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

  • Red Rollers

    Red Rollers

    Pair of striking red Rolls-Royces with Scottish connections to be auctioned at the Imperial War Museum Duxford

     

    Rolls-Royces tend to be noticed wherever they go but a pair to be auctioned later this month are especially stand-out examples in that they both come in especially bold shades of red.

     

    The first car, a 1990 Rolls-Royce Corniche III convertible, is offered with an estimate of £50,000 to £60,000 ($62,000 to $74,000, €58,000 to €69,000 or درهم228,000 to درهم273,000). It was built to special order for a Scottish laird and features one-of-a-kind red paintwork said to match the colour of his family’s tartan. The 27-year old automatic, 6.75-litre vehicle comes with an original set of cut glass decanters and matching glasses and has covered just 64,900 miles.

     

    The second comes in the form of a 1935 Rolls-Royce 20/25 limousine with coachwork by Hooper & Company of Westminster, London. It is presented in maroon and black with black upholstery up front and red to the rear. Originally owned by a Mrs Margaret Abercrombie of Castlehead, Paisley, the 3.7-litre long-wheelbase car subsequently spent 39 years in the USA before returning to the UK in 2003. It is offered with an estimate of £24,000 to £26,000 ($30,000 to $32,000, €28,000 to €30,000 or درهم109,000 to درهم118,000).

     

    The cars will be sold by H&H Classics at the Imperial War Museum Duxford in Cambridgeshire on 29th March.

     

    Red Rollers – H&H Classics Imperial War Museum Duxford sale on 29th March 2017 – 1990 Rolls-Royce Corniche III convertible estimated at £50,000 to £60,000 ($62,000 to $74,000, €58,000 to €69,000 or درهم228,000 to درهم273,000) – 1935 Rolls-Royce 20/25 limousine estimated at £24,000 to £26,000 ($30,000 to $32,000, €28,000 to €30,000 or درهم109,000 to درهم118,000) Red Rollers – H&H Classics Imperial War Museum Duxford sale on 29th March 2017 – 1990 Rolls-Royce Corniche III convertible estimated at £50,000 to £60,000 ($62,000 to $74,000, €58,000 to €69,000 or درهم228,000 to درهم273,000) – 1935 Rolls-Royce 20/25 limousine estimated at £24,000 to £26,000 ($30,000 to $32,000, €28,000 to €30,000 or درهم109,000 to درهم118,000)Red Rollers – H&H Classics Imperial War Museum Duxford sale on 29th March 2017 – 1990 Rolls-Royce Corniche III convertible estimated at £50,000 to £60,000 ($62,000 to $74,000, €58,000 to €69,000 or درهم228,000 to درهم273,000) – 1935 Rolls-Royce 20/25 limousine estimated at £24,000 to £26,000 ($30,000 to $32,000, €28,000 to €30,000 or درهم109,000 to درهم118,000)Red Rollers – H&H Classics Imperial War Museum Duxford sale on 29th March 2017 – 1990 Rolls-Royce Corniche III convertible estimated at £50,000 to £60,000 ($62,000 to $74,000, €58,000 to €69,000 or درهم228,000 to درهم273,000) – 1935 Rolls-Royce 20/25 limousine estimated at £24,000 to £26,000 ($30,000 to $32,000, €28,000 to €30,000 or درهم109,000 to درهم118,000)

  • Nelson & Nintendo

    Nelson & Nintendo

    Georgian mansion, where Admiral Lord Nelson lived with his lover and her husband, for sale for £4.25 million; it was renovated by a former Nintendo executive

     

    One would expect a senior executive of a tech company to live in a slick, modern home in Silicon Valley, but since 2004, Matthew Hill, for many years a senior manager at Nintendo, has called a Grade II listed manor house named Fir Hill in Hampshire’s Meon Valley home.

     

    Built in 1765 and the scene of one of the most famous ménages à trois in history when home to Sir William Hamilton, his wife Emma and Admiral Horatio, 1st Viscount Nelson in 1801 to 1802, the 7,905 square foot “Georgian masterpiece” includes 3 reception rooms, 7 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. It stands in 5.2 acres of land and comes with a two-storey stable block with potential for secondary accommodation.

     

    Mr Hill purchased the property from Mrs Vida Schreiber, previously Lady Clive, after the death of her husband, Brigadier Schreiber. He met intellectual property lawyer Georgy Evans in 2007 and married her in St Mary and All Saints church in Droxford in 2012 and in the time since, aside from completing the renovation of Fir Hill, the couple have worked together creating a website that comprehensively details the entire history of the building.

     

    Of the renovation and why they are now selling, Matthew Hill told Hampshire Life:

     

    “The renovation work took us 10 years on and off. Our architect said, you either have a big bang and not live here for two years or work in phases. We decided to do the work in four phases which meant we could live here, moving around the house as each phase was completed. The experience of living in the house helped with the restoration… It’s a lovely house, with a lovely feeling, but too big for the two of us now”.

     

    Fir Hill is for sale for £4.25 million ($5.17 million, €4.87 million or درهم19.07 million) through Christie’s Real Estate.

