A stately and stylish London residence has hit the market, and as the Blue Plaque at the front of the home highlights, iconic actor Richard Burton lived here from 1949 through 1956.
The Cleopatra actor and his first wife, Sybil Williams, initially purchased a one-bedroom flat on the ground floor of the Lyndhurst Road building. Their residence consisted of a reception room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, with access to a terrace and garden. While residing here, Burton starred in The Desert Rats, The Robe, and Alexander the Great.
Burton—who became one of the highest paid actors of his time—later purchased the first-floor flat and the couple refurbished their two units into one duplex. Eventually, Burton bought the rest of the floors, turning it into a large single-family residence fit for a movie star.
As Burton only rose in fame, he spent more time in Hollywood, where he met his wife-to-be (twice over) Elizabeth Taylor, while Williams stayed in Hampstead. By the mid-1950s, Burton’s wealth made him subject to a 90% income tax. This led Burton and Williams to sell the London home in 1956 and move to Switzerland.
Today, the manor they transformed totals 5,132 square feet and offers seven bedrooms. There are panoramic views of the city, including Shard and St. Paul’s Cathedral. High ceilings, natural light, and large entertaining rooms inside, plus a terrace and 60-foot-long garden outside make for an entertainment destination. After all, the address is no stranger to prominent guests, ranging from directors to actors.
“This Blue Plaque house is not only notable due to the provenance of its former famous resident, but it also represents a rare opportunity to purchase a magnificent family home situated in the heart of Hampstead and within easy walking distance of Hampstead Heath,” says Aston Chase’s co-founding director, Mark Pollack.
Aston Chase and Knight Frank share the listing for £7,950,000—or $9,853,230.
