deb13 star and garter

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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.

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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.”

One of the most important considerations when creating luxury residential interiors for a Listed building is measuring a


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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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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 f looring 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. http://thestarandgarter.london 237

deb13 star and garter

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