Billionaire John Caudwell Enlists Duke for Lavish Mayfair Library
British billionaire John Caudwell, the self-made founder of Phones4u, has enlisted an aristocrat to curate one of the world's most opulent libraries within the UK's most decadent new residential address. The entrepreneur is spearheading a development of unprecedented grandeur at 1 Mayfair, which will feature 29 homes, including three penthouses valued at £200 million each.
A Library Curated by Royalty
In addition to a health spa and a 20-metre swimming pool, Caudwell is equipping the £2 billion block with a library where the cream of London's literary scene will be represented alongside classic works. He has enlisted the Duke of Devonshire, 81-year-old Peregrine Cavendish, often known as Stoker, to curate the 1,000-book collection.
Stoker owns the prestigious book salon Heywood Hill on Curzon Street in Mayfair, which was reportedly the late Queen's go-to choice for stocking her bookshelves. Heywood Hill, run day-to-day by Stoker's son-in-law Nicky Dunne, recently launched an exclusive service offering to assemble private libraries for the UK's wealthiest individuals.
Inspirations and London Focus
Caudwell revealed he is their latest client, citing inspirations such as the libraries of Aristotle and the US Congress. Meanwhile, Dunne provided insight into the specific titles that will line the walls. He stated, 'It’s certainly going to have a big element on London — books on or about London, its history and heritage from the beginnings of the city to the present day.'
The collection will include biographies, memoirs, diaries, letters, works about important individuals who lived in London, novels set in London, and authors from the city, featuring many contemporary writers. Dunne cited the library at the Bulgari hotel in Knightsbridge, created by Heywood Hill 13 years ago, as an example of what the service can deliver.
Cost and Value of the Collection
While the exact cost of Heywood Hill's services for Caudwell is not disclosed, the Duke dropped a hint. Stoker said, 'A library is, say, £250,000, which is, of course, a lot of money — but compared with the price of contemporary or even old art for some of these people, it’s really… it’s maybe one picture. And yet it seems to me that the library should be as important as the art on the walls.'
Unprecedented Luxury Development
When 1 Mayfair is complete, the apartments will go on sale for prices starting at £35 million. The average price of all 29 units, covering 300,000 square feet, will be close to £70 million. Far from deterring potential buyers, Caudwell claims there is a waiting list of over 600 people eager to secure a slice of London's premier accommodation.
Due to be completed this spring, spending on the scheme will easily surpass London's previous record holder, the £1.3 billion One Hyde Park development in Knightsbridge. The property will include 24 'principal residences' such as lateral apartments, penthouses, and townhouses with up to five bedrooms, plus five smaller 'pied-à-terre' apartments.
Architectural and Design Details
The development’s basement is being excavated to 90 feet below ground level to accommodate a health spa with a 20-metre swimming pool and a car park. The designs were led by New York-based architect Robert Stern and practice RAMSA, with contractors Mace as construction managers and PJ Carey responsible for the basement substructure and superstructure.
The Caudwell website states the intention is to create 'the most desirable and valuable residence in London, rich in craft and provenance, uniqueness and flair.' This ambitious project underscores the growing trend of ultra-luxury developments in prime London locations, blending historical elegance with modern extravagance.
