| Location | Fitzrovia |
|---|---|
| Client | Private |
Portland Place was laid out in the 1770s by Robert and James Adam. The brothers acted as developers, architects, and contractors to create first rate houses of grandeur and sophistication. The street became famous as the widest in London and was eventually incorporated into Nash’s ‘Royal Route’ from The Mall to Regent’s Park.
No. 33 forms part of the most intact terrace on the west side and was built between 1776-1779. The property has housed a number of auspicious residents over the years including earls and barons. Between 1892-1925 the lease was owned by the industrialist James Baron Blyth, under whom extensive modifications were undertaken, including the installation of its famous hydraulic wall. Between 1958-1998 it served as the High Commission of Sierra Leone, during which time it suffered serious neglect. More recently it provided the backdrop to the Oscar-winning film ‘The King’s Speech’, and Amy Winehouse’s ‘Rehab’ video. The building is Grade II* listed.
In 2019, MSMR were appointed to design and deliver the complete the redevelopment of the property which by then was in a semi-derelict state.
The building has now been comprehensively restored, extended, and refurbished and equipped with a range of facilities designed meet the highest 21st century standards without compromising its heritage.
The house possesses many original features including staircases, fireplaces, plasterwork, and joinery, all of which have been sensitively preserved. Intact Adam spaces were meticulously restored including the reinstatement of their historic colour schemes. The house now boasts seven bedrooms, a self-contained guest suite, two staff apartments, a gym, a cinema, a wine cellar, two garages, and a sky lounge with roof terrace. The mews house has also been completely re-built with a swimming pool and wellness suite in its basement.
Image credits: Taran Wilku, Julian Abrams
