If you believe this local legend (and John Lennon himself), ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ wasn’t actually about the Fab Four’s drug of choice, but in fact inspired by Lennon’s four-year-old son, Julian. Specifically, a drawing he did of his childhood pal Lucy Richardson. Her family owned an antiques shop in Weybridge, Surrey – and her sister, now 74, has just put the historic store on the market for £1.4 million.
The Grade II-listed Church House Antiques is one of the oldest shops in the town, dating back to the reign of Charles II. But it’s the connection to The Beatles that makes it truly fascinating, with John, Ringo and other famous 1960s celebrities all said to be regulars back in the day. Photographs show a young Lucy next to an antique chair, which Lennon later bought.
Mary Foster, her sister, has decided to sell the shop due to the impact of the pandemic. Of the store’s Beatles connections, she said: ‘Julian developed quite a crush on Lucy and they would play together whenever they came into the shop. John and Ringo would come in quite regularly. But we’ve also had Tony Curtis, Joan Collins, Michael Aspel, Keeley Hawes and Lynda La Plante.’
If running a famous antiques shop is your thing, this one definitely ticks all the boxes. It’s a treasure trove of old books and curiosities, stuffed full of jewellery, ceramics and paintings. And the attached house is also included, complete with a wood-panelled dining room, impressive sitting room and spacious courtyard. Sweet deal, right? Fancy booking in a viewing? You can find out more via the estate agent’s website.
Did you see that this 40-bedroom castle in the Scottish Highlands could be yours for £1.2 million?
Plus: this charming Welsh inn that has looked the same for 90 years is also for on sale.