Princess Margaret’s Secret Retreat Is the Epitome of Glamour
Few royal residences manage to feel genuinely private, let alone shrouded in centuries of secret retreat. Yet hidden in the countryside of West Sussex lies a property that once served as a sanctuary for British high society.
For the first time in its 545-year history, The Old House – Lord Snowdon (Antony Armstrong-Jones) and HRH Princess Margaret’s former home – has been publicly listed for sale, carrying a £3.95 million ($5.05 million) asking price.
Gifted to Antony by his uncle, stage designer Oliver Messel, shortly before his 1960 royal wedding, the secluded estate became a magnet for 20th-century icons. Everyone from Peter Sellers and Dame Margot Fonteyn to Bianca Jagger slipped away from London to gather behind its doors, creating a legendary retreat that inspired an entire episode of Netflix’s The Crown.
Today, it’s a masterclass of English country decor, with some unexpected twists, as we explore.
(Image credit: John Senior)
(Image credit: Ben Wright )
Passing through a cottage front door, one enters a home whose interior pays homage to its five-century-old history.
In the principal reception areas, medieval structural bones give way to Georgian symmetry.
The paneled living room features bow windows – a design addition introduced by Lord Snowdon, who drew inspiration from the townhouses of Brighton’s Charles Street. These frame views across the surrounding lawns.
(Image credit: Ben Wright )
(Image credit: Ben Wright )
(Image credit: Ben Wright )
At the center of the residence, the farmhouse kitchen is exactly what one would expect from such a historic country property.
The cooking space was reconfigured by the late earl, who opened up the ceiling to install a raised gallery stage level directly above.
Despite its heritage, it’s designed for modern use, and, above all, entertaining. The space steps out onto stone dining terraces that overlook the grounds.
(Image credit: Ben Wright )
(Image credit: Ben Wright )
Remnants of the property’s past remain evident in the quirkiest of ways. For example, Snowdon’s former photographic darkroom is now a home library, keeping its artistic heritage intact.
Upstairs, the 5,750-square-foot main house has six bedrooms, but the most remarkable space in the entire residence is perhaps the bathroom.
Here, the walls, which are largely untouched for more than half a century, remain papered in a hand-assembled collage of original newspaper clippings curated by Lord Snowdon himself.
(Image credit: Ben Wright)
(Image credit: Ben Wright )
(Image credit: Ben Wright )
‘There are country houses, and then there are houses that become part of the national story,’ says Theo James-Wright, director at Blue Book Agency (who currently holds the listing).
‘What Lord Snowdon created here was not simply a private home, but an extraordinary creative retreat. What makes it particularly special is that the history here is still tangible – you see it in the former darkroom, the Ascot balcony, and the extraordinary bathroom covered in newspaper cuttings.’
(Image credit: Ben Wright )
Shop the Country Bedroom Edit
White King Size Pillow Shams
Inspired by the black-trimmed pillows in this bedroom, these embroidered cotton pillowcases prove that the smallest details can make the biggest difference. The delicate contrast stitching gives them a tailored look that’s utterly timeless.
Arbuckle Resin Buffet Lamp
This lamp has the look of a treasured antique, thanks to its twisted silhouette and beautifully distressed finish. Topped with a classic tapered shade, it’s a discreet way to follow the example of this historic home.
Mid 19th Century Charcoal Drawing
This atmospheric charcoal drawing has all the character of a treasured antique. Depicting a 19th-century christening scene, its rich tonal contrasts and timeworn gilt frame bring a sense of history that’s fitting for this bedroom.
Carys Contrast Linen Pillow
At first glance, this looks like a simple white pillow, but the contrast piping gives it unexpected depth and definition. The bold black edging creates an almost illustrated effect, making it feel as though a sketch has come to life in fabric form.
19th Century French Books
Just like the books on the bedside table, this lot of 19th-century hardbound books is a great choice for accenting your bedroom. Positioned next to one another, they provide an instant sense of history.
Originally used as a traditional dairy vessel, this teakwood vase now makes a striking decorative accent in a bedroom. Its wooden tones and aged patina bring instant character, whether you have wood panels or not.
Outside, the 5.52-acre estate is designed as a sequence of open-air living spaces.
The paths and borders guide you toward a lake, where stone stepping stones – officially inaugurated during a ceremony attended by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother – lead across to a private island pavilion.
(Image credit: Ben Wright)
(Image credit: Ben Wright )
(Image credit: Ben Wright )
(Image credit: John Senior)
Having been off the open market since 1481, this listing offers the chance to buy into history. It’s a rare capsule of British design and royal intrigue, ready for the perfect owner.
