Listing of the Day
Location: Wentworth Estate in Virginia Water, Surrey, U.K.
Price: £23 million (US$28.2 million)
A rare opportunity to buy has emerged in one of the U.K.’s most prestigious areas.
The exclusive Wentworth Estate in the leafy county of Surrey, just outside of London, has had its fair share of drama— the late Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky once reportedly owned a home there, and it’s where Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet spent his house arrest in a rented mansion (ordered by the U.K. government).
That history, however, hasn’t knocked the popularity of this enclave among wealthy individuals, particularly stockbrokers, bankers and overseas investors, who are attracted to its large mansions, green spaces and proximity to London. The fact that the estate surrounds Wentworth Club, considered one of the best golf clubs in the U.K. and the one-time home of the Ryder Cup, helps too—despite the club’s six-figure membership fees.
More:What Do the British Prime Minister and George Clooney Have in Common?
For this reason, homes rarely come on the market, especially new ones with all the modern conveniences, like this one: Westbourn, the stately mansion on Pinewood Road. The grand house, which has just been completed by its property-developer owner, is now on the market with a £23 million (US$28.2 million) price tag. It’s got plenty of amenities besides golf, too, including an indoor swimming pool and two treatment rooms.
"There’s only a limited number of properties that change hands each year—about half a dozen. Homes don’t come on the market here often," said James Crawford, the listing agent for the property and a partner at Knight Frank.
The Stats
A private driveway leads to the six-bedroom main house, constructed from Bath stone and set on nearly four acres of land with a stream running through it. On the ground floor, guests are greeted by a double-height reception hall, which leads to a study, a large drawing room and dining room, all with views over the gardens. The main reception rooms, meanwhile, open out onto an extensive terrace overlooking the gardens. A sweeping staircase takes you to the master bedroom suite on the first floor, which boasts a sitting area, separate his-and-hers bathrooms, two dressing areas, a balcony and its own 1,000-square-foot private roof terrace. There are five more bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. In addition to the staircase, there is an elevator to all floors.
More:Click to Tour a Seven-Story Georgian Mansion on One of London’s Most Desirable Squares
Amenities
The home is perfect for entertaining and for those who enjoy an evening tipple, with a bar and game room, a wine room and a 16-seat cinema with surround sound speakers. There is also an indoor swimming pool, a gym, two treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room and spa. There is a garage with room for up to eight cars. It also comes with a car lift and turntable. Elsewhere, there are two staff flats and a commercial kitchen. What’s more, the owner will feel secure with electronic gates, a private driveway and CCTV.
Neighborhood Notes
While there are many posh enclaves in Surrey, Virginia Water’s Wentworth Estate is one of the most exclusive. The estate, which dates back to the 1920s, reportedly counts Middle Eastern royalty and former long-time Formula One team boss Eddie Jordan among its residents.
Residents like that it’s only about 15 minutes to Heathrow Airport by car, around 25 miles away from London, and close to the famous Ascot racecourse and Windsor Castle. It’s also near some of the best schools in the country, including Wellington College and Eton College—the latter was attended by Prince William and Prince Harry.
"This area is a favored destination among international buyers, which has only been made more attractive by the weak pound," said Mr. Crawford.
The area’s popularity has kept house prices on an upward trajectory. In November, Virginia Water was named the U.K.’s only "million pound town" outside of London by Lloyds Bank. The average price in Britain’s most expensive town outside the capital is £1.08 million ($1.33 million).
Listing agents: James Crawford, Knight Frank; Alex Newall, Hanover Private Office
Write to Listing of the Day