For those with an appreciation for both architectural grandeur and classic Hollywood glamour, Richard Burton's former London residence has just been introduced to the market by agents Aston Chase and Knight Frank.

Situated on the distinguished Lyndhurst Road, this semi-detached home, spanning over 5,000 square feet, awaits a new owner.

The house was once home to Burton and his first wife, the talented actress Sybil Burton née Williams, from 1949 to 1956. The home was their sanctuary between Richard's demanding film schedules, offering them a canvas on which to paint memories with friends from the acting fraternity.

This house served as a backdrop to some of Burton's legendary roles, including his turns in "The Desert Rats," "The Robe," and "Alexander the Great." It was also within these walls that the initial threads of his famed relationship with Elizabeth Taylor began to weave.

Born in the quaint village of Pontrhydyfen, Wales, Burton's journey from coalminer's son to one of the greatest Shakespearean and Hollywood actors is nothing short of remarkable. His love for acting was nurtured during his early years in Port Talbot Secondary School and further honed during his stint at Oxford's Exeter College.

After shifting to London in 1948 and diving into the theatre scene, Burton's silver screen debut arrived with "The Last Days of Dolwyn." This film also marked the beginning of his relationship with Sybil Williams. Post their nuptials, the couple purchased their first Hampstead home—a tasteful ground-floor apartment on Lyndhurst Road, replete with a spacious reception area and a serene 60-foot garden.

Frequent visitors to their abode included cinema and theatre stalwarts like Alexander Korda, Honor Blackman, and John Gielgud. The house also saw Burton transition from British theatre star to Hollywood sensation, notably after his leading role in "My Cousin Rachel."

Slowly and steadily, the Burtons expanded their footprint within the property initially purchasing the first-floor flat, they soon combined it with the ground floor, creating a duplex that offered expansive views, including glimpses of St. Paul's Cathedral.

As the 1950s progressed, Burton's fame skyrocketed. Hollywood contracts flooded in, and financial prosperity allowed him to acquire the remaining sections of the Lyndhurst Road home. The result was a sprawling Hampstead residence worthy of an actor of his stature.

By the mid-1950s, Burton's earnings put him in the highest tax bracket, leading to a decision that would mark the end of an era: the sale of their beloved Lyndhurst Road residence. In pursuit of financial relief, the couple moved to Switzerland in 1957.

Yet, the legacy of their time in Hampstead remained intact. The Victorian house, conceived in 1862-1864 by architect Henry Davidson, still stands tall and proud, its facade adorned with a blue plaque commemorating Richard Burton, unveiled by actor Michael Sheen in 2011.

Key highlights of the property for sale today:

+ Gardens to the front and rear the house

+ Accommodation over lower ground, raised ground and three upper floors

+ Principal rooms with large dimensions, tall windows and high ceilings with elegant coving

+ The rear façade opens onto a large terrace and 60 ft long rear garden

+ On the lower ground floor is a self-contained two-bedroom flat with a reception room, kitchen, principal bedroom with ensuite shower, second bedroom, opening onto a patio, and a bathroom 

+ On the raised ground floor there is an entrance hall, an inner hall with a cantilevered staircase and a spacious drawing room with a marble fireplace and ceiling coving

+ To the rear is the family kitchen with a central island and bay window overlooking the gardens

+ Folding doors give access to the adjoining dining room which has French doors leading onto the terrace and gardens

+ On the first floor is the principal bedroom suite, with a walk-in dressing room and main bathroom, and a further bedroom with an ensuite bathroom

+ On the second floor – which offers panoramic views of the Shard and City of London – there are three further bedrooms and a bathroom

+ On the top third floor is a spacious penthouse studio with vaulted ceilings and skylight windows

+ There is an open-plan kitchen located off the main space and a separate ensuite shower room

+ The penthouse studio could be used as a large entertaining space, or a self-contained annex for student offspring, relatives or guests  

Mark Pollack, Co-Founding Director of Aston Chase commented: “This Blue Plaque house is not only notable due to the provenance of its former famous resident, but it also represents a rare opportunity to purchase a magnificent family home situated in the heart of Hampstead and within easy walking distance of Hampstead Heath. The house features high ceilings, wonderful natural light, large entertaining rooms, well-planned bedroom accommodation and a remarkable penthouse studio with a terrace to the rear and outstanding south-facing views towards the central London skyline.”

Katy Brookes, Head of Sales in Knight Frank’s Hampstead office said: “Formerly the Hampstead home of a Hollywood legend, this beautifully presented property is perfect for a large family. It offers a huge volume of accommodation, plus the separate penthouse studio and garden apartment that present scope for a variety of uses. It’s a rare find on one of Hampstead’s most sought-after tree-lined streets.” 

The house has a guide price of £7,950,000. For more information contact Aston Chase Tel: +44 20 7724 4724 or Knight Frank Tel: 20 3918 4413.