On the top two floors of an elite new residential building at one of central London's newest garden squares, the past is a compelling inspiration. A duplex penthouse in Rathbone Square, a development in Fitzrovia by Great Portland Estates plc with architecture by MAKE, is a deluxe retreat with interior design by Echlin inspired by the area's rich artistic and cosmopolitan heritage.
Echlin, a collective of architects, interior designers and strategists for understated luxury residences and spaces across London, have drawn on the ideas of both the Bloomsbury Group, which flourished in this part of London in the first decades of the 20th century, and of the many creative businesses with headquarters in Fitzrovia.
Bespoke furnishings, designed by Echlin and handmade in Oxfordshire, sit alongside pieces by emerging and established designers from Portugal, the US and Italy; reflecting the modern-British meets young-international-design approach pioneered commercially by the likes of Heal's located on nearby on Tottenham Court Road. In the main living area on the top floor, Echlin has reinterpreted the idea of a classic London living room, introducing a striking pair of buttoned forest-green leather sofas flank a dazzling mirrored coffee table, with striking works of art by American artist Betsy Eby and Athens-based Sofia Petropolou.
There is a little bit of bad news, though. This Rathbone Square apartment is the second landmark address Echlin have been involved with to sell this year. But, don't worry, there are two more penthouses in the development still available, and we hear Echlin has more residences on the way.
Photography by Nico Wills
If you’re on the hunt for more of the capital’s undiscovered architectural treasures then check out another one of Echlin's projects; The Leverton House, Notting Hill.
