Updown Court

Updown Court (grid reference SU944641) is a private residence in WindleshamEngland and was, in 2006, the most expensive private residence on the market. It is the largest private residence to be built in the United Kingdom since the 19th century and was listed with Savills and Hamptons International, UK in 2005 for £70 million. It's current residents are the Parker family.

History

The original Updown Court, built in 1924 and later acquired by Lord Parker of Burley in 1977, was severely damaged by a fire in 1987.

Developer Leslie Allen-Vercoe purchased the burnt-out shell of the property, for the approximate 2009 equivalent of $38.4 million. He invested a further $60 million.The new development was designed by John B Scholz, an Arizona architect. Notable aspects of the architecture, which has been described as "neo-classic Californian", include its double staircase that is modelled on the one that fashion designer Gianni Versace had in his mansion in Miami, its grey-slated rooftops, and its bathroom's honey-colored granite Guatemalan marble.

Estate

Entered by a $3 million heated marble driveway, Updown Court has 103 rooms, of which 24 are bedrooms, each with its own marble en-suite bathroom. Among other features, it has a two-lane bowling alley, five swimming pools, a squash court, a floodlit tennis court, a wine cellar, and a panic room in case of a terrorist attack. There are 5 acres (20,000 m²) of more than 30 different types of imported Italian marble, expansive terraces, and a 50-seat cinema. It also features an underground garage, with granite flooring, that has enough room for eight limousines. The first floor is the main residential area, featuring eight generous bedroom suites. The penthouse floor contains two separate penthouses, each with two bedrooms and occupies an entire wing of the property.

Updown Court is set in the centre of 58 acres (230,000 m²) of grounds, gardens and woodland. Neighbours include Elton John and Sarah, Duchess of York.