A haven away from all the parties

Jun 28 2007 by Debbie Johnson, Liverpool Daily Post

MAN-ABOUT-TOWN Paul Knowles leads a busy life in Liverpool, which he says seems to have become the “Capital of Launches and Network Events”.

Paul, 33, is out at an event most nights – which means he appreciates his luxurious home in the Wapping Dock even more.

The two-bedroomed loft apartment is a haven of style and comfort for Paul, who describes himself as a “lawyer and entrepreneur”.

He joined city firm Gregory Abrams Davidson in 2003 as part of the personal injury team. But, soon after, his flair for business led to a new role – growing the firm as the business development manager. He also runs his own travel agency, a prestigious affair that sets up travel and accommodation for high-profile clients.

“I love both of my jobs,” he says, “and they are both really challenging in different ways. My role at the law firm is to ensure it grows and is still there serving its clients for many years to come. And I set up the travel agency because I love travelling.

“I combine personal knowledge and experience with the ability to get really good rates – just because people have plenty of money doesn’t mean they like to spend it unnecessarily! The travel clients are often celebs, and they can be demanding – but it does feel good finding the right trip for people at the right price.”

Paul, originally from north Liverpool, has lived in the city centre for some years – but says he sees himself staying in Wapping for a long time to come.

The building was converted in the ’80s and has the size and sense of solidity that makes its inhabitants feel like it will be there forever. The gated entrance lends further to the sense of privacy and security.

When he first moved in, Paul discovered the original vaulted ceiling had been painted white. He brought in painter – “he’s an artist, really” – Peter Duncan to fix it.

Now the brickwork is not just restored to its former glory – it has an extra touch of glamour.

Paul says: “There is a base of dark brown, but mixed in with it are shades of sparkling gold, copper and silver. It is beautiful.”

The open-plan lounge and dining area combines more stylish touches – like a crystal chandelier that Paul spotted on a trip to Amsterdam and carried home on his lap on the plane.

The carpets are cream, the sofas brown, and the colour palette in the room spanning rich golds and neutrals. Paul says: “When I first moved in, it was all painted white. It gave me a headache!”

The walls have been left largely plain, apart from photos of family and an original painting of Paris, one of Paul’s favourite cities.

The kitchen is fully integrated with Neff and Miele appliances – and a hob which scuppered Paul’s first dinner party.

He says: “I go out a lot, but when I am at home I love to entertain. I had lots of friends round for a roast, but discovered that I couldn’t work the hob, and could only find the instructions in Italian! It turned out it was a special electro-magnetic hob and I needed special pans – so we all went to a restaurant instead.”

The apartment has two bathrooms – one en-suite and one for general use. Both feature Porcelanosa.

Paul’s bedrooms are a work in progress, and he has booked designers to come in and “re-do” them.

He says: “I lead a very busy life and it can get chaotic. What I’d really like is a kind of gentleman’s dressing area – somewhere all my suits and shorts can be hung up, everything ready to go, to try and cut down on some of that chaos.”

He also loves the location of Wapping. He says: “It is a fantastic place to live. The walls are four feet thick so you are never bothered by noise. And I love being by the water – it is beautiful to watch, and look out at from the balcony. I am also really looking forward to the new Arena opening – then there will be even more nights out!”