Luxury and the arts From houses to cars and from Hockney to van Dyck, a profile of the best and the worst
The sale of the home of a circus heir and the revival of Billy Smart’s Circus
Billy Smart, Sr. (1894 – 1966), a travelling showman and father of 10 children (he was himself one of 23), bought a circus in 1946 and quickly became known as an extraordinary entertainer. One of his son’s, Billy Smart, Jr. (1934 – 2005), made his debut at the age of 12 as an assistant ringmaster in Billy Smart’s New World Circus and performed with ponies, horses and eventually elephants. (more…)
The sale of The Duchess of Cambridge’s uncle’s holiday villa, La Maison de Bang Bang
Just as it is reported that the pregnant Duchess of Cambridge is said to be furious about photographers having managed to capture her in a bikini on a beach on the private island of Mustique, another of her previous holiday destinations has come to the market.
The Duchess, as Kate Middleton, stayed with Prince William at the holiday home of her uncle, Gary Goldsmith’s in Ibiza in 2006. During the break at the exotically named La Maison de Bang Bang, the Prince and Miss Middleton were photographed on a motor launch, Tapeka Point, that was subsequently put up for auction in April 2012 for £120,000.
The 4 double bedroom villa, named according to its official website, after “Ibiza’s famous banging house music”, is just five minutes from the Cala Jondal beach and the “hip” Blue Marlin beach bar. The house stands on a plot of 23,850 square metres and includes a large reception room, 4 dining areas and a fully equipped gym. In addition there is a staff bungalow, swimming pool and tennis court.
In a statement to the Daily Telegraph’s “Mandrake”, Goldsmith, who was subject to a News of the World sting at La Maison de Bang Bang in 2009, commented:
“I’m looking to buy a bigger house in London, given that I have only been there myself once in the last two year… After what seems like a million years of fun, fun, fun, I’m selling Bang Bang, folks”.
Of the house itself, Mr Goldsmith told the Daily Mail’s Richard Kay:
“It’s on for 6.5 million Euro. Despite the Spanish economy, it’s a good time to sell because the Euro is very strong at the moment, plus Ibiza isn’t like mainland Spain. It has a micro-economy all of its own”.
Knight Frank’s particulars for La Maison de Bang Bang were prepared last September and though Mr Goldsmith, who made £275 million selling his recruitment business in 2005, may be a canny businessman, it seems as if he may have to wait some time before someone else decides to put their bucks into the Bang Bang.
For more information on La Maison de Bang Bang, contact Knight Frank on +44 (0) 203 641 5161.
To view particulars on the house, go to: http://content.zoopla.co.uk/a6420c8137a5d9f4e81b6c108c398e4bf467c6ed.pdf
To view the official website for the house, go to: http://www.rentibizavilla.com
Five ways to please someone special on Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s Day nearly upon us, we offer five suggestions for gifts for ladies, gents and to enjoy together. Naturally, there’s something for all budgets.
For her:
Bougie Macaron
Girls love macarons and they love Bougie’s creations more than any other. These delicate, slightly chewy biscuits incite passionate enthusiasm and any gent who delivers his date some of these this Valentine’s Day will be on to a sure fire winner. Prices start at £30 for 16 macarons.
2013 Bentley Continental GTC “Tiffany Blue” Beverly Hills limited edition
If you live in Beverly Hills, you can almost certainly afford to purchase a little blue box from Tiffany & Co. for the lady of your dreams, so why not buy her a matching Bentley to go with it? For $224,215 O’Gara Coach, who specialise in customizing luxury vehicles, have two Continental GTC V8’s on offer complete with Linen Beluga interiors.
For him:
The Gentlemen’s Tonic
This impressive Mayfair barbershop is far from the norm. It is, in fact, the perfect place to send any playboy – they even offer Bloody Mary’s. Starting at £250, they can give your man an image makeover or at £160 they offer “The Valentino” package. It includes “a hand and foot treatment, rejuvenation facial and a revitalising and refreshing eye treatment.”
A tour of the Sipsmith distillery
Any gent who loves gin or vodka would love to meet Prudence and have a tour of the first distillery to be opened in London in 200 years. For just £12 per person, tours run every Wednesday from 6.30pm until 8pm and visitors are “greeted with a drink, which of course can be topped up throughout the evening”.
