Notting Hill home for sale £7.95m

Introduction to Notting Hill Home

The London home made famous by Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, and Rhys Ifans in Notting Hill is on the market for £7.95 million, nearly three decades after the romantic comedy turned its famous blue doorway into a global tourist attraction. The property, which was once owned by Notting Hill screenwriter Richard Curtis, is being offered for sale after becoming one of the most recognisable film locations in west London.

In the 1999 film, the property is presented as the home of William Thacker, the London bookseller played by Hugh Grant, who falls in love with Hollywood actress Anna Scott, portrayed by Julia Roberts. Thacker shares the fictional home with his eccentric flatmate Spike, played by Rhys Ifans.

The Property's Features

Although the film’s interior scenes were shot in a studio, the real property’s exterior and entrance featured prominently in several memorable sequences. The converted church spans around 3,000 sq ft and features three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The main living area includes a kitchen, dining and reception room stretching almost 48 feet.

Originally conceived as an artist’s studio, the property has a vaulted ceiling with exposed roof trusses and skylights. The living room features dark timber floors and a stone fireplace, while the kitchen has a marble island. A first-floor gallery wraps around much of the living space and includes a book-lined study.

Outdoor Spaces

The property also has a private courtyard garden and a “secret roof terrace”, accessed via a spiral staircase. The terrace is enclosed by mature planting and old brick walls, creating a secluded space overlooking the rooftops of Notting Hill.

History of the Property

Richard Curtis owned the property around the time Notting Hill was released and sold it shortly afterwards in 1999. According to Land Registry records, Neil Hutchinson bought the home in 2014 for £4.575 million. It is now being offered for £7.95 million, almost £3.4 million more than the price he paid.

Hutchinson, 48, is the director of Neon One Limited, formerly known as Forward Internet Group and TrafficBroker, which was once among the UK's largest affiliate marketing companies. The property listing describes it as one of London’s most recognisable front doors, with a “remarkable” home behind it.

The Famous Blue Door

The famous blue door has itself had a complicated history since the film's release. The original door was auctioned by Christie's shortly after Notting Hill came out in 1999 and was replaced with a black one. The change was reportedly intended to discourage fans and photographers from visiting the property.

The door was eventually painted blue again, restoring its familiar appearance. However, in 2023, the entrance became the target of repeated vandalism, with graffiti appearing across the door and leaving some visitors disappointed.

Neil Hutchinson's Rise to Success

The report also details Hutchinson’s unusual rise in business. In 2004, he launched TrafficBroker from his bedroom while carrying a £2,000 overdraft and what was described as a poor credit rating from university. By 2008, the company was working with more than 250 firms and had generated sales of £18.3 million.

Five years later, Hutchinson was ranked 21st on The Sunday Times Rich List, which estimated his net worth at £178 million. That estimate rose to £586 million the following year. In 2023, Hutchinson married The Hills Have Eyes II actress Jessica Stroup in a lavish Marrakech ceremony.

Notting Hill Fans

Despite the criticism, the property continues to attract Notting Hill fans nearly 30 years after Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts brought the location to global attention. Tourists have been visiting the property to see the famous blue door and take photos in front of it.

Implications for Readers in India

The sale of the Notting Hill home is not only significant for fans of the film but also for those interested in luxury real estate. The property's unique features and history make it a rare find in the London market. For readers in India, the sale of the property highlights the growing interest in international real estate and the potential for investment opportunities.

Expert Perspective

According to experts, the sale of the Notting Hill home is a significant event in the London real estate market. The property's unique features, including its famous blue door and luxurious interior, make it a highly sought-after property. The sale of the property is expected to attract significant attention from the media and the public, and it will be interesting to see how the new owner chooses to utilize the property.

Timeline of Events

Here is a timeline of events related to the Notting Hill home:

• 1999: The film Notting Hill is released, featuring the property as the home of William Thacker.
• 1999: The original blue door is auctioned by Christie's and replaced with a black one.
• 2004: Neil Hutchinson launches TrafficBroker from his bedroom.
• 2008: TrafficBroker generates sales of £18.3 million and works with over 250 firms.
• 2014: Neil Hutchinson buys the Notting Hill home for £4.575 million.
• 2023: The entrance of the property becomes the target of repeated vandalism, with graffiti appearing across the door.
• 2023: Neil Hutchinson marries The Hills Have Eyes II actress Jessica Stroup in a lavish Marrakech ceremony.

What to Watch Next

As the Notting Hill home goes on the market, fans of the film will be eager to see who will be the new owner of the property. The sale of the property is expected to attract significant attention from the media and the public, and it will be interesting to see how the new owner chooses to utilize the property.

• The property is listed for £7.95 million.
• The famous blue door has been restored to its original appearance.
• Neil Hutchinson's net worth is estimated to be £586 million.
• The property features three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
• The main living area includes a kitchen, dining and reception room stretching almost 48 feet.