Winston Churchill’s former London home hits the market for $24.8M

Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s former London home has the market for roughly $24.8 million.

The iconic wartime leader’s pad is located in posh Kensington, near landmarks including the Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park.

Churchill snapped up this historic home, at 27 Hyde Park Gate, in 1946 for about $310,595 in today’s money. Originally, he used it as an office, combining it later with his adjacent residence at 28 Hyde Park to create a sprawling single property that would be known as his long-standing London residence.

James Pace, head of Kensington sales at Knight Frank, told Mansion Global, which first reported on the listing: “Having been the cherished home of Sir Winston Churchill during a defining era in British history, this property has an illustrious heritage.”

After losing the 1945 general election, Winston Churchill purchased the two Hyde Park Gate houses as his London base, complementing his primary residence at Chartwell in Kent, according to English Heritage.

He immediately redecorated the property, dedicating one room to his “snob library” filled with beautifully bound books. The walls showcased portraits of his aristocratic ancestors, including the Duke of Marlborough, the Battle of Blenheim victor in 1704. Additionally, a portrait of Churchill himself by Sir John Lavery adorned the space.

Churchill, hailed as one of Britain’s greatest prime ministers, led the country during World War II from 1940 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955.

Following his death in 1965, the home was sold as one large unit, but has since been split back into separate residences. The current owners bought the place in 2001 for $7.29 million.

The standout feature includes the double-height reception room that has hosted grand events. Pace noted it’s ideal “for hosting social gatherings in grand, stately surroundings.” This space, along with a library and a sitting room, occupies the ground floor.

Legend has it that Churchill himself recuperated here after breaking his leg in Monte Carlo, with a ground-floor bedroom serving as his recovery room.

Downstairs, there’s a kitchen and breakfast room, a formal dining room and a gym, all opening up to the lush garden.

The upper two floors boast six bedrooms, including the primary suite, which features a private terrace. According to Pace, this suite “is another highlight.”

The listing describes the home as a “family house situated in a quiet and prestigious cul de sac.”

For those with a penchant for history, Pace assures that this home will suit “discerning buyers looking for a residence rich in historical provenance.”