For two:
The Acorn Inn
Thomas Hardy mentioned this delightful 16th Dorset coaching inn in Tess of the d’Urbervilles and it has also been named as one of Tom Chessyre’s Top 6 British Inns. Treat your loved one to an overnight stay at this well kept secret with a package that includes a three course dinner for two, full English breakfast for between £179 upto £229 for a suite. There’s even an original skittle alley and a romantic walk on the county’s Jurassic Coast is a must.
Bougie Macaron: http://www.bougie.co.uk
O’Gara Coach Beverly Hills: http://www.ogaracoach.com
Gentlemen’s Tonic: http://www.gentlemenstonic.com
Sipsmith: http://www.sipsmith.com/tours
The Acorn Inn: http://www.acorn-inn.co.uk/inspiring-experiences/rediscover-romance-on-valentines-day
A video clip of a Rolls-Royce Phantom in a far from typical setting
This week’s video of the week was sent to us by Anthony Brown and features a most unusual use of a Rolls-Royce Phantom.
In it, an unknown driver takes the vehicle off road at speed. Surprisingly, the 5,800-pound curb weight car copes well as it careers through the parkland of an English country estate and though the tyres were no doubt trashed, we thought it well worth sharing.
Watch the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-pzol0sxro
Eilean Aigas: a Scottish island that has been the retreat of aristocrats, authors and international business moguls (more…)
Five of the best places to escape to with family and friends in 2013
Farmhouse, Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee, USA
Crafted of materials from an 1800s Pennsylvania bank barn, this classic American farmhouse forms part of the exclusive Blackberry Farm, one of America’s most celebrated luxury culinary escapes. Set in 4,200-acres, this stylish property includes 3 bedrooms and is perfect for families and small groups. An on-site chef service is available and rates start at $4,800 per night.
Branche d’Olive, Aveyron, midi-Pyrenees, France
Owned by a well-known English journalist, this large stone gîte in the South-West of France comfortably sleeps a family of four and is just 20-minutes from Villefranche. It has an outdoor pool, a private terrace and even an ancient stone pizza oven. Prices start at £425 per week.
Mill Cottage, near Taunton, Somerset, England
Spacious Mill Cottage on Sir Benjamin Slade’s Maunsel House estate in Somerset sleeps up to 10 people. Prices start at £675 per night and for those looking for a location for a wedding or somewhere for a corporate event, the welcoming and efficient team here can cater for your every whim.
The Old Kirk, Kilninver, near Oban, Scotland
With views across the waters where Enigma and Ring of Bright Water were filmed, The Old Kirk in Argyll provides accommodation for 6 to 8 people. Fishing is available on the owner’s 3,000-acre estate on 3 lochs and the River Euchar. Prices start at £495 per week.
The Samling, Windermere, Cumbria, England
The Samling can be rented in its entirety from £4,500 per night. Set in 67 acres, this 11-bedroom property has been used by Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Stella McCartney and David and Victoria Beckham amongst others. It is the perfect base from which to explore the Lake District and the views across Lake Windermere are stunning.
Blackberry Farm: http://www.blackberryfarm.com
Branche d’Olive: http://www.branchedolive.co.uk
Mill Cottage: http://www.maunselhouse.co.uk
The Old Kirk: http://www.kilninver-estate.co.uk
The Samling: http://www.thesamlinghotel.co.uk
Fashion writer Jacinta de Vere looks into the perils of wearing leggings, jeggings and meggings
What is up with women who assume leggings paired with a short top or crop jacket is a good idea for a night out or a trip to the supermarket? Leggings are not trousers, ladies. Leggings are actually the least flattering item in anyone’s wardrobe.
Unfortunately, most women do not realise that most leggings are made with very thin fabric. I was in the middle of Marks & Spencer buying my grapefruit when one woman dropped her apple. She bent over in front of me and I almost puked. I saw the personal bits that her gynaecologist and waxer normally see. It was not a pretty sight.
Similarly, I was at my local watering hole and had a table next to the dance floor. Some chick in her heels bent over to do some asinine dance move and of course, thanks to the flashing lights and disco ball I was also privy to her modesty while her bum was in my face. Seriously, if you are going to wear leggings, wear a thong. Even better yet, do not wear leggings at all.
