A Storied Response to Heritage

Shalini Misra, London-based interior design and architect, has effortlessly moved into the luxury real estate space with her new company, Genessia, which buys up heritage Victorian and properties, to turn them into modern luxury spaces that are then sold to discerning clients.

- Deepali Nandwani

Mayfair’s South Adley Street is a rarefied neighbourhood that boasts a stellar line-up of some of the snootiest real estate properties in London. This is where, last year, a luxury penthouse broke the previous price record for any residential property deal in London, after it was snapped up for an astounding £7,000 per square feet.

This is also the address of the first project of London-based interior and home accessories designer Shalini Misra’s real estate development company, Genessia, which she set up with her partner, Ekta Varma. A period, terracotta Victorian building, which is emblematic of the neighbourhood, the sprawling 2,355 square feet space has been architecturally enriched, ensuring that none of its heritage character, such as elaborate fireplaces and cornices, is lost.

Misra says that the Genessia team adapts a studied approach to design. “We selected this property for its distinct location, history, and unique interior features.”