One Sloane will open its doors in September 2023, with bookings available from this month. This exceptional address, a collaboration between the world-renowned hotelier Costes, revered designer Francois-Joseph Graf and the 300 year old Cadogan Estate, is located just off Chelsea’s Sloane Square,
Nestled at 1 Sloane Gardens, the hotel sits within easy reach of the characterful King’s Road, luxury of Sloane Street and galleries and art filled boutiques of Chelsea. A ‘home away from home’, it exudes an air of timeless elegance where Chelsea charm meets Parisian chic. Comprising 30 bedrooms and suites, One Sloane will house a top floor restaurant, lobby, and a downstairs bar.
Originally crafted in 1889 by architect Edwin Thomas Hall, One Sloane comes following an extensive six-year building project. The historic façade has been retained whilst the interior was completely remodelled, and an additional sixth floor with its own cupola added. Graf and his select circle of trusted craftsmen have transformed the hotel, bringing an elegant Victorian mansion into the 21st century.
Upon entering One Sloane, atmospheric lighting draws the eye to intricate ceiling cornices, wood wall panelling, stained-glass windows and playful trompe l’oeil. Neo-Greek friezes adorn the vestibule decorated with mosaics and vases. Chandeliers suspend from a painted stormy skied ceiling, emblematic of over 700 lights throughout the hotel, a mixture of original Benson lamps or faithful recreations. Beauty is abundant: Greek vases, antique chairs, curtains, rugs, mosaic tiling and cabinets decorate the lobby, home to a curated library.
Arts and Crafts detailing is inspired by Chelsea’s long association with this artistic movement, including William Morris wallpaper and mirrors adorning the stair walls whilst the corridors contain hand-painted calligraphy leading towards the bedrooms and suites. In the rooms, an Anglo-Asian aesthetic is achieved through cream English panelling on the walls and ceilings contrasting and complementing the Japonisme styled desks. Original pieces of antique furniture have been restored, sometimes replicated, with a nod to Godwin and Mackintosh.
Stained-glass windows offer a characteristically British level of intimacy, but walk-in wardrobes cheekily named the ‘Mistress Door’, ‘Love’ and ‘Music’ switch controls, and black and white photography celebrating love and personalities connected to the area take a more playful tone. Dozens of artisans and craftspeople collaborated to bring François-Joseph Graf’s vision to life, including the creation of no fewer than 21 carpet designs, 19 curtain designs and 50 custom made fabrics, next to exquisite objets d’art ensure that each room assumes its own style. “The guiding principle is always the same: to respect the original features and enhance them so they can be brought into the 21st century,” said Mr Graf.
Housed on the new top floor, One Sloane’s spectacular light-filled restaurant was inspired by the ‘Peacock Room’ created in 1876 by local artist Whistler (the original was later relocated to the Smithsonian Gallery). Panoramic views open across the city skyline, while the restaurant’s elegant cupola offers an octagonal space with views across Chelsea. Natural light floods through the stained-glass windows and antique mirrors, and wooden shelves displaying Chinese vases add an air of grandeur. Epicureans can enjoy a menu that blends the best of traditional Parisian dishes, offering simply perfect French food at the hour of one’s choosing, thanks to the restaurant’s all-day dining.
The most ‘Parisian’ space at the hotel, the downstairs lounge has a private entrance on Holbein Place. A ‘speakeasy’ style space, guests can indulge in cocktails and fine wines to the sounds of One Sloane’s resident DJ. Brown-reds, soft lighting and candlelight create a moody yet enticing atmosphere, destined to be the hub of Chelsea and beyond.
Hugh Seaborn, Chief Executive, Cadogan said: “It is a joy to see so much of Chelsea’s exquisite architecture and rich artistic heritage reflected and celebrated throughout One Sloane – creating a truly beautiful and unique hotel which will appeal to both discerning visitors and locals alike. We have been working closely as a team for six years to realise M. Costes and Graf’s exquisite vision for their first London property and it is inspiring to see the artisanship involved at every stage. We believe One Sloane will effortlessly and immediately feel part of the neighbourhood, while bringing a fresh new energy to Chelsea.”
François-Joseph Graf envisions One Sloane as a quintessential English guest house, radiating the elegance synonymous with British society and a private home feel. The address for those in the know, it is where glamour and charm combine to create a classically Parisian ambience, with signature scents and sounds to match. Marking a moment of regeneration in Chelsea, One Sloane will infuse the neighbourhood with a new energy, standing as a testament to tailor-made luxury.
