The Old Hall, Highgate
Restoration of a Grade II listed (with a star rating) 17th century house in South Grove, the Highgate Conservation Area for Maggie and Terry Gilliam
The property is situated in South Grove at the top of Highgate Hill, next to St Michael’s Church and backing on to the Highgate Cemetery. The house enjoys panoramic views of central London and sits in a magnificent garden.
The house was built in 1691 and originally consisted of a central three storey block with basement, a two storey wing on its eastern side and single storey wing with basement to the west. The house was comprehensively restored and during construction structural evidence of the old Arundel House, which formally stood on the site, was discovered. The main roof space was opened up to create the owner’s special studio workspace at second floor level with a library, editing room and office, exposing the roof trusses (reinforced with brightly coloured steel ties) with gallery at one end. The remaining three floors were reinstated as a single family house.
The oak boarded floors, panelling and very ornate modelled plaster ceiling in what is now called the Cromwell Room, are reputed to have been recovered from America, but to have come originally from a house which stood on South Quay, Yarmouth from the meeting room in which Oliver Cromwell gave instructions for the death of King Charles.
The restoration work was carried out concurrently with Terry Gilliam directing the movie, Brazil.
We continue to contribute with the proper maintenance of this important historic building.
This project was shortlisted for The Times/RICS Conservation Award.
