A SHORT HISTORY OF FARM HOUSE, A GOTHIC-STYLE HOME ON FARM STREET, MAYFAIR

Farm House Exterior. Image credit: Wetherell

I’ve always stopped to admire Farm House, a six-bedroom, Gothic-style home on Farm Street, recently sold by Wetherell. The striking four-storey property, located at 22 Farm Street, dates back to the 1900s, originally constructed by Mrs M Strakosch, with a half-timbered façade setting it apart from its neighbours. The home exists on the site of a former farmhouse ‘Hay Hill Farm’ which stood before Mayfair was developed.

Inside the property, original features date back to Medieval and Jacobean times. This includes heavy panelling, original Jacobean doors, and charming paned windows overlooking the street. The home comes with deeds that mention that it still has a ‘right of way for sheep’, a charming nod to Mayfair’s pastoral history.

Farm House Hallway. Image credit: Wetherell

This beautiful property played host to aristocracy, politicians and socialites for the past century. In the 1930s, Farm House was owned by Viscountess Thelma Furness, a socialite and actress. Thelma married twice, but she was also the mistress of the then Prince of Wales, before he become King Edward VIII. Thelma became friends with none other than Wallis Simpson, and introduced her to the Prince during this time. Both Edward and Wallis visited Farm House frequently at this time.

It wasn’t long before Edward began his relationship with Wallis and ended his affair with Thelma. Thelma, always on a mission, then travelled to America where she met, and began a short-lived affair, with Prince Aly Khan. Whilst she was away, Themla allowed Wallis to stay at Farm House where she entertained Edward. As we know, Edward eventually abdicated the throne to be with Wallis, ending up as the Duke of Windsor.

Farm House Reception Room. Photo credit: Wetherell

Later on, Farm House was home to actress Gloria Swanson, who rented the home from Thelma whilst pregnant. It was the perfect base for visiting all her Mayfair friends. In the 1950s and 60s, it is said that Farm House was used by the nearby US Embassy as residence for diplomats and visiting American dignitaries. Apparently, in 1961, John F Kennedy visited Farm House whilst visiting the Chancery in Grosvenor Square. 

Behind the marvellous oak front door, carved inside and out with the heads of the 12 apostles, there is a marble hallway, a 25 ft dining room, a bright kitchen and breakfast room and guest cloakroom. The lower ground floor features a large reception room with a private terrace, a second kitchen, and two guest bedroom suites with adjoining bathrooms. 

Farm House Bedroom. Image credit: Wetherell

The first floor features a drawing room spanning the width of the town house, where Thelma once hosted the Prince of Wales and Wallis Simpson. The largest bedroom suite is on this floor, complete with a walk-in dressing room and en suite bathroom. The second floor features three guest bedrooms and a family bathroom, with a south-facing roof terrace accessed via the third guest bedroom. A private garage is hidden behind stable doors.

Peter Wetherell, Founder & Chairman of Wetherell says,“Farm House is one of the most visually distinct buildings in Mayfair, it exudes grandeur and character. Over the decades it has played host to aristocrats and socialites, with figures including King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson frequent visitors.”