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“You can’t buy history.” A taunt
often levelled at currently maligned
sporting neighbours Chelsea FC across the
River Thames. Award-winning residential
developer, London Square, is keen to dispel
that myth once and for all with their recent
launch The Star and Garter, a magnificent
collection of luxury apartments for sale
within one of the capital’s most historic
buildings in Richmond, West London.
“The Star and Garter is a famous London
landmark, distinguished for its heritage
and charitable history for nearly a century
and celebrated as an architectural gem”
explains Adam Lawrence, Chief Executive
of London Square.
Working closely with the Royal Star
and Garter Homes charity, London Square
appointed architects Paul Davis + Partners
to carefully restore and convert the Grade
II Listed building to private residential
use. Under the practice’s stated aim to,
“reinforce the building’s dignity by exterior
restoration, and create the best possible
apartments through careful consideration
of aspect,” 86 architecturally stunning
residences have been created with the
opportunity to enjoy a private view of the
beautiful vista of the Thames and beyond:
“Our design works with the building’s
character to ensure its conversion is as
natural as possible. I believe that The Star
and Garter will continue to be a building
of which we can be proud for the next
hundred years.”
The location, Richmond upon Thames,
is steeped in history, and a favoured
location for royalty and aristocracy since
the 14th century. The crown jewel is
Richmond Park, the largest of the Royal
Parks at 2,500 acres, with the world famous
view from Richmond Hill the only one in
England to be protected in 1902 by an Act
of Parliament. Inspirational sights of the
River Thames as it meanders beautifully
towards Central London are in abundance
here, and can be enjoyed from the terrace
gardens or Petersham Meadows, located
directly behind The Star and Garter.
[ GLOBAL PROPERTY ]
A Star is (re)born.*
London’s most historic property development, the Star
& Garter, offers investors access to a Rchmond landmark
and piece of historic renovation, writes Stuart Langrish
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“Richmond is a fabulous location, a smart London village
combining excellent restaurants and shops, with the grandeur
and affluence of prime central London, yet surrounded by the
verdant landscape of the Thames and Richmond Park,” says
Rebecca Littler, Sales and Marketing Director of London Square.
Receiving a knighthood for his work, the original Royal Star
and Garter Home was designed by Sir Edwin Cooper in a neo-
classical style, and completed in 1924. Due to the remarkable
condition of its original features, many aspects have been
carefully restored for new residents to enjoy.
The main entrance on Richmond Hill leads to a grand
marble and columned hall, which has an apse recess lit by
beautiful stained glass windows depicting Faith, Charity
and St George. Opposite this rises the breathtaking curved
staircase, with its elegant wrought iron balusters rising six
storeys through the building. The chapel also survives intact,
and is lavishly finished in polished marble, with moulded
plasterwork, painted glass windows and carved oak furniture.
Many of the rooms possess their ornate mouldings and coffered
ceilings, including the King’s Room, which now takes on new
life as the swimming pool and leisure suite
with views over the terrace. Alex Carr,
partner at Knight Frank highlights the
value of this historic piece of real estate in
a prime location: “I believe this is the first
opportunity purchasers have had to buy
into a development with all the attributes of
a prime central London scheme, yet located
in the riverside town of Richmond where
prices have appreciated by 21.3% over the
last five years.”
Oneofthemostimportantconsiderations
when creating luxury residential interiors
for a Listed building is measuring a
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[ CAPTION ]
this page and opposite:
a combination of artist’s
renderings and show home
photographs illustrate
the levels of luxury and
elegance that the Star
and Garter development
offers to prospective
buyers and investors

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[ CAPTION ]
above and opposite:
apartments are appointed
to the highest luxury
standards, highlighting
period features such as
high, coffered ceilings
and sash windows.
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design appropriate to its history and grandeur. It is also vital
to fashion apartments and duplexes that residents can enjoy
and feel comfortable in. London Square has kept these two
fundamental principles in mind with a careful specification
marrying traditional materials and elegant fittings, expressed
in clean lines and sleek finishes.
Open plan living is at the forefront here, with combined
kitchen and dining areas in most of the apartments making
for a social arrangement. Spaces are also enhanced with
naturally high ceilings and large sash windows, designed
to maximise the light and the (parliamentary-protected)
views. A mix of marble and timber flooring has been used
to complete the elegant styling. Some areas have ceilings
with integrated lighting and all have a bespoke sound and
lighting system. Each apartment benefits from the skilful
combination of modern touches including underfloor heating
and the discreetly hidden comfort cooling system, ensuring
that such opulent historic surroundings are enhanced by
contemporary comforts.
Landscape designer and historian Todd Longstaffe-
Gowan, President of the London Parks and Gardens Trust and
Gardens Adviser to Hampton Court Palace, was responsible
for the restoration of The Star and Garter gardens. Considered
one of the property’s greatest assets, the historic grounds have
never been open to the public and are an exclusive private space
only for residents. Like one of the most exclusive London clubs
or hotels, The Star and Garter provides an array of residents’
services, including a concierge, leisure suite and private
screening room, to ensure life is as convenient, enjoyable and
stress-free as possible.
The meticulously restored King’s Room
contains impressive facilities for both rest
and play. This includes a 16 x 5 metre pool
fitted with resistance jets, jacuzzi, sun
room with heated loungers and a gym area
equipped with the latest cardio machines.
Two private treatment rooms, in a different
part of the building, are available for special
pampering. Another stand-out feature for
relaxation is the screening room, a luxurious
in-house cinema which residents can book to
watch their choice of movie or sporting event
along with friends. Concierge and town-car
services are provided to attend to residents’
requirements and make everyday life hassle-
free. This is handled by Harrods Estates
Asset Management, which specialises in high
profile luxury developments, offering clients
“an unrivalled level of service in managing
their properties, with all the personal
attention and quality of management
expertise that one would naturally associate
with a prestigious brand like Harrods.
Prices start from £1.3 million for a one-
bed apartment, with two bedroom, two
bathroom apartments from £1.75 million
and three bedroom apartments from £2.45
million. The duplexes are also available,
priced from £2.95 million.
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