SOLD by Miles & Bird. A fine example of a Georgian manor house, rebuilt c.1778, occupying just over half an acre, sharing boundary walls with the gardens of Royal Hampton Court Palace.
Accommodation: Ivy House displays Georgian exuberance in all its splendour and noteworthy residents over the years include the Earl of Ypres, Lady Ainsworth and also the "most talked of" person in London at George III's coronation; the Countess of Effingham. As one would expect due to its historical importance and special architectural features it is designated with Grade II listed status. Its stunning facade features beautifully regimented fenestration with broad stone steps leading up to a charming porticoed entrance canopy with a decorative fanlight.
Internally rooms are of a stately proportion, with a number of notable embellishments. Such features include especially high, corniced ceilings and expansive semi-circular bays with generous sash hung windows with operational box shutters. In addition, there is beautiful parquet flooring, a most elegant 'easy rising' staircase with galleried half-landings, as well as several exquisite fireplaces. At this period the 'Adams Brothers' were at the height of their fame — and there is every reason to believe that several of the fireplaces are their work.
As illustrated in the floor plan provided, the principal accommodation is spread laterally over three main storeys plus a superb lower ground level. This creates great versatility and functionality with any possible combination of bedrooms, reception rooms and private workspaces. Beautiful vistas are enjoyed over the Palace grounds towards Home Park, with a roof terrace at second floor level overlooking the Wilderness and to the Palace beyond.
Externally the house is approached through double gates with a carriage driveway providing secure parking for a number of cars. In addition to which there is a large double garage with a superb studio room above — perfect atelier / workspace or with a little upgrading it could even be converted to self-contained ancillary / staff accommodation subject to the required consents. Walled gardens and borders enjoy a quintessentially English feel, and are well established with a large lawn, perfect for garden parties and plenty of space to accommodate a marquee.
Historical references: Available for the first time in over half a century, our clients family secured the property in 1965 from the estate of Lady Ainsworth, widow of Major General Sir R.B. Ainsworth, who in turn, acquired the property from the Earl of Ypres in 1926. The freehold of the property was granted by the Crown in 1873. Prior to that, previous owners held the property on a Copyhold Title from the Crown. Copyhold Title was held direct from the King as Lord of the Honor and Manor of Hampton Court.
Other notable owners / occupants in its fascinating history include the Countess of Effingham, referenced by Horace Walpole as the "most talked of in London" at George III's Coronation. Various members of the Phelps family, the most decorated being John Phelps b.1619, educated at Oxford who became Clerk Assistant to the House of Commons, later appointed as one of two clerks of the High Court which sat to try Charles I. There is also reference to the grant of land c.1696 to, Richard Stacey, Master Bricklayer involved in the construction of the new part of the Palace designed by Sir Christopher Wren. We therefore construe the original Building / site of the land to be of "William and Mary" origin.
A more detailed résumé and historical passages are available on request.
Internal floor area: Square footage 9,289 (863 sqm)
Location: The local area is a reflection of both town and country. On the doorstep of London, Hampton Court, Teddington and Richmond all retain the charm and scale of their village origins. If one wishes to combine the pace of urban life with rural peace, this is the ideal location. These high streets have a cosmopolitan air with a variety of restaurants, bistros and quality independent retailers and outlets whilst parkland and green spaces abound, with both Bushy and Home Park just a minute's walk in opposite directions.
Cultural events such as the annual RHS Flower Show at Hampton Court will soon return and are in walking distance, or a West End Play at Richmond is but a short drive away. Moments away the River Thames has lovely towpath walks and leads down to the renowned rowing and cricket clubs of East Molesey.
Waterloo takes just over 30 minutes by train and the West End is about half an hour's drive away. Nearby road connections include the M3 and M25, with easy access to London's international airports in Heathrow and Gatwick.