Gillespie House, Holloway Drive, Virginia Water, GU25

If you love a little history woven into your everyday life, appreciate beautiful surroundings, enjoy the finer things, or want a luxurious lock up and leave home for frequent travel, this penthouse at Virginia Park is one you are going to fall for.

Virginia Park is no ordinary development. Its story begins in the 1800s with Thomas Holloway, who founded the building alongside Royal Holloway College, now Royal Holloway, University of London. Inspired by his wife Jane, whose initials alongside Thomas’s can still be seen in the ceiling of The Great Hall at Crossland House, Holloway created opportunity where there was none, establishing a university to give women access to higher education at a time when it simply was not permitted.

The original building was constructed in the 1880s in striking French Gothic style and later became a hospital before being sensitively restored and converted into one of Surrey’s most prestigious residential estates. As noted in Guy Blythman’s book all about the development, the building was considered one of the most lavish institutions of its kind, with ornate detailing, dramatic proportions and an extraordinary sense of theatre throughout.

Gillespie House was constructed in the late 1990s, almost a century later, with its architecture thoughtfully designed to echo elements of the original Victorian masterpiece. The Penthouse, now awaiting it's next owner, forms part of that later addition, carefully reflecting the character and grandeur of the historic building while offering modern design and convenience. Even the former chapel has been repurposed for residents’ leisure use, ensuring the estate continues to evolve while honouring its past.

The historic building was used as a filming location before its conversion into Virginia Park. Over the years the impressive Victorian architecture and dramatic interior have appeared in a number of productions: it featured in Inspector Morse (including in the very first episode The Dead of Jericho, with scenes on the main staircase and in the dining hall), and was a location for the 1986 horror film Slaughter High. Its distinctive exterior and spaces were also used in the 1982 film Scrubbers, and the recreation of scenes in the Michael Caine Jack the Ripper mini-series. Beyond film and TV, the site also appeared in several early 1980s music videos — including Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler, Charlotte Sometimes by The Cure, and Forever Young by Alphaville, before the hospital closed and long before its restoration into a gated residential community.

The Penthouse

Positioned within this exceptional setting, the penthouse offers impressive, well balanced living space and an immediate sense of light and calm. A generous entrance hall, high ceilings and elevated views from every principal room create an atmosphere that feels both impressive and welcoming.

The open plan lounge and dining room is made for entertaining, offering excellent proportions and direct access to a private terrace with space to sit out and enjoy the outlook across the grounds. The kitchen and breakfast room, complete with island and integrated appliances, forms a natural heart of the home. A separate utility room adds valuable practicality, keeping the main living spaces streamlined and uncluttered.

The principal bedroom provides a luxurious retreat with fitted wardrobes and an impressively spacious ensuite, complete with a raised bath and separate shower.
The second bedroom is generous and benefits from its own ensuite, making it ideal for guests or family members who appreciate privacy. Bedroom three has been thoughtfully designed with built in desk space, creating a ready made home office, and is served by a separate guest bathroom, an excellent addition for visitors.

Upstairs, the additional hobby room offers exceptional flexibility. This space could become a dressing room, additional storage area, craft studio, gym, yoga room or private office depending on your needs.

Secure underground parking for two cars and additional storage ensure convenience matches the elegance of the apartment, while lift access and recently refurbished communal areas add to the overall sense of quality.

A Lifestyle Worth Investing In

Life at Virginia Park extends far beyond your front door. Residents enjoy an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and fully equipped gym, along with a tennis court and children’s swings and slide set within the grounds. The repurposed chapel now hosts badminton, pickleball and a variety of social events, while The Great Hall provides a spectacular backdrop for concerts and community gatherings.

There is twenty four hour manned security with walk around patrols, permanent gardeners maintaining the immaculate grounds, and a dedicated on site management team. The development benefits from healthy financial reserves, providing reassurance for the future.
Recent investment demonstrates the ongoing care and attention given to the estate. At Gillespie House the car park and communal areas were refurbished in 2019, new lifts were installed in 2022 and exterior painting was completed in 2024.

The service charge reflects not only the exceptional facilities but also the meticulous upkeep, long term planning and peace of mind that come with living in such a well managed and prestigious environment. When you consider the leisure facilities, security, grounds, staffing and continual reinvestment, it represents remarkable value for the lifestyle on offer.

An active social calendar brings residents together through organised events and activities, creating a genuine sense of community that is rare to find.

Location and Connectivity

The rail station is approximately eight minutes on foot, with a fast service to London Waterloo taking around forty minutes twice an hour. Heathrow Terminal 5 is less than fifteen minutes away, while Gatwick can be reached in around forty five minutes. The M25, M4 and M3 are all within easy reach, making travel in every direction straightforward.

Families appreciate the proximity to leading international schools including TASIS England, with convenient bus pick up available on site.

Virginia Water village offers an excellent range of everyday amenities including shops, restaurants, a supermarket, doctors, dentists, opticians, a post office, hairdressers, veterinary clinics and dry cleaners. On your doorstep is Windsor Great Park, providing thousands of acres of open space to explore. For leisure pursuits, Wentworth Club, Ascot Racecourse and Guards Polo Club are all close by.

Who This Home Suits

This is an ideal executive home for those commuting to London, the M4 corridor, nearby business headquarters or the thriving film studios at Longcross and Shepperton. It will appeal to buyers seeking a secure lock up and leave residence, busy families wanting a spacious yet low maintenance home, a prestigious London area retreat, those looking to downsize without compromise, and investors searching for a prime rental opportunity in a highly desirable location.

This is more than a penthouse apartment. It is the opportunity to become part of a historic and beautifully managed estate, where lifestyle, security, community and convenience come together seamlessly.

Come and see it for yourself, and do not forget to watch the video to gain a deeper insight into everything on offer.

Service Charges £14,466 per annum. 969 years remaining on the lease.