Princess margaret’s tudor estate lists for $5.3 million – a royal riad
A slice of British royal history is now on the market, offering a rare opportunity to acquire Old House, the stunning West Sussex estate once cherished by Princess Margaret and her photographer husband, Lord Snowdon. The property, steeped in centuries of heritage and brimming with tales of high society gatherings, is seeking roughly $5.28 million – its first public offering in decades.
A wedding gift steeped in history
The story of Old House begins in 1481, a testament to its enduring presence in the English countryside. It gained a particularly significant chapter in 1958 when Oliver Messel, designer and uncle to Antony Armstrong-Jones (later Lord Snowdon), gifted it to Princess Margaret as a wedding present. While the royal pair favored Kensington Palace for their primary residence, Old House served as a secluded retreat, a space where Snowdon, a man known for his artistic flair and penchant for reinvention, could truly express himself.
But the estate's connection to Snowdon is far more than just a familial link. He secured a leasehold interest from his uncle and, following his divorce from Margaret in 1978, made Old House his full-time Home, later marrying Lucy Lindsay-Hogg. The property, encompassing 5.5 acres in the idyllic village of Staplefield, 40 miles south of London, presents a unique blend of Tudor and Georgian architecture, cloaked in ivy and surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens.
From minimalism to cozy chic: snowdon’s design evolution
What truly sets Old House apart is its design history, heavily influenced by Snowdon’s evolving aesthetic. In the 1960s, he embraced a minimalist vision, as he later recounted to The London Standard. “This was a period of minimalism,” he explained, describing a space filled with Arne Jacobsen chairs, brick floors, and whitewashed walls. But the 1970s brought a significant shift, thanks to the influence of his second wife, Lucy. “Having got over the ‘60s influence…the place sobered up, thanks to Lucy, who made it much more cozy and livable in,” he reflected.
This transformation didn't just alter the décor; it fostered a vibrant social scene. Old House became a magnet for British high society, hosting legendary parties attended by luminaries like Peter Sellers, Bianca Jagger, and Sir Evelyn de Rothschild, etching its name into the annals of British social history. A fascinating remnant of Snowdon’s earlier design choices remains: the upstairs bathroom, still adorned with newspaper clippings and family photographs, a time capsule of a bygone era.
A property ripe with character
The main house, spanning 4,200 square feet, boasts six bedrooms and exudes rustic charm with exposed wooden beams and brick fireplaces. A classic AGA cast-iron range anchors the kitchen, while the estate also features a two-bedroom stone cottage, an outdoor swimming pool, and a collection of outbuildings including a tractor shed, garden room, study, log store, and a whimsical children’s playhouse. The National Trust maintains the freehold, a detail to note for any prospective buyer. Listed by Blue Book Agency for £3.95 million, Old House is more than just a property; it's a tangible connection to a fascinating chapter in British history and a testament to the enduring allure of the English countryside.