George and Amal Clooney, a famous couple admired for their glamorous lifestyle and properties worldwide, have recently grabbed headlines due to a significant decision they made. The Clooneys, who are known for their affinity for beautiful and historically significant homes, felt compelled to leave their beloved family residence in Berkshire, England.
George & Amal Clooney first purchased their family home in 2014
George and Amal, who are parents to two children, bought the Grade II-listed mansion for $13 million. This was shortly after their luxurious wedding in Venice in September 2014. Following extensive renovations costing over $25 million, spanning a year and a half, the couple transformed the 17th-century mansion into a modern, luxurious family abode.
According to Amomama, George reportedly quipped to the builders, “What Amal wants, Amal gets,” as they worked to create their dream home. Situated on a four-acre Thames island, the property was redesigned into a serene sanctuary, blending modern sophistication with romantic charm.
It took a team of 20 to realize the couple’s dream
Their lavish renovation, managed by a team of 20, resulted in a stunning transformation, featuring staff quarters, a professional kitchen, a bedroom, an office, a 12-seat private cinema, and a gym. The sprawling Oxfordshire property also includes a 60ft swimming pool and a hot tub connected to the house via a walkway. It even has an Astro-Turf tennis court set amidst pine trees in the garden.
A boathouse sits by the river, accessible from the property’s lawn. To maintain privacy, the couple planted a ring of trees around the island’s perimeter. These trees were specially transported for this purpose. Despite their efforts, the mansion’s proximity to the Thames made it susceptible to flooding. Thus necessitating an additional $60,000 investment in flood-proofing measures.
Recent flooding incidents, attributed to heavy rains and one of the wettest Februarys on record in Britain, prompted the Clooneys to reconsider their living situation. Despite their absence from the area in recent months, neighbors understand their decision, given the challenges posed by the weather.
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With imminent flooding, George & Amal Clooney were forced to seek residency elsewhere
Helen Moore, a resident, noted George’s prior presence in the village but understands why he might seek drier conditions elsewhere. Possibly the South of France. “If I had a place in the South of France or anywhere else that’s a bit drier, I’d have also gone there. But that’s not an option for most of us,” Helen expressed. Wendy Boonaert, another neighbor, acknowledges the beauty of the area but agrees that the incessant rain has made life difficult, expressing hope for the Clooneys’ eventual return.
The Clooneys’ decision to move is part of their broader property portfolio, which includes homes in New York, California, and Italy. They regularly spend summers in their lakeside villa in Lake Como with their twins. Their most recent addition is a stunning chateau in the South of France, Domaine Le Canadel. The couple purchased it in 2021 for $8.3 million. This 18th-century estate boasts extensive amenities, including a pool, tennis court, gardens, and a vineyard.
All decided upon after a fairytale wedding
Despite their relocation, the Clooneys’ affection for Europe remains evident, stemming from their fairytale wedding in Venice and their regular retreats to Lake Como. George’s Villa Oleandra in Lake Como holds special significance, having hosted numerous celebrities and royals over the years.
Contrary to rumors, George has no plans to sell the villa, emphasizing its profound impact on his life. The proud father purchased Villa Oleandra in the noughties and has seen its value soar since then, a testament to the enduring allure of his European retreat.
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