Suite Dreams: The Apartment at The Connaught, London

Uniquely carved entrance doors, as seen at many stately London homes, set the tone for a one of a kind residence, perched high above Carlos Place in the heart of London, as The Connaught opens The Apartment on the top floor of the hotel. Welcoming cosmopolitan travellers from around the world with an eclectic taste in art, culture and literature into a private collector's home, the David Collins designed space features an array of specifically commissioned artworks and limited edition books. The unveiling of The Apartment marks an important milestone in the £70 million restoration of The Connaught, taking the landmark hotel into the 21st century while preserving its authentic elegance and distinct personality.

The understated palette of heathery blues, rich lavenders and ocean greys is elevated by metallic accents, silk curtains and hand-crafted, artisan elements. From lilac leather lined cabinetry in the dressing room and a bespoke card table, upholstered in navy leather with antiqued brass detailing, to a richly veined custom designed white marble fireplace, The Apartment feels like the home of an urbane, cultured connoisseur. The entrance corridor has been treated as an extension of the living space with a library including an interesting collection of twentieth century novels, unusual art history books and some rare volumes. The Apartment features carefully selected antique and contemporary decorative artworks including ceramic vessels, inspirational architectural black and white photography, and bespoke framed modern textiles sourced from craftsmen and artists all over the world.

The Apartment encompasses a stately, double height sitting-room, crowned by an artisan plaster chandelier by the well-respected sculptor Philippe Anthonioz, reminiscent of that in the Musee Picasso, Paris. The adjacent dining room is created with an exclusive, intimate diner party in mind with walls adorned with specially commissioned art work, giving it the residential touch of a world-traveller’s home. The world-famous Connaught butlers are on hand to arrange a private dinner party, with menus specially designed by two-Michelin star chef Hélène Darroze. Two landscaped decked terraces created by award winning garden designer Tom Stuart-Smith have far reaching views over the rooftops of Mayfair. The master-bedroom, with a four poster bed and delicate silk draping, opens up to a luxurious dressing room, boasting pale lilac leather lined wardrobes and an elegant dressing table designed by David Collins, bedecked with a capsule collection of Guerlain beauty products. A white and grey marble bathroom with stand-alone bathtub and double shower completes the experience for discerning guests. There is an equally beautiful guest bedroom with en suite marble bathroom.

"The Connaught is more than a hotel, it is a home, a familiar refuge, and I intended to create an iconic, unique home from home, eschewing the word penthouse. The Apartment is created for a discerning client: well travelled, informed and with an appreciation of design and the art of living. It is a private place for a chosen few and a very personal design statement," said David Collins.

With the transformation of Mount Street into one of the world’s most avant-garde retail destinations, The Connaught has established a unique relationship with many of the neighbouring designer shops. Lanvin silk dresses, Balenciaga suede jackets, Christian Louboutin satin heels and Goyard vanity boxes can be placed in the dressing room prior to arrival as part of a couture shopping service.

The Connaught, part of the Maybourne Hotel Group, has recently unveiled a multi-million pound restoration and renovation programme which includes a magnificent redesign of the guest rooms, suites and interiors using some of the world finest designers and craftsmen. Siganture features include Helene Darroze at The Connaught which was recently awarded its first Michelin star only six months after opening. Both The Coburg Bar and David Collins designed Connaught Bar have attracted the stylish set since their opening.

View Hotel Profile: The Connaught