Home of late motor racing great goes on sale

THE former home of a pioneering motor racing ace is up for sale.

Great Beazeleys, in Sawbridgeworth, was the former home of Ian Walker who raced in the Monte Carlo Rally six times before moving onto track racing with Lotus in 1957.

He retired to the property in 1990 and the six bedroom house is now on the market with estate agent Mullucks Wells.

Walker was one of the first drivers to use helmet-mounted intercom, and as a team manager he was the first to introduce purpose built articulated lorries for his team to use during race meetings – a practice that is now commonplace in Formula One.

He died in 2008 and his son, Sean, is selling the house.

Sean Walker said: “The new ideas that dad used in racing really were cutting edge for their time. Not only did he work with the big names of the time, such as Graham Hill, but he also helped develop young talent in the sport.

“The use of intercom and the now familiar articulated trucks brought a real professionalism to racing that will never be forgotten.”

Ian Walker’s role in the development of the sport has been recognised in a recently published and highly acclaimed book called Ian Walker Racing: The Man and His Cars by motoring journalist Julian Balme.

Mullucks Wells’ director, William Wells, said: “This is a fine country house with an interesting pedigree. Ian Walker lived in London and Monaco during his racing career, but chose to retire here. The property dates back to the 17th Century and has five bedrooms in the main house plus a one-bedroom bungalow in the five acres of grounds.”

Great Beazeleys is on the market for £1,100,000. For more information, contact Mullucks Wells on 01279 755400.