WHY I LOVE BEACONSFIELD
WHY I LOVE BEACONSFIELD
Rudolph Diesel is the head of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, it’s out with the Oyster card and in with the M40, as he heads to the beautiful Buckinghamshire town of Beaconsfield.
Love to look at
While I can freely admire from the road, I’d love to see the luxury interiors that fill the wonderful collection of 1960s homes in the Hampden Hill enclave of Beaconsfield. Twenty nine houses were tailored to this exact location by Modernist architect Mary Christian Hamp, and their significance led to the neighbourhood being granted Conservation Area status. Every now and then one comes up for sale, so keep your eyes peeled. Head to Beaconsfield New Town, Jordans or the desirable ‘Golden Triangle’ between Burkes Road and Gregories Road, and you’ll find properties of a quite different character – mega mansions with swimming pools, sweeping staircases and cinema rooms.
Love to shop
Interior designers can’t resist a fabric swatch so dropping into Hearne’s to browse Colefax & Fowler and Linwood upholstery is always part of a day in Beaconsfield. Once I’ve had my fabric fix, I might pop into the Eye Like Gallery, where original pieces and limited edition prints can be bought on the spot. And who can resist a bunch of fresh blooms? The Secret Garden is an amazing Beaconsfield florist specialising in hand-tied bouquets. It also creates show-stopping tablescapes and can make potted arrangements.
Love to eat
If I’m planning ahead, I’ll reserve a table at Riwaz by Atul Kochhar. As well as divinely decadent food, I’ll be surrounded by high end interior designs that have been influenced by the Art Deco villas of Bandra and Mumbai from 1930-50. Another culinary legend is also at work in Beaconsfield. Brasserie Blanc carries menus devised by Raymond Blanc and the décor is as exquisite as the food – look out for suspended biophilic installations and feature lighting. For all-out opulence, however, a Thai meal and cocktails at the Crazy Bear are a must. It’s an explosion of colour and texture – with glittering chandeliers, an outdoor swimming pool and deeply-padded, private booths.