A New Chapter of History
Populated with Summit Furniture’s creations, this spectacular roof terrace is the crowning glory of Winch Design’s scheme for the penthouse at the Old War Office (OWO). The five-bedroom lateral space is the flagship apartment of The OWO Residences by Raffles, and marks one of many high points in one of London’s most spectacular developments of the last decade.
The Grade II*-listed building on Whitehall was completed in 1906 to a design by British architect William Young. As both a department of state and a military headquarters, world-shaping events took place behind its Edwardian baroque facade, with Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George among those holding office here. Its new, lavish identity is as London’s first Raffles hotel, which operates alongside 85 Raffles branded private residences.
One of the design influences for Winch Design’s penthouse was Savile Row tailoring. Bespoke embroidery and fabrics from Holland & Sherry – known for its bespoke men’s tailoring as well as its textiles for interiors – have been used in the home office, dining room and guest suites, with the dining room chairs upholstered in a custom-made, modern British houndstooth print.
The formal living area includes furniture by Robert Langford upholstered in fabrics by Pierre Frey, while one of the bedrooms features a headboard upholstered in Lelièvre Paris’ ‘Divin’ fabric, a bright shot of colour against timber-panelled walls. Lighting comes courtesy of Original BTC and Porta Romana, while the lambswool and cashmere throws dotted throughout are by Johnstons of Elgin (available from August+Co). The Summit Furniture pieces on the terrace come from Winch’s existing collaboration with the US brand, the woven teak Arc collection – originally designed with superyachts in mind but looking just as elegant amid the rooftop landscaping by Marcus Barnett Studio.
“We want anyone walking into the penthouse to feel at home – interested and inspired by the space, surprised by the detail and finishing touches,” says Winch Design’s senior partner and head of interiors Selina McCabe. “Every carefully selected and crafted piece in the penthouse has its own story to tell, whilst sitting harmoniously within the context of the overall space.”
The terrace has view across the OWO’s corner domes, and over to St James’s Park, Buckingham Palace, The London Eye and The Houses of Parliament. The penthouse’s owners will be able to enjoy the hotel’s services and amenities, including its nine restaurants and three bars, and a Guerlain spa.
August+Co, Second Floor, North Dome
Holland & Sherry, First Floor, North & Centre Domes
Lelièvre Paris, First Floor, North & Centre Domes
Original BTC, Second Floor, Centre Dome
Pierre Frey, First Floor, Design Centre East
Porta Romana, Ground Floor, Centre & South Domes
Robert Langford, Second Floor, South Dome
Summit Furniture, Third Floor, North Dome
