The Steeple Times

Category: OPULENCE & SPLENDOUR

Luxury and the arts From houses to cars and from Hockney to van Dyck, a profile of the best and the worst

  • A Grand Old Man’s Grand Old Merc

    A Grand Old Man’s Grand Old Merc

    1967 Mercedes ‘Dictator Car’ limousine owned until 1993 by the first President of Ivory Coast to be auctioned after being restored at vast expense

    Félix Houphouët-Boigny (whom claimed to be born in 1908, but was more likely born in 1905, and died in 1993) was known variously as ‘Papa Houphouët’ (‘The Old One’), the ‘Sage of Africa,’ the ‘Farmer President’ and the ‘Grand Old Man of Africa.’ Westerners, more simply called him: ‘HB.’

     

    The first President of Ivory Coast and ruler from 1960 to 1963 was considered “politically moderate” and under him the country “prospered economically.” His tenure was referred to as the “Ivorian miracle” and with growth, this larger-than-life leader moved the capital from Abidjan to his hometown, Yamoussoukro, in 1983. There he built not only an international airport, but also, at an extraordinary cost of the equivalent of £629 million ($780 million, €713 million or درهم2.9 billion) today, the largest church in the world, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro.

     

    A Grand Old Man’s Grand Old Merc – President Félix Houphouët-Boigny – 1967 Mercedes ‘Dictator Car’ owned until 1993 by the first President of Ivory Coast to be auctioned after being restored at vast expense – 1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 Six-Door Pullman to be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their 24th to 27th June 2020 sale in Essen, Germany on behalf of current owner Dr Urich Speicher. An estimate of £220,000 to £247,000 ($273,000 to $306,000, €250,000 to €280,000 or درهم1 million to درهم1.1 million) has been set.
    “Well-loved first President of Ivory Coast” Félix Houphouët-Boigny (1905 or 1908 – 1993).
    A Grand Old Man’s Grand Old Merc – President Félix Houphouët-Boigny – 1967 Mercedes ‘Dictator Car’ owned until 1993 by the first President of Ivory Coast to be auctioned after being restored at vast expense – 1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 Six-Door Pullman to be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their 24th to 27th June 2020 sale in Essen, Germany on behalf of current owner Dr Urich Speicher. An estimate of £220,000 to £247,000 ($273,000 to $306,000, €250,000 to €280,000 or درهم1 million to درهم1.1 million) has been set.
    Félix Houphouët-Boigny travelling in one of his Mercedes-Benz ‘Dictator Cars’.

    Aside from the usual ‘perks’ purchased by leaders of his time – including homes in France, Italy and Switzerland – Houphouët-Boigny was known for his love of shiny metals. In 1983, he declared: “People are surprised that I like gold. It’s just that I was born in it.” With his ‘Françafrique-style’ of diplomacy, Houphouët-Boigny liked to travel in style also and now one of his fleet of cars is to be sold at auction in June.

     

    The car to be offered by RM Sotheby’s is a 1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman with six-doors. It is one of five delivered to Ivory Coast at that time, unusually has no door handles on its middle doors and is fitted with air conditioning and an intercom also. Presented in its original colour combination of black lacquer with a natural coloured leather interior and brown carpets, the car left Africa after the death of Houphouët-Boigny in 1993. It was then exported to Germany and in the time since has been subject to restorative work costing some £88,000 ($109,000, €100,000 or درهم401,000) in 1994 and between 2013 and 2014 also. The auctioneers note that “the car is equipped with a replacement engine of the right type and that a second engine of the right type comes with the purchase.”

     

    Twice married Houphouët-Boigny was said to be worth somewhere between the staggering sums of £5.7 billion and £8.9 billion ($7 billion and $11 billion, €6.4 billion and €10 billion or درهم25.7 billion and درهم40.4 billion) on his death. His funeral was attended by 7,000 people and subsequently Ivory Coast’s economy declined rapidly. A religiously grounded civil war followed and still today, what was previously a prosperous land remains “severely damaged.”

     

    RM Sotheby’s will sell the ex-Félix Houphouët-Boigny Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman at their Essen sale on behalf of its current owner, Dr Urich Speicher. The event runs from 24th to 27th June and an estimate of £220,000 to £247,000 ($273,000 to $306,000, €250,000 to €280,000 or درهم1 million to درهم1.1 million) has been set.

     

    Facebook: @TheSteepleTimes

    Instagram: @TheSteepleTimes

    Twitter: @SteepleTimes

     

