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Grand Hotel Bellevue London: Fabrizio Casiraghi's Imaginary Transformation of a Victorian Townhouse

Words by Yatzer

London, United Kingdom

Nestled within a stately Victorian townhouse in Paddington, Grand Hotel Bellevue London channels the property’s period charm through a lens of eclectic playfulness welcoming guests into an intimate yet theatrical environment. Lignée Hotels’ first foray into British hospitality, the 60-room hotel finds its singular identity through the vision of Paris-based interior architect Fabrizio Casiraghi who based his design on an imaginary aristocratic Englishman and his flamboyant, globetrotting wife.

Reimagined as their London residence the townhouse pulses with the tension between their distinct personalities, fusing classical British elegance with strikingly contemporary gestures. One senses the husband's reverence for time-honoured craftsmanship in the lacquered dark wood and vintage furniture, while his wife’s unbridled passion for the avant-garde manifests in exuberant colour palettes, eccentric objets d’art, and contemporary artworks. The result is an intoxicatingly layered experience, one that is part members' club, part private residence, part cinematic fantasy.

This portrait of Fabrizio Casiraghi exudes understated elegance. The deep brown turtleneck and black trousers complement the refined, neutral backdrop of the Grand Hôtel Bellevue in London. The composition, with its soft natural light and muted tones, aligns with his signature aesthetic—timeless, sophisticated, and subtly dramatic.

Interior architect Fabrizio Casiraghi. Photography by Billal Taright.

A classic white townhouse-style building with intricate architectural details, featuring large windows with decorative moldings and small balconies with balustrades. The entrance has a black door with glass panels, framed by white columns, and a black-and-white tiled threshold. Above the door, gold lettering reads "Grand Hotel Bellevue London." To the right, a window displays "Pondicherry Bar" in gold letters, with warm interior lighting visible. A black wrought-iron fence lines the front, with two black urn planters on white pedestals flanking the entrance. A traditional black street lamp stands on the sidewalk nearby.

Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

Golden light floods a richly textured lounge, casting elongated shadows on terracotta walls. A grand white fireplace with intricate molding serves as the focal point, crowned by an ornate gilded mirror reflecting the room’s refined elegance. A sculptural vase with budding branches adds organic contrast to the classic decor. Plush velvet seating, dark wood accents, and rows of red-bound books complete the scene, evoking an air of old-world sophistication with a contemporary warmth.

Photography by Billal Taright.

Conceived more as a drawing room than a hotel lobby, the reception area sets the tone for what is ahead. Period touches such as plaster crown mouldings, Persian carpets, and gilt mirrors are complemented by antique and bespoke furnishings, including a sumptuous settee flanked by dark boiserie. The décor evokes the upper-class ambience of a traditional English home which Casiraghi playfully subverts by painting the walls a vivid orange hue and inserting a minimalist metallic reception desk.

Meanwhile, in the adjacent dining room, khaki banquettes, mahogany tables, and shell-shaped sconces are juxtaposed with modernist touches such as olive-hued wall panels and cubic ceiling lights. This interplay of period and contemporary elements ensures these spaces strike a fine balance between nostalgia and modernity, an equilibrium that extends throughout the hotel.

This space is a masterclass in warm elegance and vintage opulence. The deep terracotta walls provide a bold yet inviting backdrop for the intricate gold-framed mirror, which crowns the classical white fireplace with sculpted details. A dark wood bookshelf filled with neatly stacked orange-red books adds depth and contrast, while the polished brass lamps with mushroom-shaped shades lend a soft, refined glow to the bar. The interplay of textures—smooth metals, rich wood, and ornate carvings—creates a layered, timeless ambiance, reminiscent of an old-world library with a contemporary twist.

Photography by Billal Taright.

A warm-toned lounge with a tufted velvet banquette, dark wood tables, and a Persian rug. A large ceramic vase with budding branches adds organic contrast to the structured elements. Glossy black paneling and scalloped details frame the space, enhancing its vintage character.

Photography by Billal Taright.

A warmly lit interior space with a plush, mustard-colored, tufted velvet banquette sofa arranged in a corner. A Persian-style rug with intricate patterns covers part of the wooden floor. The walls are painted in a gradient from soft peach to deep orange, and a black lacquered room divider with a scalloped edge adds contrast. A round wooden side table is placed near the sofa, and a vase with bare branches stands against the divider. The space is viewed through a glass-paneled partition with gold detailing and an oval design at the top, which reflects the room’s warm tones. White-paneled windows allow natural light to enter.

Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

A luminous silver-toned bar stands in striking contrast to the rich, dark wood paneling and warm terracotta walls. Symmetrically arranged apothecary-style glass jars filled with colorful botanicals line the mirrored shelves, reflecting the ambient light. Flanking the bar, sleek brass lamps cast a soft glow over the smooth metal surface. Built-in bookshelves, filled with vibrant orange-bound volumes, add a scholarly touch, while scalloped wooden moldings and black urn-like finials lend an air of refined nostalgia.

Photography by Billal Taright.

A framed view through white-paneled doors reveals a warm-toned room with a vintage wrought-iron bench and a richly embroidered textile hanging on the wall. Delicate budding branches in the foreground add depth to the scene.

Photography by Billal Taright.

A symmetrical composition with white sliding doors framing a deep orange wall. A tall pedestal with a decorative plant stands between two ornate mirrors. The upper wall features black panels with gold-painted animal motifs.

Photography by Billal Taright.

This space exudes a timeless elegance with its muted olive-green walls, plush tufted banquette seating, and dark wood furniture. A sculptural white shell adds a coastal, organic touch, while a grid of framed abstract artworks lends a curated, artistic ambiance. The soft natural light filtering through the window enhances the warm, intimate atmosphere, making it a perfect setting for quiet conversations and leisurely dining." alt="This space exudes a timeless elegance with its muted olive-green walls, plush tufted banquette seating, and dark wood furniture. A sculptural white shell adds a coastal, organic touch, while a grid of framed abstract artworks lends a curated, artistic ambiance. The soft natural light filtering through the window enhances the warm, intimate atmosphere, making it a perfect setting for quiet conversations and leisurely dining.

Photography by Billal Taright.

This space maintains a refined, moody ambiance with its warm olive-green walls and plush seating. The symmetrical placement of the sculptural shell wall pieces enhances the organic, curated feel, while dark wood furniture and soft lighting add depth and intimacy. The combination of textures—tufted fabric, smooth surfaces, and metallic accents—creates a sophisticated yet inviting environment, perfect for a stylish lounge or boutique dining experience.

Photography by Billal Taright.

This close-up captures the thoughtful materiality and textures of the space. The sculptural shell element adds a refined, organic touch, standing out against the warm olive wall with its subtle metallic accents. The tufted, velvety seating enhances the sense of comfort, while the soft lighting and delicate floral details bring a welcoming yet sophisticated atmosphere. It feels like a perfect blend of vintage elegance and contemporary minimalism.

Photography by Billal Taright.

A workout space with vintage-style checkered tiles in warm tones. A wooden water rowing machine and a weight stand with leather-covered dumbbells contrast with the Persian rug, blending fitness with old-world charm. A small shelf holds glassware and a pitcher.

Photography by Billal Taright.

In the hotel’s guest rooms, vintage-style furnishings in dark wood are juxtaposed against olive-green, deep orange or cerulean blue carpets and matching curtains. An even bolder version of these colours prevails in the bathrooms injecting a modern energy while Gothic-style cornices adorning the rooms add a romantic flourish. This oscillation between restraint and exuberance is echoed throughout the hotel’s varied accommodations which range from the snug, nautically inspired Cabin Rooms—reminiscent of a well-appointed ship’s quarters—to the expansive Grand Norfolk Suite, where soaring ceilings and French windows overlooking the verdant Norfolk Square evoke the grandeur of a bygone era, albeit invigorated with Casiraghi’s contemporary finesse. At every scale, the interiors feel deeply personal, successfully imbued with the habits and eccentricities of their imagined owners.

Another beautifully composed hotel room shot, where the interplay of textures and details enhances the ambiance. The dark wood paneling of the headboard contrasts elegantly with the crisp white linens, while the deep green Roman shade introduces a soft, organic touch. The Gothic-inspired molding continues to add a subtle architectural charm. The framed artwork, with its warm red background and circular elements, adds an artistic focal point, reinforcing the refined yet cozy atmosphere.

Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

A serene and elegant hotel room with a minimal yet sophisticated design. The soft neutral tones are complemented by muted green curtains and carpeting. Gothic-inspired molding adds a subtle historical touch, contrasting with the modern furnishings. The room feels warm and inviting, with thoughtful details like a sculptural wall piece, curated artwork, and a cozy reading lamp on a stylish round table. The combination of textures and materials creates an atmosphere of quiet luxury.

Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

This room has a warm and sophisticated feel, with deep wood tones and burnt-orange accents adding richness to the otherwise neutral palette. The plush lounge chair and matching ottoman create a cozy reading nook, complemented by the soft glow of the table lamp. The architectural molding continues to lend a subtle elegance, while the framed artwork adds a sense of curated style. The interplay of textures—smooth dark wood, crisp white linens, and soft fabrics—enhances the refined yet inviting atmosphere.

Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

A warm-toned interior featuring a medieval-style tapestry, a structured orange sofa, and an ornate wooden chair. The rich textiles, dark wood furniture, and sculptural wall sconce create a balance of historical and modern influences. The Persian rug and deep terracotta curtains add texture and depth.

Photography by Billal Taright.

This room exudes a refined, nostalgic elegance, blending rich wood elements, intricate crown molding, and earthy, warm tones. The deep brown headboard contrasts beautifully with the crisp white bedding, while terracotta-hued curtains and textiles introduce a subtle, inviting warmth. Small decorative details, such as the carved animal motifs on the stool and the minimal yet striking wall art, add character. The overall ambiance feels intimate and sophisticated, evoking the charm of a heritage hotel infused with contemporary simplicity.

Photography by Billal Taright.

  • This scene beautifully balances ornate craftsmanship with contemporary minimalism. The antique wooden chair, richly inlaid with intricate geometric patterns, exudes history and craftsmanship, likely influenced by Middle Eastern or Indian design. It sits against a backdrop of sheer white curtains that soften the daylight, framed by deep terracotta drapes that add warmth and depth. The modern sculptural wall sconce above introduces a sleek, abstract contrast, bridging the old with the new. The colorful woven rug at the base ties it all together, reinforcing the sense of heritage while adding vibrancy to the subdued, elegant space.

    Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

  • A sculptural wall piece with layered, folded metal sheets in a matte finish. Mounted on a pale wall with arched detailing, blending contemporary abstraction with classic architectural elements.

    Photography by Billal Taright.

  • A burnt-orange sofa with a pleated skirt sits against a beige wall. A round, cushioned stool with carved animal details on its wooden base complements the setting. A sculptural metal wall sconce adds a modern touch.

    Photography by Billal Taright.

This attic-style room has a cozy, intimate charm with its slanted ceiling and warm, earthy tones. The burnt-orange window shade and brass accents give it a nostalgic, elegant feel, while the dark wood headboard and minimalist decor maintain a refined simplicity. The soft natural light filtering through the window makes it feel even more inviting.

Photography by Billal Taright.

This bathroom has such a distinctive charm—vintage yet refined. The soft peach tiles, the ornate framed painting, and the classic freestanding bathtub with polished chrome fixtures all evoke a sense of timeless luxury. It feels like a blend of old-world elegance and modern indulgence, creating a space that invites long, unhurried soaks.

Photography by Billal Taright.

  • This bathroom has a completely different energy from the warm terracotta one. The cool blue tiles give it a crisp, refreshing, almost maritime feel, while the black accents and classic pedestal sink keep it timeless. The chrome fixtures and neatly stacked towels enhance the refined, boutique-hotel aesthetic. It feels like a perfect balance of vintage charm and modern sophistication.

    Photography by Billal Taright.

  • This bathroom design is so well-balanced—vintage-inspired yet polished. The soft, muted terracotta tiles, contrasted with the black line detail, create a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. The classic double sink with chrome legs and the round mirrors add a refined Art Deco touch. It feels like a luxurious retreat, where old-world elegance meets contemporary functionality.

    Photography by Billal Taright.

  • This bathroom exudes a refined vintage charm with its soft green square tiles, accented by black trim for a touch of contrast. The compact porcelain sink and classic chrome faucet evoke an old-world elegance, while the round mirror framed in brass adds warmth and balance. Plush white towels neatly stacked on open shelving enhance the feeling of luxury, while delicate details like the crystal glasses on the floating shelf elevate the space’s sophistication. The design seamlessly blends functionality with timeless aesthetics, creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere.

    Photography by Billal Taright.

