Hamptons-Richmond: Relocation & Renovation Guide

Interview: Mark Welsh p.2

Welcome to Richmond p.9

Interview: Ultimate flooring p.14 Pubs & Live Music p.16 Interview: Aflair for home p.18 High Street Best p.20

Interview: 3S Architects p.22 Richmond Arts p.24

Interview: Mobalpa Kitchens p.26

Interview: Wild Thomas Gardens p.28

Interview: 3s Architects p.30

Family Days Out p.32

Read the full interview here!

A very warm welcome to Richmond and the surrounding areas from all of us at Hamptons.

You will be moving into one of the most highly regarded towns in London. Desirable homes, tree lined avenues, diverse shops and restaurants and an eclectic, vibrant population.

Hamptons has been matching people with property that’s right for them, locally, nationally and internationally, since 1869. We were pioneers, setting standards that few of our rivals could match and this hasn’t changed since.

Today, 150 years after we first set up home in Pall Mall, with 15 decades of finding property and looking after people under our belt, our clients now consider us to be their, ‘home experts’.

Our Richmond office opened in 1988 and today, some 33 years later , we are one of the best known agencies in the area.

Yours sincerely,

Matthew Gilbert -Head of Sales

Damian Kenley- Head of Lettings

Hamptons offers you a warm welcome to Richmond

Congratulations, if you are house hunting in Richmond you have already won. A home in this great area with all it offers, automatically makes you the envy of many. Now in order to make your transition as smooth and hassle free as possible Hamptons have put together this great guide which will help you choose the best schools, learn a little about planning and building control, read tips on where to shop, eat and lot’s more, all packed into one little guide with clickable links.

Perhaps most importantly we have researched some of the leading local professionals and experts who can help you add value and personalise your soon to be new home. A big WELCOME and enjoy

HISTORY

Richmond was founded following Henry VII’s building of Richmond Palace in the 16th century, where Queen Elizabeth I spent her final days. A village sprung up around the palace, including the Richmond Bridge and a great many Georgian terraces were built around Richmond Green and the Hill. The JMW Turner painting from circa 1820 shows the view from Richmond Hill over the Thames, surrounded by peaceful meadows. Other famous former and current inhabitants include Virginia Woolf, Sir David Attenborough, Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood.

Internationally acclaimed for its quality of life and for the fifth time in 2019 voted London’s happiest place to live, Richmond strikes the perfect balance between London and country living.

Lying eight miles southwest of central London, Richmond is steeped in history and houses one of the most scenic stretches of the River Thames, incorporating Richmond Bridge (London’s oldest surviving Thames crossing – circa 1777). It is popular with British and overseas families alike, who are attracted to its beautiful surroundings, such as Royal Richmond Park with its 2,500 acres of wonderful deer inhabited parkland, once a favourite hunting ground for the Sovereigns of yesteryear. The stunning view from the summit of Richmond Hill over Petersham Meadows and the Thames Valley is now protected by an Act of Parliament. Picturesque Richmond Green was once a jousting ground for Henry VIII’s former riverside Palace and is today home to more gentle pursuits, such as Sunday afternoon cricket.

The area is particularly known for its beautifully preserved Georgian homes, with several famous residences still standing including Downe House, The Wick and various parts of the original Richmond Palace. Richmond Green features many Georgian and Victorian townhouses and newer houses and flats. Most of the charming cottages are tucked away off the town centre while some Art Deco flats can be found in Sheen Road. Popular addresses include The Alberts, Richmond Hill, East Twickenham, Petersham and North Sheen.

Richmond Park encompasses almost 2,500 acres and is the largest of London’s Royal Parks and the biggest enclosed open space in London.

Interview with The Ultimate Flooring company

Tell us a little about the background of Ultimate Flooring?

The Ultimate Flooring is a wood flooring shop local to Richmond upon Thames. We work with the world’s leading suppliers to provide only the highest quality wood, laminate, and vinyl floors. With over 25 years of experience working with numerous high-profile clients from London and the home counties, we provide a truly bespoke service for supply, installation, and renovation at the best possible rates.

What are your most popular products and styles?

Our most popular floors tend to be from our designer brands, such as Ted Todd, Quick Step, and Original Timber. Because of our excellent relationships with our suppliers, we can guarantee the best prices on some of the most sought-after floors. Our herringbone ranges have always been incredibly popular, as the style is classic and elegant. However, recently a lot of clients have been opting to use our renovation services to restore their existing floors. This option allows for a bespoke, personalised finish whilst also being environmentally friendly.

Is there a project you are most proud of?

While we are proud of every project we complete, our most rewarding projects are those which require creative and intelligent solutions to overcome a difficult problem. In one instance, we encountered a floor which had underfloor heating pipes laid close to the surface. We needed to cut through the floor to access the joists but could not do this without potentially cutting a pipe. A simple but costly solution would have been to take up the entire floor from the edge to access the joists in the middle. However, the solution we arrived at was to let the floor cool down overnight, and then switch on the underfloor heating and use a thermal imaging camera to view the pipes under the floor. We could then cut through without damaging a single pipe. This solution saved our client two weeks of work in their home and thousands of pounds.

Will you visit a clients home to advise them what to choose?

