Celebrity Life

From prestigious townhouses in London and luxury chalets in Italy to a large city-centre apartment in Singapore, and a hotel and clubhouse in China, Katharine Pooley has done it all.

Once a banking executive, the London-based interior designer is today an award-winning decorator of choice to the global elite, having grown her business across the world since founding it in 2004. The award-winning designer, who also once lived in Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore, shares her vision, beliefs and creative process.

[caption id="attachment_211782" align="aligncenter" width="671"] Katharine Pooley.[/caption]

The current pandemic has made the world stay home and put more focus on our living spaces. Has Covid-19 influenced interior trends of late?

Absolutely. Covid-19 has reinforced the importance of home as a place of sanctuary and comfort. I also see a greater interest in the environmental impact of design and making responsible design choices that have a positive effect on the surrounding environment.

What are some of the strongest trends to emerge this year that will continue well into the future?

Generally, the strongest trends are for more spacious and more luxurious interiors that are highly personal, multifaceted and include standout features like swimming pools, bars, gyms and large terraces that many used to enjoy in the very best hotels and private members’ clubs. Colour trends are for soothing, light and tonal interiors with the introduction of small quantities of richer accent tones like aubergine, burnt orange and deep inky blues.

Speaking about trends, I’m always curious about the lifespan of an interior design trend.

I don’t like to follow trends; our clients expect to set trends, not follow them. They are not interested in having what everyone else already has. They want what nobody even knows they want yet. I do often look to other industries for inspiration though, such as the fashion industry.

[caption id="attachment_211783" align="aligncenter" width="683"] The stairs in a Mayfair townhouse completely redesigned by Katharine Pooley.[/caption]

How often should we actually refurbish our home so that it doesn’t look dated?

I believe if designed well, an interior should not need updating. However, many of our clients would look at a partial refresh every decade as the family evolves and sensibilities change. Also it is only natural that clients may want small changes and additions over the year so we continue to work with them to ensure the interior evolves in line with their lifestyle. I am very proud of our aftercare service!

What should we look out for in ensuring we don’t jump atop a trend wagon blindly to find that a fad has passed in a flash?

I find it helpful to look at the fashion world. Some styles are so timelessly elegant, original and cleanly realised, they never date. Think classic Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Celine etc. Aim to create the same ambience in your interior, one that is effortlessly glamorous, chic and understated, but also unmistakably luxurious. Don’t be driven by what is fashionable but more by what is beautiful. These classic pieces will continue to be elegant even as trends rise and fall around them.

What are the key must-dos and the major no’s in decorating for our tropical climate?

There are obvious finishes to be avoided and embraced in tropical countries. I know from my many years living in Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong that harder finishes will prove more durable and sanitary in humid conditions. I love to use resins, high-gloss lacquers, poured metals and polished marble together with textured timber and stone to create layered, rich interiors that are durable as well as luxurious. The most important thing when using hard finishes is to balance them with soft textured fabrics so that the space remains inviting and atmospheric.

[caption id="attachment_211784" align="aligncenter" width="744"] A Moroccan-styled room in the tropics.[/caption]

What would you like to see Asia do more of?

I think that some of the architectural design in Asia (and elsewhere, we are equally at fault in Europe) can be so contemporary and cutting-edge that it has lost its soul and does not speak to the surrounding landscape nor the humanity of those who will live within it. I would love to see more natural texture and warmth in these designs, and a little more richness and layering perhaps.

What is your creative process like when designing a home?

I start by taking a detailed brief from the client, analysing all floor plans and, where possible, visiting the site. This will then lead to the conceptual design stage where through sketches, conceptual imagery, modelling, layout development and loose finish and fabric schemes, a design starts to take shape. Once the client is happy with the conceptual direction, the detailed design work commences.

This takes the form of three packages. Firstly, a very detailed architectural drawing package including all elevations, sections, plans, bathrooms, kitchens and joinery. Secondly, a specification package covering all door ironmongery, joinery detailing, lighting, floor and wall finishes, AV equipment and systems, and bathroom and kitchen fixtures and equipment. Thirdly, an FFE (furniture, fixtures, equipment) package which breaks down in a clear and comprehensive way every furniture piece, window treatment, fabric and accessory. These three packages are presented to the client along with CGI renderings and rendered elevations that show every piece in the interior in each room for client sign-off alongside associated costs.

I try to keep the process very simple and straightforward. Total transparency is key as well as really listening and responding to the client at every step. The client often requests revisions and changes at each stage and we then work to accommodate all their feedback and achieve total sign-off to move forward with their blessing and trust to the procurement stage, building works and finally, installation and handover.

[caption id="attachment_211785" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The elegant living room of The Clarence at St James’ House, designed by Katharine Pooley.[/caption]

How much of a project is you, and how much of it is your client?

I would say it is 50/50 – it is a partnership and a meeting of minds. All of my clients become very important to me as they are entrusting me with something very personal to them, along with intimate knowledge of their life and how they like to live. My vision is always inspired by my client and anchored in who they are as people. The fun part of my job is to draw this out of them in the early stages and then leave them alone for all the hard work of creating it, and then surprise them with it at completion. Many clients have become close personal friends so I must be doing something right!

What would be the basic guidelines for good design for a high-rise city apartment?

Flow is key, the spaces must lead into and open into each other. Natural light must be utilised and finishes should use the same narrative throughout. In a small space, every piece must have aesthetic value and flexibility, and the lighting must be exquisite.

What’s a completed recent project that you are most proud of, and why?

The property I completed last month in Mayfair, London for an international client has to be seen to be believed. It is a townhouse set across seven floors, including a spa, pool, gym, home cinema, seven bedrooms and multiple entertaining areas and terraces. It’s fresh, chic, luxurious and full of awe-inspiring art, chandeliers and joinery. It was for a young client and we turned around the interior in five months and during the Covid-19 shutdown. I am very proud of that in particular, as we worked tirelessly to ensure the client and his wife were thrilled with the final outcome!

This story first appeared on Prestige Singapore

(All images: Katharine Pooley/London)

The post Interior Designer Katharine Pooley on Post-Covid Decor Trends and Curating Dream Homes appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

For its 2020 indoor collection, Flexform again blends timeless style with approachable comfort.

Over the past half a century, luxury Italian furniture brand Flexform has built itself an enviable reputation for products that combine aesthetic appeal with comfort and durability.

