If walls could talk… Formerly Britain’s Old War Office and steeped in history, this London redevelopment is one of the most eagerly anticipated in the city. Once home to monarchs, this building has also hosted some of the world’s most influential events while Winston Churchill held office. It also inspired Ian Fleming’s James Bond series and has been used as a film location in five of the films.
Close to Buckingham Palace, London’s best museums and shopping destinations (think The National Gallery and Fortnum and Mason), this collection of 85 private residences are designed with the seasoned traveler and cultural connoisseur in mind. The first branded residences in Europe by Raffles, they couldn’t have chosen a better address.
The OWO Residences will range from studios to five-bedroom apartments, all serviced by Raffles. This reimagining has kept the historical significance of the building at the heart of the project, putting a contemporary twist on the grand interior design.
[See also: The 12 Best Restaurants in London]
Designed by Angel O’Donnell, this unique three-bedroom apartment has been filled with an impressive array of artwork, including two original Damien Hirsts. The soft, warm palette complements the building’s heritage features to create an elegant home.
The grand gallery-inspired entrance hall provides a striking first impression. Original features abound, from the lofty ceilings and decorative moldings to the ornate mosaic floor.
Related
Further in, the living room is perfect for entertaining. Careful consideration has been taken with the furnishings, which are unique statement pieces grounded in old-school craftsmanship and paired with beautiful art. For those who want a quiet space to work from home, a study provides the perfect respite.
In the kitchen, a burnished brass pendant light shines on a sculptural table of twisted oxidized copper accompanied by banquette seating. The dark kitchen cabinets are accented by copper for an ultra-sophisticated space that will inspire anyone to get cooking. In a nod to The OWO’s link to James Bond, there is a witty depiction of a waiter mixing a martini by Guy Buffet.
[See also: Inside the Latest London Development from Christian Candy]
Content from our partners
In total there are three bedrooms, but the principal bedroom is the most spectacular. The space is calm and inviting, dressed in soft textures and a serene color palette. The stand-out feature is undoubtedly the four-poster bed with tapering bobbin posts. Off to the side, the dressing room provides ample space for all your possessions with Damien Hirst’s cherry blossoms lining the walls.
The neutral and warm color palette continues to the two additional bedrooms, with pops of rich accent colors (think teal and burnt orange) to add interest. Guests will find it hard to leave the sumptuous suites, with interiors being a celebration of British heritage and time-honored craftsmanship.
As well as being home to the first Raffles residences in Europe, The OWO will also house London’s first Raffles hotel. The building will also feature 30,000 sq ft of amenities exclusively for residents. Among these, expect a 16-seat cinema, games room, gym and studios, treatment suite and seven lounges to suit every need.
This three-bedroom apartment at The OWO is available for $16.5m, theowo.london
