Monty Python’s property circus
Milkwood Studios, purpose built for the comedy legends, is a chance to live in a part of British culture
BRITAIN rejoiced this week as a part of our cultural heritage was brought back to life. The comedy supergroup that is Monty Python will reunite for the first time in 30 years for a one-off show at the O2 Arena.
And if that doesn’t revive your dead parrot, then news that the Pythons’ former studio in north London is up for sale as a luxury family home may spark your interest.
Milkwood Studios in Delancey Street, Camden Town, was purpose built for the comedy legends in the 1980s. It was co-owned by John Cleese, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam and it was primarily used to produce and edit some of their most memorable sketches from the partially-animated TV series Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
The studio gets its lactic name from a neighbouring house in which Welsh poet Dylan Thomas wrote.
Milkwood Studios has been completely refurbished and turned into a New York-style loft apartment.
Estate agents Savills has the honour of selling the historic property and “two very well-known artists” have been said to have shown an interest.
Stephen Lindsay, head of Savills St John’s Wood says: “There will never be a property quite like Milkwood Studios in London again – it is one of the most unique and magnificent properties I have ever come across.
“The former Monty Python studios were, over two years, beautifully redesigned into the incredible home you can see today.
“The site has been transformed with genuine attention to detail, from the parquet flooring sourced from a former Welsh mill to the cutting-edge eco-credentials, which means there are no heating or electricity bills to pay.
“It has appealed to very successful, creative people, buyers who love art and entertaining, and everyone loves the link back to such an iconic piece of British heritage.
“The main living room is the real hero of the property and provides an astonishing 4,000sqft room, which has been filled with beautiful bespoke and antique furniture – and the quality you find in here is replicated throughout the rest of the property.”
The wide, open plan space has been converted into a lateral home – meaning it stretches from one side of the building to the other and contains the same amount of floor space as a multi-storey house.
The apartment has two reception rooms including one that has “double height” ceilings and is around four times the size of the average UK living room. Milkwood Studios is just over 9,500sqft in total.
There is room for three to five bedrooms spread over two floors, including a master bedroom suite and it has four bathrooms, a kitchen-breakfast room, and gated off-street parking with room for six cars.
Savills says the layout of the property has been kept as flexible as possible to allow its new owner to personalise the apartment to suit their needs.
True to its showbiz roots, the studio should keep you entertained with a cinema, games room, and huge, ornate library. Bedecked in wooden planks with high glass windows, the building is bright and spacious.
The property is right on trend with its rooftop terrace overlooking Regent’s Park. Its spot on Delancey Street is also located within the Camden Town Conservation Area, close to the trendy bars and vintage shops of Primrose Hill.
Camden Town station is a five minute walk away and you’re right in the cross-section of some of London’s most bustling and diverse shopping areas – Camden High Street, Regent’s Park Road, Marylebone High Street and St John’s Wood High Street.
It has even been updated to meet top eco-credentials with the inclusion of a sun room to harness solar energy.
The guide price is currently £12m. To book a viewing appointment, call Savills St John’s Wood on 020 3043 3600 or visit savills.co.uk.