A dramatic waterside property featured in Midsomer Murders and 101 Dalmatians is for sale with Savills for £3.5million.
Situated on the banks of the Thames in the village of Hambleden, near Henley-on-Thames, this is the first time the impressive Edwardian property has been on the market in 47 years.
As well as its numerous on-screen appearances, the house has a long and varied history. It was built in 1903 on the site of a previous home, of which the original steps, which lead from the main hall out to the garden, still remain.
The house was owned by the Japanese government and used as an ambassadorial retreat until the outbreak of the Second World War, when it became a base for US officers.
Since then, the property’s setting and characterful, period interiors have inspired film crews and writers alike.
It featured in Clare Sherriff’s 2008 book, Boathouses, and has been used twice as a film location in Midsomer Murders, as well as 101 Dalmatians, detective drama series Endeavour and The Marlow Murders.
It was purchased by its current owners in 1976 and used as a family home. In recent years, the owners have rented the property out as a film location and listed it as a “waterside retreat” for visitors on Airbnb, at a cost of £1,180 per night.
Set in 0.8 acres of land, the striking 5,500 sq ft property has a mock-Tudor exterior, with exposed wooden beams, gable roofs and half-timbering. At the back of the house is a swimming pool, with Roman steps and a paved deck.
The house’s formal lawns lead directly to the river, where there is 127ft of river frontage, a mooring deck and a boathouse, built in 1929 to resemble a miniature castle. To prevent the risk of flooding, the house was built on raised land.
Inside, there are eight double bedrooms, four bathrooms and three reception rooms, arranged over three storeys. The kitchen, dining room and reception rooms occupy the first floor, while the bedrooms are all above.
Most striking, though, is the grand, wood panelled Baronial reception hall. At 866 sq ft —almost double the size of the average London flat— it has a double-height ceiling with a wooden staircase leading to a gallery and the floors above.
On one side, stained-glass windows overlook the gardens, while other period features include the parquet flooring, enormous fireplace and large decorative tapestry panels on the wall.
The wood panelling was re-used from the House of Lords, which was being refurbished at the time.
The drawing room, which leads off the Baronial hall, is a period room of a different character. Alongside the fireplace, bay window with stained-glass detailing and decorative cornicing, the entire ceiling is painted, depicting nymphs in the sky.
“Featuring stunning period details, including panelling from the House of Lords, this home is a riverside gem and it is no wonder why it has featured so many times on the TV,” says Savills agent Victoria Knight.
“Number two, Hambleden Place, is a breath-taking home offering glorious riverside views and extensive accommodation that is perfect for family living.”
As well as suiting families, the property is being marketed as a potential commuter home, due to its proximity to London.
Knight says: “The home’s location, history and grand rooms will attract those looking for a fine waterside home, with an easy commute back into London – whether that is by boat or by train.”
