Oozing with character, listed buildings in the UK are structures that are recognized for their historical or architectural significance.
For buyers, the ‘listed’ label makes it easy to identify these properties, which account for an exclusive 2.5% to 5.8% of the market. And there are several categories ranking their importance.
Understanding Grade I and II* Listings: Unique and Valuable Properties
Buildings of ‘exceptional interest’ are deemed Grade I. It is rare to find these listed buildings, and only 2.5% of all listings fall into this category.
Along with Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, other famous Grade I listed properties include the Tower of London and the Royal Albert Hall.
Moving down a notch, Grade II* properties are those of ‘more than special interest,’ usually with extra merit such as outstanding interiors or they might have once been home to a notable person in history.
These make up around 5.8% of listed buildings, with well-known examples including the Coliseum Theatre and Battersea Power Station.
Owning a listed plot can be an adventure in itself, with a wealth of history to unpack and explore.
Currently on JamesEdition there are two outstanding listed properties for sale, which promise to seduce with ample space to entertain and private settings in the heart of the countryside.
Denham Place, Buckinghamshire: Masterfully Restored Grade I Estate
Price: £65 million
Step into your own period drama at Denham Place, Buckinghamshire, which has played home to everyone from Napoleon Bonaparte’s family to financier J.P. Morgan.
This dazzling Grade I listed property dates back to the 17th century and it is set amid formal gardens and parkland inspired by Versailles.
Thanks to an impressive eight year restoration, the property promises to make a lasting impression, with decorative 22-carat gold leaf, Italian marble, and handwoven silk panels being among the running themes.
In terms of the space, the picture perfect red brick property spans 39,724sq ft with 12 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms.
The property experts state that one of the bedrooms – the Misbourne Suite – is ‘arguably one of the largest principal suites in London,’ with the space set across two floors and adorned with a ‘specially commissioned four-poster super king-size bed.’
In addition to the main house, the estate has a Grade II listed coach house that has been converted into three self-contained cottages, a four-bedroom detached cottage and various garages.
On the entertainment side of things, there is no shortage of things to do and the main home is decked out with an array of amenities including a wine cellar, a cinema, fully equipped gym and a billiards room.
The home is currently listed at £65 million with the sale being handled by specialists at Sotheby’s International Realty.
The Bridehead Estate, Littlebredy: A Grade II* Masterpiece
Price: £30 million
After being in his family for seven generations, Sir Philip Williams decided to put his grand country estate up for sale this summer.
The Bridehead Estate in Littlebredy, Dorset, provides a unique opportunity to land a 2,047 acre plot, brimming with history and natural beauty.
At the heart of the estate is a 17th century Grade II listed stately home, which some might recognize as one of the main filming locations for the ITV crime series, Broadchurch.
The perfectly formed main house sits like a miniature castle with a golden rendered stone finish, small projecting corner turrets and crenellated parapet tops.
Despite its classical interiors, a bright and airy feeling runs throughout the home thanks to high ceilings and oversized windows.
One of the standout spaces is the library with its magnificent oak floor, floor to ceiling bookshelves and impressive fireplace.
On the accommodation side of things, there are currently nine double bedrooms, with the majority enjoying spectacular views across the parkland and lake.
Serving as a further lure, the property sits on prime farmland with the majority of the plots occupied by various farm business tenancies and it is deemed a game shooter’s paradise.
Overall, the property experts state that Bridehead ‘comprises all the key elements of a traditional, residential and sporting estate.’
It is currently listed at £30 million with UK property consultancy and estate agent, Carter Jonas.
Luxury Property Market in the United Kingdom
The UK market offers a diverse selection of historic luxury homes, from city townhouses to expansive rural estates. Recently, we featured a landmark Grade II property on Old Park Lane, London, and a high-end lakeside development in the up-and-coming Cotswolds, both listed on JamesEdition.
On JamesEdition, the average listing price is £1,140,000, or £4,800 per square meter.
These properties offer several advantages, including unique settings, famous former residents, and one-of-a-kind interior features.
Explore more than 6,000 luxury homes for sale in the UK
