A Historic Thames-Side Mansion Up for Sale
A stunning riverside mansion, once home to the renowned illusionist Uri Geller, is now up for auction. Located in the picturesque village of Sonning, near Henley-on-Thames, the property has undergone several price adjustments since its initial listing in 2015. The home, known as Sonning Court, is now expected to sell for £4.5 million, significantly lower than its original valuation.
The property was first put on the market for £15 million in 2015 when Geller decided to move back to his native Israel. However, it failed to attract any buyers at that time. Instead, the 77-year-old magician rented out the house until the end of 2022. In March 2023, another attempt was made to sell the home, with the asking price set at £7.95 million, later reduced to £7.5 million. Now, it is scheduled to be auctioned by Savills on July 22, marking a potential final chapter for Geller and his family.
A Home of Prestige and History
Sonning Court, a 10,500 sq ft mansion, features nine bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and extensive guest and staff accommodations. Inspired by the White House, the home includes an entertainment hall, bar, state-of-the-art cinema, and a professional gym. The property has long been a hub for high-profile guests, including royalty, world-famous musicians, and even presidents.
One of the most memorable events hosted at the house was Geller’s vow renewal in 2001, where he was joined by pop icon Michael Jackson as his best man. Guests at the event included illusionist David Blaine, TV presenter Sir David Frost, and musician Dave Stewart from Eurythmics. The Queen’s cousin, Prince Michael of Kent, was also a regular visitor to the home.
A Unique Location and Design
Built in 1970, the mansion was renovated and expanded after Geller and his family purchased it in 1986. The property is located in the village of Sonning, which is known for its celebrity residents, including the Clooneys, former prime minister Theresa May, and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page. The area offers a wide range of schools, including Reading Blue Coat School and Shiplake College, along with excellent sporting facilities such as boating on the Thames and golf courses nearby.
The home boasts standout features such as a panorama room with breathtaking views of the river, a glass meditation pyramid in the garden, a heated pool, jacuzzi, and a helicopter pad. One of the most unique aspects of the property is its 111-metre moorings on the Thames, which is rare for this prime location.
Interior and Exterior Features
The main house offers over 10,000 sq ft of living space, featuring a reception hall, two drawing rooms, a grand glass atrium, panorama room, dining room, study, conservatory, kitchen, and separate maid’s quarters on the ground floor. The basement includes an entertainment hall, cinema, and gym, while the first floor houses eight bedrooms and bathrooms. There is also a separate cellar with a wine vault, panic room, and safe.
Outside, the property features Japanese water gardens with a koi pond, a traditional Japanese bridge, three interlinked ponds, and a 6ft natural waterfall. Additional amenities include a four-car garage with a flat above, a professional floodlit tennis court, and a large heated, covered swimming pool.
A Private and Exclusive Retreat
Sonning Court owns approximately 250 meters of the towpath of the River Thames, with the mooring accommodating up to 18 boats. Geller has often spoken about the unique charm of the property, particularly its location on the river. He described the stretch of the Thames as one of the most magical, referencing Jerome K. Jerome’s book “Three Men in a Boat,” which praised Sonning as “the most fairy-like little nook on the whole river.”
Geller also emphasized the home’s seclusion and privacy, noting that most people passing through the village would not even know the house exists. The property’s elevated position on the river-bend ensures protection from flooding, offering panoramic views from all parts of the house.
In addition to its architectural beauty, the home reflects Geller’s passion for design, incorporating elements of Feng Shui to ensure positive energy flows throughout the space. The combination of history, luxury, and tranquility makes Sonning Court a truly unique and appealing property.