Entirely made in Italy, they reflect the company’s commitment to timeless elegance and a certain consistency of design – as the pieces in the new 2020 indoor collection amply demonstrate.

The Asolo Sofa

[caption id="attachment_211451" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The Asolo Sofa. (Image: Flexform)[/caption]

Case in point: The new Asolo Sofa, which effortlessly matches style with comfort. It’s available in any of the fabrics and leathers in the Flexform collection, and is designed with no sharp corners and large, fluffy cushions for maximum relaxation, atop a stylish silver grey painted metal base.

The Tessa Armchair

[caption id="attachment_211808" align="aligncenter" width="835"] The Tessa Armchair. (Image: Flexform)[/caption]

The Tessa Armchair is an object lesson in combining materials for maximum effect. Its frame comes in solid ash or turned Canaletto walnut, while the seat and backrest are made from woven paper rush cord, an ancient Italian rural tradition. It joins a family of pieces that also includes an armchair, ottoman, bench and marble top coffee table.

Pico Dining Table

[caption id="attachment_211458" align="aligncenter" width="874"] Pico Dining Table. (Image: Flexform)[/caption]

For a table that exudes a dynamic lightness, look no further than the Pico Dining Table, which joins the eponymous coffee table. Again devoid of sharp edges and corners, it features tapered aluminium legs and is available in a wide variety of materials, including various types of marble, wood veneered with Canaletto walnut or ash.

Joyce Chair and Armchair

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The Joyce Chair and Armchair are classic pieces with a twist. The latter lies mainly in the metal structure that supports the metal and moulded polyurethane shell, and adorns the back of the chairs. The metal base comes in burnished or powder-coat white, while the removable upholstery is available in a full range of fabrics and leathers.

Gregory Bed

[caption id="attachment_211455" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Gregory Bed. (Image: Flexform)[/caption]

The collection also provides somewhere to sleep in style, in the form of the Gregory Bed, which echoes the design of the renowned sofa of the same name. It comes in tobacco, dark brown or black cowhide stripes, above a metal frame and cast aluminum feet, while the padded headboard provides maximum comfort, with upholstery available in tone-on-tone or contrasting colour grosgrain piping.

First Steps Stool

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Form meets function, finally, in the First Steps Stool. The versatile bar stool features a statement backrest in a painted white or burnished finish, alongside a seat hand woven from either paper cord or paper rush cord – yet another highlight in a collection that offers something for everyone.

flexform.it

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Research has shown that office workers tend to be more efficient with plants by their desk.

But which ones should we choose? Let's start with three of the best potted plants to have: Jasmine has anxiety-lowering properties, aloe vera obstructs electromagnetic waves while the Snake Plant purifies the air.

Jasmine

[caption id="attachment_211705" align="alignnone" width="1024"] (Image: Avin CP/ Unsplash)[/caption]

This tropical plant covered with white flowers is not only aesthetically charming, it also allegedly lowers anxiety and stress. If you haven't finished setting up your home office yet, you may want to invest in this exotic tree.

Scientific research published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry showed that the jasmine fragrance could affect nerve cells and stimulate rest. Frequently used in aromatherapy, jasmine essential oil is recommended for promoting sleep and relaxation. Other potted plants that may help lower your stress levels include lavender, basil, mint, and Areca palm trees for larger offices.

Aloe Vera

[caption id="attachment_211707" align="alignnone" width="768"] Aloe vera. (Image: Dario/ Unsplash)[/caption]

Adopting an aloe vera plant could help counter the harmful effects of electromagnetic waves from computers, televisions and smartphones. Note that this tropical species loves light and sunshine, so make sure your office space is suitable. Moreover, aloe is a depolluting plant, reportedly absorbing 90% of formaldehyde in the air. Some people choose to grow aloe in their bedroom to help prevent insomnia.

Snake Plant

[caption id="attachment_211706" align="alignnone" width="683"] Snake plant. (Image: iStock/ Crystal Bolin Photography)[/caption]

The Snake Plant, also known as mother-in-law's tongue or sansevieria, is an easy-to-look after house plant from Africa. It is liked for its air-purifying qualities, filtering chemicals, helping to remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene from your house and office. Generally speaking, perennial plants are good choices for removing air pollutants and thus helping reduce headaches. Sansevieria does well in both bright and low-light areas.

The post 3 Potted Plants That Will Boost Productivity in Your Home Office appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Imagine having a luxury villa to call home.

Award-winning development company Selo Group announced its latest project: Precrafted designer villas that are sustainable and cost-effective yet spare no luxury. Where? Anywhere in Indonesia you please.

For the realists, a dream home in an exotic location sounds almost too good to be true, especially when the idea is literally built from scratch. “Managing the process of building a property can be daunting with the number of factors to consider, from hiring builders and contractors to dealing with delays,” says Andrew Corkery, CEO of Selo Group.

The prefabricated aspect of Selo Group’s villas takes the stress off your big plans. “We take care of all the essentials and offer a seamless path to owning a luxury villa in Indonesia, an incredible destination.”

[caption id="attachment_211641" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Selo Group's precrafted designer villa, which is essentially a prefabricated property, is sustainable and cost-effective without stinging on luxury.[/caption]

Head of Design Nino Osljanac leads the design team with more than 15 years of experience in architecture, interior design and master planning. Osljanac proves himself as the man for the job with a specialisation in designing luxury hotels, resorts and bespoke villas. His portfolio, is a masterpiece of award-winning hospitality properties across Asia.

Each villa is an invitation for panoramic views with floor-to-ceiling windows, an open layout with a private pool and deck, kitchenette and expansive living spaces. Designs have themes in mind, from Southern California-like charm to surf cabins. And, you can choose to have built a studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom villa.

[gallery ids="211639,211638"]

Sustainability is highly prioritised from the get go of Selo Group’s precrafted villas. The villas are built off-site inside a custom facility eliminates exposure to the elements and minimised construction waste. With materials manufactured in advance, the villas take a shorter time to build than other traditional villas. This is also how the project is able to save costs, where extended labour services and unforeseen charges are avoided. Any excess materials are then recycled in-house.

It could take a couple of weeks onwards to have the prefabricated villa fully set up in its home address.

