The King's Observatory in Richmond isn't the most expensive place to rent in London – this terraced house in Mayfair, for example, is just under three and a half times more per month (£173,333) than the former royal observatory in Old Deer Park costs (£50,000).
Nor is it the largest. It has a relatively-modest four bedrooms, whereas this place in Hampstead has 12.
But if you're a Country Life reader after a truly extraordinary, beautiful and historic home on a long-term let basis in London right now, it's hard to imagine anything more perfect than this wonderful place.
Situated in the heart of Old Deer Park and reached via a road through the Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club, the King's Observatory it's a Grade I-listed marvel built for King George III himself, situated within seven acres of grounds that include its own lake.
King George had a keen interest in science and astronomy, and had the observatory built by Sir William Chambers (architect of Somerset House) just in time to watch the transit of Venus in June 1769. Thereafter many of the King's scientific instruments were kept at the building, in display cases which remain in situ to this day – and which are themselves listed.
The observatory eventually fell out of royal use after George III's death but was given to the recently-inaugurated British Science Association in 1842 as a research facility, and renamed Kew Observatory.
The innovations that came from the place during this time played a critical role in the development of weather forecasting by the nascent Met Office, which eventually used the building as its headquarters for many years.
It remained as an office space for various companies until 2014, when it reverted to its original name and was converted into a private dwelling with four bedrooms, three reception rooms plus a wonderful south-facing library, and four bathrooms.
The job of turning the observatory into a home has been done beautifully, with outstanding craftsmanship and 21st century touches.
It has three floors connected by a lift and has been ‘finished to uncompromisingly high standards,’ say agents, with ‘state-of-the-art audio-visual automation and climate control throughout', including air conditioning.
Then there's the peerless location, views of which can be enjoyed from the roof terrace, across the seven acres of gardens (planted with wild flower varieties), containing four ha-has and the lake complete with its Portland stone boathouse.
Credit: http://thestarandgarterlondon.co.uk
The Richmond landmark overlooking Britain's only listed view to open its doors
One of Richmond's most recognisable landmarks has been converted into plush apartments. Eleanor Doughty reports on The Star and Garter.
Richard E. Grant: 'Not a day goes by without somone quoting Withnail & I at me'
Emma Hughes talks to the actor about Withnail & I, singing for his supper – and sniffing trees.
-
Dawn Chorus: How to listen to The King's new playlist, Spike Milligan's wonky house and Burgh IslandMonday morning's Dawn Chorus round-up finds presidential inspiration, a comedic home and more.
-
If the Volvo ES90 is the answer, what is the question?Volvo's latest luxury saloon car impresses in unexciting ways, with an unwavering commitment to safety and comfort.
-
Five classic country houses for sale, from an equestrian home to a manor with a wisteria-draped pool, as seen in Country LifeOur pick of some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life this week includes a house with a beautiful outdoor pool,
-
A £15m Kensington penthouse with a Mediterranean-style ‘garden in the sky’Arranged over the fifth and sixth floors of a Victorian mansion block, the immaculate apartment has views that stretch as far as Battersea Power Station.
-
A magnificent, sprawling farmhouse that blends the 16th, 20th and 21st centuries, with double-height music room, a superb pool and a 'Spitfire barn'.Willards Farm is an incredible home on the Surrey/West Sussex border that offers a 21st take on the ideals of Sir Edwin Lutyens. Penny Churchill reports.
-
'We’re still using the garden gates from Far from the Madding Crowd': How homes of all shapes and sizes can become stars of the screenRenting your house out for filming can be fun, occasionally alarming, a good revenue stream and might even increase its value.
-
The quirky, cosy and characterful cottage that was once home to Spike Milligan and where Paul McCartney is a neighbourThis very wonky living room is somehow only the third most interesting thing about The Cottage in Hog Hill
-
A glorious 17th century home in one of the most exclusive waterside villages in BritainOrchard House was lucky not to have been sunk beneath the surface of Rutland Water when it was created in the 1970s — but it did, and today this wonderful spot is looking better than ever.
-
A honey-coloured, 300-year-old rectory where every period-house headache has already been solved for youThe Old Rectory is a charming family home that's just undergone an extensive renovation.
-
The sleepy village hall that's been transformed into a breathtaking homeThe Village Hall in Shotley Bridge is a masterful conversion of a much-loved village amenity.
