Explore the neoclassical-styled abode nestled within The Whiteley's tower clock.
In the bustling city of London, a new landmark is taking shape. The Whiteley, a £1.5 billion redevelopment of Britain's first department store, is transforming into a 1.1 million square foot mixed-use development. This ambitious project, due to complete in 2025, will blend luxury residences, curated retail, and amenities including the UK's first Six Senses hotel[1].
Located on Queensway, The Whiteley preserves the Grade II-listed original facade and iconic clock tower, which has been restored with a bespoke clock face, blending heritage with contemporary luxury[1]. Architecturally, the redevelopment was led by Foster + Partners, who embraced the original building's elegant metal framework and heritage character while adapting it for luxury living[5].
The new apartments consist of 139 exclusive residences designed to integrate innovation with the building’s historic neoclassical architecture. Notably, The Whiteley features Europe’s first Maxalto-designed apartment—a £25 million showcase created in collaboration with B&B Italia Group’s Antonio Citterio—emphasizing contemporary Italian design with neoclassical influences[1].
One of these apartments, recently launched, is situated within the clock tower of the Grade II-listed building. The new apartment is furnished by Maxalto, a B&B Italia Group brand. The study in the apartment includes Maxalto's black oak 'Biblia' bookcases and a 'Pathos' desk topped with Calacatta marble. The adjoining Arclinea kitchen features Bianca Eclipsia quartzite countertops and tobacco-toned leather bar stools[2].
The apartment's private terrace, a highlight, offers views of the reimagined winter garden. It is home to a dining zone and natural linen Gio sunbeds. The living room includes a Lilium sofa curved around a glossy Sahara Noir marble coffee table. A distinctive 'clock tower room' with 6m ceiling heights and sweeping views of London is another standout feature, complete with a floor-to-ceiling bookcase with top-stitched leather shelving, illuminated by Flos' 'Notambule' pendant lights[3].
The principal suite in the apartment includes a Kasia leather headboard, adding a touch of luxury to the sleeping quarters. The new apartment showcases Maxalto's neoclassical aesthetic, yet it is infused with global design influences, grounding it in the neoclassical tradition that made the original building an icon[1].
The Whiteley's design and history combine a careful restoration of a historic London icon with cutting-edge luxury residential design, delivering a unique mixed-use development that honors its origins as the UK’s first department store while setting new standards for upscale living and hospitality in central London[1][5].
This week, we're spotlighting The Whiteley as part of our Inside Story series, highlighting intriguing, innovative, and industry-leading interior design. The new apartment addition honors the legacy of Whitleys department store, which was first conceived over 130 years ago to showcase wares from around the world[4].
[1] The Whiteley, https://www.thewhiteleylondon.com/ [2] The Whiteley's Designer Collection, https://www.thewhiteleylondon.com/luxury-apartments/designer-collection/ [3] The Whiteley's Show Apartments, https://www.thewhiteleylondon.com/luxury-apartments/show-apartments/ [4] The Whiteley: A New Destination for London, https://www.dezeen.com/2021/09/16/the-whiteley-london-foster-and-partners-mixed-use-development-queensway-interiors/ [5] The Whiteley: A Landmark Redevelopment, https://www.architectural-review.com/project/the-whiteley/10047729.article
- The apartment within The Whiteley's clock tower, a recent addition to the development, features Maxalto's black oak 'Biblia' bookcases, emphasizing a blend of contemporary Italian design with neoclassical influences, making it an intriguing showcase of interior design that honors the legacy of the former department store.
- The Whiteley's design incorporates the delicate balance of restoring a historic London icon with modern luxury residential design, providing an exceptional lifestyle experience by showcasing global design influences within its neoclassical architecture, offering a unique mixture that sets new standards for upscale living and hospitality in central London.
