Elite Traveler Summer 2024

163 elite traveler SUMMER 2024

Elite Luxury Homes WHETHER IT’S BECAUSE IT’S SAN FRANCISCO’S MOST EXPENSIVE LISTING, A DESIGNER’S DEBUT APARTMENT IN AN ICONIC LONDON LANDMARK OR THE FIRST BENTLEY BRANDED RESIDENTIAL TOWER IN MIAMI, THESE PROPERTIES ALL STAND ABOVE THE REST. BY ELLYS WOODHOUSE When Whiteleys fi rst opened as London’s inaugural department store in 1911, the Lord Mayor of London reportedly deemed it the “most beautiful store in the UK.” More than a century later (and although the store has closed), it has received a £1bn (approx. $1.28bn) makeover and had its name formalized to The Whiteley. The redevelopment will see The Whiteley house the new Six Senses London later this year, as well as private residences, choice restaurants and retailers. Out of the 139 unique residences on o ff er, however, it is one curated by New York-based designer Kelly Behun that captured our attention. The three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom apartment marries The Whiteley’s grandeur and old world charm with contemporary vibrancy. Throughout the open plan, 3,193-sq-ft footprint, there are nods to The Whiteley’s original architecture; fl uted millwork columns and herringbone fl ooringare interjected with playful bespoke furniture for a fresh, modern aesthetic. The large marble island in the alcove-style kitchen, for example, is fl anked by stools sourced from Bali, each hand-carved into the shape of a hand. In one of the two guest bedrooms — each of which has an en-suite bath — the Behun for Calico Wallpaper design, inspired by a surreal forest dreamscape, creates a calming and ethereal setting. Of course, when a property is of this caliber, we are not the only ones excited. As Behun expressed, “It’s absolutely magical. There’s no other building I’d want to debut in London for.” £12.5m (approx. $16m). Contact Charles Leigh, sales director, sales@thewhiteleylondon.com, +44 203 883 1689, thewhiteleylondon.com THE WHITELEY London

Photos Paul Raeside