Charles Raspin discovers one of Richmond’s historic buildings as it undergoes a luxurious transformation under London Square, with a show apartment now open for viewing by appointment
"The terrace at Richmond does assuredly afford one of the finest prospects in the world. Whatever is charming in nature or pleasing in art, is to be seen here: nothing I had ever seen or ever can see elsewhere, is to be compared to it."
It’s been more than two centuries since the German author Karl Philip Moritz wrote these lines looking down on the glittering Thames from Richmond Hill, but his words still ring true. This is, after all, the landscape that Turner and Reynolds immortalized in painting, that Wordsworth and Walter Scott praised in poem and prose and – to this day – the only view in England to be protected by an Act of Parliament.
The Star and Garter sits atop this hill, gazing down upon the river and parks of Richmond with the perspective of history. Its origins can be traced back to the 18th century, to a simple coaching inn for those passing through.
It was soon transformed by the wealth of Richmond, and by 1809 had become the Star and Garter Hotel, named for the royal insignia of the Garter. Eschewing its humble origins, it developed a reputation for luxury, and prices to match. One story of the time tells of a guest who was charged half-a-sovereign for the privilege of enjoying the (admittedly spectacular) view from the window – the equivalent of about £20 today.
The hotel’s prestige only grew as time went on, playing host to the great stars of its day. Charles Dickens, Alfred Tennyson and John Ruskin were all frequent guests, while the royal connections suggested by its name became rooted in fact – it played host to sovereigns from Brazil, Germany, and across the globe, including the exiled French monarchy.
‘This historic hotel commands the loveliest views in the Kingdom. No London fog, highest class cuisines and wines,’ ran a note in The Times, more than a century ago.
The Star and Garter was repurposed with the outbreak of the Great War, first as (unusually opulent) accommodation for troops, then redesigned as the Royal Star and Garter Home for disabled veterans. Under the auspices of Queen Mary, the building was dedicated as the Women of the Empire’s Memorial of the Great War, and it offered groundbreaking rehabilitation for more than a century (including the precursor to the modern Paralympic Games) before the cost of upkeep and the demands of modern care called for the service to move elsewhere.
Now the award-winning developer London Square is returning this iconic Grade II-listed building to its roots as luxurious accommodation.
With 86 splendid apartments and duplexes, the new Star and Garter is an unmatched opportunity to reside in a slice of Richmond’s royal history.
The period features of the building have been restored with an exacting attention to detail, and expertly updated with an eye to modern convenience.
Designers have stripped away newer, cruder additions to the building, ensuring that the conversion is as subtle and natural as possible.
Much of the building’s historic detail has survived in remarkable condition thanks to the fine materials of the original construction, allowing their ornate decorations to take on new life.
The finely-adorned (and aptly-named) King’s Room has become a leisure suite with swimming, spa and fitness facilities, while the stained glass windows of the main hall speak to the authenticity of its grand marble design.
The rooms themselves have been designed with a smooth blend of tradition and comfort in mind, allowing them to blend into the rich tapestry of the building’s history while acting as a marvellous home for any resident.
The Star and Garter was praised for its excellent service in centuries past, and its modern incarnation only builds on that reputation, with a concierge service designed to drain the stress and hassle from everyday life and allow residents to enjoy a lifestyle straight out of a boutique hotel.
A number of the apartments include private terraces, offering up a breath-taking view of Richmond, the Thames, and the site’s historic grounds, themselves listed and restored. Residents can take in the borough from the spectacular Italianate terrace gardens, or enjoy the gorgeous 19th-century fountain at the garden’s heart.
Richmond Park sweeps out below, deer roaming freely across its picturesque fields and woods. In sheer size it rivals all seven of London’s other Royal Parks combined, the verdant jewel of a borough that is one-third green space. All manner of sports and outdoors activities are catered for, from golf to riding, and the Thames itself offers a host of boating facilities.
Richmond itself boasts an array of famous shops, high-quality restaurants, and rich culture, from star-studded theatres to frequent festivals. Kew Gardens, Hampton Court Palace, and countless historic houses. Just 20 minutes away from the world-renowned sights and streets of London, but insulated from its infamous fuss and bustle, it’s little wonder the poet Thomas Maurice called Richmond streets “the favoured haunt of Kings and statesmen”.
The new Star and Garter website has more details
You can book an appointment to view their gorgeous three-bedroom show apartment on 0333 666 0102
