London’s Top Townhouses: The Perfect Luxury Stopovers
Hand-crafted, luxury experiences curated by our team—speak to our concierge to learn more
By
Isobel Coombs
on
7th December 2023
As the festive season unfurls, the frenzy of Christmas shoppers descending upon London is palpable.
For those who seek more than just a place to rest their heads, here are three unique townhouses imbued with quintessentially British charm. Steeped in history, each of these townhouses are characterised by traditional architecture and playful quirks These townhouses are situated a stone’s throw away from the capital's best shopping locations, and offer so much more than a moment of respite from the hustle and bustle.
1. Henry's Townhouse
Henry’s Townhouse, the former home of Jane Austen’s brother, Henry, is situated a mere 10 minute walk from Marylebone High Street. Hotel guests can visit the street’s array of renowned luxury names and independent boutiques before stepping back in time to the townhouse's old worldly charm. The restoration, a labour of love spanning two and a half years, transformed a dilapidated B&B into a seven-bedroom masterpiece replete with winding staircases, marble floors, and velvet furnishings. Each room narrates a unique story inspired by different Austen family members; from antique four-poster beds, to 16th-century oil paintings, every detail reflects a meticulous attention to detail.
What sets Henry's Townhouse apart is its ability to transcend the traditional idea of a hotel. At 7pm each night, the townhouse hosts its guests for a complimentary aperitif in ‘Jane’s Living Room’, emulating the receptions Henry would have hosted in the exact same room. The intimate setting and the townhouse's incredible British heritage, providing guests with a true, luxurious, home-from-home experience.
The Mayfair Townhouse is a heritage property with contemporary flair. Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, it is perfectly situated for visitors visiting the luxury boutiques of Bond Street, Dover Street and Albemarle Street.
The Mayfair Townhouse hints at British idiosyncratic sarcasm with its deceptive yet unruly design choices, giving the hotel a unique character. For instance, the walls are peppered with what look to be antique oil paintings, which on closer inspection depict iPads and drones. The hotel boasts 172 rooms, from cosy and polished cabin rooms to the illustrious Loft Suite, the townhouse will cater to every accommodation requirement.
With Christmas shopping often resembling a marathon , the end of the day undoubtedly beckons a tipple or two. Luckily, The Mayfair Townhouse is home to The Dandy Bar, awarded the ‘Best Bar in the UK’. Greeted by one of the bar’s affable team, you can spend your evening winding down over bespoke cocktails and an extensive wine list. The deep velvet furnishings and low lights imbue the bar with the intimacy of a private members club, making The Dandy Bar a destination in itself.
Tucked away in the tranquillity of Cadogan Gardens, a stone's throw from the vibrant Sloane Square, The Chelsea Townhouse, formerly known as the Draycott Hotel, lures tired shoppers in by its serenity. If you’re in search of somewhere you can feel instantly at home, away from the crowds, but metres away from the action, The Chelsea Townhouse ticks all the boxes.
Despite its sleek, modern renovations, architects maintained the original architecture, ensuring that the townhouse honours its heritage. With 36 uniquely designed bedrooms, The Chelsea Townhouse offers a range of sophisticated rooms, including spacious apartment-style suites equipped with kitchenettes for self-catered stay. Affectionately described by its manager as “like staying at your wealthy aunt’s house”, the townhouse has preserved its heritage flair through traditional artwork, hunky-dory staircases, and vintage furniture. . Guests even have access to the townhouse’s private gardens, a library, and the amenities of neighbouring hotel, 11 Cadogan Gardens.
In the midst of the festive fanfare , these townhouses stand as oases of calm and refinery, in the heart of London’s best shopping districts. Henry's Townhouse, The Mayfair Townhouse, and The Chelsea Townhouse—each a unique expression of British heritage—invite you to extend your Christmas shopping trip, and indulge in London’s most intimate hotels.
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