We are happy to arrange obligation-free surveys for all our clients. It is advisable to visit our showroom on Richmond Hill to see our full range of styles, grades, and finishes, but we will always visit to measure and assess what work is required. During these visits, the client has the opportunity to ask any questions they may have.

What is the best thing about working in South West London?

Working in South-West London is ideal for us because we are accessible to such a range of clients. It ensures that we get a wide variety of different project types in many different areas – from commercial flooring in hotels and skyscrapers to residential projects in town houses and flats. There is no project too hard for our skilled floor fitters, and South-West London provides plenty of exciting work. We have completed projects across London and the Home Counties and have even sent fitters to commercial projects in Brighton, Birmingham, and even Manchester.

Pubs & Live Music

Richmond Vault Beer Cellar & Restaurant

Craft beers carefully sourced from around the world are offered on rotation at this compact bar.

www.richmondvault.co.uk

Roebuck

A Taylor Walker pub and beer garden at the top of Richmond Hill, with views over The Thames.

www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

White Swan Richmond

Off-the-beaten track, country-style pub with Modern European menu, open fire and beer garden.

whiteswanrichmond.co.uk

The Cricketers

Pretty tavern dating from 1770 overlooking the green, with real ales and a British pub menu. www.cricketersrichmond.com

So Bar Richmond

A table service cocktail bar seconds from Richmond Green. Specialising in fresh fruit cocktails, well-made classics and home-made tapas. www.sobar-richmond.co.uk

Shouldyou wish to wet your whistle in Richmond you could hardly have a wider choice. ‘Old school’ inns and taverns, cocktail bars, live music venues, gastropubs, they all abide aplenty in Chiswick. Here are a few suggestions but the best way to find your ‘local’ is surely to take the air and simply explore.

The White Horse, Richmond Spacious, low-ceilinged pub with wooden floors, mismatched tables and an ‘edible’ beer garden. whitehorserichmond.co.uk

The Angel & Crown

Period pub with bare brick walls, offering sport TV, craft lager, cask ales & British food. www.angel-and-crown-richmond.co.uk

Red Cow

The Red Cow of The Ram Pub Company offers a Pub and Dining experience that aims to be a home from home. www.redcowpub.com

Richmond Vault Beer Cellar & Restaurant

Craft beers carefully sourced from around the world are offered on rotation at this compact bar. www.richmondvault.co.uk

Tap Tavern Richmond

Busy, urban pub with a cozy vibe & outdoor seating offering bar food, craft beers & small-batch gin. www.taptavern.co.uk

The Marlborough

Pub with Chesterfield sofas, flock wallpaper and a huge garden that includes a barbecue area. themarlboroughrichmond.co.uk

The Old Ship Richmond

Traditional, wood-panelled pub with a carpeted bar and a courtyard garden, serving British food. www.theoldshiprichmond.com

Q & A with Nick Price of Aflair for Home.

Tell us a little about your background and how Aflair for Home was established?

I’ve been in the creative industry for 20 years. With a passion for home interiors and a frustration that inspiring furniture was largely unaffordable, Aflair for Home was born. Working with furniture makers and interior designers our goal was to curate collections to create contemporary modern spaces for the home that offer flexibility, function, and personality at affordable prices.

How do you select which items to showcase?

Our customers are a constant inspiration. Understanding their lifestyle and the way they want to live influences what furniture we select. Our own team of interior designers are experts who work with customers to choose not only statement furniture but also wallpapers, paints and fabric, rich in texture and colour. From bold statements to neutral tone’s, we reflect each customers personality to create spaces that are unique to them.

Tell us about your manufacturing process?

Aflair prides itself, and our manufacturing partners, on sourcing and manufacturing that is ecological and sustainable. I personally visit our European workshops to see first-hand the build process. We only partner with companies who manufacture with extreme care and a commitment to good working conditions using natural, replaceable materials avoiding treatments with harmful substance emissions. Non-polluting, metal-free and plastic-free raw materials are used to ensure we help save the planet.

Some words of encouragement for Hamptons clients to drop by your showroom?

For us it’s all about a sublime customer experience. Whether you are choosing that small sofa to snuggle down on or re-designing several rooms we’ll take you through a wide choice of options, colours, size and styles. We want you to feel comfortable and relaxed as we take you through a variety of furniture and interior ideas and options that meet your very specific requirements. We’ll give you the time and space to explore what makes you feel right at home.

What do you most enjoy about working in the home interiors industry?

The creativity in my job has always appealed to me. Every customer that walks through our door is unique which is exciting and inspiring. I find the creative process rewarding when a customer is hesitant about a treatment, but through collaboration we create a vision.

I enjoy working closely with our customers to provide them with interiors that match their lifestyle whether the customer is starting from a blank canvas or has researched the many avenues available through the media world we live in. Nothing provides me with greater pleasure than customers returning to explore new ranges, styles and colours. It’s like an old friend inviting me back into their home.

Local Hotspots

Enjoy an artisan coffee, while exploring great fashion boutiques right in the picturesque heart of Richmond!

