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 Boris Johnson |
Will Boris buy Spectator offices?
Magazine’s Holborn home to be converted for residential use and sold off
AS the home of The Spectator, the Georgian terrace in Doughty Street, Holborn, has seen more than its fair share of gossip and intrigue.
But now the magazine that is the pulpit of high Tory thought is set to turn its back on the creaking corridors that have been its home since the late 1960s.
The magazine’s owners plan to convert the property back into a single family home before selling it for around £3 million. Former Spectator editor, Conservative shadow higher education minister Boris Johnson, revealed he was considered making an offer once the work was completed.
He said: “It will make the most marvellous family home. I’m considering making a bid – but it depends on finances. I’ll have to see what it is going for, but it would make a marvellous base.”
The house was the centre of a number of intrigues under his stewardship.
Mr Johnson lost his front-bench role under former Conservative leader Michael Howard after he admitted he had lied about a four-year affair with Spectator columnist and deputy editor Petronella Wyatt – when the pair both worked at Doughty Street.
Mr Johnson said one of its best characteristics was the editor’s imposing room. He said: “The greatest thing about it is the main floor, which is the editor’s massive office.
“It has a vast chandeliered interior and is splendidly corniced, with a massive and extremely dangerous fireplace.
“It was one of the joys of life. The central heating never worked properly, so I would fire up this terrifying gas fire and then sleep on the sofa after a punishing day interviewing movers, shakers and cabinet ministers.”
And the grandeur of the editor’s office was in stark contrast to his employees.
He continued: “It is a rabbit warren of ever smaller offices, with people shoehorned in wherever they can fit, with some hacks even working on the stairs.”
He added: “The garden is also a beauty, full of statues. We used to use it as a refuge for sick wildlife – it was full of rescued baby pigeons and hedgehogs.
“It was a lovely place to work, but I suppose you can’t be too sentimental about these things. And besides, I may move back if the price is right.”
Former political editor Peter Oborne recalls happy days and late nights at number 56.
He said: “It has been graced by every single Tory cabinet minister and everyone of any importance in Conservative politics.
“It was the epicentre of high Tory social life. It will be remembered fondly, not least for the exquisite parties held there.”
Mr Oborne added that the new owners would be inheriting a house with some important history.
Names such as the disgraced former peer and Daily Telegraph news paper proprietor Conrad Black would show up for lunch and a gossip, while others such as the actress Joan Collins would regularly make an appearance.
‘Fat Lady’ TV cook Jennifer Patterson was once the magazine’s caterer and once, in a fit of pique, threw the office crockery out of the window in to the garden next door.
Now the magazine is heading to Queens Anne’s Street, Westminster.
A spokesperson at the Spectator confirmed the house would be converted.
She added: “It will then be sold.”
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