Maybe the only people who can get away with wearing leggings with a short top are women who have long thin legs and a great bum, which are generally accompanied by a kick-ass body. These women go to the gym almost every day and rarely eat or have amazing genetics. These items are meant for the gym or to lounge around at home. However, if you are planning your wardrobe around finding a comfortable waistband, then that is your sign to wear a longer length sweater, boyfriend blazer or tunic top that covers your bum.
To make matters worse, some moron invented jeggings. It is a fashion mutation between jeans and leggings. If you think buying these is a good idea, then run and get your head checked. With all of the options available in the trouser section of most stores, I would question anyone who seeks out a jegging. Jeans are great; they are comfortable and look good when paired with a nice top and jacket. However, I struggle to find any combination where jeggings are a hot look. Instead, what comes to mind are muffin-tops and drumsticks. Jeggings are not forgiving to anyone’s imperfections. If you put them on, be prepared to be ridiculed and have young children run away in fear.
Even Kim Kardashian, who has a rather large bum, chooses to cover it with a sweater or a jacket. She knows her body and how to accentuate her best assets. A large number of women have no idea what looks good on their body shape, have a herd mentality and just follow trends. Ladies, this old trend, if followed, must be done with caution.
Another fashion travesty that occurs with leggings is wearing them with Ugg® boots. Uggs are Uggly. I have seen women walk around town with their children in matching Uggs and leggings. It makes me want to cry as I witness society deteriorate to a leggings and Ugg wearing generation. Where has the elegance and style gone? I have strong feelings about these unattractive boots and will spend more time on them in another piece at a later date. If you are not convinced, let me throw an image at you.
I did not want to make the male readers feel left out. This article would not be complete without a proper discussion on meggings: leggings for men. Apparently, this “hot, new trend” is crossing the Atlantic thanks to Uniqlo. I seem to recall this trend originating in the UK in the 80s and then going to America. I guess payback is a bitch.
When I see pictures of men who chose to don these appalling tights, I feel like I am looking at soft porn. As mentioned above, it is not cool to see your kibbles and bits whilst you are allegedly wearing clothing.
Whether comprised of sequin, crochet or flannel, they do not belong on anyone’s body except your favourite Raggedy Ann doll. Even then, I would question your taste. Let us examine this fine specimen in the following photograph. It does not matter how “hot” he is, I would rather chew off my right arm than be seen in public with a man wearing meggings. Gents, please ask yourselves: “What would Frank Sinatra or Humphrey Bogart do?” Whatever they would do or whomever they do, I doubt they would do it in meggings.
So, if you find yourself in a boutique thinking about purchasing leggings, jeggings or meggings, please think twice before you buy. Ladies, please channel you inner Audrey Hepburn or ask yourself: “What would Grace Kelly do?” If either of them were alive, they would buy a pair of skinny jeans or cigarette pants, a crisp white shirt, a boyfriend blazer and Chanel flats. You would not see them in leggings and Uggs.
Jacinta de Vere is a lover of haute couture and all things fashionable and decadent. She is based in London.
Follow her on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/jacintadevere
Thomas James explores the winter holiday destinations of the jetset
The season is upon us and I like to think the thing that is most cherished of all this time of year is creating memories with those we love. Moreover, “my tastes are simple: I am easily satisfied with the best,” once stated Winston Churchill. Therefore, the culmination of these two elements will produce a magnificent holiday. Gstaad, St. Moritz, and St. Barths, and Aspen are à la mode destinations to spend with family and friends during the holiday season.
Gstaad is an idyllic retreat. It is the crème de la crème in a sense because most people here wish to remain discreet, which denotes simplistic elegance. There is a discerning culture of understatement in Gstaad. The village is enchanting and reminiscent of a setting found in a storybook. If that were the case, the Gstaad Palace would be the majestic castle towering over the small village. The Palace’s unrivalled reputation of refined hospitality makes one’s stay all the more sublime. However, within the hotel is Greengo Club, where one will find the youth of today partying to music played by DJ Jim Leblanc. For those who ski, Gstaad is known for skiing and is home to one of the largest ski areas in the Alps with around 136 miles of pistes.
