Was lucky enough to be invited to a birthday party at this extraordinary venue last weekend. Was expecting something special as I'd been warned it was good, but nothing could have prepared me for the visual feast that hits you from the moment you enter the driveway. Mixing classical, gothic and contemporary decoration together, this really is a temple to extravagance and decadence. Stuffed to the gills with Grecian plaster cast sculptures, taxidermy and theatrical decorative styling. It was like the British Museum, St John Soane's Museum, Covent Garden Opera House and Soho House all smashed and blitzed together in to some eye poppingly powerful and exotic cocktail. Startlingly brilliant and truly memorable.
Polar in a bowler........
Sir John Soane redesigned the house between 1799 and 1804. The collection of plaster casts on the walls of the library staircase are incredible and it feels just like being in the Soane museum in London.
Chandeliers a-go-go
There's a plethora of traditional Grecian sculptures to view from inside or out......
.....and then there's the stuffed giraffe, of course.
Moose in the house......
Contemporary (slightly risque) photography, surreal oversized hand wallpaper, Murano glass chandeliers and beveled glass screen - mixed together equals inspired design
Bejeweled geese watch over as you lie back on the huge purple velvet sofa accessorised with acid yellow silk oversized cushions
Immense gilt ormulu candelabras, antique glass floor to ceiling mirrors and ancestral oil paintings create theatrical corners
Sweet and funny little touches are found all around the house
Sophie Ryder scultpure in the garden
Photos can't really do justice to this place. If you get the chance, don't turn down the chance to
visit, you won't regret it.
Polar in a bowler........
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