    A Grand Old Man’s Grand Old Merc – President Félix Houphouët-Boigny – 1967 Mercedes ‘Dictator Car’ owned until 1993 by the first President of Ivory Coast to be auctioned after being restored at vast expense – 1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 Six-Door Pullman to be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their 24th to 27th June 2020 sale in Essen, Germany on behalf of current owner Dr Urich Speicher. An estimate of £220,000 to £247,000 ($273,000 to $306,000, €250,000 to €280,000 or درهم1 million to درهم1.1 million) has been set.
    A Grand Old Man’s Grand Old Merc – President Félix Houphouët-Boigny – 1967 Mercedes ‘Dictator Car’ owned until 1993 by the first President of Ivory Coast to be auctioned after being restored at vast expense – 1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 Six-Door Pullman to be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their 24th to 27th June 2020 sale in Essen, Germany on behalf of current owner Dr Urich Speicher. An estimate of £220,000 to £247,000 ($273,000 to $306,000, €250,000 to €280,000 or درهم1 million to درهم1.1 million) has been set.
    A Grand Old Man’s Grand Old Merc – President Félix Houphouët-Boigny – 1967 Mercedes ‘Dictator Car’ owned until 1993 by the first President of Ivory Coast to be auctioned after being restored at vast expense – 1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 Six-Door Pullman to be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their 24th to 27th June 2020 sale in Essen, Germany on behalf of current owner Dr Urich Speicher. An estimate of £220,000 to £247,000 ($273,000 to $306,000, €250,000 to €280,000 or درهم1 million to درهم1.1 million) has been set.
    A Grand Old Man’s Grand Old Merc – President Félix Houphouët-Boigny – 1967 Mercedes ‘Dictator Car’ owned until 1993 by the first President of Ivory Coast to be auctioned after being restored at vast expense – 1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 Six-Door Pullman to be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their 24th to 27th June 2020 sale in Essen, Germany on behalf of current owner Dr Urich Speicher. An estimate of £220,000 to £247,000 ($273,000 to $306,000, €250,000 to €280,000 or درهم1 million to درهم1.1 million) has been set.
    A Grand Old Man’s Grand Old Merc – President Félix Houphouët-Boigny – 1967 Mercedes ‘Dictator Car’ owned until 1993 by the first President of Ivory Coast to be auctioned after being restored at vast expense – 1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 Six-Door Pullman to be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their 24th to 27th June 2020 sale in Essen, Germany on behalf of current owner Dr Urich Speicher. An estimate of £220,000 to £247,000 ($273,000 to $306,000, €250,000 to €280,000 or درهم1 million to درهم1.1 million) has been set.
    A Grand Old Man’s Grand Old Merc – President Félix Houphouët-Boigny – 1967 Mercedes ‘Dictator Car’ owned until 1993 by the first President of Ivory Coast to be auctioned after being restored at vast expense – 1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 Six-Door Pullman to be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their 24th to 27th June 2020 sale in Essen, Germany on behalf of current owner Dr Urich Speicher. An estimate of £220,000 to £247,000 ($273,000 to $306,000, €250,000 to €280,000 or درهم1 million to درهم1.1 million) has been set.
    A Grand Old Man’s Grand Old Merc – President Félix Houphouët-Boigny – 1967 Mercedes ‘Dictator Car’ owned until 1993 by the first President of Ivory Coast to be auctioned after being restored at vast expense – 1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 Six-Door Pullman to be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their 24th to 27th June 2020 sale in Essen, Germany on behalf of current owner Dr Urich Speicher. An estimate of £220,000 to £247,000 ($273,000 to $306,000, €250,000 to €280,000 or درهم1 million to درهم1.1 million) has been set.
    A Grand Old Man’s Grand Old Merc – President Félix Houphouët-Boigny – 1967 Mercedes ‘Dictator Car’ owned until 1993 by the first President of Ivory Coast to be auctioned after being restored at vast expense – 1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 Six-Door Pullman to be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their 24th to 27th June 2020 sale in Essen, Germany on behalf of current owner Dr Urich Speicher. An estimate of £220,000 to £247,000 ($273,000 to $306,000, €250,000 to €280,000 or درهم1 million to درهم1.1 million) has been set.
    A Grand Old Man’s Grand Old Merc – President Félix Houphouët-Boigny – 1967 Mercedes ‘Dictator Car’ owned until 1993 by the first President of Ivory Coast to be auctioned after being restored at vast expense – 1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 Six-Door Pullman to be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their 24th to 27th June 2020 sale in Essen, Germany on behalf of current owner Dr Urich Speicher. An estimate of £220,000 to £247,000 ($273,000 to $306,000, €250,000 to €280,000 or درهم1 million to درهم1.1 million) has been set.
    A Grand Old Man’s Grand Old Merc – President Félix Houphouët-Boigny – 1967 Mercedes ‘Dictator Car’ owned until 1993 by the first President of Ivory Coast to be auctioned after being restored at vast expense – 1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 Six-Door Pullman to be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their 24th to 27th June 2020 sale in Essen, Germany on behalf of current owner Dr Urich Speicher. An estimate of £220,000 to £247,000 ($273,000 to $306,000, €250,000 to €280,000 or درهم1 million to درهم1.1 million) has been set.
  • A Corona Getaway in London

    A Corona Getaway in London

    For those looking to self-isolate in luxury in London, taking a ‘residence’ at The Milestone Hotel in Kensington could be the perfect option (if you’ve got £7,700 per week to spare)

    If you’re rich, want to self-isolate during the coronavirus outbreak in London and don’t even want to go out to do shopping, you could do worse than move into a ‘residence’ within The Milestone Hotel overlooking Kensington Gardens and Kensington Palace in W8.

     

    Though the Red Carnation Collection hotel, on its own website, is described as “temporarily closed due to current travel restrictions,” serviced apartments within the property are still being advertised online as available.

     

    Listed on OnTheMarket.com for £7,700 per week ($9,600, €8,600 or درهم35,200 per week) or the equivalent of £550 per room per night ($685, €615 or درهم2,515 per room per night), a 743 square foot single-level, third floor apartment includes a reception room, two bedroom suites and a kitchen.

     

    It is described by Harrods Estates as “beautiful” and “sumptuous” and having the “warm sense of being in your own private home.” Featuring a “vibrant and sophisticated” decoration scheme designed by Bea Tollman, the hotel’s founder, the agents laud the “contemporary polish that so cleverly blends with balancing the traditional features.”

     

    ‘Characteristics’ available to those taking the space include full 24-hour hotel service, access to the hotel’s health club, daily housekeeping services, 24-hour butler and room service and a full grocery shopping service.

     

    The neo-Gothic former private home in which this ‘residence’ is situated became a hotel in 1922 and has been known as The Milestone since 1986. It has 43 guest bedrooms, 13 suites and 6 long-stay apartments and in 2019 unveiled a leopard print carpeted suite in honour of the Duchess of Sussex named the ‘Meghan Suite.’ A blessing or a bonus, depending on your view of the wayward on-off royal, is that the likelihood of the former Miss Markle popping in for tea at this time of lockdown is as likely as the Queen riding by on Shergar the racehorse.

