UK houses once owned by Sting and Michael Caine up for sale

UK residences that once belonged to two prominent English celebrities were recently put up for sale. Frognal, located in London’s affluent Hampstead area, was formerly owned by musician Sting and is currently listed for sale at GBP11.95 million ($20.7 million). Rectory Farm House, an Oxfordshire estate that was the former residence of award-winning actor Sir Michael Caine, is also on the market at GBP10 million.

Both properties are designated as Grade II listed buildings under the UK’s classification system for buildings with architectural or historical significance. There are over 370,000 listed buildings in the UK, which are subject to legal protection and require approvals from authorities for any alterations.

Frognal is believed to date back to the early 18th century and is one of the oldest surviving houses in Hampstead. Spanning some 4,300 sq ft, the residence includes a two-storey gabled porch, a roof terrace and a landscaped rear garden. 

Frognal spans 4,300 sq ft (Picture: Savills)

This is the first time in over 35 years that the property is on the market, says Savills, which is marketing the property. “Frognal is one of Hampstead’s most treasured addresses and homes here are exceptionally sought-after, making this a very special property to bring to market,” adds Nier Gigi, head of sales in Savills Hampstead.

Meanwhile, Rectory Farm House occupies 8.3 acres of land in North Stoke fronting the River Thames. Built in the 17th century, Caine and his family lived at the six-bedroom property for 15 years, between 1984 and 1999. 

The Long Room (Picture: Savills)

Hugh Maconochie, director in the country house department at Savills, notes that the actor made several improvements to the property over the years. Renovations included the addition of a modern extension that houses a vaulted living and dining room known as the Long Room, a games room, a library and an indoor swimming pool, spa and sauna. 

A music room, drawing room, and sitting room are located in the oldest parts of the house and feature stone fireplaces and beams. There is also a library, a study, two kitchens and a gym. The principal bedroom boasts its own staircase and a private outside terrace, while a separate staircase leads to the other five bedrooms. 

The grounds of the property include a one-bedroom cottage with its own kitchen and sitting room. There is also a lodge currently used as staff accommodation and a thatched barn used for car storage, although it has a kitchen, a bathroom and an office.

The swimming pool at Rectory Farm House (Picture: Savills)

“Marrying period charm with the convenience of 21st-century living, Rectory Farm House provides the opportunity to entertain on a grand scale. It is a perfect country retreat for those seeking a private edge of village estate, hidden from view,” adds Maconochie.

Rectory Farm House is less than an hour’s drive from Heathrow Airport. It is four miles from Goring and Streatley Station, which has train services to London Paddington Station.

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