One of Berkshire's most important historic houses, for sale for only the second time in 80 years
Set in 46 acres of splendid gardens and soon to benefit from Twyford's Crossrail link, this gorgeous Tudor home was built in 1580. Penny Churchill reports.


Period homes are the cream of the crop of any estate agent. Beautiful, wreathed in history (and often a fair bit of land besides), they're particularly highly desired when they also benefit from a fairly central location.
One such picture-perfect Georgian house that dates from Tudor times is Grade II*-listed Hurst Lodge, in the village of Hurst, two miles from Twyford and seven miles from Henley-on-Thames, which comes to the market through the Henley offices of Savills and Knight Frank at a guide price of £10m.
For sale for only the second time in more than 80 years, the Elizabethan core of the house was built in about 1580 by John Barker, who was Gentleman Usher to Elizabeth I for 34 years.
In 1697, the property passed to Barker’s granddaughter, Frances Fairfax, wife of 4th Lord Cardross, later Earl of Buchan; they added the Georgian façade in about 1700.
In the 1740s, her family sold Hurst Lodge to lawyer Robert Palmer, in whose family it remained until 1919, when it was bought by Sir Philip Martineau.
Shortly before the Second World War, James Palmer-Tomkinson bought Hurst Lodge and added a major extension before leaving it, in the 1950s, to his daughter, Lady Ingram, in whose family it remained before being sold to its current owners in 2004.
One of Berkshire’s most important historic houses – soon to benefit from Twyford’s long-awaited Crossrail link – Hurst Lodge stands in 46 acres of splendid gardens and grounds that include cottages, paddocks, ponds and woodland, stabling, barns, extensive garaging and a former squash court.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
During their tenure, the owners have modernised the previously ‘tired’ interior to create a vibrant contemporary living space with seven reception rooms, a large master-bedroom suite, 11 further bedrooms and nine further bathrooms laid out over two floors.
Hurst Lodge is the market through the Henley offices of Savills and Knight Frank at a guide price of £10m. Click here for more information and images.
A 'manor house in miniature' full of beautiful Tudor features
A 'manor house in miniature' full of beautiful Tudor features
The Tudor mansion in Sussex where Lutyens and Jekyll pooled their talents
Legh Manor: The Tudor mansion in Sussex where Lutyens and Jekyll worked together
The immaculately restored Tudor property once owned by a prolific society painter
The stylish renovation of Bilting Court has combined Tudor charm with all the comforts of 21st century living.
The Kent manor with an original Tudor fireplace and space for a string of horses
Not only is Solton Manor one of Kent's most beautiful country houses, but it also boasts an interesting and chequered
Alston Court, Suffolk: A vivid insight into Tudor living on the grand scale
One of the most important late-medieval merchant’s houses in the country offers a vivid insight into Tudor living on the
A Tudor house up for sale that stayed in one family for nearly a thousand years
The site of picturesque Flemings Hall at Bedingfield was granted by William the Conqueror and remained in the same family
-
A Clarkson's Farm of one's own: Five properties with just enough farmland for you and your family, from under £1 million
Moving to the country is one thing; moving to the country and being able to grow and rear all your own food is another level entirely, and all these properties offer exactly that.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
What everyone is talking about this week: What is the right way to propose to someone?
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are the latest couple to employ 'hidden' photographers to capture their engagement — but at what cost? Will Hosie details how you should do it instead.
By Will Hosie Published
-
A Clarkson's Farm of one's own: Five properties with just enough farmland for you and your family, from under £1 million
Moving to the country is one thing; moving to the country and being able to grow and rear all your own food is another level entirely, and all these properties offer exactly that.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
Six superb homes, from chocolate box cottages to grand Tudor mansions, as seen in Country Life
Our regular round-up includes charming home counties houses and superb grand country house in Ireland.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A billionaire's thatched cottage is for sale in Surrey, once owned by the oil magnate J. Paul Getty
Chestnut Cottage is a joyous little home — albeit one with the most unusual bedrooms to acreage to price balances we've ever seen. Toby Keel takes a look inside.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castle
From hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
By Toby Keel Published
-
How to buy a house at auction
Buying at auction can mean you secure your dream property for a bargain price, but preparation is the key
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
The homes of two 1980s TV icons are both up for sale at the same time
The houses where Bob Monkhouse and Sir Terry Wogan spent decades of their lives are currently on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
Living on the edge? A lighthouse for sale on a clifftop on one of the most remote islands in Britain
Bressay Lighthouse was built by the father and uncle of the 'Treasure Island' author.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
Alan Titchmarsh is selling his Hampshire home (and the garden that comes with it): Exclusive pictures and interview
After many happy years in Hampshire, the writer, broadcaster and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh is selling up and looking to move. He spoke to Penny Churchill about his years at Manor Farm House.
By Penny Churchill Published