The Grade I listed Keats House, originally Wentworth Place, was built between 1814–16 as two dwellings. The poet John Keats lived there from 1818 to 1820, during which time he wrote some of his most celebrated works, such as Ode to a Nightingale. In 1838, Eliza Jane Chester bought the property, merged the two homes, and added “the Chester Extension” on the east side of the building. Threatened with demolition in the early 20th century, the house was saved by a public campaign and opened as a museum in 1925.

The Grade II listed library was added in 1931 to honour Keats’ literary achievements and serve the local community. Camden Council restored the house in the 1970s, with further works carried out after the City of London took over in 1998. When the public library was forced to close in 2012, locals reopened it as the volunteer-run Keats Community Library, preserving its role as a cultural and educational hub.

Following a thorough condition survey of both buildings, CCA has been appointed to develop outline proposals for the repair of the house’s picturesque veranda and to design and specify extensive repairs to the Library roof. Several additional maintenance and improvement projects are planned for the near future.