THE £3.25M TURNER PRIZE
Theatre and film director Mike Leigh is known for his bleak and angst-ridden dramatic productions including Abigail’s Party on TV and Vera Drake on film.
But this eye-catching property starred in one of his more genteel efforts, 2014’s biopic Mr Turner. It’s Leigh’s version of 19th century painter JMW Turner’s life, who in the film is played by Timothy Spall.
Rush Grove House was bought by property developer Gary Halkyard in 2012. But half way through doing up the run-down Georgian gem, Mike Leigh decided the property would be perfect to portray the gallery that Turner built for himself in Harley Street, central London.
In real life Rush Grove House is in the capital’s southeastern suburb of Woolwich and has five bedrooms and four reception rooms.
Gary’s renovation is complete including the restoration of its extraordinary wooden floors, and the addition of a show-stopping chandelier in the main hallway and beautiful restoration of its wood-and-gilt balustrade.
The property has an unusual distinction too. It is one of only six homes in London with their own lake, in its case Mulgrove Pond. The list includes several illustrious addresses, including Buckingham Palace.
The property is being sold direct by the developer on the property’s website for £3.25 million after spells being sold by several estate agents. The property will appeal to City types. When Crossrail opens next year, the house will be just 28 minutes from the Square Mile via the new station being built at Woolwich Arsenal. www. rushgrove.london/ rush-grove-house.php