Storrington’s Hollywood home could be yours

The Storrington property, Rothbury, has been the scene of many A-list parties during the 1950 and 1960s, hosted by homeowner and Oscar-winning actor George Sanders.

Celebrated for his key role in Bette Davis’ ‘All About Eve’ (for which he won the Oscar) and the voice talent behind Shere Khan in the ‘Jungle Book’, George’s career spanned more than 40 years and garnered him two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 1959 he was at the centre of tabloid gossip when Marilyn Monroe spent a night at the Storrington mansion during her shoot on ‘The Prince and the Showgirl’ (her time spent in England that year is depicted in 2011’s ‘My Week With Marilyn’).

Honoured with a blue plaque, the property is steeped in history across 4,000 square feet.

With six floors, the home has a large entrance hall and a glorious open-plan kitchen/breakfast/family room with doors that open onto sculpted gardens and breathtaking views of the South Downs National Park.

The property offers five bedrooms. The principal bedroom features an en suite bathroom with stairs that lead to a separate dressing area and access to a raised balcony.

The present vendor, Amanda Munday, currently runs a successful bed and breakfast business and a micro camping site from the property.

“I’ve lived here for four-and-a-half years now and I think George would be very proud with what I’ve done with the house,” said Mrs Munday.

“I didn’t know about the history of the property when I bought it. I learnt all the information from other people.

“I was told that George used to rear pigs on the land and sell them.”

Located in Washington Road, the mansion was a village wonder to locals during George’s residency.

Currently on the market with Guy Leonard & Co Estate Agents, media and marketing manager Michelle Betts said that a resident stopped by the offices recently to reminisce about a visit from Bing Crosby.

“He remembered Bing Crosby staying at the house and playing golf at the local golf course,” said Michelle.

“He said that all the girls in the village were peering in the shop windows in Storrington when Bing came into the village to do some shopping.”

If you are interested in becoming linked with Hollywood history, call 01903 742354 to arrange a viewing with Guy Leonard & Co.