28 South Street

Introducing 28 South Street, a rare historical, freehold mansion located in Mayfair, London. With a rich history as the former residence of politicians and celebrities, this rare mansion, designed by two acclaimed architects, Detmar Blow in 1902 and Nicholas Rakic for the wellness center, has had only three owners, including renowned writer Dame Barbara Cartland who was the mother of Countess Raine Spencer, the stepmother of Lady Diana Spencer (later Diana, Princess of Wales).

Situated in Mayfair, this remarkable property is widely regarded as the quintessential London mansion. It exudes elegance and sophistication, with its exceptional features and prime location just moments away from Park Lane and Grosvenor Square. Undoubtedly, this truly magnificent home stands as the epitome of luxury living in London.

With its distinctive red-brick exterior, adorned with stone dressing and adorned with neo-classical cornices, this five-story mansion stands out as a true architectural gem. Its Edwardian facade, boasting a stunning double-fronted design with five wide windows, is a testament to its grandeur. The beautiful Beaux-Arts style Portland stone doorway and the ornate Portland stone quoins add to its allure. Notably, the two large chimneys, which have been symbols of prestige and wealth for centuries, further enhance the mansion's imposing presence.

One of the standout features of this mansion is its exceptional width, offering a level of lateral living seldom found in central Mayfair. The expansive ground and first floors alone can comfortably accommodate over 100 guests in the principal reception areas. The grand entrance hall is divided into two halves, each showcasing its unique charm.

The first half boasts a soaring double-height ceiling, thanks to a generous first-floor void, and a wide, L-shaped wooden staircase that gracefully zig-zags to the first floor. The staircase is integrated with a floor-to-ceiling wood-paneled wall, beautifully matching its bespoke design. The other half of the entrance hall features a stunning coffered ceiling and an impressive gas-powered fireplace adorned with ornate neo-classical elements. Throughout the entrance hall, polished diamond limestone flagstone flooring adds to the overall elegance.

Behind the grand entrance hall, a set of exquisite double doors leads to the majestic dining room. With high ceilings, generous proportions, bespoke neo-classical cornices, and an ornate marble fireplace, this room is perfect for hosting formal dinners. The same polished diamond limestone flagstone flooring creates a seamless transition from the entrance hall. Additionally, the ground floor comprises a spacious kitchen, a guest wardrobe, and a beautifully appointed guest WC.

On the lower ground floor, a grand study of impressive proportions features bespoke finishes and an interior balcony overlooking the lavish wellness suite. The modernization of the mansion included the addition of a wellness suite, complete with a swimming pool, bar, sauna, and relaxation zone. The centerpiece of this space is a remarkable glazed courtyard with a soaring glass ceiling, which floods the area with natural light. Three large bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, are also located on the lower ground floor, along with a guest WC and two utility rooms. A separate street entrance at the front of the property provides convenient access to this level.

Ascending the grand entrance hall's wide staircase leads to the stately main reception room on the first floor. This open-plan space features an extension of the main staircase's bespoke wooden rail and balustrades, forming an impressive L-shaped mezzanine that overlooks the entrance hall. The main first floor reception area exudes a palatial ambiance with its grand proportions, coffered ceiling adorned with cornices, and floor-to-ceiling wood paneling with intricate decorative features inspired by various architectural styles. An ornate fireplace and a combination of contemporary ceiling lights and wall-mounted lanterns contribute to its opulence. Towards the back of the first floor, another reception room awaits, boasting high coffered ceilings adorned with neo-classical cornices and stunning Beaux-Arts style floral decorations. Three sets of glass double doors provide abundant natural light and lead to an expansive terrace spanning the width of the building, perfect for outdoor entertainment. A third reception room on this floor showcases striking interior design, with bespoke black wood flooring and a contrasting white backdrop. This room also opens onto the massive first-floor terrace through three sets of floor-to-ceiling double doors. Additionally, a guest WC with ornate design is conveniently located on the first floor.

Dedicated entirely to luxury, the second floor is occupied by an opulent master bedroom suite. Boasting grand proportions and bespoke interior design, the master bedroom features a projector above the bed, a tremendously large dressing room flooded with natural light, and a separate walk-in wardrobe of considerable size, accessible via the dressing room. The master suite is complemented by an impressively large en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower and bath. Three floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to a spacious second-floor terrace, offering privacy with tall bamboo plants surrounding it.

