King George III's former royal observatory is a $24M home
King George IIIs former royal observatory in Richmond is now a private home listed for about $24 million (£18 million). Built in 1769 for the Transit of Venus, the Grade I-listed four-bedroom residence keeps its original dome, a Georgian library, and nearly seven acres next to Kew Gardens—on the market for the first time since it was built.
Key Takeaways
- The King's Observatory is listed at £18 million (about $24 million) with Charlie Willis London.
- Sir William Chambers designed the Grade I-listed building in 1769 for George III to watch the Transit of Venus.
- The roughly 7,300-square-foot home retains the original dome and a Georgian library with about 6,000 books.
- Nearly seven acres in Old Deer Park include Capability Brown landscape and planning permission for a major expansion.
What is for sale at King George III's former observatory?
The property is the King's Observatory in Richmond, a four-bedroom home of about 7,300 square feet. Developer Robbie Brothers completed the main restoration in 2018, adapting the scientific landmark for contemporary living while preserving historic details.
Standout rooms include a library with original Georgian bookshelves holding around 6,000 books and a dining room with hand-painted wallpaper based on an 18th-century view of Canton. Upstairs, the original observatory dome remains accessible—the same vantage where George III once studied the sky.
Readers tracking luxury real estate and dream homes will recognize this as a rare heritage listing rather than a newly built trophy mansion.
Why does this London listing matter for buyers?
According to Robb Report, this is the first time the observatory has been offered for sale since it was built. Few London homes can claim a king once climbed upstairs to watch the stars.
For most of its life the building served astronomy, timekeeping, and weather research. The Meteorological Office used it until 1980. Meteorologist James Stagg, who advised Allied leaders on weather ahead of D-Day, worked there; his name remains on a plaque inside.
What comes with the grounds and expansion plans?
The estate spans nearly seven acres in Richmond's Old Deer Park, beside Kew Gardens. Features include a long private drive, an ornamental lake, a stone boathouse, and structures left from the observatory's scientific past.
Parts of the landscape date to Capability Brown; later gardens were overseen by Kim Wilkie. The sale also includes planning permission for another 10,000 square feet—extra living space, staff quarters, and underground parking for up to 17 cars. Completed, the home would reach nearly 19,000 square feet.