From a gothic-style exterior to bright pink kitchen décor, Vanessa Feltz‘s home is as unpredictable as you’d expect from the outspoken broadcaster.
As I arrive to the North London abode, where Vanessa is throwing a party to celebrate her daughter Saskia Joss’ debut book launch, I imagine the home must always be this chaotic.
With the TV star’s grandchildren running around the kitchen in fits of giggles, her daughter nervously pacing ahead of unveiling her book to friends and family and Vanessa frantically making the final touches around the home, there’s plenty going on.
Magazine covers of Vanessa from over the years grace the back door entrance wall, catching my eye as I scan recent Fabulous shoots to historic OK! Mag interviews shot in this very same home, decades ago.
Previously owned by millionaire businessman Charles Saatchi, Vanessa has lived in her quirky home for 22 years, meaning guests that pile in across the evening – including Helen Flanagan, Anthea Turner, and Katie Piper – know their way around.
On the outside of the home is a religious messaging on a small plaque, with a statement front door adding to the gothic charm of the building. “I love Feltz Towers, I’m very happy to be here” squeals Anthea Turner as she pops around the driveway hedge before walking into the bash.
But she’s stopped in her tracks by TV personality Lizzie Cundy and celeb hairstylist Nikki Clarke, who all pause going inside to grab some selfies together, while I stand nearby sipping on a Diet Coke..
The bash celebrates Saskia’s new book, titled Help! My Child’s Anxiety Is Giving Me Anxiety!, and Vanessa has pulled out all of the stops to make sure the milestone is celebrated. With some setting up an ‘adults arts and crafts’ station at a dining table, others preparing a massage station and a lengthy spread of charcuterie bites in the living room, it’s clear Vanessa is not new to throwing parties at the home.
Wearing a black embellished dress, the broadcaster and her daughter – who is dressed in a statement blue gown to match her book cover – sit down for an interview with me during a moment of quiet.
“I am unbelievably proud of Saskia, I’m incredibly excited and she has written the most wonderful book,” says Vanessa, as her granddaughter, Cecily, interrupts by giving her and mum Saskia frequent cuddles.
It’s clear Saskia – a child therapist by trade – has a close bond with her TV host mum, as she says, “I’m very pleased to be doing this here with my mum at her house. It just shows me how much she supports me that she would host such a beautiful event to celebrate something so important in my life.”
“We’ve got a very close relationship,” interjects a beaming Vanessa, who shares Saskia and eldest daughter Allegra with ex-husband, Michael Kurer. “I’ve got two daughters and we’re all very close, I can spy my other daughter over there looking beautiful. We’re all supportive of each other and are all very, very proud.”
Further across the home, Vanessa’s would-be dining room has been turned into a dancefloor, with a young DJ having set up shop by the domed art-deco window and a table of drinks in the far corner. “This is really a party room, I never really have the dining room table in here,” said Vanessa previously of the space, which has italian-style art muralled onto the wall.
While filled with people for the book launch, the room still has it’s Victorian chapel-like feel – with tall candles, statues, and stone making up the decor. It’s a stark contrast to the nearby kitchen, which has bright pink countertops sitting on top of cream cupboards.
Out the back patio doors is a swimming pool, which I initially mistake for a pond before being told it needs some TLC. As I struggle to make my way through the crowds who have showed up to the party, carefully dodging Katie Piper as she sips on a glass of champagne and perches on the hallway step, it’s time to head out.
But not before listening to Saskia’s speech, as she gathers the crowd to thank them for coming, getting teary when she turns to thank her mum and close family for supporting her with the book, which is out now.
All in all, Feltz Towers, as we now know it to be called, certainly is unlike any other home I’ve ever been to. Who knows if I’ll be getting an invite back…
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