Leisure Facilities

The Star and Garter gardens were laid out when the building was opened and are undoubtedly one of its greatest assets. Renowned landscape architect Todd Longstaffe-Gowan is conserving the best aspects, as well as creating new garden areas for residents to enjoy.

The South Terrace is the centrepiece, with its cherub-ringed fountain and star motif in the paving, all of which are being restored to their former glory. A central pathway leads to an area where residents can sit, stroll, or get together and enjoy filtered views through the woodland toward the River Thames. The South Terrace will also have a newly-planted oval lawn surrounded by lush planting and
clipped yew hedges.

Discrete areas have been created throughout the grounds, including the giant ferneries which are visible from the upper floors, the
intimate terraces to the east of the building and even a number of private and semi-private gardens. New and extravagant plantings complement the existing mature woodlands and shrubs to fashion a green and tranquil outdoor sanctuary – the perfect foil to the splendour of the building itself.