The Enchanting World of House 21 at iBestTravel

Unique interior schemes are becoming a major factor in how we choose the places we stay. Here, we explore the fascinating stories behind central London member’s club, House 21, designed by Russell Sage.

6 December 2023

“Imagine finding out that a long lost aunt has left a castle to you in her will, the magic of flinging open the door and exploring the treasures that are now all yours. That’s the feeling I wanted to create for guests walking into House 21,” laughs Russell Sage, a legend of the interior design world who has brought to life projects such as The Fife Arms and The Goring.

While that might not quite be the story of House 21, established back in 1998, the building’s long history is bursting with eccentric tales that make this fantastical concept feel right at home. It was 1773 when Elizabeth, Countess of Home, commissioned 20 Portman Square as her opulent home after her divorce. Unusual for the time, the Countess suited single life and was known for her free spirit and riotous love of entertaining, often throwing hedonistic parties.

Throughout the years, the building has taken many forms, and over the course of House 21’s ownership, its interiors have been reimagined by a plethora of designers. In 2020, Sage’s studio was invited to revamp House 21, a Georgian townhouse adjoined to the main building, consisting of several floors of bars, socializing areas, and even a hidden dancefloor.

The renovation unearthed accounts of the Countess’s most raucous debacles, serving as inspiration for the transportive scheme that feels like stepping into a life-size cabinet of curiosities, filled with eccentric antiques, punctuated by eye-catching wall murals, and hiding an array of clues that nod to past parties.

Here, Russell Sage shares how he breathed new life into House 21 and the joy of immersing himself in the Countess’s world.

Celebrating the Countess’s Story

“Countess Home was quite a character, and everyone at House 21 was keen to celebrate her story. She divorced her husband and obtained a lot of his money, which allowed her to build this grand house and live luxuriously, throwing parties and becoming quite a hell-raiser. It was bold for her time, as she was going against societal norms,” explains Sage.

Bringing History to Life through Design

“Bringing the history of a place to life through design is vital. For example, at The Fife Arms, we sourced actual gifts that Queen Victoria’s close friend Abdul Karim had given to the servants, themed a room around them, keeping the pieces on display. The aim is not to create a museum; instead, the items add layers of authenticity without explicit labels,” Sage elaborates.

Innovative Use of Objects and Antiques

“Home House might only be around 25 years old, but the building’s history reaches back to the time of London’s first member’s clubs. To nod to this, I creatively built the bar back with grandfather clocks, each telling different times of cities across the world, blending old with contemporary design,” says Sage.

The Unique Member’s Club Perspective

“Member’s clubs are unique as they instill a sense of ownership among members. Even if guests don’t know all the members inside, there’s a feeling of familiarity. The design must constantly evolve to suit different moods and situations,” he states.

The Impact of Social Media on Design

“I’m cautious about platforms like Instagram that portray one view of a space, which doesn’t always reflect the reality of spending time in that environment. It’s essential to create an authentic experience beyond the surface-level photo,” explains Sage.

Recreating the House 21 Ambiance at Home

“I encourage anyone to have fun sourcing antiques and reclaimed pieces to transform them into something new. An heirloom doesn’t have to remain static; it can find a new purpose in a modern context,” states Sage.

Capture the Essence of House 21

House 21’s walls are adorned with oil-painted portraits, creating a modern twist on traditional decor. For those wishing to replicate this aesthetic, Russell Sage advises pairing unique lamps and cushions for an eclectic charm that mirrors the vibrant appeal of House 21.

Final Thoughts

House of Hackney, with its intricate patterns and vibrant colors, perfectly encapsulates the playful spirit of House 21. Each element tells a story while inviting visitors into a world of luxury and eccentricity.