Perched here on Richmond Hill, The Wick commands attention. This Grade I listed Georgian house boasts a fascinating history. The Wick offers stunning views of the River Thames and Richmond Park.
The Wick’s story begins in 1775. Architect Robert Mylne designed it for Lady St. Aubyn. The house replaced the Bull’s Head tavern.
Notice the plum brick and stone construction of The Wick. The Georgian style is evident in its oval dining and drawing rooms. The Wick features three storeys and a basement. Look up to see the modillion cornice and balustrading. The porch has an entablature and Tower of the Winds piers. A fanlight sits above. A line of medallions embellishes the front of The Wick.
The back of The Wick has bow windows. These overlook the river. A garden wall borders Nightingale Lane. The garden includes a coach house.
Over the years, The Wick has been home to many notable figures. Actor Sir John Mills owned it for many years. In 1971, he sold The Wick to Ronnie Wood. Wood was a member of Faces and later the Rolling Stones.
Ronnie Wood transformed the billiard room into a music studio. Here, the Rolling Stones recorded a demo for “It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It).” David Bowie even helped with vocals. Keith Richards, another Rolling Stones guitarist, lived in the coach house for a time.
In 1996, Pete Townshend of the Who purchased The Wick. He sold it in 2021 for £15 million.
Legend says the sound of the wind inspired Mary Hayley Bell. She was Sir John Mills’ wife and a writer. She wrote the novel “Whistle Down the Wind.” It became a film and later a musical.
When Ronnie Wood bought The Wick, he could not afford the adjacent cottage. He persuaded his bandmate Ronnie Lane to buy it. Lane lived at The Wick until he left Faces.
Nikki Sudden, a writer and musician, started writing a history of The Wick. Sadly, he died in 2006 before finishing it.
The Wick and Wick Cottage stand as Grade I listed structures. Historic England protects them. Richmond Hill has been part of the Royal Manor of Richmond since the Domesday Book. King Charles I enclosed Richmond Park around 1635.
Terrace Walk was laid out on Richmond Hill in the late 18th century. Fine homes, including The Wick, were built. The location was specifically chosen for its panoramic view. The view has been protected by an Act of Parliament since 1902. It’s the only view in England with this honor.
The Wick remains hidden from the street. It provides incredible privacy. Yet it is close to the shops and pubs of Richmond Upon Thames. Richmond Park is also a short walk away.
The Wick continues to hold a unique place in music history. It is a testament to Georgian architecture. Its famous residents have added to its charm. The Wick stands as a reminder of Richmond’s rich past.