     

    Facebook: @TheSteepleTimes

    Instagram: @TheSteepleTimes

    Twitter: @SteepleTimes

     

    A Corona Getaway in London – Residence at The Milestone Hotel, 1 Kensington Court, Kensington, London, W8 5DL, United Kingdom – For those looking to self-isolate in luxury in London, taking a ‘residence’ at The Milestone Hotel in Kensington could be the perfect option. Two bedroom suite apartment available for £7,700 per week ($9,600, €8,600 or درهم35,200 per week) or the equivalent of £550 per room per night ($685, €615 or درهم2,515 per room per night).
    The exterior of The Milestone Hotel, 1 Kensington Court, Kensington, London, W8 5DL, United Kingdom.
    A Corona Getaway in London – Residence at The Milestone Hotel, 1 Kensington Court, Kensington, London, W8 5DL, United Kingdom – For those looking to self-isolate in luxury in London, taking a ‘residence’ at The Milestone Hotel in Kensington could be the perfect option. Two bedroom suite apartment available for £7,700 per week ($9,600, €8,600 or درهم35,200 per week) or the equivalent of £550 per room per night ($685, €615 or درهم2,515 per room per night).
    The main bedroom.
    A Corona Getaway in London – Residence at The Milestone Hotel, 1 Kensington Court, Kensington, London, W8 5DL, United Kingdom – For those looking to self-isolate in luxury in London, taking a ‘residence’ at The Milestone Hotel in Kensington could be the perfect option. Two bedroom suite apartment available for £7,700 per week ($9,600, €8,600 or درهم35,200 per week) or the equivalent of £550 per room per night ($685, €615 or درهم2,515 per room per night).
    The second of the bedrooms.
    A Corona Getaway in London – Residence at The Milestone Hotel, 1 Kensington Court, Kensington, London, W8 5DL, United Kingdom – For those looking to self-isolate in luxury in London, taking a ‘residence’ at The Milestone Hotel in Kensington could be the perfect option. Two bedroom suite apartment available for £7,700 per week ($9,600, €8,600 or درهم35,200 per week) or the equivalent of £550 per room per night ($685, €615 or درهم2,515 per room per night).
    The kitchen of the apartment has a look of something from the 1990s, but is perfectly functional.
    A Corona Getaway in London – Residence at The Milestone Hotel, 1 Kensington Court, Kensington, London, W8 5DL, United Kingdom – For those looking to self-isolate in luxury in London, taking a ‘residence’ at The Milestone Hotel in Kensington could be the perfect option. Two bedroom suite apartment available for £7,700 per week ($9,600, €8,600 or درهم35,200 per week) or the equivalent of £550 per room per night ($685, €615 or درهم2,515 per room per night).
    A floor plan of Apartment 6, the ‘residence’ offered.
  • Going Thin – Two Into One?

    Going Thin – Two Into One?

    Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market after another has languished for sale for four years; the two could potentially be merged to make a truly spectacular artist’s studio in the sky

    In May 2016, The Steeple Times featured a 603 square foot third floor artist’s studio flat in a building known as ‘The Thin House’ (or ‘The Skinny House’) in Thurloe Square, South Kensington. Priced then at £895,000 ($1.1 million, €1 million or درهم4.1 million), this apartment is surprisingly still for sale for the same sum and complete with the same furniture four years later. Now, however, it is no longer offered by the defunct agents W. A. Ellis and is instead available through agents Rokstone.

     

    Going Thin – Two Into One? The Thin House, 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, London, SW7 2TA, United Kingdom. Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market in March 2020 after another has languished for sale for four years since 2016. Second floor for sale through Winkworth for £875,000. Third floor for sale through Rokstone for £895,000.
    The third floor space for sale through Rokstone for £895,000 has been on the market since 2016, yet has never been reduced in price.

    A reason this flat may not have ‘moved’ in the period is not only that the building in which it is situated is not only of an “architecturally weird shape,” but also because it directly backs onto the District and Circle line. With trains running from around 5.30am to 12.30am each day, it is undoubtedly noise affected.

     

    Constructed on the remaining land of five neo-classical houses demolished to make way for the underground in the 1860s, red brick 5 Thurloe Square – just six foot wide at its narrowest point – was the brainchild of a local builder named William Douglas. Fitting into a “meagre” triangle, he designed and built seven artists’ studios between 1885 and 1887 and some of them are still in use by creatives to this day.

     

    As well as the aforementioned share of freehold third floor property, a studio on the second floor of the building is also on the market. Offered by Winkworth for £875,000 ($1.1 million, €980,000 or درهم4 million), the 676 square foot space features a 21-foot by 16-foot studio with a small kitchen and bathroom off and a 13-foot by 7-foot mezzanine bedroom over. The agents describe the property as offering “exceptional space” and “the most magnificent view over the treetops of Thurloe Square towards the Victoria and Albert Museum.”

     

    Subject to planning, imagination and deep pockets, an inspired individual could perhaps purchase and merge both apartments into one. The resulting 1,279 square foot creation would not only be thin, it could potentially be spectacular.

     

    Images and floor plans of the third floor artist’s studio follow.

     

    Facebook: @TheSteepleTimes

    Instagram: @TheSteepleTimes

    Twitter: @SteepleTimes

     

    Going Thin – Two Into One? The Thin House, 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, London, SW7 2TA, United Kingdom. Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market in March 2020 after another has languished for sale for four years since 2016. Second floor for sale through Winkworth for £875,000. Third floor for sale through Rokstone for £895,000.
    Going Thin – Two Into One? The Thin House, 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, London, SW7 2TA, United Kingdom. Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market in March 2020 after another has languished for sale for four years since 2016. Second floor for sale through Winkworth for £875,000. Third floor for sale through Rokstone for £895,000.
    Going Thin – Two Into One? The Thin House, 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, London, SW7 2TA, United Kingdom. Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market in March 2020 after another has languished for sale for four years since 2016. Second floor for sale through Winkworth for £875,000. Third floor for sale through Rokstone for £895,000.
    Going Thin – Two Into One? The Thin House, 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, London, SW7 2TA, United Kingdom. Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market in March 2020 after another has languished for sale for four years since 2016. Second floor for sale through Winkworth for £875,000. Third floor for sale through Rokstone for £895,000.
    Going Thin – Two Into One? The Thin House, 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, London, SW7 2TA, United Kingdom. Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market in March 2020 after another has languished for sale for four years since 2016. Second floor for sale through Winkworth for £875,000. Third floor for sale through Rokstone for £895,000.
    Going Thin – Two Into One? The Thin House, 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, London, SW7 2TA, United Kingdom. Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market in March 2020 after another has languished for sale for four years since 2016. Second floor for sale through Winkworth for £875,000. Third floor for sale through Rokstone for £895,000.
    Going Thin – Two Into One? The Thin House, 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, London, SW7 2TA, United Kingdom. Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market in March 2020 after another has languished for sale for four years since 2016. Second floor for sale through Winkworth for £875,000. Third floor for sale through Rokstone for £895,000.
    Going Thin – Two Into One? The Thin House, 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, London, SW7 2TA, United Kingdom. Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market in March 2020 after another has languished for sale for four years since 2016. Second floor for sale through Winkworth for £875,000. Third floor for sale through Rokstone for £895,000.
  • Muting Masterpiece

    Muting Masterpiece

    Highlight of the art and antiques calendar, Masterpiece London, announces its 2020 fair has been cancelled due to coronavirus

    The brainchild of renowned dealer Harry Apter and three other founding members, Masterpiece London was due to take place at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea from 24th June to 1st July.