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Keen? The next step is to head to Selo Group’s website where the buying process begins with choosing your preferred villa type, manufacturing upgrades and add-ons, and then an assembly option. Once complete, you can add the villa to shopping cart and submit the order — like how you would for your usual online shopping. A Selo Group team member will then reach out to you (because you know, it’s a pretty massive purchase) and get your dream home on its way to becoming a reality.

Selo Group’s precrafted villas are available from $650 USD per square metre. More information here.

This story first appeared on Prestige Malaysia

The post Here’s How You Can Own a Sustainable, Prefabricated Surf Villa in Bali appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Our bed sheets have been getting more action than ever during this pandemic.

With many of us still working from our abode, our beds have transformed into makeshift home offices, as well as easily provided opportunities for the occasional lunch break power nap. And if you spent the lockdown periods in quarantine with a partner, you probably got even more mileage out of your sheets.

Which means it’s time to consider investing a little more in our sleeping cocoons. If your existing bedding is too dull and run-of-the-mill for you, consider these luxurious bed sheets that are the epitome of style and substance.

La Coupe Des Dieux bed linen set and matching comforter by Versace

[caption id="attachment_211556" align="aligncenter" width="729"] The Versace La Coupe Des Dieux set is among our top picks of the most luxurious bed sheets. (Image: Versace)[/caption]

Bedtime in these opulent Versace La Coupe Des Dieux sheets will have you feeling like royalty. The bed sheet, pillow cases and blankets are decked out in black, gold and white with the brand's distinctive, flamboyant baroque motifs, and easily inject a dash of glamour to any living space. A matching comforter, which is sold separately, is also available. The whole set is made of 100 percent cotton.

Get the bed linen here and the comforter here

Arrow Double Bed Set by Off-White

[gallery ids="211553,211552"]

Virgil Abloh-designed bedding? Talk about a must-have for hypebeasts. Unveiled early this month as part of its latest homeware collection, streetwear darling Off-White's bed sets come in options of beige-orange linen and grey flannel. Each comes with a fitted bed sheet embroidered with the Off-White lettering logo, a duvet cover tagged with the "Home" label, and two pillow cases adorned with the brand's iconic arrow motif.

off---white.com

Ultimate Sheet Set by Frette

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Plain white sheets don't need to be boring. Frette's Ultimate Sheet Set is an ultra lavish rendition made from Giza 45, the highest grade Egyptian cotton, and features a simple stitch for that sleek, minimalist look. It comes with a top sheet, fitted bottom sheet, and two pillowcases. The sheet set is available in two shades: White and Milk, a lighter ivory hue.

international.frette.com

Heveya bamboo lyocell sheets by Okooko

[caption id="attachment_210928" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Heveya bamboo lyocell sheets. (Image: Okooko)[/caption]

For an eco-friendly option, consider Okooko's Heveya sheets, which are crafted in 100 percent organic bamboo lyocell. The sheets are particularly soft and breathable, with a smooth and feathery texture that resembles silk. Their bamboo fibre material is anti-microbial and hypoallergenic — perfect for those with sensitive skin and nose — and even wicks away moisture, so you can be assured of a comfortable night's sleep. It's also equipped with temperature-regulating qualities that will keep you cool during the summer, and warm and cosy in cold weather.

These sheets are pretty low-maintenance too — simply put them through a cold gentle cycle machine wash, and they'll revert back to their original soft texture after drying.

europeanbedding.hk

(Main image: Okooko; Featured image: Frette)

The post These Luxurious Bed Sheets Will Enhance Your Beauty Sleep appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Loewe has rolled out a new Home Scents collection of candles, wax candleholders, home fragrances and rattan diffusers based on the raw essences of a vegetable garden.

The selection of scents stem from the house’s Creative Director Jonathan Anderson’s passion for gardens, plants and their unique smells – many of which are reminiscent of his childhood and his different personal journeys.

[caption id="attachment_211564" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Loewe Home Scents.[/caption]

He worked with in-house perfumer Nuria Cruelles to interpret plant essences and express them as their own standalone scent, resulting in eleven different ones: Honeysuckle, beetroot, juniper berry, tomato leaves, coriander, liquorice, scent of marijuana, luscious pea, oregano, cypress balls and ivy.

While most candles are housed in glass jars, these come in various monochrome ribbed terracotta pots that have been designed based on a 5th century BC Greek mug that Anderson bought at an auction several years ago. Made in three different sizes, the candles not only perfume your space but also add a touch of warmth, texture and colour.

[gallery ids="211565,211566,211567"]

The range of candles, diffusers and room sprays are available online at perfumesloewe.com and loewe.com.

This story first appeared on Prestige Singapore

(All images: Loewe)

The post Loewe’s Home Scents Collection is a Celebration of Gardens and Nature appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Founder of JS Aluminium Window Esmond Pat shares his foresight and lasting commitment to premium European-brand window frames, glazing and shuttering for the home and commercial buildings.

“In Hong Kong, people are knowledgeable, eager to learn more and pursue the best quality in everything they buy,” says Esmond Pat, managing director of JS Aluminium Window, by way of a preamble to the question of what inspired him to launch this niche high-end company. “The price of property here is sky high, so consumers care about the quality of their investment. And as global warming causes more frequent monsoon rages and other unfriendly weather, property owners push to adopt a safeguard first layer of protection.”

Pat identified growth potential in demand for quality windows and window servicing, and the rapid success of JS Aluminium Window seems to have proved him right. The company, which focuses on European frames and glazing, has enlarged its inventory of models, from initially stocking one brand to ranges by four of the continent’s most reputable manufacturers.

[caption id="attachment_211259" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Esmond Pat is the founder of JS Aluminium Window. (Image: Alison Kwan)[/caption]

“We only carry those we think they are the best,” he confirms. “We carry brands with many window and facade options that offer different solutions.” Some models are offered in an enormous range of subtly different colours, while others allow for the selection of premium frame metal or finishes. Choices also abound in how the windows function, with sliding, concertina and regular swing opening mechanisms.

Along with the core European window and shuttering facade systems, suitable for both residential and commercial structures, related offerings from Pat’s company include retractable sunshades, and typhoon-grade shutters handpicked to be able to withstand the most extreme sub-tropical weather challenges.

On Brand

Some key points of differentiation make the JS Aluminium Window portfolio of quality brands quite special, and worthy of their prices, Pat notes. “All are European proprietary systems. They have particularly high performance in thermal insulation and water management [repelling and draining capabilities]. The products we carry are the best of their kind on the market.

