CONSERVATION AREAS
A conservation area is a place of special architectural or historic interest which needs to be preserved or enhanced. Below are excerpts from Petersham's conservation area statement:
history
'Patricesham’ or Petersham village dates from at least the early medieval period. Relatively isolated and contained by its parkland setting, Petersham has grown only gradually through the 19th and 20th centuries.
character
Petersham conservation area is a distinctive well defined historic settlement. There are important views between the village and the surrounding green space of riverside meadows, parkland and Richmond Hill, a setting which contributes to its exceptional rural character. The village remains subservient to this landscape, its trees and the topography of the hill. There is an important view along Petersham Avenue towards the landmark Ham House.
Petersham Road is lined with an exceptional group of 17th and 18th century mansions, such as the listed Rutland Lodge, Montrose House and Petersham House. These houses are of two or three storeys, predominately of brick or some rendered and with elegant classical proportions and detailing.
After the sharp Southward bend in the road and at the centre of the village is a pair of distinctive 17th century brick lodges and an early 20th century gatehouse. This group announces Petersham Avenue running West to East.
River Lane is a quiet retreat from the busy Petersham Road leading to the riverbank. The surviving historic alleyways further contribute to the distinctive village character of this area.
Petersham Road continues Southwards, lined mostly on the East side with large 18th century or later houses in substantial mature gardens set behind timber fences to the street. By contrast the West side of the road has an eclectic mix of more closely packed detached or terraced houses and cottages. Here more modestly scaled buildings and smaller garden plots are set behind low front boundaries to the street. There are important group of largely unspoilt terraced cottages dating from the late 18th and 19th centuries which form the gateway to the village from the South.
Petersham Road is lined with an exceptional group of 17th and 18th century mansions, such as the listed Rutland Lodge, Montrose House and Petersham House. These houses are of two or three storeys, predominately of brick or some rendered and with elegant classical proportions and detailing.
After the sharp Southward bend in the road and at the centre of the village is a pair of distinctive 17th century brick lodges and an early 20th century gatehouse. This group announces Petersham Avenue running West to East.
River Lane is a quiet retreat from the busy Petersham Road leading to the riverbank. The surviving historic alleyways further contribute to the distinctive village character of this area.
Petersham Road continues Southwards, lined mostly on the East side with large 18th century or later houses in substantial mature gardens set behind timber fences to the street. By contrast the West side of the road has an eclectic mix of more closely packed detached or terraced houses and cottages. Here more modestly scaled buildings and smaller garden plots are set behind low front boundaries to the street. There are important group of largely unspoilt terraced cottages dating from the late 18th and 19th centuries which form the gateway to the village from the South.
