Did this house inspire Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream?

It's presumably named Shakespeare House for good reason?

By Tamara Kelly
last updated

Shakespeare House is a family home with a tale to tell. It could be hearsay, but word has it William Shakespeare stayed here on a number of occasions. It's even rumored to have been his inspiration for A Midsummer Night's Dream.

The beautifully restored Grade II-listed house was formerly a 16th Century Inn named 'The Ship'. According to tradition, the famous playwrite stayed at the inn, whilst travelling between Stratford-upon-Avon and London.

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Shakespeare House

Exterior of house with brick wall and black window frame

(Image credit: Zoopla)

The period charm of the part Elizabethan and Georgian home is evident before you even step foot inside.

The seven-bedroom property in Aylesbury, is currently on the market with Zoopla – with an asking price of £1.5million.

The kitchen

Kitchen with microwave and wooden table with bench

(Image credit: Zoopla)

The traditional oak kitchen/breakfast room is to the rear of the property. With a high vaulted ceiling and wall-to-floor windows this room feels light and spacious.

The layout extends round the corner, allowing for plenty of space for cooking and entertaining – ideal for busy family life.

The living room

living room with white walls and wooden flooring

(Image credit: Zoopla)

 

While carrying out restoration work the owners were mindful to retain the property's period features. Charming exposed beams, decorative brickwork and open fireplaces are the key features preserved.

The bedroom

Bedroom with white walls wooden flooring and bed

(Image credit: Zoopla)

The historical property has kept leaded windows throughout to retain character.

The bathroom

Bathroom with wash basin and wooden flooring

(Image credit: Zoopla)

The main family bathroom boasts the most modern interior of all the rooms. Black marble tiles paired with streamlined white sanitaryware adds a contemporary feel.

The gardens

Exterior of house with brick walls and garden

(Image credit: Zoopla)

It's likely the picturesque gardens were the inspiration behind A Midsummer Night's Dream. We could imagine fairies and pixies dancing around these delightful gardens.

Garden with table and plants

(Image credit: Zoopla)

In addition to the lush grounds of approximately 1 acre, there's a dreamy wishing well.

White walls with shakespeare tribute

(Image credit: Zoopla)

Knock, knock...Romeo, Romeo wherefore art thou Romeo?

Could buying this house inspired you to write a masterpiece?

Tamara Kelly
Contributor

Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street. 

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