Updown Court

Category: By Eddie Tan




History
The original Updown Court, built in 1924 and owned by Prince Sami Gayed of Egypt, was severely damaged by a fire in 1987. The estate is set in the centre of 58 acres of grounds, comprising a stable and lake within its gardens and woodland.


Developer Leslie Allen-Vercoe then proceeded to purchase the property, which was just a burnt-out shell of the property it had been, for the approximate equivalent of $38.4 million. He has since invested a further $60 million, through the backing of an Irish bank, with the new property designed by John B Scholz, an Arizona architect. Notable aspects of the architecture include the double staircase that is modeled on the one that fashion designer Gianni Versace had in his mansion in Miami, its grey-slated rooftops, and the bathroom's honey-colored granite and green Guatemalan marble. It has been described by The Times newspaper as Californian Neo-classical.


The Estate
Entered by a £3million heated marble driveway, Updown Court has 103 rooms, of which the 24 bedrooms each has its own marble en-suite bathroom. Among other features, it has a two lane bowling alley, five swimming pools, squash court, floodlit tennis court, wine cellar, and panic room in the event of a terrorist attack, five acres 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 to harbor eight limousines. The first floor is the main residential area, featuring 8 generous bedroom suites. The penthouse floor contains two separate penthouses, each with 2 bedrooms and occupying an entire wing of the property.
The estimated cost for upkeep alone is over £250,000 (Over $360,000 USD) a month.


Location
Updown Court is set in the centre of 58 acres of grounds, gardens and woodland. Also, neighbors include the Elton John, Duchess of York, and, at nearby Windsor Castle, the Queen.

Inside
  • Eight bedroom suites
  • 2,650 sq ft master wing
  • Two penthouse apartments
  • Two indoor swimming pools
  • Squash court Bowling alley
  • 15 reception rooms
  • Nine private balconies
  • Kitchens and storerooms
  • Garaging for seven cars
  • Panic room
  • Security control centre

Outside
  • Two escape tunnels
  • Guest lodge
  • Gatehouse
  • Staff quarters
  • Stables
  • Summer houses
  • Three outdoor pools
  • Floodlit sports court
  • 40ft fountain
  • 11 acres of manicured gardens and lawn
  • 46 acres of woodland
Price: £70,000,000 (143,591,000 USD)
 

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