LAST WORD IN FLATS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 24 January 1927, Page 7

LAST WORD IN FLATS

MOST EXCLUSIVE IN LONDON. ATTRACTIVE EUIbNTSHiNOS. Super-Hats, which have risen on the site oi old Devonshire House, Piccadilly, are now ready for occupation. They constitute the last word in equipment and comfort. The accommodation'ranges from one-bedroom Hut —tlie picd-a,*torre, ns it is) called —to 10 bedrooms, and the price for a 99‘ years’ lease, as represented by these two extreme's. varies from to £27,000. There are nine flats oh each of the seven floors, and it was announced in November 'that the Teases of one-third have already been disposed of. Each principal bedroom has its own bathroom. the floor of which even is heated centrally, while the individual flats are warmed communally by the ceiling panel system. SOME OF THE FEATURES. Other features of the flats are:— Dual service of lifts —one for tenants and one for tradesmen. Ventilation bv ineeliancial air extraction, eliminating all cooking .smells. Refrigerating plant to each pantry. Heating ’secured from oil-driven boilers, which render the block independent of coal crisis. Postal ’ chute in each hall, which empties into a collecting-box at the main entrance, and centralism of heating and outflow pipes, which can; be repaired with a minimum of disturbance to * decorations. On the ground floor there is a restaurant, treated in the Adam style, which is to be opened shortly, and upon the services of which the residents have a prior claim. M. Mario Trapani, the managing director, stated in an interview that the- intention was to make the atmosphere of it very exclusive, in accordance with the traditions of.old Devonshire House. “M. Gabarin is the chef,” he explained, “and. we have ‘engaged an orchestra of six instru-

incuts which will ho directed by I’rolossor M.onlavani, of La .Scala Theatre, Milan. There will be dancing, but no cabaret, although it is possiole that on some nights we may introduce a single performer. ‘ ! Mrs. Tiollope and Sons have decorated and furnished one of the suites, as an illustration to tenants of wliat may be achieved at moderate cost. In the treatment, the drawing and bedrooms are very attractive. The design and furnishing of the latter was suggested by a model now in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

“ft .shows, convincingly, we . think, what can be done with modern furniture. J ’ an expert said. “There must come a time when the supply of antiques will fail, and. it is for us to create a distinct modern period in furniture, that will challenge comparison with the older periods.” Footmen in a lestful green uniiorm, completed with a coekadetl tall hat, continue certain of the tradition of the ducal residence