The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences enjoys a prestigious location in the heart of Mayfair, directly opposite Green Park. Just a turn from the hotel’s main entrance, its newly-launched Townhouse Residences offer guests a luxurious home-from-home from which to experience London life as a local.
This handsome row of Victorian red-brick properties conjures up a quintessential London scene; exuding a feeling of warmth and sophistication that is echoed within the elegant interiors.
Crossing the hearth from the quiet residential street via their own private front door, guests are greeted by a tranquil entrance hall complete with original mosaic tiled floors. Atop the striking period staircase, the spacious residences feature a generous living and dining space, separate sleeping quarters, a fully-fitted kitchenette, and a stylish bathroom.
14 bedrooms are offered in all – six one bedroom apartments and eight twin/double bedrooms – all of which have interconnecting options so that they can be configured to guests’ individual taste.
“The design aesthetic is classically English with eccentric touches and creates a feeling of space, light and views, with plenty of nods to Mayfair and Green Park”
“The design aesthetic is classically English with eccentric touches and creates a feeling of space, light and views, with plenty of nods to Mayfair and Green Park,” explains designer, Martin Hulbert.
“The design had to be flexible enough to work with different guests: the families, couples and singles staying in the apartments. It is understated and, given that some people are long stayers, it aims for a home-from-home ambience.”
One of the key challenges Martin faced was to generate a sense of light within what were originally fairly dark rooms. Instead of ceiling lights, Martin has opted to install lighting details around the cornicing in order to increase the sense of height and space. Carefully positioned downlights, meanwhile, provide practical coverage for reading, unpacking or cooking.
“The sheer curtains were designed specifically for the residences,” Martin adds. “Their terracotta colour reflects the buildings in the street, fading up from the bottom to provide a softness to the room, letting in natural light while also offering privacy.”
A neutral interior palette enhances this sense of light, but Martin has also incorporated warmer hues inspired by the properties’ red-brick facade, mosaic floors and artwork. Rich amber and cool teal hints add visual interest, alongside bolder colours within the alcoves.
The living areas feature plush B&B Italia sofas with leather feet, richly varnished dining tables and lacquered cabinets by English designer, Julian Chichester. Large traditional fireplaces, decorated with eclectic objets-de-art, are framed by stylish Gubi chairs.
Drawing upon the Athenaeum’s Art-Deco influence; herringbone, deep silks, plush velvets, copper and leather are abundant and used to create a stylish yet supremely comfortable setting.
The classic black and white marble bathrooms, meanwhile, are accessed via luxurious double doors, and have been fitted with large walk-in showers and intelligent Toto sanitaryware.
Outwith the sophisticated bathroom technology, bespoke charging docks with room controls, USB sockets and UK and EU compatible plugs are found on bedside tables and desks.
Each apartment has been considered independently, and contains carefully-selected original artwork – including Martin’s own large-scale triptych painting depicting the landscape around his home in Sussex – as well as different accessories, so that returning visitors will have a slightly different experience each time.
