Ballet legend Margot Fonteyn’s English country home lists for £ 1.65million
In Berkshire, England, nestled on the banks of the Thames, the former country home of Dame Margot Fonteyn, one of the UK’s most legendary ballerinas, was marketed for 1.65million pounds sterling (US $ 2.24 million).
The Victorian spread, named Amerden Bank, is a “house of considerable charm and character,” according to the listing by London-based real estate agency Savills, which listed the house in late August.
“This is a magnificent, elegant property with an interesting history being the former home of Prima Ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn of the United Kingdom and her husband, politician Roberto de Aris,” said listing agent John Henson, of the Savills Windsor office, in a statement.
Fonteyn, who died in 1991 at the age of 71, was a prima ballerina assoluta – a now rarely used title awarded to the most renowned ballet dancers – with the Royal Ballet in the 1950s and 1960s. It was around this time that the five bedroom house would have been Fonteyn’s country retreat and it remained with his family until 1999.
Savills
The current owner, who could not be reached for comment, bought the house for £ 975,000 in 2008, according to property records.
“Beyond its notable former residents, Amerden Bank is a historic period house that retains considerable charm and character, while its secluded garden enjoys towpath access where owners can embark on great walks along the Thames to Bray Lock and to the edge of the River Taplow, ”said Mr. Henson. “The features and living spaces of this beautiful house make it ideal for family living and entertaining.
Savills
Covering an area of nearly 3,500 square feet, the house is equipped with a double-aspect “deco chic” living room, a period fireplace and direct access to the garden terrace. There is also a vaulted veranda, office, family room and library.
Outside, the gardens of the house have flower beds and paved terraces and lead to the path that runs along the river.
The house is in the village of Taplow, an enclave where the average house price is currently £ 631,102, up almost £ 22,000, or 3.57%, from the same period last year, according to data from the real estate portal Zoopla.
