Inside The Real House Of Guinness: Burwood Park (With Henry VIII’s Stamp Of Approval)

Fans of the recent Netflix series, House of Guinness, might wonder if the real family homes of the Guinness family are quite as grand as the drama depicts. The answer? Yes.

Step inside Burwood Park Estate, former home to the Guinness family and Henry VIII’s old hunting haven – this property certainly has a rich history, with an emphasis on rich. 

Discover Burwood Park Estate

Step Inside

Tucked away in a private estate in Surrey, featuring landscaped gardens, fountain courtyards and 360 acres of grounds – Burwood Park seems to be the epitome of opulence. Currently on the market for £9.95m, this stunning property is described as ‘more than a location’ but ‘a way of life’. 

Nestled between Weybridge and Hersham, Burwood Park offers secluded, country living, while remaining tucked inside the M25 with easy transport links to London.  

Spanning more than 19,000 sqft, the estate is fully equipped with a drawing, billiard and cinema room, an indoor swimming pool with a sauna, a wine store and a library. With everything at your fingertips, there is every reason to keep those secure gates securely locked. 

Perfect for your next Cluedo mystery party, Burwood Park has an impressive eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms. Comfort seems to be at the forefront of the design with various dressing rooms, gymnasiums and a spa-like ensuite. In addition, the Grade II listed property has retained an abundance of its original features such as the ornate fireplaces, wooden columns and grand staircase. 

Outside, the estate is home to one of Britain’s oldest oak trees, which is around 400 years old. Whether you’re an equestrian, a farmer, or simply dream of more space, the estate’s acreage is versatile in form. There is room for paddocks, outdoor kitchens, cultivated gardens – all without compromising on space. 

According to selling agents Curchods, the selling agents, ‘The Manor House is a statement; every detail speaks of artistry, heritage and refined taste’. 

The History

Before its life as a family home, Burwood Park was previously the playground for Henry VIII. In 1540, the infamous Tudor king acquired several acres of the wooded parkland – just a horse ride away from Hampton Court Palace, the park formed part of his extensive hunting grounds. 

In 1700, the Fredrick family took over the property, with wealth merchant Sir John Fredrick developing the land around the house and expanding the original home. He was followed up in 1877 by the Askew family. Whether inspired by Dickens’ Miss Havisham or simply eccentric, two of Henry Askew’s daughters arranged for a black painted corrugated iron fence to be erected around Burwood Park while they lived in the mansion as virtual recluses. Soon, the estate began to rapidly deteriorate, turning overgrown and gloomy.  

In a bid to bring Burwood Park back to life, in 1927 the Guinness family (of stout brewing fame) purchased the estate – more specifically the Burhill Estate Company of Edward Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh, while his son Rupert took responsibility for the development and began selling off private plots of land.

During the 1950s, the Guinness family briefly sponsored a school for deaf children at Burwood Park, with archives of this era still available to view at the Surrey History Centre. 

Since returning to a private residence, Burwood Park has housed notable residents such as racing driver Bruce McLaren (who died in an accident aged just 32), plus disgraced publicist and convicted sex offender Max Clifford – while Outnumbered star Tyger Drew-Honey also grew up on a separate property owned by the estate.

Burwood Park Estate is on the market for £9.95m. Find out more at curchods.com