Set in Richmond's Old Deer Park surrounded by 6.6 acres of land and the Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Course, this Grade I listed building was commissioned by King George III in 1769. Designed by Sir William Chambers, The Kings Observatory was designed to observe the sky and for astrologists to track the rare phenomenon of Venus crossing the sun.
The cupola built at this time, is the oldest of its type in the world.
This building was used by King George III to house his extensive collection of scientific instruments in the listed display cabinets within the building. It was also used as a classroom for the royal princes and princesses. In 1840, the British association for the advancement of Science took over the property. It was subsequently used by the Meteorological Office before being taken over by the Crown Estate in 1981. Following this, the Crown Estate entered into a long-term lease for the building to be used as offices. In 2014, there was a change of use agreed with the leaseholder for the building so the property could become a single residence. Subsequently, it has undergone a complete renovation, both internally and externally, with the specific intention of restoring the building to its former glories, within a Capability Brown park-like setting.
The property which is arranged over three floors, still retains its many original features and comprises a drawing room, dining room, kitchen, library, 4 bedrooms, 4 en suite bathrooms, utility room, lift, 6.6 acres of grounds which are covered by wild flowers and indigenous grasses landscaped around a lake and boathouse. Extensive security features have also been incorporated into the property. The first floor and lower ground floor also benefit from being fully airconditioned.
The property is available to rent via Knight Frank Richmond and viewable by appointment.
This historic Grade I listed private residence overlooks its own lake and was built for King George III as his Observatory in 1769 by the well-known architect, Sir William Chambers. It stands within the Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Course and has recently been refurbished.
