Houses across the UK with a fascinating history
From the residence of a former Prime Minister to charming properties with blue plaques, discover these homes with a unique story to tell
The charm of Britain’s period homes not only lies in their beautiful architecture, but in the rich history of both the buildings and the people that lived in them. With this January marking 60 years since the passing of Sir Winston Churchill, we step inside a fittingly grand property for sale once connected to his former home. Elsewhere we take a look at the previous residences of pioneers in the medical and creative fields, and a charming abode associated with famous poets. Read on to discover the details.
6-7 bedroom house, Hyde Park Gate, Kensington, London SW7
Following World War II and an unsuccessful general election, Winston Churchill retreated to 27 Hyde Park Gate, which he purchased in 1946. He subsequently expanded it out into neighbouring number 28, before the two were once again divided into separate homes after his death in 1965. With the former now on the market, it offers a truly unique opportunity to live in not only one of the most prestigious addresses in London, but one of the most remarkable and historically significant too. Inside there’s all manner of treasures to be found, the most captivating of which is an exceptional double-height reception room leading out onto the tranquil west-facing garden.
4 bedroom house, Brampton, Northumberland CA8
Set in a secluded location on the border of Northumberland and Cumbria, and close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall, this beautiful country home could be straight out of the pages of a novel. However, its literary connections extend to real life, too, as it’s thought that famed poet Robert Burns stayed here in 1787. A decade on it was also here that fellow Scot Sir Walter Scott would meet his future wife Charlotte Charpentier, an emigré from the French Revolution. The house itself has an equally storied past, dating back to 1752 and having been thoughtfully renovated by the current owners to create an exceptional family home.
14 bedroom house, Hampstead, London NW3
A blue plaque is the ultimate marker of a home with a fascinating story to tell. The first on our list belongs to this impressive residence dating back to the 1800s formerly owned by Sir Harold Gillies. Described as a ‘pioneer plastic surgeon’, he gained international renown for the techniques he developed to repair the faces of soldiers returning from World War I. Today, this impressive 14-bedroom property in the heart of the desirable Hampstead Village retains much of the original period charm while being equipped with every state-of-the-art amenity desired for modern-day living.
7-8 bedroom house, Park Town, Oxfordshire OX2
The work of Sarah Acland in revolutionising colour photography is recognised here with a blue plaque, having lived in this quirky Oxfordshire home from 1901 to 1930. Previously known as Clevedon House, its more than 5,000 sq ft of living space is resplendent with period details, from statement fireplaces to large sash windows that bring the outside in. Head up to the second floor for a particularly whimsical surprise, where a pull-down hatch unveils an octagonal ‘turret’ room with spectacular views.
