Heard of it? No, me neither. One of those hidden away places that suddenly come to your attention. This was the final weekend of a Jazz exibition in the mansion and I made plans to meet up with Karen - one of the lovely ladies from Eacotts who I hadn't seen since I left there.
Dodging London marathon runners, spectators and emergency services I eventually found this spectacular neo-Gothic mansion just off The Embankment overlooking the Thames. It was designed by John Loughborough Pearson and completed in 1895. As the home/office of the richest man in the world at that time - William Waldorf Astor - it contained the largest strong room in Europe as well as two enormous safes. According to a really friendly, knowledgeable (possibly over-imaginative) volunteer, this is where he kept all the deeds of his property empire and huge amounts of cash.
The interior is wood panelled with wood carvings representing characters from the Three Musketeers - vintage Disney, but lovely.
There are spectacular stained glass windows and ceilings throughout the mansion.
If it looks somewhat familiar - then you've probably seen Downtown Abbey,
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Bridget Jones’ Baby, The Crown, Sense
8, Made in Chelsea, The Royals, Undercover, Silent Witness, The Martin
Lewis Money Show or Mr Selfridge, amongst others.
I was more interested in the mansion than I was in the exhibition. I do feel lucky though to be able to wander around places like this and gawk at a lifestyle beyond comprehension.
But, it's always good to have a book with you ...
The property isn't owned by the National Trust as I would have expected, but rather by a charity - The Bulldog Trust. It's only open during exhibitions or otherwise can be hired privately. Imagine a wedding here?
Then it was off to Chinatown to meet up with Sue and a fabulous lunch - the real thing - dumplings and all. Such a good way to spend a Sunday! Bring it on summer ...
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