London’s Secret Historic Houses
Discover the great historic houses of London. Hidden around every corner of west London, lie splendid buildings filled with priceless art and stunning interiors.
Spencer House - St. James’s
Built as the London residence of the wealthy wool family, the Spencers, Spencer House is hidden down a small unasuming side street off St. James’s Street, with views onto Green Park. The perfectly symmetrical Neo classical house was built in 1758 by John Vardy, a student of William Kent and James Stuart, who gave the building it’s striking greek inspired interiors. It houses a fabulous collection of priceless artwork, gorgeous interiors and a wealth of history. Like many great aristocratic London Houses, the house welcomed the great and the good of high society in the 18th & 19th centuries, including actors, politicians & royalty. The house is routinely open to visitors. It has been leased from the Spencer family by the Rothschild Foundation, who after a costly restoration project, now open the house and host events, from high society weddings to corporate functions.
Lancaster House - St. James’s
Originally known as York House, named after it’s first owner, the Duke of York, second son of George III, Lancaster House was built as his London residence, but unfortunately was not completed in-time for the Prince to enjoy it. It was then purchased by the Marquess of Stafford who renamed it Stafford House. Under Lord Stafford’s ownership it became a haven for the arts & liberal politics. It was later purchased by Sir William Lever who renamed it Lancaster House after his beloved native county. Sir William gifted the property to the nation in 1913. Since then the House has hosted government conferences and world leaders, mainly being used by the Foreign Office, who are responsible for it’s upkeep. Interestingly it also houses the government wine cellar. Unfortunately you are unlikely to visit it, as it is very rarely open to the public, but you are likely to view its grand interiors on TV & in film, having been used as Buckingham Palace in numerous period dramas, including The Crown.
Syon House - Richmond
Built on the site of medieval monastery, Syon House has been owned by the powerful Dukes of Northumberland since the 16th century. In 1762, the 1st Duke commissioned the venerated architect Robert Adam to construct a grand residence for the newly ennobled peer. The Duke also commissioned the legendary landscape gardener Capability Brown to redesign the park around the house, which today extends to some 200 acres. Interestingly however, the Northumberland’s primary London residence was the now demolished Northumberland House. Syon’s ornate neo-classical interiors, were built to reflect the wealth & power of the Percy family. Today you too can enjoy these fabulous interiors for yourself, on one of the house’s many open days. The interiors of the house have been used in a variety of period dramas. However the most famous of these must be the use of the Orangery at Syon in the smash hit Netflix series Bridgerton.
Chiswick House - Chiswick
Built as a grand villa to entertain high society by the wealthy 3rd Earl of Burlington, Chiswick House is a unique example of 18th century neo-classical design. The 60 acres of gardens and the interiors of the house were designed by William Kent, with Chiswick featuring the earliest form of landscape garden, which was to become highly popular in the 18th century with the work of Capability Brown. Chiswick was owned for the majority of its history by the powerful Cavendish family, owners of Chatsworth in Derbyshire. The house fell into disrepair in the 20th century and was subsequently sold by the Devonshires, ending up as a fire station at one time. Today it’s beautifully restored interiors are a homage to the exquisite work of William Kent and 18th century design. The house and its glorious gardens are routinely open to the public.