Welcome to the Walpole Townhouse

Ding dong! We are proud to open the signature blue door to the all-new Walpole Townhouse, our company's headquarters in Chelsea. Located steps away from Sloane Street (where you'll find Walpole members nestled alongside us on the Cadogan Estate, including The Cadogan, Smythson, Hackett London, Jo Malone London and The Carlton Tower Jumeirah), the Walpole Townhouse is an extraordinary collaboration, uniting some of the most distinguished names in British luxury. From bespoke furnishings to heritage wallpapers and handwoven textiles, every detail reflects the excellence of homegrown craftsmanship.

The interiors have been curated and masterminded by Rhian Barker, Group Design Director of A.LONDON, a proud Walpole member and award-winning interior design studio at the Accouter Group of Companies. Across the Townhouse, classic and contemporary influences work together to create a seamless connection between design and sound, shaping an engaging and inspiring environment.

Taking the stairs up from street level and crossing the threshold under our Walpole branded flag, the entrance hall sets the tone for the entire space. The first thing you'll notice is a beautiful mosaic floor inlaid with the Walpole logo, a lasting emblem of craftsmanship. Moving through the hallway, the sense of continuity is reinforced with Rothschild & Bickers' handcrafted 'Pop' wall lights.

Most striking of all perhaps are the walls, which are adorned with bespoke Cole & Son wallpaper – an elegant interpretation of the cover the design house created for Walpole’s annual publication, the Book of British Luxury, in 2022. Created in collaboration with Marie Karlsson, Creative and Managing Director of Cole & Son, this artwork is also featured in an inverted colourway in the WC upstairs. Paired with Edward Bulmer Natural Paint on the panelling, brass sanitaryware, and an antiqued ceramic flower basin, this space balances tradition with understated luxury.

Turn left from the entrance hall through the glass doors and you'll find the Member's Room – an inviting space embodying both comfort and timeless design. A traditional joinery bookshelf in Edward Bulmer Natural Paint is a key focal point of the space. Accented by a Cole & Son 'Cascade' wallpaper back, glass shelves for Walpole’s fabulous book collection, and delicate brass tulip petal wall lights, this feature has been adapted to create a low-level work bar, with stools underneath upholstered in an eclectic range of Sanderson Design fabrics. Sanderson played a vital role in the project, not only through these statement upholstery pieces, but also by providing all of the window treatments – ensuring a rich and cohesive aesthetic throughout the building.

Bazaar London, another esteemed brand within the Accouter Group of Companies, also provided a selection of exquisite furnishings, including: ‘The Wilson Armchairs’, upholstered in Sanderson’s Sunflower Caffoy Velvet fabric by Morris & Co; ‘The Ellison Armchairs’, featuring a contrast back in a 'Suzani Archive Weave Serpentine' fabric from Zoffany; and ‘The Baines Bench’, upholstered in a bespoke Sanderson fabric. This carefully curated ensemble is complemented by Sanderson fabric-covered coffee tables, adding texture and depth to the space.

At the heart of the room sits ‘The Chesterfield Sofa’ from Fleming Howland in a timeless bone leather – an enduring symbol of British craftsmanship.

Taking the sweeping staircase up to the first floor, guests will discover the Conference Room. Designed for both function and inspiration, the Conference Room is a showcase of responsible luxury, featuring standout contributions from a selection of companies that recently graduated from our Walpole Brands of Tomorrow mentorship programme: Goldfinger, who crafted a centrepiece table from salvaged trees – with the original coordinates of the trees elegantly engraved into the surface – celebrating both sustainability and heritage; Holmes Bespoke, whose exquisite tapestry transforms the space, introducing a handcrafted touch that embodies artistry and tradition; and Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, whose eco-conscious paint envelops the room in a rich yet calming palette, perfectly complementing the curated furniture and accessories.

"This project is a testament to what British craftsmanship represents: everlasting elegance, heritage, and sustainable innovation," says Rhian Barker, Group Design Director of Accouter Group of Companies. "It has been an honour to work with Walpole and its extraordinary members to bring this space to life, creating an environment that is both inspiring and beautifully curated."

To celebrate the opening of the space, the creative minds at AGC have curated our monthly Walpole Weekend Wind-Down playlist – which, of course, will be on loop in the Member Lounge when you visit.

"Each space has been designed with a distinct atmosphere in mind, and the curated playlist reflects this balance of energy and reflection," says the team. "The Member’s Room, a space for conversation and creativity, is matched with expressive and dynamic music, while The Conference Room, designed for focus and contemplation, features a more understated and calming selection.

"More than just background music, our playlist enhances the character of each space. The Member’s Room pairs bold colours and rich textures with a mix of avant-garde and jazz influences, reinforcing its expressive nature. In contrast, the Conference Room’s thoughtful design is mirrored in its softer, more meditative soundscape, encouraging concentration and reflection.

"Across the Townhouse, classic and contemporary influences work together to create a seamless connection between design and sound, shaping an engaging and inspiring environment."

Photography by Tom Allport