     

    Nelson & Nintendo – Fir Hill, High Street, Garrison Hill, Droxford, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 3QL, United Kingdom – For sale for £4.25 million ($5.17 million, €4.87 million or درهم19.07 million) through Christie’s Real Estate – Home of Nintendo executive Matthew Hill and Georgy Evans Nelson & Nintendo – Fir Hill, High Street, Garrison Hill, Droxford, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 3QL, United Kingdom – For sale for £4.25 million ($5.17 million, €4.87 million or درهم19.07 million) through Christie’s Real Estate – Home of Nintendo executive Matthew Hill and Georgy Evans Nelson & Nintendo – Fir Hill, High Street, Garrison Hill, Droxford, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 3QL, United Kingdom – For sale for £4.25 million ($5.17 million, €4.87 million or درهم19.07 million) through Christie’s Real Estate – Home of Nintendo executive Matthew Hill and Georgy Evans Nelson & Nintendo – Fir Hill, High Street, Garrison Hill, Droxford, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 3QL, United Kingdom – For sale for £4.25 million ($5.17 million, €4.87 million or درهم19.07 million) through Christie’s Real Estate – Home of Nintendo executive Matthew Hill and Georgy Evans Nelson & Nintendo – Fir Hill, High Street, Garrison Hill, Droxford, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 3QL, United Kingdom – For sale for £4.25 million ($5.17 million, €4.87 million or درهم19.07 million) through Christie’s Real Estate – Home of Nintendo executive Matthew Hill and Georgy EvansNelson & Nintendo – Fir Hill, High Street, Garrison Hill, Droxford, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 3QL, United Kingdom – For sale for £4.25 million ($5.17 million, €4.87 million or درهم19.07 million) through Christie’s Real Estate – Home of Nintendo executive Matthew Hill and Georgy Evans Nelson & Nintendo – Fir Hill, High Street, Garrison Hill, Droxford, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 3QL, United Kingdom – For sale for £4.25 million ($5.17 million, €4.87 million or درهم19.07 million) through Christie’s Real Estate – Home of Nintendo executive Matthew Hill and Georgy EvansNelson & Nintendo – Fir Hill, High Street, Garrison Hill, Droxford, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 3QL, United Kingdom – For sale for £4.25 million ($5.17 million, €4.87 million or درهم19.07 million) through Christie’s Real Estate – Home of Nintendo executive Matthew Hill and Georgy Evans

  • An Economical Plate

    An Economical Plate

    Rare 1952 Austin A90 Atlantic to be auctioned complete with plate ‘GDP 137’; it is a fine example of an affordable and quirky classic

     

    Described as an “unrestored oily-rag example”, a 1952 Austin A90 Atlantic saloon to be offered for sale by Classic Car Auctions has a design that echoes a 1946 Pininfarina bodied Alfa Romeo and comes with a number plate – GDP 137 – that might appeal to an economist.

     

    The rare 2.6-litre car is said to be one of just thirty left in Britain and was used by present and previous owners in a number of UK rallies and driving tours on the continent also. It was given replacement brakes in 2014, had its engine professionally rebuilt in 2016 and was converted to unleaded at the same time.

     

    CCA have set an estimate of £8,500 to £10,500 ($10,300 to $12,800, €9,700 to €12,000 or درهم 38,000 to درهم 46,900) for this quirky little Austin. It will be sold at their Practical Classics Car & Restoration Show sale at The National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on 1st April.

     

    An Economical Plate – 1952 Austin A90 Atlantic saloon – To be auctioned at the Classic Car Auctions, Practical Classics Car & Restoration Show sale at The National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on 1st April 2017 – Estimate of £8,500 to £10,500 ($10,300 to $12,800, €9,700 to €12,000 or درهم 38,000 to درهم 46,900)An Economical Plate – 1952 Austin A90 Atlantic saloon – To be auctioned at the Classic Car Auctions, Practical Classics Car & Restoration Show sale at The National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on 1st April 2017 – Estimate of £8,500 to £10,500 ($10,300 to $12,800, €9,700 to €12,000 or درهم 38,000 to درهم 46,900)An Economical Plate – 1952 Austin A90 Atlantic saloon – To be auctioned at the Classic Car Auctions, Practical Classics Car & Restoration Show sale at The National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on 1st April 2017 – Estimate of £8,500 to £10,500 ($10,300 to $12,800, €9,700 to €12,000 or درهم 38,000 to درهم 46,900) An Economical Plate – 1952 Austin A90 Atlantic saloon – To be auctioned at the Classic Car Auctions, Practical Classics Car & Restoration Show sale at The National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on 1st April 2017 – Estimate of £8,500 to £10,500 ($10,300 to $12,800, €9,700 to €12,000 or درهم 38,000 to درهم 46,900) An Economical Plate – 1952 Austin A90 Atlantic saloon – To be auctioned at the Classic Car Auctions, Practical Classics Car & Restoration Show sale at The National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on 1st April 2017 – Estimate of £8,500 to £10,500 ($10,300 to $12,800, €9,700 to €12,000 or درهم 38,000 to درهم 46,900)

  • Large in Lowndes

    Large in Lowndes

    Vast Knightsbridge penthouse with two terraces and a double garage for sale for a sum 478% higher than it achieved in 2000

     

    A penthouse across three buildings in Knightsbridge that sold for £5.1 million (the equivalent of £7.9 million, $9.6 million, €9 million or درهم 35.3 million today) in November 2000 has gone on the market for the much increased sum of £29.5 million ($35.9 million, €33.6 million or درهم 131.8 million).

