Michael Heseltine's former London home hits the market at £28 million
A house has come up for sale between Buckingham Palace and Belgrave Square which was at the heart of the great political intrigue of 1990 — though it's been transformed since those days.

When somebody spends almost a year and a half on a refurbishment project, you’d expect the results to be pretty spectacular. And the work that’s been done on this five-storey house in Chapel Street, Belgravia, is certainly that.
Veteran Tory politician Michael Heseltine used to live here — indeed, it’s the home from which he apparently orchestrated the machinations that ended Margaret Thatcher’s premiership, and the steps outside are where he announced his leadership challenge.
We can’t help wondering if he would recognise the place now, thought: It looks more like a top-end hotel than a home. Yet a home it is — and it’s one of the most expensive currently for sale in London, with a price tag of £28 million via Rokstone.
For that, the buyer will be getting one of the largest (and widest) private homes in Belgravia, with the work done by construction company London Projects including extending two storeys below ground level, adding 900sq ft to the house to make it 6,773sq ft in total.
If you’re worried that those lower levels might be a touch gloomy, fear not: ‘We added a large glass extension at the rear of the house which extends down the lower basement level,’ the developers explain.
‘It includes a glazed ceiling which gives an open air feel to the back of the house and also extends down to a basement lightwell — providing natural light down into the lower core of the building.’
Clever stuff — and involved, too. Apparently the road had to be closed while a crane was brought in to move the necessary 8m glass panels over the roof of the house.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Once you’ve created a basement, what would you want to do with it? Well, if you’re developing super-prime property in one of the most sought-after spots in London, the answer is to install a swimming pool and leisure complex, with steam room, sauna and ‘experience shower’, which we think is one of those showers which plays music and dapples light across you while firing water and aromas at surprising angles.
Yet for all the modern touches that have been added to the place, the original features have been restored and preserved as well. The cantilevered stone staircase with wrought-iron balustrade is a prime example, but original fireplaces, ceiling plasterwork and traditional sash windows remain in many rooms.
Speaking of rooms, the floorplan shows too many to count but there are six bedrooms, one of which takes up the entire second floor thanks to its large en-suite and attached dressing room.
There’s also a huge first-floor reception room with balconies at either end and a study tucked away in the corner, the perfect nook from which to plot a political downfall of a deeply divisive leader — and I think it's safe to say that we could all do with one of those in today's crazy world.
This house in Chapel St, Belgravia, is for sale at £28m — see more details and pictures.
Credit: Strutt & Parker / Sir Winston Churchill's former London home
Video: How Sir Winston Churchill's London home has changed since 1965
A unique chance to see before-and-after images of the home of a Great British icon.
Sir Winston Churchill's house in London goes on the market
This 'very special' home exudes the spirit of old Kensington.
Credit: Strutt & Parker
The magnificent apartment that hosted Lloyd George, Churchill and Conan Doyle
This exquisite apartment is situated in the former home of Arthur Balfour.
Toby Keel is Country Life's Digital Director, and has been running the website and social media channels since 2016. A former sports journalist, he writes about property, cars, lifestyle, travel, nature.
-
The Mediterranean Magic of Malta
With historic charm, picture-perfect beaches and a welcoming approach to newcomers, Malta represents an appealing option for Mediterranean property hunters. Holly Kirkwood reports.
By Holly Kirkwood Published
-
'Never willing to pardon where I had a power to revenge’: The history of the duelling class
Settling a dispute with swords, pistols and, if legend is to be believed, sausages and guitars, has long been a matter of honour even among modern-day rock stars, discovers John F. Mueller.
By John F. Mueller Published
-
The Mediterranean Magic of Malta
With historic charm, picture-perfect beaches and a welcoming approach to newcomers, Malta represents an appealing option for Mediterranean property hunters. Holly Kirkwood reports.
By Holly Kirkwood Published
-
Four country houses with their own tennis courts, as seen in Country Life
If Wimbledon has put you in the mood for more tennis, Annunciata Elwes is here with a selection of homes with their own tennis courts.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
The majestic New Forest estate formerly owned by a billionaire adventurer — famous for driving 'the world's fastest kettle' — has come up for sale
Great estates in the unspoilt setting of the New Forest are always a welcome sight on the market, and Newton Park is a wonderful example with a sad story to tell. Anna White tells more.
By Anna White Last updated
-
A Hampshire Manor for sale that dates back to the days of Alfred the Great, with the most beautiful staircase we've seen in years
The ten bedroom property features an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa complex and stables, and it was restored by the same architect who worked on Downing Street.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
The new property hotspots where you can have it all: Beautiful houses, great schools and idyllic lifestyle
Across the country people are selling up and heading to the towns where there's no compromise on dream homes, outstanding schooling and the good life, according to analysis from two of Britain's top estate agents. Anna White explains.
By Anna White Published
-
Where Venice once ruled: The roving Venetians left handsome imprints across the Greek world, from its religion to its rambling villas
Matthew Dennison explores the lingering traces of Venice's vanished empire — and the best places to buy where it once stood.
By Matthew Dennison Last updated
-
A delightful 16th century home with some of Kent's most beautiful gardens has come on to the market
The Grange puts the 'garden' into the Garden of England.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A pristine Scottish island for sale at the price of a garage in Fulham
A dot on the map of the west coast of Scotland has come on to the market, where you'll be surrounded by sea, living off grid and be neighbours with the local seal colony.
By Toby Keel Published