Forget the wholesome likes of The Polar Express and The Grinch; last year it was Black Doves that had us all glued to our tellys in the lead up to Christmas. The critically-acclaimed Netflix series starred Keira Knightley as an undercover spy, Helen Webb, working for a covert organisation, the Black Doves. But alongside the many gasp-inducing moments of espionage and assassination; something else had me unable to avert my eyes from the screen: the blooming gorgeous house in which Helen Webb lived.
Now, despite the show leading viewers to believe that the main character lived in Highgate; the leafy green suburb of Crystal Palace is actually where you’ll find the property that was used as the family home mansion of Helen Webb. Supposedly 85 houses across the city were looked at before the team settled on the Crystal Palace pad seen on screen. And we can understand why; it’s absolutely stunning. And now it’s been put on the property market, ready to be snapped up for – wait for it – offers in excess of £5 million. Blimey.
Inside the property
The six-bedroom property sprawls across 5,911 square-feet of spaceand dates back to the 19th century. Oozing character and charm, the picture-perfect pad was bought by current homeowner Lisa Thoy back in 2016, and underwent a hefty 10-day transformation for its starring role in Black Doves.
The lower levels of the property is where you’ll find a bespoke deVOL kitchen, a double reception room (with two original marble fireplaces), two studies, a cinema room, a games room (complete with full-sized snooker table) and a utility room. The upper floors boast six bedrooms – the highest of which offer vast views across the Kent countryside. The property also features a south-facing garden with a raised terrace, a fire pit, and a shed that features rather heavily in one particular episode of Black Doves. If you know, you know…
The Hamptons property listing says: “More than just an extraordinary residence, this Victorian villa is a rare blend of timeless elegance and contemporary luxury, steeped in both architectural charm and cinematic prestige. As Keira Knightley’s on-screen home in Netflix’s acclaimed spy thriller Black Doves, this house is truly one of a kind—an address with character, history, and exceptional design”.
You can have a browse of the full property listing here.
