£1.75m buys Gothic mansion

Spike Milligan's former home has gone on the market for £1.75million.

Monkenhurst, on the London-Hertfordshire border, has played host to Prince Charles and Sellers, who once turned up naked as a joke.

Milligan moved there in 1974, and spent £10,000 restoring many of its Victorian features.

The 1880 house boasts a Gothic tower, and is mentioned in the architectural bible Pevsner for its staircase window, and stained glass.

Present owner, Stephen Friel, says he has spent another £250,000 refurbishing the house, as a previous owner left it derelict.

He told the Edgware Times: "Bathrooms were smashed and I think it was used for raves.

"But even when Spike lived there, I get the feeling it wasn't all furnished. It is such a big, rambling house, I wouldn't be surprised if it hadn't all been done."

The house, being sold by agents FPD Savills, boasts seven bedrooms, a gym and a swimming pool.

Published: 9 Oct 2002