     

    Sadly, as with many other largescale events, yesterday, its organisers announced they had “decided to cancel this year’s edition” due to the coronavirus outbreak. In a release on their official website, Masterpiece London, however, confirmed their 2021 fair will go ahead from 24th to 30th June 2021 and stated they will be launching a “range of initiatives in lieu of this year’s edition.”

     

    In December 2017, MCH Group, the owners of Art Basel, bought 67.5% of the shares in the company that organises the fair. They most sensibly retained the esteemed expert Philip Hewat-Jaboor as chairman.

     

    A full statement was issued on Masterpiece’s website. It reads:

     

    In light of the evolving Covid-19 pandemic and increasing measures taken to combat it by the UK government, we have decided to cancel this year’s edition of Masterpiece London, which was scheduled to take place from 24 June – 1 July 2020. We are grateful for the support and hard work of our exhibitors, partners and staff in preparation for this year’s edition of the Fair; however the health of everyone involved in Masterpiece London is our absolute priority during these unprecedented times.

     

    We are committed to supporting our exhibitors and visitors, and over the coming weeks will share details of a range of initiatives we will be launching in lieu of this year’s edition.

     

    We look forward to welcoming you to the next edition of Masterpiece London, which will take place from 24 – 30 June 2021.

     

    We wish you all well during this difficult time.

     

    Facebook: @TheSteepleTimes

    Instagram: @TheSteepleTimes

    Twitter: @SteepleTimes

     

  • A Cockney Paradise in Chelsea

    A Cockney Paradise in Chelsea

    Art deco mansion block apartment in Chelsea that was once home to the “cheeky Cockney” actor Harry Fowler for sale

    “Cheeky Cockney” actor Harry Fowler MBE (1926 – 2012) appeared in everything from Minder to Lawrence of Arabia. He was first discovered as “a near illiterate newspaper boy” making eight shillings a week and invited on the BBC on a radio programme about life in wartime London. He was an immediate hit and subsequently a film company executive offered this Lambeth born boy a “monumental 42 shillings a day” to play an evacuee in The Demi-Paradise – which starred Laurence Olivier and Penelope Ward.

     

    Subsequently Fowler took on many “juvenile roles” and after serving in the RAF during the war, he appeared in films and television series including Dixon of Dock Green, Z-Cars, Jackanory, In Sickness and in Health, The Bill and Casualty and was described by Terence Pettigrew as being “as English as suet pudding.” Going further, of him, the broadcaster added: “His characters were neither honest nor irretrievably delinquent, merely wise in the ways of the streets, surviving through a combination of wit and stealth. He had a certain arrogance, but there was an appealing vulnerability, too.”

     

    A Cockney Paradise in Chelsea – Actor Harry Fowler’s apartment for sale Art deco mansion block apartment in Chesil Court, Chelsea Manor Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 5QS, United Kingdom that was once home to the “cheeky Cockney” actor Harry Fowler for sale for £975,000.
    Harry Fowler as a schoolboy named Albert in John Paddy Carstairs’ British comedy film. ‘Top of the Form’ (1953).

    Married first to the Ealing Studios star Joan Dowling, whom tragically committed suicide in 1954 by gas poisoning, Fowler’s second wife was Catherine Palmer. The couple had no children and amongst where they lived was in a portered art deco mansion block called Chesil Court in Chelsea, London, SW3.

     

    Now offered for £975,000 ($1.2 million, €1.1 million or درهم4.3 million), the one-bedroomed first floor flat in which the “everyman for every occasion” and his wife resided is appropriately decorated in authentic 1930s style. It has an original iron bath and original radiators and a Chesil Court clock even. In the bedroom, the wallpaper is a Parisienne print by Madeleine Castaing and in-keeping also are the peacock blue silk blackout curtains and silk leopard print curtains that can be found throughout, according to agents Strutt & Parker.

     

    The 586 square foot apartment is small but perfectly formed and comes with a 35 square foot south facing balcony and it was no doubt there that this Labour supporter decided against a career in parliament. “I found there was little room for laughter in politics,” The Telegraph reported he concluded.

     

    Facebook: @TheSteepleTimes

    Instagram: @TheSteepleTimes

    Twitter: @SteepleTimes

     

    A Cockney Paradise in Chelsea – Actor Harry Fowler’s apartment for sale Art deco mansion block apartment in Chesil Court, Chelsea Manor Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 5QS, United Kingdom that was once home to the “cheeky Cockney” actor Harry Fowler for sale for £975,000.
    The sitting room is furnished in appropriate 1930s style.
    A Cockney Paradise in Chelsea – Actor Harry Fowler’s apartment for sale Art deco mansion block apartment in Chesil Court, Chelsea Manor Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 5QS, United Kingdom that was once home to the “cheeky Cockney” actor Harry Fowler for sale for £975,000.
    The dining area.
    A Cockney Paradise in Chelsea – Actor Harry Fowler’s apartment for sale Art deco mansion block apartment in Chesil Court, Chelsea Manor Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 5QS, United Kingdom that was once home to the “cheeky Cockney” actor Harry Fowler for sale for £975,000.
    The kitchen is small but stylish.
    A Cockney Paradise in Chelsea – Actor Harry Fowler’s apartment for sale Art deco mansion block apartment in Chesil Court, Chelsea Manor Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 5QS, United Kingdom that was once home to the “cheeky Cockney” actor Harry Fowler for sale for £975,000.
    The bedroom features rainforest patterned wallpaper.
    A Cockney Paradise in Chelsea – Actor Harry Fowler’s apartment for sale Art deco mansion block apartment in Chesil Court, Chelsea Manor Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 5QS, United Kingdom that was once home to the “cheeky Cockney” actor Harry Fowler for sale for £975,000.
    The original 1930s bathroom.
    A Cockney Paradise in Chelsea – Actor Harry Fowler’s apartment for sale Art deco mansion block apartment in Chesil Court, Chelsea Manor Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 5QS, United Kingdom that was once home to the “cheeky Cockney” actor Harry Fowler for sale for £975,000.
    The south facing balcony.
    A Cockney Paradise in Chelsea – Actor Harry Fowler’s apartment for sale Art deco mansion block apartment in Chesil Court, Chelsea Manor Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 5QS, United Kingdom that was once home to the “cheeky Cockney” actor Harry Fowler for sale for £975,000.
    The entrance to Chesil Court, Chelsea Manor Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 5QS, United Kingdom.
    A Cockney Paradise in Chelsea – Actor Harry Fowler’s apartment for sale Art deco mansion block apartment in Chesil Court, Chelsea Manor Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 5QS, United Kingdom that was once home to the “cheeky Cockney” actor Harry Fowler for sale for £975,000.
    A floor plan of the first floor apartment.
  • A Belgravian Yo-Yo

