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Vintage Dior, Curtis Jere and a healthy dose of Murano lighting come together in this whimsical home from home…
Where is it? In Clerkenwell, just across the road from Exmouth Market. The closest underground stations are Farringdon and Angel.
How many bedrooms? There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms, split across different floors.
The story: The four-storey house, which is listed with Plum Guide, was originally a Georgian dairy built around 1752. When owners Paul and Shaun purchased it in 2006, it was an accountant’s office with grey fitted carpet suspended ceilings. They spent a year renovating, restoring original features such as the salvage fireplaces.
They wanted to keep the historical essence of a shop history with the use of Edwardian fittings in the kitchen and the mahogany library doors. The idea was that the home would be a haven for objects they had collected on their travels.
Design details: Each room has its own look and feel, making for an eclectic and vibrant property. The lower ground floor showcases an excellent use of space. The garden room, which sits under a glass roof, pays homage to Florida with Bamboo and Parrot wallpaper. The furniture is either custom made or 1950s. The Murano wall lights are fitted with matching lime green silk pleated shades. The sofa has a collection of vintage Dior scarves made up as cushions, set on a canary yellow Chinese hand tufted floral carpet.
The library, which doubles as a cinema room with a drop down screen and projector, is lined with bookshelves storing books and ceramics. Spot the 1950s chairs upholstered in Maharan fabric and a vintage Casa Pupo rug.
The kitchen, with chequerboard pattern floorboards, has the most evidence of the shop legacy with the large shop front window still in place. The dining table is a Georgian monopodium and the chairs are mid-century upholstered in turquoise leather. Above the fireplace is a Gilbert & George print which sits opposite a collection of Hogarth prints.
It feels rather lab like with industrial stainless steel fittings, Carrara marble worktops and a Victorian stone sink. The sideboard hosts large cheese bells and jugs from Wedgwood and Spode.
The main bedroom has a sleigh bed upholstered in powder blue leather. There is an unusual portrait bought in Buenos Aires and a Vasarelli geometric print whilst a Curtis Jere brass wall relief sits over the bed.
The bathroom has a Palm Springs theme with sunshine yellow and white geometric patterned tiled walls and floors. A large chandelier hung with brass fronds and flowers is paired with a brass Curtis Jere wall relief of autumn leaves.
The top floor bedroom reflects the African subcontinent with a selection of wood carvings and warrior drums. This room is framed by Procuratie Avio curtains by Fornasetti. There is also an adjacent dressing room.
Anything else I should know? The property stays true to its roots so expect lots of stairs and the occasional creaky floorboard.
Best for: design fans seeking a characterful stay in London.
Price: from £468 per night.
Book: visit plumguide.com to check availability and request to book.
The home is managed by Stay and Escape.
