This $8M English country house was built by a Victorian master
George Edmund Street, a leading architect of the Victorian era, designed The Old Rectory—a Berkshire country house now listed for about $8 million. Built in 1874–1875 in Brightwalton, the Gothic home connects to Street's masterworks, including London's Royal Courts of Justice, and has been thoughtfully renovated for modern living.
The listing matters because it pairs rare architectural pedigree with a turnkey update at a moment when luxury buyers want both history and move-in readiness. For more exceptional properties, browse our Luxury Real Estate & Dream Homes coverage.
Key Takeaways
- George Edmund Street, one of Victorian Britain's leading architects, designed The Old Rectory in Brightwalton, Berkshire.
- The house was built in 1874–1875, the same period Street received the Royal Gold Medal and worked on the Royal Courts of Justice.
- Current owners completed a back-to-bricks renovation in 2019 while preserving original Gothic details.
- The estate spans more than two acres with gardens, a tennis court, pool, and Coach House guest quarters.
- UK Sotheby's International Realty lists the property at £5.95 million, roughly $8 million.
Who Was George Edmund Street?
George Edmund Street ranks among the leading architects of Victorian Britain. His most recognizable work is London's Royal Courts of Justice, the enormous Gothic building on the Strand with towers, arches, and elaborate stonework.
Street's connection to Brightwalton began more than a decade before The Old Rectory was built, when he was asked to restore the village's All Saints Church. He later returned to design a new rectory next door, creating a house that still helps define the village's distinctly English character.
In 1874, as work was getting underway on the Royal Courts of Justice, Street received the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects. The Old Rectory was built during that same celebrated period.
What Makes The Old Rectory Special?
More than 150 years after construction, The Old Rectory retains the Gothic character Street intended. A dramatic entrance hall with a fireplace and stained glass leads to large reception rooms, including a drawing room, snug, and formal dining room.
Deep bay windows overlook the gardens and flood the rooms with daylight. The kitchen takes a bolder approach, with a double-height ceiling, tall Gothic windows, custom cabinetry, and stone surfaces—including a marble-topped island in a blue-green palette.
How Was the House Updated for Modern Living?
The current owners purchased the property in 2019 and carried out a back-to-brick renovation. They replaced mechanical and electrical systems, installed underfloor heating throughout, and redesigned the interiors.
Many original details were carefully retained, balancing period craftsmanship with contemporary comfort. Becky Fatemi, executive partner at United Kingdom Sotheby's International Realty, notes that buyers increasingly want architectural pedigree without years of planning and contractor work.
What Does the $8 Million Estate Include?
The main house offers seven bedrooms and five baths, including a principal suite overlooking the gardens through a bay window. A Coach House adds two bedrooms for guests or staff, alongside a double garage.
More than two acres surround the house, with formal gardens, terraces, a tennis court, and a swimming pool with pool house. The grounds were designed with Chelsea Gold Medal-winning Marcus Barnett Studio, and more than 100 mature trees give the setting a park-like feel.
The Old Rectory is on the market for £5.95 million, or about $8 million, through UK Sotheby's International Realty—offering a rare chance to own a home by one of the Victorian era's defining architects, ready for immediate occupancy.