Buying a new house can be a strange sensation. Every property you look at bears the mark of its would-be former owner. Everything from the colour of the walls to the ‘statement’ door knobs is a hallmark of the taste of the person who came before – and, to put it mildly, they often aren’t exactly what you would have chosen.
Except, of course, if that former owner happens to be an internationally renowned fashion designer and a man regarded as one of the world’s most stylish: Tom Ford. The former creative director of Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, who now runs his own label as well as acting as head of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and directing award-winning (and superbly tailored) films, has just put his impressive Chelsea townhouse on the market with Knight Frank. And we’re pretty sure you’re not going to want to change a thing about it.
Located on the quiet, leafy and highly sought after Gilston Road, in The Boltons Conservation Area, the double-fronted stuccoed house is set back from the road and surrounded by a high wall to ensure complete privacy. This end-of-terrace property capitalises on outside space with gravelled areas to the front and side of the home and a west-facing landscaped garden at the rear, elegantly designed to allow for dining, entertaining and other flexible uses.
Inside, however, the townhouse belies its period external appearance. Accessed via a grand entrance flanked by pillars, visitors arrive into a striking hallway in which a modern white staircase is offset against glossy black walls. To the left and right of the entrance hall are a large reception room with French doors opening onto the garden as well as a large formal dining room. Both rooms maximise on natural light thanks to large windows, while combining modern colour palettes and statement materials with traditional furnishings and cosy accents.
This theme continues upstairs where a bright and airy, yet masculine, double bedroom suite can be found alongside a contemporary wood panelled study that can also be used as a secondary sitting room. Up another level and the entire second floor is given over to an impressive master bedroom suite. Decked out in elegant shades of grey and silver, with rich burnt organs accents, the sumptuous bedroom is accompanied by a large walk-in wardrobe and a spacious, minimalist bathroom with double sinks.
The third double bedroom is located on the lower ground floor, which is also home to a variety of functional and entertainment spaces, including a large kitchen, wine cellar, gym, steam room, laundry and cloakroom.
So how much does a prime London townhouse with the seal of approval of an international arbiter of good taste cost? Just like one of Tom Ford’s sharply tailored bespoke suits, it’s price on application, naturally.
The Aston Martin-designed Sylvan Rock is a modern architectural marvel…
Become a Gentleman’s Journal member. Find out more here.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
