The 350-year-old Shawford Park estate recently made a cameo on season six of hit TV Showtime show Billions as the country home of hedge fund billionaire Bobby Axelrod, played by actor Damian Lewis.
The estate, located in the English countryside of Hampshire in the U.K., is a Grade II-listed home that recently hit the market for $17.5 million. The property spans more than 59 acres and is ensconced by natural lush forest, manicured landscaping, and chalk streams. As far as luxurious English estates go, Shawford Park is quite grand. There is a 15,500-square-foot main residence with ten bedrooms and seven bathrooms.
There are many traditional features in the home, including wood paneling, carved fireplaces, elaborate cornices, vintage porcelain bathtubs, plaster friezes, however modern amenities like a new kitchen with high-end appliances, updated plumbing, and walk-in marble showers have been added. Interiors are bright and elegant with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Many of the rooms also open directly to outdoor terraces and patios that overlook the exquisite gardens in the backyard. Outside, there are many al fresco dining areas and places to sit and enjoy the river and surrounding nature.
There are seven reception rooms, including a galleried reception hall, drawing and ballroom, library, study, music/sitting room, two dining rooms, and a family kitchen and breakfast room. Outbuildings include a self-contained staff annex, a garage, greenhouse, and garden storage sheds. The landscaping was designed by Kim Wilkie, one of the U.K.’s most revered landscape architects and features formal and informal gardens, as well as many acres of parkland. There is a vegetable garden with raised beds, a cutting garden, flower beds, and more. The gardens are truly a work of art. There’s also a swimming pool that is in need of restoration. There are also tennis and squash courts with benches and a wine cellar in the basement.
Shawford Park is surrounded by River Itchen and is great for clean chalk stream fishing. The streams have trout and salmon. Whether you’re an avid fisherman or simply like to enjoy being by the water, there are many tranquil pavilions along the bubbling stream.
The estate’s history goes as far back as the 16th century when it was owned by Sir Henry Mildmay, who is best known for the part he played in the trial of King Charles I. He was later exiled for his involvement and the property was passed to his son, Henry Mildmay, High Sheriff of Nottingham. It was then bought in the mid-1800s by General Frederick CB of The East India Company. In the early 1900s, architect Herbert Jewell made some significant renovations, including an addition to the formal entrance, a paved forecourt, the ballroom, and arcaded cloisters. He also excavated the original sunken garden, which, according to Savills, is said to have Elizabethan or Medieval origins.
Over time, it was owned by four other individuals and is now ready for its next chapter. The home is listed by Savills U.K.
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