Princess Margaret’s West Sussex estate lists on the market for $5.28 million for the first time in a century. The sprawling property known as the Old House sits in the village of Staplefield, West Sussex, and was once a private hideout for the royal couple. The rustic country house exudes an understated country charm through a timeless blend of Tudor and Georgian-style architecture enveloped by a lush garden.
Princess Margaret’s West Sussex Estate dates back to 1481. The 15th century Old House has undergone extensive additions and renovations since that historic period, as Robb Report mentions. The original Tudor-style architecture layered with Georgian expansion gave it a whimsical, storybook-like aesthetic.
Princess Margaret’s husband, photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones, acquired this charming property from his uncle, renowned designer Oliver Messel, in 1958, when he started dating the royal princess. Over the next two years, he did intense renovation work in the crumbling property and gifted the Old House to his wife in 1960.
However, Princess Margaret preferred Kensington Palace, and turned the West Sussex estate into a weekend retreat. Princess and Lord Snowdon hosted extravagant 60s parties for high-profile guests like Peter Sellers and Bianca Jagger. Following their 1978 divorce, Lord Snowdon moved out of London and returned to this beloved house. He lived there until 2002 with his second wife, Lucy Lindsay-Hogg, and renovated the Old House multiple times during that period.
During his stay, the rustic estate transformed from a mad party house coveted by British high society into a cozy, English country house. After decades, Antony Armstrong-Jones sold the property to the current owners through private transactions in 2003.
The upstairs bathroom’s newspaper-wrapped walls, adorned with family photographs, have remained untouched for decades. The rustic details, like exposed wooden beams, vintage fireplaces, and a classic AGA cast-iron range, can be found throughout the six-bedroom layout in the main house.
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Beyond the main house is a two-bedroom stone cottage along with several outbuildings. These additional buildings offer amenities like a playroom for children, a garden room, an outdoor swimming pool, and a study room.
Princess Margaret’s West Sussex estate has stunning, timeless architecture inside and out. The expansive garden in the 4,200-square-foot property envelops the entire house in mature trees, climbing ivy, manicured topiary, and organic hedges.
The shingled roof and stone façade exude an understated country-house charm straight out of a storybook. The property is listed with Blue Book Agency for 3.95 million pounds (roughly $5.28 million).
Via: Elle Decor
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