Spencer House, London

The aptly named Great Room is twice the height of any other in the House. Intended as a setting for receptions, balls and also as a picture gallery, this is the largest and most imposing of the State Rooms. The walls are covered with silk damask in the same design as that in Lady Spencer's Room #spencerhouse #highsociety #historichouses #privatepalace #architecture #design #interiors #classical #neoclassical #georgian #spencer #furniture #art #oilpaintings #gilding #visitbritain #guidedtours #timeout #london

Join us on Sunday for our last Garden Open Day of the year. A rare opportunity to take a Blue Badge Guided tour of the House followed by a talk in the grounds from renowned garden historian Todd Longstaffe-Gowan. Tickets available on our website and on the door #spencerhouse #garden #guidedtours #architecture #history #landscape #design #art #education #daysout #whattodoinlondon #timeout #formalgardens #privatepalace #historichouses #horticulture #gardenersworld #summertime

The main staircase is a feat of engineering as much as architecture, comprising three flights of cantilevered Portland stone steps rising from ground to first floor. The barrel vault ceiling resembles the soffit of a triumphal arch, with coffered compartments enriched with rosettes and divided by bands of guilloche #spencerhouse #architecture #engineering #interiors #design #classical #neoclassical #palladian #historichouses #privatepalace #visitbritain #guidedtours #timeout #london #art #attractions #grecian #roman #myth #temples

South-west view of the Painted Room filled with light. Architect James Stuart's original Neo-Classical seating furniture was designed on a curve to stand against the wall of the apse. Sold from Althorp to the Victoria and Albert museum after the death of the 7th Earl Spencer, the furniture has been reinstated in its intended setting, on loan from the V&A #spencerhouse #thepaintedroom #neoclassical #palladian #architecture #georgian #restorations #interiors #gilding #furniture #bespoke #antique #classical #decoration #craftsmanship #historichouses #privatepalace #visitbritain #guidedtours #timeout #london

Join us tomorrow for a special combined tour of the House and the Gardens. Tickets are available on the door #spencerhouse #guidedtours #opengarden #georgian #privatepalace #historichouses #palladian #neoclassical #lovelondon #timeout #visitbritain #artfund

Detail of one of a pair of giltwood 'Atheniennes' supporting Louis XVI ormolu candelabra, on display in the Painted Room. The original painted torcheres were removed to Althorp

The Library was originally a drawing room, before the Second Earl commissioned Henry Holland to make the alterations in order to house part of his magnificent book collection. Holland was also responsible for the plain coved ceiling, the simple acanthus leaf frieze and for widening the original sash window to make the present French doors to the terrace, overlooking the garden and Green Park. Indeed, Holland designed the original layout of the garden with an oval path and flowerbeds cut into the lawn

There are roses galore in the garden at this time of year. These old fashioned varieties are highly scented and, like the rest of the planting, in keeping with the original scheme. Come and see for yourself on our Open Day on the 24th June!

A very busy honeybee in the Silybum marianum this morning! You can join us for a special tour of both the House and Garden on Sunday June 24th, see ticket information on our website.

The garden at Spencer House will be open to the public on just three days this summer. Join us for a special combined tour of the House and garden on either May 27, June 24, or July 15.
Originally designed in the eighteenth century by Henry Holland (son-in-law to Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown), the half-acre garden was then and still remains among the grandest in the West End. Restored since 1990 by RIT Capital Partners, under the Chairmanship of Lord Rothschild, the garden, wi...th a delightful view of the adjacent Royal Park, now evokes its original layout. Paths and lawn have been reinstated along with carefully selected plants and shrubs appropriate to the late eighteenth and early nineteenth-centuries.
Garden Historian Todd Longstaffe-Gowan advised on the restoration and introductory talks will be given to visitors on the day. The Gardener will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have and a plant list will be provided for you to take away.
Tickets £18 adults, £15 concessions
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The front of the house, illuminated in anticipation of guests arriving for a recent event #spencerhouse #welcome #eventplanner #venues #uniquevenues #historichouses #palladian #neoclassical #palace #lovelondon #london #bespoke #events #finedining #georgian #lanterns #lighting #silverservice #hospitality

The Versailles tubs at the back door have been replanted with these standard Photinias just in time for the Chelsea Flower Show this week. The first Spencer House Garden Day follows on this Sunday 27th May; there are just a few tickets left available on our website!

Dick Reid OBE, talks about recreating the original marble chimney-pieces and extensive decorative wood carvings at Spencer House as part of RIT Capital Partner's refurbishment carried out under the Chairmanship of Lord Rothschild in the 1980's

The original chimney-pieces were removed from the House to Althorp for safe keeping during the war. Dick Reid was later commissioned to recreate exact replicas during the restoration. The Bacchic frieze featured here, derived from the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens, makes an appropriate centrepiece in the Great Room that was chiefly devoted to hospitality. Nearly 8,000 man hours of masonry and carving were required to complete the chimney-piece.

The lantern that hangs in the Staircase Hall came from the Bucentaur, the state barge of the Doge of Venice. Dating from 1680 - 1700, the lantern is largely made from repoussé copper and brass elements. It is 4 metres in height and weighs 150 kilos.
@rupertharrisconservation carried out conservation work prior to installation at Spencer House

The comparatively restrained Music Room is a modest overture to Stuart’s State Rooms which follow. The plaster frieze ornamented with urns is similar to that in the dining room at Lichfield House in St. James’s Square, also designed by Stuart.

Blue, blue skies over Spencer House boding well for the early May Bank Holiday weekend! The statues of Flora, Ceres and Bacchus adorn the roof of the west facade. Traditionally, these three gods are used to represent Spring, Summer and Autumn respectively.

The interior of the Dining Room evokes the period of the Regency, with elements that also look back to the mid-eighteenth century. Holland's scagliola columns have been restored and Vardy's original sideboards are once more in place. The State Rooms are open to the public for viewing on Sundays throughout the year (excluding August). Guided tours run at regular intervals throughout the day from 10.30am – 4.30pm (last tour). Contact us for group bookings.

“Rich colour, fabric, gold leaf and artwork were used to great effect. Particularly fine rooms are the Painted Room, covered in original artwork and a delicate ceiling, the Palm Room with plaster palms and huge gilt leaves, and the Dining Room, with its carved fireplaces, bronze medallions and painted and gilt ceiling.” - Hare & Humphreys

Wonderful experience. Must return soon. It warrants many visits...

What an amazing place, packed with history and elegance. The perfect location for Style For Soldiers Christmas Party. Thank you to all the staff and have a very merry Christmas

Visited as part of a private tour organised by Historic Houses Association. Excellently organised with an exceptionally knowledgeable guide who enhanced the experience. A magnificent house which has been restored so well that you believe that the furnishings, paintings etc. have always been there.

The guide was so knowledgeable and made it really interesting. I would highly recommend a visit. A magnificent residence.

Recently fully reinstated, in perfect condition resembling the XVIII Century aristocracy lifestyle...simply royal! 😍 A must visit!

Perfectly restored, Spencer House is one of the unique treasures of London. A must visit for everyone interested in 18th century !

One of the grandest Mansion House in London. Royal!

Not to miss! Amazing!

It's a very unique building in London because they don't use bricks at all. So beautiful.

I loved my visit our lady guide was so knowledgeable.

I had a very nice guide lady. it's a marvellously restored palace with amazing neoclassical interiors. A nice place where you can see how aristocrats lived in 18th 19th century

Excellent lecture series, and a chance to look at the pictures.