     

    Large in Lowndes – The Penthouse, 23 – 25 Lowndes Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 9HD for sale for £29.5 million ($35.9 million, €33.6 million or درهم 131.8 million) through Savills – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse with two terraces and double garage for sale for a sum 478% higher than it achieved in 2000
    Exterior of 23–25 Lowndes Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 9HD

     

    Featuring 16 windows overlooking a mature communal garden and a gross internal area of 6,215 square foot, The Penthouse at 23 to 25 Lowndes Square has six bedrooms, two roof terraces and private garaging for two cars. It is offered on a 992 year lease with a share of the freehold and is subject to a whopping annual service charge of £50,576 per year ($61,525, €57,635 or درهم 225,982).

     

    The selling agents are Savills of Sloane Street.

     

    Large in Lowndes – The Penthouse, 23 – 25 Lowndes Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 9HD for sale for £29.5 million ($35.9 million, €33.6 million or درهم 131.8 million) through Savills – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse with two terraces and double garage for sale for a sum 478% higher than it achieved in 2000Large in Lowndes – The Penthouse, 23 – 25 Lowndes Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 9HD for sale for £29.5 million ($35.9 million, €33.6 million or درهم 131.8 million) through Savills – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse with two terraces and double garage for sale for a sum 478% higher than it achieved in 2000 Large in Lowndes – The Penthouse, 23 – 25 Lowndes Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 9HD for sale for £29.5 million ($35.9 million, €33.6 million or درهم 131.8 million) through Savills – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse with two terraces and double garage for sale for a sum 478% higher than it achieved in 2000Large in Lowndes – The Penthouse, 23 – 25 Lowndes Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 9HD for sale for £29.5 million ($35.9 million, €33.6 million or درهم 131.8 million) through Savills – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse with two terraces and double garage for sale for a sum 478% higher than it achieved in 2000Large in Lowndes – The Penthouse, 23 – 25 Lowndes Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 9HD for sale for £29.5 million ($35.9 million, €33.6 million or درهم 131.8 million) through Savills – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse with two terraces and double garage for sale for a sum 478% higher than it achieved in 2000Large in Lowndes – The Penthouse, 23 – 25 Lowndes Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 9HD for sale for £29.5 million ($35.9 million, €33.6 million or درهم 131.8 million) through Savills – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse with two terraces and double garage for sale for a sum 478% higher than it achieved in 2000 Large in Lowndes – The Penthouse, 23 – 25 Lowndes Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 9HD for sale for £29.5 million ($35.9 million, €33.6 million or درهم 131.8 million) through Savills – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse with two terraces and double garage for sale for a sum 478% higher than it achieved in 2000Large in Lowndes – The Penthouse, 23 – 25 Lowndes Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 9HD for sale for £29.5 million ($35.9 million, €33.6 million or درهم 131.8 million) through Savills – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse with two terraces and double garage for sale for a sum 478% higher than it achieved in 2000Large in Lowndes – The Penthouse, 23 – 25 Lowndes Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 9HD for sale for £29.5 million ($35.9 million, €33.6 million or درهم 131.8 million) through Savills – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse with two terraces and double garage for sale for a sum 478% higher than it achieved in 2000

  • Barbed Manors

    Barbed Manors

    Grade II* listed Kent manor house for sale for £3.95 million; the purchaser will get a controversial £107.9 million EuroMillions jackpot winner as their neighbour

     

    Sold last in 2009 for £1.9 million (the equivalent of £2.3 million, $2.8 million, €2.2 million or درهم 10.3 million today), Waystrode Manor at Cowden, near Edenbridge in Kent is a Grade II* listed manor house.

     

    For sale currently for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills, the main 4,435 square foot house dates back as far, perhaps, as 1208. The present Tudor residence includes 4 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, but aside from that there is a 3 bedroom cottage, a converted oast house providing a recreation space, a Grade II listed double vaulted timber frame barn, an orangery and a coach house.

     

    Within the 7.8 acres of formal and informal gardens and grounds of this attractive, restored property – which has been offered as a film and photo shoot location through the JJ Media agency – there is also an outdoor swimming pool, a hard tennis court, three ponds and an orchard.

     

    Though the eventual purchaser of Waystrode Manor will of course be a multi-millionaire, they will most likely not be nearly as rich as their controversial neighbours, Neil Trotter and his partner Nikki Ottaway. Mr Trotter won £107.9 million ($131.4million, €124.6 million or درهم 482.4 million) on the EuroMillions lottery in 2014 and subsequently bought the adjoining 423-acre estate, Leighton Manor, for £5 million ($6.1 million, €5.8 million or درهم 22.4 million). In 2016, Trotter and Ottaway were “slammed” in the national press by locals after installing what was termed an “unsightly” barbed wire fence.