St. Moritz is also a small village located in Switzerland where the sun shines about three hundred days annually. The energy of St. Moritz is geared more towards winter sporting events, having hosted the Winter Olympics twice. An annual event beginning in 1985 is the Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow tournament, which is a highlight for many. The White Turf is another annual winter event dating back to 1907 where people gather to watch horse racing on a frozen lake listening to music, viewing art, and indulging on food. St. Moritz is very much “le scene” and there is a bit of pretense in the air. Skiing is a popular pastime, as the slopes in St. Moritz remain unsurpassed.
St. Barths is a tiny island situated in the West Indies. During high season, especially on Christmas and New Year’s St. Barths is essentially one soiree after another. If St. Barth’s were a club then it would definitely be Studio 54. The place to be on New Years Eve is in Gustavia Harbour on a yacht watching the firework display. Overall, the ambiance of St. Barths is quite relaxed and carefree. Saline is left undeveloped making it one of the most pristine beaches in St. Barths. It is very “natural” alluding to the nudity permitted at Saline. Many people are attracted to St. Barths because of its beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The cuisine is superb, the service exquisite, and everyone on the island is friendly.
Aspen is a world-class destination for skiing with over 5,000 acres of terrain. Originally, Aspen was a mining town until the Paepcke family traveled to Aspen and fell in love with the natural surroundings Aspen offered. They knew Aspen was a gem and began transforming and cultivating the town into what it is today. The natural surroundings provide a relaxing retreat from everyday life. One may choose to ski on Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk or Aspen Highlands, depending upon one’s level of expertise. One can purchase lift tickets online at Aspen Snowmass, which makes all four mountains quite accessible. Aspen offers a variety of options for one’s après-ski experience, from dining at Matsuhisa to dancing at Escobar. Aspen is the unparalleled destination for winter and no matter what your needs may be, Aspen holds the solution.
Remember, this season is about creating memories. For having special memories to cherish is the ultimate luxury.
Andreas Kirchberger captures guests and performers at a private view of Zoobs: Hallowed Be Thy Name
On 31st October, Mews42 gallery and Northacre Plc hosted a private view titled Zoobs: Hallowed Be Thy Name in Battersea’s iconic Albion Riverside development.
As well as showcasing a variety of artworks, Ilona Pacia of Mews42 also displayed a range of bicycles from innovative manufacturers United Cruiser.
Guests at this Thameside event numbered Sonia Excell, Ray Henley-Smith, Klas Nilsson, Alex Peto, Masheed Shariat and Dame Vivienne Westwood DBE, RDI.
For more details about Mews42, go to: http://www.mews42.com
All images © Andreas Kirchberger/Photography-Factory 2012
Andreas Kirchberger captures guests and performers at the Champions in the Community fundraising dinner
On Thursday 10th November 2012, Gina and Alan Miller and The Rt. Hon. Iain Duncan Smith MP hosted a dinner at London’s Hurlingham Club to raise funds for the charities supported by Miller Philanthropy and The Centre for Social Justice.
Guests at the event numbered Aliona Adrianova, Carlos Bey Fisher, Jackie Branston, Bridget Convey, Karen Cummings Palmer, Diane Henry Lepart, Katie Gerrard, Hannah Gerrard, Iain Gibbs, Mariana Haseldine, Christian Huhnt, Francesca Mathieu, Ferdinand Miller, Georgina Moffat, Charles Mitford Cust, Claire Rubinstein, June Sarpong, Angelo Valentino, Timo Weber and Haydn Williams.
Performances by Antony Costa, Beverley Craven, the Magpie Dance group and Derek Paravacini were interspersed with speeches from Gina Miller and The Rt. Hon. Iain Duncan Smith MP and items sold in the auction numbered a couture dress by Ralph & Russo, a long weekend on a country estate in Devon and a Rolls-Royce experience.
Of the success of the night, Gina Miller commented:
“The Champions in the Community dinner acknowledged the underappreciated individuals involved in charity in the UK. The evening was a great success in terms of raising funds and awareness for these unsung heroes and we thank all who attended and supported our efforts for those working at the coalface of the negative trends in our society.”
For more details about The Centre for Social Justice, go to: http://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk
For more information about Miller Philanthropy, go to: http://www.millerphilanthropy.com
All images © Andreas Kirchberger/Photography-Factory 2012