Why Coombe estate?
The Coombe estate has long been a well-known ‘local secret’; a stylish and secluded neighbourhood popular with families due to its proximity to the many outstanding state and independent schools in the area and impressive range of parks within easy reach, particularly the wide-open spaces of Richmond Park, Wimbledon Common and Bushey Park. Properties in Coombe are well positioned for access to Greater London’s top places of interest, including Hampton Court Palace and Kew Gardens, as well as plenty of opportunities for riverside walks along the Thames.
The area is comprised of three prestigious private estates: Coombe Hill, Coombe Warren and Coombe Park. Substantial detached houses, some of the largest in South West London, and sit off leafy roads without shops or bars providing a safe and secluded living environment beside the green spaces of Coombe Hill and Coombe Wood golf clubs. Properties range from 1930s Art-Deco houses to neo-Georgian mansions and impressive new builds. There are also 1960s architect-designed properties and striking contemporary houses with magnificent glass facades. Houses up to 15,000 square feet boast generous gardens of as much as two acres. In addition to the large detached houses, off Warren Road there is a gated development of apartments known as The Watergardens, along with link detached properties in nearby Paget Place.
Well connected…
The area is also ideal for young professionals thanks to good train connections into central London, and all the amenities of Kingston-upon-Thames close-by. As London’s third largest shopping centre and with its superb riverside location, Kingston has plenty to recommend it. The town boasts 500 shops and the impressive Bentalls Centre, as well as a vibrant marketplace and a booming independent scene. It also has great nightlife, plenty of restaurants and bars, the Rose Theatre, and a university meaning it has all the buzz of a student town too. The river is a huge draw for those who enjoy the various activities on offer at the many sports clubs including private motorboat hire, kayaking, paddle-boarding, rowing and sailing in addition to day cruises, or simply to wander along the riverbank.
Coombe residents are within equally short distance of Wimbledon Village. Set in a rural idyll on the edge of Wimbledon Common, the village features a selection of high end boutiques, restaurants, pubs, riding stables and a weekly farmers market, making it very popular with families moving out of central London for more space and the village community.
Coombe estate, a rich History
The Coombe estate itself is rich in history, with objects and coins discovered that can be traced back to the Roman invasion. The area even gets a mention in the Domesday Book, where it is referred to as ‘Cumbe’. Many of the road names can be originated back to important historical figures, such as Coombe Neville, which backs onto Coombe Wood Golf Club and whose namesake is Hugh de Nevill, a nobleman to whom King John awarded the area in 1215.
In 1602, Queen Elizabeth I visited Coombe estate, unsurprising given the area’s close proximity to Tudor palace Hampton Court, and Tudor-era structures used for supplying spring water from Coombe to Hampton Court have been found in the area.
In 1761, Coombe was owned by John Spencer, the first Earl Spencer and ancestor of Princess Diana, and the father of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, the subject of the acclaimed film The Duchess starring Keira Knightly.
In 1822 the navy established a telegraph station in Coombe Warren; part of the London to Portsmouth semaphore line, which became Telegraph Cottage, where future US president General Dwight D Eisenhower lived during World War II, but which is now a private gated road with accommodating six houses.
Warren House, now a prestigious venue for weddings and events, was built in 1865 for Hugh Hammersley, wealthy banker to the British Army. The house was extended in the 1880s by well-known architect George Devey.
Dame Nellie Melba, Australian soprano and the most famous singer of the Victorian era, lived in Coombe House, Devey Close in 1906 – a blue plaque commemorates her time here. She would later name her Melbourne home Coombe Cottage.
Other famous Coombe estate residents have included British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, novelist John Galsworthy, actor Joss Ackland, performer Jimmy Tarbuck, tennis player Annabel Croft and Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood.
Offering the best of both worlds with its elegant homes, miles of green space and leafy secluded streets feel a world away from town centre bustle, yet easy access to outstanding local amenities, excellent schools, and central London is just 28 minutes away, what more could you ask for!
Get in touch
As estate agents in Coombe, Robert Holmes & Company have the expertise and local knowledge to help anyone looking to sell, let, rent or buy in the Coombe area, so please get in touch today to find out more.