     

    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    Neil Trotter was a garage mechanic before he won a EuroMillions jackpot
    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW
    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    A sitting room in the main house
    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    A drawing room with an equally imposing fireplace
    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    This hallway is used as a dining space
    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    Whilst this is described as a breakfast room
    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    The kitchen is one of the few “modern” rooms in the main building
    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    The master bedroom has its own bathroom
    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    This barn is Grade II listed
    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    It features a double height, vaulted interior
    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    An oast house stands in the grounds also
    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    The interior of the building
    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    A view of the gardens
    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    This orangery is quite impressive from the outside
    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    As is its interior
    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    There is a tennis court
    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    And a swimming pool
    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    A further outbuilding
    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    The setting
    Barbed Manors – Waystrode Manor, Spode Lane, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7HW – For sale for £3.95 million ($4.81 million, €4.56 million or درهم 17.65 million) through Savills – Neighboring estate to Leighton Manor, owned by EuroMillions winners Neil Trotter and Nikki Ottaway
    Another view of the main house
  • Plaques & Palladiums

    Plaques & Palladiums

    Estate agent fails to mention the “historical significance” of an Eaton Square property that was home to a paeodphile for 40 years

     

    Those in the property business like to wax lyrical about the merits of particular locations but none in their right mind would willingly mention, for example, that 79 Gloucester Road in London’s South Kensington was the scene where ‘Acid Bath Murderer’ John Haigh (1909 – 1949) disposed of a number of his six to nine victims after turning them to sludge with the help of sulphuric acid. Though No. 79 is now marked as No. 77 – no doubt as part of an attempt to distract ghouls – and the building next door has become No. 77a, anyone with the slightest comprehension of numbers could easily work out the truth of what went on in what is now a restaurant and the Frances King School of English.

     

    Plaques & Palladiums – 1 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DB – For sale for £3.7 million ($4.6 million, €4.3 million or درهم 16.7 million) through Savills – Home of Lord Boothby – Acid Bath Murderer John Haigh – 79 Gloucester Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 4PG
    The basement of 79 Gloucester Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 4PG was where Acid Bath Murderer John Haigh disposed of several of his victims
    Plaques & Palladiums – 1 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DB – For sale for £3.7 million ($4.6 million, €4.3 million or درهم 16.7 million) through Savills – Home of Lord Boothby – Acid Bath Murderer John Haigh – 79 Gloucester Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 4PG
    Lord Boothby lived at 1 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DB between 1946 and 1986
    Plaques & Palladiums – 1 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DB – For sale for £3.7 million ($4.6 million, €4.3 million or درهم 16.7 million) through Savills – Home of Lord Boothby – Acid Bath Murderer John Haigh – 79 Gloucester Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 4PG
    Lord Boothby with his lovers gangster Ronnie Kray and cat burglar Leslie Holt in his drawing room at 1 Eaton Square (Holt mysteriously subsequently died whilst having an operation for a foot injury); other friends and associates of Boothby included Tom Driberg and Sir Cliff Richard

     

    In May 2016, we featured a story about how No. 1 Eaton Square – a building situated perhaps at the wrong end of the street of what an auction house earlier described as “one of London’s most desirable addresses” in 2010 – still bares a commemorative blue plaque to another equally undesirable individual, the late paedophile politician Lord Boothby (1900 – 1986).

     

    Why on earth residents of this building have not demanded this monument to a monster known for loving “masochistic sex with rent boys” be torn down is beyond anyone, but now Savills are offering a third floor flat in the building with a guide price of £3.7 million ($4.6 million, €4.3 million or درهم 16.7 million). They unsurprisingly fail to mention the property’s infamous resident of 40 years from 1946 to 1986 and the parties he gave there with such people as the East End gangster Ronnie Kray.

     

    Situated on the third floor of the building and including 2 bedroom suites, the 1,682 square foot portered apartment has a reception room overlooking the Eaton Square Gardens and is described as having “the benefit of the use of a key holding service”. It’s just a shame that the larger-than-life Boothby – whose nickname was ‘The Palladium’ because of his “twice nightly” sexual activities – wasn’t also subject to a bit of lock-and-key during his lifetime.

     

    Plaques & Palladiums – 1 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DB – For sale for £3.7 million ($4.6 million, €4.3 million or درهم 16.7 million) through Savills – Home of Lord Boothby – Acid Bath Murderer John Haigh – 79 Gloucester Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 4PGPlaques & Palladiums – 1 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DB – For sale for £3.7 million ($4.6 million, €4.3 million or درهم 16.7 million) through Savills – Home of Lord Boothby – Acid Bath Murderer John Haigh – 79 Gloucester Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 4PGPlaques & Palladiums – 1 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DB – For sale for £3.7 million ($4.6 million, €4.3 million or درهم 16.7 million) through Savills – Home of Lord Boothby – Acid Bath Murderer John Haigh – 79 Gloucester Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 4PGPlaques & Palladiums – 1 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DB – For sale for £3.7 million ($4.6 million, €4.3 million or درهم 16.7 million) through Savills – Home of Lord Boothby – Acid Bath Murderer John Haigh – 79 Gloucester Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 4PG Plaques & Palladiums – 1 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DB – For sale for £3.7 million ($4.6 million, €4.3 million or درهم 16.7 million) through Savills – Home of Lord Boothby – Acid Bath Murderer John Haigh – 79 Gloucester Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 4PGPlaques & Palladiums – 1 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DB – For sale for £3.7 million ($4.6 million, €4.3 million or درهم 16.7 million) through Savills – Home of Lord Boothby – Acid Bath Murderer John Haigh – 79 Gloucester Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 4PGPlaques & Palladiums – 1 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DB – For sale for £3.7 million ($4.6 million, €4.3 million or درهم 16.7 million) through Savills – Home of Lord Boothby – Acid Bath Murderer John Haigh – 79 Gloucester Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 4PG

