Billionaire John Caudwell on a mission to create the most prestigious address in the world
An imposing solid-stone mansion in London's Mayfair may look as if it has prevailed from the last century but it is, in fact, the new kid on the block. Where there was once a brown brick hotel with jagged edges and a gaping entrance to a multistorey car park, a British billionaire has created a property whose exterior could come from the pages of PG Wodehouse. Audley Square is one of London’s…
In London's Mayfair, a new ultra-luxury property stands out amidst the city's historic charm. Audley Square, a coveted plot of land, has undergone a remarkable transformation led by billionaire John Caudwell. The project, worth £2 billion, aims to create the world's most prestigious apartment building. The 24 residences, each costing from £35 million to over £200 million, are set to redefine luxury living.
Caudwell's vision for 1 Mayfair is nothing short of grand. The five-bedroom, 6,523-square-foot residence, designed by New York-based firm Jamie Drake, is priced at £83.7 million. Its amenities include a library curated by the Duke of Devonshire, a health spa with a 20-meter swimming pool, gym, and treatment rooms, and luxury services from The Dorchester. The property boasts soundproofing, a coffered ceiling, and concealed ventilation grilles that filter out pollutants.
Caudwell's attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the building. He even obtained special permission from the Vatican for a replica of the "map of the heavens" on the rotunda entrance, adorned with busts of Roman emperors. The soundproofing achieves levels below 35 decibels, while the coffered ceiling conceals piping and air-conditioning units. The marble columns and grand hallway have undergone meticulous glazing and wall fading, all taking 650 worker hours to perfect.
The design of the apartments pays homage to famous guests of The Dorchester, including Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor and Marlene Dietrich. The 13.89-meter-long gallery, a replica of the great dining room at Chatsworth House, is another testament to the property's attention to historical detail. Despite the eye-watering price tag, Caudwell believes that around 4,000 people worldwide could afford to live in 1 Mayfair, with only a small percentage expressing serious interest.
For Caudwell, this project is more than just a financial investment. It's a labor of love, with his family and team taking immense pride in its creation. While he admits he has an eclectic taste in interior design, he has no intention of compromising on quality for the sake of lower costs. The result is a property that combines historical grandeur with modern luxury, promising an unparalleled living experience for its future residents.
Written by urgent.news from The National Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
