County Hall Kingston reimagined for contemporary luxury living
Luxe modern apartments at the Grade II*-listed building, as seen on Downton Abbey and Call the Midwife, are now for sale
A remarkable London landmark development, the Grade II*-listed County Hall Kingston is being reimagined for modern-day luxury living. Encompassing 264 beautiful private homes, the new residences will span two distinct elements: the refurbishment of the former Surrey County Hall and the creation of three new premium apartment buildings. With completion anticipated from autumn 2027, the range of studios, one-, two-, and spacious three-bedroom apartments and duplexes are now available to buy.
Rolfe Judd, which specialises in combining the disciplines of architecture and planning ‘under one roof’, has sympathetically and sensitively connected and converted the original listed buildings while seamlessly introducing the brand-new spaces. The reimagining, re-use and redevelopment of the redundant County Hall will eventually see it offer a mixed-use development, consisting of new flexible workspace, events space and luxury homes, while boosting the landscape and pedestrian spaces across the area.
Andrew Long, director at Rolfe Judd Architecture says: “The retention and restoration of over 80 per cent of the existing listed buildings offers a unique opportunity for a highly sustainable, truly mixed-use town centre development providing approximately 50,000 square feet of flexible SME workspace aimed at entrepreneurs and creative industries with capacity for almost 600 people.
“The design of the new buildings strikes a balance between the civic architectural style of the Grade II*-listed Surrey County Hall and the vernacular of the neighbouring residential streets. Two distinct typologies, with varying heights, roof types, materiality and window modulation, have been sensitively developed by the architectural team to enhance the setting of the listed building, harmonise with its neighbours, yet create distinct modern buildings that embrace the character of the place.”
Through elevating the heritage setting, the project balances preservation with progress, bringing together historic character and contemporary placemaking. The development is set to reopen a previously closed-off site, with new pedestrian walkways and a beautiful public landscaped garden. The new buildings are thoughtfully designed and positioned to respond to their historic surroundings, while the heritage building is divided into six sections, each containing a collection of apartments, each named after significant historical aspects and figures connected to the site.
The amenity spaces within the heritage building have been created by Muchmore Design while the specification for the apartments in the new buildings come courtesy of Darling Associates Architects.
The building retains many of its grand original architectural features, most notably a magnificent stained-glass window by the Guildford Glass Works. This beautiful piece showcases the seal of County Hall Kingston, along with the coats of arms of Kingston upon Thames, Richmond and Guildford.
The newly built apartments, located across three buildings – Ebbstone House, Riverton House and Henmere House, named due to their proximity to the River Thames – are defined by distinctive layouts and contemporary interior furnishings. Each has a private balcony or terrace, while two charming courtyards within the heritage building mimic the classic British garden square layout, alongside two gardens within the new buildings.
County Hall Kensington’s amenities, named the 1893 Club in a nod to the building’s original construction date, are conveniently located in the Whittling Apartments building. They will include The Tasting Room, an elegant space to host intimate dinners; The Games Parlour, a playful room where residents can socialise; The Picture House, a relaxed, cinema-style room with plush seating and high-quality audio and video; The Study, a sophisticated co-working environment with spacious desks, high-speed Wi-Fi, and stunning views directly into the courtyard; The Balance Studio, a Pilates studio equipped with reformer machines for low-impact, full-body workouts, and The Sanctum; a meditative and peaceful room, designed for total relaxation. A 24-hour concierge service will be available to manage deliveries, greet visitors, organise transport, and more.
Within its storied walls, the property’s former council rooms have been proudly preserved, including the stately court and the Chairman of the Council’s office. In what once was the northern committee room, a coffered timber ceiling showcases an arrangement of crests, each representing Surrey’s former districts and boroughs. The original courthouse has been used for filming by ITV and Netflix and has featured in scenes from Midsomer Murders, Poirot, Call the Midwife and Downton Abbey.
Tim Gawthorn, group sales and marketing director at London Square, comments: "County Hall Kingston is more than a development, it’s a protected piece of history. First built in 1893, later expanded through the 20th century, this Grade II*-listed landmark has been at the heart of Kingston for over a century. Once the proud home of Surrey County Council, its grand halls, ornate façades, and iconic clocktower remain enduring symbols of Victorian craftsmanship.
“Now, steeped in Kingston’s royal heritage and reimagined through London Square’s vision, it will become exceptional homes that respect the past while embracing modern living. Residents will enjoy soaring ceilings, vast windows, and original features, seamlessly paired with the comfort and sophistication of modern living. Perfectly positioned between Kingston town centre and Surbiton High Street, residents will enjoy riverside calm, boutique shopping, vibrant culture, and excellent connections to Central London.”
Prices start at £480,000, visit countyhallkingston.co.uk
