Elgin Crescent IV

On one of Notting Hill’s most admired residential crescents, two derelict apartments in a stucco-fronted townhouse were masterfully transformed into a luxury two-bedroom duplex. Thanks to the innovative eye of interior designers Studio Mae, this home strikes a harmonious balance between period and contemporary styling, filled with bespoke furniture and state-of-the-art technology. With wellness and serenity at the core of its renovation mission, Elgin Crescent is the ultimate sanctuary for a city escape. 

As soon as you enter, the voluminous 3.5 metre-high ceilings and reams of natural light set a relaxing feel in motion. On the first floor, the open-plan kitchen, dining and reception room is sleek in design and welcoming in atmosphere. Smoked oak chevron floors draw you into the space, which is beautifully illuminated through dual-aspect windows. There’s an air of Parisian elegance drawn with the natural colour palette, floor-to-ceiling curtains and refined furnishings: an inviting Maxalto sofa and eye-catching Budri Origami coffee table are positioned by the marble fireplace, while a sculptural Naama Hoffman light is suspended overhead. Note the immaculately-crafted wall mouldings, cornicing and ceiling rosettes — a feat of architectural prowess by French decorators Auberlet et Laurent. Demonstrating the home’s commitment to sustainability, non-toxic Farrow & Ball paint has been used throughout. 

An artisanal walnut dining table separates the living and cooking spaces. Beyond here, the bespoke Martin Moore kitchen is a masterstroke of modern design. Centering the space is a lozenge-shaped island, topped with double-bevelled edged marble. To either side, Taj Mahal Quartzite countertops add a lustrous quality, complete with integrated Gaggenau, Miele and Quooker appliances. Mornings are easy with the Rocket Italy coffee machine, while the wine fridge makes for breezy entertaining, come evening time. French windows open onto a Juliet balcony, overlooking verdant communal gardens — which residents have access to.  

In keeping with the entire property, a Deco-inspired staircase is a sublime point of architectural engineering. It ascends in one sweeping curve, complete with a floating oak handrail. Beneath the stairs, there are handless panels that conceal spacious storage areas. 

Upstairs, two bedrooms set a new standard for interior sophistication and relaxation. In the principal suite, a Bocci cluster pendant chandelier and bespoke LED-lit wardrobes make a feature of the room’s 3-metre period proportions. The Naturalmat bed is paired with sustainable linens and sits on an organic wool rug. Next door, the bathroom is an awe-inspiring setting. The vanity unit features mushroom marble and corrugated-effect panelling to match the bedroom storage, complete with an oversized rainfall shower. The secondary bedroom is drawn with a muted blue colour and a walnut desk, complemented by the same sustainably-minded bedding and LED-lit wardrobes as the principal. It’s served by an additional bathroom, featuring a contemporary bathtub perfect for long soaks.