The house was originally the games room for the
Prince of
Wales Sea Cadet Training School – opened in 1903 to train boys for a
career in
the Merchant Navy, and granted its name by the Prince of Wales (later
Edward
VIII) in 1928. It was supported by the Royal Family throughout its
life.

The Duchess of York, later the Queen Mother, visited the house in
1934 (see photograph).

The
designer Tom Brent converted the building in c1980 for the occupation of himself
and his family, using architectural salvage to dramatic effect. He
added the tower and conservatory in 1983/4.

This is an important development that was in the vanguard of the regeneration of the Docks area, when designers like Brent, Piers Gough, Terry Farrell and John Outram highlighted the potential of this charismatic quarter of East London.

Brent started his career working with Gough in the 1970s, and has carried out a number of notable projects, including the design of the famous L'Escargot restaurant.

The house has been featured in numerous publications, includingThe Sunday Times,House BeautifulandItalian Architectural Digest, and also appeared inThe House Style Bookby Deyan Sudjic.