The Story Behind President Eisenhower’s Secret London Home

If you’re on the hunt for a truly superb property, it all starts with a fascinating story. This mansion – which has just hit the market for £8.95 million – is built on the grounds of President Eisenhower’s secret home, which he inhabited during World War II. 

Inside A Mansion Built On The Site Of President Eisenhower’s Secret Home

While it’s certainly a lavish home in its own right, it’s the location of this neo-Georgian mansion that’s most impressive: nestled in a leafy enclave of Coombe, Kingston, it stands on the grounds once occupied by Telegraph Cottage, President Eisenhower’s secret UK retreat.

Before his stint as US president, Eisenhower lived in Telegraph Cottage between 1942 and 1945, while he served as Supreme Allied Commander in the lead-up to D-Day. The cottage was his principal residence at the time – his headquarters were discreetly situated in nearby Bushy Park. 

Eisenhower might have been preparing for the most significant marine invasion in history, but few were made privy to where, exactly, he was living at the time. Telegraph Cottage reportedly became a much-needed sanctuary for the general, offering him a rare escape from the immense pressure of D-Day planning. 

Only a select few individuals were trusted with the secret of Telegraph Cottage. Among them were General Bradley, the man who would later command all U.S. ground forces on D-Day; Commander Harry Butcher, Eisenhower’s aide; and Kay Summersby, his driver, with whom he was rumoured to be having an affair. 

Eisenhower vacated Telegraph Cottage in the days after D-Day (but not before he allegedly held a lavish VE-Day celebration there). Tragically, however, the property was then destroyed in a fire in 1987, and it was subsequently replaced by five detached houses which now sit in a gated development spanning 4.72 acres. This gorgeous mansion is one of those houses, and it’s a real stunner: across 12,476 square feet of space, you can expect seven bedroom suites, four reception rooms and a cinema room, plus a spectacular 35-foot swimming pool and a gym.

Standing as a grand reimagining of Eisenhower’s tranquil home, the mansion bears the name of Telegraph House – presenting discerning buyers with the chance to stake their claim on a magnificent slice of the past.

Available through Harrods Estates at a guide price of £8.95 million. For more information, visit harrodsestates.com