PAUL Richmond

Cake cake, glorious cake! It’s what we do best at PAUL and we’d even say our cakes are a slice above the rest!

www.paul-uk.com

Kiss the Hippo Coffee Richmond

Kiss the Hippo has become a totally carbon negative coffee brand.

www.kissthehippo.com

Coffeeology

Artisan Coffee

Freshly-ground coffee along with cakes and sandwiches in a bright, contemporary cafe. https://artisancoffee.co.uk

GAIL’s Bakery Richmond

More than 30 types of bread are offered at this chain bakery serving coffee, breakfast and lunch. www.gailsbread.co.uk

The Ivy Cafe Richmond

All-day cafe-style dining from The Ivy with a casual air & Modern European menu of familiar dishes.

theivycaferichmond.com

Tide Tables Cafe

Hip veggie and vegan cafe in converted arches with a large, tree-shaded terrace next to ferry dock.

www.tidetablescafe.co.uk

Speciality coffee, home baked cakes and fresh juices. a place with soul and real people.

www.coffeeology.me.uk

11 Coffee & Co. Sheen

11coffee.co.uk

Feather & Stitch

16 King St, Richmond

TW9 1ND

www.featherandstitch.com

Anna Boutique

A unique shopping experience with an Italian twist

44 Hill Rise, London

TW10 6UB

www.annaboutique.com

Anthropologie

Chain selling boho-chic womenswear, shoes, accessories & home decor (some feature wedding attire).

70-72 George St, Richmond

TW9 1HE

www.anthropologie.com

Sheen Uncovered and Ruby Blue

281-287 Upper Richmond Rd

W, London SW14 8QS

https://www.sheenuncovered. co.uk

www.sheenuncovered.co.uk

Whistles

19 Hill St, Richmond

TW9 1SX

www.whistles.com

Sweaty Betty

Chain retailer of fashionable women’s sport and exercise clothing, underwear and accessories.

2 The Quadrant, Richmond

TW9 1BP

www.sweatybetty.com

TOAST

2 Paved Ct, Richmond

TW9 1LZ

www.toa.st

Rocket & Wolf

424a Richmond Rd, East Twickenham, Twickenham

TW1 2EB

www.rocketandwolf.com

May London

Sheengate Mansions, 245 Upper Richmond Rd W, London SW14 8QS

https://www.shopmay.co.uk

Interview with Reinhard Weiss from 3S Archtects

Please tell us a little about the background of 3S Architects?

3s architects was founded as a partnership in 2000 by a German and an American architect with the core idea to add creative modern designs to character and period properties. 3s Architects is now a limited company headed by founding director Reinhard Weiss with a team of experienced architects specialising in private residential projects. With our international background and former experience from leading London and international practices, we are bringing new ideas and technologies to every project. We believe, private properties deserve as much attention to detail as commercial and civic projects. We aim to add value through sound conceptual and technical design to build high quality and long lasting homes which will stand the test of time. Over the last 20 years we have realised hundreds of projects – renovations, extensions and new builds - and we continue to contribute to our local community as well as building projects across the UK and international locations.

What is your definition of a great architect?

A good architect is a professional, who listens to their clients to interpret their brief, and through his or her architectural experience prepares designs to an advanced level, overseeing a project from concept through to completion. Throughout a project and on site, the architect represents the client, and they should be competent in all aspects of the design and building process, and accomplished at communicating with a multitude of consultants, manufacturers and tradesmen/builders to prepare and coordinate the designs. They will be good leaders with strong vision who can convince everyone involved which direction the design and project should lead throughout the process. As an individual, they have exceptional design skills and an aptitude for lateral thinking with a strong design style and ethos. They are optimists and enablers, able to provide direction to the client to achieve the best designs possible. They are flexible enough to adapt to situations as they arise without being thrown off course from what it is that will give the project and architecture integrity.

Much of the process in architecture is a team effort - great architecture is born out of great team work, good clients, consultants and good contractors with the architect taking the lead.

What words of encouragement would you give to a potential client who is considering making that first call to you?

Extending your house or building a new home can be a daunting task, but with a good professional team, creative designs and the correct preparation nearly anything is possible.

Designing and building your dream home is a journey full of challenges, but it can be an exciting and rewarding process. Choosing an experienced architect with a good track record, as your trusted partner, makes the building process for the client as enjoyable as possible.

What major changes have you seen during your time practising in London in terms of clients demands and design trends?

The underlying demand to bring more light into period properties connected with the desire for more habitable spaces; to improve the connection, traditional houses have with their gardens and landscape; extending at basement level with cinema rooms and gyms; reconfiguring internal spaces to improve the flow with open plan arrangements, embracing modern designs and interiors by introducing innovative products and materials as well as advanced technologies. And recently the addition of garden pavilions as home offices or recreational spaces.

Tell us about a residential project you are most proud of?

Most of our projects have something unique – with inspiration drawn from the physical context or an intimate relationship between the inside and outside and connection to a garden landscape. It is difficult to choose any single project as the one we are most proud of, but there are a number that stand out. Some of our best residential design projects are when we are able to transform a mundane or unlock a badly laid out house to create an inspiring and light filled home which has a positive identity and character. Redesigning the inside and out, reinstating historical character where needed and contrasting this with simple well-crafted modern designs can bring a timeless clean elegance.

