40 Winks: David Carter’s Dreamy Boutique Micro-Hotel In Stepney Green
By Something Curated
There are many ways to describe 40 Winks: Winks: it’s been named ‘the most beautiful small hotel in the world’ by German Vogue, and has a huge list of gushing accolades from just about every glossy fashion, travel and lifestyle magazine you can possibly think of. It’s also been described by those who have been fortunate enough to have spent the night there as a bit like tumbling down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland. The allure and unique experience offered by 40 Winks are credited to the hotel’s owner, host, and “master of ceremonies,” David Carter, who, because of his fondness for hats, might even be the resident Madhatter!
An interior designer by trade, Carter has spent the past two decades turning his Stepney Green home into a whimsical, eccentric space that dazzles as much as it inspires. The three centuries of built history preceding 40 Winks is almost palpable as one ventures through one room to the next. Carter’s finesse as a storyteller and eye for detail stitch together the narrative of the place to create a world that seems to exist outside of reality, somehow transcending time and place to become a true cabinet of curiosity that encourages unforgettable hospitality experiences and produces long-lasting friendships among those who are lucky enough to secure a reservation.
Leave the bustle of the street behind and enter into an almost-blackout space. Let your eyes adjust to reveal a finely carpeted entrance way lined with Chinese silk slippers and a friendly Mr. Carter waiting to take your coat. He offers you tea and from there you’ve been taken into a new world—one that knows of only lush carpets, puffed satin pillows, luxurious fixtures, and a kind of nocturnal opulence that transcends any single time or aesthetic. Various porcelain sculptures, photography, trinkets and antique furniture fill the space, but leave plenty of room for guests to traverse, admire, relax, and absorb its aura. Because of its beautiful interior design, clandestine nature and personality-filled rooms, with each guest’s experience being individually tailored, many celebrities have come through the space. Here, Something Curated joins Carter in his fantastical world. We find out what style means to him and understand a little bit more about the mystical 40 Winks.
Something Curated: Tell us about 40 Winks and the vision behind it?
David Carter: “The house had been a very famous fashion and celebrity location for over fifteen years, and many of the photographers, stylists and models we had working here kept asking if they could come and stay. It all happened in a very organic, unplanned way. We decided to open it as a ‘micro Boutique hotel’ in 2009. We are not offering a conventional hotel experience with lots of gadgets and gizmos. We are principally aimed at people who work in fashion and the arts, and what we offer is something much more immersive, intimate and emotionally engaging. Many of our guests describe staying here as a bit like falling down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland; others write to us afterwards describing it as a life-changing experience. Everyone is going to take away something different, but I think that very few of our guests leave without feeling that they have experienced something special and unique. It is a place of beauty, magic and seduction…”
SC: What was your experience opening the hotel?
DC: “It has been an amazing experience for me! It all happened in a very organic, unplanned way. I was honestly expecting to have two or three people staying a month, and I had no idea that so many people would embrace the idea of what we were doing and would want to come and stay! Now we’re often booked up for months, and we get so many lovely guests visiting, many of whom have become our close friends and stay in contact years after staying here. There is now this extraordinary community of people we are connected to all over the world. I am very proud of what we have achieved and look forward to creating even more ‘winkiness’ over the next few years.”
SC: What other design projects are you involved in or have you been involved in?
DC: “I still work as an interior designer. I have just completed a large renovation and redecorating project in Islington here in London and have recently started work on a huge warehouse for some lovely French clients. I have done quite a lot of creative consultancy work too over the years, particularly with drinks brands, but there are always all sorts of mad projects floating around, like opening an etiquette school in Shanghai or presenting a TV series looking at the quirky side of London. Some will see the light of day, others will stay in the shadows for another time.”
SC: What is the design narrative behind 40 Winks?
DC: “I am not really sure there is a narrative. It is all pretty eclectic… it is really just an artfully arranged jumble of things I love!”
SC: Where are some of the more unusual places you have sourced furniture items?
DC: “One of the best things about being an interior designer is the shopping. I love shopping! Over the years, I have built up a huge network of dealers and suppliers whom I work with all over the world. I shop a lot online now too, which is dangerously addictive.”
SC: Tell us about some of the events that 40 Winks are famous for?
DC: “Since opening the hotel we have organised a range of highly acclaimed events to enable more people to spend a little time here and experience some of the 40 Winks magic. These are open to the public, but do generally sell out a long time ahead so anyone interested in attending should visit our website and join our mailing list to ensure they get details on upcoming dates. The most famous event is ‘Bedtime Story Nights’, a glamorous and intoxicating literary pyjama party. We have been running them for more than six years. We have also just launched a new event called ‘Supernatural’, which should be great fun. The first event we are doing is a recreation of a Victorian Séance!”
SC: Why Stepney Green?
DC: “East London has for many years provided a home to artists and creatives. It just seemed the logical place to be. I still love it and it just gets better and better.”
SC: What celebrities or notable past guests have stayed at 40 Winks?
DC: “Our guests have included Hollywood movie stars and many high profile names from the world of fashion. We do respect their privacy and do not disclose names. I think many of them like the fact that 40 Winks is so small and intimate.”
SC: Favourite place to relax?
DC: “Definitely the opium den drawing room at 40 Winks.”
SC: Favourite place to shop?
DC: “De Gournay—I have an expensive addiction to their amazing hand-painted wallpapers.”
SC: Favourite restaurant?
DC:“Scott’s in Mayfair. I am always available if anyone wants to treat me!!”
SC: Any favourite places nearby in East London?
DC: “There are lots! Favourites include Brooklyn Coffee on Commercial Street. They serve the best coffee in London. St. John Bread and Wine is on my list and also Pizza East, they have yummy food and lovely staff. Eizenstein and Hostem on Redchurch Street has lots of inspiring fashion and Columbia Road has the best flowers.”
SC: What does London offer you as designer?
DC: “Everything: inspiration, great shopping and some lovely clients.”
SC: What gets you energized and keeps you recharged?
DC: “Sparkling conversation and tea.”
SC: One golden piece of advice?
DC: “Life is a gift. Don’t waste it!”
Interview by Glynnis Mapp
Photography by Elliot Kennedy