Listing of the Day
Location: London, England
Price: £7.65 million (US$9.97 million)
Nestled in the heart of London’s stylish Chelsea district is a unique living space with a history of storied residents.
Former Vogue editor Beatrix Miller was the most recent celebrity occupant—she used it as her London residence until her death in 2014. Previous inhabitants included an eccentric heiress and the artist who built the home that would also serve as his studio.
The Grade II listed, mannerist style property still features the original studio flat on the ground floor and a north-facing painter’s studio.
"The second-floor reception room is really unique," said Lara Askew of Russell Simpson. "Its voluminous space and floor-to-ceiling windows provide amazing light (it was designed as a painter’s studio, after all) and it could be converted into a really special master bedroom suite."
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Indeed, as it has barely been altered in the past 50 years, the property offers an opportunity for a creative renovation. "We are seeing significant interest from those on the art scene who appreciate its history," Ms. Askew said. "It’s more than likely the buyer will want to completely reconfigure the layout and bring it up to date."
The Stats
With a total of 3,163 square feet, the property features the original studio flat and the painter’s studio on the ground floor. The upper floors of the house have four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a kitchen/dining room and a mezzanine level. There is also a first floor terrace and 32-square-foot garden in back.
Design Pedigree
In 1913, Danish artist Baron Arild Rosenkrantz commissioned local architect Clifton Robert Davy to design the home. Having trained in stained glass design at Tiffany in New York, he left his personal touch on the home: the Rosenkrantz coat of arms in stained glass still remains above the entrance.
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Celebrity Cachet
In 1925, heiress Marion "Joe" Carstairs bought the home. Carstairs regularly dressed as a man and had numerous affairs with high-profile women, including Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich and Oscar Wilde’s niece, Dolly, according to Ms. Askew. Well known for her fondness of penguins, she even kept a few of them in the garden for a short time.
In 1958, Jane Halford, a friend of Miller’s, purchased the property. She later invited Miller to live with her. Miller, often held parties for royalty, swinging 1960s models and society photographers in the home, according to Ms. Askew.
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Neighborhood Notes
Mulberry Walk is situated between King’s Road and the Fulham Road and is just a short walk from an array of boutiques, member’s clubs and upmarket eateries.
Also nearby are the Chelsea Physic Garden, the Saatchi Gallery and Duke of York Square, which hosts a number of seasonal events throughout the year.
Agents: Lara Askew and John Waters, Russell Simpson
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