In 2020, luxury skincare entrepreneur Amanda Caroline Cronin purchased what was once an old coaching house in the prestigious Grosvenor Gardens Conservation Area in Belgravia. Requiring complete renovation, the mews home was purchased for £3.5m and as a property novice, Amanda teamed up with world-renowned brands and suppliers to create a characterful and completely bespoke new home, including parking for six cars.
Amanda explains: “Everything inside the property needed to change. The secluded location of the house, out of view from the street and through an archway, meant cranes were inaccessible, so everything was handled manually. The front façade was taken down and rebuilt by craftspeople specialising in historic renovation to recreate the Edwardian elevation. We demolished the roof and structural walls, replaced all windows and adding an additional six, all while ensuring the design was sympathetic to the original character of the house and its surroundings.
“The new mansard roof provided some extra roof height, which allowed me to size all the living spaces to my personal requirements. We changed everything, from raising ceiling heights and relocating the staircase, to converting the entire ground floor garage space into living accommodation. The only thing which the council required me to keep was the use of a garage-style door to the front of the property which I had originally wanted to fill – I upgraded this to beautiful hardwood folding doors to complement the rest of the home.”
When the project’s original designers did not meet expectations, and after being told on numerous occasions by developers with which she was acquainted that her ideas would be impossible to achieve, Amanda took sole control of the renovation, joining forces with Uber Contracts and the likes of Smallbone, Cornflake and Fendi to create a completely bespoke, ultra-luxury four-bedroom home which oozes extravagance.
Luxurious carpets throughout the home were handmade in Milan by Brand Milano Tessuti, a recognised specialist in Italian textile design. Exquisite, detailed cornicing adorns the ceilings, installed by Thomas and Wilson, whose projects also include the post-fire renovation of the grand Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the British Museum.
Amanda comments: “Past endeavours have led me to accumulate a vast contacts list. I called on people for my renovation project where I knew their products aligned perfectly with my vision.”
Ronnie Shemesh, president and chief value creation officer of Lux Group Holdings was so intrigued by Amanda’s vision, that he flew over from New York to personally discuss her project.
Amanda comments: “Ronnie was fascinated that I was bold enough to redevelop this house on my own. He came and visited me on site, listened to exactly what I envisioned, and we worked together to bring my ideas to life. We created a completely bespoke, contemporary shaker kitchen, complete with stunning book-matched marble countertops and island.”
Amanda’s home has been installed with the latest cutting-edge technology, controlled by a high-tech plant room. An intelligent Lutron system is present throughout the house controlling the lighting, the integrated sound system, air conditioning, and a state-of-the-art security system. Underfloor heating keeps the walls free from radiators and the installation of a sprinkler system meant fire regulations allowed the first floor to become open plan without the presence of a rear entrance.
A standout feature of Amanda’s home is the chic bar area. Through the contemporary glass Fabco crittall doors is where Amanda’s passion for hosting really comes to life. Complete with Nicky Haslam lounging furniture, an oven suitable for catering small events as well as the only 2.5m fully retractable Natralight Glass roof in the UK controlled by Lutron, this space is ideal for effortless year-round entertaining, whatever the weather. This excellent space was fashioned by dropping the outdoor terrace above to create a wonderful, modern morning room, filled with natural light.
Bold, colourful artwork adorns almost every wall. Amanda’s multi-million-pound collection includes pieces from famed artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Henri Matisse.
Commenting on her choices of artwork, Amanda explains: “I’m a collector. The pieces of art in my home are an eclectic mix of established and emerging talent. I love colour, graffiti and embroidery. Some artworks are investment pieces curated personally for me by the contemporary Gagosian Gallery New York.”
A newly installed skylight above the grand central staircase floods the home with light from above. On the second floor is the primary bedroom suite, complete with a 200 sq ft walk-in dressing room and en suite bathroom, comprising a stunning THG Paris composite bathtub, custom-made to fit the space, complete with gold taps.
The focal feature of the bedroom is the stunning curved wall, adorned with romantic floral wallpaper by De Gourney, leading out to the summer terrace – inspired by the glamourous Hotel Costes in Paris with its sunshade, bright red wall and balustrade – also accessed by the second double-bedroom. A third double bedroom and en suite bathroom is located to the rear of the house on the ground floor and occupied by Amanda’s live-in housekeeper.
Amanda comments: “I was inspired during the confinement of the pandemic to create a home which I would ultimately never have to leave. I wanted to live in a home which reminded me of all of my favourite places in the world; the bar area reminds me of those I have frequented on superyachts, the elegant entrance hall is inspired by the Mark Hotel in New York; which mirrors its monochrome tiled flooring and elegant central staircase, and the restroom on the first floor echoes that of my favourite Moroccan villa, with its striped walls and mosaic tiled floor.”
Designer furniture is on display at every turn, including Gucci armchairs, Hermes accessories and a stunning Fendi chandelier, as well as a custom-made Gucci dining suite. Bespoke computerised gas Chesney Fireplaces sit at either end of the grand living room.
Amanda’s home is now worth an estimated £12m, and following the success of this project, Amanda has recently launched ACC Freeholds; an interior and development consultancy, alongside her luxury skincare brand – Amanda Caroline Skincare, which her team runs from the spacious and chic office on the ground floor of her home – a flexible space which could also be used as a fourth bedroom.
