Celebrity moves April 2017

This month’s activities have a distinct musical theme. Social media and the streaming of content enables musicians to operate from multiple bases while experimenting with multiple genres and disciplines. There is definitely more to being a recording artist than the old write/record/tour cycle that the Beatles had to endure. Artistes like Dave Stewart can score a film, develop an app and plan their tour: all from the comfort of wherever they might be staying. For such individuals, owning a home needn’t mean that you won’t be renting somewhere down the line. Flexibility is the key.

Let it be

In 1964, when the Beatles were transitioning from national favourites to global megastars, a temporary London base became vital. Although they were soon to become cultural icons, they were still in their ‘boyband’ phase and it’s probably inevitable that Ringo Starr and George Harrison were allocated an apartment in the same Knightsbridge block as manager, Brian Epstein. Although most Beatles hits were credited to ‘Lennon and McCartney’, it’s a well-known fact that they actually worked on songs separately so it’s hard to imagine John and Paul dropping by for a jam session. However, the two lesser known members of the Fab Four seemed happy to share the three bedroom flat in SW3, quickly transforming it into a ‘groovy crash pad’ for the likes of the Rolling Stones, Pattie Boyd and Judy Garland. The apartment is now available to rent for £1,600 per week. A similar ambience can be found at Beaufort Gardens, just a stone’s throw from Harrods.

Sweet dreams

After crafting a slew of futuristic pop songs in the Eighties, the Eurythmics went their separate ways with singer Annie Lennox involving herself with solo projects and political activism. Dave Stewart, the other half of the duo, has continued producing various acts and has branched out into film soundtracks and musical theatre. His apartment overlooking Seven Dials has served as his Theatreland base for many years, but with so many Hollywood projects on the go, it seems the time has come for him to sell up. Valued at £3.85 million, the four bedroom duplex has three terraces and is perfect for the kind of post theatre summer parties that used to attract Demi Moore, Gwen Stefani and Damon Albarn. Renting a flat in Mayfair is a cool option for culture vultures who like to have theatres, galleries and five star restaurants all within easy reach. This smart one bedroom apartment in Upper Berkeley Street is sure to fit the bill.

Regency masterpiece

When even your most offhand squiggles can command millions, you’re going to want your art in a safe place. Damien Hirst’s Grade I listed John Nash home opposite Regents Park is kitted out with the kind of ironclad security that keeps the Crown Jewels secure and his home improvements are not about to stop there. Intent on once more making London his base and his house kid friendly, Hirst is busy constructing a batcave full of leisure facilities under the property. This is not an unusual move in this part of Marylebone, but with an expanded gallery planned, an external lift is needed to transport the valuables from vault to the upper floors. If all the construction gets a little too much for the artist in residence, then Merchant Square features luxury apartments that are both convenient and security conscious.

Ballet flats

As one of this year’s breakthrough dancers at the Royal Ballet, Yasmine Naghdi will be throwing herself into all the iconic ballerina roles that are so beloved by ballet fans across the world. When it comes to living in London, however, Yasmine’s feet are firmly planted on the ground. Renting in Earl’s Court was an early stop gap, but as a place on the property ladder beckoned, North West London seemed like a likely option. With fast transport into her Covent Garden workplace, Zone 4 didn’t seem to be too far out of the loop and as she prepared for roles in The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty, the transition was pretty smooth. No doubt, plenty of her dance colleagues will be taking notes and will be weighing up their options in the coming months. If they want to try outer zone living before they buy, Beaufort Park in Colindale is an ideal option.

If you’re looking for a new property to rent in London, we’ve got lots of property in areas where you could be rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous. Call us on 020 7435 9681 to find out what’s available, or search our listings here.