A New York art director on relocating to London with Domus Stay
Creative force Michelle Benzer talks balancing family life and a transition to London.
On the ground floor, a double reception room encompasses a formal living and dining space. Every detail has been chosen for comfort without compromising on style. Mock Tudor ceilings and a marble fireplace add warmth, while blue Chesterfield sofas tick the boxes for relaxation. Neutral-coloured walls showcase a gallery of large-scale artworks – a conversation starter for dinner parties around the eight-seater table.
Crittall-style doors lead into a kitchen equipped for every eventuality. Dark burnished cabinetry and stone surfaces stretch to the ceiling, emphasising the generous proportions of the room. There’s a breakfast table for informal meals and a B&B Italia sofa, meaning chefs can socialise with the rest of the crew as they cook. From this floor, step out to a secluded patio that opens onto an exclusive communal garden accessed by only nine other houses.
A sculptural staircase leads down to an expansive media room. An atmospheric space that’s made for movie nights, four-metre-high ceilings, a L-shaped sofa and a large-screen TV all contribute to the silver screen experience. There’s also a pool table to keep everyone entertained. Elsewhere, this floor features a utility room, a cloakroom and an en suite bedroom with access to a patio – an ideal option for a nanny or older children.
Four bedrooms are arranged over the top two levels. The principal suite is a showstopper of a space. Occupying the entire first floor, it encompasses a walk-in wardrobe and its own TV room, complete with Ligne Roset sofas, a contemporary fireplace and a balcony. Carpets threaded with subtle gold tones and a panelled wall bring softness. From the platform bed, it’s only a few steps to the opulent bathroom. Here, a black, egg-shaped bathtub is joined by a huge walk-in shower wrapped in marble.
As you ascend to the fourth floor, a sunlit games and television room leads out to the terrace, boasting commanding views across the city skyline. The home’s minimalist interior palette is effortlessly translated outside, with pale marble tiles and contemporary seating. After a day along Portobello Road, invite friends and family over for evening drinks and a barbecue. Manicured greenery creates a backdrop of verdant privacy. When you’re in need of additional space, make use of the communal garden’s green stretch of lawn.
A momentary break from the bustle of the King’s Road, the best of Chelsea awaits here.
Designer boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants and people watching potential – all on your doorstep. Good days start with a vinyasa flow session at Triyoga followed by brunch at Bluebird and an afternoon film screening at Everyman. Refresh your wardrobe before dinner at Medlar or Chicama. For special occasions, book a table at two-Michelin-starred Claude Bosi at Bibendum.
Chelsea & South KensingtonNo request is too big or small for our concierge team. Premier League tickets to an all-important game, specialist piano tuners, a Michelin-starred plant-based chef. It’s a yes to all of the above.
Finesse your stayCreative force Michelle Benzer talks balancing family life and a transition to London.
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