An observatory built so that George III could view the stars is to be transformed into a home with seven bedroom suites and an underground swimming pool.
If approved, the Grade I-listed King’s Observatory in The Old Deer Park, Richmond will be turned into an 18,500 sq ft residence also featuring a cinema, games room, gym and garages for 16 cars.
The observatory was built in 1769 to the designs of architect Sir William Chambers and its gardens were designed by Capability Brown.
After the death of the king —who inspired the film The Madness of King George — the observatory was loaned to various scientific bodies before being taken over by the Met Office, which used it for almost 70 years. Its freehold belongs to the Crown Estate but the lease was bought by Hong Kong firm Kew Holdings Ltd in 1989. It has been vacant for some time.
The company has commissioned architects Donald Insall Associates — who have worked on the Houses of Parliament and the Royal Albert Hall — and interior designers Inarc to renovate the house and create an underground extension.
A property on such a scale could be worth about £30 million. Richmond council’s planning committee is expected to approve the plans on Thursday.