  • Tarts & Trump

    Tarts & Trump

    Ex-Donald Trump limo and Range Rover with the perfect plate for the “pussy grabber” to be auctioned side-by-side at Goodwood in March

     

    Donald Trump might now be best known as the 45th President of the United States of America and a man known for tweeting odd claims that his predecessor hacked his telephone lines, but back in the 1980s his ambitions included having Cadillac create a series of limousines named after himself.

     

    In 1988, the Detroit based firm of automobile manufacturers were commissioned by Trump to create two prototype cars on the basis that they might become “the most opulent stretch limousines made”. Though the billionaire promised an order of 50 further cars, the order never went further and now the second of the gilded machines is to be auctioned at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting in West Sussex, England by Bonhams on the 19th March.

     

    Built by Dillinger Coach Works, the 5.0-litre Cadillac ‘Golden Series’ to be sold features Trump branding, rosewood interiors, a fax machine, a television, a VCR, a paper shredder, an early cellphone, a built-in safe, writing desks and surprisingly, given the now leader of the free world has never touched a drop of booze, a drinks cabinet with glasses. It is offered with an estimate of just £10,000 to £12,000 ($12,300 to $14,700, €12,000 to €14,000 or درهم 45,000 to درهم 54,000) and will be sold without reserve.

     

    At the same sale, another car on offer comes with something that might look better suited on the Trump limousine. A 2000 4.6-litre Land Rover Vogue offered for £10,000 to £15,000 ($12,300 to $18,400, €12,000 to €17,000 or درهم 45,000 to درهم 67,700) comes with the registration plate ‘T4 RTS’. For a man with a love of “pussy grabbing” and “golden showers”, here could be the perfect pair of gifts.

     

    Tarts & Trump – Ex-Donald Trump limo and Range Rover with the perfect plate for the “pussy grabber” to be auctioned side-by-side at Goodwood on 19th March 2017 – 2000 4.6-litre Land Rover Vogue with registration plate T4 RTS for £10,000 to £15,000 ($12,300 to $18,400, €12,000 to €17,000 or درهم 45,000 to درهم 67,700) and former Donald Trump 5.0-litre Cadillac ‘Golden Series’ by Dillinger Coach Works for £10,000 to £12,000 ($12,300 to $14,700, €12,000 to €14,000 or درهم 45,000 to درهم 54,000)Tarts & Trump – Ex-Donald Trump limo and Range Rover with the perfect plate for the “pussy grabber” to be auctioned side-by-side at Goodwood on 19th March 2017 – 2000 4.6-litre Land Rover Vogue with registration plate T4 RTS for £10,000 to £15,000 ($12,300 to $18,400, €12,000 to €17,000 or درهم 45,000 to درهم 67,700) and former Donald Trump 5.0-litre Cadillac ‘Golden Series’ by Dillinger Coach Works for £10,000 to £12,000 ($12,300 to $14,700, €12,000 to €14,000 or درهم 45,000 to درهم 54,000)Tarts & Trump – Ex-Donald Trump limo and Range Rover with the perfect plate for the “pussy grabber” to be auctioned side-by-side at Goodwood on 19th March 2017 – 2000 4.6-litre Land Rover Vogue with registration plate T4 RTS for £10,000 to £15,000 ($12,300 to $18,400, €12,000 to €17,000 or درهم 45,000 to درهم 67,700) and former Donald Trump 5.0-litre Cadillac ‘Golden Series’ by Dillinger Coach Works for £10,000 to £12,000 ($12,300 to $14,700, €12,000 to €14,000 or درهم 45,000 to درهم 54,000)Tarts & Trump – Ex-Donald Trump limo and Range Rover with the perfect plate for the “pussy grabber” to be auctioned side-by-side at Goodwood on 19th March 2017 – 2000 4.6-litre Land Rover Vogue with registration plate T4 RTS for £10,000 to £15,000 ($12,300 to $18,400, €12,000 to €17,000 or درهم 45,000 to درهم 67,700) and former Donald Trump 5.0-litre Cadillac ‘Golden Series’ by Dillinger Coach Works for £10,000 to £12,000 ($12,300 to $14,700, €12,000 to €14,000 or درهم 45,000 to درهم 54,000)Tarts & Trump – Ex-Donald Trump limo and Range Rover with the perfect plate for the “pussy grabber” to be auctioned side-by-side at Goodwood on 19th March 2017 – 2000 4.6-litre Land Rover Vogue with registration plate T4 RTS for £10,000 to £15,000 ($12,300 to $18,400, €12,000 to €17,000 or درهم 45,000 to درهم 67,700) and former Donald Trump 5.0-litre Cadillac ‘Golden Series’ by Dillinger Coach Works for £10,000 to £12,000 ($12,300 to $14,700, €12,000 to €14,000 or درهم 45,000 to درهم 54,000)

