10 Must visit houses in London
If you are wondering how to spend your Sunday, why not explore some of the most historic and unusual houses London has to offer. With houses ranging from Tudor styles to the home of a fictional detective, there will definitely be one out there that suits you.
This is a must see house of the renowned architect Sir John Soane, left untouched since his death in the 19th century. Featuring many of Soane's prized possessions, including the Seti sarcophagus and many of his own architectural drawings. This house will leave you dumbstruck not only by the plethora of objects kept there, but also by its striking facade from the outside.
A fascinating representation of what life would have been like for a family of Huguenot silk weavers. Dennis Severs house, located in Spitalfields, is a captivating time capsule created by the owner of the house, where the house has been left as if the inhabitants had just left. With half eaten bread and interesting aromas, you will feel as if you are shadowing someone else's life.
Just on the river bank, Two Temple Place is one of the city's most famous examples of neo-Gothic architecture, with outstanding mahogany panelling and beautiful stained glass windows. It also features bronze works by Frith and friezes by Nicholls and and Hitch to add to the luxury and opulence of the house.
This marvellous house located in Holland Park was the home and studio of artist Frederic Lord Leighton. This house may contain a vast collections of sculptures and paintings from all over the world but its interior decor is what makes it so unique, famous and spectacular.
Even though this house isn't generally open to the public, it would be unfair not to include this spectacular house on this list. Located in Spitalfields, 19 Princelet Street may have a run down shabby exterior, but it is a house full of secret items belonging to immigrants and minorities who came to the city. If you are lucky enough to notice an open day be sure to visit the unique house as it is a once in a life time experience.
Based in Chelsea, this Georgian house was the home of the philosopher Thomas Carlyle and his wife and is to this day preserved as it was when they lived there. It contains many of Carlyle's books and personal paintings. There is also a small garden maintained just as it was at the time of the Carlyles and containing a splendid fig tree.
Home of the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, 221b Baker Street is decorated incredibly realistically for the time period including authentic furniture and with props based on the famous novels. On the top floor there is even a collection of wax dummies that are representations of characters from the books.
This fascinating house of Kenyan Poet, Khadambi Asalache, is lavishly decorated with his hand cut Moorish inspired fretwork, letting you escape London by submerging you into a completely different culture and style. Located in Clapham, the house may not stand out from the outside, but is incredibly spectacular once you step inside.
9. Sutton House
In the east of the city, Sutton House stands as the oldest residential house in Hackney and is an example of original Tudor architecture. It has been home to many merchants and silk weavers and continues to display its Tudor interior, despite its outside being modified during the Georgian era. It also features an amazing Edwardian chapel and London's oldest loo!
10. Eltham Palace
This royal residence in south-east London is a representation of both royal medieval periods and 1930s Art Deco architecture. The house was built for millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld and it displays both modern Art Deco designs and with medieval features.
This is just a start of the wonderful houses in and around Lodon. Happy exploring!