This exceptional mansion – which was belonged to Dame Barbara Cartland – boasts approximately 8,513 sq ft of superb accommodation set across five floors, with an impressive outdoor terrace space. After a year as a gossip columnist for the Daily Express, Dame Barbara Cartland published her first novel, Jigsaw (1923), a risqué society thriller that became a bestseller. She also began writing and producing somewhat racy plays, one of which, Blood Money (1926), was banned by the Lord Chamberlain’s Office. In the mid-1990s, by which time she had sold over a billion books and became a mainstay of the popular media – she was often seen in her trademark pink dresses and plumed hats. In 2000, her publishers estimated that since her writing career began in 1925 – the author had produced a total of 723 titles – and was lovingly known as ’the queen of romance’. Take the tour below – and when you’re done, hop over to our page dedicated to the world’s best homes for more. Is it your dream to host large, lavish parties? Then you’ll be pleased to know that – the reception areas of the ground and first floors alone – boast the capacity to accommodate over 100 guests. The stunning red-brick Edwardian façade is five sash windows wide, and is centered with a grand Portland stone doorway. Every detail has been taken into account when designing this property. The ground floor entrance hall showcases beautiful polished diamond limestone flooring. The dining room features an ornate marble fireplace, and the grand entrance hall features a stately fireplace and a wonderful L shaped sweeping staircase, which leads to the first floor. And that’s not all – also situated on the ground floor is a large kitchen, a guest wardrobe, guest WC and a study of grand proportions, which opens out onto a balcony overlooking the lower ground floor wellness suite – a result of delicate modernization. This superb wellness area provides a quiet leisure haven, and comes complete with swimming pool, bar, sauna, relaxation zone, and a tranquil courtyard to boot.
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There are three bedrooms, all of which benefit from en suite bathrooms, a guest WC and a utility room, along with the added benefit of a separate street entrance from the front of the property – perfect for guests. On the first floor there are three reception rooms. The wonderful period features include a beautiful coffered ceiling, wood panelling and an ornate fully-functional fireplace. Situated across the second floor is the magnificent principal bedroom suite. This luxurious space comprises of a sizeable dressing room, separate walk-in wardrobe, en-suite bathroom complete with walk-in shower and a bath. The home has been designed with on trend floor to ceiling glass doors – which lead onto the second floor terrace – where a curated display of tall bamboo plants provide privacy, greenery and serenity. What more could you wish for in a bustling city? Claire Reynolds, co-head of Prime Central London at Savills comments: ‘Being the former residence of iconic writer, Dame Barbara Cartland, this home is a rare opportunity for someone to buy a piece of literary history that inspired hundreds of romantic novels. ‘But for those expecting the house to be decorated floor to ceiling in fifty shades of pink might be surprised. This beautifully renovated Mayfair mansion, in arguably the most exclusive part of London, will tick all the boxes for even the most discerning of buyers.’ The property is available via Savills (opens in new tab) for £40 million.
