Cheval Collection announces UK expansion, opening sites in Edinburgh
22 May 2020
Cheval Collection, the luxury hospitality company currently with serviced apartments across London has announced expansion in Scotland as part of a long-term strategic vision for UK and international growth.From July 2020, Cheval Collection will brand and operate two historic properties in the heart of Edinburgh, following an agreement signed yesterday between Mohammed S Almarzooqi, Managing Director of the Cheval Collection and Chris Stewart, CEO of the Chris Stewart Group (CSG), the owner and developer of the properties. The virtual signing ceremony was also attended by His Excellency Mohammed Al Shaibani, chairman of the board of directors for Cheval Collection Ltd.
The two properties which will become Cheval Residences from 1 July 2020, include The Edinburgh Grand and Old Town Chambers. Together, they add a further 100 new apartments to Cheval’s existing portfolio of 512 apartments across its eight London Residences.
The deal has been 12 months in the making, sealing a partnership between Cheval and CSG that is expected to cultivate further investment opportunities for both organisations in the future.
His Excellency Mohammed Al Shaibani chairman of the board of directors for Cheval Collection congratulated both parties at the signing ceremony and said: “In December 2018 we announced our vision for the Cheval Collection to expand beyond London and to manage both third party assets and invest in new properties both in the UK and overseas. We are delighted that we have now secured the perfect partner for our UK expansion. The CSG portfolio in Edinburgh perfectly matches our vision and follows announcements of our plans to expand in Frankfurt and Dubai in the future.”
George Westwell, CEO of Cheval Collection, said: “We are delighted to announce this new agreement as part of our long-term expansion plans. The Chris Stewart Group with some of the most historically rich buildings in Scotland’s capital was our first choice for Edinburgh when we opened discussions in 2019. These will be our first properties outside London and a huge step in our ever-evolving journey and ambition to become the pre-eminent leader in luxury serviced apartment accommodation worldwide for any length of stay.”
Chris Stewart, CEO of the Chris Stewart Group added: “We are recognised as innovative developers and operators of complex listed buildings and we found that passion for exceptional quality products and service reflected in our Cheval Collection partners. This agreement for The Edinburgh Grand and Old Town Chambers provides access to premium sales channels that were previously closed to us as independent operators and realises another step forward for our growth strategy. We are confident that the combination of our expertise for property design and development combined with Cheval’s quality brand and sales reach will open up many further opportunities.”
The Cheval Residences in Edinburgh will attract both business and leisure travellers for short and long-term stays. Located in prime city hotspot, St Andrew Square, Cheval The Edinburgh Grand includes 50 apartments, with the tram station just outside of the residence enabling guests to easily travel straight from the airport. Waverley Train Station is also just a three-minute walk from the apartments. Enriched by a renowned heritage, courtesy of a famous banking landmark, the building’s provenance has been artfully woven throughout to create a luxurious residence. In addition to one and two-bedroom apartments, there is also a spectacular three bedroom penthouse apartment situated on the seventh floor, with a wraparound roof terrace. Whilst bookable for long and short -term stays, the penthouse is also available for intimate gatherings. As well as this, The Directors’ Suite, decorated traditionally to complement the grand architectural features of the building, is equally attractive. The Directors’ Suite can seat up to 12 guests, ideal for business lunches and dinners. The property also features The Register Club, an onsite cocktail lounge and bar and a CaveFit gym. Affiliated with Cheval The Edinburgh Grand is an independently run Hawksmoor Restaurant, and Lady Libertine, a lower ground bar and restaurant.
Located in Edinburgh’s Old Town and a few yards from the Royal Mile, but far removed from the crowds, Cheval Old Town Chambers includes 50 apartments. A further 25 apartments, opening on to the Royal Mile, will be opened in 2021. Opposite St Giles Cathedral, a five minute walk from the castle and the galleries and museums, this residence boasts one of the best locations in the heart of old Edinburgh. The apartments of one, two-bedroom and open plan studio apartments offer unique views over dramatic closes and over Princes Street Gardens. There is also a one and a three bedroom penthouse, both with spectacular terraces. Each apartment’s interior has a distinctive character, however all marry original features with sleek and contemporary designs beautifully. As well as this, the residence also has a three-level two bedroom medieval townhouse, with a stunning bathroom complete with a copper bath. The townhouse, which dates back to the 14th century has its own private entrance. Like Cheval The Edinburgh Grand, there is an onsite gym for guest use.
