It's a 67-inch peacock sculpture adorned in 25,000 Swarovski crystals that sets the tone for The Mayfair Townhouse. The new London property debuting this month features a fantastical design that embodies the history of Half Moon Street (where the hotel resides). Think Oscar Wilde meets Alice in Wonderland.
The vision came to life thanks to the award-winning design team Goddard Littlefair. They built on the historical connection of the legendary author and the colorful characters once associated with Mayfair. This street was once the setting of Wilde's most famous play, The Importance of Being Earnest, and was known as a bohemian destination during the Victorian era. Today, this translates into a space with bold, rich colors and a whimsical art collection.
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Mid-century modern shapes and materials provide the foundational style throughout the hotel, with the art popping against it. For example, The Den features black tufted banquets and bright red walls with quirky images of animals hanging. And the Club Room has encased floating butterflies sitting on the shelves and imaginative portraits. The guest rooms follow suit with dramatic headboards, patterned wallpaper, and head-turning pieces by Miss Aniela are scattered throughout.
This theatrical feel came together with the help of art specialist Minda Dowling, who curated the unique pieces. She was the one to select Clarita Brinkerhoff's peacock sculpture to reside just outside The Dandy Bar, where brightly-colored cocktails adorned with butterflies are served. (Side note: the bar serves up Oscar Wilde's favorite AR Lenoble Brut Champagne too).
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And though the decor is a departure from sister properties like the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property Cliveden House (where Meghan Markle stayed the night before the royal wedding), Lygon Arms, and 11 Cadogan Gardens, it's every bit as luxurious. The rooms and suites are outfitted with plush mattresses, bespoke toiletries, and a minibar stocked with goods from local artisans, and a Les Clef d'Ors concierge is on hand to handle all your excursion needs.
