Right here, standing before Coleridge House, you’re looking at more than just bricks. You’re looking at a Grade II listed building steeped in literary history. This is 3, The Grove. It’s located in Highgate, in the London Borough of Camden.
In the late 17th century, around 1688, William Blake constructed Nos. 1–6, The Grove. He was a City of London merchant. He built them in the gardens of Dorchester House. Blake’s intention was to fund a charity school from this speculative project.
Fast forward to the 19th century, and Coleridge House becomes the abode of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. He moved in with his doctor, James Gillman, in 1816. Coleridge sought treatment for his opium addiction. In 1823, the Gillmans moved to No. 3, The Grove. They installed Coleridge in a suite of rooms on the top floor. He lived there until his death in 1834. During this time, he wrote, revised, and republished works like Kubla Khan. Coleridge became known as “the Sage of Highgate”.
Later, in 1931, the novelist J. B. Priestley purchased Coleridge House. He used profits from his successful novels. Priestley hired Seely & Paget to reconstruct the house. Mawson’s redesigned the garden.
In the 21st century, the model Kate Moss called No. 3 home. Moss sold the house in 2022.
Bridget Cherry described Nos. 1–6, The Grove, as “the finest group in Highgate”. She wrote this in the Pevsner Buildings of England series. Originally, the row consisted of semi-detached houses. They had two storeys with dormers above. Many have undergone significant alterations since then.
Today, Coleridge House has three storeys, a basement, and a slate roof. The primary building material is red brick. The listing includes the low wall in front. It also covers the wrought iron railings and lamp.
Coleridge came to Moreton House in April 1916. This house is located at 14 South Grove. He hoped to break his opium habit. Mr. Gillman was hesitant about taking Coleridge in. However, Coleridge won him over. Coleridge arrived clutching the proof-sheets of Christabel.
Many famous people visited Coleridge. Charles Lamb and William Wordsworth were among them. According to Thomas Carlyle, Coleridge sat on Highgate Hill. He looked down on London like a sage escaped from life’s battles.
In December 1823, Coleridge and the Gillman household moved to No. 3 The Grove. It was larger than Moreton House. Coleridge had only planned to stay for a month. He stayed much longer. The Gillmans moved to a bigger house because of him. Coleridge remained there until his death in 1834.
The Highgate house where Coleridge and Priestley both lived was for sale. William Blake built the Grade II listed property in 1688. It’s steeped in Highgate’s literary and architectural heritage.
Coleridge wrote in his bedroom. It had spectacular views of the Heath.
Gordon Forbes said that people would be very concerned. They would want to ensure that whoever takes on this house understands its importance. Coleridge is an extremely important figure. He is important in the history and heritage of Highgate.
Michael Hammerson said that the building has strong literary and historical associations. It’s also one of London’s best early 17th century homes. It is a Grade II listed building.
Annie Lennox, Sting and Yehudi Menuhin also lived there.
Coleridge House stands as a testament to Highgate’s rich history. It connects literary giants across centuries. Its walls whisper tales of poetry and prose.