A Grade II Listed Knightsbridge townhouse featuring a grand salon inspired by the Palace of Versailles and a remarkable history of hosting royalty, aristocrats, artists and Hollywood figures has been launched for sale at £8.25m.
The five-bedroom property on Ovington Square, extending to 4,768 sq.ft., is being marketed jointly by Beauchamp Estates and Knight Frank and offers a rare blend of architectural grandeur, historical provenance and entertainment pedigree in the heart of prime central London.
Originally built between 1849 and 1850, the white stucco-fronted townhouse was designed by architect William Wilmer Pocock and builder Samuel Archbutt Jr under the direction of Elizabeth, Baroness von Zandt. An oriel window was later added in 1891, while the rear façade opens onto a private terrace garden.
Arranged across lower ground, raised ground and three upper floors, the home retains a wealth of period detailing including ornate architraves, wood panelling, decorative coving, pilasters and Regency fireplaces.
HOLLYWOOD ROYALTY
The property’s centrepiece is its lavish grand salon on the ground floor, created during a major post-war refurbishment undertaken by interior designer George Longmire and his son Paul between 1945 and the mid-1950s.
Image Credit: Millar & Harris
The two interconnecting reception rooms were transformed into a Parisian-style entertaining space heavily influenced by the interiors of Versailles.
The salon incorporates carved boiserie wall panels sourced from a French chateau, hand-painted gallant scenes depicting fêtes galantes in Loire Valley gardens, a trompe-l’oeil ceiling painted in the style of Charles Le Brun and parquet flooring inspired by the Parquet de Versailles design.
Over the decades the house has welcomed a long list of notable visitors and residents, including King Leopold I of Belgium, Grand Duchess Olga Romanov, Bertrand Russell, Pablo Picasso, Richard Rodgers and David, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII.
FILM HERITAGE
The property also has significant ties to the British film industry. Between 1989 and 2008 it was owned by Oscar-winning producer Norma Heyman and served as the family home of her son David Heyman, producer of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film franchises.
Norma Heyman produced a number of acclaimed films including The Honorary Consul, Buster, Dangerous Liaisons and Mrs Henderson Presents, with the house regularly hosting leading names from the movie industry during her ownership.
Historically, the townhouse also operated as a sculpture studio for Royal sculptors Thomas Earle and later French sculptress Charlotte Vital Dubray.
Earle created a marble statue of Queen Victoria at the property following sittings conducted at Windsor Castle, with Prince Albert reportedly overseeing its progress. He also produced works now held at Buckingham Palace and Hull Town Hall.
Image Credit: Tatler
Dubray, who occupied the property between 1878 and 1891, maintained close ties with the British Royal Family and welcomed King Leopold I to the townhouse in 1879.
Historians have also linked the property to Bertie, Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, suggesting it may have served as a discreet meeting place for his relationship with actress Lillie Langtry, aided by a so-called “secret door” from the rear mews.
Later owners included Thomas Hwfa-Williams, founder of Sandown Park racecourse, who hosted lavish dinner parties attended by members of the Romanov family and Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, while musician Violet Gordon Woodhouse later held music recitals attended by literary and artistic figures including George Bernard Shaw, TS Eliot and Aldous Huxley.
GRAND TOWNHOUSE
The lower ground floor contains a family kitchen, ensuite bedroom, staff accommodation and extensive storage vaults. The raised ground floor includes the pillared entrance hall, terrace-facing reception room and the grand salon.
Two further reception rooms occupy the first floor, including a library with bespoke shelving and joinery, while the principal suite with dressing room and ensuite spans the second floor.
FINE RESIDENCE
Paul Westwood, Associate at Knight Frank (Knightsbridge), says: “This magnificent Knightsbridge townhouse is perfect for entertaining with spacious reception rooms on both the ground and first floor.
“The truly unique and impressive grand salon has hosted many prominent people over the years including King Leopold I of Belgium, Grand Duchess Olga Romanov, Bertrand Russell, Picasso, Richard Rodgers and David, Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VIII, and figures from the movie industry.
“Perfect for family events, music recitals, cocktail receptions and grand dinner parties, the townhouse has the potential to be one of the finest residences in Knightsbridge.”
SENSE OF HISTORY
Jeremy Gee, Managing Director of Beauchamp Estates, adds: “Located in the heart of Knightsbridge this grand townhouse retains a rich sense of history and character with remarkable architectural detailing in principal rooms.
“Ovington Square is one of the most sought-after garden squares in Knightsbridge, ideally positioned between Brompton Road and Walton Street.
“The townhouse is just a short walk from the world-class amenities of Knightsbridge including Harrods department store, the fashion boutiques of Sloane Street and an array of renowned restaurants and chic cafes.
“Excellent transport links are available from nearby Knightsbridge and South Kensington Underground stations, providing easy access across London.”