“We’re about offering the best bespoke solution to help our clients choose the right type of window that functions and performs in ways that they require. Also, the products’ clean designs and fine texture and finishing become [important] aesthetics and tasteful mood-setting elements.”

The company is the exclusive Hong Kong distributor of Aliplast Aluminium Systems — a Belgium-based company that specialises in windows, doors, conservatories, sliding systems and curtain facades — that strives for product innovation, design, technical capability and quality. JS Aluminium Window’s client base has risen so quickly that Pat has ventured into an element of production.

“In order to offer the highest bespoke levels and manage the quality of theses products, we have set up our own Aliplast factory in Shanghai,” he explains. “This shortens the production waiting times and freight costs for our architect and developer clients.”

[caption id="attachment_211261" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Cero by Solarlux.[/caption]

Other brands carried include Solarlux, a German maker known for high-performance bi-folding large-format windows; and Secco from Italy — with bespoke systems in precious premium materials.

Customer Satisfaction

While Pat’s clients are mostly in the architecture, interior design, property developer and construction industry fields, many individual customers approach JS Aluminium Windows directly. And those numbers of small property owners directly requesting glazing consultations have increased from 11 percent in the early years of business to a very sizeable 43 percent today. “In the beginning, it was mostly architects that came to us for fine products from a design perspective or looking for functional window solutions,” Pat says. “Nowadays, knowledge and information flows across the internet. Many individuals even come to us for a consultation before they start a makeover project they’re considering.”

Of the different clients — both construction industry and home or commercial building-owner — that JS Aluminium Window has, there are recognisable constants in their reasons for enlisting the company’s services, besides the elevated durability, function and aesthetics of the products alone.

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“We focus on and have put a lot effort into upholding the quality of both our communications and the deliverables,” emphasises Pat. “We’ve always had a 100 percent satisfaction rate according to client feedback. This is because of our superior precise bespoke-solutions service that matches the premium and high-performance products we carry. We had feedback from one architect who chose us over other international window-solution companies because he really appreciated the high level of our service.

Quality Costs

Weighing up the “value” in the premium cost of high-quality frames and glazing (or other panel materials within frames, shuttering and related products carried by JS Aluminium Window) is similar to other top-quality functional products. “You pay for what you get. Guaranteed-warranty ranges have little in common with their ubiquitously installed aluminium-framed counterparts,” Pat says. “Plus window maintenance is part of the standard service — not that it’s often called for with such premium products.” Even coloured coatings are guaranteed for 10 years (except for materials that are oxidation-active, such as bronze or copper).

“There are different reasons why people to come to us,” says Pat. “Our proprietary systems offer high acoustic performance [both indoor refraction of sound and keeping of external noise at bay], which I think many Hong Kong people need.

[caption id="attachment_211310" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Secco Sistemi - Window profile making of.[/caption]

“Our products are lightweight, which is handy for clients who wish to own a set of oversized windows in flats with high ceilings, and for room corner solutions that look neat and chic and are structurally reliable.

“Apart from aluminium windows, there’s a larger material selection; it definitely becomes more expensive if you are looking for more precious materials, such as bronze, brass — or stainless steel.

“The products speak for themselves, but most importantly each one is a [separate] installation module requiring precise calculations. There’s a lot of manpower involved in what we do — together with our premium products, we might not earn more than a random window supplier on the street for each project. But our goal is perfection — and that further explains our glowing client satisfaction record.”

[caption id="attachment_211260" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Esmond Pat at work: “I’m involved in almost every role."[/caption]

Pat is a hands-on director: “I’m almost in every role,” he admits. “Although we have comprehensive service and production flows and accurate communications across internal and client areas, I insist on constant reviews with our end-users, as there’s no room for error. Clients come to us looking for high-quality and standards, so I monitor the whole process chain, regardless of a project’s scale — client satisfaction is everything to me.”

The post Esmond Pat on the Importance of Quality Windows and Providing Bespoke Solutions appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

New York City in the 1920s was already a melting pot of peoples and ideas from every corner of the globe.

With the urban centre besting London to become the most populous metropolis in the world, which was home to 7 million industrious new citizens by the early 1930s, profound social change was under way in the Big Apple.

For those with the cash, it was an exciting time of swaggering ambition, of pink gins and jazz. Fortunes were being made and New Yorkers were swept along on a tide of rampant consumerism. Noisy streets filled with cars and wild speculation in real estate fostered a foot-to-floor building boom never seen before.

To reflect the toe-tapping, finger-clicking zeitgeist, fashion-conscious Manhattan society fell head over its high heels for art deco, the in-vogue design style emphasising clean, simplified lines to express the dynamism and sophistication of the modern age.

Soon art deco was generously applied to everything from cigarette lighters to cinemas, from cufflinks and cutlery to saltshakers, as well as to the sky-scraping new hotels and office blocks springing up across the city.

Today, London, Paris, Miami, Shanghai, Chicago and Melbourne brag of their art deco architectural gems, but only New York City has the cloud-busting Empire State, the shimmering Chrysler Building, the distinctive 1929 Fuller Building that has housed some of the city’s leading art galleries, and several imposing, Gotham-esque edifices on Wall Street – potent symbols of the most go-getting metropolitan powerhouse on the planet. And at the end of long days spent wheeling and dealing in the trading houses and advertising agencies within those stone and concrete temples of Mammon, Manhattan’s young urbanites would return home to art deco apartment buildings, there to kick back with their gramophone records and their whiskey sours.

[caption id="attachment_211155" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The majestic building on New York's Central Park West. (Image: Shutterstock)[/caption]

The height of chic NYC living in their day, such structures remain some of the most exclusive Manhattan addresses in the 21st century. Running north-south along the western edge of Central Park and forming the eastern boundary of Manhattan's Upper West Side, Central Park West is a landmark avenue running 50 blocks from Columbus to Frederick Dourglass circles. It's also home to some of the most dramatic art deco architecture in the city.

One of Manhattan’s most coveted avant-garde residences in the 1930s was the Majestic at 115 Central Park West. The twin-towered housing cooperative, completed in 1931, was designed by pioneering art deco architect Irwin Chanin, whose developer family championed the “streamline moderne” geometric style and was also behind six Broadway theatres.

