Prince of Wales Mansions, Battersea

Description

Treasure trove

Think you’ve seen it all? Look again – for here’s a home that will bestow a sense of childlike wonder upon even the most jaded of souls. Cosy and elegant, this snug apartment stands right upon the edge of Battersea Park, one of the loveliest spots in London. Inside, you’re surrounded by an extraordinary array of exquisite objects from around the world. Asian vases, British glassware, European watercolours – a stay here is to immerse yourself in beauty. Explore Battersea’s cute cafes and grocers, then cross the river to Chelsea and binge upon glamour. Or, lock the door, pour yourself a cup of green tea, and dream.

A life well lived

Your hostess spent a number of years living in Hong Kong. She manages opera and dance companies, and so spends much of her time travelling the globe – and she’s brought home some wonderful souvenirs.

Tell me a tale

You could spend hours gazing upon the sitting room’s hand painted screen, before moving on to the intricate chests and richly polished furniture. The walls are daffodil yellow, the couches, enormously comfy. Pass the grandfather clock in the hallway to enter the compact kitchen, where your hostess has offset modern units and contemporary appliances with a spotlit cache of vintage china. The master bedroom is pretty and calm, with chocolate wood, delicate artwork and a French-style double bed, swathed in crisp white linen.

The adventure continues

There’s a real sense of community in Battersea, and you’ll find your neighbours to be an arty, friendly bunch, keenly supportive of their local café culture. The pubs are welcoming and the restaurants packed with regulars. Walk through Battersea Park to the river, then cross over to Chelsea for some of the best shopping in the city. And if you want to get into the West End, the journey from Queenstown Road to Covent Garden takes around half an hour.