Perhaps one of our favourites was the redesign of a family home in Kew for the former owner of the Rock Garden Café, a restaurant and venue which attracted famous bands for gigs in the 80s. The client was great fun bringing a lot of their personality to the project. They deliberately bought the ugliest house on the street because they knew they could do almost anything they wanted to it. When we first saw the house it was very poorly laid out, with multiple changes in level across the ground floor and a stair located within the centre which was dark and an obstacle. We redesigned & extended the house from top to bottom, added a new basement, extensions, replaced the original stair with a modern open tread stair with a glass façade overlooking the rear garden and opened the space up to improve the flow of the house with great connection to the garden. Others include the refurbishment and extension of a property on Sheen Road, owned once by one of three daughters of a local property developer, with its cantilevered glass extension hovering above the rear garden. Amongst our most exciting projects currently under construction are a new villa on the Greek island of Lefkada which nestles semi-buried into a steeply sloping site overlooking the sea and a modern copper clad house in the rural village of Dummer.

Your favourite aspect of life in South West London?

SW London has all the elements for a good life – boasting the largest green open spaces in London including Hampton Court, Bushy Park, Wimbledon Common, Richmond Park, and the meadows around the river Thames; its strategic position with easy access to London as well as the countryside of Thames Valley and its benefit from the great mix of people and cultures London has to offer, which brings with it fresh views and a willingness to explore new ideas expressing itself in their architecture and design.

3s architects

17A Princes Rd, Richmond TW10 6DQ

020 8332 9966

www.3s-ad.com

Richmond Arts

Richmond town centre is a true cultural hotspot, hosting galleries, museums, two famous theatres and two excellent cinemas.

Richmond Theatre is one of the most successful theatres in the country presenting a wide range of quality drama, record breaking musicals, opera, dance and family entertainment each year. It welcomes a quarter of a million theatre goers to over 40 outstanding productions annually and is a venue for local arts organisations charities to meet, perform and enjoy the theatre

Theatresonline.com

Richmond Theatre

The present Richmond Theatre, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, is a British Victorian theatre located on Little Green, adjacent to Richmond Green. It opened on 18 September 1899 with a performance of As You Like It.

1 Little Green, Richmond

TW9 1QH

0333 009 6690

www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre

Orange Tree Theatre

The Orange Tree Theatre is a 180seat theatre at 1 Clarence Street, Richmond in south-west London, which was built specifically as a theatre in the round. It is housed within a disused 1867 primary school, built in Victorian Gothic style.

1 Clarence St, Richmond

TW9 2SA

www.orangetreetheatre.co.uk

Puppet Theatre Barge - Richmond

Described as one of London’s more elusive treasures, it is an established 55 seat theatre with comfortable seating and all modern facilities and is unique. 87 Petersham Rd, Richmond

TW10 6UT

Richmond Shakespeare Society

“ One of our best Amateur Companies” (Essential Surrey)

The Mary Wallace Theatre, The Embankment, Twickenham TW1 3DU

www.richmondshakespeare.org.uk

The Richmond Shakespeare Society (Registered Charity No 276271) performs eight productions a year at The Mary Wallace Theatre, by the riverside in Twickenham. Our programme includes a vast array of plays from all eras, from Ancient Greece, Shakespeare to the modern day. Our Summer Show is an open-air production in the gardens of neighbouring York House.

French kitchen chic in the heart of Richmond

Welcome to Mobalpa the dream kitchen range in the heart of Richmond. Learn here about all your kitchen needs when moving into your new home!

HOW DOES MOBALPA HELP ME?

Prior to entering into a partnership with an expert, it is most important to understand the various phases required for a successful layout. This is the reason why Mobalpa guarantees its dedication throughout the entire project for a new interior that will grow to be your haven of tranquility.

BY INSPIRING YOU

Learn more about our kitchen models, bathrooms and storage on our Internet site and catalogues. Get inspired with our thematic portfolios and articles. Combine colours and materials with our inspiring configurator and turn your dreams into reality.

AN IN-STORE PERSONALISED WELCOME

An improved lifestyle begins as soon as you walk in the door of our store. You can roam at leisure or request some expert assistance. We greet you and identify your requirements, aspirations and budget.

AN EXPERT CONSULTATION WITH YOUR DESIGNER

The assistance provided by one of our expert designers can be priceless and extremely helpful in conceiving your project. Our designer will meet with you in order to clearly determine your expectations and aspirations. We will also be on hand throughout the project to ensure accuracy and your satisfaction from start to finish.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR EXPECTATIONS AND ASPIRATIONS

It is essential that we fully understand your expectations and limitations. Together we evaluate your project’s budget, in accordance with your requirements and lifestyle.

A WELL DESIGNED PROJECT

Your designer will provide with various installation sketches with a global perspective based on environment and dimensions. Together you will identify the possible layouts in accordance with the ergonomic constraints, esthetics and technical aspects of your interior.

QUALIFIED MEASUREMENT AT YOUR HOME

Our designer will pay a visit at your home in order to technically validate the dimensions and constraints of your interior, making certain that your project meets your environment, and technical standards.

A 3D LAYOUT OF YOUR PROJECT

In order to better visualize your project, we create a model using the latest graphics software and provide you with an incredibly realistic 3D perspective. You can directly visualize your future interior.

A DETAILED PRICE QUOTATION BASED ON YOUR BUDGET

Your designer will produce a detailed quotation based upon your individual requirements and budgets.

DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION SERVICE

A project should be monitored from start to finish and the delivery and installation services will be provided in detail and included in your individual quotation.

