[2] The house was constructed in 1688–1701 for Sir Roger Hill, and the architect was probably William Stanton.

[3][4] The house was surrounded on three sides by elaborate formal gardens inspired by Versailles containing a canal and sculptures.

[8] Saltzman co-produced the first nine James Bond films at nearby Pinewood Studios, and later owners claimed the filmmakers used the house's library as M's office in the films Live and Let Die and The Man with the Golden Gun.

[8] Notable visitors of the estate included producer Albert Broccoli, Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Michael Caine, Rudolf Nureyev and Gregory Peck.

[2] The property is owned by Monaco-based cosmetics businessman Mike Jatania, who acquired the house from the cigarette manufacturer Rothmans International.