The Edwardian estate once home to the original Star Wars producer
Pednor Chase is a stunning family home nestled in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.


Just 32 miles from London, Pednor Chase is a substantial Edwardian family house with a range of outbuildings, situated along the ridge of Pednor in the Chiltern Hills.
Now on the market with London REA at a guide price of £3.5 million, Pednor Chase is the epitome of Edwardian charm – the seven bedroom house boasts wood panelling and large feature fireplaces - and the 20 acres of grounds offer some beautiful trees, including a magnificent cedar and an ancient oak. The property also benefits from an ornamental pond stocked with koi carp, as well as a floodlit tennis court, a large outdoor heated swimming pool, several stables and a large annexe.
Pednor Chase was originally constructed in 1910 by the Knollys family, when Viscount Knollys was acting as private secretary to King Edward VII and his sister, Charlotte, acting as private secretary to Princess Alexandra. Due to its secluded situation, Pednor Chase was a favourite of Princess Alexandra, and it is said that the striking rhododendron drive was planted in her honour.
More recently the house fell into the ownership of Gary Kurtz, the producer of the original Star Wars film from 1977. Kurtz is rumoured to have thrown several decadent Hollywood parties at the property – making the most of the large swimming pool and expansive grounds.
The floodlights from the tennis court are thought to have been taken by Kurtz from Pinewood Studios, where they would have lit a film set. Kurtz was also a fan of Dobermans and the dog cage in which he kept his prize pets still remains today, as do two stone Dobermans flanking the stables.
Credit: La La Land
La La Land: The apotheosis not just of Hollywood musicals, but of Hollywood music
La La Land is merely the latest, greatest example of the symbiosis between music and film which is as old
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
For Your Eyes Only: The Surrey manor where James Clavell hosted 007 (and JR Ewing)
If walls could talk, these ones would have all sorts of tales about Hollywood A-listers thanks to its ownership by
Vivien Leigh’s country house goes up for sale
The much-loved Wiltshire bolthole of Vivien Leigh, star of Gone with the Wind, has gone on the market.
Agnes has worked for Country Life in various guises — across print, digital and specialist editorial projects — before finally finding her spiritual home on the Features Desk. A graduate of Central St. Martins College of Art & Design she has worked on luxury titles including GQ and Wallpaper* and has written for Condé Nast Contract Publishing, Horse & Hound, Esquire and The Independent on Sunday. She is currently writing a book about dogs, due to be published by Rizzoli New York in September 2025.
-
Rare species: Meet the young gardeners destined for greatness
Sam Finch is the youngest head gardener at the National Trust.
By Charles Quest-Ritson Published
-
Fit for a queen: The story of Queen Victoria's state bed at Arundel Castle
A state bed commissioned to receive Queen Victoria at Arundel Castle has just undergone a transformative restoration, as Annabel Westman explains. Photographs by Paul Highnam for Country Life.
By Annabel Westman 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
-
A Lake District escape with views that will make you feel like the king of all you can see
Mellguards's many guest rooms and dual staircases make this property perfect for people who love to host, but tire of their guests quickly.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
One of Yorkshire's great houses, burnt to the ground three generations ago, is back on its feet and on the market for the sixth time in a millennium
Penny Churchill looks at Riseborough Hall, a great house, rich with fascinating history and beautifully apportioned, which burnt to the ground but rose again.
By Penny Churchill Last updated