Inside a London Pied-à-Terre with Nine Closets and a Stunning Rooftop

Tucked away in the vibrant heart of South Kensington, London, lies a serene 732 square-foot apartment, home to a fashion lover. It offers a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of one of the city’s most exclusive neighbourhoods.

Camilla Clarke, the homeowner, was born in Bogota, Colombia, but grew up in London and Washington DC. Her busy lifestyle has her living and working in Silicon Valley, California, using this stylish London flat as her pied-à-terre.

“I’ve always been a citizen of the world, which is why the energy of London – and its sophisticated and international nature – has always appealed to me,” Clarke said.

A pied-à-terre, French for “foot on the ground”, is a compact living space, often located in a bustling metropolis, that acts as a temporary secondary residence rather than a primary home. These properties are often a convenient base of operations for its residents, used for part of the year or work week, distinct from a traditional vacation home.

This two-bedroom home is situated in a late 19th century white stucco building. “Clarke’s design brief was to create a timeless, modern space that’s both cosy and guest-friendly. To achieve this, we blended iconic Italian design, Scandinavian décor, and traditional British features,” Olga Ashby Interiors said.

Upon entering, a custom marble console by Olga Ashby herself, and artwork by London-based artist Bianca Smith, sets the tone. The open-plan space features bespoke wooden joinery, bleached oak flooring, and underfloor heating, creating a comforting atmosphere. Neutral tones, luxurious fabrics, and a carefully curated selection of furniture, including a Victorian Chesneys fireplace, adds to the space’s elegance.

The kitchen boasts natural materials such as marble and travertine, while the bathroom features mandarin stone and muted brass accents. The guest room doubles as a flexible office space, adorned with green and blue hues, a double sofa bed, and a custom marble desk.

The main bedroom features silk-shined wallpaper, nine closets – a fashion lover such as Clarke’s dream come true – and access to a spacious attic with ample storage.

A spiral staircase leads to a spacious roof terrace that was meticulously rebuilt by the team. This expansive open-plan space has been thoughtfully appointed with a B&B Italia sofa and Gubi marble table. The rooftop’s seclusion is ensured by its tall, hedge-lined walls and white chimneys, creating an intimate retreat for Clarke and her guests.

Photo credit: Vigo Jansons