A chance to live in the Gothic mansion just outside London where JFK and the Queen Mother once partied
This incredible apartment in a huge 19th century house within the M25 has had some astonishing visitors. If only the walls of Wall Hall could talk...

George VI, the Queen Mother and John F. Kennedy are among the illustrious house-party guests to have visited Wall Hall Mansion, a vast Hertfordshire pile set in 55 rolling acres designed by Humphry Repton.
This Gothic Revival house not far from Watford was originally built in 1802 for a George Thelluson, but in the 20th century it passed into American hands.
First up was J.P. Morgan Jr (heir to the banking magnate) and later, during the Second World War, Joe Kennedy, father of JFK and Bobby Kennedy, and US Ambassador to Britain on the outbreak of the conflict — hence the illustrious list of guests.
After that, Wall Hall fell into less glamorous use as a teacher training college and student accommodation, until in 2003 it was converted into flats — one of which, the spectacular five-bedroom Windsor Apartment, is now on the market at £4.95m.
This home occupies one wing of the building and incorporates the Baronial Hall — complete with stained-glass windows — an office-slash-music room and a castellated roof terrace.
The Baronial Hall is the feature that will be the love-it-or-hate-it selling point, a vast space (roughly 45’ by 26’) with a raised platform at one end which is currently set up as a stage which sits below the carved wooden beams of the ceiling.
This is unabashedly a home for somebody who wants to entertain on a grand scale; the fact that it is within the M25, and not far from the various film and recording studios of north London, might suggest a buyer who’ll make the most of the 5,100sq ft to put on some memorable shindigs — as, no doubt, the Kennedys once did in the 1940s.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
And for the quieter moments? Well, beyond the apartment itself there are all manner of shared facilities, including the gardens, gym and a tennis court, as well as the grounds. And the pretty village of Aldenham – with its village green, pubs and boating lake — is just beyond the boundary.
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.
-
A spectacular tower for sale that's a blend of Victorian folly, architectural marvel and 21st century family home
Hadlow Tower has space, and a back story of love, jealousy and intrigue.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Some Like (to quiz when) It Hot: Country Life Quiz of the Day heatwave special, July 11, 2025
If you're struggling to keep cool — and who isn't? — our Quiz of the Day will at least take your mind off the soaring temperatures.
By Country Life Published
-
A spectacular tower for sale that's a blend of Victorian folly, architectural marvel and 21st century family home
Hadlow Tower has space, and a back story of love, jealousy and intrigue.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A spectacular, light-filled home on the Isle of Wight where you can see the water from practically every window
Penny Churchill takes a look at the grand and impressive Fishbourne Quay House.
By Penny Churchill Last updated
-
The former stables — and recording studio for the Pet Shop Boys — transformed with a magical blend of city and country aesthetic, now seeking a new owner
In the heart of Clerkenwell, what was once a Victorian industrial unit is now a beautiful home.
By Toby Keel Last updated
-
The Good Life 2025? A development promising 'Britain's greenest homes' blends zero carbon, organic allotments and a touch of luxury in the Kent countryside
Hartdene Barns, sitting on a disused dairy farm in Kent, is a vision of what sustainable living one day mean for all of us.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
Breathtaking views and gardens that run down to the water's edge at this delightful home in Cornwall
The Garden House in Polruan sums up the appeal of waterside living. Penny Churchill steps inside.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A 500-acre estate that spent 11 centuries in the same family, for sale for only the second time in its history
In the beautiful hills of north Wales the Garthewin estate has come up for sale, including a great country house once restored by the architect who created Portmeirion. Penny Churchill takes a closer look.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
'The city has always held an important creative space within our design studio': A luxury townhouse in Tokyo, courtesy of Aston Martin
A new four-storey property in the Omotesandō district is the first single home private residence by the British ultra-luxury performance brand.
By James Fisher 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