About Us

Nestled in the leafy Muswell Hill of North London, Chester House has been a welcoming home for students and young professionals since 1960. Our location, affordable rates, and supportive community make us an ideal choice. Discover our rich history, a legacy of Guy Chester’s generosity, below.

OUR
Values

We actively foster a caring, ethical, and professional environment, reflecting our unwavering commitment to the following values:

Hospitality

We welcome all

Respect & Dignity

We are committed to treating everyone with respect, dignity, and fairness, regardless of their background or identity

Relationship-building

Fairness and transparency are paramount in our interactions, as we strive to foster long-term trust with our residents

Quality & Sustainability

We are committed to maintaining our buildings and grounds to the highest standard, prioritising sustainable practices and minimising our environmental impact

Our
History

1924

Beginnings

Chester House is managed by the Guy Chester Centre. The Guy Chester Centre is the trading name of the Trustees of the North Bank Estate. The North Bank Estate takes its name from a large house with extensive grounds named North Bank, which was purchased by Harold Guylee Chester (known as Guy Chester) in 1924.

1924

February, 1947

Mr Guy Chester

On his sixtieth birthday in February 1947, Guy Chester gifted the whole of the estate to the national Methodist Church and wrote: “It is my fervent hope that all who love the simple beauty of natural things and the quiet joys of mental and spiritual fellowship will join those of us who love North Bank in preserving its character and extending its usefulness. In this way I believe we shall establish a tradition which those who come after us will be proud to cherish.”

February, 1947

14th May, 1960

Expansion

Along with the North Bank Estate, Guy Chester also purchased a neighbouring site with a large house called Devonshire Lodge. This land was used to build a residential centre for young people moving to London to study or work, which opened on the 14th May 1960. The costs of the new building was raised by Methodist young people through the ‘Million Half-Crowns’ scheme.

Chester House became a symbol of the vision of Guy Chester and was named Chester House without Guy Chester’s knowledge. Chester House was opened to fulfil a need as Guy Chester was aware of the loneliness and desperate shortage of suitable accommodation for young people coming to London to study or take up employment. To meet this immediate need, as well as planning for future generations, Guy Chester insisted ‘that only the best would be adequate’.

14th May, 1960

Present Day

Changing Lives

Chester House has been through many changes since opening, but one thing that has remained consistent is how it has played an important role in many people’s lives over the years:

“I first set foot in Chester House in May 1964 and this was probably one of the most important events in my life. Chester House was never just a place to live – it was a home and a family. It helped me to become independent and to develop my own personality. Chester House meets the needs of the young people of today, just as it met our needs over 50 years ago.”

And more recently:

“Words cannot begin to describe how thankful I am for the day I found Chester House on a student accommodation website. You have all been so helpful to me throughout many stages of my life and I am truly thankful. You have acted like the family I needed when I was away from home.”

Changing students lives