Strawberry Hill

This wonderful Georgian Gothic Revival villa has been on our list for a while, so we are delighted to be able to share it with you today. It was built for Horace Walpole (Earl of Orford) from 1749 and has the most amazing set of eccentric interiors which would be worthy of a film set.

Even in his day they caused a sensation. The peer wanted to create a “little gothic castle” and he incorporated many design elements from historic buildings such as Westminster Abbey and Canterbury Cathedral.

In this sweep we have tried to capture The Gallery which is an exquisite confection of vaulted ceiling and gilding set against scarlet walls.

Not to everyone’s taste but we loved it, especially with the grand portrait of Catherine de’ Medici and her children taking centre stage (Workshop of Clouet). English eccentricity at its most creative and best.