A historic London home once owned by the renowned statesman Winston Churchill is now on the market for £19.5 million (approximately $25.2 million). Churchill, who served as the British Prime Minister during two key periods—first from 1940 to 1945 during World War II, and then from 1951 to 1955—purchased the property, located at 27 Hyde Park Gate, after his defeat in the 1945 general election. The home, which cost him around $310,000 at the time, was initially bought to serve as an office. The location, right next door to a townhouse he already owned, was perfect for his needs. He soon combined both properties into one grand mansion. However, after his death in 1965, the large property, which is listed as Grade II, was divided back into separate homes.
James Pace, head of Kensington sales at Knight Frank, emphasized the home’s remarkable history, stating, “Having been the cherished home of Sir Winston Churchill during a defining era in British history, this property has an illustrious heritage,” as reported by Mansion Global.
The residence, which was last sold in 2001, currently offers six bedrooms spread across four floors. In addition to the spacious interiors, the property includes a private terrace and an expansive formal garden, benefiting from its prime location in a peaceful cul-de-sac. Inside, much of the original charm and character remain, such as wood-paneled flooring, detailed moldings, and grand fireplaces, which help preserve the home’s classic appeal.
The ground floor of the property features a dramatic double-height reception room, a library, and a sitting room. At the time Churchill lived there, a bedroom was located on this floor, where it is said he recuperated after breaking his leg while on vacation in Monte Carlo. The lower ground floor includes a modern kitchen, a breakfast room, and a formal dining area, along with a gym. Additionally, the home still retains elements of its history, such as the room Churchill converted at the adjacent 28 Hyde Park Gate into his “snob library,” where he displayed his extensive collection of finely bound books and portraits of his ancestors, according to English Heritage.
Kensington has long been a sought-after neighborhood for high-profile residents, including figures like Madonna, JK Rowling, and Stella McCartney. It was also the home of the late Freddie Mercury, the iconic lead singer of Queen. Mercury’s former residence, Garden Lodge, was listed for sale in February of this year for £30 million (about $38 million) by his close friend and former fiancée, Mary Austin. The property, which is also represented by Knight Frank, is renowned for its custom-designed garden, which Mercury himself helped create, and for housing the grand piano he used to compose the legendary song “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
This area of London has become synonymous with luxury living, attracting notable individuals due to its central location, quiet streets, and prestigious history. The Churchill residence, with its rich historical significance and classic design, adds to the allure of Kensington’s luxury real estate market. It stands as a unique opportunity for a buyer seeking a property with deep historical roots and remarkable architectural features in one of London’s most desirable areas.