A dog-friendly staycation at Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison

Hannah Tan-Gillies and our intrepid doggy reporter #TeamCocopup Charlie checked into the Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison, just two weeks after its official opening to experience everything that this all-apartment boutique property has to offer.

Tucked away in a quiet cul de sac in South Kensington, Lexham Gardens is the newest boutique property by the prestigious Cheval Collection and undoubtedly one of London’s most luxurious homes away from home.

We were only the second-ever humans (and first-ever dog) to stay at our Burgundy-themed luxury two-bedroom apartment. From the outside looking in, Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison and its white-columned façade, blend into the other pristine buildings on the crescent. Inside, however, the property is the picture of contemporary, understated luxury.

Experience Modern Luxury at Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison

The striking lobby, which is more akin to the stylish lounge of your most fashionable friend, is simultaneously warm and grandiose. Here, we were greeted by the lovely Milena, who made sure we had everything we needed for our stay. The check-in process was easy, and smooth and also included a temperature check – making our stay safe, comfortable and free of COVID woes.

Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison offers 30, individually designed one or two-bedroom boutique apartments, with each one offering its distinctive take on modern-day luxury.

We stayed in the Burgundy-themed apartment on the second floor. The dazzling space is characterised by deep burgundy walls, chevron-patterned wood flooring, white marble, and plenty of rich textures in neutral tones. The muted colour palette of the soft furnishings, balances the bold hues of the wall, while deep gold and bronze accents add panache to an already stand-out space.

We were greeted with a delightful welcome hamper, complete with Champagne, canapés, freshly-baked bread, and everything you need to enjoy a glorious summer picnic at the nearby Kensington Gardens. Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison doesn’t offer breakfast, and while the British summer weather didn’t allow for an outdoor picnic – our hamper certainly offered plenty of breakfast fare to feast on during our stay.

Unparalleled Comfort and Convenience

The fully stocked kitchen has everything you need for an extended stay too. It is complete with all cutleries, plates, and glasses, and comes with a toaster, coffee machine, fridge freezer, hob, and oven. The TVs are also Chromecast-enabled, perfect for a Saturday night.

The two generously-sized bedrooms were undoubtedly luxurious, but equally inviting. The master bedroom has an en-suite of course, which was also equipped with heated floors and an electric toilet. An indulgence, I thought was only ever available in Japan.

Our apartment, like all other apartments in Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison, was dog-friendly. Charlie was greeted with a dog bowl, doggy treats, and a (if ever just slightly too small) dog bed and felt very welcomed by the staff.

Exploring South Kensington

While it may seem counter-intuitive to leave the comforts of your apartment, there’s plenty to explore in South Kensington that’s walking distance from Lexham Gardens. Kensington Gardens is just a 15-minute stroll away, and the ideal spot to exercise overly energetic pooches like Charlie.

In front of the park, there is Publiq which is more than just your stylish neighbourhood local. Envisioned as a modern public house, Publiq offers sensational British sharing plates, natural wines, and fabulous alcoholic slushies in a casual yet cool atmosphere. Publiq was built on a People, Produce, Positive mantra and this ethos certainly reflects on the quality of the food on offer.

One thing that sets Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison apart from other boutique properties, is its ability to make you feel absolutely and authentically at home. After our two-night stay, leaving felt like saying goodbye to a place that we have cherished for years. It is a feeling of warmth and conviviality that not a lot of luxury properties can boast, and one of the many, many reasons we shall be returning.