Say what you will about the Roger Moore-era Bond films, but they certainly did ‘opulent’ well. The campy ’70s incarnation of the gentleman spy was often tasked with rescuing planet Earth from the clutches of a crazed billionaire, but even James Bond himself took orders from another wealthy elite. Known only as ‘M’, Bond’s boss is one of the more enigmatic characters to appear in the 007 film series and for the first time ever, one of his most stately addresses is up for grabs.
Denham Place, a historic UK estate that played host to M across the classic Bond films The Man with the Golden Gun and Live and Let Die has officially gone on the market for a whopping £75 million (AUD$139.67 million). Originally constructed in 1688, the Grand Grade I Listed manor house is spread across more than 28,000 square feet and boasts interiors in the style of a classical palace, which is noteworthy when you consider its past occupants.
According to Savills, the auction house looking after the property, the Buckinghamshire-located Denham Place was previously owned by the Bonaparte Imperial family, American banker JP Morgan, alongside politician and movie financier Lord Robert Vansittar. Interestingly, James Bond film franchise co-producer Harry Saltzman picked up the property during the ’70s, which was precisely why it was used in the films.
Since then, Denham Place has undergone significant upgrades courtesy of a full-scale restoration project. As Savills explained, award-winning architect Alexander Kravetz spearheaded the operation, working alongside English Heritage and The Georgian Group to ensure the restoration was complete with historic accuracy paramount. Inside, the principal rooms now feature 16-foot high ceiling heights, tall sash windows and ornate plasterwork throughout.
Naturally, the estate also houses a Grade II Listed coach house, estate cottages, ancillary buildings and enough garaging to park 50 Aston Martin DB5s (a ridiculous 11,199 square feet, to be exact). However, if the 12 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms and 12 reception rooms are somehow not quite up to scratch, there is planning consent to transform the coach house into a VIP health spa.
The previous owners have already been approved for a “state-of-the-art gym, changing rooms, sauna, steam room, lounges, three treatment rooms and two wet-treatment rooms complete with a 15-metre outdoor swimming pool (that can be enclosed with a glass conservatory)”.
Located just 20 miles from London City, Denham Place is a remarkable piece of British history preserved for the right owner. While the approval does seem to suggest a hotel or boutique accommodation project is in the works, it’s just as likely a wealthy billionaire with a penchant for Bond flicks will snap up this unique plot. Denham Place is being sold through Savills and is currently priced at £75 million (AUD$139.67 million).
