Happy house where veteran singer entertained his friends

NORTHCOTE Lodge is “the warmest, happiest house in the world,” according to Pauline Buckett, who was a close friend and housekeeper to the late Vince Hill and his wife Annie for many years.

“In spite of the tragedies the family suffered, this house is a truly lovely, peaceful place to live,” she says.

Mrs Buckett is talking about the discreet family home tucked away in Lower Shiplake, which was the entertainer’s home for the 12 years before his death in July last year.

It is now on the market for £1,650,000.

Vince, star of stage and television, was best known for his Sixties cover version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein show tune Edelweiss from The Sound of Music.

He had a long and successful career as a singer, songwriter and record producer, releasing 25 studio albums and several soundtracks and appearing at top venues around the world, including the London Palladium, the Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House.

Memorably, he also performed during Lady Thatcher’s first two election campaigns in 1979 and 1983, singing “Hello, Maggie” to the tune of Hello, Dolly! with Lulu at Wembley.

He was also a patron of the Macular Society, a UK charity for people affected by central vision loss, as this was a personal concern of his.

His irrepressibly cheerful nature belied the tragedies which punctured his life.

His only son Athol died suddenly in 2014, aged 42, and his wife of almost 60 years died of a degenerative lung condition two years later, aged 77.

“Her death left a huge void and I still dream I’m talking to her,” he said after her death.

Vince retired in 2019 and suffered a stroke two years later.

Mrs Buckett says: “He drew great comfort from his grandchildren and his music and talking to his many friends.

“He was a very sociable person and kept himself busy writing, singing and cooking — he was a brilliant chef, even after his stroke.”

The Hills spent more than 35 years in Shiplake and the singer was often seen around Henley market place, frequenting The Square restaurant and the Argyll pub.

They moved into Northcote Lodge when it was first built from Sagamore, a 10-bedroom Edwardian property on the river nearby which had become too much for them as they got older.

Mrs Buckett says: “This new detached, four-bedroom house at the end of a long, private drive was much more suitable for them at this stage in their lives, being only a short walk to the shop, station and pub.”

Mrs Buckett came to know the Hills after the death of her husband Terry, a former Henley mayor and chairman of the
Townlands Action Group, who died in 2009, aged 57.

She says: “I did everything for them, from organising their banking and office work to caring for them when they were ill.

“I was with them all the time. Vince really was the loveliest man anybody could hope to meet, the best of the best.

“He was always worrying about others rather than himself.”

Friends and family would regularly gather at his home to raise a glass, or several, and sample his renowned cuisine.

“The best time ever was his 85th birthday, which we had in the garden,” says Mrs Buckett. “It was a very hot day in April and there was a marquee where Vince and his band entertained the many guests that turned up. There was so much fun and laughter, the whole of Shiplake must have heard us. Vince just loved it all.”

The entertainer had wanted to have another big party to celebrate his 90th birthday and perform one last time but, sadly, he died in July, nine months beforehand.

Northcote Lodge covers 2,800 sq ft with five spacious reception rooms, polished oak floors and high ceilings throughout.

The smart kitchen flows into an elegant conservatory with views over the mature garden. The spacious, comfortable sitting room has an open fireplace and doors to the terrace and dining room.

There is a study lined with library shelves and a music room to the front.

Two of the four double bedrooms are en suite, with the principal bedroom enjoying tree-lined views over the garden. There is also a family
bathroom.

The south-facing rear garden is laid mainly to lawn with mature trees and shrubs. A paved terrace runs along the back of the property.

Giles Robinson, of Robinson Sherston, which is marketing the house, says: “We let and sold several properties for Annie and Vince over the years. Annie was the business manager and Vince had a tremendous musical talent, composing and performing his own music.

“They were a delight to work for and their loyal assistant Pauline worked tirelessly right to the end and supported them through their darkest moments.

“I know Vince and Annie would want a family living in Northcote Lodge and for them to be as happy as they were while enjoying the pleasures Shiplake has to offer.”

• For more information or to arrange a viewing, call Robinson Sherston (01491) 411911

Image of Vince Hill copyright Mike Prior