  • The Honeymoon Express

    The Honeymoon Express

    Romantic “Rolls for two” for sale for £1.1 million to £1.5 million; it’s just one of two made and it was designed with honeymooning couples in mind

     

    Featuring just two seats and an oversized boot to house a week’s luggage, a “radically designed” 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I drophead coupé is to be sold at auction at the RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island sale in Florida on 10th March.

     

    Offered without reserve, the “romantic” car was coachbuilt by Freestone & Webb of Willesden and is just one of two actually made. It has only had three owners from new, is presented in Mason’s Black and Brewster Green with a Buckskin leather interior and was restored to original condition after being sold at auction in Monaco in 2012.

     

    The “Honeymoon Express” – as the model was dubbed by members of the press at the 1957 Earl’s Court Motor Show – has an electrically operated hydraulic roof that disappears beneath the belt line when open. This gives unobstructed rear vision, looks far less bulky than most European convertibles and adds to the elegance of the 4,887 cc car.

     

    Better still, a pair of cocktail boxes complete with crystal carafes and glasses can be found behind the seats of the 123-inch wheelbase vehicle. There’ll definitely be a big cheers to such a clever addition from anyone capable of spending £1.1 million to £1.5 million ($1.3 million to $1.8 million, €1.2 million to €1.7 million or درهم 4.8 million to درهم 6.6 million).

     

    The Honeymoon Express –1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I drophead coupé – £1.1 million to £1.5 million ($1.3 million to $1.8 million, €1.2 million to € 1.7 million or درهم 4.8 million to درهم 6.6 million) for sale through RM Sotheby’s at Amelia Island on 10th March 2017 – From the collection of Orin C. Smith The Honeymoon Express –1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I drophead coupé – £1.1 million to £1.5 million ($1.3 million to $1.8 million, €1.2 million to € 1.7 million or درهم 4.8 million to درهم 6.6 million) for sale through RM Sotheby’s at Amelia Island on 10th March 2017 – From the collection of Orin C. SmithThe Honeymoon Express –1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I drophead coupé – £1.1 million to £1.5 million ($1.3 million to $1.8 million, €1.2 million to € 1.7 million or درهم 4.8 million to درهم 6.6 million) for sale through RM Sotheby’s at Amelia Island on 10th March 2017 – From the collection of Orin C. SmithThe Honeymoon Express –1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I drophead coupé – £1.1 million to £1.5 million ($1.3 million to $1.8 million, €1.2 million to € 1.7 million or درهم 4.8 million to درهم 6.6 million) for sale through RM Sotheby’s at Amelia Island on 10th March 2017 – From the collection of Orin C. SmithThe Honeymoon Express –1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I drophead coupé – £1.1 million to £1.5 million ($1.3 million to $1.8 million, €1.2 million to € 1.7 million or درهم 4.8 million to درهم 6.6 million) for sale through RM Sotheby’s at Amelia Island on 10th March 2017 – From the collection of Orin C. SmithThe Honeymoon Express –1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I drophead coupé – £1.1 million to £1.5 million ($1.3 million to $1.8 million, €1.2 million to € 1.7 million or درهم 4.8 million to درهم 6.6 million) for sale through RM Sotheby’s at Amelia Island on 10th March 2017 – From the collection of Orin C. Smith

  • Missenden Murders

    Missenden Murders

    Georgian house used in several TV series for sale for £3.95 million; it comes complete with a garden by a Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winner

     

    The most popular TV drama series in the world, Midsomer Murders, was originally going to be called Missenden Murders in reference to one of its most regular filming locations, Little Missenden in Buckinghamshire. Shown in 200 territories around the world and watched by fans said to include David Cameron, Johnny Depp and Sharon Stone, a house that was used in both that programme and The Vicar of Dibley is for sale for £3.95 million ($4.86 million, €4.62 million or درهم17.85 million).

     

    Missenden Murders – Filming location for Midsomer Murders and The Vicar of Dibley – Missenden House, Little Missenden, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP7 0RD for sale for £3.95 million ($4.86 million, €4.62 million or درهم17.85 million) through Savills
    Missenden House, Little Missenden, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP7 0RD
    Missenden Murders – Filming location for Midsomer Murders and The Vicar of Dibley – Missenden House, Little Missenden, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP7 0RD for sale for £3.95 million ($4.86 million, €4.62 million or درهم17.85 million) through Savills
    “Midsomer Murders” starring John Nettles truly put the village on the map
    Missenden Murders – Filming location for Midsomer Murders and The Vicar of Dibley – Missenden House, Little Missenden, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP7 0RD for sale for £3.95 million ($4.86 million, €4.62 million or درهم17.85 million) through Savills
    “Rumpole of the Old Bailey” and “The Vicar of Dibley” actor Gary Waldhorn

     

    The home of a wealthy councillor named David Horton – played by Gary Waldhorn – in the BBC religious sitcom, 9,145 square foot Missenden House dates to 1729 and was built as a “classic ‘Georgian box’ for Jonas Deacon, a prosperous East India merchant” according to selling agents Savills.