Q&A with Karen & Jake from Wild Thomas Gardens

WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND OF WILD THOMAS GARDENS?

After working in the film and television industry for 10 years as a camera assistant and then a stills photographer, Jake decided a change of careers was in order and started to work with a landscaping company. Over the last 5 years Jake has developed a healthy (?) obsession with plants, having loved the natural world from a young age. Karen is a painter and is a very natural designer and has a design and project management background. For the last few years, Jake had been wanting to create a gardening company that put more emphasis on healthy outdoor spaces and investing in local eco systems. In 2020 the time was right and we decided to combine our skills and start Wild Thomas Gardens.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS?

The ethos for Wild Thomas Gardens was born from the idea that gardens can be beautiful, inspiring places that are not only beneficial to our wellbeing and mental health but are an incredibly important way to give back to the land we live on. We wanted to build a company that focused on the environmental aspects of gardening to create spaces for people and wildlife to co-exist.

If gardens are thoughtfully designed, they are a fantastic way to be able to care and contribute to the health of our cities and to ensure the survival of species that are so important for our environments wellbeing. We feel the opportunity to create ‘wilder’ gardens will lead to happier people, happier wildlife, and if enough people start gardening with a looser hand, it will benefit the planet as well. Through Wild Thomas Gardens we have combined Jakes knowledge of plants – he is a an RHS qualified Horticulturist – and Karen’s organisational and design skills to create a gardening company that we would want to hire. A company that places emphasis on creating beautiful outdoor space that gives back.

WHICH PROJECT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

All of them!

WHAT’S YOUR PROCESS FROM RECEIVING THE INITIAL PHONE CALL?

We arrange a time to come and have a look at the site and take measurements. When we are there, we talk through your ideas and how you want to use your space. Once we have your wish list, we create a design around this and present you with a plan drawing and plant file which illustrates the plants that we want to use. We plant according to aspect, taste and style, and also time of year. It’s very important to work with the seasons and use plants that perform at different times of year so there is always something interesting happening!

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT RUNNING WILD THOMAS GARDENS?

Getting to work outdoors and creating beautiful, useful and beneficial spaces for people and wildlife to enjoy.

Interview with Hector Gauld, King of Cotton!

King of Cotton is a name that grabs ones attention, tell us a little about your company story?

The Company name has been in use in it’s Italian form ‘Re di Cotone’ since 1880 and with the permission of my brother in law in Italy, we started the UK arm in 1995 with the aim of supplying Hotels with premium products sourced throughout the world, but principally in Italy.

So began the UK version of ‘King of Cotton’ and over the years the Company developed a reputation for providing high quality cotton products at a fair price, coupled with a high level of service.In 2003 www.kingofcotton.com was launched, allowing a wide range of beautiful products to be made available to all who required premium products, that were difficult to find, at prices that were designed for a corporate world.

Your products are chosen by some of the world’s most luxurious hotel brands do you think this is a factor in your popularity with homeowners?

I think there is a certain element of trust created with our customers because of our association with well Known Hotel brands, and Choosing a good quality cotton that will be soft, hard wearing and luxurious can often come down to the faith you place in the brand you choose.

Our customers certainly feel reassured that the products that they buy from us, are in turn trusted by some of the most discerning and selective Hotels.

Have you seen any changes or shifting trends in peoples bedding preferences over the years?

In the early days, there seemed to be a popularity amongst private buyers for easy care bed linen, but that ease of laundering comes with the addition of Polyester yarns, something that we have always steered away from, because it detracts not only from the comfort and breathability of the bed linen but also from our ethos of offering totally natural products. We sell natural Cotton products and Polyester is not something we like to involve in our business, and thankfully these days there is a much higher demand for 100% cotton than in previous years.

So if a Hamptons client is preparing to move into their beautiful new home sum up for us why they need to be visiting your website?

Hamptons clients can purchase everything they need in cotton for their new bedrooms and bathrooms, delivered from an extensive stockholding in Surrey, including a wide range of beds, all the associated linens, towels and accessories, in the widest range of thread counts and sizes in the UK. With prices designed mainly for a corporate world, customers will find true value and a wide choice at King of Cotton especially when using the discount code that is offered in association with Hamptons International.

Where do you see the Company 5 years from now?

I believe that Cotton is one commodity that will be in demand forever. There have been many alternative fabrics that have come and gone, like Tencel, Bamboo, nylon, Modal and other synthetics, but Cotton has outlasted them all.

We will keep striving to offer the finest cotton products from around the world, for a fair price, sourced from highly vetted manufacturers and growers, with a focus on sustainability.

In five years from now we hope to be able to look back on the past 30 plus years and feel proud that we maintained the traditions of those early Italians way back in 1880 in Lombardia, Italy.

Family days out

Richmond is a great destination for a family trip offering entertainment for kids of all ages. We’ve picked some of the most popular family-friendly things to do and sorted them into a handy list.

Richmond Park

Richmond Park has protected status as an important habitat for wildlife and is a National Nature Reserve, London’s largest Site of Special Scientific Interest and a European Special Area of Conservation.

Richmond Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and covers an area of 2500 acres. Enjoy a long relaxing stroll or enjoy a more energetic bike ride with hire available inside the park or a hilly off road run.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Kew is London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage site offering unique landscapes, vistas and iconic architecture from every stage of the Gardens’ history.

