Latest news with #ElstreeStudios
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Stanley Kubrick's former $13.5 million estate home hits market
Stanley Kubrick's former UK home has just hit the market for a blockbuster price: nearly $US9 million ($A13.9 million). The eight-bedroom Hertfordshire estate, known as Abbots Mead, is located on Barnet Lane in Elstree, just outside London. It's being marketed by Savills, the New York Post reports. And for serious film buffs, this isn't just any country manor — it's a shrine to cinematic history. The late 'The Shining' director, born in New York, bought the property in 1965 and spent 14 intensely productive years there. He died in 1999. Due to its close proximity to Elstree Studios, the reclusive auteur was able to manage everything from production and editing to pioneering special effects — all without leaving his leafy 2-acre compound. Dad blocks son's $177m amid public spat 'We're very fortunate to have the privilege of selling many great houses that have a rich and varied history,' Steven Spencer, head of office at Savills Rickmansworth, said in a statement. 'However, it's rare for somewhere to have such a direct link to filmmaking unless it's been used as a location for shoots.' Mr Spencer added, 'The close proximity to Elstree Studios made it the perfect base for Kubrick and his family, but he also worked a lot from home — carefully managing all aspects of four films from his extraordinary body of work from within its four walls.' Nestled behind wrought iron gates and marked with a commemorative blue plaque, the manor exudes stately charm and old-school opulence. It features ornate cornices, soaring ceilings, marble fireplaces, a carved staircase and a drawing room that opens to a sun-drenched conservatory. The main suite comes complete with a bay window, a dressing room, and his-and-hers bathrooms. There are also five more bedrooms on the top floor, plus a studio for any film buffs hoping to follow in Kubrick's footsteps. But the estate doesn't end there: a detached lodge with its own four bedrooms and private garden sits on the grounds, along with a two-bedroom apartment perched above a separate garage. Outside, manicured gardens give way to a wisteria-covered pergola, a pool, a pool house with a sauna and even a small orchard. 'Quite apart from its history, Abbots Mead is a handsome period house in its own right,' said Mr Spencer. 'Well-proportioned rooms provide generous family space with a sense of grandeur, while mature trees at the garden boundaries ensure plenty of privacy and are the perfect backdrop to a beautiful setting.' And while it may feel like a world away, the property is a quick commute to London thanks to nearby Elstree and Borehamwood Station.
New York Post
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
The English manor where Stanley Kubrick lived during ‘The Shining' production lists for $9M
Here's a property that's straight out of central casting. Stanley Kubrick's former Hertfordshire home — the very place where he masterminded the likes of 'The Shining,' '2001: A Space Odyssey,' and 'A Clockwork Orange' among others — has just hit the market for a blockbuster price: nearly $9 million. The eight-bedroom English estate, known as Abbots Mead, is located on Barnet Lane in Elstree, just outside London. It's being marketed by Savills, according to a brokerage release sent Friday. 14 Stanley Kubrick's former home in Hertfordshire, England, has hit the market for nearly $8.9 million. Justin Paget Photography 14 Kubrick worked on 'The Shining' while living here. Everett Collection / Everett Collection And for serious film buffs, this isn't just any country manor — it's a shrine to cinematic history. The late Kubrick, born in New York, bought the property in 1965 and spent 14 intensely productive years there. He died in 1999. Thanks to its close proximity to Elstree Studios, the reclusive auteur was able to manage everything from production and editing to pioneering special effects — all without leaving his leafy 2-acre compound. 14 Kubrick purchased the Abbots Mead estate in 1965. Justin Paget Photography 14 The grand staircase. Justin Paget Photography 14 Kubrik lived there for 14 years, using it as a creative hub near Elstree Studios. Everett Collection / Everett Collection 14 The country home occupies 7,700 square feet. Justin Paget Photography 'We're very fortunate to have the privilege of selling many great houses that have a rich and varied history. However, it's rare for somewhere to have such a direct link to filmmaking unless it's been used as a location for shoots,' Steven Spencer, head of office at Savills Rickmansworth, said in a statement. Spencer added, 'The close proximity to Elstree Studios made it the perfect base for Kubrick and his family, but he also worked a lot from home — carefully managing all aspects of four films from his extraordinary body of work from within its four walls.' Nestled behind wrought iron gates and marked with a commemorative blue plaque, the 7,700-square-foot manor exudes stately charm and old-school opulence. Think ornate cornices, soaring ceilings, marble fireplaces, a carved staircase and a drawing room that opens to a sun-drenched conservatory. 