A returning guest of Domus Stay, the Aussie creative shares what it’s like to live, work and play in the big smoke.

A vibrant hub of culture and design, London is unrivalled as one of the world’s most stimulating cities. It’s no wonder then that Bermondsey’s galleries, Soho’s restaurants and Notting Hill’s neighbourhood charm are just some of the reasons Xanthe Wetzler has returned time and time again. “I find inspiration walking down the street – especially in this city,” says the Sydney-based creative and Domus Stay regular.

Having forged a career in styling and consultancy across the world, Xanthe most recently turned her hand to film photography. “It wasn’t until the pandemic that I started playing around with my husband’s analogue cameras,” she notes. “I started shooting my friends and posting the pictures to social media. Not long after, fashion brands started reaching out with job offers.” Her talents have since been employed by industry luminaries including Réalisation Par, Net-a-Porter, Chanel Beauty and SIR.

“If you told me five years ago that I’d be getting paid to take photographs in places like London, Paris and Ibiza, I would have laughed,” she says. “Finally having a tangible outlet for my creativity feels rewarding and travelling to shoot on location is hugely appealing.” From Hamilton Island to Tokyo, Mexico City and Antibes, Xanthe’s work-related travels have brought a cosmopolitan edge to her pictorial style.

Among her many industry heroes, she notes that Juergen Teller’s work is a particular favourite. “It encapsulates a certain humanness. I try to take a similar ‘shoot from the hip’ approach.” This kind of contemporary, candid imagery feels in-tune with London’s metropolitan character. “What London lacks in natural beauty – unlike Sydney – it makes up for in culture, architecture and design tenfold!”

When work brings Xanthe to the capital, it’s unsurprising that she would lodge in some of our most striking, design-led homes, including Pencombe Mews, an ode to the charming English countryside in the heart of Notting Hill. Then there was a stay at Bonchurch Road, a gallery of mid-century Nordic design. Across its spacious footprint, warm timber panelling and one-of-a-kind tapestries set a backdrop for Torbjørn Afdal dining chairs, a Tonning and Stryn Linde sofa and contemporary artwork by Sverre Bjertnæs. These rare pieces were all chosen by creative director and homeowner, Magnus Thorud to showcase the beauty of Norwegian craftsmanship. A penchant for West London also brought Xanthe to Colville Houses and Blenheim Crescent, minimalist spaces imagined by textile artist Teresa Hastings and interior tastemaker Fran Hickman respectively.

Arguably one of London’s most photographed neighbourhoods, Notting Hill’s bohemian atmosphere is a source of inspiration for Xanthe. “I’m usually in London for extended periods of time and prefer to stay in a neighbourhood like Notting Hill that feels like home,” she notes. “The properties Domus Stay manages are far superior to competitors out there and the team is helpful and friendly – the whole service is unbeatable for me.”

It takes a seasoned Londoner to know how best to spend a trip here and Xanthe has a few favourite hotspots. “My perfect 24 hours in London would start at the White Cube in Bermondsey, my favourite gallery, followed by a caff lunch at Bruno’s in Soho,” she says. “Next, I’d head to Idea Books to get lost in the archive, check out Dover Street Market then enjoy a martini at Bar Termini. Finally, dinner at Straker’s before dancing at 17 Little Portland – it has the best sound system in the city!”

Planning a stay in London? Speak to our team today to find the perfect design-led home for you.