Worlds Best Homes

Harry Potter’s 'birthplace' in Lavenham is up for sale

Consider yourself a Harry Potter fan? Then this superb, historical property is not to be missed.

The 14th-century house used as the fictional birthplace of Harry Potter is now up for sale in sought-after Lavenham.

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Harry Potter Deathly Hallows House

The façade is jettied with exposed timbers, brick nogging (herringbone design), leaded mullions and ornate carved timbers.
(Image credit: Carter Jonas)

De Vere House is an outstanding Grade I listed property steeped in history and, more recently, made famous for its appearance in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. Even though Lavenham is synonymous with fine timber framed houses, De Vere House stands out as one of the most prestigious with its beautiful façade and significant period features throughout.

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Harry Potter Deathly Hallows House

The front door of De Vere House is one of its most notable features and appears in numerous guide books and Treasures of Britain.
(Image credit: Carter Jonas)

As well its Harry Potter claim to fame, the house, a 14th-century timber framed property, is one of the most historically significant properties in the village.

The house takes its name from the De Vere family and had previously been known as Oxenford House and Oxford House. In Medieval times the De Vere family were the second richest family after the King and were responsible for creating much of Lavenham’s medieval grandeur.

Harry Potter Deathly Hallows House

Internal Medieval and Tudor features include a massive timber frame, fireplaces, wall paintings and a rare stone spiral staircase with carved brick hardrail.
(Image credit: Carter Jonas)

De Vere House is believed to have been visited by Henry VII during a hunting trip in 1498, and was later employed to keep the younger siblings of Charles II and James II under house arrest in 1651.

In more recent years, this historically important house has been featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Forming part of Godric’s Hollow, De Vere House can be seen opposite a fictional graveyard with a Christmas tree in the window.

Harry Potter Deathly Hallows House

(Image credit: Carter Jonas)

The property contains a total of six bedrooms as well as a stunning entrance hall and 0.4 acres of useful land and a pretty cottage garden.

Harry Potter Deathly Hallows House

There is a beautiful south-facing garden and large alfresco dining terrace to the rear of the house with typical English country cottage aesthetic.
(Image credit: Carter Jonas)

There are also claims that the front door is the second most photographed in the UK, pipped to the post by the door of Number 10 Downing Street.

The property can be viewed at Carter Jonas, carterjonas.co.uk

Jennifer Ebert
Deputy Editor (Digital)

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.