Inside 337-year-old estate made famous in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Midsomer Murders as it goes up for sale
The WORLD of Pure Imagination has hit the market for £6 million – in the form of a 17th-century estate that has provided the setting for blockbusters beloved by Britons.
One lucky buyer could run across the same lobby as Hollywood legends and stars if they snag the stunning Bulstrode Park.
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The historic manor house in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, is the setting for some of the biggest movies and TV series to grace our screens.
Scenes from films like ITV’s Midsomer Murders were filmed there, while Disney’s Maleficent and hit classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory also used these spectacular locations for filming.
While it’s unlikely that the new owner will welcome Angelina Jolie back, the film’s trifles are certainly a factor in the appeal of buyers.
John Thomson, who guest starred in the Midsomer episode, described the area as “the melting pot of cinematic creativity.”
The British actor and comedian said: “It’s beautiful, Buckinghamshire and a great place to film.”
Bulstrode Park, dating back to 1686, is home to the infamous and feared Judge Jeffreys.
The barbaric Lord Chancellor, nicknamed “The Hanged Judge” for his harsh judgments, served under King James II in the 17th century.
The historic manor house is located just 40 minutes from central London and boasts almost 40 acres of land and 12 distinct buildings.
This includes the magnificent Grade II Grade Pigeon Tower, which offers spectacular views of the South Bucks countryside.
After Jeffreys’ death in 1709, the country estate changed hands several times and was once owned by the 12th Duke of Somerset, Edward Seymour.
He commissioned the mansion in 1865, before it became the Bulstrode Park Army Hospital during World War I.
More than 260 patients were treated on 52 hospital beds before closing in December 1915 before being converted into an RAF training base during the Second World War.
The vast property was then used for chemical research, until it was acquired in 1966 by two Christian institutions.
After gradually restoring some of the public areas, it was then handed over to a private owner in 2013, who had big plans for the place.
The property is said to have sold for a whopping £18million.
They applied for planning permission to turn Bulstrode Park into a luxury hotel complex – which even boasted about the Royal Suites.
It is designed to be converted into an upscale guest house with 43 rooms, a 120-seat restaurant and a luxury spa.
Now Wood land group has been appointed general agent on behalf of the Bridgestones liquidator in Oldham for the sale of exceptional property, with a guide price of £6 million.
Senior surveyor Amy Selfe said: “This sprawling estate with an incredible history and picturesque location has a lot of potential.
“It’s set in beautiful countryside just 40 minutes from central London and can be transformed into anything from a hotel, a luxury nursing home to a family home for one lucky resident.
“Although this is a new brand in the market, we have received a lot of interest from individuals for a variety of uses. Views have been registered with us this week.
“Driven by its marketability is its incredible history, number of potential opportunities and the location of Gerrards Cross.
“There’s no doubt that Bulstrode Park will be snapped up in a few weeks.”
We’ve talked in the past about how residents living in a neighborhood that used to film huge movies and TV shows dirty the roles of celebrities.
Chiswick and Barnes locals say it’s a pleasant surprise to see their area featured in Channel 4 shows and even Disney+ shows.
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