     

    Remodelled by the present owners and featuring 3 reception rooms, 8 bedrooms and 2 annexes, the Grade II listed “landmark property” stands in gardens designed by Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winner Christopher Bradley-Hole and backs on to the River Misbourne. For car lovers, this could be the perfect pad: There is garaging for six cars within the grounds.

     

    Missenden Murders – Filming location for Midsomer Murders and The Vicar of Dibley – Missenden House, Little Missenden, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP7 0RD for sale for £3.95 million ($4.86 million, €4.62 million or درهم17.85 million) through Savills Missenden Murders – Filming location for Midsomer Murders and The Vicar of Dibley – Missenden House, Little Missenden, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP7 0RD for sale for £3.95 million ($4.86 million, €4.62 million or درهم17.85 million) through SavillsMissenden Murders – Filming location for Midsomer Murders and The Vicar of Dibley – Missenden House, Little Missenden, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP7 0RD for sale for £3.95 million ($4.86 million, €4.62 million or درهم17.85 million) through SavillsMissenden Murders – Filming location for Midsomer Murders and The Vicar of Dibley – Missenden House, Little Missenden, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP7 0RD for sale for £3.95 million ($4.86 million, €4.62 million or درهم17.85 million) through SavillsMissenden Murders – Filming location for Midsomer Murders and The Vicar of Dibley – Missenden House, Little Missenden, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP7 0RD for sale for £3.95 million ($4.86 million, €4.62 million or درهم17.85 million) through SavillsMissenden Murders – Filming location for Midsomer Murders and The Vicar of Dibley – Missenden House, Little Missenden, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP7 0RD for sale for £3.95 million ($4.86 million, €4.62 million or درهم17.85 million) through SavillsMissenden Murders – Filming location for Midsomer Murders and The Vicar of Dibley – Missenden House, Little Missenden, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP7 0RD for sale for £3.95 million ($4.86 million, €4.62 million or درهم17.85 million) through SavillsMissenden Murders – Filming location for Midsomer Murders and The Vicar of Dibley – Missenden House, Little Missenden, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP7 0RD for sale for £3.95 million ($4.86 million, €4.62 million or درهم17.85 million) through SavillsMissenden Murders – Filming location for Midsomer Murders and The Vicar of Dibley – Missenden House, Little Missenden, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP7 0RD for sale for £3.95 million ($4.86 million, €4.62 million or درهم17.85 million) through SavillsMissenden Murders – Filming location for Midsomer Murders and The Vicar of Dibley – Missenden House, Little Missenden, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP7 0RD for sale for £3.95 million ($4.86 million, €4.62 million or درهم17.85 million) through Savills

  • You Can Say That If You Like

    You Can Say That If You Like

    Belgravia apartment in building where Diana, Princess of Wales’ maternal grandmother lived, plotted and died for sale for a sum 165% higher than it sold for in 2003

     

    The residence of brewery baron and Unionist politician The Rt. Hon. George Younger, 1st Viscount Younger of Leckie (1851 – 1929) in the 1920s, 36 Eaton Square in Belgravia is the key building in what is often termed “London’s most sought after residential address”.

     

    Later the home of Ruth Roche, The Rt. Hon. The Lady Fermoy, DCVO, OBE (1908 – 1993), a first and second floor maisonette within this Grosvenor Estates owned building is currently for sale through Knight Frank for £7.95 million ($9.90 million, €9.38 million or درهم36.38 million).

     

    You Can Say That If You Like – Flat D, 36 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DH – For sale for £7.95 million ($9.90 million, €9.38 million or درهم36.38 million) through Knight Frank – Home of brewery baron and politician The Rt. Hon. George Younger, 1st Viscount Younger of Leckie (1851 – 1929) and royal confidante and aristocrat Ruth Roche, The Rt. Hon. The Lady Fermoy, DCVO, OBE (1908 – 1993)
    Royal confidante and aristocrat Ruth Roche, The Rt. Hon. The Lady Fermoy, DCVO, OBE (1908 – 1993) and brewery baron and Unionist politician The Rt. Hon. George Younger, 1st Viscount Younger of Leckie (1851 – 1929)
    You Can Say That If You Like – Flat D, 36 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DH – For sale for £7.95 million ($9.90 million, €9.38 million or درهم36.38 million) through Knight Frank – Home of brewery baron and politician The Rt. Hon. George Younger, 1st Viscount Younger of Leckie (1851 – 1929) and royal confidante and aristocrat Ruth Roche, The Rt. Hon. The Lady Fermoy, DCVO, OBE (1908 – 1993)
    The drawing room of Flat D, 36 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DH

     

    Sold last for £3 million in December 2003 (the equivalent of £4.4 million, $5.5 million, €5.2 million or درهم20.1 million today), the 2,230 square foot flat offered is held on a lease with 54 years remaining. This could be extended to 144 years by separate negotiation and presently the space is arranged to provide a double height entrance hallway, a large drawing room with a 12’8” ceiling height and access to a balcony, a dining room, a small kitchen, a study, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a utility room and a cloakroom.

