Kew House: Cabinet of Curiosities
Grand Designs: Kew House, Richmond. Photo © Jack Hobhouse
Kevin McCloud described this house as “a cabinet of curiosities.” Many viewers will remember the wonderful slide which runs parallel to the stairs and which Mr McCloud wonderfully had a go on.
Grand Designs: Kew House, Richmond. Photo © Jack Hobhouse
Agency Narrative: Set within the Kew Green Conservation area of south-west London on a quiet residential street, Kew House is an award winning family home with almost 4,000 sq ft of internal accommodation. Designed by renowned architect Stuart Piercy of Piercy & Company, it was completed in 2014 and has been shortlisted for the RIBA House of the Year award in 2015, amongst other accolades. Kew House provides a considered, beautifully crafted and flexible living environment in one of London’s best locations.
Kew House, Richmond. Photo © Jack Hobhouse
This elegant house is partly set behind the remaining façade of a Victorian stable, and consists of two gabled living wings based around a central courtyard and connected by a glazed circulation block. Each wing is clad with pre-fabricated weathered steel, perforated at particular points over glazed areas to mimic the effect of dappled light through the branches of trees. The glazed connecting block encases an impressive steel staircase which also acts as a link bridge between the opposing wings; its minimal structure allows a flood of light to fill the interior.
Grand Designs: Kevin McCloud Featured Slide. Photo © Jack Hobhouse
Access to the house is across a secluded brick-paved courtyard (which also provides parking for one car). The openness and lightness of the house is immediately apparent, with large expanses of glazing revealing tantalising glimpses of the interior. The first room encountered is a spacious kitchen / dining area. This fantastic communal room benefits from full width double doors that open onto a walled rear courtyard, allowing a seamless transition from inside to out. Bespoke birch ply units with white melamine facings and walnut worktops add a sense of lightness to the space and integrated Siemens appliances are used throughout. A pantry, walk-in cloakroom, laundry room and shower wet room with WC complete the wing.
Kew House, Richmond. Photo © Jack Hobhouse
From the kitchen, stairs lead down to a brick and oak-lined living room with wood burning stove. A large picture window frames views of the house and opens onto the courtyard. A further set of stairs lead down to the basement, currently set up as a children’s play area (there is slide access from the snug), with workshop, spare room leading into a shower room, and two store rooms.
Grand Designs: Kew House, Richmond. Photo © Jack Hobhouse
Set around a sunken courtyard and benefiting from natural daylight via skylights above, there is the potential to modify the space to add further bedrooms, a self-contained flat, studio, or office, subject to planning permission being granted. It would also be feasible to construct an 18m long lap pool with no major structural modifications to the structure.
Kew House, Richmond. Photo © Jack Hobhouse
Following the stairs back up past the living room and kitchen, you arrive at the master bedroom, a beautifully proportioned and light space with en suite bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and window seat. A large window (partially screened with perforated steel) provides views back towards the opposing wing. Bespoke oak cabinetry is used throughout and conceals extensive storage. From the master bedroom, a linking bridge leads across to a guest room with concealed folding bed (and further storage), a family bathroom and two interlinked children’s bedrooms.
Grand Designs: Kew House, Richmond. Photo © Jack Hobhouse
Piercy & Company are a renowned London-based practice founded in 2001. Part of a new generation of forward-thinking British architects, the studio prides itself on the practice of ‘designing through making’, utilising a digital fabrication centre and workshops to test new ideas. Collaborations with artists and makers continually invigorate the studio. The recently completed Clerkenwell office development, Turnmill, has just been awarded an RIBA National Award 2016.
Kew House, Richmond. Photo © Jack Hobhouse
Kew House is within walking distance of both Kew Bridge (National Rail services) and Kew Gardens (London Underground and Overground). The open spaces of Kew Green and the Royal Botanic Gardens also moments away. Heathrow airport is also easily accessible by car (a 30-minute drive) or public transport. The choice of schools is excellent and includes Kew Green Prep, Broomfield House,
Grand Designs: Kew House, Richmond. Photo © Jack Hobhouse
Address: Kew House, Cambridge Road, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3JB
Guide: £3,800,000
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Contact: The Modern House Estate Agency – Tel: 020 3795 5920. Please can folk mention to the estate agency that they found this property on the “Grand Designs For Sale” website. We are a not-for-profit group of friends who run this internet facility on a voluntary basis. By helping us this way, we can continue to help you. A virtuous circle.