Ormeley Lodge

Ormeley Lodge is a three-story brick residence in Richmond upon Thames built in the early 1700s with a symmetrical facade. The house displays five regularly spaced windows on each level, decorative pilasters, and a grand entrance doorway with classical details.

Construction began around 1715 under Thomas Hammond as a private home on the edge of Ham Common. By 1763, Charles Townshend had acquired the property and transformed it into a fashionable retreat for London's wealthy circles.

The house served as a private retreat for London's wealthy families who valued proximity to Richmond Park and the countryside beyond. Its design reflects the taste of Georgian landowners who built homes that balanced town convenience with rural escape.

The property holds protected status which means any changes or restoration work need special approval from heritage authorities. As a private residence, public access is limited, so it is best viewed from the surrounding streets.

The house retains original Georgian-era features including a preserved staircase and an entrance doorway with Corinthian columns that often go unnoticed by passersby. These crafted elements from the building's founding period reveal the careful architectural language of the time.