London’s annual Open House Festival, now in its 35th year, continues to attract large numbers of visitors eager to explore buildings that are typically inaccessible to the public. In 2025, the event drew a record attendance of approximately 375,000 people, underscoring the enduring appeal of this unique urban experience.
The festival began in 1992 with a modest group of about 100 participants touring a small selection of modern buildings by minibus. It has since expanded into a major city-wide event, offering free access to hundreds of properties across the capital. These include a wide range of structures, from private residences to historic government offices and contemporary architectural landmarks.
Highlights this year include high-profile sites such as 10 Downing Street, where entry is granted through a ballot system, and the BT Tower, which requires advance booking. Beyond these, more than 500 buildings are available for visitors to explore on a “drop-in” basis without prior reservation. The festival is scheduled to continue through September 20.
Among the featured private homes is Kew House in Richmond, opened by owners Tim and Jo Lucas since 2013. The couple has embraced the event as an opportunity to share their distinctive self-built property with the public. Tim Lucas, an engineer, recalls their first open day during the final stages of construction, noting that visitors were undeterred by unfinished details such as exposed wiring. That initial weekend attracted around 800 guests.
Kew House, which has earned two Royal Institute of British Architects awards and was featured on the television series Grand Designs: House of the Year, combines historical and modern architectural elements. The residence preserves the original 19th-century red-brick structures—once stables and garages—and links them with two-storey gabled wings featuring extensive glass surfaces and an oxidized Cor-Ten steel façade. The steel surface casts patterned light into the interior, inspired by the nearby trees of Kew Gardens.
Entry to the house is through a private courtyard leading directly into a spacious, light-filled kitchen, dining, and living area with an adjoining basement accessible by staircase. Visitors often express surprise at the openness of the basement space, which contrasts sharply with common expectations for London homes. Jo Lucas notes that this unexpected architectural feature consistently impresses guests during tours.
The couple’s journey to creating Kew House began in 2009 while living in Stoke Newington with their two young children. Their decision to redesign and rebuild their home reflects the growing public interest in personal architectural projects showcased during the Open House Festival, highlighting both the diversity of London’s built environment and the enthusiasm of homeowners who participate in this annual event.