Live On The Former Set Of Downton Abbey & Call The Midwife

From Paddington and The Crown to Honeymoon in Vegas and Highest 2 Lowest, we’ve seen a whole host of former filming locations hit the market this year. A former county hall turned London development, this new property might just have the starriest CV of the lot. 

Inside County Hall Kingston

The History

First built in 1888 when it was known as Surrey County Hall, this Grade II* listed property served as the official halls of Surrey County Council from 1893-2020. The building was originally commissioned following the 1888 Local Government Act which first established the official list of county councils across England, and designed in a classical style by architect Charles Henry Howell. Built on the two acres of land that faced Grove Road, the street was later renamed to Penrhyn Road in honour of Surrey council’s first chairman. Over the years, several extensions have been added, creating a complex of two quadrangles in which buildings date all the way from 1893 to 1982.

In 2020, however, the fate of the building changed when Surrey County Council announced plans to move to Woodhatch Place in Reigate. Now owned by London Square, and known as County Hall Kingston, the historic site has been restored and reimaged into 264 homes. Comprising a range of studios, one-, two-, three- bedroom apartments, plus duplexes, the project is scheduled for completition in autumn 2027.

Step Inside

With the help of Rolfe Judd Architecture, Darling Associates Architects and Muchmore Design, the heritage building has been converted into a new residential development. Many historical features still exist, however, including a clocktower (complete with belfry and dome) rising above the courtyards, wood-pannelled rooms, decorative ceilings, plus an original stained glass window crafted by The Guildford Glass Works which features the seal of County Hall Kingston and the arms of Kingston upon Thames, Richmond, Guildford.

‘We’ve been involved with the transformation of Kingston’s Grade II* listed County Hall since the project’s inception in 2020,’ says Rolfe Judd Architecture director Andrew Long, ‘and we’re proud to now be working closely with London Square, to deliver a development that not only restores and reimagines this important civic landmark, but also introduces sensitively designed new buildings that contribute to the town’s evolving architectural story.’

Re-opening a previously closed-off site, the development includes new pedestrian walkways and a public landscaped garden. Split between three apartment buildings – Ebbstone House, Riverton House and Henmere House – the properties offer a mix of private balconies and terraces, with views over gardens and courtyards inspired by traditional British garden squares and landscaped by Camlins Landscape Architects.

As part of the development, residents will also gain access to a 1893 Club – a nod to the year the building was opened – which includes access to The Picture House cinema, Games Parlour, The Tasting Room for private dinners, The Study co-working space, The Balance Studio and The Sanctum for fitness and mindfulness, plus a 24-hour concierge.

Claim To Fame

As part of the development, many of the historic council rooms of County Hall Kingston have been retained, including the Chairman of the Council’s office and the original courthouse, which has starred in everything from 102 Dalmatians (the live action sequel) to Call the Midwife. You can catch sight of the courthouse yourself in the ‘Last Year’s Model’ and ‘Murder of Innocence’ episodes of Midsomer Murders (where is it serves as the fictional Causton Crown Court), in the ‘Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case’ episode of Poirot, and during the Vera Bates murder trial of Downton Abbey.

Where Is It?

Located in the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, County Hall Kingston is just 30 minutes away from Central London with both Surbiton and Kingston stations within walking distance.

Prices start at £480,000. Find out more at countyhallkingston.co.uk