Introduction:
Nestled in the serene countryside outside London lies an extraordinary home with a history as rich as its surroundings—an estate dating back over a thousand years, now lovingly preserved and lived in by Sir Barry Gibb, the last remaining Bee Gee. What may seem like an idyllic escape is, in fact, a place that has witnessed the tides of history and quietly tells its stories through ancient stones and whispering oak trees.
When Barry first discovered the property, he was living in Barnes, a London suburb, with his wife Dwina and their son, RJ. Seeking more space, they found the estate featured in Country Life magazine. Upon arrival, they mistook the grand lodge for the main house—only to be stunned when the true scale of the property revealed itself. This wasn’t just a home; it was a piece of history.
Dating back to the 11th century, the estate has served many roles: once a center for ecclesiastical authority, it was where Joan of Arc was sentenced to death by four bishops in the Star Chamber at the front of the house. During the Reformation under Henry VIII, it transitioned from a Catholic center to a large-scale farm. Records of births, marriages, and deaths were all once handled here, long before the state assumed those responsibilities.
The architecture and spirit of the place reflect its storied past. Classified under a special heritage protection in the UK, the exterior is untouchable, preserving its historical essence. While certain interior modifications were allowed, the couple chose to restore rather than modernize, employing Stuart Interiors—famed for their work at Windsor Castle—to bring the house back to its Tudor-era elegance.
Among the estate’s most charming features is a gypsy wagon from 1904, nestled in the garden and lovingly weathered by time. A favorite of Dwina’s, the wagon adds an air of nostalgia and artistry to the grounds, sitting peacefully near the rose garden that comes to life each May. Not far beyond lies a vegetable garden shaded by ancient oak trees, and the original stables remain intact, echoing the days when the estate functioned more like a village than a home.
Perhaps most magical is the “Alice in Wonderland” garden—a secluded area filled with cascading waterfalls that flow into the River Thames. With its lush foliage and quiet corners, it has become a sanctuary for Barry, a place of meditation, reading, and deep reflection.
As Barry concludes his walk through the estate, he gestures toward the swans by the river and smiles. “Thanks for joining me,” he says, “and I hope you enjoy the live concert you’re about to watch.” With that, he fades into the distance—just as the timeless stories of this estate continue, written in stone, water, and whispered songs.