The Belgravia townhouse where leading Conservatives plotted to replace Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain with Winston Churchill during the darkest days of the Second World War has been sold for about £25 million.
The six-storey property at 112 Eaton Square is the former home of Leo Amery, who was a Tory minister when he told Chamberlain, “In the name of God, go” during the Norway debate in the Commons on May 7, 1940.
He then hosted a meeting at his home where senior Conservative politicians decided that Churchill had to be installed as Prime Minister. Chamberlain resigned three days later.
During the war the house was used by Churchill as his secret, informal HQ. But despite its history, the Grade II listed property has been empty for 20 years and needs refurbishing.
Unlike a number of the large houses on the square, it is still set up as a family home, of 8,446 sq ft, with six bedrooms, four reception rooms and four bathrooms.
The first floor is dedicated solely to the 1,160 sq ft drawing room. Chamberlain’s downfall is believed to have been sealed in this room. The house, built in 1825, has period features including intricate cornices, fireplaces and a cantilevered staircase.
It was put up for sale in April when the top end of property market was struggling after stamp duty changes and amid uncertainties over the pending EU referendum. Estate agency Knight Frank would not discuss how close the sale figure is to the £26.5 million asking price.
However, it will be one of the most expensive houses to sell in the UK this year, and carries a potential £4 million in stamp duty. Its new owner will now have to spend millions restoring the home, which is opposite the entrance to the communal garden.
Stuart Bailey, a partner at Knight Frank, said: “The home is very much in its original form. If the buyers have it refurbished to an appropriate quality and style I would give it a guide price of circa £40 million.”
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