14 The home has been modernized across three floors, according to the listing. Justin Paget Photography 14 The estate features grand living spaces including a drawing room, a conservatory and a spacious kitchen. Justin Paget Photography 14 The home boasts period details like ornate cornices and original fireplaces. Justin Paget Photography 14 The first floor hosts luxurious suites and a studio. Justin Paget Photography The main suite comes complete with a bay window, a dressing room, and his-and-hers bathrooms. There are also five more bedrooms on the top floor, plus a studio for any film buffs hoping to follow in Kubrick's footsteps. But the estate doesn't end there: a detached lodge with its own four bedrooms and private garden sits on the grounds, along with a two-bedroom apartment perched above a separate garage. Outside, manicured gardens give way to a wisteria-covered pergola, a pool, a pool house with a sauna and even a small orchard. 'Quite apart from its history, Abbots Mead is a handsome period house in its own right,' said Spencer. 14 A formal living room. Justin Paget Photography 14 One of eight bedrooms. Justin Paget Photography 14 An ensuite bedroom. Justin Paget Photography 14 The great lawn. Justin Paget Photography 'Well-proportioned rooms provide generous family space with a sense of grandeur, while mature trees at the garden boundaries ensure plenty of privacy and are the perfect backdrop to a beautiful setting.' And while it may feel like a world away, the property is a quick commute to London thanks to nearby Elstree and Borehamwood Station.
Sky News AU
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'We loved it': The Shining twins look unrecognisable 45 years on, but still cherish the eerie roles that made them famous
The twins who played the terrifying Grady sisters in Stanley Kubrick's The Shining are all grown up. Lisa and Louise Burns were just 11 years old when they were cast in Kubrick's 1980 adaptation of Stephen King's bestselling novel. Although their screen time was brief, their chilling presence as ghostly apparitions who appear to young Danny in the Overlook Hotel quickly became one of the film's most iconic images, referenced endlessly in pop culture and Halloween costumes ever since. Today, the sisters live quiet lives in the UK, with Lisa now working as a lawyer and Louise a published scientist. While they've long stepped away from acting, the identical twins haven't let go of the role that made them famous, and often share updates with their fans on social media. In November, the pair shared a photo from a special screening of Shine On: The Forgotten Shining Location, a documentary that explores how Kubrick created the film's sets. "Trip down memory lane last Thursday," they wrote alongside a photo taken outside Elstree Studios in London. "A screening of Shine On documentary: a behind-the-scenes look at Stanley Kubrick's use of the Enigma building for the kitchen scene (& others) in The Shining." Despite the nearly 45 years that have passed, the sisters still speak fondly of their time on set, particularly working alongside Kubrick and the film's star, Hollywood legend Jack Nicholson, 88. "Oh my God, we loved it," they told the Daily Mail in 2015. "Every day felt like we'd been invited to a very exclusive party and we were the youngest, luckiest people to be there." Louise shared a fond memory with Nicholson, who played the role of unhinged family man Jack Torrance. "I clearly remember sitting on Jack's knee and joking with him," she said. "...He was just a regular person, in fact he was very sweet." The twins also remembered celebrating their 11th birthday on set, with Kubrick's wife, Vivian, giving them each an autograph book that they had everyone sign. "What was so wonderful to us was that Stanley had found the time to celebrate the 11th birthday of two children he was never going to meet again. It really did feel like we were all family by then," Louise said. Lisa added: "Stanley also gave us a tiny bottle of the blood, which he called Kensington Gore, and it was the same blood that we had to lie in during our death scene." In 2023, the Burns' fully embraced their pop culture legacy during a Q&A panel at Comic-Con Northern Ireland, stating that they find the parodies of their roles "absolutely hilarious." Since the film's release, their likeness has popped up in Family Guy, Modern Family, The Simpsons and even Angry Birds. "I've got two boys, and there was some video of Angry Birds, and suddenly one of my boys says, 'Mum, it's you, you're an angry bird!'" Louise laughed. As for why they think The Shining still captivates audiences after all these years, Lisa believes it comes down to how grounded it is in everyday life. "I think everyone can relate to staying at a hotel," she explained. "And I think psychological horror works on a relationship between what you do every day, and then what would happen if one day you turn left rather than right, and then where does that go?" The Shining Twins' social media account is often inundated with messages of support from fans who have enjoyed staying connected with Louise and Lisa since their iconic performance. "You have grown to be beautiful ladies," one user said, while another commented: "Thank you for sharing yourselves with us and thank you for being so PERFECT in the movie."
