The former home of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has just entered the property market – and as you might expect, it is in a prime London location.
Built in 1720, the five-bedroom Grade II Listed Georgian townhouse has retained many of its period features, which have been lovingly maintained over the years – from the grand sash windows to the wooden wall panelling and original fireplaces that appear throughout. But it is its UK political connections that make it all the more impressive.
The townhouse was owned by Conservative party treasurer Lord Alistair McApline, and it served as the home of Margaret Thatcher when she fell from power in 1990, after 11 years at 10 Downing Street. Lord McAlpine offered Thatcher and her husband Denis the townhouse as a Westminster refuge.
Pictured here in 10 Downing Street, Margaret Thatcher resided at the Great College Street property in 1990
Thatcher’s legacy at the Great College Street property remains to this day, with the ‘Division Bell’, which she insisted on having installed, being used to summon MPs to Parliament when a vote was about to be taken.
The property was also used for John Major’s campaign headquarters, in which he ultimately triumphed as Prime Minister, and a slew of other political figures, business tycoons and Lords were hosted at the property over the years.
The property’s links to the UK political scene actually date back to 1770. One of its first residents was John Croft, a senior clerk from the House of Lords. It continued to be a hub of activity on general election nights, budget announcements and major events, such as the Falklands War.
‘Offering unmatched views of the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and the ancient College Garden, this magnificent Georgian townhouse has an incredible sense of history,’ says Harry Laflin, director of Dexters (Westminster).
Set over four floors, you’re immediately met by a spacious entrance hall, clad in the original Georgian wooden panelling, which leads directly to a substantial formal dining room. The adjoining kitchen features handcrafted cabinetry alongside all the essentials, and opens up onto a private patio garden. The outdoor space also benefits from some lovely wall planters and rich foliage.
Up one floor and you’ll find two of the three reception rooms, with panelled walls painted in an authentic 18th-century green, as well as a small washroom. On the second floor there are two large double bedrooms, plus a sizeable family bathroom.
On the lower ground floor you’ll find a self-contained living quarter, with a reception room, bedroom and a bathroom. There’s also a wine cellar which could be used for other storage purposes.
The townhouse is ideally located within walking distance of a number of green spaces and the river Thames. Nearest tube stations are Westminster and St James’s Park – for those looking to travel further afield, both Victoria and Waterloo mainline stations are both approximately a mile away.
The property is currently on the market for £3,650,000 with Dexters.
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Ellis Cochrane is a Freelance Contributor for House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, covering everything from expert tips and tricks, to gardening advice, product roundups and the newest properties to hit the market. Ellis has been writing about homes, interiors and gardens for four years now, and her work has also been published on Ideal Home, Prima and Elle Japan. Over the years, Ellis has also written at a number of publications such as Cosmopolitan, Tyla, Daily Express, Expert Reviews UK, Stylist and IndyBest, covering beauty and style, TV and films, books and celebrity news. Ellis studied at the University of Strathclyde, where she completed a Joint BA Hons Degree in English and Politics. Follow Ellis on Instagram at @ellistuesday.
