Film director Tim Burton has put his Grade II-listed Oxfordshire country house up for sale at £4.5 million, stunning fans with its understated Georgian design that contrasts sharply with his usual gothic image. The historic 18th-century property also features quirky garden statues, rich heritage connections, and spacious grounds along the River Thames.
Film director Tim Burton has taken many by surprise with the listing of his country home, Mill House, in Oxfordshire, for £4.5 million. The property, which boasts a rich history and a quintessentially English aesthetic, has captivated fans and buyers alike. Purchased in 2006 for £2.9 million during his relationship with actress Helena Bonham Carter, the Grade II-listed dwelling spans an impressive 5,900 square feet and is set within 17 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens beside the River Thames.
Burton is best known for his distinctively dark cinematic style, having directed beloved films such as Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Edward Scissorhands. However, reactions to his home reveal a stark contrast between the director’s artistic persona and the property’s decor. Many fans have expressed surprise at the home’s simplicity, remarking on its “normal” appearance, which features classic Georgian architecture rather than the gothic flair one might expect from Burton. “Fantastic home, but I am shocked by how simple it is. I had envisioned Tim Burton’s home to have a gothic vibe,” noted one fan, reflecting on the unexpected nature of the aesthetics within Mill House.
The listing showcases an array of period features typical of 18th-century design, including ornate plaster cornices, full-height sash windows, and intricately carved fireplaces—all elements that contribute to the character of this historically significant property. Nestled within lush grounds, the home not only offers ample living space with eight bedrooms and four bathrooms but also a stunning garden adorned with unique hand-painted dinosaur statues, including a towering 25-foot T. rex, showcasing Burton’s quirky style even within the serene landscape.
Interestingly, the Mill House has a storied past beyond its recent ownership. Originally built in 1741, it was initially used as a paper mill and later became significant for its connection to former Prime Minister H.H. Asquith, who once lived nearby. The house holds historical significance, serving as a residence for the mill’s foreman and hosting notable guests, such as Asquith himself, who signed the declaration marking Britain’s entry into the First World War.
Burton, who retained ownership of the property following his split with Bonham Carter in 2014, had previously sparked controversy within the local community due to the installation of a fence, intended to deter anti-social behaviour. This measure inadvertently obstructed a long-established path used by locals, leading to resentment and a local outcry about the fence being “selfish and heartless.”
As the director moves on from Mill House, the property continues to attract attention—not only for its enchanting elements but also for the juxtaposition it presents to Burton’s offbeat creative identity. The allure of such a unique residence ensures that potential buyers will likely be curious about both its aesthetic and historical value, making it a notable listing in the current real estate market.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14753157/Tim-Burton-mansion-sale-4-5m-shocks-fans-English-decor.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.dailytuesday.co.uk/tim-burton-sutton-courtenay-home-purchase/ – In October 2024, Tim Burton purchased Mill House, an 18th-century country home in Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire, for £2.9 million. The Grade II-listed property, spanning 5,900 square feet, features eight bedrooms and is set within 17 acres of gardens along the River Thames. Burton, known for his unique and dark film style, surprised fans with the home’s ‘quintessentially English’ decor, which contrasts with his typical gothic aesthetic. The property was previously owned by his former partner, actress Helena Bonham Carter, and her great-grandfather, former Prime Minister Herbert Henry Asquith.
- https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/715475.hollywood-couple-coming-village/ – In March 2006, it was reported that actress Helena Bonham Carter and her partner, director Tim Burton, had purchased Mill House, an 18th-century property in Sutton Courtenay, near Abingdon. The house, which once belonged to Bonham Carter’s great-great-grandfather, former Prime Minister Herbert Asquith, boasts eight bedrooms, paddocks, and an eight-acre garden. The couple intended to use the property as a country hideaway, complementing their London residence. The purchase price was reported to be £2 million, and the property was listed through estate agents Knight Frank.
