The Hinduja brothers purchased the Old War Office building for £350 million ($444 million), a rare find. The five-bedroom penthouse, designed by lead designer, honors the building's history as the home of Britain's espionage elite, with expansive terraces offering panoramic views of London.
The OWO, designed by William Young and completed in 1906, is a prime example of Edwardian architecture in London. It commands views of St James's Park, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. The building's genius lies in its transformation from a secretive structure into a top-class Raffles hotel and residences.
For 20 years, Raffles, an international luxury hotel chain, sought a building with a sense of history and soul. The OWO, a former house of spies, has grown by 50% inside to over 760,000 square feet, making it an extraordinary space. The 120-room, five-star hotel will be located on the public side facing Whitehall, the famous London thoroughfare. Private residences are in the discreet back section, shielded from the hustle and bustle of Whitehall. The building is now dedicated to celebrating life and opening up for the public to enjoy.
The OWO penthouse at Raffles Hotel has been designed to provide a private, discreet residential experience for buyers. The hotel offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, bars, spas, and ballrooms, but also provides a peaceful retreat for private apartments. The penthouse has been meticulously restored by craftspeople, restoring period features such as hand-laid mosaic floors, rich oak panelling, chandeliers, and a dramatic marble staircase. Luxury interior designers Winch Design were chosen to create a unique home, inspired by the hotel's history and the unique architectural details of the roof. The penthouse's unique design aims to create a home-like atmosphere, inspired by the hotel's history and the modern edition of the building.
Winch Design has crafted a five-bedroom OWO penthouse, blending history with modernity. The design team collaborated with over 40 award-winning suppliers to create bespoke furniture, fabrics, artwork, and accessories. The penthouse features a mix of antique and custom-made classic pieces, curated for a timeless feel. The penthouse also includes a private gym, sauna, cinema, games room, staff quarters, and expansive terraces with panoramic views. Classic furnishings are paired with contemporary fabrics, incorporating elements of Savile Row and Jermyn Street's sartorial elegance. Furniture by Robert Langford evokes the Georgian architectural heritage, while bold geometric fabrics by Pierre Frey introduce a modern element. The penthouse moves beyond luxury to the realms of unique luxury.
The OWO penthouse in London features a 19th-century Scandinavian chaise, a modern drinks cabinet by Edward Johnson, and an artwork created by a Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust scholar. The penthouse also features roof terraces with stunning views of London's landmarks, allowing residents to feel part of the Whitehall location. The 85 residences and penthouse offer full access to the Raffles hotel's amenities, including nine restaurants, bars, spa, swimming pool, ballroom, and Winter Garden. Residents also have 30,000 square feet of amenity space, including a cinema, games room, gym, and lounges. The building has sold over a third of its units.
The OWO residences and penthouse offer a unique offering in high-end luxury property, focusing on providence rather than flashy bling. Mr. Walsh believes that many developments struggle to create a backstory, but the abundance of history and stories makes it difficult to focus on.
