The Rothschild House: WADDESDON MANOR:
GOODWOOD HOUSE:
HAREWOOD HOUSE:
HATFIELD HOUSE:
CASTLE HOWARD:
CASTLE HOWARD:
ARUNDEL CASTLE:
CHATSWORTH, THE HOME OF THE DUKES OF DEVONSHIRE, THE CAVENDISH FAMILY
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
Two or three times a week, I am asked by London visitors if I would recommend one day-out-of-London. I often suggest Bath-Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, Oxford, the Isle of Wight, Canterbury, Waddesdon Manor, Stratford, Warwick Castle. To this list, I always suggest BLENHEIM PALACE at Woodstock, the residence of the Duke of Marlborough. I have written several articles about Blenheim in the past, but a recent phone call has prompted me to post a few spectacular photographs of the Palace which might encourage you to select Blenheim Palace for your one day out of London. Have lunch at the Boar Inn in Woodstock. Remember, Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim Palace, a nephew of the Duke of Marlborough.
Winston Churchill was born in this room
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
During the summer months, the Queen’s Sandringham House is open to the public and is a wonderful day trip from London. AND, if you rise early in London you can visit two magnificent estates in county Norfolk: Sandringham House and Holkham Hall. I love Holkham Hall and its pure Palladian style set in a magnificent setting. The Marble Hall is one of my favorite rooms in Britain. Pack a picnic or visit a Norfolk pub for a pub lunch, rent a car or hire Maureen Walker to drive you to Norfolk and have a real day of it. Let me show you some fabulous images of Holkham Hall.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
This summer, Mrs. Moore and I cross the North Atlantic on the Queen Mary in mid-August, departing from New York and arriving in Southampton on 22 August. We will meet our friends in New York who will join us for a summer crossing and a late summer and fall stay in London. We have been working on our list of MUST SEE PLACES for this visit. I have been to Petworth House in West Sussex several years ago, but Joe diLeo’s article on Grinling Gibbons this morning has reminded that Petworth House has to have a return visit. The Queen Mary2 arrives in Southampton early in the morning, and our driver from London will collect us from the ship before 10:00 AM–perfect for the short ride to Petworth for lunch and a visit through the house. Joe has reminded us of the fabulous lime wood carvings that decorate many rooms of this vast late 17th century house. Broadlands, the home of the Mountbatten family, will be a day visit from London so we can spent more time in Petworth House. Petworth House in West Sussex, inland from Portsmouth and Brighton, is a late 17th century mansion built in 1688 by Charles Seymour 6th Duke of Somerset and altered in 1870 by Anthony. Today’s building houses an enormous collection of furniture, paintings, and neo-classical sculptures. The splendid ceilings were painted by Louis Laguerre. THE GREAT PETWORTH GLOBE by Molyneux is believed to be the only one in its original 1592 state. The house has been in the hands of the Wyndam family–currently Lord Egremont who lives in one wing of the vast house. The gardens are famous as they were continuously painted by TURNER. The estate is inhabited by the largest herd of fallow dear in England. The house is located in Petworth, South Downs National Park, inland between Portsmouth and Brighton. Now to images of this great house!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
There is no satisfaction greater than the rewards from saving an historic building. I restored the interiors of three very important historic houses in Nauvoo, Illinois and 9 Victorian farm houses in the Intermountain West which I have kept for my grandchildren. I really enjoy seeing eager people who are determined to breathe life into a building with a great history and story. Look at this story.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
ENGLISH HOME was a Christmas gift from my friend Erika Martin. I have enjoyed the magazine a great deal.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
I have been putting together articles lately about the great houses around London. Another of these great estates is Kenwood House in north London. I have enjoyed visiting this historic residence for years because of the stunning Robert Adams Library and the fine paintings. I want to warn travelers to London this year that the house will be closed until 1 September because of necessary restorations and conservation. While the conservation work is being done, the Kenwood House Art Collection will be making friends in the United States–returning to London early September. In the meantime, the great lawns are spectacular for a picnic or a game of soccer to stretch travelers legs. You will recognize the facade of the house because it played prominently Jane Austen movies and in the movie NOTTING HILL. Here is a bit of history about this lovely house, so much the work of Robert Adams, and the fabulous art collection.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
Close to London, there are several stately homes which were the pleasure houses and gardens of the very rich. Several of these were Tudor buildings which were greatly refurbished during the 18th century by such architects as Robert Adam. There is Syon House, Chiswick House, and Osterley Park. For those coming to London for a short visit and want to see a “country house” without traveling to Gloucestershire or further afield, Osterley House is the answer. This great house was originally built in the 1570′s by Sir Thomas Gresham, but was almost completely refurbished by Robert Adam for Robert Child in 1761 to a most magnificent residence. When Sir Robert Walpole first saw the residence, he uttered the famous words WORTHY OF EVE BEFORE THE FALL. The elaborate but restrained plasterwork throughout the house is stunning. The French Aubusson and Gobelin French room is amazing to find in an 18th century English house. Much of the furniture which is still in the house was also designed by Robert Adam as architects of the period were also furniture designers. Robert Adam’s State Bed is a “must see” on anyone’s list; it is incredible. There are numerous ways to reach Osterley Park from central London including a taxi; beg your way back. I always figure that if I can get there, I will figure out a way for a return. The house is very close to London–in fact, in the suburbs. Here are a few images which I hope will intrigue and help you consider Osterley Park as a first rate possibility for your visit to London.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
A BLUE PLAQUE at 76 Brook Street, Mayfair, marks the residence of the great architect Colin Campbell, known for his great houses of Stourhead, Houghton Hall, Altrop, Greenwich Hospital, Burlington House, etc. But, I want to highlight MARBLE HILL HOUSE at Twickenham on the Thames. I took the Thames Boat to Hampton Court last summer and delighted to see MARBLE HILL HOUSE from the river. It was wonderful. I wanted to suggest to my readers that they might like to visit this very interesting Colin Campbell house which was built for George II’s mistress (when Prince of Wales) Henrietta Howard, Countess of Suffold. The house is now owned by British Heritage, and it has been restored to its Georgian beauty. I strongly recommend this visit.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
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