    A Belgravian Yo-Yo

    Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years

    Estate agents like to make things sound grander generally and often give a house a name rather than a number. In the case of ‘Orpheo House’ in Belgravia, they’ve done the opposite and even though technically it stands in Elizabeth Street, its listed address is the rather grander sounding ‘50a Eaton Square.’

     

    Grosvenor Estate owned Eaton Square, developed from 1827 onwards, has variously been home to actors, politicians and statesmen. Amongst them have been Stanley Baldwin, Sean Connery, Rex Harrison, Vivien Leigh, Joachim von Ribbentrop, George Soros and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands and most recently in 2019, the square was used as a location in the hit BBC drama series The Capture.

     

    50a Eaton Square has had a curious history. In 1992, it was listed as the final address of the fourth and last Baron of Southborough on his death and subsequently, in 2009, it was sold to a “British music executive” according to Financial News. In 2010, he commissioned the renowned interior designer Nicky Haslam to turn it into a “trophy home” and the “epitome of comfortable luxury.” It now includes not only air conditioning and underfloor heating, but also has “secret drawers for DVDs” and “display cabinets for watches and sunglasses.”

     

    “Super-stylish… [and] whimsical… with a Parisienne theme” according to the Evening Standard in 2016, the three-storey property fronts Elizabeth Street, but can also be accessed from a side door into Eaton Mews West – a cobbled street that has been home to Belgravia Garage since 1930.

     

    Plainly, being next to the busy garage and car wash has put off buyers given that the property has yoyo-ed on and off the market at prices as high as £4.5 million since 2010. The real problem, however, is that the remaining 26-year lease is not enfranchisable.

     

    Extending to 2,253 square feet, 50a Eaton Square features a double reception room, an Italian black lacquer kitchen and a small bedroom suite on its ground floor, a 25-foot by 24-foot reception on its first floor whilst a “generous” bedroom suite with dressing room, bathroom and west facing roof terrace takes up the entire second floor. A spiral wine cellar is located on the lower ground floor and a parking space within the mews is also included.

     

    Agents Rokstone now seek the very much reduced sum of £3 million for the property.

     

    The Names & Numbers – Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE

     

    March 2020 – Reduced in price to £3 million ($3.5 million, €3.3 million or درهم12.9 million) and still available through agents Rokstone.

     

    November 2019 – Listed for sale on Zoopla.com for £3.45 million ($4 million, €3.7 million or درهم14.8 million).

     

    June 2018 – Listed for sale in Square Mile magazine for £4.25 million ($5 million, €4.6 million or درهم18.3 million).

     

    October 2016 – Featured in the Evening Standard’s ‘Homes & Property’ section at a price of £4.25 million ($5 million, €4.6 million or درهم18.3 million) with agents Rokstone.

     

    July 2011 – Listed as the ‘House of the Day’ on the Financial News website at a price of £3.95 million ($4.6 million, €4.3 million or درهم17 million) through agents Savills.

     

    January 2010 – Listed for sale in Square Mile magazine for £4.5 million ($5.3 million, €4.9 million or درهم19.4 million) with agents Aylesford.

     

    2009 – Sold to a “British music executive” according to Financial News. They state: “He moved out last year while [Nicky] Haslam completely gutted the house, taking it back to bare brick and changing the ceiling heights.”

     

    June 1992 – Described as the last address of Francis Michael Hopwood, Lord Southborough, whom died on 15th June 1992 (born 1922). Given the fourth Baron of Southborough had no offspring, the title (which was created in 1917 by King George V) then became extinct.

     

    June 1955 – Featured in The Gazette as the address of Ambrose Dasent, an engineer and relative of the Sir George Webbe Dasent (1817 – 1896), the renowned translator of Scandinavian literature and mythology.

     

    February 1936 – Featured in The Times as having “been sold by Messrs.’ George Trollope and Sons before auction.

     

    Facebook: @TheSteepleTimes

    Instagram: @TheSteepleTimes

    Twitter: @SteepleTimes

     

    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    The designer of the interior of 50a Eaton Square, Nicky Haslam (pictured with fellow socialite Paris Hilton).
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    The entrance hall and staircase.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    The main reception room.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    Viewed from another angle.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    The room includes a bar and is opulent in its styling.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    A second reception room, on the ground floor, features a sitting area within a bay window.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    It is has a division.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    With a dining area beyond.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    The kitchen features a central island.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    The main bedroom suite.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    Another view of that suite’s bathroom.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    The suite comes with its own roof terrace.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    The second bedroom is situated on the ground floor.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    A floor plan of the property.
  • A Poirot Curve

    A Poirot Curve

    Curve shaped neo-Georgian house that wouldn’t look out of place in an Agatha Christie Poirot novel on the St. George’s Hill estate in Surrey for sale for an extraordinary sum

    Featured as the main article in Country Life just 15 days after the start of the Second World War on 16th September 1939, Hamstone House on the 946-acre St. George’s Hill estate in Weybridge, Surrey was constructed between 1937 and 1938 for Herman Peter Thygesen Lind (1890 – 1956), the founder of a firm that later constructed both Waterloo Bridge and the BT Tower in London.

     

    Now offered for £16 million ($18.4 million, €17.2million or درهم67.6 million) by agents Beauchamp Estates, this Grade II listed “classical” house is described on British Listed Buildings as being “in Georgian tradition” and of “brown ham stone ashlar,” but has a look that is more akin to something out of Agatha Christie’s Poirot novels. In 1987, Christopher Warman of The Times, lauded it as “the most important architectural centrepiece of St George’s Hill” and “[looking] like the bridge of a huge ocean going liner.”

