Worlds Best Homes

Sir Richard Branson's former family home – Tanyard Farm – is up for sale

See inside Sir Richard Branson's childhood home in Surrey – where he first launched his business

Richard Branson's home
(Image credit: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty)

Sir Richard Branson’s childhood home, in the popular village of Shamley Green in Surrey, has just recently come on the market with Sotheby's Realty.

Known as Tanyard Farm, the red-brick manor house listed last week with a £4 million (US$5.2 million) price tag.

See inside below – and when you're done, take a look at our page dedicated to the world's best homes for more.

Richard Branson's home

(Image credit: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty)

Richard Branson's home

(Image credit: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty)

Mr. Branson’s parents, Edward and Evette, acquired the home in 1963 from a viscountess, according to property records, which don’t indicate how much the Branson family paid for the home or when they parted with it.

It is believed that the Virgin tycoon founded his company from this very home – so it could provide a good omen for the further landlord.

Richard Branson's home

(Image credit: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty)

Richard Branson's home

(Image credit: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty)

Richard Branson founded the Virgin Group in the Seventies selling mail-order records and the business expanded into airlines, trains, banking and, most recently, space travel. 

His earlier experiments on the property included budgie breeding and growing Christmas trees, although neither venture proved successful.

Richard Branson's home

(Image credit: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty)

Richard Branson's home

(Image credit: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty)

Tucked away behind ironwork gates, the four-bedroom home sits on roughly 1.4 acres, according to the listing. 

Full of character and charm, the 'tardis-like' home is a treasure trove of eclectic curiosities.

Along with beamed ceilings galore, the home has leaded windows, stately fireplaces and a spiral staircase. There’s also a bespoke kitchen, conservatory, study, formal dining room and a play area.

Richard Branson's home

(Image credit: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty)

Richard Branson's home

(Image credit: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty)

Richard Branson's home

(Image credit: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty)

It’s also bursting with opportunity, Director of Country Sales at Sotheby’s Realty Jason Corbett, said in a statement.

'This house is full of history, character, warmth and charm. Perfect for families looking to be close to leading schools, yet located in one of Surrey’s most sought after villages, with two lovely pubs, a cricket green and a local shop just a short walk away.

'The potential to create further accommodation or leisure facilities in the garden is a real possibility, making this a home with little comparison.'

Richard Branson's home

(Image credit: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty)

The property is available for via Sotheby's Realty for £4 million.

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.