George Harrison’s country estate, Friar Park, is back in the spotlight. The former Beatle bought the property in 1970 when he was just 27. Back then, it was a forgotten mansion almost ready to be knocked down. George stepped in just one week before demolition and renovated the place.
Friar Park is set on 62 acres in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, and was built in 1895 for a wealthy lawyer named Sir Frank Crisp. George and his wife Olivia spent years fixing up the place and adding their own touch. Today, the estate stands as one of the most unique properties in Britain.
George Harrison’s son has received permission to develop his late father’s estate
Dhani Harrison, the only child of George and Olivia, has now been given the green light to make changes to part of Friar Park. The 46-year-old musician applied to the local council to update an earlier plan that allowed a new house to be built on an unused tennis court within the grounds.
Dhani’s updates include changing the shape of some windows, removing a planned clock tower, and adding round French doors. He also asked for a plant room to be added, as a nod to his parents’ shared love of gardening. One interesting touch is the addition of three dragon-shaped ornaments on the roof, a likely reference to George’s English heritage or even St. George and the Dragon.
George Harrison’s estate inspired his first solo album
Friar Park didn’t just serve as a peaceful home. It also inspired George’s solo music after the Beatles broke up. His first album, All Things Must Pass, was heavily influenced by the estate. The album includes hits like “My Sweet Lord” and “What Is Life.”
One track, “The Ballad Of Sir Frankie Crisp,” was even named after the estate’s original owner. The album cover for All Things Must Pass shows George sitting on the lawn at Friar Park with four gnomes. Many fans believe the gnomes represented each member of the Beatles.