ONE OF Berkshire’s most historic hotels and venues is going up for sale for the first time in half a century.
Estate agent Haslams has announced that as of today, Monday, November 6, The French Horn, in Sonning, has gone on the market.
The company is working with its chartered surveying arm as well as Christie & Co on behalf of the current owners.
The 200-year old property is now up for sale with a guide price of £12m.
The site belongs to the Emmanuel family, which has owned it for more than 50 years.
Since they came into ownership of the site in 1972, it has welcomed prestigious guests such as Princesses Margaret and Diana, Rock Hudson, John Wayne, and Elizabeth Taylor.
It’s also appeared in a number of media, including Midsummer Murders and Alfie, and further back in its history was described as the “most fairy-like little nook on the whole river” by Jerome K Jerome in 1889.
First used as a coaching in when it was built in the 19th century, The French Horn occupies just over eight and a half acres, including more than five acres of adjoining paddocks.
The building itself features 21 bedrooms, but is also flanked by a number of smaller properties on the land, such as eight Furleigh cottages originally built for mill workers in the area.
There are also the River and Bridge House, a four-bedroom dwelling with five reception rooms; Porters Cottage, a three-storey adjecent building; and Orchard Lodge, made up of four seperate apartments.
The site meets the River Thames, with a 460-metre-long stretch where it is largely undeveloped and open for the building of private moorings as well as recreational or angling opportunities.
It is also directly opposite the nearby Mill Theatre, a short walk from Sonning, with lawns featuring Willow trees and a private, walled garden.
The French Horn is currently run by Michael and Elaine Emmanuel, whose parents, restaurateurs Ronnie and Carol, bought it back in 1972 following a culinary family history stretching back as far as the 1850s.
Michael Emmanuel comments, “After several wonderful decades of overseeing The French Horn and creating cherished memories for our patrons, it is with a mixture of sadness and excitement that we have made the decision to put this iconic property on the market. It’s not easy to say goodbye to a place that has been the heart of our family for so long, but we’re eager to see the next chapter of its storied history unfold.
“We’re grateful for the support and loyalty of our patrons and look forward to passing the torch to someone who will continue to honour the legacy of this beloved establishment.”
Steve Woodford, executive chairman of Haslams, comments: “The French Horn has a history, an
ambience and a location to die for and it will suit hospitality entrepreneurs, high-end developers or
even someone looking for a very special home.
“The potential has no bounds: this type of property, and with this amount of river frontage close to London, rarely becomes available — for the right owner, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“I have lived in Sonning and nearby for 40 years and we have celebrated big birthdays, anniversaries and even my father’s wake at the French Horn, where 300 people turned up to his favourite restaurant.
“It is a privilege to manage the sale of this very special place and find the next custodian
to build on its rich history.”
Tim Widdows, Associate Director of pubs and restaurants at Christie & Co, comments: “I am thrilled to take this exceptional property to the market, a business I have known and enjoyed for many years.
“The inclusion of additional properties within the demise, each with its unique potential, truly makes this offering stand out. The prospect of converting River and Bridge House into separate properties, the flexibility of Orchard Lodge, and the charming Furleigh Cottages with river frontage all contribute to the remarkable appeal of this investment.
“The diverse properties offer versatility and add further value to this iconic property. The French Horn is not just a property; it’s an opportunity to shape a legacy in riverside luxury.”
