Syon House, saving the best until the last?

Syon House, our final visit of the holiday did not disappoint. It is the London home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland whilst it is a complete contrast to their home in Alnwick Castle, Northumberland,  the rooms have the same sense of style and grandeur.

Built on the site of a former monastery in the Italian Renaissance style in the 16th century after  the monastery’s dissolution,  the house was redesigned by Capabity Brown in the 18th century.  A rotunda had been planned   but was not implemented, because of cost, leaving  now a beautiful  enclosed courtyard garden in its place - a quiet, peaceful haven with its white flowers and greenery .

The House has  been part of history, Catherine Howard, the the 7th wife of Henry 8th was imprisoned here and Henry’s coffin rested here for one night on its way to Windsor.

Despite being on the flight path to Heathrow, there is still a sense of being in the country as the estate with its many trees stretches out in front of the house  across to the river and to Kew

The rooms were magnificent as the photos show and Paula proved to be an excellent guide,  informative, not hurrying us and letting us delve into the hidden rooms in the corners of the state like rooms

One of the many magnificent ceilings in the house

The house, the grounds leading down to the river. The Percy lion. symbol of the family, sits on the far side of the roof.

Famous films have been shot here including napoleon, Bridgerton, Alice Through  The Looking Glass

There is a Great Conservatory that some of the group managed to see.  It was quite breath taking in its style and setting.  We could have done with longer here, but home called ……  which is of course he best of all!

The courtyard garden in the planned Rotunda