The converted golf club where James Bond was a member
The kitchen of this charming period home is the perfect place to shake, not stir, Martinis as it’s where the country’s most iconic secret agent played golf.
This characterful four-bedroom Edwardian property forms part of the lovingly converted clubhouse at Huntercombe Golf Club – where James Bond reputedly played off nine in the novel Goldfinger.
Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, was a member of the golf club for 32 years and is said to have penned Dr No at this very address. The old library, now the drawing room of this house, is thought to have been his writing haven.
The original building, in Henley-On-Thames, was constructed in 1910 and occupied an incredible plot; adjacent to the golf club on one side and acres of National Trust parkland on the other.
The building was converted into six luxury homes in 1967, of which this £885,000 home, is one.
Chiltern House is arranged over three floors, with the second floor sitting room immortalised in Fleming’s novel Goldfinger when Bond tells the villain that he “played off 9 at Huntercombe.”
This room also entertained many other famous figures including Henry Longhurst, a wartime Conservative MP and renowned British golf writer and commentator, and William Morris, Viscount Nuffield – founder of the MG car brand, who purchased the club in 1926.
Bond fans will be pleased to hear that the property retains many of its elegant original features including double height ceilings, enormous bay windows that allow light to flood in, and grand fireplaces perfect for curling up in front of in winter months.
Another nice touch that 007 himself would enjoy is that the dining room boasts double doors which can fold right back for open plan entertaining or be closed to create an intimate dining space or quiet area to work or relax.
But it’s the impressive bay window of the sitting room, where Ian Fleming used to settle down to write, which is the Hollywood feature of this place.
Michael Joerin, managing director of Stowhill Estates, said: “For me, the living room of this property really has the wow-factor. Original oak flooring, Edwardian features and high ceilings create an elegant and tranquil setting. Light floods in through the south-facing bay window, drawing your eye to the focal point of the room – the stunning fireplace with a warming wood-burner. This is a fabulous room in which to relax after a long day, or to entertain friends and family. The current owners tell us that Christmas in this room is magical, with the fireplace decorated with garlands and room for an enormous tree under the grand staircase.”
Rightmove’s property expert Miles Shipside added: “This elegant home exudes prestige and allure at every turn. It’s somewhat magical to know that one of the most famous characters in the world of British literature and film will forever be intertwined with this property. It’s rare to find a property on Rightmove that’s history is so tangible you can almost feel it.”
This property is listed for sale with Stowhill Estates.
