Hampton Court Road, East Molesey

A fine and beautifully restored Grade II listed home with a fascinating historic connection to Hampton Court Palace.

Adorned with many original embellishments this delightful home is full of character, yet sympathetically embraces the comforts of modern living. Period features include very high ceilings with intricate cornicing, wall paneling throughout, box sash windows with working shutters, and fireplaces are present to principal rooms. The most prominent feature and worthy of special mention, is the striking galleried staircase with its mezzanine landing, dominated by a magnificent Georgian style 'Lunette' window creating additional light to the centre of the house. 

The approach is via an intimate and well stocked, walled courtyard garden showcasing an ornate entrance and front door.   The atmosphere is apparent the moment you walk along the panelled hallway, which in turn, leads to the main inner hall and staircase.  The scale of the rooms are particularly noticeable. This is most evident in the kitchen / dining room measuring some; 20' 1" x 15' 3" (6.12 x 4.65m) and drawing room above; 19' 6" x 17' 2" (5.95 x 5.23).  On the lower ground level is access to a double bedroom with beamed ceiling, adjacent to this, a shower room and separate guest cloakroom with W/C. 

On the raised ground half landing is access to another double bedroom with adjoining dressing / laundry room which takes you through to the main bathroom. 

On the first floor - off the galleried landing - is access to a further double bedroom which is beautifully furnished and rather inviting with its charming fireplace.  To complete the accommodation an impressive drawing room commands a gracious feel with its stunning Georgian fireplace and three large, multi paned sash windows, bathing the room in natural light.  This lovely room boasts delightful views across Hampton Court Green.

Floor area: 156 sqm / 1,679 sqft.  

History

Rustat Lodge (formerly Palace Gate House) boasts an intriguing link to Hampton Court Palace dating back to the 1500s.  By 1640 it was the official residence of Thomas Smithsby, the Under House Keeper of the Palace responsible for managing operations of the Palace in all its aspects. Smithsby lived at the house until he surrendered his office in 1656 to one of Cromwell's generals after the execution of Charles I. In the late 1600s Jasper English, a court official, gained the lease and upon his death in 1710 his son, Somersett English, was given permission to demolish and rebuild Palace Gate House. Much of the original timber frame of the house was retained and many old timbers were re-positioned in the new house, however by 1734 Somersett English applied to divide his house and was granted permission. The work involved creating a new entrance, replacing windows, creating a hallway and installing a suspended wooden floor. After the death of Somersett English Palace Gate House was leased to various tenants. In the mid 1800s Palace Gate House and the two adjacent buildings were re-amalgamated to lodge the Palace Police who had been recruited to cope with the demanding crowds following the opening of Hampton Court Palace by Queen Victoria to the public. By the turn of the century Palace Gate House was being used as part of a restaurant and tea room yet by the turn of this century the property was once again neglected. In 2011 the previous owner bought the freehold of Palace Gate House and spent a couple of years repairing the building and returning it back to a home.  The current owner and custodian (since 2018) has added quality joinery in various locations (incl. a hand-crafted kitchen carefully designed in keeping with the age & style of the building) and also oversaw the installation of a lovely Georgian fireplace to the drawing room. Listed Building Consent were consulted for these works.  

Location 

Rustat Lodge is situated just moments from Hampton Court Palace - visible from the front garden. The front of the property overlooks Hampton Court Green, with the Coppernose cafe, Mute Swan and The Mitre just around the corner which are popular with locals and visitors alike.  Across the bridge you will the find the bustling Hampton Court Village (& Station) buzzing with fine restaurants, bars and pavement cafes, as well as other refreshing independent retailers, art galleries and antique shops.  Also nearby is access to Bushy and Home Parks opening to 1,850 acres (745 hectares) of protected royal parkland inhabited with an array of natural wildlife and deer.  Hampton Court Station (zone 6) is less than 250 mts away, providing regular trains into London Waterloo in around 33 minutes. Road links are also excellent with the M3 being just 4 miles away, linking to the M25 and M4.  Heathrow airport is located about 10 miles away which can also be reached from the 111 bus stop nearby.  Richmond upon Thames was once again voted No.1 London Borough (Telegraph, 2025) based on data driven analysis of 34 categories.  Much of this relates to the immediate vicinity with the Palace playing host to annual shows, cultural, and music events throughout the year.  For those that are eligible the London Freedom Pass extends to this location.