David and Richard Attenborough's childhood home is on the market

Haydon Hill House was bought by the Attenborough family, and was where Richard and David lived as children - Matthew Lewis

A house that David and Richard Attenborough lived in as children is on the market.

The property’s recorded history began when Dr Thomas Monro, a mental health physician to King George III, decided to build a cottage on a farm in Bushey.

Cottage Orme included a studio, frequented by young artists such as J M W Turner and Thomas Girtin.

Haydon Hill House was built in the 1830s by Decimus Burton

The house was rebuilt in the 1830s by Decimus Burton, the architect of the Wellington Arch and parts of Kew Gardens, in the style of a Tuscan villa.

Haydon Hill House was then bought by the Attenborough family, and was where Richard and David lived as children.

The triplex apartment has its own entrance hall, with three bedrooms on the upper floors

During the Second World War, the house was requisitioned by the RAF, playing a role in the defence of Britain in conjunction with RAF Fighter Command HQ at nearby Bentley Priory.

It then served as a home for the elderly until 1980, when it was purchased by luxury developers.

Now, a triplex flat in this Grade II listed mansion is on the market. It has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and its own private entrance.

Period features such as high ceilings and sash windows have been retained

Its period features have been retained, including high ceilings, a grand fireplace and dual aspect sash windows. The large master bedroom has en suite facilities with a Jacuzzi bath and its own mezzanine level.

The gated complex has 3.5 acres of grounds, including a walled garden that bears a plaque dating all the way back to 1652, suggesting a much earlier origin.

The flat is on the market for £875,000 with Savills (01923 824225; savills.co.uk).