The Majestic was designated a “New York City Landmark” by the city’s preservation commission in 1988. Notable residents down the years have included actor Milton Berle and fashion guru Marc Jacobs, who lived there as a teenager in the 1980s with his grandmother, as well as members of the Luciano crime family, including the notorious Charles “Lucky” Luciano. TV host Conan O’Brien sold his space in the building in 2010.

A luxurious four-bedroom apartment with three and a half bathrooms on the 24th floor of the Majestic is currently offered for sale by Douglas Elliman at US$12.4 million. Its height delivers exceptional unbroken views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, and allows the interior to be flooded with natural light.

The apartment, which extends over more than 3,000 square feet, opens into a formal gallery, making it an ideal space for the art lover with a collection to display. The huge master bedroom also delivers unrivalled views of the park. Another room, originally planned as staff lodgings with an adjacent full bathroom, makes for a study or home office. All residents at the Majestic enjoy 24-hour, white-glove service, as well as full use of the fitness centre with an adjacent children’s playroom, bicycle storage and a landscaped roof terrace with solarium.

A lazy stroll north along Central Park West brings you to the Eldorado (at 300 Central Park West). Also sporting twin spires, the massive, 30-storey structure fills the entire block between West 90th and West 91st streets and overlooks Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.

[caption id="attachment_211156" align="aligncenter" width="682"] The Eldorado Building. (Image: Shutterstock)[/caption]

Initially financially troubled due to the Wall Street crash of 1929, it was completed in 1931 to the design of revered Hungarian-American architect Emery Roth and supporting practice Margon & Holder, the Eldorado – which is elaborately decorated with futuristic sculptural details and geometric patterns – is today judged to be one of the finest art deco structures in the city, with the lobby having been restored to its original opulence and elegance.

Early tenants of the Eldorado included Barney Pressman, boisterous founder of luxury department store Barneys New York, and New York senator and homeopathy pioneer Royal Copeland. Owners in recent years have included celebs such as actors Faye Dunaway, Bruce Willis, Carrie Fisher and Michael J Fox, as well as musos Bono and Moby.

A five-bed, five-bath duplex with park frontage, currently on the market by the Corcoran Group (corcoran.com) at a fraction under US$14 million, extends over 5,400 square feet on the 18th and 19th floors. With an exceptionally high window-to-wall ratio, the grand space is frequently filled with light, which is notable on arrival.

Entering from a semi-private landing, the visitor is greeted by a 15-metre-wide vista of Central Park that fills the eastern side of the living room. The adjacent library opens on to a magnificent terrace overlooking the reservoir. The floor is completed with spacious formal dining room, an eat-in kitchen, two staff accommodations and an additional northwest facing terrace.

A grand staircase leads to the bedroom floor, which has a generous master suite with sweeping park views from oversized windows and a large dressing room, as well as four further bedrooms. Additional amenities include a powder room and multiple walk-in closets. All Eldorado residents enjoy unlimited access to a top-flight gym, bike room, half basketball court, children’s playroom, laundry room, garage and impeccable white-glove service dispensed by a concierge, doormen and hall operatives.

[caption id="attachment_211154" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Rooftop at 55 Central Park West.[/caption]

To the south of both the Eldorado and the Majestic, 55 Central Park West holds special significance in American popular culture for its starring role in the much-loved 1984 comedy movie Ghostbusters. In the film, “550 Central Park West” (also known as “the Shandor Building”) is home to the bumbling spook-chasers’ first client, a possessed cellist played by Sigourney Weaver.

After many spooky shenanigans, the Ghostbusters learn that the building had been designed by bonkers architect Ivo Shandor as a magnet for the world’s ghouls and demons. To this day 55 Central Park West is referred to locally as “Spook Central”.

Opened in 1930 and the first art deco structure on Central Park West, 55 was actually conceived by local architects Schwartz & Gross and was considered “second tier” by the city’s snobbier socialites. That didn’t stop the building pulling in a who’s who of prominent occupants, including Ginger Rogers during her 1930s Broadway years, and society milliner Lilly Dache and husband Jean Despres of Coty Perfume. Later came Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, David Geffen and other VIPs.

A two-bed, three-bath, 1,500-square-foot apartment at 55 Central Park West, currently on the market by Warburg Realty at US$3.75 million, is entered via an entry foyer that leads to a huge, step-down living room with eye-popping views of the park. With attached gallery, library and dining room and well-appointed kitchen, this well-kept 10th-floor home also features a large, light-filled master bedroom and ample space for guests.

Not all Manhattan’s art deco apartments are on Central Park, however, and Greenwich Village’s desirable One Fifth Avenue is a prestigious pre-war landmark built in 1927 by architect Harvey Wiley Corbett, a native of San Francisco best known for his advocacy of tall buildings and modernism, with notable projects in both New York and London.

Dubbed “a thing of rare beauty” by Variety magazine on completion, One Fifth Avenue’s flat exterior incorporates bricks of different colours to create the illusion of depth. Its magnificent two-story lobby, full-time doormen and convenient location make it perfect for those embracing the 24-hour lifestyle of a city that never sleeps.

Perched on the 18th floor and formed by the merging of two smaller apartments, a two-bed, two-bath penthouse residence of more than 1,000 square feet is on sale by Ann Weintraub for just under US$7 million and is currently available for viewing.

The one-of-a-kind space benefits from two deep-set private terraces – one eight metres in length, with amazing views from the Hudson River to the Empire State Building. A formal dining room makes the space ideal for entertaining, the huge master bedroom boasts a walk-in closet and attached bath, while the second bedroom offers access to the smaller terrace.

[caption id="attachment_211157" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Walker Tower living room.[/caption]

One of the most sought-after art deco addresses in Manhattan in 2020 actually started its life as a call centre for the New York Telephone Company. Completed in 1929 at 212 West 18th Street in the heart of Chelsea, and designed by Ralph Thomas Walker (hailed in 1957 by the American Institute of Architects as “the architect of the century”), Walker Tower was reconfigured into 50 luxury condominium residences in 2010 with the promise that the building’s original design would be complemented by the conveniences of modern residential living.

Consequently, the building’s elaborate brick façade was painstakingly restored, as was the art deco ornamentation that Walker also employed at One Wall Street and at the Barclay-Vesey Building in Lower Manhattan.

All units now feature radiant floor heating, French herringbone oak flooring, Smallbone of Devizes kitchens, marble bathrooms with Waterworks fixtures and steam showers, and Crestron home automation systems. White-glove service at Walker Tower also includes a 24-hour doorman, lounge, playroom, gym, sauna and a roof deck.

