Top 5 Historic Houses in Greater London
Often I will hear people exclaim “I love visiting historic houses but it’s so hard to visit them if you live in London”
Whilst it’s true that many of our most famous sites are spread far and wide across the UK, there are a wealth of lesser-known sites within easy reach of the capital.
Though first a little about me. I’m Seb Harding and I’ve long held a (not so) private passion for the architectural heritage of London.
On my Instagram (@sebhardinglondon) I feature the lost treasures of London’s past as well as the best historic houses to visit.
So without further ado, here are my top 5 houses within Greater London.
1. Syon Park, Brentford
I’m starting off with one of the largest and most impressive of the privately owned houses within zone 6. The main house dates from the 1500s but visitors today will discover impeccable 18th century interiors by the superstar architect & designer Robert Adam.
Fans of Netflix’s Bridgerton will recognise the Park’s Great Conservatory which crops up in Series 2 as the location of the first ball. The estate also boasts a wonderful Garden centre which was one of the first in the country.
If you want to know more about Syon tune in every Wednesday to my Instagram (@sebhardinglondon) over the next 5 weeks to watch ‘Secrets of Syon Park’, a series of short films made with Syon Park.
2. Dennis Severs' House, Spitalfields
Located just five minutes from Liverpool Street Station, this house is the most accessible of the properties on my list though still not widely known.
Built in the 18th century when the area was home to French Huguenots silk weavers, the house was rescued in the 1970s by its namesake, an eccentric Californian with a love of British history.
Treating the house as a living art installation he turned the clock back for the building, creating an interior that could leap from the pages of Dickens or the paintings of Hogarth.
If you’re looking for intense historical accuracy then you’ve come to the wrong place. Though if your prepared to surrender to your imagination you’ll love this house.
3. Pitzhanger Manor, Ealing
Built in the early 19th century Pitzhanger was the country seat of the Architect Sir John Soane. After serving as a Library for much of the 20th century, in 2015 the house was lovingly restored to Soane’s original design.
Readers who know of the Sir John Soane Museum in Holborn may feel they wouldn’t gain much from a visit to Ealing. Though I would claim that Pitzhanger is the better example of the architect’s actual design vision as here he could be given free reign with a large freestanding house.
Alongside the house, Pitzhanger also has a gallery space for showcasing the best contemporary artists and designers.
4. Turner's House (Sandycombe Lodge), Twickenham
Similar to Pitzhanger, Turner’s house was built in the early 19th century with influence from Sir John Soane (the artist and architect were friends). It’s also undergone heavy restoration in the last few years to bring it back to it’s original appearance.
When visiting you’ll learn how J. M. W. Turner built the house as a country getaway where both him and his aged father could live in peace. Best visited on a warm summer’s day when visitors can appreciate the small but tranquil garden.
Make a day of it and visit the picturesque Orleans House Gallery (just a 20 minute walk) whilst you’re there.
5. Sutton House, Hackney
Nestled in the heart of old Hackney, Sutton House is a Tudor gem which perfectly demonstrates how houses evolve and change over their lifetimes.
Built in 1535 by Sir Ralph Sadler, the Principal Secretary of State to Henry VIII, it fell into neglect in the 20th century when it became home to squatters who daubed the rooms with murals and probably saved the building from a worse fate.
If you visit make sure to take a stroll through Sutton Place, one of the best preserved 18th century streets in east London.
For more tips on the best historic houses to visit follow me at @sebhardinglondon
