Portman Square was first laid out for building in 1764 with houses designed by Robert Adam and James ‘Athenian’ Stuart. Most of the eighteenth-century buildings were swept away as part of building redevelopments in the 1920s and ’30s, including those on the eastern side.

This building was designed by architectural firm Messrs Joseph and completed in 1929, with residents moving in during 1930.

The Special Operations Executive was created by Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1940, with the main objective of supporting resistance movements in Europe. The flats within the building were used by the French or ‘F’ section at the time. Here, new spies were recruited and later briefed before being taken into occupied France. The time the agents spent here was a brief period of luxury before their gruelling, dangerous stints in the field.

The residential core of the building is composed of a central stair with internal lift, providing access for two apartments at each level. This fourth floor apartment of c.3000 sqft required a full refurbishment to a construction programme of thirty weeks in total.

The interior scheme introduces details from the rich and unique character of the building, with a refined, contemporary variation.

Coved walls and a large contemporary cornice mimic the communal stairwell running through the building, with arched openings creating small vestibules for art and separation of space. A pair of concealed openings are introduced for symmetrical composure and a balance of proportion between main living areas, with a discreet archway through to sleeping spaces at the rear. Modest detailing adds a humble richness to bathroom stones, bringing a sense of warmth in the materials as bright light passes through meticulously restored sash windows. Textured plaster creates depth and movement with contrasting lines for balance and division of lengthly hallways - becoming a secondary framing for a varied collection of artworks.

Furnishings are light; elegant in contrast to deep blue lacquer finishes and a blend of green marbles. Rows of original sash windows fill the rooms with light on all sides - unobstructed by gentle, but weighted columns of fabric in-between.