     

    A confidante of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother and the maternal grandmother of Diana, Princess of Wales, Lady Fermoy gave up her career as a pianist on marriage and became an Extra Woman of the Bedchamber in 1956. Though she is said to have engineered the union between her granddaughter and the Prince of Wales, when asked she always remarked: “You can say that if you like – but it simply wouldn’t be true”.

     

    Lady Fermoy died at 36 Eaton Square on 6th July 1993, aged 84.

     

    You Can Say That If You Like – Flat D, 36 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DH – For sale for £7.95 million ($9.90 million, €9.38 million or درهم36.38 million) through Knight Frank – Home of brewery baron and politician The Rt. Hon. George Younger, 1st Viscount Younger of Leckie (1851 – 1929) and royal confidante and aristocrat Ruth Roche, The Rt. Hon. The Lady Fermoy, DCVO, OBE (1908 – 1993)You Can Say That If You Like – Flat D, 36 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DH – For sale for £7.95 million ($9.90 million, €9.38 million or درهم36.38 million) through Knight Frank – Home of brewery baron and politician The Rt. Hon. George Younger, 1st Viscount Younger of Leckie (1851 – 1929) and royal confidante and aristocrat Ruth Roche, The Rt. Hon. The Lady Fermoy, DCVO, OBE (1908 – 1993)You Can Say That If You Like – Flat D, 36 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DH – For sale for £7.95 million ($9.90 million, €9.38 million or درهم36.38 million) through Knight Frank – Home of brewery baron and politician The Rt. Hon. George Younger, 1st Viscount Younger of Leckie (1851 – 1929) and royal confidante and aristocrat Ruth Roche, The Rt. Hon. The Lady Fermoy, DCVO, OBE (1908 – 1993) You Can Say That If You Like – Flat D, 36 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DH – For sale for £7.95 million ($9.90 million, €9.38 million or درهم36.38 million) through Knight Frank – Home of brewery baron and politician The Rt. Hon. George Younger, 1st Viscount Younger of Leckie (1851 – 1929) and royal confidante and aristocrat Ruth Roche, The Rt. Hon. The Lady Fermoy, DCVO, OBE (1908 – 1993)You Can Say That If You Like – Flat D, 36 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DH – For sale for £7.95 million ($9.90 million, €9.38 million or درهم36.38 million) through Knight Frank – Home of brewery baron and politician The Rt. Hon. George Younger, 1st Viscount Younger of Leckie (1851 – 1929) and royal confidante and aristocrat Ruth Roche, The Rt. Hon. The Lady Fermoy, DCVO, OBE (1908 – 1993)You Can Say That If You Like – Flat D, 36 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DH – For sale for £7.95 million ($9.90 million, €9.38 million or درهم36.38 million) through Knight Frank – Home of brewery baron and politician The Rt. Hon. George Younger, 1st Viscount Younger of Leckie (1851 – 1929) and royal confidante and aristocrat Ruth Roche, The Rt. Hon. The Lady Fermoy, DCVO, OBE (1908 – 1993) You Can Say That If You Like – Flat D, 36 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DH – For sale for £7.95 million ($9.90 million, €9.38 million or درهم36.38 million) through Knight Frank – Home of brewery baron and politician The Rt. Hon. George Younger, 1st Viscount Younger of Leckie (1851 – 1929) and royal confidante and aristocrat Ruth Roche, The Rt. Hon. The Lady Fermoy, DCVO, OBE (1908 – 1993) You Can Say That If You Like – Flat D, 36 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DH – For sale for £7.95 million ($9.90 million, €9.38 million or درهم36.38 million) through Knight Frank – Home of brewery baron and politician The Rt. Hon. George Younger, 1st Viscount Younger of Leckie (1851 – 1929) and royal confidante and aristocrat Ruth Roche, The Rt. Hon. The Lady Fermoy, DCVO, OBE (1908 – 1993)You Can Say That If You Like – Flat D, 36 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DH – For sale for £7.95 million ($9.90 million, €9.38 million or درهم36.38 million) through Knight Frank – Home of brewery baron and politician The Rt. Hon. George Younger, 1st Viscount Younger of Leckie (1851 – 1929) and royal confidante and aristocrat Ruth Roche, The Rt. Hon. The Lady Fermoy, DCVO, OBE (1908 – 1993)You Can Say That If You Like – Flat D, 36 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9DH – For sale for £7.95 million ($9.90 million, €9.38 million or درهم36.38 million) through Knight Frank – Home of brewery baron and politician The Rt. Hon. George Younger, 1st Viscount Younger of Leckie (1851 – 1929) and royal confidante and aristocrat Ruth Roche, The Rt. Hon. The Lady Fermoy, DCVO, OBE (1908 – 1993)