The house is situated on a five-and-a-half-acre island along one of the most picturesque stretches of the Thames, at Sonning Eye. The builder’s brief was clear: create the perfect family home, no matter the cost. The final bill for this grand design could easily reach $30 million.
Among the luxurious features is a state-of-the-art leisure complex, including a 12-seater private cinema. The property also boasts an Astroturf-covered tennis court, surrounded by black netting. Despite their high-profile presence, the Clooney’s have remained nearly invisible at local village events, much to the disappointment of the residents.
When George and Amal Clooney finally moved into their 17th-century mansion earlier this year after an intensive 18-month refurbishment, the villagers of Sonning had high hopes. Many, especially the village wives, were eager for an invitation to a housewarming at Aberlash House—or at least a cup of tea with the new residents.
However, it quickly became evident that only a select few from the quaint village of Sonning, nestled on the Thames just two miles from Reading but with an atmosphere that feels like a secluded fairyland, would be welcomed into the Clooney’s’ world. The couple, one of the most high-profile pairs on the global stage, have kept a low profile in their home village, shielded by dense foliage that reveals only glimpses of the house’s roof and a boathouse by the water’s edge.
Disappointed by their lack of interaction with the Clooney’s, some villagers took matters into their own hands by creating effigies of George and Amal. These effigies were displayed during the Sonning Festival in May, depicting George in one of his signature pale blue suits and flip-flops, while Amal was shown in a flamboyant red dress adorned with gold stars, black shoes, and large sunglasses. Scattered around them were cardboard boxes, symbolizing their recent move.
The Clooney’s were absent from the festival, just as they have been from other local events, and it’s unclear if they are even aware of the effigies created in their likeness. If curious, they could see the pictures of the models on the Sonning Scarecrow Trail Facebook page, under the caption “At Home with the Clooney’s.”
As for their actual home, it is as grand as one might expect. The property, purchased in September 2014 after their lavish Venice wedding, has undergone extensive renovations. The final product is a lavish family home, blending original features with a light, modern feel. The house, standing on a five-and-a-half-acre island, is one of the most idyllic locations on the Thames at Sonning Eye, a village known for its mix of historic half-timbered houses and grand Georgian properties.
Reportedly, George told the builders, “What Amal wants, Amal gets,” and the couple spared no expense in creating their dream home. With no set budget, they commissioned a 20-strong workforce to bring their vision to life. The final cost could be around £20 million, double what they originally paid for the property.
The house features an impeccable design with a romantic, dreamy aesthetic—an American movie star’s vision of an English country estate. The nearly 11,000-square-foot interior has been completely modernized, while still retaining its historical charm. The estate includes a professional kitchen, staff quarters, a spacious pool house, a 60-foot swimming pool, and an oak pergola area for relaxation. The property also boasts a gym, a boathouse with its own landing stage, and a romantic River House with stone steps leading to the river.
Landscaping has been another major investment, with an abundance of fully grown trees and plants brought in at great expense to ensure privacy and enhance the estate’s beauty. The grounds are filled with an array of trees, flowers, and shrubs, creating a personal Garden of Eden for the Clooney’s.
Despite their dream home, the Clooney’s seem to spend little time in Sonning, often jetting off to their other luxurious residences in Italy, Los Angeles, or Mexico. The village remains enchanted by their presence, even if George and Amal themselves remain elusive, appearing only occasionally, if at all.
