Buy a family home in seclusion next to Richmond Park
Find out why creative types are leaving central London for new leafy townhouses
PRIVACY is becoming the new buzzword in high-end property. As London’s population grows and house-building becomes a top political priority, homeowners are becoming increasingly reluctant to live on top of their neighbours. In search of a room of their own, away from prying eyes and crowds of tourists, prospective buyers are looking to gated developments in the suburbs.
Pembroke Gardens in East Sheen is a collection of new builds that’s appealing to a kind of affluent professional who just wants to retreat from the city into a cosy cocoon of family life. Set in a leafy part of south west London, renowned for good schools and its proximity to the open spaces and deer of Richmond Park, East Sheen is the sort of place where creatives choose to settle down. As such, it’s attracted an illustrious clientele including comedians Catherine Tate, Omid Djalili, and broadcasters Sir Trevor McDonald and Andrew Marr. Its most impressive claim to fame is that it’s the birthplace of Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the world wide web.
Pembroke Gardens, though, is a much humbler prospect. The scheme, by local developer Richstone Properties, comprises four houses and two flats. The flats and one of the family homes were sold late last year but the remaining three houses are on the market this weekend. These secluded new builds are hidden away behind a secure entry gate that hoards landscaped gardens and dedicated off-street parking for each house.
But the gardens aren’t far from the hustle and bustle of East Sheen town centre. Mortlake Station is the main transport hub, where you can catch regular South West Trains to Waterloo in just under half an hour.
But most of Pembroke Garden’s appeal lies in its attractiveness – something that can’t be said for high rise developments in central London. The new homes have a fan in Zac Goldsmith, MP for Richmond Park, who recently called it “an impressive development, and cleverly arranged to maximise light and space,” achieving this with roof lights and large windows. Inside, the developer has hired local interior design talent Ana Barreto, who has fitted contemporary kitchens with granite work surfaces, giant glass-screened walk-in showers and sold wooden flooring.
David Rich-Jones, chief executive officer of developer Richstone Properties, expects them to sell out fast. He says, “This style of home seems to be finding favour with growing families wishing to settle in one of London’s safest and leafiest postcodes.”
Prices start at £1.395m for a three-bedroom house. For viewings, call Featherstone Leigh on 020 8876 4567 or visit featherstoneleigh.co.uk.
PEMBROKE GARDENS, EAST SHEEN, FROM £1.395M