1892 – Mixed Development, Hill Rise, Richmond, Surrey

“Our illustration represents seven houses, a block of residential flats consisting of ten suites , and three shops with residences over, now in course of erection on Hill Rise, Richmond, from the designs of Mr. W. I. Chambers, architect. The shop fronts will be of Messrs. Craven, Dunnill and Co.’s Faience, glazed a lovely sea-green tint ; the panels, mouldings, and caps will be maroon and gold ; the upper part is entirely in terracotta and red bricks same colour as the terra-cotta ; roofs covered with tiles same colour, and all wood-work enamelled white. The flats and houses will match the upper part of shops, in materials and colour. The situation is unique, as the back overlooks the famous view of the Thames valley ; and these are the very last buildings that can be erected on the Hill fronting this view, therefore the back elevation is nearly as good as the one represented, and is provided with large balconies . Richmond, ” the Queen of the Thames,” as it is justly termed, is rapidly coming to the front, and, when the new lock and weir is completed, the river will maintain a uniform level, instead of sometimes being so low as to expose its bed. It is anticipated that it will become a very popular and thriving place, its natural beauties being such as to warrant the most extravagant hopes. As an instance of the great demand for property, we may mention that the three shops are already let, although the builder is only busy with foundations at present ; the six completed houses are sold, and there are numerous applicants for suites of rooms in the residential flats.”
The Irish Builder, December 15 1891