sims hilditch the owo
All images: Chris Horwood

Inside Sims Hilditch’s £16m show home at The OWO, Whitehall

20 Jan 2025 | Updated on: 21 Jan 2025 | By Kari Colmans

The renowned interior design firm unveils its first show apartment at The OWO, which will be available to buy as a turnkey residence

Few cities in the world have the ability to combine old and new, urban and country, contemporary and classic, quite like London. Take, for example, The OWO in Whitehall: a Grade II* listed super prime development immersed in rich cultural history and prized for its astounding architectural grandeur. To create interiors worthy of this London landmark, leading British design house Sims Hilditch has turned its hand to one of the three-bedroom apartments within, bringing its signature, countryside-chic aesthetic to the heart of the capital.

The former Old War Office, the building is one of London’s most historically and culturally significant addresses, and has undergone an important transformation in recent years. Now home to nine destination restaurants and three bars, a 120-room Raffles London at The OWO hotel, and 85 Raffles branded residences, the newest addition just adds to the unique offering.

Plush, warm and welcoming, the 2,630 square foot lateral residence harmoniously combines a laidback, British heritage look with the property’s imposing architectural façade. Experienced in designing refined manor houses and sprawling country estates, as well as city mews and townhouses, the soft tones and textures chosen by Sims Hilditch provide an unusual yet balanced contrast with the imposing heritage features, resulting in a fluid and inviting setting.

Gentle accents of berry red and blush pink bring the living room to life. The sumptuous seating area features a tailor-made sofa with Samuel and Sons burgundy red velvet piping, positioned between two smoked oak side tables. Above, a brass and oak chandelier, designed by Vaughan Lighting, enhances the matching wall lights that flank the grand marble fireplace, coming together to create a cosy and illuminating glow throughout. Handsome swivel chairs in ivory fabric by Larsen boast stunning embroidered cord work, while regal wool sateen curtains frame the room’s two expansive windows, which offer views over The OWO’s iconic turrets.

sims hilditch the owo office

Leading on from the airy living room, pocket doors open into a study, where raspberry flourishes intensify to reds, pared back by neutral tone accents. Meticulously designed and executed built-in joinery, including rich walnut timber, leather stitched handles and inset deep burgundy textured wall coverings from Arte, provide a luxurious and thoughtfully crafted cocoon. Interesting books and ornaments scatter the shelves, many of which recall the building’s fascinating past. A delight for all the senses, each room also carries a signature scent.

Three expansive double bedrooms each feature en-suite bathrooms. The principal suite is elegant and calming, with its expansive, emperor-sized bed framed by an oversized winged headboard. Flanked by antique patina bedside tables, the walls feature intricate Indienne wallpaper by Lewis & Wood, designed by Parisian textile artist Serge Maury, enhancing the delicate and feminine ambience. The two additional bedrooms come complete with heavenly super king beds with upholstered headboards in calming colours, from rich velvety green to soft butter yellow. Artistically dressed by Etalage, a Cotswold-based art framing company, and MYLO Art, a Hampshire art gallery, original Picasso line drawings finish the bedrooms with a sophisticated flourish.

Gemma Holsgrove, studio director at Sims Hilditch, comments: “Meeting an ambitious eight-week turnaround time, our intention for the residence at The OWO was to design a highly considered space that feels welcoming and liveable – a home where prospective buyers can imagine themselves unwinding at the end of a long day in the city. While aesthetic beauty was essential, we wanted the interiors to go beyond that, creating an atmosphere of comfort and ease with furnishings that invite relaxation rather than formality.”

This Sims Hilditch-designed three-bedroom residence at The OWO is listed for £16,000,000. Visit theowo.london and simshilditch.com.

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