     

    Accessed via a Grade II listed double gatehouse, Hamstone House is curved in shape and was somewhat mockingly featured in Punch magazine as “[standing] out like the Duchess of Windsor’s flamingo brooch in a local jewellers window.” Its 8 acres of gardens and grounds were listed as “not [looking] out of place in the grandest of crematoria.”

     

    Refurbished most recently in 2006, the 23,546 square foot freehold property now includes amongst other things 5 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms and an indoor swimming pool. The second floor is dominated by a large roof terrace accessed via an office, from where no doubt Mr Lind no doubt planned many a business manoeuvre as he looked out across what is listed as “rural grandeur.”

     

    Sold to a company connected to Oleg Deripaska, the somewhat controversial oligarch and associate of Peter (now Lord) Mandleson in 2001, Hamstone House was previously marketed for £5 million ($5.7 million, €5.4 million or درهم21.2 million) in 1987 according to Wikipedia.

     

    Facebook: @TheSteepleTimes

    Instagram: @TheSteepleTimes

    Twitter: @SteepleTimes

     

    A Poirot Curve – Curve shaped neo-Georgian house that wouldn’t look out of place in an Agatha Christie Poirot novel on the St. George’s Hill estate in Surrey for sale for an extraordinary sum. Hamstone House, South Ridge, St. Georges Hill, Weybridge KT13 0NF, United Kingdom is offered for £16 million ($18.4 million, €17.2million or درهم67.6 million) by agents Beauchamp Estates.
    A Poirot Curve – Curve shaped neo-Georgian house that wouldn’t look out of place in an Agatha Christie Poirot novel on the St. George’s Hill estate in Surrey for sale for an extraordinary sum. Hamstone House, South Ridge, St. Georges Hill, Weybridge KT13 0NF, United Kingdom is offered for £16 million ($18.4 million, €17.2million or درهم67.6 million) by agents Beauchamp Estates.
    A Poirot Curve – Curve shaped neo-Georgian house that wouldn’t look out of place in an Agatha Christie Poirot novel on the St. George’s Hill estate in Surrey for sale for an extraordinary sum. Hamstone House, South Ridge, St. Georges Hill, Weybridge KT13 0NF, United Kingdom is offered for £16 million ($18.4 million, €17.2million or درهم67.6 million) by agents Beauchamp Estates.
    A Poirot Curve – Curve shaped neo-Georgian house that wouldn’t look out of place in an Agatha Christie Poirot novel on the St. George’s Hill estate in Surrey for sale for an extraordinary sum. Hamstone House, South Ridge, St. Georges Hill, Weybridge KT13 0NF, United Kingdom is offered for £16 million ($18.4 million, €17.2million or درهم67.6 million) by agents Beauchamp Estates.
    A Poirot Curve – Curve shaped neo-Georgian house that wouldn’t look out of place in an Agatha Christie Poirot novel on the St. George’s Hill estate in Surrey for sale for an extraordinary sum. Hamstone House, South Ridge, St. Georges Hill, Weybridge KT13 0NF, United Kingdom is offered for £16 million ($18.4 million, €17.2million or درهم67.6 million) by agents Beauchamp Estates.
    A Poirot Curve – Curve shaped neo-Georgian house that wouldn’t look out of place in an Agatha Christie Poirot novel on the St. George’s Hill estate in Surrey for sale for an extraordinary sum. Hamstone House, South Ridge, St. Georges Hill, Weybridge KT13 0NF, United Kingdom is offered for £16 million ($18.4 million, €17.2million or درهم67.6 million) by agents Beauchamp Estates.
    A Poirot Curve – Curve shaped neo-Georgian house that wouldn’t look out of place in an Agatha Christie Poirot novel on the St. George’s Hill estate in Surrey for sale for an extraordinary sum. Hamstone House, South Ridge, St. Georges Hill, Weybridge KT13 0NF, United Kingdom is offered for £16 million ($18.4 million, €17.2million or درهم67.6 million) by agents Beauchamp Estates.
    A Poirot Curve – Curve shaped neo-Georgian house that wouldn’t look out of place in an Agatha Christie Poirot novel on the St. George’s Hill estate in Surrey for sale for an extraordinary sum. Hamstone House, South Ridge, St. Georges Hill, Weybridge KT13 0NF, United Kingdom is offered for £16 million ($18.4 million, €17.2million or درهم67.6 million) by agents Beauchamp Estates.
  • A Seat or a Smallholding?

    A Seat or a Smallholding?

    Two seats at the Royal Albert Hall for sale leasehold; their price is equivalent to buying a freehold smallholding with 2.47 acres of land and a renovated 4-bedroom house in Scotland

    In Wigtownshire, south-west Scotland, £300,000 ($353,000, €328,000 or درهم1.3 million) will buy you a 2.47 acre farm smallholding with a 4 bedroom farmhouse and a range of outbuildings. In London, the same sum will get you two seats – yes seats – in the Royal Albert Hall.

     

    Of the two seats, Harrods Estates comment:

     

    “[This is] a rare opportunity to purchase a pair of stall seats within the world’s most prestigious concert hall. Commanding exceptional views of the main stage and auditorium, the seats are located in the prestigious J Block on the western side of the Royal Albert Hall. The J Block is conveniently located close to the numerous bars and restaurants so that as a member of the Corporation of the Hall of Arts and Science, you will be able to entertain your guests in style.”

     

    The two seats are priced at the equivalent of just £177 per seat year ($209, €194 or درهم766 per year) for the remainder of the 846 year lease. The purchaser is entitled to access to approximately 80% of the performances and can either use the seats themselves or sell privately through the Royal Albert Hall.

     

    Cairngarroch Farm at Stoneykirk, on the other hand, is offered by agents the South West Property Centre. They refer to its “splendid views over the surrounding countryside” and how “some more land may be available by separate negotiation.”

     

    More images of the smallholding follow below.

