Nice to see you, to see you nice! Sir Bruce Forsyth – Strictly on Wentworth
It may have a reputation for exclusivity but on the 1750 acre Wentworth Estate in North Surrey, home to one of the UK’s most loved TV presenter’s, Sir Bruce Forsyth, it’s ‘nice to see you, to see you nice!’
A Wentworth resident for 30 years, Sir Bruce’s career has spanned a staggering seven decades; rising to fame in the 1950s series of Sunday Night at the London Palladium he went on to present series such as The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right, The Price Is Right and You Bet!
Sir Bruce made his first stage appearance back in 1931 at the age of just 3 in a local pantomime in Edmonton, North London, where his family lived. The little boy, encouraged by his mother — who sang with the Salvation Army band — gave a hilarious rendition of the music hall song “I Lift up My Finger and say Tweet Tweet”. Even at such a young age Bruce was able to bring the house down.
He fell in love with dancing after watching Fred Astaire films aged 8 and went onto to train in dance in Tottenham and then Brixton starting in show business aged 14, with a song, dance and accordion act called “Boy Bruce, the Mighty Atom.”
Despite turning 85 this year, Bruce continues to pull the crowds. This year the showbiz vet was invited to perform at Glastonbury, joining the likes of the Rolling Stones and Dizzee Rascal. Sir Bruce entertained festival-goers with songs from his solo album ‘These are my Favourites’.
The return of Strictly Come Dancing sees Bruce back in the thick of things with co-host Tess Daly for the eleventh run of this much loved family show. The star studded line-up of twinkle toed wannabe’s includes swimming star Rebecca Adlington, Bond girl Fiona Fullerton and close to Bruce’s heart, golf legend – Tony Jacklin.
Known also for his love of golf, Sir Bruce’s residence is situated on the main island of Wentworth and enjoys views towards the 1st fairway of the West Championship course. A familiar face in Virginia Water and at The Wentworth Club, locals love having his charming persona around town. And his beautiful wife, Lady Wilnelia Forsyth, the 1975 Miss World Champion from Puerto Rico, is regularly spotted in Virginia Water doing some shopping and mixing with the locals.
James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt, the Virginia Water based estate agency, comments,
“We are quite used to rich and famous folk living around here however many of them hide themselves behind huge gates and acres of rhododendron bushes. Sir Bruce is not like that; he is very much part of our community and a loveable friendly face in the village.”
Although Virginia Water itself may not be a hub for dancing, there is a Stage Coach Centre in nearby Ascot and dance studies available in Chertsey. But if you are keen to Strictly Come Dance a little closer to home then foxtrot over to Wentworth and consider one of these fabulous houses to perfect your two-step within:
Shimmy over to September Song – built in 2008 for the current owners to a very high specification. The house is totally unique having been designed by Lewandowski Willcox Architects boasting contemporary design with interestingly shaped rooms and split levels giving the house an abundance of character and charm all of its own. The choice of bathroom fittings and the kitchen are all of a contemporary nature and flow consistently through the property.
September Song boasts four reception rooms, a master bedroom with en-suite dressing room and bathroom, two further bedrooms suites and a further two bedrooms with a shared jack and jill bathroom. The house also has a laundry, study, lift from the garage which houses five cars and landscaped gardens of 1.86 acres. Available now at £4,250,000.
Or hip-hop over to Hill House, an exceptional brand new home in the very heart of the Wentworth Estate, siding onto the East Course. The property is situated in beautifully landscaped and private gardens of well over an acre at the rear. Set over 4 floors the opportunities for hosting your own Strictly are extensive.
The house has been designed with ample room for a large family. Five receptions on the ground floor, five bedroom suites in the main house and a large entertainment/games room in the roof. The basement houses an indoor pool complex with steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, changing and shower rooms. A one bedroom staff apartment perches above the garaging for three cars. Available now at £11,000,000
Waltz on over to Waterford House, which is superbly situated on one of the most prestigious roads within Wentworth Estate. Both the Wentworth clubhouse and the village are within easy walking distance.
No expense was spared in the construction of this house using the finest materials and construction methods. The amount of technology within the house is astounding so any dance parties here will go with a swing. Crestron and Lutron systems control the audio visual, curtains and blind. Throughout the house there is a feel of sophisticated luxury with attention to detail and design.
The gardens were designed and created by landscape architects who have achieved a wonderful variety of changing colour throughout the seasons. An extensive terrace spans across the rear of the property to a slightly raised dining area off the concertina doors from the kitchen. A pathway leads around the perimeter of the rear garden to a sun terrace in the north west corner of the garden with an attractive pond and water feature. In the centre of the garden is a very attractive Rill which can be seen as you come through the front door of the property. £4,350,000
For more information on any of these homes please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk