Altes Battersea Haus, Vicarage Crescent, Battersea, London

Old Battersea House is one of London’s most remarkable private residences. An architecturally and historically significant home built in 1699 and widely believed to be the work of Sir Christopher Wren, architect of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Once part of a 200-acre estate that stretched to the River Thames, this substantial and elegant designated Grade II* Listed property has lateral space providing over 10,000 square feet. Set behind secure gates with a driveway suitable in parking eight cars, the house stands proudly detached within beautiful walled gardens and surrounded by lavender fields and watercress beds.

Over the centuries, the home has welcomed royalty, many American Presidents, and several cultural icons. In 1970 the great American publisher Mr Malcolm Forbes saved the house and completed a full restoration project. During his ownership the house welcomed many Royal guests who were photographed in the house and there was even a bedroom dedicated to his great friend Elizabeth Taylor who reside in the house when she was in London.

A full two-year restoration completed in 2022 has brought the house up to exceptional modern standards, whilst combining period features such as baroque interiors, sweeping staircases, wonderfully proportioned rooms with exceptionally high ceiling heights and panelled drawing rooms. All curtains throughout the house are Loro Piana and all fireplaces are operational.

This truly feels like a grand country house in London. Offering exceptional volume and lateral space, impressive reception rooms, large windows and a majestic lawned garden. The house is centred on an imposing front door opening into a grand entrance with the focal point being the sweeping staircase.

The kitchen is a focal point of this home and has been modernised with state-of-the-art appliances and beautiful detailing.

The galleried landing on the first floor leads to the principal ensuite, which flows into its separate dressing room overlooking the river over the walled garden. Two further large ensuites are on this floor, one is currently laid out as the main study.

A further staircase leads to three additional bedrooms can be found, along with four bathrooms. There is the option to have a further two bedroom reinstated on this floor, currently presented as a large children’s playroom, with partition walls if so desired.

To the lower ground floor, a cinema has been added with air conditioning, however there is also a cellar and storage room with both a safe and gun safe.

In addition, a new building has been added to the site which is currently utilised as a gym, however could alternatively be used as a generous guest house.

This property is a rare opportunity to own a piece of London’s architectural heritage, reimagined for contemporary family living.