Property market

widow of Jack Benett, its last owner, died in 1957 with no surviving children, Pythouse was acquired by the Mutual Households Association, later the Country Houses Association (CHA), which repaired the house and converted it to apartments for retired gentlefolk.

Half a century later, the CHA was in financial trouble, and, in early 2004, Sir Henry Rumbold, the owner of the estate, exercised his option to acquire Pythouse so that house and park could be put together again and sold as a residential estate. That same year, Pythouse, set in some 93 acres of mature parkland and farmland, was acquired by the current owners, who have carried out a substantial programme of works throughout the house, which still has potential for further improvement.

Having used Pythouse mainly as a second home, the owners are now looking to downsize and the splendid neo-Grecian mansion, which boasts some 38,680sq ft of internal floor space on three floors, including an impressive range of state rooms, 16 principal bedroom suites, two staff apartments and extensive cellars, is for sale through Knight Frank’s country department (020–7861 1065) at a guide price of £18m.

Edited by James Fisher