If youโre looking for a perfect half-day escape from London, blending elegant architecture and gardens, choose Strawberry Hill House. Such an enchanting villa got its popularity thanks to the shell bench on Instagram.
Close to Richmond, you can easily plan your adventure by visiting one of the most beautiful parks in London. This unique gothic villa is surrounded by the luxuriousย gardens and quiet fields, ideal for cozy walks. Particularly impressive is the ceiling in the main hall, Walpoleโs bibliotheque and shell bench. Though the bench is a bit ruined, this is what initiated my visit.
Horace Walpole not only created a beautiful villa, but his vision and novels influenced many generations of writers and architects. In this regard I have to mention his book The Castle of Otranto.
About the history
Strawberry Hill House developed from a vision of Howard Walpole (1717-1797), the son of the first British minister Robert Walpole. Horace was a writer and collector, who in 1749 started building houses that will change the history of British architecture.
Inspired by the medieval castles and cathedrals, Walpole created something that depicted the first example of the Gothic Renaissance in England. His design influenced many generations of architects, which was more than expected in the beginning. Properly in this house was born his novel The Castle of Otranto (1764), the first gothic novel.
Strawberry Hill House was more than a home, it was Walpoleโs fantasy vision and laboratory of ideas. Every window has its story, from the luxurious gallery to the peaceful bibliotheque. From the windows of his bibliotheque, Walpole could see Richmond, which gives to the house another poetic layer. It created the feeling of connection with nature and civilization and still having enough distance for peace and contemplation.
Events in the Strawberry Hills
Today Strawberry Hill House is open to public and absorbs the same spirit of curiosity and creativity belonging to Walpole. The visitors can enjoy the occassional exhibitions, connecting history and modern culture. With the guided tours youโll experience the Walpoleโs life and heritage.
On the special dates you can enjoy the music evenings, lectures and workshops. With the calm wanderings to the gardens, you will have a background for contemplation, rather than luxurious spectacle.
Some of the notable events include the seasonal trail, like the Valentineโs Gothic Romantic Tour or the mysterious Halloween Tour. You can enjoy the Valentineโs weekend by getting involved in the family workshop and making crafts.
The most popular occasion to visit the Strawberry Hill House is, however, wonderful Flower Festival in September. Every year bringing another theme, the whole house sparkles with beautiful decorations and gardens are simply marvelous.
Tips for your visit
Strawberry Hill House is easily accessible by the Overground train from London, which is ideal for the half-day escape.
To enjoy the quietest time and the best lightning, choose the early morning or the late afternoon.
If you want to explore the every corner of the house, take the light clother and comfortable shoes.
Every detail tells the historic story, pay attention to the ceiling, bibliotheque and gardens.
Spend 2-3 hours slowly walking through the house and gardens, absorbing the atmosphere and elegance. Relax in the beautiful cafe with a delicious cake or snack. Having the amazing vegan choice will leave you with even more enchantment.
Donโt forget to bring a small notebook, every corner brings inspiration for your thoughts.
Strawberry Hill House is not only a half-day trip from London, itโs an escape to history, creativity and elegance. Exploring the heritage of the one of the most famous British intellectuals will change your perspective. Itโs an ideal place for the lovers of architecture, history and small, gracious gardens.
My impressions of the Strawberry Hill House
Visiting the Strawberry Hill House was like a short return to another time. You will absorb the world when the aesthetics was something to be lived for, not only observed. While walking through the halls and rooms, every ceiling and detail described how to create art. Within the bibliotheque, I was mostly impressed- itโs a quiet and small room where the time stops.
In the garden, I stopped by the shell bench, which was the symbol of transience and constancy. Though already ruined, it was incredibly beautiful. While sitting there, I could imagine Horace observing Richmond, satisfied with his gothic dream.
How to come to the Strawberry Hill House and what to expect
Take the overground from Waterloo to the Strawberry Hill Station. To reach this beautiful villa, you will need about 20 minutes from the train station. Reserving the ticket in advance will get you the best price- from 16,5ยฃ.
Opened 5 days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday, last entry is at 3 pm. During the Christmas holidays until the 4th of January, the Strawberry Hill House is closed.
Visiting the entire house will take about 45 minutes, itโs a small but marvelous place.
Another delicacy is ordering an Afternoon tea, which will surely transport in time.
The architecture and interior details
What makes the Strawberry Hill House so special is not only the beautiful design, but the attention to the details. Walpole colaborated with his friends artists and architects, creating the blend of fantasy and history.
The ceilings are inspired by the gothic vaulting of the cathedrals and the walls have the warm, beautiful colours. Every decoration and golden detail speaks about Walpoleโs fantasy. It describes his desire to create the house that is not only a home but an experience.
Final thoughts
After leaving Strawberry Hill House, I had a feeling of reaching the simple elegance. Even the autumn vibes and colours were so strongly present in December. The vibe of finding something rare was so powerful with the blend of art and intimacy.
Walpole maybe lived in the 18th century, but his house speaks with a language that everybody understands. Itโs all about beauty, fantasy and a need to leave your trace. Strawberry Hill House is not only a Gothic villa, itโs a reminder that vision of one person can last for centuries.
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