Michael Caine’s Oxfordshire mansion £1m price drop explained

The Grade II listed Rectory Farm House near Wallingford initially had a guide price of £10m, but that has now fallen to £9m.

It was sold by the star, who played Alfred in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy and Scrooge in The Muppet Christmas Carol, in 2020.

At that time, it had been listed on the market for £6.95m, and Mr Caine had previously lived there with his family from 1984 to 1999.

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Sir Michael Caine’s former mansion in Church Lane, North Stoke. (Image: Savills)

The classic 17th-century English country home was put on the market again last year by Savills, but last month the listing disappeared.

At the time, a spokesperson for Savills told this newspaper: “To confirm, the property is still available privately and we plan to relaunch it on the open market imminently.”

Now, the mansion in North Stoke village has been launched again, albeit for £1m cheaper than before.

A spokesperson for Savills has now told this newspaper the reasoning behind the price drop.

“Architecturally interesting and Grade II listed, Rectory Farm House is a quintessentially English country home that combines period charm with all the creature comforts you’d expect for 21st century living,” they said.

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Inside the home which is up for sale. (Image: Savills)

“The market has changed since the property was first available last year, and the recent price drop is a reflection of current sentiment.

“It’s the perfect opportunity for someone seeking a private edge of village estate, complete with beautiful gardens and its own 600 feet of River Thames frontage.”

The Oxfordshire home’s listing states: “Marrying period charm with the convenience of 21st century living, Rectory Farm House provides the opportunity to entertain on a grand scale.

“It is a perfect country retreat for those seeking a private edge of village estate, hidden from view.”

With 600 feet of River Thames frontage, the six-bedroom mansion comes with a Moroccan-style jacuzzi, a sauna and a 100,000-litre swimming pool.

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The swimming pool at the property in Oxfordshire. (Image: Savills)

In addition, it has two kitchens, five bathrooms, a music room, a drawing room and sitting rooms.

It also has on the ground floor a utility room, gym, plant room, boot room and two lavatories.

Outside, Sir Michael added extensively to the 17,000 sq ft property and planted many specimen trees in the grounds.

Property agent Victoria Knight, head of office at Savills in Henley, said: “Situated on the longest stretch of the Thames between locks, Rectory Farm House offers hours of hassle-free boating.

“Despite its 600 feet of frontage, the house cannot be seen from the river and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and grounds,” added the listing.

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A bedroom at the property, once owned by the Hollywood actor. (Image: Savills)

“Beneath the formal lawns, waterside meadows are also a haven for all manner of wildlife, including otters, swans, kingfishers, hedgehogs, sparrowhawks, buzzards, rooks and deer.”

Outside, and included in the purchase, is a cottage equipped with a sitting room, kitchen, downstairs bedroom suite and mezzanine bedroom suite.

A three bay, timber clad garage provides an additional three car ports, a large machinery store, a log store and a first floor storage room.

In addition, there is a lodge that is presently used as staff accommodation.