’s design.
When I began this project, it was clear to I wanted the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ gardens – ancient Wisteria included – to be saved. From there, we stripped the buildings down to their bare bones and then rebuilt and reappointed them in handsome, historically relevant detailing.
In this way we remained true to the original building’s history, while bringing it into the 21st century and making it a family home. Grand fluorishes like the Crittal casing for the kitchen/family room bring light
and a sense of airiness into this historic home.
It’s both a place for relaxing en famille and for gathering friends and family for serious entertaining.
It is modern and dynamic while remaining true to its proud historic roots as a classic Belgravia home.