The prestigious South Street location provides easy access to a wide range of amenities and cultural attractions. The renowned shopping streets of Bond Street and Savile Row are a mere five-minute walk away. The property also benefits from 24-hour police security, ensuring exceptional safety and peace of mind. The upgraded Grosvenor Square, home to the new Rosewood Hotel, is in close proximity. London's finest restaurants, international music venues, leading museums, schools, and universities are all within easy reach, making this address truly remarkable. At the end of South Street lies the lush greenery of historic Hyde Park, spanning 350 acres. Furthermore, the upcoming Crossrail will reduce travel time from Bond Street to Heathrow Airport to just 34 minutes.

**Recent planning permission provides for: The installation of a passenger lift over Lower Ground, Ground and 2 Upper floors Levelling out the large south-facing roof terrace at 1st floor level**

Overview

28 South Street is an 8,513 sq ft Grade II listed mansion in Mayfair, London W1.

Formerly the London residence of Dame Barbara Cartland, the childhood home of Countess Raine Spencer, and the birthplace of Prime Minister Sir Alec Douglas Home.

The five-storey double-fronted mansion provides luxurious accommodation over lower ground, ground and three upper floors, with private terraces on the first, second and top fifth floors. Features include six bedrooms, six reception rooms and a spectacular wellness suite on the lower ground floor centred around a light-filled glazed atrium/courtyard comprising a swimming pool, cocktail bar, sauna and relaxation area.

Originally built in 1902-1903, the building has a grand Edwardian facade with Arts and Crafts style detailing. It was commissioned by a stockbroker and Liberal politician Sir Cuthbert Quilter (1841-1911), designed by Grosvenor Estate architect Detmar Blow, with internal detailing by Fernand Billerey.

Upon completion, Quilter let the house to Lord Dunglass, where his son, Sir Alec Douglas Home was born on the 2nd of July 1903. Alec would grow up to serve as the British Prime Minister.

Sir Cuthbert Quilter’s widow lived here from 1911 to 1920, and his son, Sir William Quilter, from 1929 until the property was bought in 1936 by renowned romance novelist and socialite Dame Barbara Cartland and her second husband Hugh McCorquodale.

Barbara Cartland was one of the best-selling authors of the 20th century, writing some 723 novels by her death in May 2000, mainly romantic fiction set in the Victorian or Edwardian period. Cartland lived at 28 South Street with her husband Hugh, their two sons Ian and Glen and her daughter Raine (Raine the offspring of her first marriage to Alexander McCorquodale, the cousin of her second husband).

During World War II Barbara Cartland based herself at 28 South Street and went to work for the War Office in Whitehall in various charitable capacities as well as working for the St John Ambulance Brigade for which she was later made a Commander of the Order of St John of Jerusalem for her services.

After World War II Barbara Cartland used 28 South Street as a place for entertaining family and friends including Margaret Campbell, Duchess of Argyll, and Lord Mountbatten, uncle of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. It is also where she wrote her 1949 romance novel A Hazard of Hearts and her racy Guide to Married Life (1950), the latter banned in Ireland. Mayfair high society was scandalised in 1950 when author Georgette Heyer accused Cartland of plagiarism, alleging that A Hazard of Hearts was a copy of Heyer’s novel Friday’s Child (1944), but the case never came to court.

On the third floor of 28 South Street was the bedroom of Cartland’s daughter Raine (1929-2016), her childhood home. Raine is the subject of a new biography Three Times A Countess (2022) by Tina Gaudoin. It was at 28 South Street in 1947 that the 18-year-old Raine had her spectacular coming-of-age party and was named debutante of the year. The following year in July 1948 the Mayfair mansion hosted a reception for the marriage of Raine to her first husband the Hon. Gerald Humphrey Legge was to become the 9th Earl of Dartmouth. Raine’s second husband was the 8th Earl Spencer when she became Countess Raine Spencer and the stepmother of Lady Diana Spencer (later Diana, Princess of Wales).

Barbara Cartland lived at 28 South Street until late 1950 when she sold the mansion and used the proceeds to purchase Camfield Place in Hertfordshire, formerly the country home of Beatrix Potter, where Cartland lived until her death in 2000.

Site & Location

28 South Street is well located for a range of amenities and is just moments from Park Lane, Grosvenor Square and Hyde Park. The world-renowned shopping streets of Bond Street and Savile Row are a five-minute walk from the property, whilst a wide selection of London's finest restaurants, international music venues, leading museums, schools and universities are all within easy proximity. From Bond Street underground station on the Queen Elizabeth Crossrail line, scheduled to open on 24th October 2022, it is anticipated the journey time from Bond Street to Heathrow Terminal 5 will take just 34 minutes.