Calling all petrolheads: a London house believed to have been commissioned by the Honourable Charles Rolls – co-founder of Rolls-Royce – is on the market for the first time in 30 years.
The grand Edwardian villa was built in 1909 for one of Britain’s most legendary motoring engineers. Its grand entrance with its sweeping gated carriage driveway and detached garage was purpose-built to accommodate early vehicles at a time when private automobiles were still a rarity.
“The story of the Rolls family connection to our house has always been by word-of-mouth — passed down from the previous owner and an elderly neighbour,” says the home’s current owner, who has put it on the market for £4-4.5 million.
“We’ve never been able to formally prove the link, but we’re now in touch with someone who researches the family’s history. From our conversations, it seems the family did own a number of properties in the area including ours.”
Geoff Wilford, founder of Wilfords London, who is selling the property, says: “There’s something undeniably special about this house – it’s not just the possible link to Charles Rolls, though that certainly gives it a unique provenance – but the feeling you get when you step through the door.
“It’s a home that was designed to impress but not intimidate. “You’ve got all the beautiful hallmarks of Edwardian architecture – soaring ceilings, wood panelling, original staircases – but there’s also a warmth and flow to it that makes it feel completely liveable for a modern family.
“The proportions are majestic and the detailing exquisite, while there’s a sense of quiet confidence in every room.”
Spread across three floors and a four-room cellar spanning over 5,000sq-ft, there’s a country-house feel downstairs with a grand hallway complete with open fireplace.
The drawing room features a bay window and another fireplace, while an expansive living room has a third fireplace.
The luxury Chalon kitchen and breakfast room boasts a traditional Aga, while the utility space is kitted out with Martin Moore cabinetry.
There is also a formal dining room and a light-filled conservatory on this floor.
Upstairs, the principal bedroom comes with a spa-like en-suite and dressing room, while there are four more bedrooms and an unusual first-floor sunroom with views over the south-facing garden – perfect as a modern-day snug.
“The driveway wasn’t just for show, either – it was designed with early motorcars back when the automobile was still a marvel. And that spirit of innovation, of elegant practicality, runs through the entire house,” says Wilford.
“Homes like this don’t come along often – and when they do, they tend to stay in families for generations.”
The historic house is found on Woodborough Road – a picturesque tree-lined street in Putney – that’s within spitting distance of Putney and Barnes mainline stations, East Putney underground, the Thames towpath and Richmond Park. Meaning, rather ironically, prospective buyers won’t need to drive anywhere – Rolls-Royce or otherwise.
