Centuries-Old Coach House Offers City-Close Country Living Near London

Real Estate

Griffin House is a city-close home with a country feel. Set on a walled half-acre site, the historic residence is just outside central London in the village of East Sheen.

Originally a coach house, the property has 80 feet of frontage, old-growth trees and a 180-foot-long garden—ample space for a sports court or swimming pool.

“A lot of this size is rare for East Sheen,” says listing agent Matthew Genders of Chestertons.

In the three centuries since the stone structure housed horses and carriages for a large manor, it has been transformed into a gracious two-story residence.

Generously proportioned rooms with high ceilings make up Griffin House’s more than 4,000 square feet of living space.

Sunlight pours in from 11 triple-glazed south-facing windows. Panoramic views take in the tranquil garden. Wembley Stadium, some 10 miles away, can be seen from the first-floor landing.

A double-height foyer with a sweeping staircase creates a grand first impression upon entering the home. Three large reception rooms feature parquet floors and garden-facing floor-to-ceiling windows and doors.

A wood-burning antique marble fireplace sits in the living room. Nearby are a library/TV room and an oversized bedroom/bonus room with a bathroom and separate access. The space could be used for an office, studio or granny flat.

The upgraded kitchen is outfitted with Miele appliances, a central island/breakfast bar and radiant floor heating. A separate back entrance leads to the driveway. The ground floor also contains a powder room and laundry room.

Upstairs are four double bedrooms, including a primary suite with two dressing areas, dual bathrooms and vaulted ceilings. There are a total of five bedrooms and six bathrooms.

The walkable community of East Sheen offers country living with city access via London transport. Paddington Station is about a 30-minute ride away.

“The lifestyle here is relaxed,” Genders says. “Smart but unpretentious.”

Centuries-old pubs, boutique-lined cobbled lanes, cafes, schools and Sheen Common, popular with cricket players, lawn bowlers and dog walkers, are among community amenities. But perhaps the main attraction is the adjacent 2,500-acre natural parkland.

“People live here for Richmond Park,” Genders says. Once the hunting grounds of royalty, the ancient woods and grasslands are now a habitat shared by free-roaming herds of deer, hikers and joggers.

The asking price for the Stanley Road property is GBP 6.25 million or about USD $7.76 million.

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