The Duchess, Matild Palace

When converting a neglected UNESCO World Heritage Site into one of Europe’s grandest hotels, we wove a narrative around The Archduchess of Austria who originally commissioned the palace building, and much as she was reputed to have favoured, we created a “secret” hideaway where her friends might retire. A rooftop fantasy with the air of a private club where anything can happen. A glowing onyx bar displays its liquor “library”, tables are held aloft by brass peacocks and even a couple of giraffe sculptures join the host of extraordinary objects. The ambience is moody with plush fabrics and marble finishes glinting under ceiling pendants. A large terrace where guests can sit within the Baroque skyline completes the magic.