Beautiful historic houses

One of the best things to do in London is to visit a stately home. In this section I highlight some of the best historic houses in London, from grand houses to some of the oldest houses in the city.

Syon House

Syon House is a stunning 16th century house owned by the Duke of Northumberland. Situated in Syon Park, its rooms include a Great Hall and Long Gallery, and there are many paintings on display.

The 18th century interior of the house was designed by architect Robert Adam, who was known for his elegant neo-classical style.

A beautiful Victorian conservatory was a later addition to the estate, set within the gardens which you can explore as part of your visit. The surrounding parkland was landscaped by renowned gardener Capability Brown.

Location: West London (Hounslow). The house is located within Syon Park.

Nearest station: Syon Lane rail

More information: https://syonpark.co.uk/

Leighton House

Leighton House was built in 1865 and was once the home and studio of the artist Frederick Leighton, who dedicated a lot of his time to creating a peaceful sanctuary here.

The highlight of the house is the Arab Hall, built as part of a later extension to the house in 1877. The hall features objects Leighton collected on his travels to Turkey, Syria and Egypt, including the beautiful tiles on the walls of the Arab Hall which are from Damascus in Syria. Other rooms include Leighton’s huge light-filled studio and the impressive Staircase Hall.

Now is a great time to visit as the house has recently reopened after a period of closure for refurbishment. There is a new entrance, new exhibition spaces and shop. If you have time, you can get a combined entry ticket which includes nearby Sambourne House

Location: West London (Kensington). The house is at 12 Holland Park Road. You can visit the house on its own, or get a joint ticket which includes nearby Sambourne House.

Nearest station: High Street Kensington tube or Kensington Olympia tube/rail

More information: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/museums/

Two Temple Place

Two Temple Place is a gothic-style Victorian house that’s a must-see if you’re interested in architecture. The building is open at certain times of the year (check the website for more info), usually for free art exhibitions, but it’s worth going mainly to take in the fabulous carved wooden staircase.

Built in the 1890s, the house was originally designed to be an office for William Astor, the richest man in the world at the time. Previously known as Astor House, it’s been open to the public since 2011, and is also available to hire for events including weddings. As well as the staircase, other highlights include the Great Hall where there are gorgeous stained glass windows.

Location: Central London (City of London).

Nearest tube: Temple tube

More information: https://twotempleplace.org/

Fenton House

Fenton House, now cared for by National Trust, is a lovely 17th century home with a pretty garden (pictured).

Located in Hampstead, the house displays many objects formerly owned by Lady Binning, who bought the house in the 1930s. You can see furniture, paintings, porcelain, and - most famously - a collection of early keyboard instruments.

The large garden has a lawn area as well as a kitchen garden.

Location: North London (Hampstead). The house is on Hampstead Grove.

Nearest station: Hampstead tube

More information: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/fenton-house-and-garden

Spencer House

Spencer House is a fabulous 18th century townhouse and one of the only remaining palaces in this part of London, which used to be known for its impressive aristocratic residences.

The house was originally built in the 1750s for Lord and Lady Spencer (ancestors of Diana, Princess of Wales), and you can visit by guided tour only on Sundays. The tours take in some of the grand State Rooms including The Great Room (pictured) - you can just imagine some of the lavish events which have taken place here.

Tickets also include access to the garden, which backs on to Green Park. It’s best to book tickets in advance.

Location: Central London (West End). The house is on St James’s Place.

Nearest station: Green Park tube

More information: https://www.spencerhouse.co.uk/

Ham House

Ham House is a grand 17th century house, not far from the River Thames in Richmond. The house was originally owned by the Duke and Duchess of Lauderdale, and is now looked after by the National Trust.

There are many original features, including marble floors, the fine wooden staircase, and many items of furniture including a 17th century closet. You can see rooms like the Long Gallery and the Great Hall which have lots of paintings on display.

There are also extensive gardens to explore, including a Kitchen Garden which supplies the house’s cafe.

Location: West London (Richmond). The house is on Ham Street, but the nicest way to get here is walking along the river from Richmond.

Nearest station: Richmond and then a 30 minute walk or bus.

More information: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/ham-house-and-garden

Rangers House

Rangers House is a Georgian house within Greenwich Park, and is now famous as a filming location for the TV show Brigerton. It has over 700 works of art, including medieval sculptures and Renaissance paintings, and is cared for by English Heritage.

It’s a great place to visit in summer when the rose garden is in full bloom.

The house closes over winter, so do check opening times on the website.

Location: South London (Greenwich). The house is located within Greenwich Park.

Nearest station: Greenwich rail, or Blackheath rail

More information: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/rangers-house-the-wernher-collection/

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace is a magnificent palace, originally built for Cardinal Wolsey who was Henry VIII’s minister. When Wolsey fell out of favour, the King took over the palace and he brought all of his wives here, as well as holding lavish banquets. Later, in the late 17th century, King William III commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to rebuild parts of the palace, and the architecture is an interesting mix of Tudor and Baroque as a result.

Highlights of the palace include the Great Hall, the Tudor kitchens, and the Royal Chapel, but there is a lot to see here and it’s well worth the admission fee. You can also visit the expansive gardens, which include sunken gardens, a maze, courtyards, a wild meadow, kitchen garden and rose garden. I visited once during the annual tulip festival which was lovely, but there are special events throughout the year, from photography exhibitions to craft fairs.