This hotel room has a vintage-meets-modern aesthetic with warm wood tones, olive-green accents, and soft lighting. The details—like the carved molding, dark wood headboard, and elegant furnishings—give it a nostalgic yet refined feel. The natural light filtering through the sheer curtains adds to the inviting atmosphere.

Photography by Billal Taright.

This interior captures the refined, nostalgic charm of the Grand Hôtel Bellevue. The deep wood tones, intricate headboard detailing, and sheer-curtained wardrobe evoke a timeless elegance, blending classic European influences with a warm, intimate atmosphere. The soft, golden lighting enhances the sense of understated luxury, while the minimalist artwork adds a contemporary touch.

Photography by Billal Taright.

This close-up captures the refined details of the space—the rich, dark wood paneling, the ornate brass dimmer switch, and the sculptural shell-shaped dish. The warm metallic tones add a touch of old-world luxury, while the neatly placed hotel stationery and pencil suggest a setting designed for quiet moments of reflection. It’s a blend of vintage elegance and modern comfort.

Photography by Billal Taright.

This close-up captures the meticulous design details of the room, emphasizing its luxurious yet understated aesthetic. The dark wood headboard, with its geometric inlays, evokes a sense of craftsmanship, while the delicate birds on the ottoman add a whimsical touch. The soft green and warm brown palette creates a soothing atmosphere, complemented by the intricate molding on the walls. The interplay of textures—crisp white linens, polished wood, and soft upholstery—enhances the room’s refined yet inviting character.

Photography by Billal Taright.

This elegant presentation of hotel amenities speaks to a refined, luxurious hospitality experience. The gold tray, paired with the soft, cream-colored packaging and delicate typography, evokes a sense of timeless sophistication. It’s a thoughtful detail that elevates the guest experience, blending old-world charm with understated modernity.

Photography by Billal Taright.

A delicate gold brooch with cursive lettering forming a circular shape, reading "Grand Hotel Bellevue London." Placed on a rich, textured burnt-orange fabric, the contrast enhances its elegance and intricate craftsmanship.

Photography by Billal Taright.

Casiraghi’s eccentric aesthetic culminates in the ground floor Pondicherry Bar. Swathed in the hotel’s signature orange hue, the space is animated by a series of tapestries by American fashion designer Emily Bode that wrap around the room. Hand-embroidered in dark blue linen, the panels are inspired by Britain’s colonial connections to India, teeming with elephants, tigers, and traditionally dressed figures—motifs that, rather than feeling derivative, infuse the space with a layered, almost dreamlike quality.

Warm light casts soft shadows on a richly textured interior, highlighting a burl wood fireplace adorned with a single candle and a trailing green plant. Above, intricate folk-inspired embroidery on a dark fabric panel depicts delicate floral patterns, leaping deer, and a rider on horseback. A curved sconce adds to the vintage charm, while mirrored reflections enhance the depth and layered aesthetic of the space.

Photography by Billal Taright.

A lounge area with deep orange walls and dark wood flooring features a tufted velvet banquette with cylindrical bolster pillows along one side. In front of the banquette, round wooden tables hold dark-colored menus labeled "Pondicherry Bar." A wooden fireplace with a glossy burl wood mantel and a black cast iron insert is centered on the wall, flanked by two metal sconces and a set of three candlesticks. Above, black wall panels are decorated with hand-painted folk-art motifs, including animals, trees, and human figures. To the right, the edge of a glossy dark wood bar is visible, with orange-cushioned bar stools and a silver bowl of lemons on the counter. Natural light enters from a large window on the left.

Photography by Billal Taright.

A warm lounge with terracotta-colored walls, featuring a long mustard velvet banquette with cylindrical bolster cushions. Round wooden tables are positioned in front of the seating, accompanied by cube ottomans with a zigzag pattern. A large window displays a model ship on the sill, and the building’s facade is visible outside. In the upper left corner, a black lacquered panel with simple painted motifs contrasts with the vibrant walls.

Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

A poetic still life featuring a model ship and a tall candle silhouetted against a softly lit window. The sheer curtains reveal the words "PONDICHERRY BAR" in reverse, adding to the old-world charm. The reflection on the polished surface below doubles the scene, enhancing the sense of quiet elegance.

Photography by Billal Taright.

