Top 5 Historical Interiors to Visit around the UK

Kenwood House Entrance Hall - timeout.com

In the UK we are completely spoiled by the amount of history and beautifully preserved houses and estates on our doorstep. They range from Norman king’s estates, to 1940’s town-houses and everything in-between. These are not just great for learning about our history, but can also be hugely influential design inspirations to this day. Here are our top 5 historical properties to visit, which have jaw dropping interiors to inspire your own homes.

1510’s - , Surrey

Hampton Court Chapel - Dailymail.co.uk

Hampton Court palace is not only the home of our most famous King Henry VIII, but half of the property was also renovated in the Baroque style by William III. Many iconic moments of history happened within these walls, the proposal to start a parliamentary government, the formation of the Church of England and the invention of Tennis! Henry chose it for the beautiful surrounding parks where he could hunt as well as the fact that it was on the river Thames, so he could easily to get a boat to the Tower of for his latest wife’s beheading. Our favourite room in the palace is the Royal Chapel, using outstandingly rich colours and gilded vaulted ceilings this chapel is exceedingly ornate, plus you can still get married there today!

1750’s – Kenwood Palace, London

Kenwood Palace Drawing Room - TimeOut.com

Kenwood Palace is a beautiful example of Georgian Architecture, with portraits in the arched ceilings, highly embellished gold furniture and Roman columns aplenty. This period of interior design was most definitely about boasting. Whilst we may be more coy with our interiors today (although looking at a portrait of angles praising you whilst getting dressed in the morning must be a confidence boost!), the beautiful detailing and fresh colour palettes can still be very relevant today. Many of the rooms in this house are painted in sky blue and baby pink, which is very similar to Pantones colours of the year for 2016!

1870’s - Waddeston Manor, Buckinghamshire

Waddeston Manor Exterior - Stuart Bebb

Waddeston Manor is a beautiful, still inhabited home, owned by the Rothschild family. Its rolling parks and imposing turrets are impressive all year round, however Christmas is when this location really comes to life. An annual Christmas tree display where each room is adorned by gigantic Christmas trees decorated to the hilt will make even the most staunch Scrooge feel festive. Alongside this is an outdoor German market selling mulled wines and locally produced food as well as a ‘light art’ exhibition in the grounds. It is a festive must see.

1920’s - Upton House, Warwickshire

Upton House Bathroom - nttreasurehunt.com

Upton House is a stunning Country home which was renovated in 1927-29 by the 2nd Viscount Bearsted. It is the epitome of elegance and screams Art Deco allure. But most impressive are Lady Bearsted’s bathroom and dressing rooms. They are breathtaking, painted in red and black, with silver aluminium leaf covering the ceilings and alcoves. This is definitely a must visit for any glamour lovers.

1940’s - 2 Willow Road, London

2 Willow Road Hallway - destinationmodernism.com

2 Willow Road is the Iconic Home of the unique and influential Ernö , the leading Modernist architect of the 1930’s & 40’s era. It includes many items of furniture that he designed along with art works by and Max Ernst. When touring the rooms of this town-house you will be amazed by how many of these iconic designs are still used in our homes today. Additionally the use of light, materiality and transparency is truly inspiring. Being on a more modern scale (we don’t all live in country manors!) makes it easier to imagine translating some of the design principles used in this space into our own homes.

When you live in a country as old as England, it should be obligatory to get out and explore. Have fun!