Inside the Midsomer Murders estate where notorious 'Hanging Judge' lived

30 July 2023 , 06:09

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The huge mansion has a rich history. (Image: Savills)

A magnificent 17th-century estate used to film multiple blockbuster movies and TV shows has hit the market - for a cool £6million.

The incredible 337-year-old property set the scene for films Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Maleficent and TV show Midsomer Murders. Bulstrode Park in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, was once the home of Judge Jeffreys - otherwise known as the ‘Hanging Judge’ - who served as the Lord Chancellor under King James II, the last Catholic monarch of Britain.

Dating back to 1686, Bulstrode Park is only a 40-minute drive from central London. It is spread across 12 buildings including a Grade II listed Pigeon Tower and has nearly 40 acres of land. A beautiful and sprawling estate, it is complete with high-ceiling buildings with grand white arches and exquisite red-brick structures enclosed by a vast lawn on all sides.

The eye-catching house was commissioned to be completed in 1865 (Savills)

Grand staircases and handsome pillars cap off what is a truly stunning property. It has an “incredible history” with a “picturesque location”, said Amy Selfe, Senior Surveyor at Landwood Group, which has been appointed as joint agents on behalf of liquidator Bridgestones.

Judge Jeffreys was an infamously brutal and biased judge - hence his ‘Hanging Judge’ nickname - and is thought to have overseen up to 700 executions following the Monmouth’s Rebellion, which attempted to depose James II. He died on the estate in 1709.

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The house is surrounded by sprawling lawns covering almost 40 acres. (Savills)

It was later owned by Edward Seymour, 12th Duke of Somerset, who commissioned a large mansion to be completed in 1865. The mansion later became Bulstrode Park Military Hospital during World War I. The 52 bed hospital treated over 260 patients before its closure in December 1915, after which it was used as a training headquarters for the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force during World War II.

It was used as a research hub, before being bought by two Christian organisations, and most recently was sold to a homeowner in 2013. Planning permission was obtained to turn the estate into a luxury 43-room hotel, with Royal Suites, a 120-cover restaurant and a spa.

The property includes a Grade II-listed pigeon tower. (Savills)

Selfe said: “It is set in beautiful countryside, just 40 minutes from Central London and could be turned into anything from a hotel to a luxury care home to a family home for one very lucky resident. “Although this is brand new to the market, we’ve had lots of interest from individuals for a variety of uses. Viewings are already being booked in with us for this week.

Handsome red-brick is the defining style from the outside. (Savills)

“Driving its marketability is its incredible history, the number of potential opportunities and the Gerrards Cross location. “There is no doubt that Bulstrode Park will be snapped up in a matter of weeks.”

For more details please contact Richard Parkinson or Amy Selfe on 0161 710 2010 or [email protected]/ [email protected]

Alex Croft