Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy

Conference Centre Brochure

History of No.3 Robert Street

No.3 Robert Street is a Grade II* listed building.  Along with numbers 1 and 2, it forms one of the remaining parts of the original Adelphi development designed by the Adam brothers between 1768 and 1774. 

This area was occupied from the early Middle Ages by Durham Place, the London residence of the Bishops of Durham.

In 1641 this property was passed to the Earl of Pembroke, and by 1769 it was in the hands of the second Duke of Buckingham whose successor in 1769 leased the area that was by then a largely ruinous low water slum to the Adam brothers.

No.3 Robert Street was built as a private house where Robert Adam himself resided from 1778-1785.  This building also has other famous inhabitants: JM Barrie, best known as the author of Peter Pan, the poet Thomas Hood, Sir John Galsworthy novelist and playwright, along with other eminent artists and writers.

Robert Adam (1728-1792) from Kirkadly in Fife, joined the family architectural firm when he was 20.  He worked in a style all his own, best described as neo-classical; light, elegant lines inbound by strict classical proportions.  Other properties that Robert Adam worked on include Keelleston Hall, Old College-University of Edinburgh, Home House in London and Fort George.

JM Barrie (1860-1937) is famous for many pieces of work, including the children’s novel Peter Pan.  It is alleged that he wrote the novel in what was his apartment at the time, the 4th floor of No.3 Robert Street.  This was more than likely to have taken place in what is now Committee Room 4 which at the time was his study. 

CIPFA purchased Nos 2 and 3 Robert Street in 1983.  The general condition of the building at this time was extremely poor having been empty for over a year, the previous owners having failed to complete any maintenance of the structure or general décor. 

A team of specialists were appointed by the Institute to agree the specifications that were needed in order to refurbish the building and convert it into a Conference Centre with Offices.  Many of the features at No.3 Robert Street are original (fireplaces and ceilings) and a few have been recreated in the Adam style (main staircase).