Much has been made of home-from-home living in the travel world of late – first there were the home rentals, hotel-aparts, then the home-stays – but getting it just right for the luxury market are the serviced apartments by Cheval Residences.
Offering a collection of design-led apartments in some of the most sought-after locations in London – think: Knightsbridge, Hyde Park Gate and Gloucester Park – each property offers top-end interiors and a slick concierge service, to marry the best of hotel living with the privacy and flexibility of having your own space – right in the heart of town.
Located on the North Bank of the river, tucked beside the Tower of London, Cheval Three Quays has one of the most desirable addresses in the capital. As well as the many tourist attractions, which are just minutes from your doorstep, there's also an array of chi chi eating places (check out the Coppa Club for brunch and The Ivy Tower Bridge for supper), making your stay one that is effortlessly cool.
For something extra special, book the two-bedroom Tower Penthouse at Cheval Three Quays. The interiors are spectacular, but you probably won't even notice them at first, instead you'll be wowed by the view. Even for home-grown Londoners, seeing the turrets of the Tower of London – complete with flags billowing in the wind – and the stately views of Tower Bridge – so close – is impressive. London on a clear, bright day is an inspiring place to take in, while, by night – with its historic landmarks lit up – it transmutes into being a destination that is nothing short of thrilling. What's more – as seen from the top floor of Cheval – it equals one of the most heavenly aspects in town.
Available to rent, from just one night to extended stays of three months or more, the five-star apartments make for flexible city living. Whether you want to stay for a cheeky night on the town or are decamping to the city for a while, the interior ethos will impress. Architectural interior designers Forme Design took inspiration from the historic riverside location, as well giving a nod to the area's futuristic feel. Many of London's latest architecturally-impressive buildings are cropping up in the vicinity, while the property's actual name 'Three Quays' refers to the three quays that were on site in the 17th century – and which were instrumental in receiving much of the exotic goods (tobacco, rum and sugar) coming into the UK from the West Indies.
The marriage of old and new is seen immediately when you step into the lobby. Two impressive murals by artist Barnaby Gorton depict detailed scenes of daily life by the river in medieval times. Meanwhile, an elegant water feature, cream mosaic floor and columns give a nod to the Roman heritage of the area. It's a subtle and elegant touch of history and strikes just the right balance in what is otherwise a contemporary décor. As well as a bespoke modern chandelier, an oversized Kappa Lambda rug and huge photographic prints, the lobby is also presided over by the burnt-orange leather and granite welcome desk. Here, you'll check in and can also call down to, for the around-the-clock concierge service, including laundry services, help with theatre tickets or travel arrangements.
While many apartment buildings in the city are guilty of being devoid of personality, here stylish additions – such as richly-coloured carpets and a range of black-and-white photography – showing, for example, Tower of London being built and moody images of the docks – mean that even the corridors have the added interest factor.
Once you've got over the views, you'll take in the light-flooded interiors, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling Kestrel windows and doors. These lead out to the wrap-around terrace – the absolute USP of the two penthouses – which allows for those views over the River Thames. The large living space is elevated with countless luxury details – dramatic chandeliers (such as the muted-pink hanging crystal ball version hung from a silk lined ceiling in the living room), solid wood floors, velvet sofas and thick bespoke rugs. Burnt-orange chenille cushions, petrol-blue glass vases and a trio of coppery-coloured pots add pops of colour to the muted silvery, taupe and mushroom tones. The large dining area, complete with modern table and black-and-lime chairs, leads into an all-white oval-shaped kitchen. Its gloss cabinets are a seamless addition to the living space and enlivened by three large red metal pendant lights over a breakfast bar. Well-stocked, with avant-garde Gaggenau appliances, a wine chiller and top-end crockery and glass-ware – you'll want for nothing. There's even an Abel & Cole welcome hamper to set the tone.
Bedrooms are equally impressive. The Master has the biggest bed you've probably ever seen, and has an elegant velvet headboard, crisp white linens and a soft taupe-velvet bedspread. The main feature is a unique room divider which has an inset wide-screen TV on the bed side and a dressing table along its length on the 'dressing area' side. Meanwhile, the en-suite bathroom is contemporary with suede-effect tiles, a huge shower adorned with emerald-green Hermes toiletries and a modular curvy sink.
Separate cloakroom, second bathroom and bedroom – only slightly smaller than the Master – are separated by sets of doors so the whole apartment feels spacious and private. Attention to detail can be seen with roomy wardrobes, the perfect soaking tub complete with TV and a coffee table lined with luxury magazines. Uber-modern technology means that room temperatures and lights are controlled from central touch-screen pads, and, for those who a 'home away from home' experience means downing tools, you can request daily apartment servicing and the team can also organise chefs to cook up your dream meal.
Overall, Cheval Three Quays is all about upscale luxury, but forget a nondescript experience, this has oodles of character which means that your stay will be one that is absolutely stylish but also cosy and cosseting, too. Check in, and you'll soon feel right at home – even if it is just for one night.
The two-bedroom Tower Penthouse costs from £800 per night and from £307 per night for a river-facing one-bedroom apartment. www.chevalresidences.com/cheval-three-quays/
