Behind the Door of a London Mews: How Thoughtful Design Shaped Equity Estates’ New Knightsbridge Home

The latest London residence to join the Equity Estates portfolio is a charming, historic mews house that represents the best of practical luxury.  

The search for the ideal prime central London property involved building a robust pipeline of dozens of homes that culminated in an on-site assessment of 40 properties. Ultimately, there was no doubt – the stylish three-bedroom home on one of the quaintest streets in the city clearly stood apart from the rest. The new Knightsbridge residence combines English elegance with modern livability. The home was reimagined and brought to life by Orene Living, a renowned London-based design & build firm that prioritizes quality materials, timeless finishes, and unique character elements that make a home truly one-of-a-kind. 

This article delves further into the architecture and design of the Knightsbridge home that make it truly portfolio-worthy. 

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Knightsbridge 

Mews housing originated in London in the 17th century. The growing city’s great houses were typically served by a number of horses, carriages, and associated staff. Stables and carriage houses were built in alleyways behind the great houses. These two-story structures, known as mews, featured lower-level stables for horses and storage for carriages and equipment, while upper floors provided simple living quarters for stable hands and other staff.  

Over time, as cars replaced horse-drawn transportation, mews became auto repair shops and ateliers. It wasn’t until after World War II, when regulations encouraged the conversion of these commercial properties into residential, that these private, tucked away alleys came to feature some of London’s most coveted residential real estate.   

The Equity Estates mews is in the heart of Knightsbridge, just a short walk from Hyde Park, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the hustle and bustle of Harrods. But the mews itself is quiet and picturesque, on the edge of Ennismore Gardens and the Imperial College campus. 

The home itself is petite, but it punches above its square footage thanks to thoughtful and intentional design decisions. For example, Orene Living made a point of optimizing the space for modern living incorporating generous storage throughout the home—something that is surprisingly rare in many London residences—to ensure the spaces feel effortless, functional, and easy to live in. An exterior living wall, visible through the oversized skylight within the reception room’s elevated ceilings, bring nature indoors and provides serenity within the hustle and bustle of the city.  

These are the sort of design touches that elevate an historic stable into a luxury London residence. 

A Contemporary Home Behind a Historic Facade 

Standing outside, you’re looking at a classic yet colorful London mews, with the front door opening onto a cobblestone street. Inside, you’ll find skylights, glass partitions, tray ceilings, and timber flooring. The designer gave careful consideration to allowing as much natural light in as possible, enhanced by artful use of artificial lighting throughout the home to enhance the atmosphere, highlight architectural features, and create a sense of warmth and balance at every time of day. 

Orene Living espouses a simple design philosophy:  Creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply enjoyable to live in. This is in perfect alignment with the Equity Estates commitment to spaces that encourage meaningful, intentional connection.  

The attention to detail that Orene Living brings to their work is apparent in the fine millwork and selections of furnishings that delight and make the Knightsbridge home perfect for gathering. It quickly became clear that Orene Living was an ideal design partner for Equity Estates, equally committed to ensuring the property met investor experience goals. This is reflected in small but important details, like beds that are a little bigger than you’d normally find in London, but that meet the standards expected of an Equity Estates property. 

The result is a sense of openness and calm. This is a space that invites you to relax and make yourself at home. As Orene Living intended, the experience is about enjoying the best of both worlds: the character, warmth, and authenticity of a traditional mews property, combined with the comfort, functionality, and ease of a modern home.

Spaces Designed Around Connection 

From the breakfast bar overlooking the mews to the cozy fireplace, this home is designed to support everyday rituals and relaxed gatherings.  

In designing the interior, Orene Living’s Founder and Designer, Samira Bioubakhsh, paid careful attention to features that encouraged people to gather together and enjoy each other’s company:  

“When designing homes, I always put myself in the shoes of the people who would stay and imagine how they would experience each space throughout the day. I pictured someone sitting at the breakfast bar with their morning coffee, looking out onto the mews and watching the neighborhood come to life. In the evenings, I imagined family and friends gathering around the fireplace, relaxing on the L-shaped sofa and armchairs, sharing conversations around the large coffee table, and coming together around the dining table to unwind at the end of the day.” — Samira Bioubakhsh, Orene Living 

These are the details that turn a house into a home, inspiring long conversations and meaningful connections.  

More Than a Beautiful Home 

Ultimately, an Equity Estates residence is expected to have a unique character, a deep sense of place, and the highest modern standards of comfort and livability.  

The Knightsbridge property is an ideal base for an extended stay or a three-day visit to London. It’s a showcase for the best interior design in London and an example of one of the city’s unique historic houses.  

The property perfectly represents the benefits of the Equity Estates approach to home acquisition and design. Each Fund’s properties are acquired through a disciplined and patient process that focuses on livability as a luxury vacation home and long-term capital appreciation. 

Visit the Equity Estates website to learn more about Equity Estates investment opportunities and to download our Executive Summary, or please reach out to our Investor Relations team at 404.445.8501 / click to schedule a call.