     

    Facebook: @TheSteepleTimes

    Instagram: @TheSteepleTimes

    Twitter: @SteepleTimes

     

    A Seat or a Smallholding? Two seats at the Albert Hall vs. Smallholding – Two seats at the Royal Albert Hall for sale leasehold; their £300,000 price is equivalent to buying a renovated freehold smallholding in Scotland. Agents: Harrods Estates and South West Property Centre.
    A Seat or a Smallholding? Two seats at the Albert Hall vs. Smallholding – Two seats at the Royal Albert Hall for sale leasehold; their £300,000 price is equivalent to buying a renovated freehold smallholding in Scotland. Agents: Harrods Estates and South West Property Centre.
    A Seat or a Smallholding? Two seats at the Albert Hall vs. Smallholding – Two seats at the Royal Albert Hall for sale leasehold; their £300,000 price is equivalent to buying a renovated freehold smallholding in Scotland. Agents: Harrods Estates and South West Property Centre.
    A Seat or a Smallholding? Two seats at the Albert Hall vs. Smallholding – Two seats at the Royal Albert Hall for sale leasehold; their £300,000 price is equivalent to buying a renovated freehold smallholding in Scotland. Agents: Harrods Estates and South West Property Centre.
    A Seat or a Smallholding? Two seats at the Albert Hall vs. Smallholding – Two seats at the Royal Albert Hall for sale leasehold; their £300,000 price is equivalent to buying a renovated freehold smallholding in Scotland. Agents: Harrods Estates and South West Property Centre.
    A Seat or a Smallholding? Two seats at the Albert Hall vs. Smallholding – Two seats at the Royal Albert Hall for sale leasehold; their £300,000 price is equivalent to buying a renovated freehold smallholding in Scotland. Agents: Harrods Estates and South West Property Centre.
    A Seat or a Smallholding? Two seats at the Albert Hall vs. Smallholding – Two seats at the Royal Albert Hall for sale leasehold; their £300,000 price is equivalent to buying a renovated freehold smallholding in Scotland. Agents: Harrods Estates and South West Property Centre.
    A Seat or a Smallholding? Two seats at the Albert Hall vs. Smallholding – Two seats at the Royal Albert Hall for sale leasehold; their £300,000 price is equivalent to buying a renovated freehold smallholding in Scotland. Agents: Harrods Estates and South West Property Centre.
  • A Reverend’s Residence

    A Reverend’s Residence

    Part vacant Grade II* listed Queen Anne former vicarage in East Sussex to be auctioned online (due to the coronavirus outbreak)

    With social distancing becoming increasingly common due to coronavirus, sellers are resorting to different ways of marketing their properties. Whilst estate agents report that some vendors will not allow viewings by Chinese and Italian applicants, in the case of a Grade II* listed former vicarage in the heart of the Sussex market town of Hailsham, it will be sold at auction online later this month.

     

    Built between 1701 and 1705 and adjacent to the parish church, Hailsham Grange (also known as ‘The Old Vicarage’) was used to house clergy until the mid-1950s and extends to 4,644 square foot. Over three floors in total, there are amongst other things 3 reception rooms, a conservatory and 4 bedrooms in the main house. The self-contained second floor is currently used as a 3 bedroomed flat that is let for £11,000 per year.

     

    Standing in 0.74 acres of gardens that have previously been opened as part of the National Gardens Scheme, Hailsham Grange has previously been used as a B&B and events venue and featured in Country Life, the FT and the Wealden Times magazine.

     

    Savills will offer the property on 26th March 2020 via remote bidding with a guide price of £975,000+. To register, contact them via [email protected]

     

    The adjoining 1,605 square foot coach house to the property, which is currently divided into four one-bedroom flats, is available separately at a price of £500,000, but not included in the auction listing.

     

    The Numbers – Hailsham Grange, Vicarage Road, Hailsham, Wealden, East Sussex, BN27 1BL

     

    March 2020 – To be sold at auction by Savills in conjunction with Taylor Engley with a guide of £975,000 ($1.13 million, €1.06 million or درهم4.17 million). The coach house remains available separately for £500,000 ($581,000, €545,000 or درهم2.13 million). Total: £1.475 million ($1.72 million, €1.61 million or درهم6.30 million).

     

    Early 2020 – For sale privately for £1.35 million ($1.57 million, €1.47 million or درهم5.77 million) plus £500,000 ($581,000, €545,000 or درهم2.13 million) for the coach house. Total: £1.85 million ($2.15 million, €2.02 million or درهم7.90 million).

     

    November 2017 – For sale via Fine & Country for £1.35 million ($1.57 million, €1.47 million or درهم5.77 million excluding the coach house (now as four apartments).

     

    October 2015 – Sold for £980,000 ($1.14 million, €1.07 million or درهم4.19 million) including the coach house.

     

    May 2015 – For sale via Batcheller Monkhouse for £1.25 million to £1.35 million ($1.45 million to $1.57 million, €1.36 million to €1.47 million or درهم5.34 million to درهم5.77 million) including the coach house as two apartments.

     

    September 1978 – Offered for sale at auction by Jackson-Stops & Staff at an unknown guide.

     

    Facebook: @TheSteepleTimes

    Instagram: @TheSteepleTimes

    Twitter: @SteepleTimes

     

