Former Teddington Catholic Schoolhouse Hits Market as £4M Family Home

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A notable piece of Teddington’s heritage has come up for sale, as a former Victorian-era Catholic schoolhouse is being offered as a spacious family residence for £3.95 million. Located in the leafy suburb of Southwest London, the property combines historical architecture with contemporary living, making it a rare opportunity for buyers seeking both charm and practicality.

Originally constructed as the Sacred Heart Catholic School, the building served the community for over a century. In the late 1990s, it was converted into a private home, with careful attention paid to preserving its Neoclassical features. The home spans 5,731 square feet across three main floors and a basement and sits on Fairfax Road, just opposite Bushy Park.

Historic Elegance

The current owners acquired the building in 1998, along with planning approval to convert it. Over the following year, they collaborated with local heritage consultants and stonemasons to restore key architectural features including gables, stone-framed windows, and pediments above the entrances. Donna Littman of Dexters, representing the sellers, noted, “The whole facade, the whole outside of the building is in its original format.”

Inside, the home preserves its Victorian character while offering modern amenities. Custom-made sash windows were installed to replicate the originals, and antique radiators with updated controls were added. High ceilings, parquet floors, and detailed plasterwork are prominent throughout the house.

The layout begins with an octagonal entrance foyer, leading to a cloakroom and powder room. The modern kitchen includes a snug, a traditional British term for a small den or lounge. A large living room features twin sets of French doors that open to a rear garden and a paved terrace. A separate study offers built-in, floor-to-ceiling shelving.

The renovation also introduced new living spaces. An orangery was added, which now serves as a formal dining area, and a basement level was developed to include a gym and media room. Off-street parking further adds to the appeal in this part of the capital.

Chantry House was more than a school. During World War II, it was temporarily used as an ambulatory centre, with children evacuated during the conflict. The Sacred Heart Catholic School vacated the premises in the 1960s but still exists in another location. Littman shared that many Teddington residents have fond memories of being educated there. “In the town, it’s really been known for being the old schoolhouse,” she said.

The home’s generous size stands out in the area, reflecting its former institutional purpose. Its location in Teddington, an affluent and peaceful suburb, offers easy access to central London via the London Underground (LU). Residents also enjoy the proximity of the River Thames and the wide open spaces of Bushy Park.

The sellers, now empty nesters, are looking to downsize after raising their family in the home. Originally listed in June at £4.25 million, the asking price was recently reduced by £300,000 to its current level. Chantry House presents a compelling option for buyers searching for a home steeped in history yet suited to modern life.