- https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/tim-burtons-homes-inside-the-directors-real-estate-portfolio – Tim Burton’s real estate portfolio includes several notable properties. In 2006, he and Helena Bonham Carter purchased Mill House, an 18th-century Grade II-listed country home in Oxfordshire, for £2.9 million. The property features eight bedrooms and is set within 17 acres of gardens along the River Thames. Burton added his unique touch to the estate’s eight-acre garden, installing an array of hand-painted dinosaur statues, including a 25-foot-tall T. rex. The property was previously owned by Bonham Carter’s great-grandfather, former Prime Minister Herbert Henry Asquith. After their separation, Burton retained ownership of the home.
- https://www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/property/tim-burton-home-oxfordshire-history – In 2006, Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter purchased Mill House, an 18th-century country home in Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire, for £2.9 million. The Grade II-listed property features eight bedrooms and is set within 17 acres of gardens along the River Thames. Burton added his unique touch to the estate’s eight-acre garden, installing an array of hand-painted dinosaur statues, including a 25-foot-tall T. rex. The property was previously owned by Bonham Carter’s great-grandfather, former Prime Minister Herbert Henry Asquith. After their separation, Burton retained ownership of the home.
- https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/tim-burtons-former-london-rental-has-sold-for-17-5-million-c2f814b1 – Tim Burton’s former London residence, Eglon House in Primrose Hill, has been sold for nearly £17.5 million. The property, which Burton rented from 2018, was used as his London home and creative studio during the production of the 2019 film ‘Dumbo’. Designed by Chassay Last Architects and Russell Sage Studio, Eglon House features two interlinked buildings with a central courtyard, floor-to-ceiling bronze windows, and glass-brick facades inspired by Pierre Chareau’s Maison de Verre in Paris. The sale price was just under the asking price, marking one of the most expensive home sales in Primrose Hill.
- https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/tim-burtons-lantern-like-london-rental-now-selling-for-20-million-227210 – Eglon House, an industrial-style mansion in London’s Primrose Hill, which was rented by Tim Burton, is now on sale for £20 million. The property, designed by Chassay Last Architects and Russell Sage Studio, features two interlinked buildings with a central courtyard, floor-to-ceiling bronze windows, and glass-brick facades inspired by Pierre Chareau’s Maison de Verre in Paris. Burton utilized the east wing to write and produce the 2019 film ‘Dumbo’ and the west wing to accommodate executives and staff working on the film. The property was previously listed for £20 million and is available to rent for £15,000 a week.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative about Tim Burton’s Mill House being listed for £4.5 million is recent, with the earliest known publication date being 24 March 2006, when the property was purchased for £2.9 million. ([telegraph.co.uk](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1513815/Bonham-Carter-buys-back-family-heritage-for-2.9m.html?utm_source=openai)) The current listing price suggests a significant appreciation over time. The report appears to be original, with no evidence of recycled content. However, the substantial price increase over nearly two decades may raise questions about the property’s current market value.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative includes a direct quote from a fan expressing surprise at the property’s simplicity, stating, “I had envisioned Tim Burton’s home to have a gothic vibe.” This quote does not appear in earlier publications, indicating it may be original or exclusive content. The absence of identical quotes in previous material suggests freshness.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a reputable UK newspaper. However, the Daily Mail has faced criticism for sensationalism and accuracy issues in the past. Given the lack of corroboration from other reputable outlets, the reliability of this specific report is uncertain. The absence of supporting details from other reputable sources raises concerns about the report’s credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
5
Notes:
The claim that Tim Burton’s Mill House is listed for £4.5 million is plausible, considering the property’s historical significance and previous sale price. However, the lack of supporting details from other reputable outlets and the absence of corroboration from other sources raise concerns about the report’s credibility. The absence of supporting details from other reputable outlets suggests the report may lack credibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative about Tim Burton’s Mill House being listed for £4.5 million is recent and includes original content, such as a fan’s quote expressing surprise at the property’s simplicity. However, the report originates from the Daily Mail, a reputable UK newspaper, but has faced criticism for sensationalism and accuracy issues in the past. The lack of corroboration from other reputable outlets and the absence of supporting details from other sources raise concerns about the report’s credibility. Given these factors, the overall assessment is ‘OPEN’ with a medium confidence level.
