While it is not quite 10 Downing Street, prospective buyers with deep pockets can own a slice of political history as a London home that was the birthplace of former Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston, is now on the market.
The six bedroom home is located in Queen Anne’s Gate, overlooking St James’s Park, an area regarded as one of the best-preserved areas of eighteenth century domestic architecture in London.
Currently listed at £14.85million by estate agent Savills, the Grade I listed property, that dates back between 1775 and 1778, is distinguished by a blue plaque marking it as the birth place of Lord Palmerston.
Palmerston was Prime Minister twice – from 1855 to 1858 and 1859 to 1865 – and was well known for his liberal approach to foreign policy.
The library features a delicately painted ceiling by renowned Swiss artist Angelica Kauffman
The Grade I listed property has a blue plaque marking it as the birth place of Lord Palmerston, a former Prime Minister
Located in the heart of London, the property is situated directly parallel to the Birdcage Walk and St James’s Park, close to world renowned and iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace.
It is also just a short walk away from Big Ben, St James’ Palace and the River Thames.
Restored as a family home in 2000 to 2003, the house also boasts many significant, historical architectural features including ceiling paintings in the drawing room and library by renowned Swiss painter Angelica Kauffman.
Kauffman is well known for being one of the two female founders of the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 1768.
Other stand out features of the house include carved fireplaces of marble and Sicilian jasper, a central sandstone staircase with iron balustrading and a delicate mahogany rail with cupola above.
A wine cellar and further under pavement storage vaults is also situated in the home.
The drawing room has paintings on the ceilings by Angelica Kauffman, one of the female founders of the Royal Academy
The spacious master bedroom comes with a fitted fireplace and large windows with stunning views
The light and airy sitting room in the property that was restored as a family home in 2000 to 2003
The property has six floors and comes with six bedrooms, eight bathrooms as well as three grand rooms – a ground floor dining room, first floor drawing room and library.
It also has a private garden which is accessible from the kitchen and is licensed from the Royal Parks Authority, meaning the homeowner has direct access to St James’s Park.
The current annual license fee for the garden is £960 per annum but this is subject to review.
Another of the main selling points of the home are the two private terraces that provide an excellent vantage point to view many of London’s most renowned landmarks and events.
The central sandstone staircase with iron balustrading and a delicate mahogany rail with cupola above
The six bedroom home is in an area regarded as one of the best-preserved areas of eighteenth century domestic architecture
The property comes with a spacious kitchen dining area with views of St James’s Park, London
The owner will be able to see all the way from Whitehall to the London Eye as well as watch the London Marathon and New Year’s Eve Fire work display.
The house is also just 0.1 miles away from St James’s Park tube station and only 0.3 miles away from Westminster tube stop, making it incredibly easy to get around the capital.
Those with children will not have to look far as Westminster Abbey Choir School, a boarding preparatory school for boys, and St Matthew’s School, a primary school in Westminster are both nearby.
The average price for a property in Queen Anne’s Gate is currently £5,887,579, according to property website Zoopla, more than twenty times more expensive than the average property price in the whole of the UK which sits at £286,126.
The views from the property’s rooftop terrace show a great stretch of London including the London Eye
The upstairs rooftop terrace of the property has great views of St James’s Park and other London sights
The private garden area, which is accessible through the kitchen, is licensed by the Royal Parks Authority
Matthew Morton-Smith, head of Savills Westminster office, said: ‘Featuring stunning examples of 18th Century architecture and located on one of the best streets in Westminster, this home offers a unique opportunity for someone to buy one of the most historic townhouses currently available.
‘Situated on picturesque Queen Anne’s Gate, this home features terraces and a garden overlooking the iconic St James’s Park.
‘And while its location offers tranquil views onto green open spaces, the home is also close to world renowned landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace.
‘In addition to its desirable location and architectural significance, the home offers unique history being the birthplace of former Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston.
‘But the standout feature has to be the home’s museum-quality ceilings painted by Angelica Kauffman, one of the two female founding members of the Royal Academy.’