Foscombe House, a Victorian Gothic masterpiece, may be found in the picturesque English town of Ashleworth. This grand home is special because it was formerly the home of Charlie Watts, the famed drummer for the Rolling Stones. The history of the mansion, its association with the legendary singer, and its current asking price of £7.95 million are all explored in this article.
A Victorian Fantasy Unveiled
The Architectural Marvel Foscombe
The Victorian-era Foscombe House was built in such style and has stood the test of time. An “unspoiled Victorian fantasy,” as historian Sir Nikolaus Pevsner put it, the estate boasts stunning vistas from every room. Its stone orangery, with its turrets and castellated tower, is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture.
Charlie Watts: The Wembley Whammer
For more than half a century, Charlie Watts was a crucial member of the Rolling Stones and earned the nickname “the Wembley Whammer” from Mick Jagger. His place in music history as a legendary drummer will never be forgotten.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Residence Foscombe
Watts’ Musical Sanctuary
Charlie Watts moved into Foscombe House in 1976 and remained there until 1983. Watts, embracing the rock ‘n’ roll ethos, converted a coach house into a recording studio that resounded with the sounds of musical experimentation. This building was once a concert venue, but it has since been renovated into a guesthouse.
Victorian Elegance Meets Modern Comfort
The present owner has renovated and updated the home with great care, allowing it to retain its historic character. A beautiful stone pyramid fireplace, elaborately beamed ceilings, and carved stone corbels can be seen in the sitting room. The formal dining room and chef’s kitchen are the ideal combinations of old-world elegance and 21st-century comfort, while the drawing room gives lovely views of the gardens.
The Towering Experience
Bedrooms in the Clouds Foscombe
The bedrooms are located on the top floor of the mansion, with breathtaking vistas of the countryside. The smoking room, atop the tower with its trefoil windows, fireplace, and direct access to the roof terrace, is said to be a haven of inspiration and reflection.
Recreational Haven
The stable building was renovated into a leisure space complete with a kitchen, a swimming pool with a resistance system, a sauna, and a steam room. It’s a peaceful retreat that fits right in with the estate’s opulence.
A Landscape of Serenity Foscombe
Gardens and Greenery
Foscombe House, situated on 52 acres of land, is surrounded by scenic beauty. A Japanese garden, terraces, vegetable gardens, a greenhouse, and ponds lend a magical touch to the tranquil flower meadows, lawns, and parkland that serve as the setting. The owner’s commitment to wildlife preservation is on full display in the carefully tended areas created for ducks and deer to nest.
Charlie Watts: A Musical Legend
Along with the Rolling Stones, Charlie Watts was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. His impact on music is undeniable, making him a legendary figure in the history of rock.
The Legacy Lives On Foscombe
Auction of Iconic Memorabilia
Charlie Watts’ influence resounds as Foscombe House looks for a new caretaker. In a testimony to his everlasting influence on music and culture, Christie’s in London is auctioning off a selection of the drummer’s personal effects, including his copy of “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Conclusion
Foscombe House, with its rich history and impressive architecture, is a memorial to Victorian excess and Charlie Watts’s lasting legacy. This historic property is now available, opening the door to a new chapter in its storied past, one that will be written by the property’s lucky new owner.
Unique FAQs
- Is Foscombe House open for public tours?
- Foscombe House is not a public attraction at this time because it is a private house.
- What is the significance of the music studio at Foscombe House?
- Charlie Watts’s converted recording studio is historically significant since it was there that the drummer’s musical brilliance was born.
- Has the mansion undergone any recent renovations?
- The current owner has renovated the building extensively, bringing it up to date while maintaining its historic character.
- Are there any specific features of the gardens that stand out?
- The estate’s dedication to the preservation of natural beauty is exemplified by the Japanese-style garden, terraces, and meticulously manicured spaces for animals.
- Is there a connection between Foscombe House and other Rolling Stones properties?
- Although Charlie Watts lived in Foscombe House, other band members including Mick Jagger have also been linked to notable buildings that have contributed to the Rolling Stones’ overall history.
