Experience a piece of Hollywood history with the former London residence of legendary heartthrob Richard Burton, known for his passionate love affair with Elizabeth Taylor. This stunning home, located on Lyndhurst Road in the heart of Hampstead Village, is now on the market for $9.8 million. Spanning over 5,132 square feet, this property not only offers ample space but also serves as a testament to Burton’s life between 1949 and 1956, when he lived there with his first wife, actress Sybil Burton.
This picturesque abode has played host to numerous Hollywood luminaries, providing the backdrop for their lavish gatherings and soirées. Despite Burton’s rise to fame in Hollywood and his legendary performances, he was born in Wales to a coal miner. His journey to stardom began modestly in Port Talbot Secondary School, under the mentorship of his schoolmaster, Philip Burton, who later became his legal guardian.
In 1948, Burton made the move to London and joined the Moss Empires Theatre Chain, kickstarting a life-changing journey. His silver screen debut came with the film “The Last Days of Dolwyn” in 1949, which also introduced him to his first wife. The couple quickly married on Feb. 5, 1949, and transformed their one-bedroom apartment on Lyndhurst Road into a lavish entertainment hub.
Many famous faces graced their halls, including iconic film director Alexander Korda, actress Honor Blackman, actor John Gielgud, and Hollywood star James Mason and his wife Pamela. Burton’s star continued to rise, leading to more prominent roles and a seven-year contract with 20th Century Fox worth $1 million for seven films, making him one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors.
In 1953, at a glamorous party in Bel Air celebrating the success of “The Robe,” Burton crossed paths with Elizabeth Taylor for the first time. Their encounter marked the beginning of a love affair that would eventually lead to two marriages between them. Despite the birth of two daughters, Burton’s infatuation with Taylor resulted in a divorce from his first wife in 1963. The couple then embarked on a tumultuous journey of two marriages from 1964 to 1974 and again from 1975 to 1976.
At the end of 1956, the Burtons bid farewell to Lyndhurst Road and began a new chapter in Switzerland, where Burton became a tax exile. Their Swiss sojourn included the purchase of a villa in Céligny, which Burton held until his passing.
Now, this historic Lyndhurst Road residence, adorned with a Burton Blue Plaque and built in the mid-1800s by Henry Davidson, is awaiting its next owner. With gardens in the front and back, the property spans various floors, including a lower ground floor with a self-contained two-bedroom flat, a raised ground floor with an elegant drawing room, and upper floors with luxurious bedrooms and panoramic views of London. The top third floor offers a spacious penthouse studio, perfect for solitude or hosting guests.
Mark Pollack, co-founding director of Aston Chase, highlights the significance of this property, stating, “This Blue Plaque house is not only notable due to its former famous resident, but it also represents a rare opportunity to purchase a magnificent family home in the heart of Hampstead.” Katy Brookes, head of sales in Knight Frank’s Hampstead office, adds, “Formerly the Hampstead home of a Hollywood legend, this beautifully presented property is perfect for a large family.”
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