In Bath, a gorgeous manor known as St. Catherine’s Court is seeking £12,500,000—which translates to roughly $15,883,900 USD. British actress Jane Seymour, who rose to fame after being the “Bond girl” in Live and Let Die, previously owned the 14-acre spread with spectacular gardens and historic structures. The property is now looking for its next steward, offering buyers a prime Cotswolds location and a legacy that goes back centuries.
Seymour, whose most recent work includes Netflix’s Irish Wish with Lindsay Lohan, bought St. Catherine’s Court in 1981 with her then-husband David Flynn. She was filming for the TV show Jamaica Inn and told Architectural Digest in 1991, “we had one day’s filming here, and by evening David and I had fallen in love with the place.” Later, she and her next husband, director James Keach, rented out the property as a film set, recording studio, and even a wedding venue. The Cure, Radiohead, and New Order have all recorded songs here.
It’s celebrity connections in recent decades just scratch the surface of its past, however. The estate has medieval roots, as its exceptionally-restored Grade I manor was built as a priory grange for the monks of Bath Abbey. It’s name comes from the 12th-century church that still stands nearby dubbed the Church of St Catherine. Today, the gracious grounds include a Grade II barn, a five-bedroom lodge house, and a three-bedroom cottage along with exquisite gardens, pastures, a tennis court, and stables.
While it’s former owner, Jane Seymour, is not to be confused with King Henry VIII’s third wife of the same name, the estate does connect to his reign. In 1546, Henry VIII granted the manor to his tailor, John Malte, and it is believed that the king’s illegitimate daughter, Ethelreda Malte, was raised here and later inherited the home.
The Cotswolds is popular for getaway weekends due to its proximity to London, but there is plenty to do in the area for those who make it their primary residence. Babington House (which is part of Soho House) and Olive Tree (a Michelin-star restaurant) are nearby as well as great independent schools and golf clubs, plus horse racing, polo, and motor racing venues.
Ed Sugden and Alistair Heather of Savills represent this majestic listing in the English countryside.