Our collection of living plants is the largest and most diverse in the world.

www.kew.org

Richmond Theatre

The present Richmond Theatre, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, is a British Victorian theatre located on Little Green, adjacent to Richmond Green.

1 Little Green, Richmond TW9 1QH www.atgtickets.com

Museum of Richmond

The Museum of Richmond tells the story of Richmond from prehistory, through its rise in prominence as a royal residence in the medieval period to its modern status as a centre of the arts and fashion.

Caring for and giving access to the rich history of Richmond.

www.museumofrichmond.com

The Library Pot

Eat, Play, Laugh at The Library Pot. There’s an eclectic menu for lunch and dinner, accompanied by a selection of over 650 board games. All sorts of Vegetarian and Vegan options. You will find a diversion to suit you. www.librarypot.uk

Petersham Meadows

Petersham Meadows were a part of the estate attached to Ham House from the early 17th Century until the latter years of the 19th Century.

Back of Beyond Adventures

Truly wonderful canoe, kayak and paddle board adventures in Richmond upon Thames, London… Whether you are after a gentle introduction to kayaking or an active office Summer party or some inspiring SUP Yoga with some pretty great people, you have come to the right place.

www.backofbeyonduk.com

Ham House

The House route showcases some of Ham’s finest rooms and collection, including fabulous cabinets and tapestries, paintings by Constable and Reynolds, ornate lacquered furniture, ceilings painted by Antonio Verrio, and beautiful gilded interiors.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house-andgarden.

Creating beautiful interiors with HURST + GILLANDERS

Tell us a little about the background to Hurst + Gillanders, how did you get started?

Together, we have interior design experience of more than 40 years. Emma has worked across three continents on retail and residential projects. Tamsin has focussed primarily on residential projects and property development. We met on the school run and quickly realised that we share a passion for good design. We’ve been very busy in South West London ever since. We are convinced that everyone’s home should be individual and bespoke, whatever the budget.

For those who haven’t appointed an interiors specialist in the past can you talk us through your process?

We work on everything from schemes for small rooms through to whole house renovations and project management. All projects are different and, depending on what stage we get involved, our approach will differ. People often have a misconception about what our job entails. It’s about much more than colours and fabrics! We help the client make informed decisions and offer a full service dealing with all aspects of a project, starting with drafting the floor plans through to dealing with builders’ queries and the chasing of deliveries. We always work closely with our clients in order to discover more about them, their budget and time constraints and design style. Each project is client driven but we are not afraid to guide clients to something new.

Tell us about a project you are most proud of?

Almost every space we design ends up becoming a favourite. Last year we finished a house on Richmond Hill. Our clients had previously lived on the top floor of the house and had gradually acquired the lower levels. The house was converted back to its original townhouse design, with the addition of rear and side extensions. In moving the clients’ living areas to the ground and first floors, we had to ensure that they didn’t lose the sense of light and space that they had previously enjoyed, whilst making sure that the whole house worked hard for them. We combined traditional and modern finishes to create a sympathetic and individual interior.

Do you have an in-house style you are known for or is every project unique?

We work hard not to have a signature look and like to feel we meet the needs of each and every client on an individual basis. Some clients have ambitious ideas and are seeking a complete overhaul, whereas others want a more simple project to freshen things up. With so many ideas out there to draw inspiration from, we find our clients are often looking for help to be brave with colour and finish. All of our clients are looking for relaxed living and a space that can adapt to their needs.

What trends have you seen in the Richmond area over the last 5 years?

We have seen a trend away from open plan living spaces towards more intimate spaces, whilst retaining a focus on connecting with the outside. We have also found that recently our clients are braver with colour, finishes and materials. Since March 2020, many clients have spent a lot more time in and around their homes and many have reappraised what they want their houses to be. They have had time to think about the way they want their homes to feel and look. Generally, homes are having to work much harder than they did in the past and we’ve seen a lot of home offices and gyms! It’s important to remember however that one’s home is still a place for rest and relaxation.

Finally, a word of encouragement for anyone hesitating to get in touch?

We offer a free initial consultation for anyone that is unsure about what they are looking for. We can discuss with you how to use our services in a way that works for you and is within your budget. We enjoy new challenges so, if you are struggling with a difficult space, please do drop us a line.

www.hurstgillanders.co.uk

Phone: Tamsin 07734 753423

Email: hurstgillanders@gmail.com

Local Schools

Where our children spend most of their week and how they are being educated is a decision which should take some serious consideration. We have put together this list of suggestions to make your life a little bit easier. Many local schools and nurseries offer free tours so please go and visit your choice options before making that final important decision.

Richmond’s schools, both state and private, enjoy an excellent reputation and include Oftsed-rated ‘Outstanding’ primary schools The Vineyard and Marshgate. The German School London in Petersham is another of Richmond’s landmark schools; in 1969 Hamptons sold Douglas House to the Federal Republic of Germany to create this now famous school.

The Richmond upon Thames School

Richmond upon Thames School, is a co-educational secondary free school located in Twickenham in the London Borough of Richmond, south-west London, established in September 2017. It is part of the Richmond Education and Enterprise Campus that is being created at the site of Richmond upon Thames College.