Since the renovation, Walker Tower has reportedly become home to A-listers such as Cameron Diaz, Hollywood power couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, and former Barnes & Noble boss Leonard Riggio.

[caption id="attachment_211158" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Bedroom at Walker Tower.[/caption]

On the 15th and 16th floors of Walker Tower, a 4,700-square-foot, four-bed, 4.5-bath duplex apartment, which is currently on sale by Compass Real Estate at US$27.8 million, features a huge, light-filled double-width living room with views of the Hudson River, Freedom Tower and Statue of Liberty that leads to a private terrace with a further 686 square feet. The corner dining area has southern and western exposures and also has access to the terrace.

The kitchen boasts a wine cooler, induction cooktop, two wall ovens by Viking, speed oven and a built-in coffee maker by Miele and a Franke water filtration system. The second floor, however, is where the apartment truly becomes a home, with three beautifully designed bedrooms and a central media area. The master suite has a massive walk-in closet and a custom marble bathroom with separate vanity, double sinks, a large steam shower and a cast iron bathtub.

The post Here’s Where You Can Live in Art Deco Luxury in the Heart of Manhattan appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Over in Milan, situated in the affluent region of Lombardy where Italy's coronavirus outbreak started, the usually bustling streets are quiet.

The city’s frequently dire air quality has improved but the people continue to frown on those venturing out after lockdown. Barely days go by without another apocalyptic il nuovo normale opinion piece in the Milan-based Corriere della Sera newspaper, as if there is no escape from contagion and fear.

Just 70km to the north, nestled on glacial Lake Como and a stone’s throw from neighbouring Switzerland, cypress-filled Bellagio is frequently voted the prettiest town in Europe. Residents here awake to the peal of bells from the 11th-century Basilica di San Giacomo. And the lapping of waves. Songbirds twitter among vivid azaleas just outside sun-filled windows. Stepping on to their balconies, lakeside homeowners breathe crisp, clear air and enjoy views across crystal waters to snow-dusted pre-alpine foothills.

Italy’s rustic villages have been emptying for decades; the lure of metropolitan living and a falling national birth rate creating a demographic perfect storm. The trauma of the coronavirus lockdown, however, has seen increased interest from professionals seeking to escape the city into a rural idyll.

Local politicians are hoping, in fact, that at least some of urban Italy’s hoi polloi might return to the country’s more than 2,000 semi-abandoned hamlets, and snap up the “fixer-uppers” that for years have only attracted foreign buyers as holiday homes, with Italian properties occasionally going for as little as one euro.

[caption id="attachment_210738" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Among the most stunning Italian properties is this Art Nouveau villa and gardens on the shore of Lake Como at Faggeto Lario, for sale at €10 million (HK$90.4 million) (Image: Knight Frank)[/caption]

Much of the big money in this newly predicted exodus, however, will likely flow to the Italian Lakes, which have long attracted the well-heeled and the connected from Italy and the world. Long before the bug sent us all running for the metaphorical hills, Italy’s gorgeous mountain lakes have attracted celebrities like George Clooney, Sting, Richard Branson, Madonna and Donatella Versace.

Down by the water

Looking on the map from west to east, Italy’s main lakes are Orta, Maggiore, Lugano, Como, Iseo and Garda, spread across the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. While each lake has its unique character and attractions, they all boast a little of everything – pretty towns and villages with cobbled streets and a picturesque piazza, healthy lifestyles, to-die-for food and wine and, of course, stunning low-Alpine scenery.

That hasn’t stopped commentators and marketers attempting to distinguish each lake. They say, for instance, that captivating Lake Orta is ideal for those looking for seclusion and romance, that Maggiore boasts lashings of old-world charm, while Garda, the largest of the lakes, is number one for the great outdoors and water sports (and wine).

Stylish Lake Como, of course, oozes glamour. It’s no coincidence that Clooney’s summer residence – 18th-century Villa Oleandra in serene Laglio – sits on its western shore. Gorgeous George regularly holidays here, sometimes in the company of other celebs. Recent signs are that their lakeside idylls might not be quite so exclusive in coming years.

At least partly due to the pandemic, in May, Sotheby’s International Realty opened an office at Lake Maggiore to accommodate rising demand, having previously handled inquiries from its office in Milan. “The requests for this area have significantly increased,” managing partner Lodovico Pignatti Morano told the Financial Times in early August.

According to Sotheby’s data, international buyers account for 65 per cent of the Lake Maggiore market, with most of those hailing from western and central Europe, and a fair share also from Russia. Wealthy Switzerland, after all, is just a short drive away from the lakes, while the German industrial powerhouse of Munich is a picturesque six-hour journey by car away.

[caption id="attachment_210739" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Villa interior at Faggeto Lario on Lake Como (Image: Knight Frank)[/caption]

Local demand for lakeside Italian properties is rising, too, with requests growing an estimated 20 per cent in recent months. According to the FT, “Across the board, the number of requests for properties with large gardens and pools has jumped 15 per cent as frustrated Milanese, cooped up in their city apartments, cast around for more open space.”

A plethora of styles

At the southern tip of the lake that shares its name, the compact, red-roofed town of Como is famed for its Gothic cathedral and vibrant waterfront promenade that is crammed with open-air restaurants and bars. In the town’s fashionable centro storico, a luxurious five-bedroom apartment in a converted 18th-century palazzo is offered for sale by Knight Frank at €3.4 million (HK$30.7 million)

Extending over the principal floor of the neoclassical structure and accessible via a private monumental staircase, the restored 5,200sqft residence boasts four reception rooms, a spacious study, a master suite overlooking a 250sqft terrace, two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a spare room with bathroom, and a grand kitchen and laundry room.

Striking frescoed ceilings rise 4m in height. Other notable details include refined mosaics, gleaming parquet floors, a 500sqft cellar with a soaring vaulted ceiling, and an adjoining two-room guest apartment that is approximately 660sqft in size.

Also on Lake Como but this time in the leafy commune of Faggeto Lario just north of Como town hides a delightful period villa built in the Art Nouveau years of the early 20th century. An extensive restoration and modernisation was completed in 1999, a process that preserved the exquisite frescoed ceilings, intricate wrought-iron stairways and beautiful antique floors.