This bar area maintains the rich, moody ambiance of the lounge, with dark wood finishes and warm ochre tones. The mirrored back bar reflects the glow of globe string lights, enhancing the vintage aesthetic. A mix of liquor bottles is neatly arranged on the shelves, with an espresso machine tucked in the corner.  A striking element is the polished wood bar counter, lined with mustard-yellow upholstered stools. The detailing around the mirror, featuring round bulbs, evokes a theatrical or dressing-room feel, adding a nostalgic charm. A bowl of bright lemons sits on the counter, accompanied by a small sculptural nude figurine, lending an artistic touch.  To the left, the same folk-art-inspired wall panels continue, adorned with animal and floral motifs. A framed black-and-white photograph, possibly a nod to a historical sports team or an old establishment, adds character to the space. The design seamlessly blends colonial-era elegance with an intimate, old-world bar atmosphere, reminiscent of a hidden gem in a historic hotel.

Photography by Billal Taright.

  • A vintage-style bar with a dark, glossy wood counter and four round, orange-cushioned bar stools with wooden legs and black metal footrests. The arched bar opening is outlined with round, white light bulbs. Behind the bar, a mirrored back wall reflects liquor bottles and glassware. The walls are painted deep orange and black, with hand-painted folk-style motifs of animals, figures, and floral patterns. A framed black-and-white photograph of a sports team hangs on the back wall. The bar counter holds a small sculptural figurine, two brass candlesticks, and a stack of napkins.

    Photography by Billal Taright.

  • A small, vintage-style bar with a dark, glossy wood counter and four round, orange-cushioned bar stools with wooden legs and black metal footrests. The back wall is covered in mirrors, reflecting an array of liquor bottles and glassware. The arched bar opening is outlined with round, warm-toned light bulbs. The walls are decorated with black panels featuring hand-painted motifs of animals, figures, and floral elements in a folk-art style. A framed black-and-white photograph hangs on the left wall. The floor is dark wood, complementing the rich tones of the bar.

    Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

  • This close-up captures a beautifully crafted glassware display, framed by gleaming brass columns and mirrored shelves that reflect the warm, ambient lighting. The collection includes delicate coupe glasses, tumblers, and crystal-clear stemware, arranged with precision. The reflections create a sense of depth, enhancing the intimate, vintage allure of the bar.

    Photography by Billal Taright.

The collaboration between Grand Hotel Bellevue and Emily Bode extends to a gift station with an assortment of baseball caps, notebooks and other accessories. Given carte blanche under a colonial-inspired brief, Bode—whose sensibilities are keenly attuned to themes of heritage and nostalgia—has distilled a sense of exoticism into an exuberant collection characterised by vibrant hues and playful details. In a hotel where every object and surface tells a story, this retail concept becomes an extension of the overarching narrative, an opportunity for guests to take a piece of the Grand Hotel Bellevue’s imagined world with them.

An open drawer displays embroidered notebooks featuring the Union Jack and "Bellevue Hotel Bode" text. Below, a rust-colored fabric piece is embroidered with a blue horse carrying a golden object, alongside the words "Grand Hotel Bellevue London." The textures and stitching details add a crafted, vintage feel.

Photography by Billal Taright.

  • A luxurious rust-colored pajama shirt from BODE, featuring delicate dark green piping along the collar, pocket, and cuffs. The embroidery on the chest pocket reads "Grand Hotel Bellevue London," adding a vintage, exclusive feel. The soft cotton fabric and classic button-down silhouette evoke an old-world charm, blending comfort with elegance.

    Photography by Billal Taright.

  • A close-up of a refined wardrobe space featuring a rust-colored pajama shirt with dark green piping, a textured orange notebook with embossed gold details, and vintage-inspired embroidered patches. The combination of warm tones, rich textures, and thoughtful details exudes an air of timeless luxury, evoking a nostalgic yet modern aesthetic.

    Photography by Billal Taright.

  • Rust-colored Bode shorts with an elastic waistband and button closure. The embroidery features a blue horse carrying a golden object, alongside "Grand Hotel Bellevue London" text. The design has a vintage, handcrafted aesthetic.

    Photography by Billal Taright.

  • This cap has such a rich, moody presentation—earthy tones, soft lighting, and a velvety backdrop that adds warmth. The embroidered figure on horseback adds a playful yet refined detail, almost like a modern take on heraldic symbolism. It feels like a piece that tells a quiet but intriguing story.

    Photography by Billal Taright.