Historic London Properties Reimagined as Private Luxury Residences

In a city as old as London, a heritage building is never far away. From commanding Gothic structure to elegant Edwardian homes, various architectural eras come together to create a vibrant urban landscape that’s 2,000 years old and counting. 

Not all listed buildings are created equal, though. Some of the most beloved buildings are not because of their pedigree, but the role they played in Londoners’ lives. This element of nostalgia is fuelling interest in The Whiteley and 60 Curzon — two new projects with fascinating back stories. Discover the next chapters of these storied buildings as they bring back the good old days while forging a whole new future.

60 CURZON

Modern life involves a clutch of apps but when it comes to truly connecting with people (and closing a deal at that) nothing beats doing it over a meal. Breaking bread builds foundations, explaining why restaurants are essential in every community. 

One of London’s most popular — and romanticised – restaurants is Mirabelle in Mayfair. Opened in 1936, A-listers from Winston Churchill to Leonardo DiCaprio gathered here during its 70-year reign. On its coveted site now stands 60 Curzon, an eight-storey property with 32 luxury residences designed by legendary French architect Thierry W. Despont, the creative mind behind the Ritz Paris and The Carlyle Hotel in New York. “The legacy of this gastronomic and high society icon played a significant role in shaping the vision, not necessarily from an aesthetic angle, but in terms of defining the height of glamour,” says Charles Leigh, director of 60 Curzon.

60 Curzon is already written in the history books as the first — and only— residential building in Europe by Despont. His impeccable design harks back to the golden age of the Art Deco era, and features soaring ceilings and generous natural light, thanks to dual and triple aspects. From studios to penthouses, the living spaces are thoughtfully arranged around an English woodland-inspired private landscape garden designed by Gustafson Porter + Bowman. 

Street Style

It’s easy to fall in love at first sight with 60 Curzon’s exquisite facade. Leading firm PLP Architecture employed hand-set Portland Stone referencing the Georgian townhouses nearby and infused dark green accents through hand-glazed terracotta tiles. Bronze is used with flair — to create curved balustrades that echo the building’s sinuous lines, and fashioned as bespoke patinated solid bronze doors at the entrance to the lobby and restaurant. 

Inside, a collection of 32 boutique residences span lateral apartments, pied-a-terres, a townhouse, and two duplex penthouses that boast wraparound private terraces. Wondering what living here would be like? Their series of designer collaborations offers an insight. 

In late 2024, they unveiled the inaugural show apartment designed by Elicyon, a lauded interior design studio founded by Charu Gandhi. The refined four-bedroom apartment can be described as Art Deco with a modern twist, featuring rounded silhouettes, vintage finds like a 1936 maple wood grand piano and customised pieces such as olive-green bedside cabinets by British ceramicist Matthew. A second show apartment by London-based studio, Tatjana von Stein, draws inspiration from the artistic spirit of Mayfair, with a stunning showcase of textured materials including lacquered surfaces, burr woods, and a statement ceiling finished in back-painted glass. 

Mayfair Renaissance

60 Curzon is part of the recent revitalisation of Mayfair, which has an influx of landmark projects such as a new Rosewood at the former American Embassy and the £1billion regeneration of the Piccadilly Estate. Leigh points out a growing interest in South Mayfair, with buyers “drawn to the vibrancy of areas near iconic venues such as Annabel’s and 5 Hertford Street, rather than the more traditional, stately squares in the North of Mayfair.”

One thing is for sure: This slice of London will continue to attract the wealthy and worldly. The community surrounding 60 Curzon is a blend of long-standing families, international residents, and influential figures. When it comes to the building itself, the amenities — a 24-hour concierge, a club lounge, a spa and wellness level, temperature-controlled storage for fine wines and spirits — speak for itself. That, plus a location at the heart of Mayfair, moments away from Green Park and Hyde Park.

