Kingston upon Thames is a busy town just up river from Hampton Court Palace, famed as one of Henry VIII’s many homes, and about 10 miles south west of central London. Notable as the ancient market town in which Saxon kings were crowned – on the King’s Stone, hence the name, which is still displayed in the town center. Take a tour below – and when you’re done, hop on over to our page dedicated to the world’s best homes for more. Situated on the exclusive Coombe Hill Road Estate, this ancestral home dates back to the 1600s. The building has been sensitively updated and modernised, but much of the house retains delightful historic elements. This revised 25th Anniversary edition of Andrew Morton’s sensational biography features new insights taken from the author’s interviews with Diana. It’s the closest thing we’ll ever get to a Diana autobiography. Currently on the market for £2.25 million, it’s a steal compared to the former owner’s great-great grandson Prince Harry’s latest $14.7 million acquisition in Santa Barbara. The exterior is very much of its time, boasting many traditional Tudor properties such as the steep, pitched roof, diamond shaped glazing and decorative wooden panelling. A modern addition to the property blends in gently to one side. The private home, tucked behind double gates and a tall hedge, sits on a bright south facing 0.2 acres of land which have been landscaped into beautiful gardens surrounding the house. Inside this Spencer family home, although updated for modern living, the style and design is traditional to its Tudor beginnings. Downstairs there is still an inglenook fireplace, wood-panelled walls, parquet flooring and leaded light windows. Interior styling is also very sympathetic to the historic elements of the three bedroom home, with dark wood furniture, classical portraiture and antiques decorating the space. While contemporary necessities such as CCTV, alarm systems and modern plumbing and wiring have been added, even the newest parts of this home still feel on brand with the period. In the refurbished, fresh kitchen, the leaded windows and cast iron radiators are still visible, while the modern appliances which can be hidden are carefully disguised behind cabinetry. ‘This charming Tudor property has a fascinating history dating back to the 1600s, but has been extensively refurbished to create a comfortable, modern family home,’ notes Tom Cope from Knight Frank’s Wimbledon office. ‘Situated in one of the area’s most exclusive estates, it offers Richmond Park on the doorstep and easy access into central London.’ This historic property is currently on the market with Knight Frank (opens in new tab)
Where is Princess Diana’s family home?
Princess Diana spent her early years at Park House, Sandringham, Norfolk, which was rented from the Queen’s estate. When her father John became the 8th Earl Spencer, the family moved to Althorp House, which is the family’s ancestral home. It has 90 rooms and is surrounded by 550 acres of parkland – the house is also where you will find a fine collection of European furniture and art. The house is now owned by her brother Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer. Princess Diana’s childhood home is also her final resting-place – she was buried on an island in the center of a lake on the property. The Althorp Estate (opens in new tab) is open to the public.