Egerton Rd, Twickenham TW2 7SL www.richmonduponthamesschool. org.uk

The Vineyard School

Nestled at the top of Richmond Hill and situated within stunning grounds and first class facilities, The Vineyard has been proudly educating locally in Richmond for over 160 years, finding its final home on our current school site here on Friars Stile Road.

The Vineyard School, Friars Stile Road, Richmond, TW10

6NE

www.vineyard.richmond.sch.uk

Marshgate Primary School

Our high specification building is set in landscaped grounds with spacious play areas, green areas, ecology area and pond. Located at the bottom of Queens Rd and opened in 2002.

157 Queens Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 6HY

www.marshgate.richmond.sch.uk

The German School London

All are independent schools accredited and supported by the Federal Republic of Germany. We cater to pupils from Kindergarten through the bilingual Abitur and the IB diploma.

www.dslondon.org.uk

Interview with design experts

Retro House

How was Retro House Design established?

Design is still viewed as elite only, and so not enough people benefit from it; I think innovative design can drastically improve our houses often at little cost.

I enjoy creating elegant and timeless, yet comfortable spaces that reflect the needs, identities, and aesthetics of each client. The goal is to create a compelling space, that no matter where life takes you, home is always your favourite place to be.

What’s different about your company?

Expressing the client’s vision in a timeless creation. Designing unique spaces and creating comfortable homes with a lasting aesthetic that evolve with your life.

It is a pleasure to get to know my clients and understand their lifestyle and habits so as to offer a made to measure experience. My favourite part of the project is my client’s reaction when they step into their new home for the first time and they can’t decide which room is their favourite as they constantly go back and forth to compare and choose their new bedrooms.

What encouragement would you give to a potential client who is considering contacting you but maybe hesitating?

I understand the limitations of a budget and believe that great space doesn’t need to be expensive. Bringing in an architect early on can protect and add lasting value to your investment, ensure that the works are undertaken in the most efficient manner, ensure maximum functionality and give you pleasure every day you spend living in your home.

Is there a project you are most proud of?

Working for a young development company that had bought a mixed-use building in Oxford, the shop on the ground floor became vacant as businesses suffered during Covid. The developer wanted to imagine a space that would have the flexibility to be used in different ways given the uncertainty coming out of the pandemic.

I created a plan for a space that could work either as a retail unit, an office, a home office or a two-bed flat. We built a glass atrium that acted as a corridor to a two-room rear extension, whilst enhancing the feeling of space and light. Adding a kitchen in the middle of the property created a separation that could be used to divide the client space from the rear offices in a commercial configuration or the living area from the sleeping area in a residential configuration.

Favourite thing about living and working in South West London?

We are very lucky we live in a city with so much history and a very rich architecture. The inspiration is everywhere around us, the lovely and unique nature, the river, it’s in the air we breathe; I take and use it to create a place that works for my neighbours, somewhere they can feel right at home.

Fitness & health

Leading a hectic life? Need somewhere to tone your body, recharge your muscles or simply stretch? We have put together the best locations for you to do just that. Whether you fancy going for a swim or need regular fitness classes, we know that our recommended providers will do their best to keep you in shape.

Richmond Hill Health Club

19 Lewis Rd, Richmond TW9

www.richmondhillhealthclub.co.uk

Digme Fitness

Digme is a beautiful, high tech spin studio in Central Richmond. It has fantastic instructors, friendly staff and an amazing and encouraging group of riders. Highly recommended. Spencer House, 23, Sheen Rd, Richmond, TW9 1BN www.digmefitness.com

Nuffield Health - Fitness & Wellbeing Gym

Twickenham Stoop Stadium, Stoop Memorial Ground, Langhorn Dr, Twickenham TW2 7SX www.nuffieldhealth.com

PureGym London Twickenham

Unit 1 Heath Rd, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham TW1 4AW

www.puregym.com

Virgin Active Rugby Stadium, South Stand, 196 Whitton Rd, Twickenham TW2 7BA www.virginactive.co.uk

Anytime Fitness

1st floor, Regal House, 70 London Rd, Twickenham TW1 3QS www.anytimefitness.co.uk

David Lloyd Hampton

Staines Rd, Twickenham, Feltham TW2 5JD

www.davidlloyd.co.uk

Local Restaurants

Rock And Rose

Colourful, flamboyantly decorated restaurant mixing antique and modern, with an international menu.

106, 108 Kew Rd, Richmond TW9 2PQ www.rockandroserestaurant.com

Gaucho Richmond

Designer furnishings and cowhide fabrics create a lavish backdrop for Argentine food and wine.

Riverside, The Towpath Richmond, Richmond TW10 6UJ

www.gauchorestaurants.com

Bill’s Richmond Restaurant

Contemporary European chain dishing up separate breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch and dinner menus.

1-3 Hill Rise, Richmond TW10 6UQ www.bills-website.co.uk

Buenos Aires Argentine Steakhouse

13-19 The Square, Richmond TW9 1EA

Prime Argentinian steak specialist Buenos Aires majors in moody interiors, South American artwork and Latin music www.barestaurant.com

Cafe Mamma

Family-run Italian spot with long history in the area serves pizza and pasta plus children’s menu. www.caffemamma.co.uk

The Petersham Restaurant

Views over the Thames from discreet hotel restaurant with modern British menu and afternoon tea.

