Jane Austen Wrote ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and More at This Picturesque Estate Asking £8.5M

Anne Giordano,

Hundreds of years ago, characters like Elizabeth Bennett and the Dashwood sisters came into the world from the pen of an anonymous author, now known to be Jane Austen. These dynamic figures and the famous works they exist within have stood the test of time and it all started when Austen started writing at this Hampshire estate. It was here that Austen wrote three of her six most notable novels–Pride and Prejudice, Northanger Abbey, and Sense and Sensibility.

For bookworms, Anglophiles, and design lovers alike, it is sure to be love at first sight with this 51.64-acre property, not a slow burn as unfolds with Mr. Darcy. Listed for the guide price of £8.5 million, someone new can soon call it home as Austen did for 25 years.

The author was born in the original Steventon House, sitting on the grounds of the current house, and lived with her family here from 1775 until 1801. It was then that Austen’s father, who was rector there for over 40 years, retired and moved their brood to Bath.

Jane Austen Wrote Pride And Prejudice And More At This Picturesque Estate Asking 8 5m Steventon House10

Photograph: Savills

The sprawling hills and tree-filled valleys you see at the estate are similar to what Austen experienced, but the structure itself changed not long after she left. Austen’s brother, Edward, tore down the 16th-century home in 1826 and built the current Steventon House. Edward lived in his creation until selling it to the second Duke of Wellington in 1855. From there, the property remained a rectory until 1930.

Fast forward to 2023 and the impeccably refurbished home’s illustrious history is matched with refined reception rooms and lovely interior style. High ceilings with intricate cornices, sash windows, and fireplaces with decorative stone are just a few elements to look forward to.

Jane Austen Wrote Pride And Prejudice And More At This Picturesque Estate Asking 8 5m Steventon House3

Photograph: Savills

While you can certainly imagine scenes from a 19th-century novel unfolding at the estate, it has its 21st-century pleasures, too. The 6,900-square-foot home with six bedrooms opens to a tennis court and a huge pool, neither of which can be found in a Jane Austen book.

Savills and Knight Frank share the exciting listing. Ed Sugden, director of Savills country department, shared, “Featuring beautiful restored period details, grand yet comfortable entertaining spaces, and the very best modern amenities, Steventon House is the rarest of opportunities to live in one of Hampshire’s, if not the UK’s most significant country houses.”