House of Walpole

We were entrusted to design the space which sits in one of London’s most coveted addresses adjacent to His Majesty’s official London residence; an ultra-luxurious 4,000 square foot duplex apartment with stunning listed Italian Renaissance architecture.  Our concept celebrates the enduring love affair between the very best of British luxury and the English garden; a contemporary response that honours the heritage of the enchanting Palace Garden in all its splendour, giving the internal space as much gravitas as the external architecture. The multi-sensory approach to the brief mixes both timeless British institutions and the new guard in a thoroughly ‘Majestic Modern’ way, reflecting our ethos of ‘Thoughtful Luxury’ in practice.

The exquisite entrance hallway with beautifully restored architectural features sets the tone for this ultra-prime apartment, providing the backdrop for the shimmering cascade of dragonflies, butterflies and Mulberry leaves that suspend from the light installation that we designed and created with Nulty Bespoke. Highlighting the grand 3.6m high ceiling, its alluring illumination is reflected in the polished Blanco Macael marble below.  Anka Bespoke crafted the luxe entrance mirror and console, and the space is finished off by a bespoke bench created by textile artist Aiveen Daly, representing two intertwined mulberry leaves in leather and silk.  A bespoke seasonal scent has been created especially for the apartment by expert olfactor Rachel Vosper, a multi-sensory experience that brings the outside in.

"Steeped in history and intrigue, the palace gardens provide the most unique backdrop for House of Walpole"

An impressive collection of art has been carefully and thoughtfully selected by Maddox Gallery to grace the walls throughout the apartment, including works from some of the most celebrated contemporary artists today. Jeff Koons adaptations of well know Van Gogh and Monet pieces greet you in the hallway, whilst iconic colour foil block butterflies by Damien Hurst line the Master Dressing Room. On the upper level of the apartment, David Shrigley adds playful humour and colour to the bedroom whilst the dramatic ‘Flower Thrower’ triptych by Banksy takes prominence in the upper lobby. Yuki Aruga, Miaz Brothers, Harland Miller, Simafra Paesaggio and Yayoi Kusama are also included in the apartments stunning collection, making the space a living gallery.

Leading off from the entrance hall, the ‘Majestic Modern’ aesthetic is brought to life in the stunning Reception Room, where powder blue mixes with dark lacquer joinery to deliver a contemporary twist on a neutral palette. Positioned directly as you walk in, the Edelweiss piano sits proudly in the centre of its opulent surroundings, reflecting the grandeur of the setting. The classic British design features ‘vintage’ turned legs and a high gloss exterior, adorned by exquisitely hand-crafted marquetry by Aryma. The traditional exterior is contrasted by the contemporary blush interior which both surprises and delights.

Above the beautiful fireplace is a contemporary statement chandelier designed by us and created by Rocco Borghese; its artistic arrangement of organic hand-blown Murano glass petals are formed with different sizes in semi-transparent shades. Casting light on the area below, the organic shaped sofa (designed by us and crafted by Ben Whistler) curves around the space to provide the perfect cocooned seating area for entertaining. Mid-century inspired armchairs by Ateliers London and a Tom Faulkner side table are all positioned around a striking solid black quartz coffee table in the shape of a tulip, created by Linea Luxe, sitting on top of a beautiful Jennifer Manners sculpted rug in the shape of the wings of a swan.

Beautifully crafted floor-to-ceiling curved joinery designed by us and created by End Grain displays a carefully curated selection of Walpole brands, such as a bespoke backgammon board by Alexandra Llewellyn, books by Downey and vases by Asprey, Wedgwood and Olivia Walker.

The dining area is a focal point for the open-plan living area, where the striking ‘Bloom’ light installation by Haberdashery takes centre stage.  Illuminated porcelain buds inspired by the first blooms of Spring, are suspended on fine silk braided cable above the statement Bentley table in Valentine grey marble.  Our Linea Luxe dining chairs have been delicately hand embroidered by Aiveen Daly, softening the space in a flowing water sequence which moves across the chairs in an art-like installation.

Tablescaping features bespoke china and glassware from Richard Brendon, cutlery by Carrs, and double-sided leather placemats from Gayle Warwick. Behind the dining table is a sublime bar cabinet, with stunning marquetry created by Davidson London, filled with the very best Walpole alcohol brands such as Hendricks, Glenfiddich and a special edition ‘The Trinity Provenance’ whisky in a Lalique decanter by The Glenturret.

The apartment features a luxe yet sleek modern kitchen. The space is brought to life with a striking statement chandelier by Cameron Design House that explores light fluidity. Its sculptural shape is seen on entering the space and adds softness to the straight lines of the marble worktops and contemporary cabinets.  Beautifully hand-crafted bespoke knives by Savernake sit atop the work surface, and other luxury brands feature in the kitchen from Eto Wines, August & Piers, Jing Tea, Fortnum & Mason Tom Dixon, Lauren Dickinson Clarke and Conran.

Bursts of orange, rust and mustard create an autumnal feel in the space.  A curved mustard bench wraps around the worktop, whilst an abstract mural in a soft ombre effect has been hand painted by Jan Erika as a backdrop for the informal breakfast area, featuring a bespoke caterpillar banquette and bespoke curved table designed by us and created by Ateliers London, a statement light by Ochre and Tom Dixon chairs.

