Owning a piece of Dorchester glamour

Normally we’d advise readers not to take their work home with them but suspect that some – like guests who have enjoyed staying at The Dorchester – might have done that this month.

For those who love exceptional luxury set around the finest lighting, furniture and interiors, a two-day sale in June spearheaded by leading luxury hospitality auctioneer Pro Auction saw people acquiring the trappings of a five-star lifestyle. More than 2,000 items went under the hammer as the iconic London property continues its significant renovation project.

While some of the lots might ‘break the bank’ for many of us, there were plenty of items with opening bids from around £20. Alongside the furniture and artworks included in the sale were in-room digital safes, nightstands, hotel Bang & Olufsen TVs, and soft furnishings such as silk drapes. There’s the most royal of rugs, sumptuous sofas and all manner of bespoke bedroom fixtures and fittings providing a feast for the senses. Despite trends that have come and gone over The Dorchester’s 90-year history, its gilded Louis XIV furniture and glittering chandeliers remain supreme.

The sale took place against the backdrop of the largest scale renovation at the hotel since 1989 and will start with the entrance to the hotel, The Promenade and The Bar at The Dorchester, as well as two guest floors, with this work to be complete by September. The Dorchester remains open throughout the renovation.