The New River is a man-made channel that pumped fresh drinking water into central London, and was fed by springs at Amwell, near Ware, in Hertfordshire. It terminated at the reservoir at New River Head, which opened in 1613. Parts of the New River are still in existence, in Canonbury for instance, although they are now ornamental rather than functional.

In 1902, London's eight water companies merged to form the Metropolitan Water Board, which built its headquarters in 1915-20 on the site of New River Head. The 17th-century water house on the site was demolished, although the Oak Room and some of the other historic fabric was retained.

In 1974 Thames Water took over, and in 1993 New River Head was closed and the headquarters moved to Reading. New River Head was then converted into apartments, uniquely retaining the unusually large surrounding gardens.

New River Head was Grade II-listed by English Heritage in 1950. Built in red brick with a slate roof, the building is a large irregular parallelogram in French classical style.

This particular apartment was created for the Chairman of the Metropolitan Water Board, and was given prime position in the middle of the building with the best views over the lawn. It originally had direct access to the Oak Room, which was formerly the boardroom of the 17th-century water house and is still used today by Thames Water for its board meetings.