The Return of The Roaring 20s

08.03.21

The 1920s are synonymous with glitz, glamour and luxurious living in the world’s super cities, From New York to London the Big City was the place to be. According to Knight Frank, among UHNWI, the hub of the modern 20s is still the city and they are set to be just as glamours.

London and New York were listed as joint 1^st place in the City Wealth Index published I the Knight Frank 2021 Wealth Report. London claimed the top spot for the largest number of ‘prime’ homes, with over 68,000 homes worth £2 ($2.8) million or more. However, New York topped the list in the wealth category, measuring the number of High and Ultra High Net Worth Individuals, 7,743 individuals with a net worth of £21.1 ($30) million or more. Liam Bailey, global head of research at Knight Frank sums the listings up perfectly by saying “Long live the city... history shows us that cities rise, fall, but always rise again”.

As the hustle and bustle of the world’s top cities, are once more the place to live, work and have a good time, Abode2 looks at some of the luxury properties that these glamourous cities have to offer. First, based in Victoria, London a former Westminster Fire Station is in the midst of a transformation.

Once complete later this year it will house 17 boutique residences, no two the same, across the original Grade II listed Fire Station and a newly built Station House from design-led development managers, Alchemi Group in partnership with Far East Orchard Limited.

The team has gone to great lengths to sensitively reimagine the original heritage building and match the design and architecture to its former beauty. The new Station House has been designed by OpenStudio Architects and has been added behind the Fire Station to extend the space, sandwiched together with a green courtyard oasis.

In addition, the old engine room will be home to a destination restaurant, Mathura by Michelin Starred chef Atul Kochhar, where the fireman’s pole, watch room will be used as a private dining room. The original carriage doors, that will form the magnificent main entrance to the building and restaurant, have been restored to keep the beauty of this original feature.

The glazed brick covered walls and exposed steel beams pay homage to the building’s former majesty and the four meter high ceilings add to the grandeur. Overall, this development will create a contemporary destination for the community to visit and enjoy. As well as a private city retreat for residents.

Also in the heart of London is the Clivedale London’s Mayfair Park Residence. Just completed, they are the first ever Dorchester Collection private homes. Located adjacent to 45 Park Lane and is fully serviced by the Dorchester Collection.

With views overlooking Hyde Park, Mayfair Park Residences is positioned ideally in the capital, close to all major amenities. The neighbouring 45 Park Lane hotel is on hand for residents providing access to a tailor-made array of five-star star à la carte services. From 24-hour in-residence dining provided by Wolfgang Puck’s CUT restaurant and bespoke private catering to floristry, as well as sommelier expertise.

This boutique development comprises of 22 opulent one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments and townhouses varying from triplex and duplex to lateral floorplates. Residents will also have access to private 10,000 square foot health club. Complete with beautiful relaxation lounge that wraps around a centralized log burner that overlooks the 20-meter swimming pool. Also including a sauna and steam room, hydrotherapy pool and two private treatment rooms.

Across the Atlantic there is the iconic Towers of the Waldorf Astoria in New York. This landmark is currently undergoing an extensive restoration, and once complete will include 375-condos to buy, atop 375-hotel suites as well as over 50,000 square foot of private residential amenities.

This grand space of residential amenities ranges from health and wellness to entertainment spaces, all brilliantly designed by Jean-Louis Deniot. The numerous entertaining spaces include the Grand Salon, a private dining room, wine tasting room, billiards room and open games room. The stunning 25-meter Starlight Pool will overlook Park Avenue in a dramatic height-space, illuminated by a restored skylight.

Waldorf Astoria set the standard and defined hotel service at an ultra-luxury level and future residents of the condominiums will enjoy priority access to the unrivalled service. Including signing privileges at restaurants and bars, preferred pricing and à la carte services such as housekeeping and 24-hour in-residence dining.