A pale view of hills
Like a moss garden lost among evening mists, Hippodrome Mews is a secret veiled from view. But it shouldn’t be so for long. Because past its slumbering exterior, this paper crane of a home is all talent and finesse. If the furniture whispers of the sharpest Japanese tastes, the artwork, busy bookshelves and beautiful spiral staircase each speak of easy sophistication. So restore your Zen on the broad roof terrace, or lose yourself in meditation amid the tumbling, koi-filled streams of Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden. That is, if you haven’t done as the restless do and sped for the neon lights of town.
Peace pagoda
A young married couple, your hosts’ many shared passions include art and bulldogs. He has lived here for ten years – she for just one. But having opened a coffee shop on Kensal Rise, she’s already made up for lost time.
Tea junction
This whisper-quiet mews is the yin to the bustling yang of both Shepherd’s Bush (on one side) and Notting Hill (on the other). Begin with a green tea and a wander around the modern, open-plan kitchen and dining room, or greet the rising sun by drifting up the spiral staircase into the inviting sitting room, where grand French doors illuminate delicately mismatched sofas and chairs. Along the way you’ll find Asian throws and thoughtful artwork, books by the shelf and cushions by the armful. And having flowed onto the roof terrace and toasted to the departing day, you only need hop down a level to find the hushed and soothing bedrooms.