George and Amal Clooney, a power couple known for their luxurious lifestyle and homes across the globe, have recently made headlines with their urgent move.
The Clooneys, who have always been drawn to beautiful and historically significant properties, found themselves compelled to leave their dream family home in Berkshire, England.
George and Amal, who share two children, purchased the Grade II-listed mansion for $13 million in September 2014, only a few weeks after their Venetian wedding.
After a year and a half of extensive renovations, which reportedly cost the couple a total of over $25 million, they transformed the 17th-century mansion into a modern, luxurious family home.
George reportedly told the builders, “What Amal wants, Amal gets.” Nestled on a four-acre Thames island, the property, once imposing, was reimagined into a serene family haven, reflecting a blend of modern sophistication and romantic tranquility.
The no-expenses-spared renovation, led by a dedicated team of 20, resulted in a stunning transformation, featuring the staff quarters which include a professional kitchen, a bedroom, and an office. Amal Clooney and George also have a 12-seat private cinema in their home and a gym.
The 11,000 square foot Oxfordshire property also boasts a 60ft swimming pool, which has a shaded area, and a hot tub which are connected to the house via a walkway.
In addition, the outdoors features a garden that has pine trees, and an Astro-Turf tennis court. The lawn reportedly leads down to the river near the property where a boathouse is located.
The terrace offers the Hollywood couple some privacy as they have planted a ring of trees around the island’s perimeter, as they had foliage transported specially.
Despite these efforts, the mansion’s proximity to the Thames rendered it vulnerable to flooding, an issue that compelled an additional $60,000 investment in flood-proofing measures.
The award-winning actor and the human rights lawyer reportedly were unaware that their new home, only inches from the riverbank, was liable to flooding.
Despite the effort and expense, neighbors living in the same village as the couple recently revealed that the pair have not been seen much around their home for quite some time.
The reason behind their move became apparent when the duo’s back garden was flooded twice in just 13 months, a result of Britain’s torrential rain and one of the wettest Februarys on record.
Neighbors expressed their understanding of the Clooneys’ decision to relocate, citing the severe weather conditions that made the area difficult to live in. George and Amal reportedly could not even access their garden, which sits beneath four feet of water.
Helen Moore, a resident, mentioned that she used to see the Oscar Award-winning director on the grounds of his property often once he moved into the area but not anymore.
“You’d see him out and about in the village with Amal and the kids, but we haven’t seen them for several months,” she said, adding it is understandable especially because his house is the most affected by the flooding in the area.
“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.
Another neighbor, Wendy Boonaert, a South African native who has been residing in the UK for the last twenty years, stated, “You can’t fault this village and the surrounding area because it’s very beautiful. But the rain has not helped, it’s made life very difficult.”
Wendy further explained that the area could use some hot weather conditions currently while adding that several wealthy and famous people are living in the same neighborhood and that she hopes George and his family will eventually return. However, Wendy also noted that the movie star and his loved ones are probably better off in the South of France, where they are reportedly seeking refuge.
The Clooneys’ relocation is part of a larger pattern in their lives, as they own a magnificent global property portfolio. Apart from their home in England, the couple also owns houses in New York, California, and Italy. George and Amal retreat to their lakeside villa in Lake Como, Italy every summer along with their twins, son Alexander, and daughter Ella.
Adding to George and Amal’s list of properties is their breathtaking chateau in the South of France which they secretly purchased in August 2021.
Built in the 18th century, Domaine Le Canadel, an enchanting 425-acre Provence wine estate, reportedly cost the couple $8.3 million. The abode features a pool, tennis court, boules pitch, vast gardens, an ornamental lake, an olive grove, and a 25-acre vineyard.
The French estate is reportedly a 25-minute drive from another home known as Chateau Miraval, which was previously co-owned by former celebrity couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
Despite their move, the Clooneys’ love for Europe remains strong. Their marriage began with a fairytale wedding in Venice, and they continue to vacation in Lake Como, where George has owned Villa Oleandra since 2002.
The 18th-century family home which boasts ornate detailing, has 25 rooms including a pizza room. On the exterior, it features a large garage, a tennis court, a swimming pool, and a full gym.
The producer has hosted numerous stars and royals including Jennifer Aniston, Matt Damon, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at this Italian villa.
Before, there were reports that George Clooney had intentions to sell his Lake Como villa, but he rubbished the claims, emphasizing its impact on his life by stating it “changed his life in a very pleasant and unexpected way.”
The proud father of two purchased Villa Oleandra, located in Laglio, Northern Italy, from the Heinz family in the noughties. He reportedly bought it for $12 million and the estate is now worth $100 million.