In England, a house is not just a home—it’s a living and breathing cultural institution, adapting for modern life while constantly reminiscing on the past. No one understands this better than Ben Pentreath, the architectural and interior designer known for transforming traditional style into the most desirable look around. His bustling practice, in Bloomsbury, is located right around the corner from Pentreath & Hall, the design shop he co-founded with Bridie Hall. In addition to masterminding homes all over the world, Pentreath worked closely with King Charles to conceptualize and build Poundbury, the urban housing development in Dorset. Fortunately, his latest project available for anyone passing through London: the redesign of Fortnum & Mason’s 318-year-old flagship store, in Piccadilly, including its new double-helical staircase (one of the few in the world), which was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s version at the Château de Chambord. Herewith, he shares his key components to the good life. —Ashley Baker
Airline: British Airways. A lot of people hate it, but I’ve always been very happy with its rather calm approach to travel.
Airport: Kirkwall, near where we live in Orkney. There’s nothing better than going home. (For a large airport, I recently flew into Gothenburg and thought it was incredibly beautiful.)
App: Rightmove.
Bag: L. L. Bean Boat and Tote.
Bedtime: Bath and reading start at 9:30 P.M., and it’s lights-out by 10:30.
Bike: Pashley or, in London, a Lime bike.
Birthday: The next one!
