Built in 1720, Bushy Park House is regarded as the oldest “Big House” in the River Suck Valley area. A century later, a Georgian façade was added to the original structure, giving the house the elegant symmetry for which it later became known. Around this period, Bushy Park served as a school for the sons of Protestant clergymen, reflecting its standing and importance within the local community.

In 1864, the house was leased by the French family, industrious tillage and cattle farmers who set about draining and improving the surrounding land. Following the introduction of the Land Acts, ownership of Bushy Park passed into their hands, and in 1903 Tom French purchased the estate outright for the sum of £1,644.

Despite its reputation as a comfortable and welcoming home, Bushy Park also carried a quiet legacy of unexplained occurrences. On one occasion, Tom French was sitting up late reading Charles O’Malley when he heard what sounded like a heavy barrel being rolled down the staircase. He distinctly counted each step as it struck the stairs one by one. Curious but cautious, he went to investigate, only to find that his candle repeatedly blew out the moment he lit it. There was no draught — all doors and windows were firmly closed. After several failed attempts to relight the candle, he wisely abandoned the search and returned to bed.

During the later tenancy of the Knox family, another curious phenomenon was reported. Miss Knox and her mother both heard what they believed to be a coach approaching along the long, winding avenue leading to the house. They distinctly heard the jingle of harness, the murmur of voices, and saw lights as though visitors were arriving in the yard. When they stepped outside, however, there was nothing to be seen. This apparition became known locally as the “Headless Coach.”

Interestingly, despite these experiences, both residents and visitors remarked that the house never felt oppressive or threatening. On the contrary, Bushy Park was often described as having a warm and friendly atmosphere, with its ghosts – if such they were – regarded as benevolent presences rather than something to be feared.