The nearby Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) (2 Columbus Circle, Tel: 212-299-7777, www.madmuseum.org) offers a sensory catchall of design-driven industries housed within a building designed by architect Edward Durell Stone, which the museum renovated and occupied in the fall of 2008. The museum’s location on the southwest corner of Central Park offers gorgeous views from Robert, its modern American restaurant that’s a terrific spot to unwind after taking in the ever-changing exhibitions. Ongoing displays include works from its studio and contemporary jewelry collection, including exquisite pieces by Tiffany & Co.
701WEST at Times Cocktails at The Times Square EDITION
With so much art, design and architecture to appreciate, consider utilizing an expert to curate an experience specifically for you. ART SMART (Tel: 212-595-4444, www.artsmart.com) offers a range of tours, typically led by an art historian who can provide in-depth insight and perspective. Whether you’re looking for up and coming or big and bold, a well-crafted tour can take the guesswork out of roaming Manhattan’s streets. ART Smart’s latest offering, Tech X Art, explores the intersection of art and technology.
HECKFIELD PLACE
HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND
Sophistication, elegance, and 21-century flair converge at Heckfield Place (RG27 0LD, Tel: +44-118-932-6868, www.heckfieldplace.com), a Georgian manor that has been transformed into a harmonious home of classic design and modern amenities. Prominent families have owned the 400-acre estate over the decades, but it is designer Ben Thompson who has revitalized the property into an alluring yet secluded respite.
Thompson’s meticulous sourcing reveals local craftsmanship as well as antiques from throughout the British Isles. Felicity Irons’ hand-woven rugs and headboards showcase the rush weaver’s mastery; Terence Conran and Sean Sutcliffe’s bespoke furniture brand, Benchmark, appears throughout the property (keep an eye out for the quaint drink cabinets); hand-dyed textiles and embroidered works by Lucy Bathurst bring a softness to the surroundings; and various ceramicists such as José Carvalho and Effie Gibson were utilized to create exceptional dishware.
Saloon at Highclere Castle
Each guest room within the house has a distinct character and offers a different kind of experience for its inhabitants. Chamber rooms are airy with garden views, Signature rooms offer discretion for those who want to sneak away and cozy up with a good book, and the private, two-bedroom Church Lodge is nestled among the estate’s natural beauty.
