One Sloane will open its doors in Chelsea in September 2023, a collaboration between hotelier Costes, ReardsonSmith Architects and designer Francois-Joseph Graf that has been envisioned as a quintessential English guest house.

Located just off Chelsea’s Sloane Square, the hotel has been designed to fuse Chelsea charm with a Parisian chic, comprising 30 bedrooms and suites, a top floor restaurant and downstairs bar. 

Originally crafted in 1889 by architect Edwin Thomas Hall, the building has undergone a six-year renovation process led by Lead Architects ReardonSmith, with the historic façade retained and interiors completely remodelled, seeing an additional sixth floor with its own cupola added. 

Upon entering the hotel, guests will find design details including intricate ceiling cornices, wood wall panelling, stained-glass windows and playful trompe l’oeil. Neo-Greek friezes adorn the vestibule, decorated with mosaics and vases, while chandeliers suspend from a painted stormy skied ceiling. Greek vases, antique chairs, curtains, rugs, mosaic tiling and cabinets decorate the lobby, which is home to a curated library. 

Arts and Crafts detailing throughout is inspired by Chelsea’s long association with the artistic movement, with William Morris wallpaper and mirrors adorning the stair walls, whilst corridors leading towards bedrooms and suites contain hand-painted calligraphy.

In guestrooms, an Anglo-Asian aesthetic brings together cream English panelling on the walls and ceilings with Japonisme-inspired desks. Original pieces of antique furniture have been restored, sometimes replicated, with a nod to Godwin and Mackintosh, while other striking touches include stained-glass windows, walk-in wardrobes, and black and white photography celebrating personalities connected to the area. “The guiding principle is always the same: to respect the original features and enhance them so they can be brought into the 21st century,” says Francois-Joseph Graf. 

Housed on the new top floor, One Sloane’s French cuisine restaurant was inspired by the “Peacock Room” created in 1876 by local artist Whistler. Panoramic views open across the city skyline, while the restaurant’s elegant cupola offers an octagonal space with views across Chelsea. Natural light floods through stained-glass windows, while wooden shelves displaying Chinese vases add an air of grandeur. 

The most typically Parisian space at One Sloane, the downstairs lounge – accessed via a private entrance on Holbein Place – is a speakeasy-style space, complete with soft lighting and candlelight. 

“It is a joy to see so much of Chelsea’s exquisite architecture and rich artistic heritage reflected and celebrated throughout One Sloane – creating a truly beautiful and unique hotel which will appeal to both discerning visitors and locals alike,” said Hugh Seaborn, Chief Executive at Cadogan. “We have been working closely as a team for six years to realise M. Costes and Graf’s exquisite vision for their first London property and it is inspiring to see the artisanship involved at every stage. We believe One Sloane will effortlessly and immediately feel part of the neighbourhood, while bringing a fresh new energy to Chelsea.”