Paradise Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9

An exquisite and meticulously renovated Georgian townhouse in the heart of Richmond

Description

Hogarth House is an exquisite Grade II listed Georgian building, with delightfully regimented fenestration, that has been painstakingly restored to provide two stunning townhouses, Virginia & Leonard. Leonard forms the left hand side as you face Hogarth House and offers generously proportioned, naturally light accommodation over four floors. The house lends itself equally well to both family life and more formal entertaining. Despite the comprehensive nature of the refurbishment programme the period integrity has been fully preserved and further complimented by the superbly appointed bathrooms, tasteful decor and the beautiful hand crafted bespoke kitchen with Miele appliances. Other features of particular note include wall panelling, high corniced ceilings to the principal rooms, an elegant staircase and a charming rear garden - designed by the RHS Chelsea medal winner, Heather Appleton


Virginia & Leonard Woolf moved into Hogarth House in 1915. They met whilst members of the famous Bloomsbury Group, a select literary circle and subsequently married in 1912. Sitting at tea on her thirty-third birthday, Virginia and Leonard agreed on three resolutions: they would purchase Hogarth House in Richmond, procure a hand press to do their own printing, and buy a bull dog. There is no further mention in Woolf’s diaries of the bulldog, but they soon bought Hogarth House and two years later they purchased a hand press, thereby merging their home and a small-scale letterpress studio into'The Hogarth Press'. Virginia & Leonard were rejected from the St. Bride’s school of printing (because they were not trade union apprentices) so consequently they visited Excelsior Printing Supply Co. where they bought a small, used hand press in March 1917 for £41. They had no prior knowledge of how to work the machine and learnt everything they needed to know from a 16 page pamphlet. Despite the long hours the press required, the Woolfs loved the work and found it exhilarating. The first book was issued from this modest equipment in July 1917. It was a 32 page pamphlet and the title page bore the imprint "Hogarth Press, Richmond 1917". Thus began the life of a publishing house which was to become world famous.

Location

The house is conveniently situated in the very heart of Richmond town centre - much acclaimed for its sophisticated yet charming shops and restaurants. Richmond train station is within just a few hundred yards and provides a rapid overland service direct into London Waterloo, as well as the District Line tube and overland to Stratford - via north London. Local schools enjoy an excellent reputation and are considered amongst the best in the country. Richmond Park and a particularly scenic stretch of the River Thames are also nearby and provide an ideal retreat from the hubbub of daily life.

Square Footage: 3,603 sq ft