Historic London House Linked to Harry Potter's Diagon Alley on Market for $1.6 Million
An 18th-century property in Covent Garden, rumored to have inspired the wizarding world's famous shopping street, has been relisted for nearly £1.6 million.
An 18th-century house located on a London street believed to have inspired J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley is now on the market for £1.595 million. The property, situated on Goodwin's Court in Covent Garden, boasts a rich history dating back to the period following the Great Fire of London.
The cobbled alleyway is rumored to have provided inspiration for the wizarding world's Diagon Alley, as well as Ollivanders wand shop and the darker Knockturn Alley. Adding to its magical ambiance, the house is located near one of London's last remaining gas lamps, positioned above the steps leading to its front door.
Goodwin's Court is a popular destination for Harry Potter enthusiasts, often featured on themed tours. The house was initially listed for £2 million but was later taken down and relisted at its current price last month. The Unique Property Company, which is handling the sale, reports significant interest from American buyers.
Built around 1700, the house is described by estate agents as a rare survivor reflecting the living conditions of London's Georgian working class and a tangible piece of the city's history. Its association with the Harry Potter franchise has brought it renewed fame as a potential inspiration for Ollivanders Wand Shop.
Four worn stone steps lead to the front door, believed to have been repurposed from an ancient building demolished around the time of the alleyway's construction, possibly dating back to medieval times. The property's former life as a haberdashery is evident, with worn patches on the floorboards marking where a shopkeeper once stood.
Simon Stone, managing partner at Unique Property Company, highlighted the property's atmospheric qualities and its preservation of history. "It’s a home that’s been conserved rather than have the history erased," he stated. "It’s so atmospheric. It’s a property that takes you to another time entirely and it’s so quiet, you forget that just five seconds away, you’re in the thick of one of the world's busiest capital cities."
Inside, the house features a kitchen connected to a Georgian-style tiled bathroom, a space that historically served as a route for waste disposal. The raised ground floor reception room includes an original bow window from the early 18th century.
