by NICOLE LAMPERT

Forget Beverley Hills, Stanmore is where the stars want to live.

In the last few weeks, Hollywood supercouple Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman and Titanic heroine Kate Winslet have visited Stanmore Hall with a view to purchasing a slice of genuine history.

A gothic mansion once described as "one of the most perfect houses in the kingdom", the hall in Wood lane is being renovated and converted into 24 luxury flats.

Tom and Nicole arrived in a limousine complete with chauffeur early last week to see the hall's crowning glory, a £850,000 penthouse with two bedrooms, marble en suite bathrooms and a stone fireplace.

Meanwhile, 22-year-old Kate, who already lives in north London, is interested in buying a £450,000 flat with roof garden.

No contracts have been exchanged, but all the stars are definitely interested in the development, according to sales manager Henry Greenberg, who says he is not surprised.

"It is magic development," he said. "It is absolutely unique and not very expensive for what you are getting."

The one-, two- and three-bedroom flats -- which range in price from £315,000 upwards -- are all tailor-made for buyers who already include wealthy businessmen.

Residents of the multi-million pound development, which will be finished in May, will have access to a sumptuous indoor pool, Jacuzzi and gym, and any problems will be immediately looked after by a resident concierge.

Architectural features integral to the house, including gargoyles and a 150-year-old mosaic, will all remain untouched to add to the building's historical ambience.

The stars will be able to mingle with their neighbours in the landscaped gardens, which have views stretching more than 20 miles, or remain on their own private terraces.

The hall, which was built by the Duke of Chandos, would be Tom and Nicole's eighth home. Last year they splashed out on a £1 million house in Richmond Park and they also have homes in New York, Florida, California, Sydney, Colorado and Monte Carlo.

Up until now, the biggest star in modern times to live in Stanmore is probably EastEnders grandmother and Carry On sex symbol Barbara Windsor.

Both the Cruises and Kate Winslet would be welcome to the community, according to Stanmore Society chairman Tony Raymond.

He said: "Such attractive residents will be warmly welcomed. Who knows, maybe their presence will put house prices up!"

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