Knightsbridge Townhouse
by Taylor Howes Designs

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.

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.