The Bromptons
Rose Square, Chelsea
London
The Bromptons is a redevelopment of the original Brompton hospital that was built in 1844 on three acres of land which was formerly a market garden and is now called Rose Square.
Located in Chelsea, Rose Square is surrounded by prime residential properties with their white stucco facades overlooking charming garden squares.
The land was originally leased from the Henry Smith Charity which insisted that the hospital should be set well back from the boundary. As a result the appartments are surrounded by gardens that consist of informal walkways linking a succession of courtyards and secret corners screened by hedges and lofty plane trees- some over 140 years old.
The architect was Frederick J Francis who cleverly adapted the collegiate Tudor style for the needs of a 19th century hospital. Francis' models were found in buildings such as Trinity College at Cambridge and Hampton Court.