The Whiteley unveils a unique home inside its historic clock tower
Europe’s first Maxalto-designed apartment marks the latest addition to The Whiteley’s Designer Collection – and is on the market for £24 million
Now one of the capital’s most recognisable architectural landmarks, the £1.5bn redevelopment of The Whiteley brought a new lease of life and possibility to the imposing Grade II-listed building, which once housed one of London’s first, and most luxurious, department stores. It now holds a collection of magnificent private residences, the UK’s fist Six Senses hotel, and a thoughtful selection of restaurants and retailers.
The pinnacle of these home is the Designer Collection – and The Whiteley has just unveiled the latest addition to the collection: the very first apartment in Europe to be designed in collaboration with Maxalto, furniture maker B&B Italia Group’s interior design arm. Also marking B&B Italia’s 50th anniversary, and curated by Antonio Citterio, the much-lauded Italian architect, furniture and industrial designer, the stand-out property sits within The Whiteley’s historic clock tower.
The beautiful four-bedroom apartment balances distinguished Italian design with outstanding craftsmanship, paying tribute to both The Whiteley’s British heritage and legacy, as well as Maxalto’s enduring Italian taste. Spread over 4,349 square feet, the apartment also benefits from the adjacent 1911 glass dome, reimagined by Foster + Partners as an intriguing 624 square foot internal winter garden, which floods the apartment which natural light. The distinctive garden’s fluid, curved interior terrace effortlessly connects to the adjoining open plan living, dining and kitchen areas, seamlessly bringing the outside in, and delivering a tangible sense of tranquillity.
Positioned within the building’s famous clock tower, whose historically empty roundel has now been filled with a bespoke clock face, the Maxalto-imagined apartment is truly individual. Standout features include the incredible clock tower room itself, which boasts soaring six metre ceilings and panoramic views across the capital, in which a striking floor-to-ceiling immersive bookcase provides an artful and intelligent focus, finished with handsome top-stitched leather shelves and a decorative ladder inspired by classic libraries. This beautiful area is further brought to life by a cascade of Flos’ Notambule pendant lights, illuminating and anchoring the room.
Inspired by The Whiteley’s neoclassical influences, revival furniture honours the building’s
past, while also nodding to its design-led future. Custom boiserie wall panelling by B&B Italia makes a striking first impression upon entering the apartment, extending into the main living area, and flanking a statement Corteccia stone fireplace. Meanwhile, the living room is leant focus by a minimalist natural wenge dining table, which stands beneath a trio of Flos Skygarden pendants.
A pair of Lilium sofas provide a polished centrepiece, their asymmetrical silhouette and soft architectural curve adding movement and fluidity, while a Xilos coffee table in glossy Sahara Noir marble and a kitchen island paired with warm tobacco-toned leather bar stools offer a clever combination of timeless and tactile textures and tones.
The contemporary-meets-heritage palette is further embraced in the custom Arclinea kitchen, with Bianca Eclipsia quartzite worktops and splashbacks introducing a sleek, sculptural finish to the overall design of the open plan living and dining area.
The beautiful bedrooms are smart, sophisticated, and inviting, with an array of carefully curated artwork and original period features come together to enhance each bedroom. Sure to impress any potential resident, the principal suite features a bespoke Kasia leather headboard with integrated brass reading lights, and a generous walk-in dressing room fitted with custom wardrobes.
Biblia bookcases in black oak provide a smart yet tranquil ambience in the study, and are complemented by an impressive Pathos desk, finished with a Calacatta marble top and bronze base. A generous 952 square foot private outdoor terrace completes the incredible home, promising a welcoming dining area, natural linen Gio sunbeds and relaxed seating with an Ayana sofa and chairs for al fresco entertaining.
One of 139 exclusive residences at The Whiteley, the future owner will also have access to an impressive 60,000 square feet of state-of-the-art amenities, including a 20-metre swimming pool, modern gym, padel court, children's playrooms, a library, and a world class spa.
Alex Michelin, CEO of property developer Valouran, comments: “[This is] a space that exemplifies quiet luxury, architectural integrity, and enduring Italian design. In honour of The Whiteley’s old-world charm and new beginnings, this landmark apartment not only celebrates Maxalto’s 50th anniversary, but also echoes The Whiteley’s commitment to delivering outstanding craftsmanship and a truly unique living experience for its residents.”
The Whiteley clock tower apartment is listed for £24 million, visit thewhiteleylondon.com
