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" Romneys House was built in 1794 by the renowned 18th century portrait painter George Romney as his residence, studio and gallery. He was the first British artist of note to settle in Hampstead.
Originally called Prospect House for its incredible views across London, in 1806 it was extended to become the Hampstead Assembly rooms, after which the rooms were visited and lectures delivered by important 19th century historical figures including Charles Dickens, Mary Lloyd, John Constable and Michael Faraday.

In the 1930s the house was bought by Sir Clough Williams Ellis, an eccentric architect known for his classical romantic style and above all for his creation of Portmeirion, the Italianate seaside village resort in North Wales. His main contributions to the house were creating additional bedroom spaces on the top floor with south facing windows giving extensive views over the city and adding a large roof terrace, roof studio and a playful Italianate style staircase within the entrance portico.

In later years the previous owners acquired an 18th century cottage accessed from Holly Hill which was incorporated into the house.
The current owners undertook an extensive restoration, redesign and extension with award winning 6A architects, Dan Pearson Studio and Ilse Crawford, and Romneys House now provides spectacular lateral and elegant living accommodation of circa 9000 sq ft arranged over four floors.

DESCRIPTION

Through the imposing portico, the generous reception hall leads to a spacious and beautifully designed 32‘ long kitchen dining room fitted with bespoke architect designed handmade painted, solid wood cabinetry, including a large four metre island and a wall of curved units with hidden appliances, which opens out onto a landscaped upper terraced garden, a walk in pantry, scullery and storage room with access to a dumb waiter servicing all floors as well as a separate study.
An elegant formal drawing room with 12 high ceilings opens onto a lower garden terrace. There is a cosy separate family room, a large fitted boot room and a guest WC. A new oval staircase and belvedere tower connect the four floors seamlessly.

On the first floor the three bedroom suites and living area all feature 18 high ceilings. The library hall leads to the principal bedroom, entered through grand 8 high double doors, which was originally George Romneys studio. It is a dramatic double volume space with a fireplace, two separate dressing rooms, one with an en suite bathroom and one with a stunning en suite double height shower room.
The two further bedrooms are separated by a playroom with incredible curved walls and a minstrels gallery, each with bespoke architect designed fitted curved cupboards, freestanding baths and en suite shower rooms. Three huge sash windows in these rooms feature very rare pull up early 19th century shutters.

On the half landing leading to the second floor is a magnificent curved window with views over London, leading up to a light filled lounge area, a double bedroom with views out to Fenton House, a further study bedroom, shower room and kitchenette.
The large stunning panoramic roof terrace converted by Clough Williams Ellis features a studio with kitchen facilities and a living area and has breathtaking views over Hampstead rooftops and London‘s skyline.

The lower ground floor comprises a large entertainment games room with a vaulted ceiling, lightwells with seating and hidden storage as well as a gym area, two large cellars, a plant room, a WC and a good sized utility room.

Additionally, the adjoining one bedroom cottage which connects to the main house and offers direct access to Holly Hill, provides fully refurbished separate living and bedrooms over three floors, perfect for guests or staff accommodation.

There is a generous double carport providing covered car parking and storage accessed through double gates with additional off street parking for 4 5 cars. The landscaping was designed by Dan Pearson studio and offers mature planted upper and lower terraces which run to approximately 72‘ across the width of the property, with specially designed garden lighting and water features.

Today Romneys House stands as a testament to its rich past and the current owners have so carefully and lovingly restored its charm, respecting its heritage while infusing it with modern functionality and design.

Tenure Freehold
Council Tax Band H
Rating Authority Camden
EPC Exempt Grade I listed building "