They call the 4,642 square-foot historic home the Shakespeare House in the U.K. village of Grendon Underwood. The residence, located on the border of Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire - about two hours northwest of London, was known as The Ship Inn and catered to travelers who needed a bed and a barn for their horses. According to local legend and 17th century biographer John Aubrey, it was a stop for William Shakespeare when he would travel between Stratford Upon Avon, where he was born, and London.
It is widely believed that Grendon Underwood, which lies on the forest tracks used by gypsies and strolling players, was visited more than once by Shakespeare, who stayed at the house above-mentioned, now known as Shakespeare Farm, according to A History of the County of Buckingham: Volume 4, sited on British History Online.
The Shakespeare House has seven bedrooms, five bathrooms and four reception rooms, and has been restored by its current owners. According to the listing with Savills, it retains myriad original details, such as leaded windows, exposed beams, oak flooring, hardwood doors and open fireplaces.
Shakespeare House is such a magical property, there is so much character and yet it is still a wonderful family home, agent Huw Warren of Savills Summertown said in a statement. The extraordinary Shakespeare connection makes this house a one-of-a-kind opportunity, because it is architecturally important and beautifully renovated. Many people can claim to own a real piece of literary history that was where The Bard stayed on numerous occasions. Shakespeare has been said to have inspired characters in Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night's Dream from people he met at The Ship Inn - and may have even written plays there, according to the website British Forklore. The preservation group Historic England has designated it as a place of historic importance in the country because of the Grade II historic listing.
The home was sold for 700,000 according to Land Registry records. The sellers were not immediately available for comment.