The villa, which is for sale by Knight Frank at €10 million, covers four floors and approximately 4,800sqft. The ground floor holds an elaborate entrance hall, living room, kitchen and dining room. On the first floor are three spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms. The upper floor consists of two bedrooms with slanting ceilings, another bathroom and a further bedroom featuring decorative boiserie and stunning open lake-view windows.

[caption id="attachment_210740" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A former monastery, Villa Orta San Giulio at Lake Orta dates back to the 17th century. (Image: Stresa Luxury Real Estate)[/caption]

There’s also a partly underground floor that holds a cellar and a boiler room. Again the property includes guest accommodation, in this case thanks to a guesthouse of about 1,500sqft. Of special note is the property’s manicured lakeside garden with a generous terrace, gazebo and covered mooring. Antique furniture pieces, paintings and carpets are also included in the sale.

Heading away from the glamour and summer crowds, Villa Orta San Giulio at Lake Orta is a former monastery dating back to the 17th century that’s been converted into a unique and elegant private home – one that might have been lifted straight out of a fairy tale. It’s offered for sale by Stresa Luxury Real Estate at €5.9 million.

Perched dramatically atop the hill that dominates the lake, the property looks out on the tourist-attracting island of San Giulio and sits adjacent to the Church of Saints Nicolao and Francesco, which is a popular spot for moneyed Milanese couples to exchange wedding vows.

Largely constructed from the local Baveno pink granite, this massive period home covers 24,000sqft and has 19 bedrooms, eight bathrooms and a separate master apartment, and features terracotta floors, imposing stone fireplaces and roofs decorated with original chestnut- wood beams. Grounds extend over some 0.8ha and include areas of lawn and woodland, as well as extensive floral gardens of magnolias, azaleas, camellias and hydrangeas.

Heading further east, Bardolino is a pretty and historic commune on the banks of Lake Garda, roughly equidistant from Milan and Venice. For a home that’s decidedly more modern and convenient – and, one would guess, less draughty – than a late-Middle Age monastery, the luxury buyer might consider a splendid 4,500sqft Bardolino villa that was completed only in 2010 – and therefore designed from the word go for modern living. It’s currently on offer by Lake Garda Real Estate at €3.45 million.

As well as two wood-burning fireplaces, this comfortable, challenge-free villa also boasts underfloor heating, air conditioning throughout and Domotic home-automation that includes a state-of-the-art security system.

[caption id="attachment_210741" align="alignnone" width="1024"] View of Lake Garda from the terrace of a modern villa in Bardolino (Image: Lake Garda Real Estate)[/caption]

Tucked into a hillside and surrounded by lush private gardens covering 0.3ha, the property incorporates natural materials such as stone and local wood, and was designed according to fengshui techniques. Striking water features include a stone-paved entrance with water streaming over pebbles to flow into a koi pond.

The villa’s ground floor contains the living area, dining room and spacious kitchen, all opening out on to a covered terrace that steps down to the sun-drenched swimming pool. An airy hallway leads to a bedroom, two further rooms and bathroom. The upper floor houses the master suite with a luxury en suite bathroom including steam room, a further living area and bathroom, while the lower floor houses a garage with parking for three cars. A guesthouse offers further accommodation with kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom.

Not quite as glamorous as Como, but still within striking distance of Italy’s financial capital, the sleepy, summer-horde-free town of Stresa (population: just 5,000) on Lake Maggiore is just 40km from Milan’s international airport.

A hidden-away Stresa property, currently on the market by Palazzo Estate at €5.25 million, is an 8,600sqft, five-bed, six-bath villa built in the Liberty style early in the 20th century, with interiors recently brought up to the highest international standards by an architect reportedly of some renown. Once again, special attention is paid to guests’ privacy, with a detached guesthouse included on the grounds that extend over 0.6ha of private parkland.

This story first appeared on Prestige Singapore

(Main and featured images: Knight Frank)

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By now, your bosses and colleagues have probably seen more of your abode than you would've ever expected to show them.

With many of us working from home these days, meetings held over video conferencing apps the likes of Zoom and Microsoft Teams have become the new normal. Inevitably, this means letting colleagues into our residences — albeit virtually — and having them catch glimpses of it via our backdrop. Depending on where your workspace is located, this view could range from a boring blank wall to windows or cluttered bookshelves.

Your makeshift office may not be the most glamorous, but there are several easy interior design tricks that you can employ to quickly jazz up the background of your Zoom calls.

Textiles and cushions

If your workstation of choice is the couch or bed, all it takes is a few snazzy throw pillows wrapped in eye-catching fabrics and prints to provide visual interest in the space behind you. Consider dressing your cushions in the Armani/Casa Exclusive Textiles by Rubelli collection, which is inspired by modern art — specifically works by Henri Matisse, Vasilij Kandinskij and Paul Klee.

It showcases striking colour blocks embellished with embroideries, ikat details and intertwined motifs. These are available in various patterns and shades ranging from pastel to neutral hues. More details here.

Houseplants and greenery

Adding houseplants to your home office will help the space look less spartan and bland. Smaller plants like cacti, succulents and spider plants can be displayed on shelves or tables, while larger ones such as philodendrons, snake plants and ZZ plant (Zanzibar Gem) can be placed on the floor to break the monotony of blank walls.

Online plant retailer Flora Houses offers a wide variety of houseplants that will thrive indoors and are generally low-maintenance. Its range includes Japanese fir, fiddle leaf fig and Bird of Paradise. The store provides free doorstep delivery with a minimum spend.

Artworks and paintings

Perhaps houseplants may seem like too much of a commitment, or you simply don't have green fingers. This is where paintings and art pieces make an easier alternative. You can simply hang a couple of them on the wall that constantly forms your video call backdrop.

An Andy Warhol or Basquiat will certainly impress your co-workers, but your art doesn't necessarily have to be expensive or by big name artists. Consider procuring artworks instead from indie galleries such as Odd One Out, which boasts an array of creations by local and international printmakers and illustrators. We can't take our eyes off the above acrylic painting by Micke Lindebergh, which is titled 'Small Yellow Flower Pot' and features colourful blooms accented by quirky squiggles and bright hues.

Statement ornaments and furniture

Inject a dose of quirk into your meeting setup by peppering your background with assorted decorative items and statement furniture pieces. These can be anything from figurines to colourful tiles and dramatic room dividers.

