United Kingdom Sotheby's International Realty closed on a Grade II-listed manor house in Petersham, guided at £7.9 million, in a swift transaction led by Senior Sales Directors Alex Philo and James Williams. The high-value sale continues the brokerage's recent streak of landmark transactions in southwest London, coming hot on the heels of two record-setting sales. In the last month, Alex Philo and James Williams secured the highest-value sales of 2025 to date in Wimbledon and Richmond, respectively.
This impressive run solidifies the brokerage's foothold in the capital's leafier corridors, a mere five months into its strategic expansion with a curated team of leading local property experts. The newly appointed southwest London roster has closed over £30M in prime and super-prime deals in recent weeks. Commemorating this remarkable momentum is the brand-new Wimbledon trophy base that opened during championship season, reaffirming United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty as a force to be reckoned with in the luxury property sector.
The Property — Georgian Splendour at Its Finest
This magnificent Queen Anne manor house, dating to the 18th century, sits on grounds exceeding a third of an acre in River Lane, a tranquil backwater in Petersham. It captivates from the very outset with its lofty proportions and immaculate fenestration. The beautifully preserved residence retains a trove of original period features, from handsome doorcases and traditional fireplaces to high sash windows and ornate cornices.
It comprises a main residence, a detached former stable house, and a two-car garage. The generously proportioned interiors include formal reception and dining rooms with original fireplaces, a well-appointed kitchen with a breakfast room, and a discreet study. Seven spacious bedrooms are spread across the upper floors, with the master suite on the first floor.
The landscaped grounds feature a manicured driveway with off-street parking and a stunning southwest-facing rear garden, ideal for entertaining or family life.
The Transaction — Eight Weeks to Sale
The property attracted strong interest from multiple parties during its eight-week listing period. A clear marketing strategy was employed, taking into consideration pricing sensitivity and the market temperature. Notably, the owner chose to list with United Kingdom Sotheby's International Realty for the brand’s heritage, distinctive super-prime residential expertise, and expansive global network.
Finally, the manor house was sold to a domestic buyer seeking a large, private family home with vast gardens. The highly coveted Queen Anne manor was, quite simply, a perfect match for the discerning home seeker.
The Setting — A Bucolic Hideaway in London
Situated in the very heart of the Borough of Richmond-Upon-Thames, River Lane is a quiet, residential street bounded by greenery on both sides. It unfurls quietly into the Thames, where it offers postcard-worthy views of the Petersham Meadows and Richmond Hill.
The region is serene and verdant, offering welcome respite from London's pace while creating a truly pastoral retreat within the capital. Yet beneath this tranquil surface lies a network of Britain's most exclusive members' clubs, including River Lane Tennis Club, Richmond Golf Club, and Ham Polo Club.
A wealth of esteemed schools are also located close at hand, including The Russell School, Sudbrook Kinderhaus, and the bilingual The German School London. Adding to the area’s verdant allure is Richmond Park, accessible in a short stroll.
South-West London’s Buoyant Property Market
This sale – and the growing portfolio of successful transactions it's a part of – reflects a wider trend of sustained demand in Southwest London's prime residential market. High-net-worth home buyers are migrating along the wealth corridor from Prime Central London to the leafier suburbs, eschewing prestige and pace for village-like bliss. A “needs-based” sentiment forms the undercurrent of this market, with buyers seeking space, serenity, upscale local amenities, and proximity to the outdoors.
The shift reflects both a desire to put down roots and the pandemic's lasting impact on how people view their homes, particularly with remote working becoming the norm.
Industry statistics bear testimony to this phenomenon – sales of luxury homes in Southwest London remain robust in spite of high-value property transactions being on the downturn. The Times reported that 38.9% of prime market homes in Richmond are under offer in 2025, while 33.3% of all homes listed at £10m or above have secured a buyer in Wimbledon.
Final Thoughts
This sale is significant on several fronts. Beyond celebrating the storied history of a rare Queen Anne gem, it also represents the ever-evolving buyer behaviour and residential preferences of high-net-worth clientele.
It also firmly positions United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty as the frontrunner in the UK’s luxury property sector, serving discerning clientele across key markets beyond its traditional Prime Central London stronghold.
George Azar , Chairman and CEO of United Kingdom, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia Sotheby’s International Realty, commented, “We have made a strong statement in the market – we’re here to stay, lead, and set new benchmarks of success. We continue to capitalise on Southwest London’s growing appeal and the market’s robust appetite for family homes, and within five months of our strategic expansion into the area, we’ve established a strong foothold and positioned ourselves as market leaders. I am incredibly proud of my team for this impressive run of record deals. This is yet another milepost in our journey and reaffirms our mission to challenge the status quo of the prime property industry.”
