The Collectors House at 1 Whistler Square is a property unlike any other. The first townhouse to line the impressive main avenue at Chelsea Barracks, one of the world’s most desirable addresses, this 5-story, 6-bedroom Georgian-inspired home in London’s prestigious Belgravia is surrounded by some of the finest restaurants, design houses and galleries in the city. Fitting then, that globally renowned creative Brigitta Spinocchia Freund is among the stellar line up of interior designers who have masterminded the interiors of each of the properties, and that she chose to fill the extraordinary space with an assemblage of artworks and iconic design pieces. transforming this Belgravia townhouse into a layered expression of craftsmanship, personality, and quiet luxury.
“The space itself is incredibly elegant with classical proportions and high ceilings. What also makes it special is that it’s on a corner plot, so has glorious, dual aspect windows, and light pours in from both the front and back,” says Spinocchia Freund. “For me as an interior designer, this is what I gravitate to. Not only does it have a sense of openness that’s rare in central London, but the abundance of light emphasises textures and materiality within the scheme. Plus it offers all of this without the complications that can arise with a period property.”
Brigitta Spinocchia Freund, Founder and Creative Director Spinocchia Freund in the study of 1 Whistler Square with a rare Andre Arbus cabinet in the background.
There was, she continues, an underlying purity to the architecture that she didn’t want to disrupt. Instead, it was about enhancing what was already there. “The bones are beautiful, so our intention was to build upon those existing features. There’s something quite special about designing within a space that already has such presence, so it was about quiet refinements rather than dramatic interventions.”
Entering the property, those refinements can be seen in the expansive hallway, where elegant panelling was added to create a backdrop for an impressive curation of work from both established and emerging artists. “Many pieces are sourced from galleries I’ve collaborated with before, including Sarabande Foundation (a non-profit organisation set up by the late Alexander McQueen to support young creatives), and Angelica Jopling’s Incubator Gallery, while others came via studio visits with new artists whose work I feel a strong connection to. It's magical, the symbiotic relationship that happens when you meet someone and you're captivated by their journey,” she explains. “The art is always planned from the beginning as it’s more than decoration - it plays a huge role in setting the mood and creating a narrative. This hallway is a grand space so it felt right to fill with works that enhance its scale. It’s almost like you're walking into a gallery.”
The grand entrance of 1 Whistler Square showcases a hand-woven Spinocchia Freund carpet, inspired by Nat King Cole’s Autumn Leaves. A striking eight-piece artwork by Antrea Tzourovits, sourced through Incubator Gallery, draws the eye upward to the oculus window above.
Impactful yet welcoming, the hall also introduces the overarching pallet that flows throughout the property. Inspired by Nat King Cole’s Autumn Leaves, the bespoke shades, conceived in collaboration with climate positive paint company Coat include deep tobacco browns, ochre, mossy greens and rusts, all of which alter subtly throughout the day. “There’s something so evocative about that song – it’s rich with nostalgia but never heavy and I wanted to capture that warmth and elegance,” says Spinocchia Freund. Similarly, materials were chosen for their richness and patina. “Leather that already holds a story, and grained woods with texture and depth. Together they create a scheme that feels layered and considered. We also worked with Maison Pierre Frey and spent time in their archives, selecting historical fabrics, which we reimagined in bespoke colours. They carry such a sense of history and are wonderfully luxurious,” she says.
Archived Maison Pierre Frey fabric upholsters the custom Spinocchia Freund sofa in the foreground. Beyond, a 1950s Cansado table by Charlotte Perriand is styled with a curated selection of rare, signed art and design books. Artwork by Richard Zinon flanks the marble fireplace.
Moving further into the property, the extraordinary collection of furniture and lighting, sourced via Spinocchia Freund’s extensive network of antique specialists includes pieces by celebrated architects and designers including Charlotte Perriand, Jacques Adnet, Pierre Jeanneret and Carlo Scarpa to name but a few. “In the formal living room, we have a 1950s Cansado table by Charlotte Perriand. I'm a massive lover of books, and this is perfect for the collection we put together as part of the scheme, many of which are signed editions,” she says.
Twelve Jeanneret dining chairs encircle a custom-made table. Above, a hand-painted ceiling mural by multidisciplinary artist Robert Cooper introduces a playful counterpoint to the room’s grand formality. The walls are finished in a bespoke COAT paint, created exclusively for the house.
“The Jeanneret dining chairs in the are also a favourite, not just because they’re that perfect balance of form and function, but because we were lucky enough to source so many, all with original stamps, to accompany the huge dining table.” Other distinctive touches {in the dining room} include a hand painted ceiling mural in the dining room by multidisciplinary artist Robert Cooper, inspired by Villa Farnesina in Rome, and embroidered dining chairs and headboards by specialist London-based embroidery house Hand & Lock.
In the study, a rare cabinet by André Arbus is complemented by Fritz Henningson and T.H. Gibbings chairs and a Pierre Guariche lamp, while an AKARI paper light by Isamu Noguchi balances the solid furniture. Alongside these timeless pieces are more modern designs – bespoke dining tables by emerging maker Max McClintock, for example, and a Clay chair by Dutch designer Martin Baas, which sits next to a cane bench by Perriand in the primary bedroom. “Even private spaces should have something unexpected, that sparks a quiet moment of appreciation,” says Spinocchia Freund. “There’s a dialogue that happens when you combine eras - placing a contemporary piece next to something decades old makes a scheme feel alive and classic designs create a story that you simply can’t replicate with newness alone.”
The house’s speakeasy, concealed behind a door disguised as a painting, is an intimate retreat lined with a curated collection of vinyls and prized whiskeys. A bespoke carpet, designed specifically for the space, sets the tone for its moody elegance. Vintage treasures include a 1970s sphere chair by Boris Tabacoff, a favourite of Spinocchia Freund. Exclusive, hidden, and irresistibly private.
In addition to these unique elements, this luxury Chelsea townhouse boasts its own cinema, a pool, spa, yoga studio and sauna, as well as a private garden, roof terrace and even a glamorous speakeasy, complete with a hand curated collection of vinyl. “The entrance is concealed behind a large-scale painting. There’s a bespoke, marble topped bar, fabric-covered panelling, vintage leather chairs and record decks housed in a walnut burr unit. It feels exclusive and intimate - a hidden sanctuary,” she says.
The master bedroom features a custom headboard, hand-embroidered by Hand & Lock, bringing a refined craftsmanship to the space. A vintage Pierre Jeanneret teak bench adds a touch of sophisticated warmth, while two artworks by Kesewa Aboah are reflected in an irregularly shaped mirror. Out of view, the principal suite extends to a generous seating area, two dressing rooms, and a grand en-suite bathroom.
Above all, The Collectors House is place for relaxing and for entertaining, and each piece, however special is designed to be used and to be lived with. “It’s also for someone who is instinctively drawn to beauty, and who doesn’t just acquire objects but curates them,” concludes Spinocchia Freund. “They appreciate detail, provenance and pieces with integrity, and their priorities aren’t dictated by trends. I truly believe that the whoever purchases this home is buying a collector's dream.”