Sky News
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News
Star Wars: Chewbacca's bowcaster and Luke Skywalker's medal sell for more than $1m at auction
The "bowcaster" used by Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy has sold for more than $750,000 at auction - while the medal given to Luke Skywalker at the end of "A New Hope" has fetched over $370,000. "Chewie's" weapon, which featured in all of the first three Star Wars films between 1977 and 1983, sold for far more than its estimate of between $250,000 and $500,000 (£193,203 to £386,407). The item sold for $768,600 (£593,985) and is a real Horton crossbow, which was modified to give it a futuristic look so it could serve as a laser weapon. Some of the components have been removed, and missing parts have been recreated, according to the auctioneer Propstore. Chewbacca, a huge hairy Wookie who was played by London-born actor Peter Mayhew, is one of the most iconic characters in the Star Wars franchise. His weapon was described by Propstore as "one of the rarest Star Wars hero props in existence". Meanwhile, a medal given to Luke Skywalker after he destroyed the Death Star in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) was sold for $378,000 (£292,124). "The Medal of Yavin" was presented to Skywalker, played by Mark Hamill, by his sister Princess Leia Organa, who was played by Carrie Fisher. It was estimated to sell for between $300,000 and $600,000 (£231,844 and £463,689). It is also believed to have been worn by Harrison Ford - who played Han Solo - during rehearsals. Propstore has claimed it is the "first and only medal to be offered for public sale", coming from the collection of props master Gerard Bourke, who worked on the original Star Wars films. Skywalker blows up the Death Star in the movie after the rebels find the plans for the planet-destroying weapon, which is later rebuilt in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return Of The Jedi. After fan complaints that Chewbacca was not also given a medal for his efforts, he was handed the bravery honour during 2019's Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise Of Skywalker. The bowcaster and the medal sold for a combined $1,146,600 (£886,109). Brandon Alinger, Propstore's chief operating officer, said after the auction: "Propstore are thrilled with the incredible success of the first day of our Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction. "The auction surpassed our expectations and showcased the enduring popularity of franchises like Star Wars." Star Wars, originally filmed at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, is a huge and iconic franchise, spawning prequels, sequels and spin-off shows including The Mandalorian, Andor and 2019's Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker.
The Independent
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Chewbacca's bowcaster used in original Star Wars trilogy sells for £593,985
Chewbacca's bowcaster, used in the original Star Wars trilogy, has sold for 768,600 dollars (£593,985) at auction, smashing its estimate. The Wookie's weapon, which was used in films including 1980's Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, and described by auctioneers Propstore as 'one of the rarest Star Wars hero props in existence', beat its estimate of between 250,000 to 500,000 US dollars (£198,000 to £397,000). The item is a real Horton crossbow which was modified for the character, nicknamed 'Chewie' and played by Peter Mayhew, to give it a futuristic yet battle-worn look so it could serve as a laser weapon. Some of the components have been removed and missing parts have been recreated, according to the auctioneer. A medal given to Luke Skywalker after he destroyed the Death Star in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) was also sold for 378,000 dollars (£292,124). The Medal of Yavin, worn by the future Jedi master Luke (Mark Hamill) during the first film in the franchise, after he was presented with it by his sister Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), was estimated to sell for between 300,000 to 600,000 US dollars (£238,000 to £476,000). It is also believed to have been worn by Harrison Ford – who played Han Solo – during rehearsals, with Propstore claiming it is the 'first and only medal to be offered for public sale' coming from the collection of props master Gerard Bourke, who worked on the original Star Wars films. Luke blows up the Death Star in the movie after rebels find the plans for the planet-destroying weapon, which is later rebuilt in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return Of The Jedi. After fan complaints that Chewbacca was not also given a medal for his efforts, he was handed the bravery honour during 2019's Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise Of Skywalker. Brandon Alinger, Propstore's chief operating officer, said after the auction: 'Propstore are thrilled with the incredible success of the first day of our Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction. 'The auction surpassed our expectations and showcased the enduring popularity of franchises like Star Wars.' Star Wars, originally filmed at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, has turned into a huge franchise, spawning prequels, sequels and spin-off shows including The Mandalorian, Andor and 2019's Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker.
