An Elizabethan coaching inn called Shakespeare House in a small village in Buckinghamshire County has been listed for sale with an asking price of £1.375 million, or $2.13 million. The inn dates back to the year 1534 and has taken on Shakespeare’s name as he is said to have penned part of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.†It was John Aubrey in his collection of biographies linked Shakespeare to the inn and said that he drew inspiration for the comedy while in the village. According to local lore Shakespeare appears on the window of the top floor on April 23 which is supposed to be the day of both his birth and death.
Nick Underwood, the current owner reveals that the inn had later turned into a farmhouse with 150 acres of land. The farm was later sold off in pieces and two American families owned it in the 20th century. Underwood with Roy Elsbury bought the property nine years ago and undertook some structural work but every section was recreated in the original style and form. Despite renovations over the years the 4,250 square foot inn has retained its original character and the English Heritage organization lists it as grade II property which is of more than special interest.
The three story Elizabethan house has a 400 square feet drawing room with a working fireplace and decorated leaded windows. The 250 square feet dining room is also on the ground floor and boasts of an inglenook fireplace, marble floor and paneled walls decorated in a Chinese blue. Modern appliances have been fitted into the rather large kitchen. A Jacobean staircase made from dark wood leads upstairs. The property is currently in use as a luxury guest house with rooms rented for £99 to £250 a night.
Via: nytimes
