LAST WORD IN FLATS

New Zealand Times, Volume LIV, Issue 12660, 21 January 1927, Page 10

LAST WORD IN FLATS

MOST EXCLUSIVE IN LONDON ATTRACTIVE FURNISHINGS ERECTION ON HISTORIC SlTfi Super-flats, which have risen on the site of old Devonshire House, Piccadilly, aro now reedy for occupation* They constitute the last word in equipment and comfort. The accommodation ranges from one-bedroom flat—the pied-a-terre, as it is called—to 10 bedrooms, and the price for a 99 years* lease, as represented by these two extremes, varies from £4OOO to £27,000. There are nine flats on each of the seven floors, and it was announced in November that the leases of one-third have already been disposed of. Each principal bedroom has its own bathroom, the floor cf 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 by mechanical 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 Ada*m style, which is to be opened shortly, and upon the services of whicF 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 instruments which will be directed by Professor Mcntavani. of La Scala Theatre, Milan. There will be dancing but no cabaret, although it is possible that on some nights we may introduce a single performer.” Messrs Trollope and Sons have decorated and furnished one of the suites, as an illustration to tenants of what 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. “It shows, convincingly, we think, what can be done with modern furniture,” 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 restful green uniform, completed with a cockaded tall hat, continue certain of tho traditions of the ducal residence.