Portobello Road

A liberating take on design and domesticity in this two-bedroom townhouse for rent in the heart of Notting Hill.

Teeming with vibrancy, this Portobello Road townhouse is an environment elevated beyond the ordinary, brought to life by interior designer Carolin Larsberg. Through an unsuspecting entrance, a fibreglass staircase sets a benchmark of creativity. Its spiralling steps wind through a spectrum of paint box hues, designed by AB Rogers – a firm synonymous with bold colours and compelling structural invention. Ultra-white walls reflect the kaleidoscope of tones.

On the ground floor, the property’s defining attraction – a premier recording studio. Built by leading acoustician Nick Whittaker, it comes complete with everything from a treated vocal booth to an expansive mic collection (Neumann, Brauner, Royer, Coles). Instruments include drum kits, guitars, and a Yamaha grand piano.

Ascend to the first floor open-plan kitchen and reception room, where light from tall sash windows bounces across dark chevron flooring. The room’s centrepiece – a gilded slide –
emerges from the ceiling. Combined with an exposed brick wall, the space leans towards an industrial style. In the kitchen, white marble countertops contrast matte black cabinets.

Through a metal framed glass door, steps lead down to a dedicated guest bedroom suite with a partially enclosed dressing area. Refined minimalism takes hold in the en suite –
finished in exposed plaster, with a glass partition separating the rainfall shower.

Encompassing the second floor, skylights and triple-aspect windows illuminate a spacious principal bedroom suite. Floor-to-ceiling mirrored wardrobes reflect light and further enhance the sense of space. Taking centre-stage, a large free-standing bathtub sits atop a square of cool grey tiles. To the right, an exposed brick-wall is the backdrop for a black framed four-poster bed. Just beyond, glass doors open out to a private west-facing roof terrace. For unconventional access to the downstairs reception room, just lift the trapdoor hatch and slide down.

A versatile space on the lower ground floor acts as an additional reception room or guest sleeping quarters. An enclosed intimate space at the rear offers further sleeping or dining space.