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Mayfair – home to bespoke design

Mayfair is a melting pot of all things luxury, bespoke and beautiful; its village feel reflected in the plethora of talented craftspeople, designers and expert makers who have chosen to base themselves in this exclusive part of Prime Central London.  Whether you are in search of bespoke furniture for your property, or want to commission a piece of contemporary art, or have a period feature replicated, then a stroll around Mayfair will throw up a treasure trove of high end independent retailers, workshops and galleries. 

Mayfair, London
Mayfair, London

Mayfair New Craftsmen

When a property needs a site-specific piece, or an architectural feature or solution, then head to The New Craftsmen in North Row.  Set up in 2014, this innovative creative concept occupies some 2000 square feet of space in a former 19th Century leather breeches workshop. The New Craftsmen showcases British artisans and makers, representing the very best in British craft skills and traditions. Their commissioning service allows anyone to have a bespoke piece made – whether it be sculpture, metal work, pottery, furniture or any other creative medium. 

 If bespoke with an Italian twist is your bag, visit Tisettanta in Grosvenor Street. The Italian designer furniture manufacturer creates quality contemporary pieces from walk-in wardrobes to ultra-modern kitchens.  If you love leather, then Alma Leather Furniture on Vigo Street can offer bespoke handcrafted leather furniture, floors and wall coverings.

Halycon Days has a well-deserved reputation for bringing together exceptional gifts and one-off items.  Walk into their shop in Brook Street and you will really feel in the lap of luxury goods – clocks, handmade leather goods, wonderful enamel boxes, and we defy you to leave without picking up something to show-off at home.

Property In Mayfair

Operating independently from our Mayfair base H.Barnes & Co is able to provide a personal level of service far beyond the average buying agent or property consultant. Owner Simon Barnes: “I would say that there are only ten streets you should be looking at in Mayfair; these include Charles Street, Upper Grosvenor Street, Mount Street and Green Street.”

READ H. BARNES & CO MAYFAIR PROPERTY GUIDE

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Five facts you didn’t know about Mayfair….

“As my office is just off Berkeley Square in the heart of Mayfair, I can’t fail to notice how Mayfair has changed over the last 20 years.” says Simon Barnes, owner of H.Barnes & Co. “But even after 20 years walking Mayfair’s elegant streets, I find things that I did not know – and perhaps the following Mayfair facts are a surprise to you too.”

Berkeley Square, London
Berkeley Square, London

Fact 1

Brown Hart Gardens, Mayfair: hidden away on the roof of the old electricity substation in Duke Street built in 1903-1905.  This raised paved terrace is the weekly venue for The Mayfair Market, where energetic entrepreneurs and artisan foodies will take you on a food journey from Argentina for empandas, to Portugal for Bacalhau,  Every Wednesday from 11am to 3pm. The Garden Café by Benugo is a great lunch time get away from the city bustle.

Fact 2

From rags to riches: on what is now 103 Mount Street was once the parish workhouse.  It was erected in 1725 and extended during the 1780’s to provide board, lodgings and work for the poor. [Read more…]

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Are London Mansion Flats a Good Investment?

You will find mansion flats (flats in mansion blocks) in various London areas. The first were built in Kensington in the late 1870s followed by others located in what are now prime London areas; including Mayfair, St John’s Wood and Regent’s Park. Originally build as cheap accommodation for the burgeoning middle classes, many flats fell into disrepair in the 20th century only to re-emerge in the latter part of the century as property prices in London began to take off and mansion blocks were systematically renovated.

Historically purpose-built as flats, rather than the more typical conversions of larger buildings, mansion flats have large regular-shaped rooms, high ceilings, proper walls (not plasterboard) and their stone walls and concrete floors make them much quieter than many of their more modern alternatives.

However, there is a down side as many mansion blocks were not renovated with lifts – an absolute requirement for many of today’s buyers. Also, many older blocks were badly managed which means that current owners suffer high maintenance charges.

Being located in substantial buildings with proper walls and stone floors can also mean that wi-fi is difficult and some flats ‘enjoy’ a low or non existent mobile phone network reception. Many are managed by residents who all have a share of the freehold. Finally, many mansion blocks have been badly converted.

My top 5 tips for buying a mansion flat

For those looking at mansion flats as an investment I would recommend always looking at flats which

  1. have been well maintained and are serviced by a reputable management company
  2. are located in good areas
  3. have modern and reliable lifts
  4. are complete (i.e. not sub-divided) and retain some period features
  5. have good access to wi-fi and telephone signals

 

 

 

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Savile Row in Mayfair – get suited and booted

Residents of Mayfair have no excuse for not being impeccably dressed with Savile Row on hand.  Tailoring started here in 1803, in recent years it has reinvented itself as the epicentre for bespoke flawless design.  Stalwart Saville Row tailors Gieves & Hawkes have been established here for more than two hundred years.

The epitome of English couture, Hardy Amies, the Queen’s couturier until 1989, is going strong, alongside long established Huntsman Savile Row – the masters of fine cloth. Richard Anderson has led the Row’s revival, with a reputation for elegance and classic styling, he is the go-to tailor for politicians, public figures and senior professionals. The newest addition is Gary Anderson creating sharp suits with distinctive indulgent coloured silk linings.

Burlington Arcade
Burlington Arcade

Suit sorted, hot foot it to the quintessential English shoemaker, Crockett & Jones in Burlington Arcade.  They have been making handmade shoes since 1879, known for their elegance and durability. Over in The Royal Arcade is George Cleverley, the shop’s namesake was the master shoemaker in Mayfair for more than 50 years and today his bespoke craftsmanship continues alongside a high end ready to wear range.

[Read more…]

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Preparing your property for a spring sale

Here are some top tips and seasonal advice from Simon Barnes of H.Barnes & Co on what you need to do to best prepare your property for a spring sale :

OUTSIDE
  • During the winter months, buyers do not look closely at gardens, but as soon as the weather starts to improve, their focus changes
  • Don’t neglect to tidy outside space, and ensure roof terraces are in good order with nicely maintained garden furniture on display and planters filled with fresh bulbs and seasonal plants.

Gardening for spring sale

  • Tidy lawns and flower beds and de-clutter, both outside and in.
    Buy new garden furniture and a barbecue to give a taste of what the summer will offer.
  • Spend a bit of time on any paths, windows and doors and paint and freshen up if needed.
  • In early spring, it is absolutely worth investing time and money in showing your garden, terrace or any outside space to their best advantage.
INSIDE

[Read more…]

Contact H. Barnes & Co – Tel: 020 7499 3434

Our service will be committed, impartial and utterly discreet; and it can also be tailored to suit any requirements you might have.
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