Lake End House Windsor
Location & Address
Lake End House
Dorney, Windsor SL4 6QS
England
Property Details
Lake End House is a large country rental property that became David Irving's primary residence from September 2007 through the end of that year.
Physical Description
- Size: Described as "vast" with "acres of floor space and cupboards"
- Rooms: Multiple bedrooms, large drawing room, former billiards room, study areas
- Grounds: Very large garden, paddock area, stream at the end bordered by willows
- Outbuildings: Garage with alarm system, greenhouse needing roof repairs
- Landscape: Lawns, herbaceous borders, mature trees including oaks, hazelnuts, horse chestnuts, bay, and magnolia
Rental Arrangement
- Monthly Rent: £8,000 (approximately $300 per day in 2007)
- Landlord: Philip Stopford (newlywed, accommodating)
- Move-in Date: September 3, 2007
- Initial Payment: Required £8,000 deposit for first two months
Furnishing Status
The house came largely unfurnished:
- "every single item of furniture has been moved from most" rooms
- Only a few tables, set of chairs, and three beds including "one very ornate carved wooden bed"
- DI faced the challenge of furnishing from scratch on limited budget
Practical Challenges
Infrastructure Issues
- Phone lines: Both lines initially disconnected, problems at exchange
- Internet: Severe BT broadband problems - advertised "up to 8MB" but received 450-800 kbps, frequently down during business hours
- Heating: Boiler work required shortly after move-in
- Lighting: Floodlighting needed repairs, "house shrouded in darkness"
Staff & Services
- Housekeeper: Dawn Sanderson (Mrs. Sanderson) - helpful, turned heating on for DI's first night
- Gardener: John (with spaniel named Susie) - knowledgeable about grounds, advised not to walk on frosted lawns
- Landscape Gardener: Andy Wiltshire - general maintenance and assistance
Location Advantages
- Proximity to M4: 100 yards from M4 motorway (noise but excellent access)
- M25 Access: Minutes from M25 interchange
- Exit Access: 2 minutes to M4 Exit 7
- London Access: Accessible to central London and Chiswick
- Heathrow: Close to airport (10 minutes)
Security & Privacy
Lake End House provided the security and space DI needed:
- Protected Property: Well-protected setting for someone requiring security
- Address Discretion: DI was careful about sharing the address ("keep it to yourself")
- Private Grounds: Large enough for entertaining and meetings
- Controlled Access: Gates and entry systems
Key Events at Lake End House
Move-in Day (2007-09-03)
Dramatic first entry with Elgar's First Symphony playing as gates opened:
"As I turn into the lane, Elgar's First Symphony is just beginning on the car radio, and the great opening chords strike as the gates open to let me in to Lake End House as tenant for the first time."
First Visitors
- Landlord Philip Stopford: Confirmed accommodation satisfied requirements
- Hans von Sothen (Austrian publisher): November visit for business discussions
- Jessica Irving: November weekend visit - "loves it," enjoyed the trampoline
Speaking Event Planning
DI planned to use Lake End House for hosting events:
- Garden Party (September 22): Planned outdoor gathering from 3-7 PM
- Accommodation for guests: Multiple bedrooms available for visitors
- Security for controversial speakers: Property suitable for protected events
Oxford Union Preparation (November 2007)
Lake End House served as preparation base for the controversial Oxford Union speech, including:
- Props creation: Brother John Irving's blacksmith shop created "super" balls and chains
- Media strategy: Secure location for planning high-profile controversial appearance
Christmas Plans (December 2007)
By year-end, Lake End House was established as DI's stable base for future operations and family visits.
Challenges & Costs
Financial Pressure
The £8,000 monthly rent created enormous financial pressure:
- Required constant fundraising through book sales and donations
- Delayed payments created stress with landlord
- Forced prioritization of income generation over other activities
Technology Infrastructure
Poor broadband service severely hampered business operations:
- Advertised 8MB service delivered less than 1MB
- Frequent disconnections during business hours
- Required expensive alternative internet solutions
- Hampered website development and online sales
Furnishing Costs
Empty house required substantial investment in:
- Basic furniture and carpeting
- Kitchen equipment and household items
- Office setup for writing and business operations
- Heating and utility optimization
Cross-References
Notable Quotes
First entry (2007-09-03):
"As I turn into the lane, Elgar's First Symphony is just beginning on the car radio, and the great opening chords strike as the gates open to let me in to Lake End House as tenant for the first time."
Size and space (2007-09-04):
"What a big house this is. Acres of floor space and cupboards. I must not lose it."
Jessica's reaction (2007-11-17):
"No more blubbering, she loves it."
Financial pressure (2007-08-31):
"As my house rental from Monday will be $300 a day, I have to pull my socks up..."
Landlord relationship (2007-11-25):
"he seems genuinely pleased to have me as his tenant"
Garden description (2007-11-23):
"the lawns which John the gardener raked clean only yesterday are once again covered with leaves from the oaks, hazelnuts, horse chestnuts, bay, and magnolia"
Notes
Lake End House Windsor represents David Irving's successful transition from housing instability to a proper operational base in late 2007. Despite the enormous financial pressure of £8,000 monthly rent and various infrastructure challenges, the property provided the space, security, and dignity necessary for rebuilding his career and family life. The house's large grounds, multiple rooms, and controlled access made it suitable for both private writing work and potential public events, marking a significant improvement in his living situation after months of hotels and temporary arrangements.