A storybook location. A historical pedigree. A labor of love. Welcome to one of the singularly most unique residences in not just the United Kingdom but in the world.
Tucked within the tranquil surroundings of Windsor, a remarkable country residence stands as a modern ode to classic English craftsmanship. The home built by Yassar Hussein – a passionate developer with a keen eye for architectural tradition – is more than a house. It’s a testimony to an unparalleled vision and nearly a decade of meticulous planning and design.
Serendipity Calls
“I was living in the same village, not far away from this property. I used to drive by every day and never really noticed it,” says Hussein. “It was my wife who pointed it out … this small, old house hidden in plain sight.”
From the very beginning, Hussein had a very clear vision of what he wanted to create. This wasn’t the first property that he had either built or expanded. He had spent time working alongside members of the Saudi royal family in London, where he helped develop historic residences. Hussein had experience in big, centuries-old properties (Grade One and Grade Two). He spent time roaming homes listed in the National Trust. “I spent years visiting and working on properties that blended tradition and grandeur. I wanted my home to capture that same old-world charm with high ceilings, the generous staircases, the craftsmanship that you rarely see today.” Those experiences would meld together to create a phenomenal residence.
From his nearby residence, and working with a team of architects and structural engineers, Hussein orchestrated the building of his masterpiece. The journey to its completion was a nine-year voyage that was both exciting and challenging. Exciting in the sense that he was seeing, in real time, his concepts come to life. Challenging in the aspect of navigating the complexities of England’s strict planning permissions. “Planning in England, especially in a restricted zone like this, takes a long time. But I had a vision, and I was determined to bring it to life.”
The resulting design pays homage to England’s architectural legacy. “I was successful, and I managed to build the property the way I wanted to build it,” remarks Hussein. The home looks like a centuries-old manor – claiming traditional characteristics and measurements – yet it embraces the comforts and conveniences of modern living. “We built it in a way they don’t build houses anymore. Every proportion, every detail, was intentional.”
A Seamless Harmony of Old and New
Although, the home is anchored in the past, it boasts very important modern features. Behind the home’s traditional façade lies cutting-edge engineering. “We designed the central heating so you can run eight showers at once without losing pressure,” says Hussein. “Hot water flows instantly.”
The residence also features a sophisticated fire alarm and a professional-grade sound system that extends through the main floors. “The entire house is wired for both entertainment and comfort,” he adds. “It’s modern living inside a timeless shell.”
One of the most striking elements of the home lies in its joinery, which was all hand-crafted by the late Simon Elliot, renowned designer and brother-in-law to the Queen. “Simon designed and built all the woodwork himself in his workshop in southern England.” The project also benefited from the refined touch of Lady Victoria Weymouth, a well-known interior designer whose custom fabrics and prints grace the home’s sweeping windows and bespoke curtains. “Lady Weymouth designed all the fabrics, ensuring the house had the right flow, that every room connected naturally to the next. It took about a year of collaboration, but the result is wonderful.”
But, at its heart, this home was designed for living life. “It’s a family home,” says Hussein. “Imagine children running around. Family gatherings. The house is also catered for those who like to entertain, those who enjoy outdoor living. There are plenty of reception rooms, there are also those spaces where you can go to be on your own reading without being disrupted. The grand reception room has a large, open fireplace. It’s a long room and is ideal for gatherings, with its massive folding glass doors that open completely onto the patio. It seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor living. In summer, you can open both sides and the room becomes part of the garden.”
Historic Nature
Speaking of the outside…
“You see,” begins Hussein, “the grounds are surrounded by open fields in the back. There is a natural feel to them because we have lots of old trees. We have an oak tree that is not less than 300 years old. There are a few of them. We have a fantastic willow tree that is really a big feature in the garden. Scottish pines that are very high. I installed discreet lighting throughout, so at night you can switch the lights on and all the trees are lit from within. It looks amazing. Especially in the summer.”
One of the fields that Hussein is referring to is that owned by Sir Elton John. He bought the fields to ensure that both his lands and privacy are always protected. “At the same time,” continues Hussein, “another field backs into Windsor Great Park. We like to sit in the garden and watch all the diverse wildlife that comes onto the property. Foxes, pheasants, owls, birds, the list goes on.”
The property’s neighbor, Windsor Great Park, has the greatest collection of oak trees in the world. It is also one of the finest equestrian landscapes in Europe and sits minutes from Runnymede, where the Magna Carta was signed in 1215. Now protected by the National Trust, it remains one of England’s most symbolic landscapes – a serene stretch of green that shaped the course of history.
“It’s a very old, very protected, and very historic area,” Hussein says. “Here King Henry courted Anne Boleyn. He hunted its woods. When the Queen was alive, my family and I would go for walks, and we would see her driving through. She liked her Land Rovers. Now, Prince William and Princess Catherine have decided to live in Windsor Great Park. Part of the Park is now closed – it’s actually on the other side of my garden – and they have renovated a beautiful house there. It is the residence of the future king of England. And, of course, King Charles lives in Windsor Castle.”
Exceptional Accessibility
Despite its countryside calm, the residence enjoys exceptional accessibility. “We’re three minutes from the M25 which connects all motorways in England. It is a five-minute car ride from the main railway station that runs trains to both east and west side of London. It is also five minutes from Heathrow, 30 minutes from Gatwick, and less than 40 minutes from central London,” says Hussein. “When I drive it takes between 35-40 minutes to arrive in central London. In the evening, when coming back from the theater and traffic is light, it takes about 25 minutes.” This location boasts access to the best of Prime Central London and the English Countryside combined. Here you have the quiet of the countryside and the energy of London. It’s the best of both worlds.
The area is surrounded by elite schools, including Eton College, St. George’s School, and the American International School. And Windsor itself is chock full of local pubs, restaurants – including top Michelin-starred establishments – shops and boutiques.
For Hussein and his wife, their home is deeply personal. Every element reflects their vision and effort. It was truly created through a labor of love, borne of unique thinking, incredible patience, and an outstanding eye for design and architecture. When asked which part of the property is their favorite, Hussein answers, “In the morning, my wife loves to have breakfast by the big window, watching the deer wander through the grounds with our cat on her lap.”
This property is available for sale £5,000,000
For more information please contact us at office@theluxurycollectiveuk.co.uk
