Venetia van Kuffeler discovers privacy and discretion are key to the experience of staying at Four Seasons Residences London at Ten Trinity Square

THE PORT OF LONDON Authority was formed in 1909 to run the docks of London, then the largest seaport in the world, and to be responsible for the River Thames. Its splendid headquarters – today home to the Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square – was designed by Sir Edwin Cooper and built between 1912 and 1922. Found on the edge of the Thames, at its height over 1,200 people a day came to pay their fees for boats arriving in the capital at this fine architectural landmark. Such was the importance of the building that the UN General Assembly held their first reception there in 1946, attended by (among others) King Faisal of Saudi Arabia and US first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, in what is today known at the UN Ballroom.

After a meticulous six-year restoration, Ten Trinity Square returned to the spotlight in the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall, as the compelling MI6 headquarters. If I haven’t convinced you enough of this building’s diplomatic credentials (in both reality and fiction), as of June last year, the meticulously restored Grade II* landmark also houses the Four Seasons Residences London at Ten Trinity Square. These luxurious residences found between the third and seventh floors are ideal for VIP or extended stays in London.

Accessed via a private entrance, our duplex residence had an open-plan living area split into two spaces: one sitting and another huge l-shaped sofa facing a vast tv. A beautifully crafted kitchen was home to bespoke storage cupboards and marble surfaces that I could only dream of having at home. The dining room could easily double up as a board table, and a separate office ensures even further privacy. The grand staircase led upstairs to four sumptuous bedrooms, each with en-suite bathroom. Completely enormous, the master had his and hers bathrooms and dressing rooms on either side. Guests could comfortably stay here for months on end.   Accessed via sliding doors that opened at the touch of a button, the vast wrap-around terrace offered majestic views of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, and potentially an amazing spot to entertain. Elegant and refined, interiors draw inspiration from the building’s origins in the 1920s, a time of refined prosperity and glamour, with regular nods to its nautical past.

As you’d expect from the Four Seasons brand, service is immaculate, and residents can even order room service on What’s App, which is hugely straightforward. There’s no need to even pick up the phone.

Residence guests enjoy all the comfort and convenience of the hotel, with access to its three dining options including Michelin starred La Dame de Pic London, concierge services, a beautiful spa, fitness centre and indoor pool.  Unlike hotel guests, Residence guests are also eligible for access to the exclusive Ten Trinity Square Private Club during their stay.  Still within the building, the members-only venue is ideal for a discrete meal, private business meeting or social gathering, plus the exclusive Chateau Latour Discovery Room and a cigar sampling lounge ensure a unique VIP experience.

The Residences offer a new level of comfort and privacy ideal for royal families, government ministers and VIPs on a short or longer-term basis. A century ago when Ten Trinity Square was built, London was the heart of world trade, and arguably nothing has changed. This is a building where East meets West, not only in the UK’s capital, but also across the globe. An ideal spot for diplomacy.

FOUR SEASONS RESIDENCES LONDON AT TEN TRINITY SQUARE

10 TRINITY SQUARE, LONDON EC3N 4AJ

T: +44 020 3297 9200

WWW.FOURSEASONS.COM/TENTRINITY/