Nightingale Ln, Richmond TW10 6UZ

www.petershamhotel.co.uk

Al Boccon Di’ vino

Intimate, traditional Italian restaurant serving multiple courses selected by the chef.

14 Red Lion St, Richmond

TW9 1RW

www.nonsolovinoltd.co.uk

Sebastian’s Italian

Using the finest and freshest ingredients our chefs pride themselves on creating mouth watering dishes. All our pizza’s are cooked fresh in our real wood fired oven. This ensures our customers experience the true flavour of Italy.

12 King St, Richmond

TW9 1ND

www.sebastiansrichmond.co.uk

The Ivy Cafe Richmond

All-day cafe-style dining from The Ivy with a casual air & Modern European menu of familiar dishes.

9-11 Hill St, Richmond TW9 1SX

www.theivycaferichmond.com

Dragon inn

Chinese favourites as well as Vietnamese, Malaysian and Thai dishes in simply decorated setting.

130 Sheen Rd, Richmond

TW9 1UR

www.the-dragon-inn-chinese-restaurant.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral

Hanana Sushi

49 Kew Rd, Richmond TW9 2NQ

www.hanana.co.uk

Chatora - Contemporary Indian Restaurant

With dining on 3 levels and bifold doors leading onto a small terrace, you can sit somewhere different every time you come. The experienced owner and 3 chefs represent the North, East, South and West of India. Generously proportioned, original dishes are authentically spiced and burst with flavour.

100 Kew Rd, Richmond TW9 2PQ

www.chatora.co.uk

Richmond Vault Beer Cellar & Restaurant

Craft beers carefully sourced from around the world are offered on rotation at this compact bar.

5 Hill St, London, Richmond TW9 1SX

www.richmondvault.co.uk

L’assaggino

A newly established Italian pasta Restaurant with traditional values- fresh food, simple ingredients and good wine. We only use fresh, carefully sourced and seasonal ingredients to make all our beautiful, rustic dishes.

9 Paved Ct, Richmond TW9 1LZ

www.lassaggino.co.uk

Some suggested local social media groups to help you connect, learn, buy, sell and have fun.

‘Virtually’ all you need

Facebook Richmond

This Facebook Page has been created by the Community Engagement Team, part of the Community and Partnerships Division of the London Borough of Richmond Council.

www.facebook.com/groups/RichmondVillage

My Richmond

My Richmond is a local influencer & online marketplace supporting local businesses in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

www.facebook.com/myrichmond.london

Richmond Mums

Your local guide to what’s happening and new in Richmond, Kew and surrounding areas for you and your families.

www.facebook.com/RichmondMum

Richmond UK Mums

Richmond Mums is open to all mums, dads and carers who live in the Richmond and surrounding areas, London, UK.

www.facebook.com/groups/989895257700195

What’s On In Richmond

A site where you can both post about and find out what’s on in Richmond, Surrey.

www.facebook.com/groups/1579513558954013

Twitter

Richmond Dads Group

@richmonddad -Connecting fathers in the Richmond, VA area through meetups, blogs, workshops and more. Part of the City Dads Group.

Richmond Theatre Creative Learning

@Richmond_CL - Delivering inspirational creative learning experiences for all ages including school and community groups

@RichmondTheatre

supported by Richmond Theatre TrustPerforming arts

Richmond Mums & Dads

@RichmondNetMums

Updating you about parents’ networks in the London borough of Richmond-Upon-Thames, local news, and other thoughts! (ex-Netmums Meetups)

Help and support from your localCouncil

You should inform your Local Authority of where you are moving from and where you are moving to around a month before you move. You can do this here..www.richmond.gov.uk/search_results?qt2=moving+house+&ct= You’ll need to include the forwarding addresses for every adult in the property that pays council tax.

Search for information and services from your council. Information for residents about Richmond town Council including council tax, bins and recycling, schools, leisure, streets and parking, this and lot’s more at the below link. www.richmond.gov.uk

Planning and Building Control

Unsure which services you need?

If you are thinking of making changes to your property, you may need to apply for planning permission and / or Building Regulations approval. If you’re not sure which applications to make, please use the guidance below to help you to decide what you need to do.

Please note that many developments will require both.

What is planning?

Planning is the process of deciding whether a proposed development should go ahead or not. It uses national and local policies to consider the development in its context and may look at the impact of the work on neighbours and the wider community, existing architecture, the land, the layout, and existing or proposed infrastructure (such as drains, transport and schools).

You will probably need planning permission if your proposed development will do any of the following:

• create a new building, or change the use or appearance of an existing building

• affect the sunlight, privacy or outlook for neighbouring properties

• affect the nearby area with noise disturbance, smell or fumes

• work on or around listed buildings or any conservation areas

• affect traffic volumes, road safety or access

• change the density of development in an area

• use significantly different materials or finishes from nearby properties

• have an effect on existing trees

www.richmond.gov.uk/search_results?qt2=Planning+appeals&ct=

What is building control?

Building control applies national statutory regulations to ensure the structural quality of any building work, in areas such as safety, public health, accessibility, and the materials used. Most substantial building projects (such as an extension, knocking down walls or converting a garage or loft) will need Building Regulations approval.

www.richmond.gov.uk/search_results?qt2=building+control&ct=