Location: West London (Molesey). The house is on Hampton Court Way.

Nearest station: Hampton Court rail

More information: https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/

Dr Johnson’s House

This cosy house was once home to Dr Samuel Johnson, one of the most well-known literary figures in the 18th century, who compiled the first modern English language dictionary. He worked on the dictionary while living here. Johnson also wrote many essays and biographies, and is apparently the second most quoted Englishman. One of his most famous quotes is ‘...when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life’.

This historic four storey town house, built in the 1690s, includes Georgian furniture (including Johnson’s own desk) and 18th and 19th century paintings. You can take a self-guided tour of all the rooms, and soak up the unique atmosphere.

Don’t miss the statue of Hodge outside the house - Johnson’s cat who lived with him during a time when cats had just started to be kept as domestic pets

Location: Central London (City of London). The house is located at 17 Gough Square.

Nearest station: Chancery Lane tube or City Thameslink rail

More information: https://www.drjohnsonshouse.org/

Fulham Palace

Fulham Palace has recently been restored, and it’s now possible to see more of the house and gardens. Home to the Bishops of London for thousands of years, the house has changed over time resulting in a mix of architectural styles, but the foundations of the current buildings date back to the 13th century.

The Bishops of London used the Palace as a summer getaway, far from the busy and smelly city. Members of the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth 1, have visited here, and more recently it’s been opened up to the local community to enjoy.

It’s free to visit the house. You can visit the historic rooms, including the Great Hall and chapel, as well as the lovely garden which is itself worth a visit alone.

Location: West London (Fulham). The palace is on Bishop’s Avenue.

Nearest station: Putney Bridge tube

More information: https://www.fulhampalace.org/

Chiswick House

This unusual 18th century villa, built in a neo-Palladian style, was once home to Lord Burlington, and still contains many of his paintings, furniture and souvenirs. Lord Burlington designed the house himself: inspired by his travels in Italy, he created this Roman style building and filled it with his artwork.

Although you have to pay to visit the house itself, the gardens are free, and include a walled Kitchen Garden with many seasonal plants. I recommend visiting in early Spring to see the collection of camelias in the conservatory. Designed by William Kent, the gardens were often painted by artists, and they inspired the English Landscape Movement which replaced overly ornamental gardens with more natural and informal designs. There’s a local market on the first Sunday of the month.

Location: West London. The house is located within Chiswick Park on Burlington Lane.

Nearest station: Turnham Green tube or Chiswick rail.

More information: https://chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk/

Painted Hall - Old Royal Naval College

With its spectacular paintings on the ceiling and walls, the Painted Hall is sometimes referred to as London’s Sistine Chapel. Designed and painted in the early 18th century, the hall was originally part of what used to be a hospital, and the room meant to be used as a dining hall by the pensioners who lived here. However, unsurprisingly, it soon attracted a lot of visitors who wanted to take in the beautiful paintings, and it became a bit of a tourist attraction.

The Painted Hall was restored relatively recently, and reopened in 2019 following a period of closure. You can visit one of the regular talks, or take a self-guided tour using a multi-media guide which is included within the ticket price. While you’re here, I also recommend checking out the Old Royal Naval College Chapel next door.

Location: South London (Greenwich). The hall is on College Way.

Nearest station: Cutty Sark DLR or Greenwich rail

More information: https://ornc.org/explore-whats-here/painted-hall/

Hall Place

This 16th century house is one of the most underrated historic properties to visit in the city. Built in 1537 as a country house, Hall Place has many of its original features, including a redbrick courtyard.

As well as the historic rooms, there is an interesting exhibition you can visit about the house’s use during the Second World War.

You can visit the house on a guided tour, but the 65 acre gardens are free to visit. The highlight is the animal shaped hedges, known as the Queen’s Beasts - these were created to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II. There is also a regular farmers market here.

Location: South London (Bexleyheath). The house is on Bourne Road.

Nearest station: Bexley

More information: https://www.hallplace.org.uk/

Red House

The fabulous arts and crafts style Red House was co-designed by William Morris, and once served as his family home. It was also somewhere where the Pre-Raphaelite painters used to gather and explore ideas.

Now in the care of the National Trust, the house is a great place to see an example of an arts and crafts interior. You can view some of the original wall murals and handpainted furniture.

The house is closed during winter, but reopens in spring for guided tours. There is also a garden which has been created to evoke the time when William Morris lived here.

Location: South London (Bexleyheath). The house is on Red House Lane.

Nearest station: Bexleyheath rail

More information: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/red-house

Sambourne House

Sambourne House is the former home of the cartoonist and illustrator Linley Sambourne whose work was featured in the weekly satirical magazine Punch. When Sambourne moved into the house in 1875, he redecorated it in the ‘aesthetic style’ - a movement which believed art should be produced to be beautiful rather than for any other purpose. He installed stained glass windows and beautiful Morris & Co wallpaper.

Over the years, Sambourne continued to develop and decorate the house, adding new items of furniture and re-papering the walls. You can visit the house, which has been left as it was when Sambourne lived here.

Location: West London (Kensington). The house is at 18 Stafford Terrace. You can visit the house on its own, or get a joint ticket that also covers nearby Leighton House.

Nearest station: High Street Kensington tube

More information: www.rbkc.gov.uk/museums/sambourne-house