    A Reverend’s Residence - £975,000 for Hailsham Grange, Vicarage Road, Hailsham, Wealden, East Sussex, BN27 1BL at Savills auction on 26th March 2020 – Part vacant Grade II* listed Queen Anne former vicarage in East Sussex to be auctioned online (due to the coronavirus outbreak).
    The staircase.
    A Reverend’s Residence - £975,000 for Hailsham Grange, Vicarage Road, Hailsham, Wealden, East Sussex, BN27 1BL at Savills auction on 26th March 2020 – Part vacant Grade II* listed Queen Anne former vicarage in East Sussex to be auctioned online (due to the coronavirus outbreak).
    The drawing room.
    A Reverend’s Residence - £975,000 for Hailsham Grange, Vicarage Road, Hailsham, Wealden, East Sussex, BN27 1BL at Savills auction on 26th March 2020 – Part vacant Grade II* listed Queen Anne former vicarage in East Sussex to be auctioned online (due to the coronavirus outbreak).
    A sitting room.
    A Reverend’s Residence - £975,000 for Hailsham Grange, Vicarage Road, Hailsham, Wealden, East Sussex, BN27 1BL at Savills auction on 26th March 2020 – Part vacant Grade II* listed Queen Anne former vicarage in East Sussex to be auctioned online (due to the coronavirus outbreak).
    A bedroom.
    A Reverend’s Residence - £975,000 for Hailsham Grange, Vicarage Road, Hailsham, Wealden, East Sussex, BN27 1BL at Savills auction on 26th March 2020 – Part vacant Grade II* listed Queen Anne former vicarage in East Sussex to be auctioned online (due to the coronavirus outbreak).
    Another bedroom.
    A Reverend’s Residence - £975,000 for Hailsham Grange, Vicarage Road, Hailsham, Wealden, East Sussex, BN27 1BL at Savills auction on 26th March 2020 – Part vacant Grade II* listed Queen Anne former vicarage in East Sussex to be auctioned online (due to the coronavirus outbreak).
    The sitting room of the second floor apartment.
    A Reverend’s Residence - £975,000 for Hailsham Grange, Vicarage Road, Hailsham, Wealden, East Sussex, BN27 1BL at Savills auction on 26th March 2020 – Part vacant Grade II* listed Queen Anne former vicarage in East Sussex to be auctioned online (due to the coronavirus outbreak).
    The view across the garden to the church.
    A Reverend’s Residence - £975,000 for Hailsham Grange, Vicarage Road, Hailsham, Wealden, East Sussex, BN27 1BL at Savills auction on 26th March 2020 – Part vacant Grade II* listed Queen Anne former vicarage in East Sussex to be auctioned online (due to the coronavirus outbreak).
    Another vista.
    A Reverend’s Residence - £975,000 for Hailsham Grange, Vicarage Road, Hailsham, Wealden, East Sussex, BN27 1BL at Savills auction on 26th March 2020 – Part vacant Grade II* listed Queen Anne former vicarage in East Sussex to be auctioned online (due to the coronavirus outbreak).
    Formal gardens.
    A Reverend’s Residence - £975,000 for Hailsham Grange, Vicarage Road, Hailsham, Wealden, East Sussex, BN27 1BL at Savills auction on 26th March 2020 – Part vacant Grade II* listed Queen Anne former vicarage in East Sussex to be auctioned online (due to the coronavirus outbreak).
    The rear of the house.
    A Reverend’s Residence - £975,000 for Hailsham Grange, Vicarage Road, Hailsham, Wealden, East Sussex, BN27 1BL at Savills auction on 26th March 2020 – Part vacant Grade II* listed Queen Anne former vicarage in East Sussex to be auctioned online (due to the coronavirus outbreak).
    The front elevation.
    A Reverend’s Residence - £975,000 for Hailsham Grange, Vicarage Road, Hailsham, Wealden, East Sussex, BN27 1BL at Savills auction on 26th March 2020 – Part vacant Grade II* listed Queen Anne former vicarage in East Sussex to be auctioned online (due to the coronavirus outbreak).
    The separately available coach house.
    A Reverend’s Residence - £975,000 for Hailsham Grange, Vicarage Road, Hailsham, Wealden, East Sussex, BN27 1BL at Savills auction on 26th March 2020 – Part vacant Grade II* listed Queen Anne former vicarage in East Sussex to be auctioned online (due to the coronavirus outbreak).
    When used for events, there was a bar in the garden.
    A Reverend’s Residence - £975,000 for Hailsham Grange, Vicarage Road, Hailsham, Wealden, East Sussex, BN27 1BL at Savills auction on 26th March 2020 – Part vacant Grade II* listed Queen Anne former vicarage in East Sussex to be auctioned online (due to the coronavirus outbreak).
    A floor plan of the house.
    A Reverend’s Residence - £975,000 for Hailsham Grange, Vicarage Road, Hailsham, Wealden, East Sussex, BN27 1BL at Savills auction on 26th March 2020 – Part vacant Grade II* listed Queen Anne former vicarage in East Sussex to be auctioned online (due to the coronavirus outbreak).
    The 1978 advertisement for the auction of Hailsham Grange and the floor plan of the coach house.
  • Blown Out Cheap In Chelsea

    Blown Out Cheap In Chelsea

    First floor flat in Redcliffe Gardens, Chelsea for sale for just £150,000 in spite of having a 61 year lease; the street was made famous in a song by The Beatles

    A flat in Redcliffe Gardens, Chelsea, SW10, the street where the man “who blew his mind out in a car” in the lyrics of A Day in the Life by The Beatles on 18th December 1966, is for sale for just £150,000 ($178,000, €162,000 or درهم653,000) in spite of being on a perfectly adequate 61 year lease.

     

    The first floor studio offered does, however, come with an inevitable catch. It is unmortgageable due to having a protected occupant and is in need of complete renovation. Selling agents May & Co. state: “[Updating] would not be possible due to the sitting tenant.”

     

    On the upside, the buyer will get £375 per month ($444, €405 or درهم1,631 per month) or £4,500 per year ($5,300, €4,900 or درهم19,500 per year) in rent and if and when the tenant departs, will see a likely significant uplift in value.

     

    The 21-year-old man in question in the lyrics? He was a Dublin-born heir to the Guinness brewery fortune named Tara Browne. A friend of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Browne crashed his Lotus Elan into a parked van whilst driving  at around 106 miles per hourwith his model girlfriend, Suki Potier. He was under the influence of alcohol and drugs and died the following day.

     

    A Day in the Life

    He blew his mind out in a car

    He didn’t notice that the lights had changed

    A crowd of people stood and stared

    They’d seen his face before

    Nobody was really sure

    If he was from the House of Lords

     

    Facebook: @TheSteepleTimes

    Instagram: @TheSteepleTimes

    Twitter: @SteepleTimes

     

    Blown Out Cheap In Chelsea – Cheap studio flat in Chelsea, SW10 – First floor flat in Redcliffe Gardens, Chelsea, London, SW10 for sale for just £150,000 in spite of having a 61 year lease; the street was made famous in The Beatles song ‘A Day in the Life’ – Offered by May & Co.
    Tara Browne pictured in the Lotus Elan.
    Blown Out Cheap In Chelsea – Cheap studio flat in Chelsea, SW10 – First floor flat in Redcliffe Gardens, Chelsea, London, SW10 for sale for just £150,000 in spite of having a 61 year lease; the street was made famous in The Beatles song ‘A Day in the Life’ – Offered by May & Co.
    His car after the accident.