Fancy living where luxury once resided in storage? That’s the story of Harrods Village. It stands proudly on the south bank of the River Thames. Once a furniture depository, now a prestigious residential estate.
The Harrods Furniture Depository started with Richard Burbidge. He was the Managing Director of Harrods in the late 19th century. He saw a need for storage. People going abroad needed a place to keep their belongings. The British Empire was at its peak. Many were taking up imperial postings.
Burbidge found the perfect spot in Barnes. It was the site of Cowan’s soap and sugar works. He purchased it in 1893. The depository opened with a grand celebration in 1894. Over 4,000 people attended.
Imagine a carnival atmosphere. There was a fruit and flower market. “Bohemian concerts” filled the air. Troubadours, dancers, and comedians entertained the crowds. Hand-bell ringers and glee singers added to the festive mood. Living statues, a conjurer, and a ventriloquist completed the spectacle. The Richmond Herald declared the arrangements were excellent.
The original building even incorporated parts from the old Piccadilly tube station. Twenty years later, in 1913, the iconic terracotta frontage was added. William George Hunt designed it. The intention was to match Harrods’ Knightsbridge store. The First World War halted the symmetrical design. Despite this, the building now bears his name: William Hunt Mansions.
For years, the Harrods Furniture Depository served its purpose. It stored oversized items that couldn’t fit in the main store. It also provided storage for customers traveling abroad.
But times change. In 2000, the building was transformed. It became Harrods Village. It now boasts 250 townhouses and apartments. However, the original external features remain. The salmon-pink terracotta still catches the eye.
Harrods Village offers luxury living. Many apartments have Italian marble bathrooms. Under-floor heating and wooden floors add comfort. Spacious balconies provide panoramic river views.
The development includes exquisite landscaped gardens. There is 24-hour security and a concierge service. Residents can enjoy a superb health complex. It features a 25-meter swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, and spa bath.
Today, Harrods Village stands as a testament to London’s history. It combines its past as a storage facility. It now showcases modern luxury living. As you pass William Hunt Mansions, remember its role. It serves as a key marker on the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. It is a landmark along the River Thames. A piece of Harrods history lives on in Barnes.