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The Tulip Stairs
The sweeping Tulip Stairs are one of the original features of the Queen’s House in Greenwich. The building was designed by Inigo Jones for Anne of Denmark but was not completed until 1630, after her death. These stairs were also the first self-supporting spiral staircase designed in Britain. They must surely have been considered ground breaking at the timehttp://Queens House Greenwich
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The fate of one English Country House
If you are driving North on the M1 in Derbyshire, you might spot the majestic ruins of Sutton Scarsdale high up on the hill. Its roof is open to the sky, the sash windows are empty and the once fine interiors have been removed. This historic house was built between 1724 and 1729, for the 4th Earl of Scarsdale. He commissioned the architect Francis Smith to skilfully incorporate the earlier building of about 1469 within its layout. The…
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Chatsworth at New Year
The library at Chatsworth looked stunning this morning, with a traditional tree and stars as accents. There was a time when our English Stately Homes closed from October to March but their festive openings now bring in much needed income to keep them going. Chatsworth was thronging with visitors this morning. Tickets to the house had sold out, the gardens were busy and it was hard to find a free table in the cafes. Whilst some might feel…
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The Hunting Tower at Chatsworth
Our New Year adventure has begun with keys to the Hunting Tower at Chatsworth
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The Green Writing Room at Blenheim
As we sit down to write our thank you letters to friends and relations for all of the thoughtful gifts they sent us, this elegant writing room at Blenheim came to mind. The Blenheim Tapestry takes pride of place against green silk damask walls bearing the Churchill family’s coat of arms. The portraits include the first Sir Winston Churchill who was born in 1620 (not shown here). He was a staunch Royalist who was stripped of his home…
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The Great Dining Room: Chatsworth House
Following yesterday’s post of Charles Cavendish’s portrait, by Sir Anthony van Dyck, we thought that we would share the painting in situ at Chatsworth House, in Derbyshire. We love the ruby red walls in this stunning setting. Red often appears to be the choice for dining room walls in many stately homes across the country, probably due to a theory that the colour increases the appetite. It also provides a delicious backdrop, particularly for the rich palettes of…
