Old Grove House, a Grade II-listed Georgian mansion in Hampstead once owned by film director Ridley Scott, remains on the market nearly six months after it was first listed for sale. The seven-bedroom property, located on Hampstead Grove, was initially offered at £28 million in June 2023 but is now being marketed by UK Sotheby's International Realty for £22.5 million.
A Historic Home with a Celebrity Past
Sir Ridley Scott lived at Old Grove House for almost 15 years while directing blockbuster films such as Gladiator. He undertook a renovation of the property in 2010, commissioning Chester Jones as the interior designer. Scott sold the home, complete with its 120-foot walled garden, to a neighbour in 2013.
The house was built around 1730 for Maria Howard, Duchess of Norfolk, and is regarded as one of Hampstead's most distinguished properties. It stands on Hampstead Grove, a street known for its Georgian architecture, and is situated on the same road as Fenton House, a National Trust property dating from the late 17th century.
Features and Garden Inspired by Fenton House
The formal landscaping of the garden was inspired by the gardens at Fenton House, featuring clipped hedging, gravel paths, and views across Hampstead. Inside, the property retains period features including high ceilings, ornate fireplaces, and tall sash windows.
The house spans 7,585 square feet and includes seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, grand reception rooms, a study, formal entertaining spaces, quiet sitting rooms, a sauna, and interiors that blend historic character with modern comfort. A garage and off-street parking for two cars are also provided.
Additional Accommodation and Location
The grounds include a self-contained cottage with its own kitchen, reception room, bedroom, bathroom, terrace, and wine store, suitable for guests, staff, or independent living. A roof terrace offers panoramic views over north London.
The street was first recorded as The Grove in 1831 and renamed Hampstead Grove in 1937. The property is close to Hampstead High Street, with its cafés, restaurants, and pubs, and within walking distance of Hampstead Heath.
UK Sotheby's International Realty describes the house as combining "the atmosphere of a country residence with the convenience of city living." The property's prolonged time on the market reflects the current conditions in London's luxury housing sector, where high asking prices may be meeting buyer resistance.
