Nestled on the serene Magna Carta Island, this exceptional Grade II listed property, known as Magna Carta House, offers a rare opportunity to own a significant piece of British history.
Located on the River Thames near Wraysbury in Runnymede, the house is now on the market for £4,500,000 with WATERVIEW. The six-bedroom, six-reception Victorian home spans an impressive 4,708 square feet and sits on nearly four acres of lush private grounds with 400 metres of Thames frontage, complete with a mooring.
The house boasts a unique historical feature: a specially constructed Charter Room, which contains the stone slab where King John is said to have signed the Magna Carta in 1215.
This monumental document is considered the foundation of modern democracy, enshrining principles such as the rule of law, trial by jury, and protection against unjust fines. The stone and the room pay tribute to the Magna Carta's enduring legacy in shaping not only British governance but also key constitutional documents like the U.S. Bill of Rights.
An Architectural Gem with Unmatched Historical Significance
Built in 1834 by George Simon Harcourt, a Conservative politician and High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, the home was constructed to commemorate the Magna Carta.
The architecture of Magna Carta House is as striking as its history, blending Victorian elegance with Gothic-inspired elements. It features external gables, cylindrical stone chimneys, stained glass windows, and intricate wooden panelling. Inside, the spacious reception rooms retain much of their historic character, including Jacobean panelling reclaimed from Bisham Abbey, adding to the grandeur.
The property also features an 830-square-foot detached outhouse, which offers potential for conversion into additional accommodation. The expansive grounds are graced with a tree planted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1974, adding yet another royal connection to this historic estate.
The Charter Room: The Heart of the House
The Charter Room is undoubtedly the most captivating aspect of Magna Carta House. Locked and secured, this room is centred around an octagonal wooden table that holds the rough stone said to have been used in the sealing of the Magna Carta. Commissioned by Harcourt, the table and stone serve as a tangible link to the pivotal moment when King John met with rebellious barons in 1215. The room is further enhanced by dark wooden beams, rich stained glass windows, and the crests of King John and the 25 barons who forced the king’s hand.
While Magna Carta House is filled with period charm, it offers significant potential for renovation and modernisation. The existing structure was extended in the early 20th century, and features such as the Welsh slate roofing and leaded windows blend harmoniously with the original design. With six bedrooms, two family bathrooms, and a dressing room upstairs, the house offers ample space for a large family or for development into a boutique hotel or guesthouse, subject to planning consent.
The property also includes a five-room detached cottage in need of restoration, offering the potential to create additional guest or staff quarters. The nearly four acres of meticulously manicured grounds, complete with specimen trees, offer scope for creating a swimming pool or other outdoor amenities.
A Private Island with Unrivalled Riverside Views
The secluded island setting provides a tranquil retreat with stunning views of the River Thames. Magna Carta Island is steeped in history and folklore, having been immortalised by author Jerome K. Jerome in his 1889 classic, Three Men in a Boat, who described it as a “sweetly pretty part of the river.”
With nearly 400 metres of riverfrontage, the property also features its own private mooring, making it an ideal haven for boating enthusiasts.
Proximity to History and Modern Conveniences
Magna Carta House is perfectly situated for those who appreciate both historical significance and modern convenience. A short walk or drive from the National Trust’s Runnymede and Ankerwycke, the area is home to monuments honouring the Magna Carta, U.S. President John F. Kennedy, and the Commonwealth Air Forces. Visitors can also explore the 2,500-year-old yew tree under which Henry VIII is said to have courted Anne Boleyn.
For those needing to commute or travel, Magna Carta House is just over a mile from Wraysbury station, with fast trains to London Waterloo taking 47 minutes. Heathrow Airport is a mere seven miles away, and the property enjoys easy access to major motorways like the M25, M3, and M4. Both Staines-on-Thames and Royal Windsor, with its rich cultural and shopping amenities, are within a 20-minute drive.
Magna Carta House is available to buy freehold for £4,500,000. For further information or to arrange a viewing, please contact WATERVIEW (Thames Ditton Marina) on 020 8398 8550, www.waterview.co.uk.
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