A former rectory once owned by Wordsworth's brother, reimagined to create a state-of-the-art £15m dream home — with one little snag
Palace House — a rectory in Lambeth that's mid-way through an extensive remodelling — will showcase what big money can get you in the capital.

It is unclear what William Wordsworth, whose Anglican divine brother Christopher lived at the former Georgian rectory of St Mary’s Lambeth in the 1810s, would make of its current, luxurious fate.
The property is currently on the market with Alexander Millett for £15 million, and is an inspiring place to live... with one slight snag. It's not actually been finished yet.
That's right: as real as the pictures on this page look, they are actually computer-generated.
Palace House, as it is now known, is marketed in ‘shell and core’ condition, with all structural work complete and consents and permissions in place to turn it into a 13,448sq ft townhouse.
Once finished, it will have six bedrooms — all with en-suite bathrooms and dressing rooms, naturally — plus a swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, gym and 15-seater cinema in the basement.
Not your normal pied-a-terre, in other words.
It’s ‘in the very centre of London, yet matching the grandeur of properties located in the English countryside,’ say agents.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
At a guess, the poet might approve of the extensive walled garden (daffodils optional, clouds unpredictable), views over Archbishop’s Park and galleried library.
On the west side of the carriage driveway, the Coach House contains a three-car garage and two-bedroom staff annexe.
Palace House is currently on the market via Alexander Millett for £15 million — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Lambeth: What you need to know
Location: The London Borough of Lambeth is located in South London on the Thames. Nearby stations include Lambeth North Underground (Bakerloo line), Westminster Underground (District, Circle and Jubilee lines), Waterloo Underground (Waterloo & City, Bakerloo, Northern and Jubilee lines) and Elephant and Castle (Northern line).
Atmosphere: The riverside borough is home to Lambeth Palace — the residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Imperial War Museum. It is conveniently located for direct access into Westminster and beyond, and benefits from plenty of shops, restaurants and bars in the area.
Things to do: Take a walk along the Albert Embankment which runs adjacent to the Thames, or visit the exhibits at the Garden Museum. The Imperial War Museum is close by and a short walk over Lambeth Bridge takes you to Westminster and Victoria.
Schools: Walnut Tree Walk Primary School is rated 'good' by Ofsted, whilst King's College London Maths School and Evelina Hospital School are both rated 'outstanding.'
See more property for sale in the area.
-
Country Life Quiz of the Day: Houses, volcanoes and a bullseye
10 questions to test your memory, nous and instinct for a wild guess.
By Toby Keel Published
-
'We’re still using the garden gates from Far from the Madding Crowd': How homes of all shapes and sizes can become stars of the screen
Renting your house out for filming can be fun, occasionally alarming, a good revenue stream and might even increase its value.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
'We’re still using the garden gates from Far from the Madding Crowd': How homes of all shapes and sizes can become stars of the screen
Renting your house out for filming can be fun, occasionally alarming, a good revenue stream and might even increase its value.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
The quirky, cosy and characterful cottage that was once home to Spike Milligan and where Paul McCartney is a neighbour
This very wonky living room is somehow only the third most interesting thing about The Cottage in Hog Hill
By James Fisher Published
-
A glorious 17th century home in one of the most exclusive waterside villages in Britain
Orchard House was lucky not to have been sunk beneath the surface of Rutland Water when it was created in the 1970s — but it did, and today this wonderful spot is looking better than ever.
By Toby Keel Last updated
-
A honey-coloured, 300-year-old rectory where every period-house headache has already been solved for you
The Old Rectory is a charming family home that's just undergone an extensive renovation.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
The sleepy village hall that's been transformed into a breathtaking home
The Village Hall in Shotley Bridge is a masterful conversion of a much-loved village amenity.
By James Fisher Published
-
Six wonderful rural homes for sale, as seen in Country Life
Our pick of the best homes to feature in Country Life over the past week includes a grand Sussex estate and a delightful riverside home.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A five-bedroom former farmhouse brought to life with one of the finest living rooms we've seen
Glebe Farm in Nottinghamshire has undergone an astounding restoration to create a very special home.
By James Fisher Published
-
A five-acre estate at the heart of the 'prettiest village in Leicestershire'
Horninghold Hall is the jewel in the crown of Horninghold.
By Penny Churchill Last updated