All Saints House, Richmond

Description

All Saints House is a converted church in the borough of Richmond-upon-Thames. Retaining many of the building’s original features both inside and out, this 19th-century church has been exquisitely and sympathetically re-imagined to create a show-stopping seven-bedroom family home.

The Royal Borough of Richmond has been the playground for kings and queens for centuries. While it’s only a short distance to the centre of London from Richmond station, it has that leafy, elegant charm of the Cotswolds on a summer’s day. The Thames flows calmly through the centre, and Richmond Park is an enchanting place with herds of red deer, broad boulevards, and shaded woodland filled with wildflowers. Shopping is boutique, dining is Michelin-starred, and every aspect of life in Richmond has an element of sophistication and refinement. With Ham Polo Club just over a ten-minute walk away, leisurely walks or high-energy sports are all part of All Saints House’s highly desirable offering.

All Saints House is reached down a private roadway, so you get the full impact of this extraordinary home as you roll up the driveway. The church once welcomed hundreds of worshippers every Sunday. Now it’s the exclusive preserve of up to 14 guests. Step into the main living area, and you’re in an opulent, cavernous space with towering brick arches. A huge yet cosy social area is filled with plush, bespoke furniture.

With an eye-catching backdrop of Union Flag wall hangings and individual touches that tell the tale of this incredible building, every element has been selected to match the personality of the former church. Large windows give this space a light, airy feeling. The honey-gold herringbone floor balances the deep red of the bricks and the mahogany balustrades that run around the upper level. On this mezzanine level, you’ll find a second sitting room that utilises the upper arches as accents, offsetting the brickwork’s warm tones with simple yet beguiling white furnishings.

The kitchen takes a more modernist approach, with sleek lines and top-of-the-range appliances for the most discerning of chefs. A large breakfast bar and dining area make family breakfasts and informal lunches a social affair. The games room leads on from the main living area, providing entertainment for young and young-at-heart guests alike. There’s even a chrome-covered motorbike sitting in the corner.

Wander down a flight of steps into what was once the church crypt, and you’ll find the spa, complete with marble wall freezes and a lapis lazuli-coloured mosaic pool. One of the guest rooms is also on the lower level, featuring a comfortable double bed and ensuite that picks up on the striking blue mosaic theme.

On the second level, you’ll find another sitting area with snuggly sofas, and one of the building’s most resplendent guest suites. Featuring a super-king-size bed and a giant ‘pocket watch’ clock on the wall, this bedroom has a distinctive semicircular shape complete with multiple windows, some of which still have the original stained glass ecclesiastical figures.

The third floor houses the primary suite and two further guest rooms. The primary suite is, quite simply, magnificent. The super-king-size four-poster bed sits beneath the tower’s incredible domed ceiling and is lit with a crystal chandelier. The ensuite is utterly enchanting, with a bowed arched ceiling and brightly patterned tile floor. The two additional guest rooms have a super-king and a king-sized bed, respectively, and delightful ensuites with brickwork features and indulgent soak tubs.

A guest cottage provides additional space for up to four people, with a super-king-size master bedroom with a four-poster bed and a second guest room with a king-size bed. Two inviting sitting rooms offer plenty of space to relax, and the kitchen features original columns, an attractive dining area, and custom features such as an authentic butler’s sink.

Outside, the tranquillity of the gardens wraps All Saints House in rural bliss and flower-filled beauty. Outdoor seating and dining areas invite guests to enjoy those balmy summer days. The garden backs onto Richmond Golf Course, and the centre of Richmond is a short and serene stroll away along the riverside.

Whether you’re enjoying some quiet contemplation in the simple yet divine living room at the top of a bell tower, or working in the office space illuminated by a stained glass rose window, a sojourn at All Saints House is a utterly unique experience from start to finish.