The public will also get a chance to experience 60 Curzon, through the brand-new restaurant on the ground floor. “Building on the achievements of Marco Pierre White, who earned a Michelin star for Mirabelle in 2000, 60 Curzon will be firmly re-established on the culinary map. Set to transform Mayfair’s fine dining scene, we look forward to announcing the world-renowned restaurant that we will be welcoming to this legendary space,” says Leigh.

http://www.60curzon.com

60 Curzon Street, London, W1J 8PG

THE WHITELEY LONDON

Once upon a time, when shopping entailed physically going to stores and browsing in person, department stores served as the nexus of social life. That’s exactly what Whiteleys was: the city’s first and finest department store fondly remembered by many Londoners. 

“Starting as a drapery salesman from a small shop on neighbouring Westbourne Grove, William Whiteley fastidiously grew his business to its ultimate pinnacle which was this magnificent building occupying an entire city block. Completed in 1911, Whiteleys was famous in its day for being able to procure its customers anything from a pin to an elephant,” shares Alex Michelin, co-founder of Finchatton and CEO of Valouran.

The shops may be long gone, but this striking building in Bayswater with its collonaded facade and rooftop cupulas still steals the hearts of passers-by. It won’t be empty for long — it is currently undergoing a £1.2 billion transformation by Finchatton to become London’s hottest residential and hospitality destination. The development is part of the wider regeneration of Queensway, which aims to become a globally renowned lifestyle district.

“The masterplan for the reimagined building, now called “The Whiteley”, is defined by our vision to meticulously restore this wonderful 100-year-old façade and breathe new life into its internal spaces for the modern day,” explains Michelin.

The task of restoring the Grade II-listed facade fell to Foster + Partners, an award-winning practice who are masters in sensitive restorations as well as gravity defying creations. One of the key things to preserve was the Art Deco features reflected in various parts of the building. “They did all they could to meticulously restore the original elements of the building such as the grand staircase, the grand dome and the clock towers to make sure they stood for another 100 years honouring this great historic building,” says Michelin.

It’s certainly a wonderful canvas to work with: The Whiteley will house 139 unique apartments ranging from studios to five-bedroom apartments and a collection of townhouses and penthouses — all aesthetically connected by voluminous spaces, exquisite detailing and natural light. 

The boundless potential is realised in the Designer Collection series, the first one curated by Joyce Wang Studio.

“The Whiteley’s original style evokes a sense of classic luxury and elegance. By keeping elements of the historical style, the studio created a space that is sophisticated yet approachable, offering a sense of enduring opulence,” says Joyce Wang, the studio’s founder and principal.

Wang paid tribute to the building’s Art Deco heritage, but was also inspired by the legacy of William Whiteley. Hence, the apartment features a worldly, eclectic vibe accentuated by exclusive pieces from Irish furniture brand Orior, bespoke decor from L’Objet, custom-made headboards and grand chandeliers that emphasise the 6m-high ceilings. 

The second collaboration was Linda Boronkay Design Studio, the eponymous firm by former Soho House design director. The apartment blends modern and vintage touches seamlessly peppered with commissioned pieces from craftsmen such as lighting from Joe Armitage and an ornate folding screen by Gergei Erdei.

One-of-a-kind architecture and interiors aside, residents of The Whiteley will benefit from a dedicated director of residences and services such as dog walking, alongside exclusive amenities like a library, club room, sports hall with padel and a tennis court, and more. 

Social Capital

Only a few will get the chance to call The Whiteley home, but that doesn’t mean its doors are closed. “Our mission is to breathe new life into this historic building and high street. Our vision is to create a space that balances the desires of both residents and visitors,” stresses Michelin. The Whiteley will include 19 shops, retail concepts, lifestyle brands, restaurants and cafés; confirmed tenants include Third Space, Guillam Coffee House, Browfique and 3812 Gallery. 

It will also be the home of the country’s first-ever Six Senses hotel, with 109 rooms and a highly-anticipated spa. At its core is Six Senses Place — a fresh approach to a members’ club rooted in wellness and with a sustainable ethos. A brand new social hub at The Whiteley? That’s just things coming full circle. 

http://www.thewhiteleylondon.com

The Whiteley London, 149 Queensway, London, W2 4YN