One of Mayfair’s most distinctive homes with an illustrious history, Farm House is a striking Gothic-style home on Farm Street; having played host to aristocracy, politicians and socialites for the past century, the six-bedroom townhouse is now for sale with sole agent Wetherell.

Located at 22 Farm Street on the site of a former farmhouse ‘Hay Hill Farm’ which stood before Mayfair was developed, the magnificent building was constructed in the 1900s by a Mrs M Strakosch, with a half-timbered façade setting it apart from its neighbours. Inside the home, original features date back to Medieval and Jacobean times, including heavy panelling, original Jacobean doors, and charming paned windows overlooking the street. Harking back to Mayfair’s pastoral history, the property comes with deeds that specifically mention that it still has a ‘right of way for sheep’.

For decades, Farm House hosted aristocrats and socialites alike. In the 1930s, the property was owned by Viscountess Thelma Furness, socialite and actress. Thelma was twice married but was notably the mistress of the then Prince of Wales, before he become King Edward VIII, between 1930-34. Thelma became friends with Wallis Simpson, and introduced her to the Prince during this time, reportedly wanting more witty friends to entertain the Prince, with both of them frequent visitors to Farm House whilst Thelma lived there.

When Edward began his relationship with Wallis and ended his affair with Thelma she travelled to America where she met Prince Aly Khan; whilst there, she let Wallis stay at Farm House where she entertained Edward. Edward ultimately abdicated the throne to be with Wallis, becoming the Duke of Windsor. In the following years, Farm House was the home of actress Gloria Swanson, who rented the home from Thelma whilst pregnant, visiting all her Mayfair friends.

In the 1950s and 60s, according to the current vendor, Farm House was used by the US Embassy in nearby Grosvenor Square as residence for diplomats and visiting American dignitaries. In 1961, it is understood that John F Kennedy visited Farm House whilst attending the Chancery in Grosvenor Square.

Today, Farm House remains one of the most visually distinct properties in Mayfair. Behind the grand oak front door, which is carved inside and out with the heads of the 12 apostles, Farm House offers 4,560 sq. ft. of living space over four floors, with planning potential to increase this to 5,500 sq. ft.

The marble floored hallway leads to a 25 ft dining room, a bright kitchen and breakfast room with integrated Miele appliances and guest cloakroom. Designed with the option of being a self-contained property, the lower ground floor provides a large reception room, with a private terrace offering al fresco space for relaxing. There is also a secondary kitchen, and two guest bedroom suites complete with adjoining bathrooms.

On the first floor is the formal drawing room which spans the entire width of the town house, a great space for entertaining friends and where Thelma hosted the Prince of Wales and Wallis Simpson. On this floor is also the large Principal bedroom suite with fitted wardrobes, an adjoining walk-in dressing room and luxe en suite bathroom. The second floor provides three further guest bedrooms and a large family bathroom, with a large south-facing roof terrace accessed from the third guest bedroom. Farm House is complete with a private garage hidden behind stable doors.

Peter Wetherell, Founder & Chairman of Wetherell says: “Farm House is one of the most visually distinct buildings in Mayfair, it exudes grandeur and character. Over the decades it has played host to aristocrats and socialites, with figures including King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson frequent visitors. This is a chance for a buyer to purchase a genuine piece of Mayfair history, a remnant of the area’s pastoral heritage; with grand proportions throughout, private outside space and the potential planning to increase the property, Farm House is a unique buying opportunity.”

Farm House lies in the quiet enclave of Farm Street, running parallel between Mount Street and Hill Street. As one of Mayfair’s most sought-after addresses, residents have the amenities of Mayfair on their doorsteps whilst also being close to open green spaces nearby. It is a short walk from both Green Park and Bond Street tube stations.