Along Ovington Square in London’s esteemed Knightsbridge neighborhood a stucco mansion awaits with opulent spaces and an extravagant past guest list to match. It’s welcomed everyone from royalty to legendary artists like Pablo Picasso to contemporary Hollywood tastemakers. Now, the storied 4,768-square-foot home is up for grabs seeking £8.25 million, approximately $11.2 million USD.
Built around 1850 and designed by architect William Wilmer Pocock, the Grade II townhouse welcomes you with a pristine, white exterior that brings to mind visions of Mary Poppins or My Fair Lady. Behind the stately facade, Versailles-inspired interiors start to unfold with ornate, aristocratic panache. The pièce de résistance? A lavish salon with a hand-painted Tromp-I’oeil ceiling, imported Boiserie wall panels from France, and fine chandeliers that harken to soirees of a bygone era. However, this large room actually once served as an artist’s studio.
Indeed, in its early years from 1850 to 1891, the substantial house was an official Royal sculpture studio. Acclaimed Royal sculptor, Thomas Earl (who was commissioned to make a marble statue of Queen Victoria) first owned it during this period, then French sculptress Charlotte Vital Dubray. They set a prestigious tone for the London address.
The property’s other stand-out claims to fame include hosting noteworthy visitors like David, Prince of Wales—then the future King Edward VIII—Grand Duchess Olga Romanov, and King Leopold I of Belgium. In more recent times, the mansion was owned by Oscar-winning film producer Norma Heyman and home to her son, David Heyman, who went on to produce the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.
For a wealthy buyer who loves to unravel the delicious stories of antique properties, this mansion is clearly a gem to behold. Yet, it could also satisfy someone simply craving a large London residence in a great location. Spanning six levels, it promises a roof terrace garden, five bedrooms, and a variety of elegant living spaces. The kitchen could use some updating, but why not renovate it to your taste and leave your mark?
Beauchamp Estates and Knight Frank share this timeless, luxury offering.
