_Movie star homes: Properties with film and television connections that could be yours
One of the annual entertainment award highlights of the year, the Oscars are now only days away and despite being only two months into 2019, the film industry has already been in full-swing - the 25th SAG awards took place in January and last week’s BAFTAs were also eagerly anticipated.
To keep you occupied until the awards hit UK screens on the 25th, we take a look at some of the best movie star homes currently on the market with Knight Frank.
The Lost House, Crinan Street, King's Cross, London N1
To rent: £4,500 per week
‘The Lost House’, designed by award-winning architect Sir David Adjaye, is a spectacular display of unique and innovative design, tucked discreetly away in the heart of King’s Cross, N1.
Completed in 2004, the pared down frontage belies its architecturally significant interiors which, for obvious reasons, has appealed as a shooting location for a variety of films, including Trance, The Hoarder, as well as TV productions such as Silent Witness, Spooks and Lucky Man. (Photoshoots for Rolex, Speedo, Agent Provocateur, John Lewis and Hugo Boss have also taken place here).
A rarely available place to call home, the Lost House remains a true legacy to its history as a former delivery yard; incorporating throughout a theme of exposed wood, concrete and simplistic interior design in a nod to its industrial roots.
Set over approximately 3,902 square feet, the luxury of spacious living is guaranteed. Adjaye’s creation enjoys three bedrooms, three bathrooms, an indoor swimming pool and a charming internal courtyard / tropical water feature.
The sizeable living-room benefits from an abundance of natural light, aided by a clever array of illuminating light wells and reflective surfaces set within its walls. Also of note are its steam room, double garage and sunken cinema room.
The central location puts the Lost House at a short distance from the recently opened Coal Drops Yard and St. Pancras International, which, if you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll know as the location for the iconic ‘Platform 9¾’.
If you needed any more convincing, Sir David Adjaye has also designed homes for actor Ewan McGregor and the artist Chris Ofili, as well as designing Oslo’s Nobel Peace Centre and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver.
Fancy exploring more of Adjaye’s work? Be sure not to miss his latest exhibition ‘Making Memory’ at the Design Museum. (Until 5 May)
Teddington Riverside, Broom Road, Teddington TW11
Prices from: £670,000
If you’re keen to buy into your own slice of British film and TV history, the exciting new Teddington Riverside development is an opportunity not to be missed. The site offers 217 brand new luxury one, two and three bedroom apartments as well as six four bedroom family homes.
The development sits on the original site of the old Teddington Studios, providing rich silver screen history. Dating back to the early 20th century, the studio was acquired by Warner Brothers in the 30s and 40s ‘Golden Age’ of cinema and handed over to Thames Entertainment for TV use in 1958.
Over the further course of its life, the studio was home to many well-loved TV productions, such as comedian Tommy Cooper’s shows, Birds of a Feather, The Benny Hill Show, Opportunity Knocks, The Morecambe & Wise Show, Pop Idol, and more recently, Harry Hill’s TV Burp. An office within the facilities was also used to film cult British favourite The Office.
Aside from the obvious red carpet credentials, these new builds make stunning homes in their own right. Designed by award-winning architects Hamiltons, these chic properties are simple and bright in layout and design and include private parking, a communal garden and 24-hour concierge on-site.
The development’s prime waterfront location provides far-reaching views over Teddington Lock and the multiple parks and schools that surround the development make Teddington Riverside well-immersed in the South London community. It's time for its close up again.
'Sphinx', Pharaoh's Island, Shepperton, Surrey TW17
For sale: £2,250,000
Undoubtedly a stand-out property in terms of its beauty, ‘Sphinx’ comes with a fascinating past.
The house was built in 1903, and throughout the 1960s was home to actress Janet Munro and her husband, fellow actor Ian Hendry, who spent their married lives here.
Between them, the couple starred in film/TV productions such as Swiss Family Robinson, alongside Michael Caine in Get Carter, and The Avengers. According to a neighbour of the couple, wild parties were a regular occurrence at the house, and it’s believed that Jimi Hendrix once took a dip in the property’s swimming pool (How’s that for a conversation starter?)
Film Director John Boorman was equally enchanted with the property, twice using its charming backdrop as a setting for the heart-warming classic Hope and Glory (1987), and again in 2014’s Queen and Country.
And for the history buffs amongst you, the property also holds much historical interest. Purchased by the treasury, Pharaoh’s Island was gifted to Admiral Nelson in 1798 after the Battle of the Nile (an act still reflected today through most of the island’s properties possessing Egyptian-inspired names).
An exclusive retreat, the private island is accessed only by boat with a private jetty allowing discreet entrance. In the main house, there's plenty of room for a growing family with five bedrooms, four bathrooms and an impressive four reception rooms. Outbuildings, an annexe with a sauna, a large garden, and an outside swimming pool are also included in the sale.
The property’s secondary accommodation makes Sphinx ideal for entertaining guests and family members. A south-facing plot gives stunning views across the Thamesand its idyllic waterside location harbours a variety of wildlife and unspoilt natural beauty.
Sphinx would make an ideal family home or summer residence, and at the modest asking price of £2,250,000 (various properties nearby* are currently on the market at £10,000,000+) this spectacular home is truly out-of-the-ordinary.
*Within an approximate 2-mile radius.
The 'Old Cottage, Egypt Lane, Farnham Common
For sale: £2,950,000
This beautiful 16th century home is another exceptional property. Nestled in the village of Farnham Common, the soprano Dame Joan Hammond spent fifteen happy years here, writing about the peaceful cottage in her autobiography ‘A voice, a life’.
After Hammond sold the property in 1966, Canadian film producer Peter Snell purchased the cottage, where he entertained numerous film stars such as Christopher Lee and Charlton Heston. But this is not the only link the property has to the arts.
Nearby woodland Burnham Beeches has, and continues to be a prime filming location for a whole host of film and TV works – it’s close location to Pinewood Shepperton and Bray studios mean it has been used in the filming of the Harry Potter Franchise, various ‘Carry On’ films, as well as An American Werewolf in London, Robin Hood: Prince of thieves, The Princess Bride, Legend, and Doctor Who.
There also appears to be a re-occurring James Bond theme here - part of the 1964 hit Goldfinger was shot here, and Roger Moore - who played Bond from 1973-85, lived in Farnham Common.
Other notable names to have lived in the area include Peter Pan author J.M Barrie, Enid Blyton and the Irish playwright Richard Sheridan, who chose to write part of The School for Scandal in the Old Cottage’s attic rooms.
Intriguingly, it is believed that the oldest part of the cottage was once used by Henry VIII as a hunting lodge (a fact easily believed when taking in the many period features that remain throughout the property, such as the Tudor-style wood panelling, array of stunning fireplaces and original exposed beams). The property has been sympathetically enhanced to provide for all 21st century comforts, whilst retaining its period charm.
With an extensive 5,000 square feet of living space, the cottage would make the perfect home for large or growing families looking to upsize. The house also benefits from seven reception rooms, five/six bedrooms, three bathrooms, a double garage and private land.
For avid gardeners, picturesque gardens surround the house; the nearby woodland is also ideal for enjoying long walks,and the splendid country views provide much inspiration for keen artists, particularly in the autumn.
And if living amongst this rural serenity gets too much for you (unlikely) local transport links are available, with trains from Slough able to whisk you away to London Paddington in just over half an hour.