Kirtlington Park House Listed for £12 Million After 54 Years
One of the UK's most magnificent country mansions, Kirtlington Park House in Oxfordshire, has been listed for sale at £12 million through Savills. The property, which spans 37,000 sq ft with 17 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms, is being offered for the first time in over half a century. The estate includes 29 acres of formal gardens and parkland, and has hosted notable figures such as King Charles, ballerina Dame Darcey Bussell, and Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor.
History of the Dashwood Family Estate
The mansion was built between 1742 and 1746 for Sir James Dashwood, grandson of Robert Dashwood, who acquired the manor of Kirtlington in 1682 through marriage to heiress Penelope Chamberlayne. William Smith of Warwick served as master-builder, while interiors were completed by John Sanderson, who finished the original plans of James Gibbs, the designer of Oxford's Radcliffe Camera. According to Country Life, Sir James moved into the house in 1745, but parts remained incomplete until his death in 1779 due to debts incurred by his son, Sir Henry Dashwood, a gambler.
Architectural and Historical Significance
In the 1820s, the saloon and main staircase were completed by Sir George Dashwood, son of Sir Henry. The Dashwood family resided at Kirtlington Park until 1909, after which the estate was sold twice over two decades. In 1921, Hubert Budgett purchased the 3,000-acre site and founded the Kirtlington Park Polo Club five years later, which remains under family operation today. Crispin Holborow of Savills Private Office described the property as "one of the UK's greatest ever country mansions," highlighting its architectural heritage and landscaped grounds.
Modern Amenities and Layout
The ground floor is dedicated to leisure and secondary accommodation, featuring a billiards room, gym, butler's pantry, wine cellars, stores, plant rooms, a catering kitchen, games room, and a cinema. The two upper floors house the 17 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. The property is being marketed jointly by Crispin Holborow of Savills Private Office and Charles Elsmore-Wickens of Savills in Oxford.
