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Interior Designer: Taylor Howes Designs – Karen Howes, Jane Landino & Teody Lopez

Construction: Cheyne Construction

Photography: Astrid Templier

Taylor Howes Designs has completed the transformation of a Grade II listed townhouse in Knightsbridge, delivering a refined residential scheme that balances historic character with contemporary luxury. Discreetly positioned on the area’s only private road, the property is steeped in cultural and industrial heritage. It is believed to have been home in the 1890s to Charles Stewart Rolls, the pioneering British engineer and motoring enthusiast who would go on to establish one of the world’s most influential automotive brands, Rolls-Royce. Decades later, the house was briefly owned by the Royal Academy of Dancing, with its celebrated president Margot Fonteyn, widely regarded as one of the greatest classical dancers of the 20th century, residing in the mews property to the rear.

Tasked with elevating the home while preserving its heritage, Taylor Howes Designs worked closely with the long term owners to unlock its full potential. The brief focused on improving natural light, enhancing spatial flow and creating a stronger sense of arrival, alongside reconfiguring the layout to better suit modern living. A new basement level was introduced to provide additional entertaining areas, bedrooms and wellness facilities, while the first floor was restructured to form three generous suites.

Taylor Howes Designs developed a design narrative that merges classical architectural detailing with soft, romantic elements. Cornicing and limestone flooring are paired with fluid curves and tactile finishes, creating a layered yet cohesive interior. A warm neutral palette underpins the scheme, allowing spaces to feel calm, elegant and inviting.

Key architectural interventions include a bespoke curved staircase with Taj Mahal marble steps and a contemporary balustrade, dramatically improving circulation and drawing light through the home. Curved Crittall doors reference traditional archways while opening up sightlines across the entertaining spaces. A striking green glass chandelier by Sans Souci cascades through the stairwell, adding a sculptural focal point.

Materiality plays a central role, with finishes such as grasscloth, Tadelakt plaster, burr wood and soft wool enriching the interiors. Through careful detailing and a collaborative approach, Taylor Howes Designs has created a home that offers both grandeur and intimacy, redefining historic living for a contemporary London lifestyle.