"The Powder Room has a beautifully whimsical feel to it, capturing the spirit of Queen Charlotte’s menagerie and re-telling the story through a bespoke wallpaper"

The Powder Room is one of our favourite rooms in the apartment; it has a beautifully whimsical feel to it, capturing the spirit of Queen Charlotte’s menagerie and re-telling the story through a bespoke wallpaper collaboration with Cole & Son. The Zebra -which was given to Queen Charlotte as a wedding gift- is the focus, whilst a monkey, exotic birds and quintessentially English foliage are also hand painted onto the faux silk base.

Helping to create a seamless wraparound extension of the menagerie scenery, is a bespoke verre eglomise with antiqued mirror, resin and crushed foil by Sterling Studios. A pendant light by Rothschild and Bickers provides ambient light in the setting, whilst Penhaligons scents set the scene for whimsical luxury.

The Master Suite is a calming sanctuary that embodies our ‘love letter’ narrative. The pièce de résistance is the floor to ceiling sculpted headboard wall artwork by Helen Amy Murray: – a tribute to a pair of Plane trees that Queen Victoria and her Consort Prince Albert planted over 170 years ago on their anniversary. Its soft faux suede and embroidered silk crepe satin appliqué leaves emerge from the wall in varying degrees of relief, providing a sophisticated backdrop for the sumptuous bespoke Savoir bed, bench by Ben Whistler and bedsides by Shaw Stephens. Illuminating this a crystal chandelier by Rocco Borghese.

The most beautiful Peter Reed bedlinen is featured with pillowcases embroidered with a love letter written by Prince Albert to Queen Victoria in her favourite Sea Island Cotton, showcasing a passion for detail.  The statement rug is crafted with love by Axminster, and a sophisticated bespoke inset mirror has been created by Sterling Studios to reflect the beauty of the feature wall, further enhancing the interplay of light and texture.

Other pieces in the space include a dressing table and mirror by Shaw Stephens, Armchair by Ateliers London, side table by Linea Luxe and display unit by Anka Bespoke. Luxury goods and fragrances such as Clive Christian, Wolf 1834, Smythson, the London Sock Company, Ettinger, Olivia Von Halle and Rapport are all styled throughout the space. Window dressings by Garland Interiors are hung on curtain poles by Silent Gliss.

A calm, clean and minimal interior has been created for the Master Dressing room. Keen to not distract from the flow of the space, pieces were crafted to pay tribute to the royal garden. A teardrop ottoman by Ateliers London is shaped to reflect the elements of the lake, and sits atop an abstract rug by The Rug Company, a contemporary twist on Queen Charlottes Zebra, whilst an elegant console and striking geometric mirror by Hare and Humphreys finish the space off.  

Each of the wardrobes in every room have Walpole fashion brands to discover, from Mulberry and Hackett to Anna Mason, My Wardrobe HQ and Marion Ayonote.  The sumptuous Master Bathroom features a Porta Romana table and beauty brands Jo Malone, Molton Brown, Decree and Equi London.

The lower lobby features a Crayon Table by Davidson London which is contrasted against the striking balustrades of the sweeping staircase. Stunning hand-crafted decorative plasterwork leaves and flowers by Locker & Riley adorn the wall, subtly embellishing the space and drawing the eye upwards.

Banksy’s ‘Flower Thrower’ Triptych makes a striking statement at the top of the grand staircase, paired with a contemporary monochromatic curved bench.

The upper level of the apartment boasts two guest rooms, the first pays homage to the Dragonfly – a timeless symbol of happiness, new beginnings, and change. We enlisted Aiveen Daly to create a bespoke headboard for the bedroom which is a recreation of a ‘love letter’, the stunning work features an envelope silhouette and is finished with the intricately beaded dragonfly stitched on Daly’s signature bias.  

The backdrop for the room is a bespoke wall covering from Cole & Son that is a study of magnified dragonfly wings.  Other hero pieces include a curved desk and bedside tables designed by us and created by Fabrilli, scalloped mirror by Porta Ramana, console table by End Grain, bench and stool by David Lawrence, bedside lamps by Pooky, side table by Tom Faulkner, dressing mirror by End Grain and vintage-inspired flower chairs in a teddy bear fabric.

Taking inspiration from the symmetrical, intricate detailing of honeycomb and the beehives in the garden, a playful burst of colour graces the second guest room. Lee Broom pendants overhang the luxe yet cosy bespoke headboard and floating leather clad encased bedsides designed by Bazaar London, which are a key feature in the room.  This soft feminine interior is finished in a palette of blush and garden green and features the gorgeous Arbor chair and ottoman by Conran, side table by Fabrili and a beautiful cushion in a bespoke colour way by Sabina Savage.  A gorgeous rug by Jennifer Manners nods to the Snake Head Fritillary flowers in the garden overlaid by a honeycomb pattern, underpinning the space.

The epitome of luxury, House of Walpole is unlike any other, from the stunning architecture to the exquisite bespoke pieces designed by us and crafted by Britain’s best luxury brands. This space showcases design at its best. A tribute to her late majesty, a homage to the Royal Gardens and a celebration of British Luxury craftsmanship.

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