Stephen Hawking’s Cambridge house at 5 West Road sold for £2.3 million in 2019, two years after his death. The Victorian property served as his family home for decades while he worked at Cambridge University, becoming a symbol of his extraordinary life and scientific achievements in theoretical physics.
Stephen Hawking lived in Cambridge for over 50 years, making the historic university city his permanent home. His residence became more than just a house—it transformed into a workspace where groundbreaking theories took shape and a sanctuary where one of history’s greatest minds found peace.
You’ll discover the complete story of Hawking’s Cambridge home, from its architectural details to its current status. This guide covers everything about the property that housed a scientific legend.
Stephen Hawking’s West Road, Cambridge Home
Professor Stephen Hawking resided at 5 West Road, Cambridge, for most of his adult life. The Victorian-era property sits in a quiet residential area, just minutes from Cambridge University’s main campus.
The house features traditional British architecture with bay windows, high ceilings, and period details. Hawking purchased the property in the 1970s when he joined Cambridge University as a research fellow. The location provided easy access to the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, where he spent his career.
Estate agents described the property as a “substantial family home” when it went on the market. The house includes multiple bedrooms, reception rooms, and a garden that Hawking enjoyed despite his physical limitations.
Cambridge residents often spotted Hawking navigating the streets in his wheelchair, traveling between his home and office. The short journey became a daily routine that connected his private and professional worlds.
Property Details and Sale Information
The Stephen Hawking house in Cambridge property sold in 2019 for £2.3 million, according to property records. The sale occurred two years after Hawking’s death in March 2017, when his family decided to part with the longtime family residence.
Key Property Features:
- Victorian architecture, dating from the late 1800s
- Multiple bedrooms and reception areas
- Traditional British garden space
- Wheelchair-accessible modifications made by Hawking
- Walking distance to Cambridge University
- Quiet residential neighborhood setting
Property experts noted the house required updates but retained its historic character. The new owners purchased a piece of Cambridge history along with a beautiful Victorian home.
Tim Hawking, Stephen’s son, said in 2019: “This house was where my father lived for most of his life in Cambridge. It holds so many memories of our family and his work.”
Cambridge University Connections and Stephen Hawking Building
Cambridge University honored Hawking’s legacy by naming the Stephen Hawking Building at Gonville and Caius College. The modern accommodation block houses undergraduate students and serves as a living memorial to the physicist’s contributions.
The building opened in 2006 while Hawking was still alive, recognizing his 40-year association with the college. Located on Harvey Road, the facility provides student housing with contemporary amenities and study spaces.
Dr. Alan Bookbinder, Master of Gonville and Caius College, stated in 2018: “Stephen Hawking’s connection to our college spanned decades. The building bearing his name continues his legacy of inspiring young minds.”
Students living in the Stephen Hawking Building often express pride in the connection to the renowned physicist. The accommodation serves as a daily reminder of scientific excellence and perseverance.
Life at Cambridge: Work and Home Balance
Hawking’s Cambridge house served multiple purposes beyond a family residence. The property became an extension of his university office, where he continued thinking about black holes, cosmology, and theoretical physics.
His daily routine involved traveling from West Road to the university campus. Despite progressive motor neuron disease, Hawking maintained this schedule for decades. The familiar journey between home and work provided stability in his changing physical condition.
Family life centered around the Cambridge house, where Hawking raised three children with his first wife, Jane Wilde. The property witnessed celebrations, scientific breakthroughs, and personal challenges throughout the years.
Colleagues and students frequently visited the house for informal discussions about physics and mathematics. These gatherings extended university conversations into Hawking’s private space, blending academic and personal relationships.
Current Status and Visiting Stephen Hawking’s Cambridge Legacy
The Stephen Hawking house in Cambridge remains private property under new ownership. Visitors cannot tour the interior, but the exterior can be viewed from West Road. Physics enthusiasts often include the location in their Cambridge walking tours.
Several official memorials exist throughout Cambridge for those wanting to honor Hawking’s memory:
Public Hawking Memorials in Cambridge:
- Stephen Hawking Building at Gonville and Caius College
- Memorial plaque at the Department of Applied Mathematics
- Hawking’s former office (by appointment only)
- Great Court at Gonville and Caius College, where he studied
Cambridge University offers guided tours that include stops at locations significant to Hawking’s career. These official tours provide historical context while respecting private property boundaries.
The Cambridge Science Centre also features exhibits about Hawking’s work and his connection to the city. Visitors can explore interactive displays about black holes and cosmology.
Final Thoughts
Stephen Hawking House Cambridge represents more than real estate—it symbolizes a life dedicated to scientific discovery. The Victorian property on West Road housed one of history’s greatest minds during his most productive years.
The sale of the house marked the end of an era for Cambridge physics. New owners now call the property home, but its historical significance remains unchanged.
Cambridge continues to celebrate Hawking’s legacy through university buildings, academic programs, and public memorials. His influence on the city extends far beyond any single property.
FAQs
Can you visit Stephen Hawking’s house in Cambridge?
No, the house at 5 West Road is private property. You can view the exterior from the street, but interior tours are not available. Cambridge University offers official tours of Hawking-related locations on campus.
When was Stephen Hawking’s Cambridge house sold?
The property was sold in 2019 for £2.3 million, approximately two years after Hawking’s death in March 2017. His family managed the sale through local estate agents.
Where is the Stephen Hawking Building in Cambridge?
The Stephen Hawking Building is located at Gonville and Caius College on Harvey Road. It serves as undergraduate accommodation and opened in 2006 as a tribute to Hawking’s long association with the college.
How long did Stephen Hawking live in Cambridge?
Hawking lived in Cambridge for over 50 years, from the early 1960s until he died in 2017. He maintained his residence on West Road for most of this period while working at Cambridge University.
What other Stephen Hawking memorials exist in Cambridge?
Cambridge features several Hawking memorials, including the Stephen Hawking Building, memorial plaques at the university, and exhibits at the Cambridge Science Centre. His former office can be visited by appointment through the university.
