For most, home is where the heart is and when you’re out on the road, it s a comforting thought… Or, you could afford yourself a ‘home from home’ in the form of something from onefinestay’s exquisite property selection.
For Team OP, the recently concluded ‘fashion month’ can be helped along a little by a few comforts – of course a central location, space and wifi to pen our reviews post-show and a full-length mirror are near-on essential, but a base with character, not-to-mention comfort and 24/7 service – now that’s just perfect!
The onefinestay concept is pretty simple – “So there’s this new thing: the unhotel. And we’re it.” The team scour cities (they’re currently in London, Paris, New York and LA), visiting hundreds of properties each week, looking for the perfect addition to their listings. “Pioneers of handmade hospitality”, local teams ensure there’s a friendly face to greet you on arrival, along with pristine sheets and a well-stocked bathroom of toiletries and a little locally sourced edible treat or two.
For those that need it, the ‘front desk’ is available at every hour of the day and night, plus, your given a smartphone complete with app which explains all the features and amenities of the home as well as a guide from the hosts on the best local eateries, activities and spots for a nightcap.
During London Fashion Week this season, we were lucky enough to call the Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia area ‘home’ for a few days – a stones throw from the bustling streets and boutiques of Soho and within easy reach of the shows. During our stay, we also discovered Bubbledogs – a new dining concept where an industrially designed Champagne bar accompanies a menu of gourmet hotdogs – simple yet highly effective!
Our mysterious host certainly has an eye for design – the home is one of the few Victorian residential properties in the area and has been shortlisted for a RIBA award (Royal Institute of British Architects). Spread across six levels, this pad boasts a terrace and top floor sitting room complete with kitchenette for those all-important evenings spent entertaining. Meander down through floors of luxurious bedrooms, spacious bathrooms (one of every floor) and the main lounge area, complete with fireplace, intriguing designer furniture and lighting, along with an abstract selection of art adorning the walls.
The lower part of the house is a tranquil haven, whitewashed with relaxed seating and a spacious, high-spec kitchen and courtyard patio. After a hectic day in London town, a basement steam room was a welcome evening pastime.
What struck us most was undoubtedly onefinestay’s attention to detail – from our arrival to check out, nothing was left to chance – from simple practicalities to your entertainment and wellbeing. We’ll be back…
http://www.onefinestay.com/
