CapitalRise and Golden Earth: Transforming Wimbledon with Luxury Villas
The full story was covered in PrimeResi on 24th April 2025.
Specialist development finance provider, CapitalRise, is thrilled to update on the impressive progress of Wimbledon Walled Villas. CapitalRise is funding the project, following the completion of an £8 million development loan last April.
The development will feature two luxury detached homes, each spanning 6,000 sq. ft. and showcasing exceptional design and quality throughout. The properties are surrounded by beautiful walled gardens, situated in the heart of Wimbledon.
To find out more about his vision for this impressive scheme, we spoke to Gabriel Lau, Founder and CEO, Golden Earth Developments.
Developed in Harmony with Nature
Golden Earth’s Wimbledon Walled Villas fully embrace their natural surroundings. The properties are encircled by landscaped gardens, complemented by architectural features such as lightwells and full-height French doors that flood the interiors with natural light. The commanding south-facing position of the plot further enhances this effect.
As Gabriel notes, this aligns with the ancient origins of the word ‘villa,’ meaning a “large and luxurious house set in its own grounds”.
Timeless Design, Modern Elegance
The Villas’ designs harmonise with the neighbourhood’s period buildings and features. For instance, the properties are approached through tall, pillared gates – a surviving element of the 16th-century Wimbledon Manor House that once stood nearby. The historic walls that encircle the wraparound gardens are seamlessly incorporated into the scheme.
Supporting Local Causes
During the construction process, Golden Earth Developments—through Golden Earth Studio, a sustainable art gallery co-founded by Gabriel Lau and Sara Howard—makes its waste materials available to artists and makers who seek sustainably sourced materials. This includes clay from the basement excavation and scrap metal from the build.
Golden Earth Studio extends this opportunity to students from London’s leading art institutions, including Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art. This initiative supports students in meeting curriculum requirements for local, sustainable sourcing of materials – a challenge to find in London.
Golden Earth Studio
Golden Earth Studio represents artists who transform construction by-products—what would typically be considered “waste”—into fine art, including sculptures, wall art, chess sets, and vessels. These works are then installed in the newly built homes, bringing the materials full circle and reinforcing the connection between the Villas and their natural surroundings. Each piece is made from the very ground on which the Villas are built.
For example, the Golden Earth Studio Chess Set (pictured) is made from 100% waste material. Made in collaboration with ceramicist Jacob Chan – a finalist on Channel 4’s ‘The Great Pottery Throwdown’ – the pieces are made from clay excavated in forming the basement, the chequerboard is from off-cuts of the marble hallway, and the base is a surplus piece of oak from manufacturing the staircase. Even the lacquer is left over from the staircase handrail.
Additionally, the land was purchased from SSAFA, an armed forces charity. All proceeds from the land sale went back to SSAFA, which provides affordable accommodation for veterans and their families.
Raf Chowdhury, Lending Director at CapitalRise, who originated the development finance loan, commented:
“It is fantastic to see such an impressive development taking shape, with good progress being made month on month.
“From what I have seen, there is nothing else in Wimbledon currently being delivered to this level of finish. Once completed, these turnkey properties will be among the most desirable residential addresses in the area.
“Gabriel knows Wimbledon inside out, having grown up in the area and – with Golden Earth Developments – has delivered several outstanding properties there. It is a pleasure to work with such an experienced borrower.”
Gabriel Lau, Founder and CEO of Golden Earth Developments, added:
“In developing the Wimbledon Walled Villas, we really wanted to showcase Golden Earth Developments’ vision of what a family home can, and should, look and feel like. Everything revolves around a harmonious connection to nature, creating a private oasis within a prime Wimbledon location. As the name suggests, these exceptional residences are hidden behind a historic wall and set within their own landscaped private gardens, creating a feeling of refinement and timeless sophistication.
“CapitalRise is a lender that truly understands the prime property market. Working alongside Raf Chowdhury and the CapitalRise team means we have a supportive partnership that shares our vision for the highest level of design and quality.
“The Wimbledon Walled Villas are now available for off-plan sale through our bespoke acquisition structure”
For development finance enquiries, please contact Raf Chowdhury on rc@capitalrise.com or call 0203 869 2619.
For sales enquiries regarding Wimbledon Walled Villas, please contact gabriel@gedevelopments.com
