Wonder how Denham Place earned the moniker a private palace? It stands as a testament to centuries of British history. Denham Place is not just a house. It is a Grade I listed 17th-century country house in Denham, Buckinghamshire.
This majestic manor house boasts a storied past. Denham Place has evolved through ages of owners and notable visitors. It also features a Grade II listed 18th-century landscape park. The estate even borders the Buckinghamshire Golf Club.
Constructed from 1688 to 1701, Denham Place was built for Sir Roger Hill. William Stanton was likely the architect. Originally, elaborate formal gardens inspired by Versailles surrounded the house. These gardens contained canals and sculptures. However, in 1773, Capability Brown reshaped the gardens into a landscape park. This park included meadows, orchards, and a lake.
Over the years, Denham Place has seen many notable residents. These included members of the Bonaparte family and the American banker J. P. Morgan. Robert Vansittart, a politician and movie financier, also resided here. Harry Saltzman, the co-producer of the first nine James Bond films, called it home.
Rumor has it that the filmmakers used Denham Place’s library as M’s office in Live and Let Die and The Man with the Golden Gun. Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Michael Caine, Rudolf Nureyev, and Gregory Peck all visited.
More recently, Mike Jatania, a cosmetics businessman, acquired Denham Place. He bought it from Rothmans International. In 2023, it was listed for sale at £75 million, making it one of the most expensive properties outside of London. Today, Denham Place is listed for £45 million.
Denham Place exemplifies the classic William and Mary style. A recent renovation celebrated its period features. The interiors now feature Italian marble, handwoven silk, and 22-karat gold leaf. The chapel lounge has wood panelling transported from Hampton Court Palace in the 1700s.
The wood-wrapped library is said to have been recreated as M’s office in the earlier Bond films. Some scenes were even filmed in the house itself.
In the 18th century, Capability Brown designed Denham Place’s grounds. The grounds feature a formal sunken garden, a walled garden, and a substantial lake.
The estate’s history stretches back even further. Before the current manor house, the estate was part-owned by the Abbey of Westminster. Sir Edmund Peckham built the original Tudor building in 1541. Queen Elizabeth I visited Denham Place in 1586.
Denham Place is a house unlike any other. It is a sprawling private patch of verdant English countryside. This royal history piece is now available for £45M. It offers a glimpse into England’s rich heritage. Denham Place is a private palace awaiting its next chapter.