Artist Residence Hotel London
The home of the artist has always been a romantic thought; we imagine whimsy and warmth, treasures, antique furniture and – of course – art donning the walls by the dozens. In this relatively new hotel in Pimlico, central London we get a glimpse into that very sense of home. Owned by young hoteliers Justin Salisbury and Charlotte Newey, the Artist Residence London is the product of the artist’s eye. The creative hoteliers, lovingly restored the building, a public house, which dates back to 1852 and was designed by the master planner Thomas Cubitt, who was renowned for creating the Belgravia and Pimlico neighbourhoods of London.
While every space each has its own unique features, there are a few common threads that create a cohesive whole. Aside from the incredibly welcoming atmosphere throughout the hotel, it employs an aesthetic that mixes the classic and rather smart (drawing on its immediate surroundings of Pimlico) with the contemporary and youthful (reflecting the energy of the imagined artists’ and the owners alike). Beginning with the grand façade the humble entrance space – furnished with a little desk rather than a traditionally decadent lobby – the combination of high and homely works charms. Wander into the Grand Suite and you’ll be met by a four-poster bed dressed in the whitest of linen and softest of throws, simple but luxurious, a cast-iron bath that looks almost too deep to be true, and a re-purposed lounge suite of theatre green – perfect for an afternoon coffee. Similarly rich and warm is the Loft. Despite being apparently more modest if we’re going by price, there is a elegant yet simple comfort here: ceilings are partly angled as expected yet generous in height. There are classic Anglepoise lights and an antler chandelier by Ines Cole, as well as distressed wooden surfaces that play down any sense of grandiosity. Original art hangs from the walls and a set of green mohair chairs sit in as the resting spot.
In every room, as well as the popular restaurant 64 Degrees – a collaboration between Artist Residence and Chef Michael Bremner – there is this perfectly executed sense of balance between luxury and lived in, simplicity and the extra special. Between thick linen and layered blankets, crisp paint work and aged flooring, new art and old furniture, it’s a space both personal to the designers and perfectly suited to the guest who wants to feel pampered and at home. After all, that’s what the owners had in mind – the team at Artist Hotel Residence, says Charlotte, “really put an emphasis on everyone being like ‘family’… We are not perfect but we have big hearts and truly want to make our guests’ stay remarkable!”
Images courtesy of Artist Residence Hotel
