Historical period house restored to former glory

In a vault on the south aisle of All Saints' Church, Kingston, is a plaque inscribed ‘CP 1836’. This is the burial place of a truly remarkable individual, Cesar Picton.

Of Senegalese–Gambian origin, Picton was brought to the United Kingdom at the age of six and presented to the sixth Baronet Milford as a servant. He went on to become one of the most favoured members of the Milford household, so much so that when Horace Walpole visited the family in 1788, he remarked that ‘the sisters of Lord Milford… have a favourite black, who has been with them a great many years and is remarkably sensible.’

Indeed, Picton was favoured to such a degree that upon the death of Lady Philipps, he was bequeathed £100 – enough to purchase a coach house and stables in Kingston upon Thames and to set up business as a coal merchant.

As a coal merchant, Picton seems to have flourished. He went on to acquire further property in Tolworth and then Thames Ditton. It is here, in this picturesque English village and only six years after commencing his business, that he purchased Picton House for the sum of £4,000.

Savills Esher is delighted to be marketing Picton House for sale. Recently renovated to restore it to its former glory, combined with all the conveniences of the modern day, the property offers 5,210 sq ft of accommodation over three floors.

Accommodation comprises master bedroom suite, guest bedroom suite, 4/5 further bedrooms, family bathroom, sitting room, drawing room, dining room, family room, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, study/bedroom 7. Coach House with studio/bedroom, reception/ pool room, changing room, wet room, kitchen, bathroom and garage. Beautiful garden with swimming pool.

Guide Price £2,450,000.

For more information, visit Savills.com.