The London manor that former Supreme Allied Commander and President Dwight D. Eisenhower called home in the crucial months before D-Day has hit the market.
The original Telegraph Cottage, where Eisenhower secretly lived from 1942 to 1945, was tragically consumed by a fire in 1987. Still, five detached homes were subsequently built in its place on the 4.7-plus-acre gated site, including Telegraph House, which is now listed for $11.78 million.
“During the Second World War, the original Telegraph Cottage provided Eisenhower with a peaceful retreat, offering him respite amidst some of the most critical moments in history,” said Shaun Drummond, residential director at Harrods Estates, which holds the more than 12,400-square-foot listing.
D-Day, which liberated Western Europe from Nazi power, reached its 80th anniversary in June.
When Eisenhower lived there, his headquarters were surreptitiously positioned nearby, in Bushy Park, and few knew that the General was residing in close proximity.
To further protect the confidentiality of his whereabouts, Eisenhower’s staff carefully transformed Telegraph cottage into a scrupulously safeguarded sanctuary where the General could escape his wartime responsibilities in peace.
“Only a select circle of confidants, including General Bradley — who would later command all US ground forces on D-Day — were privy to [the home’s location], ensuring the cottage remained a tranquil retreat amidst the turmoil,” noted press materials.
Eisenhower’s driver, Kay Summersby, and his aide, Commander Harry Butcher, were also privy to the Cottage’s coordinates.
The neo Georgian-style abode features seven bedroom suites, eight bathrooms, four reception rooms, an orangery, a double-height reception hall, staff quarters and a 35-foot-long indoor swimming pool. There also is an elevator, a home theater, a gym, garage space for three cars and air-conditioning throughout.
There are both south and west facing rear gardens, and a sprawling kitchen equipped with Gaggenau and Wolf Sub-Zero appliances.
“Telegraph House is an exceptional property, not only for its opulent modern amenities but also for its profound historical significance,” added Drummond.