Our go-to is Lala Curio, which is a whimsical wonderland of objets d'art such as brass monkey sculptures, cloisonné birds, and, one of our favourites — an adorable trio of cranes adorned with rock crystal feathers and perched on crystal balls.

Wallpaper

Why settle for one specially curated work area, when you can turn your whole room into an Instagram-worthy space? Wallpaper is a bold and easy solution — if every wall in your room is clad in beautiful prints, you can essentially park yourself in any corner and still have an envy-inducing Zoom backdrop.

Designer wallpaper has seen a resurgence in recent years, and we're obsessed with Christian Lacroix's exquisite Oiseau Fleur vinyl wallpaper, which depicts vibrant botanical and bird motifs against a silk effect embossed base. It comes in two colourways of pink and grey.

(Main image: Brina Blum/ Unsplash; Featured image: Christian Lacroix)

The post Spruce Up Your Home for Video Calls with These Interior Design Tips appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Tranquil and yet sophisticated, easeful living takes on spectacular new dimensions at IL PICCO, Discovery Bay.

Having the space and privacy of your own detached residence is a luxury enjoyed by only the fortunate few in Hong Kong. However, at the magnificent new IL PICCO development, which is perched high above the self-contained community of Discovery Bay on Lantau Island, it’s a reality that, even more unusually, comes with beautiful views of coast and mountains, as well as unspoiled natural greenery and a reservoir nearby.[1]

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IL PICCO comprises 21 two-storey detached houses with saleable areas of 2,023 or 2,171 square feet[2], each with a private garden and roof – and some boasting their own swimming pool[3]. All feature an 8.2-metre-wide living and dining room on the ground floor[4]; the properties have either three or four ensuite bedrooms[4], with some coming with a family room[3].

Every house has an open pantry and a kitchen that’s equipped with appliances by renowned brands such as Sub-Zero and De Dietrich[5]. Bathrooms are equally luxurious, with fittings by Duravit, Hansgrohe and AXOR[5].

[gallery ids="203210,203211"]

Not only are the countryside and a placid reservoir close by, but the 27 holes of three world-class courses at Discovery Bay Golf Club[6] are also just minutes away from IL PICCO. Residents can travel around Discovery Bay in style aboard their dedicated golf cart[7] and enjoy the community’s relaxed yet vibrant international ambience, as well as amenities that range from international and local schools, and two well-equipped clubhouses for residents, to superb restaurants and shopping[8].

Despite its peaceful and tranquil location, Discovery Bay is connected to Central Hong Kong by ferries[8]. Hong Kong International Airport[8] and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge[8] are also both easily accessible, making Lantau a Double Gateway[9] to the Greater Bay Area, and the One-Hour Intercity Traffic Circle of the Pearl River Delta[9].

Secluded and yet sophisticated, calm and yet connected, luxury living IL PICCO-style strikes the perfect balance – and all with a degree of privacy and elegance that selective Hong Kong homes can match.

The post Easeful Living Takes on Spectacular New Dimensions in Discovery Bay appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Rising over Kadoorie Avenue, St. George's Mansions is the epitome of timeless elegance.

For the best part of a century a favoured location in what’s certainly one of the most desirable areas in Hong Kong, Kadoorie Avenue is treasured for its period villas that sit in tranquil seclusion behind high walls and are shaded by the lush foliage of mature trees. The avenue’s apex, Kadoorie Hill, offers an unobstructed viewpoint over the rooftops and greenery to Hong Kong’s mountainous skyline.

Not only has this neighbourhood served as the long-time address of some of this city’s most famous residents – including the Kadoories themselves, one of Hong Kong and the region’s most established business dynasties – but close at hand are also several of Hong Kong’s most notable educational institutions. And it’s right here, at the very epicentre of privileged and easeful living, that the CLP Group and Sino Land have chosen to construct their magnificent new residential development, St. George’s Mansions.

Named for a pair of apartment blocks that once occupied the same site, the project was entrusted to the famed New York architectural practice of Robert AM Stern Architects, whose team sought to reflect the site’s historic significance and exclusive, low-density character through a modern classic design and the use of the best materials, sourced from around the world. “We are creating a landmark,” said Stern, a former Dean of Yale University’s School of Architecture, “a very desirable address that will be passed on from generation to generation.” After lengthy consideration, the team came up with a design that comprises three connected towers, which together house 175 spacious residential units.

A sense of classic modernity that typifies many of Stern’s New York projects is achieved through the natural stone finishing of the building’s elegant facade, which combines Portuguese Gascogne beige limestone, and windows clad in bronze-coloured aluminium. Together, these materials emanate a warm refulgence that empathises perfectly with the understated graciousness of the surrounding trees and villas.

Behind the graceful exterior of St George’s Mansions lies an inventory of residential apartments that are unusual both in their spaciousness and the quality of their appointments. Most units have three or four bedrooms, but along with a smaller number with two, there will also be five generously sized simplex apartments.

[caption id="attachment_208309" align="alignnone" width="1667"] St. George's Mansions' sophisticated living and dining area[/caption]

Regardless of size, all units feature a spacious layout with formal living and dining rooms and high ceilings, with a classic contemporary aesthetic. Most units have three or four bedrooms, but along with a smaller number with two, there will also be five simplex apartments. Floor areas range from approximately 760 square feet for the two-bedroom units, and from 1,800 to 2,100 square feet for the three- and four-bedroom apartments, to an extremely generous 3,300-3,600 square feet for the simplex units.

It goes without saying that the interiors are created using the highest- quality craftsmanship, materials, fittings and equipment. Kitchens, for example, are fitted out by the esteemed German company Poggenpohl, with appliances by brands such as Miele, Gaggenau and Sub-Zero.

[caption id="attachment_208390" align="alignnone" width="2000"] The clubhouse's classically inspired swimming pool[/caption]

Naturally residents have access to the clubhouse, where facilities include The Great Hall in which residents can meet guests and socialise with neighbours; a pair of Great Rooms, where private events and dinners can be organised; The Garden function room with an “inside-outside-living” concept; a beautiful landscaped garden with outdoor lounge and courtyard designed by Philip Liao and Partners; a stunning swimming pool; a Children’s Playroom; and a Gymnasium and Yoga Room.

Not only does St. George’s Mansions offer the opportunity to own one of the most prized addresses in Hong Kong, but it will be a home that you and your family will be able to treasure, one that can be passed from generation to generation long into the future.

The post St. George’s Mansions is a Landmark in Luxury appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.