My Henley Life: Stephen Christie-Miller

STEPHEN CHRISTIE MILLER has run the Henley office of Savills UK for 18 years, having started their Oxford office 25 years ago. He specialises in country houses, farms and estate sales.

 

Stephen lives in Swyncombe with his wife Lizzie, a dog and four occasionally visiting adult children. He was born and lived in Kenya until he was four, then moved with his family to Wargrave, then Shiplake and finally to a riverside house in Henley.

 

1 What brought you to the Henley area?

My parents moved the family here in 1962 on our return from Kenya, where I was born. I moved away for 20 years and returned in 1996 as I love the area.

 

2 What would you change about Henley?

I would remove the heavy goods vehicles that come through the town. I sit on the corner of Bell Street and New Street and the number of near-misses is incredible, not to mention what they are doing to the old houses and the beautiful Grade I listed Henley Bridge.

 

3 How do you spend your leisure time locally?

Walking around the outstanding countryside around where I live.

 

4 What are your top three local haunts?

The Crooked Billet, Stoke Row, Five Horseshoes, Maidensgrove, and the King William, Hailey.

 

5 Do you have a favourite song?

Sloe Gin by Joe Bonamassa.

 

6 Which film or play has inspired or moved you the most? 

The Lehman Trilogy (play)

 

7 What do you treasure most about life in the UK?

The British sense of humour.

 

8 If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?

Watamu on the Kenya coast.

 

9 Is there anyone or anything in the area that you particularly admire, would recommend or think deserves a special mention?

Zoe Ferreira, who runs the Henley Larder – a true entrepreneur with exceptional taste in delicious food.

 

10 What did you want to be when you were a child?

An astronaut.

 

11 What do you wish you had known when you were younger?

I wish I had learnt the value of learning more languages – what an incredible skill to have.

 

12 Which three people would you choose to have dinner with?

Sir David Attenborough, George Harrison and David Gilmour.

 

13 Where do you like to travel to on holiday?

The Mediterranean, especially the Greek and Croatian islands.

 

14 What are your ambitions?

I look forward to carrying on working in Henley while I am fit and able. Once I retire I am really looking forward to travelling around the

world and exploring with my amazing wife Lizzie. I would also like to give back to the local community and charities.

 

15 Have you any regrets?

I regret not keeping up rowing while I was young. I nearly went to the Munich Olympics in my youth as a cox. I also regret not learning to play the guitar.