In our address book
In our address book
A private club where the whole family is welcome
2.11.2023
Words by Bertie Russell
We speak to Charlie Gardiner, founder of Jaego’s House in Kensal Rise, about his new project in Parsons Green
A family-friendly space
Private clubs are often exclusive places, whether trendy nightspots in Soho or formal spaces in Mayfair. They’re traditionally where grown-ups go to escape their children, but that no longer reflects family life in the twenty-first century. When Jaego’s House offered something different, the enthusiasm was overwhelming.
Walk along the Grand Union Canal near Ladbroke Grove and you will notice a large white building next to the water. Originally called Kensal House, this Grade II listed property was constructed in the 1830s, its gardens spreading between the Harrow Road and the canal. In 1911 it became a school for sickly children and during the Second World War it was a fire station.
In 2022 the property was given a new lease of life by Charlie Gardiner, the founder of Incipio Group. The group is known for creating pop-up bars around London, but having lived in the area for six years and become the father of young children, Charlie wanted to create a more family-friendly space.
Jaego’s House was the result: a members’ club and nursery with facilities for parents and children. Opening in 2022 and spread across 20,000 square feet, it offered co-working spaces, a gym and library for adults; a restaurant, café, cinema and fitness classes for families; and a nursery, crèche, and soft-play area for the young ones.
A community in Parsons Green
Given the popularity of Jaego’s House, the team decided to launch a new venture in Parsons Green. Taking advantage of a larger space, a short walk away from both the green and the station, Jesse’s House aims to build on their success.
‘After spending so much time with my own kids in places that were soulless and struggled even to serve a decent cup of coffee, I was driven to create something that everybody enjoyed. Family life in 2023 is so full on, rewarding and fun, but we all have to juggle spending time with our children, working, staying fit, seeing friends – it really helps to have it all under one roof and with like-minded parents. So it’s not just a place for the kids to meet other kids, it’s a real community for parents and a place to meet others.’
Jesse’s House will have a Mediterranean feel with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a sundeck terrace for eating and drinking outside, as well as a jungle gym, soft play, kids’ club and outdoor playground. It will also be home to a crèche (three months to three years), kids’ club (ages four to eight) and a den and games room (eight years to pre-teens). In addition, it will contain Parsons House Nursery, an Ofsted registered nursery for children aged three months to five years, with space for up to 100.
‘Our aim is to build a collection of community-led spaces that appeal to parents and children equally, giving everyone in the family some enjoyment. The only problem now being that we’ve run out of children to name the clubs after. So we’ll either be having more kids or looking for inspiration elsewhere!’
Charlie Gardiner
Finding a new home
Charlie was drawn towards Parsons Green because he knew and loved the neighbourhood, and because it was a such a family-oriented part of town. However, Jesse’s House has more space than the original venue, which means some of the facilities have been scaled up, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
That said, the design, atmosphere and level of quality remains consistent in both locations. ‘We like to describe them very much as siblings, similar in ways but with their own personalities.’
And what about the names? Well, Jaego’s House was named after Charlie’s oldest son, and Jesse’s House after his middle son. Their daughter is getting her own venue soon: Orly House’s will be opening in East Sheen.
Memberships for Jesse’s House will go on sale on November 7th (with housewarming benefits for those that buy early) and the space will open in Spring 2024. It is located on Heathman’s Road in Parson’s Green. Register your interest here.