Childhood Home of ‘Guinness World Records’ Founders Lists in London for £9.95 Million

The London home where the founders of “The Guinness Book of Records” spent their childhood has hit the market for £9.95 million (US$12.3 million).

The house, built in 1919, was purchased by Ross and Norris McWhirter’s father when the twin brothers were young, according to listing agent Rubens Brotto of Nest Seekers International, who brought the property to the market last week.

The McWhirters founded “The Guinness Book of Records” in 1955, updating it together annually until 1975, when Ross was assassinated by the IRA. Following his brother’s death, Norris continued to edit the book alone, now known as “Guinness World Records.” Norris, who later co-founded the conservative pressure group the Freedom Association, died in 2004.

Located in the North London suburb of Winchmore Hill, the detached brick home spans about 10,900 square feet on a 1.3-acre lot. 

“It’s one of the largest homes on Broad Walk,” Brotto said, referring to the street where it’s located. 

“Broad Walk is North London’s ‘Millionaire’s Row’—a flagship road that’s home to celebrities, footballers, doctors, lawyers, and business moguls. It’s incredibly prestigious, offering a mix of grand homes with unique architecture and state-of-the-art renovations,” he added. “Plus, Winchmore Hill itself has a lovely village feel, with a green, boutique shops, cafes and quick links to Central London.”

The seven-bedroom house is full of entertaining spaces, including a ballroom and a formal dining room with an adjoining bar room, according to the listing. Amenities include a London rarity, an indoor swimming pool, as well as a hot tub and a sauna. 

Also on the property are a separate French-style cottage, a professional grass tennis court, a pond and an orchard, Brotto said. 

“The 1.3 acres of landscaped gardens are truly breathtaking, complete with an orchard featuring apple, pear, apricot, and plum trees,” he said. “There’s also a northwest-facing garden with mature trees.”

The property backs up to Grovelands Park, a Grade II-listed public park that originated as a private estate and has “tranquil green spaces, a boating lake, and year-round appeal,” Brotto said. 

The home last traded hands in 1997, Brotto said. Mansion Global couldn’t determine who owns the home or how much they paid for it.