The former London love nest of legendary Hollywood heartthrob Richard Burton, known for his passionate affair with Elizabeth Taylor, is up for grabs asking $9.8 million.
The residence on Lyndhurst Road in the heart of Hampstead Village has 5,132 square feet of space and also stands as a testament to Burton’s life between 1949 and 1956.
During those years, he resided there with his first wife, the actress Sybil Burton, née Williams. This picturesque abode played host to numerous Hollywood luminaries, providing a backdrop to their lavish gatherings and soirées.
But Burton, also known for his outstanding Shakespearean and Hollywood performances, grew up far from the bright lights of Tinseltown.
Born in Wales, the son of a coal miner, his journey to stardom was nothing short of remarkable. His acting career began modestly in Port Talbot Secondary School, where he was mentored by his schoolmaster, Philip Burton, who became his legal guardian.
In 1948, Burton made the move to London and entered the Moss Empires Theatre Chain, embarking on a journey that would forever change his life.
His silver screen debut came with “The Last Days of Dolwyn” in 1949, a film that would also introduce him to his first wife. The couple quickly tied the knot on Feb. 5, 1949.
Following their wedding, the Burtons transformed their Lyndhurst Road residence, originally a one-bedroom apartment, into a haven for entertaining.
Famous faces graced their halls, including film director Alexander Korda, actress Honor Blackman and actor John Gielgud.
Hollywood star James Mason and his wife Pamela were also frequent visitors, solidifying their friendship during the making of the 1953 war movie, “The Desert Rats.”
As Burton’s star continued to rise, his Hollywood journey began with “My Cousin Rachel” in 1952, opposite Olivia de Havilland, earning him a cool $50,000.
The success of that film paved the way for more prominent roles, such as his appearances in “The Desert Rats” and “The Robe.” The latter secured him a seven-year contract with 20th Century Fox, worth a whopping $1 million for seven films, making him one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors.
It was at a swanky 1953 party in Bel Air, celebrating the success of “The Robe,” that Burton first crossed paths with the Elizabeth Taylor. Their encounter marked the beginning of a love affair that would lead to divorces and, eventually, two marriages between them.
Despite welcoming two daughters in 1957 and 1959, Burton’s infatuation with Elizabeth Taylor eventually led to a divorce from his wife in 1963. This marked the beginning of Burton’s two tumultuous marriages to Taylor, spanning from 1964 to 1974 and again from 1975 to 1976.
Consequently, at the end of 1956, the Burtons bid farewell to Lyndhurst Road and embarked on a new chapter in Switzerland, where Burton became a tax exile. Their Swiss sojourn included the purchase of a villa in Céligny, which Burton held until his passing.
Now, this historic Lyndhurst Road residence, adorned with a Burton Blue Plaque and built in the mid-1800s by Henry Davidson, awaits its next owner.
With gardens both in front and behind the house, the property spans lower ground, raised ground and three upper floors. Inside, you’ll find spacious rooms with high ceilings and tall windows that bathe the interior in natural light.
The lower ground floor features a self-contained two-bedroom flat with all the amenities for comfortable living.
On the raised ground floor, an elegant drawing room with a marble fireplace sets the stage for grand gatherings. The first floor boasts a luxurious principal bedroom suite and another ensuite bedroom, while the second floor has panoramic views of the Shard and the city of London.
And if you’re seeking some solitude or a place to host guests, the top third floor offers a spacious penthouse studio with vaulted ceilings and skylight windows, complete with its own kitchen and an ensuite shower room.
Mark Pollack, co-founding director of Aston Chase, emphasizes the significance of this property, telling The Post in a statement: “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.”
Katy Brookes, head of sales in Knight Frank’s Hampstead office, adds, “Formerly the Hampstead home of a Hollywood legend, this beautifully presented property is perfect for a large family.”
