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.
-
Northwold Manor: 'A place of delight once more after half a century of chaos and neglect'A heroic restoration project has transformed Northwold Manor in Norfolk — home of Professor Warwick Rodwell and Ms Diane Gibbs — after more than 50 years of being left neglected. It has also illuminated its remarkable history, as John Goodall explains; photography by Paul Highnam for Country Life.
-
In search of London’s earliest pintEarly houses — pubs open in the early hours to feed and water the market trade — have been a cornerstone of London for centuries. Yet, as Will Hosie finds, they aren’t stuck in the past.
-
A 14-bedroom 'miniature Downton Abbey' to call your own — and there's not a penny of Mansion Tax to be paidNorton Manor is an incredible period home that's on the market for £1.3 million.
-
The dream ski chalet for sale: Plan world domination and ski Japow at the same timeEach week, James Fisher fantasises about a dream ski chalet he'd like to buy, but can't — from architecturally striking marvels, to cosy mountain retreats, and everything in between. This week, we are off to the top of the Rusutsu resort in Japan.
-
A country home that comes with a perfect lifestyle business: one of Britain's oldest vineyardsAstley Vineyard in Worcestershire, and the lovely house that it comes with, are looking for a new owner.
-
Magna Carta Island for sale on the Thames, complete with the stone tablet on which Magna Carta itself is said to have been sealedThis beautiful house on a private island on the River Thames isn't just a charming home — it's one with an extraordinary tale to tell.
-
'Good news, let’s make the £20 million deal happen': The Mansion Tax that turned out to be 'the least worst outcome for prime property', and the places that will be hitWhere in Britain are the £2 million homes set to be hit by the Mansion Tax? Anna White takes a look.
-
The Mansion Tax is here: Who will be hit, when and for how muchChancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has announced that the mansion tax will come into force in England and Wales from April 2028.
-
A wreck's renaissance: The 150-year-old mill that was falling apart stone by stone, now a beautiful Highland home ready for the next century and a halfBogbain Mill's award-winning transformation was a labour of love for the owner, but it's now time for them to move on.
-
Old rectories are the second most sought-after homes in Britain, and this idyllic £2.45 million home is a perfect example of whyPenny Churchill looks at the wonderfully pretty Oakley House in Hampshire.
