Culture Vulture, Mayfair

Nestled between the triangle of the Royal Academy, Savile Row and Burlington Arcade, this newly built development has not only been designed by world-renowned architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, but also features the first new arcade in Mayfair since the 1930s. The impeccable Penthouse 701, with its interiors designed by Hudson & Mercer, reflects the sophistication and culture of the surrounding area. The apartment has three bedrooms, 24-hour concierge and security, as well as a gymnasium (managed by Bodyism) and spa. Whether you want to see Picasso at the Halcyon Gallery, shop for a Birkin at Hermès, or grab some Cohibas at Davidoff, the world is indeed your oyster. Talking of oysters, The Wolseley is a stone’s throw away.

Burlington Gate, 25 Cork Street, W1S; £14.75m; christiesrealestate.com

Eye in the Sky, Nine Elms

Once a deserted no man’s land, Nine Elms in Battersea is going through a period of major regeneration. It’s no coincidence that two big boys have set up shop in the district: first, the much-hyped redevelopment of the iconic Battersea power station; secondly, the American embassy that cost one billion dollars (yes, you read that right). Developed by EcoWorld Ballymore, Embassy Gardens takes the residential crown of Nine Elms. Featuring a sky pool that hangs suspended between two-buildings (a world-first) there are 3 residential options on offer: a single bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartment. Lucky homeowners are also offered Eg: Le Club membership which grants residents and their guests exclusive access to the Sky Deck with Sky Pool and Orangery rooftop bar, Maureen O’Hara private cinema, Belmont Gym and so much more. Keep your eye on Battersea, because its rise will be stratospheric.

Embassy Gardens, 5 Nine Elms Lane, SW8; 1 bedroom apartment: £960,000, 2 bedrooms: £1.1m, 3 bedrooms: £1.5m; embassygardens.com

W8…where else?

Is W8 quite possibly the finest postcode in London? Home to Kensington Palace, Palace Avenue (Billionaire’s Row) and Holland Park, the postcode’s central yet residential feel remains one of the most popular amongst the well-heeled. Just off Kensington High street, Victory House is located in one of Kensington’s most sought after streets, Victoria Road, which is situated just south of Kensington Palace. With five bedrooms, three reception rooms, a garden, roof terrace and leisure facilities, this house is ideal for entertaining.

Victory House, Victoria Road, W8; £24m; knightfrank.co.uk

A Regal Affair, St James’s

St. James’s House at 88 St. James’s Street is a magnificent British period residence superbly located in the heart of London’s most prestigious and historic district. From the beautiful shop fronts of Jermyn Street to Sir Christopher Wren’s church on Piccadilly or one of the many elite gentlemen’s clubs, to explore the streets of St. James’s is to discover grandeur from a bygone era. WIthin this Grade-II listed building is a collection of eight elegant residences served by a 24-hour concierge and valet, along with a resident’s gym, pool and spa. Waking up to freshly brewed coffee, balcony windows open, with a view over the Mall – this is truly cosmopolitan living.

The Clarence, 88 St. James’s Street, SW1A; £22.5m; struttandparker.com

Rio or London? Highgate, actually

When we first set our eyes on this property, we thought it was some tropical haven in Brazil. Little did we know that this stunning architectural gem could be found in Highgate, North London. “For all the refinement of its construction, the house maintains a beguilingly cave-like relationship to the outside world: a place from which to enjoy a privileged view, but also a site of retreat” quotes Ellis Woodman in the Architect’s Journal. Designed by Stanton Williams, the open-plan house overlooks the lush gardens and has views over Hampstead Heath – an oasis of calm and tranquillity. Upstairs, the four bedrooms on the upper level are amongst the tree canopy. Naturally ventilated, the sedum roof helps to blend the home into its surroundings, whilst proving natural insulation. In summary: a sustainable, tropical masterpiece in London’s leafiest postcode.

Fitzroy Park, N6; P.O.A; beauchamp.com