Abode of rural charm nestled in the urban center of Hampstead, providing a taste of countryside living
In the heart of London's affluent Hampstead village, a piece of history is about to change hands. Cloth Hill, a stunning Queen Anne house, is once again up for sale, with estate agents Savills and Marcus Parfitt handling the transaction at a price of £18 million.
Built in the early 18th century, Cloth Hill boasts a rich history that reflects the classic architectural details of the period. Its red brick facade, sash windows, and classical details are reminiscent of Queen Anne's reign (1702-1714). The house's name is steeped in local lore, with some believing it was once a Tudor laundry where court launderers worked, while others claim it was where the virgin heath was white with drying linen.
Over the centuries, Cloth Hill has had only three owners, a testament to its preservation of original features such as two staircases, panelling, and fireplaces. Notable residents include William Beech, a Quaker cloth merchant who bought the house in 1694, and Thomas Rundell, likely a member of the goldsmith dynasty, who owned it later in the same century. Distinguished visitors to Cloth Hill include Voltaire, who visited Beech's son-in-law, Andrew Pitt, in 1728.
The interior of Cloth Hill, spanning 6,164 sq ft, remains largely unchanged since the 19th century. A new spacious ground-floor kitchen extension has been added to the property, providing modern amenities while maintaining the house's historical charm.
George Romney, a renowned painter, moved into Cloth Hill in 1796 but left due to ill health before completing construction of his new home there. Today, the house is home to Carla Passino, who spends most of her time immersed in any century before the 20th. Passino, the Arts & Antiques editor for a popular platform, finds the English weather more congenial than her native country's sunshine and her musical taste remains fixed in the past, primarily centered around Puccini.
Period houses, with their sense of history, are often sought after, and Cloth Hill is an excellent example due to its restoration and renovation. Neir Gigi of Savills praises Cloth Hill, stating it's rare to find such a large house in the heart of a London village.
In 1993, Grade II-listed Cloth Hill was sold by Savills for £1 million. Today, that same value would be approximately £2.1 million in today's money. However, specific recent sales data for Cloth Hill are not readily available. For precise historic details and the latest sale price, local property registries or specialist historic property real estate agents in Hampstead would provide the most accurate information.
Purchasing Cloth Hill, a historically rich Queen Anne house, could be an exciting investment in the real estate market, given its notable past and prime location in Hampstead village. Its unique features, such as the original fireplaces and staircases, make it a charming addition to a lifestyle that values history and classic architecture. As for home-and-garden enthusiasts, the possibility of owning a property with a history steeped in local lore could prove appealing, especially considering the recent addition of a modern kitchen extension that harmoniously blends contemporary amenities with historical charm.
