Hillbrow, Richmond Hill, London TW10

Situated in a well-maintained, interwar-built modernist block in the Richmond Hill Conservation Area, this lateral four-bedroom apartment has been sensitively renovated by its current architect owner, who has paid meticulous attention to details and finishes. The reconfigured layout results in a series of harmoniously conceived rooms that receive a beautiful light from windows along the north and south-facing aspects. In addition to communal grounds in front of the building, this apartment also has a private balcony that extends from the open-plan living room. Hillbrow sits in an area known for its impressive outdoor spaces; within easy reach are Richmond Park, Kew Gardens and the Thames Path.

The Tour

Built in 1937, Hillbrow’s robust red-brick façade is punctuated by the gridded, white-framed glazing; as is typical of the period, wide horizontal glazing is paired with vertical glazing that traces up the communal stairwells. A gilded gold wooden building plaque hangs above the intricate detailing on the front doors and signals the well-maintained communal areas beyond. In the lobby, the dramatic curves of the art deco staircase draw the eye upwards.

The apartment sits on the first floor and can also be accessed via a lift. A hallway unfurls within and is laid with the Austrian-imported pale oak herringbone flooring that runs throughout. To the left is the open-plan living and kitchen area, which receives a wonderful day-long light from south-facing windows overlooking the private balcony. A bay window to one side is a particularly lovely spot to sit and look towards Richmond Hill. It has been appointed with a carefully considered neutral palette, though contrasting moments are brought by sleek black units both in the living space and kitchen.

Taking an L-shape, the kitchen has integrated appliances, a quartz worktop and a long shelf running above, ideal for displaying cookbooks and other objects. There is space for a six or eight-person dining table beneath Design House Stockholm ceiling lights. Curated detailing runs throughout, with exquisite Austrian doors and handles echoing the refinement of the flush architraves and skirting. The sliding lobby door and recessed curtain tracks epitomise the seamless approach to interior design.

The two largest bedrooms bookend the family bathroom, with views across the gloriously green gardens in the front and rear. Also adopting the home’s gentle Japandi-style palette, both have soothing schemes as well as generous built-in storage and wooden panelling. The two other bedrooms are currently used as a home gym and office respectively, with additional shelving tucked beneath the deep sill windows.

The rear bathroom has a bath and a double sink, along with grey porcelain tiling. A second shower room lies at the front of the plan, tucked behind a handy utility room.

Outdoor Space

Branching off from the sitting room, the private balcony overlooks the communal greenery at the front of the building. The perfect south-facing spot for morning coffee or an after-dinner drink care of its position, there is plenty of space for a bistro table and chairs.

The Area

Hillbrow sits on an elevated positioned on the brow of Richmond Hill, under 10 minutes from the River Thames and Richmond’s bustling town centre, which is home to Scott’s (of Mayfair) and local favourite The Prince’s Head. There is also a variety of thriving independent shops and eateries nearby, including the Richmond Hill Bakery, only a three-minute walk away in what is known as the Richmond Hill village. The wonderful Petersham Nurseries, is a 15-minute walk away and houses a Michelin Green-starred restaurant as well as the perennially excellent garden centre. There is also a weekly weekend farmers’ market at the Richmond Duck Pond Market.

Though the apartment itself has incredible views across the River Thames, Terrace Gardens is a wonderful green space nearby with a riverside outlook; it is also home to the delightful Hollyhock Cafe. The ancient woodland of Richmond Park, London’s largest Royal Park and a national nature reserve, is under a 10-minute walk away and is famed for the historic herds of deer roving through its 2,500 acres. Among an abundance of activities, there is also the fantastic no-frills Pools on the Park lido which stays open all summer long. The lido was the brainchild of architect Leslie Gooday, whose brief was to replace the former Richmond Baths. Pools on the Park also has an indoor pool for cooler weather, housed within a beautifully glazed Grade II-listed building. The fabulous Princess of Wales Conservatory and Kew Gardens are a 14-minute bike ride away and one of just four Unesco locations in London.

There are plenty of excellent independent and state schools nearby, including the neighbouring Vineyard School and the highly regarded Deer Park School. Orleans Park School is a great secondary option within easy reach.

Richmond station is around a 15-minute walk and has both Overground and Underground (District line) services. National rail services also run from Richmond into central London.

Tenure: Share of Freehold
Lease Length: TBC
Service Charge: Approx. £4,500 per annum
Parking: There is secure unallocated residents' parking in the estate.
Council Tax Band: F