London is home to some of the most unique properties in the National Trust’s care, from narrow row homes like Carlyle’s House to large, ornate treasure troves, like Ham House. If you have a few days in the capital, make time to visit these properties, cared for by the National Trust and their partners, to get a sense of the rich history underpinning the modern metropolis.
These places are within London, so all you need is your Oyster Card and Royal Oak Membership! Join Now
1. Carlyle’s House
This Chelsea row house has a significant literary history: a twist of fate turned Carlyle into a star of the 19th-century literary world. Suddenly this was the place to be. When you pull the bell to enter you will follow in the footsteps of Dickens, Ruskin, Tennyson and many more. The house retains much of its Victorian feel, with original books, furniture, portraits and more.
2. 2 Willow Road
Designed and lived in by renowned modern architect Ernö Goldfinger, 2 Willow Road is very much in line with its creator’s other works. The house contains the Goldfingers’ impressive collection of modern art,
intriguing personal possessions and innovative furniture.
3. Fenton House
Originally a 17th-century merchant’s house, Fenton is filled with porcelain, Georgian furniture and 17th-century needlework. The property also includes an orchard which grows 30 different kinds of apples.
courtesy of The Dicamillo Companion
4. Osterley Park
Osterley Park was part of our Heritage Circle study day. Surrounded by gardens, park and farmland, Osterley is one of the last surviving country estates in London. No trip to London is complete without a visit to this Robert Adam-designed masterpiece.
National Trust Curator Christopher Rowell leads Royal Oak Heritage Circle members through Osterley.
5. Ham House
Combining a remarkable garden with an atmospheric and treasure- packed house, Ham beckons London visitors from the banks of the Thames. Among the unique objects in Ham’s collection are a rare Chinese teapot, said to have been used by the Duchess of Lauderdale herself, and the exotic ivory cabinet. The house is also said to be one of the most haunted in all of England.
Read about one Royal Oak staff member’s visit to Ham with our travel partner, Albion.
6. 575 Wandsworth Road
Take a look at the back cover to get a sense of 575 Wandsworth Road’s intricacy. The house tells a story of the modern, multinational London: its remarkable interior was crafted by Khadambi Asalache (1935-2006), a Kenyan-born poet, novelist, philosopher of mathematics and British civil servant, who turned his home into a work of art over a period of 20 years. The Trust acquired it in 2010, and you can visit with your Royal Oak membership today.
575 Wandsworth Road is filled with incredible details
7. Sutton House
Built in 1535 by Sir Ralph Sadleir, a prominent courtier of Henry VIII, Sutton House retains much of its Tudor character to this day. Explore oak-panelled rooms, original carved fireplaces and a charming courtyard in this east London home.
Courtesy of Visit London
8. Red House
William Morris, the founder of the Arts and Crafts movement, left the world a house as unique as his history, one now protected by the National Trust. Red House was designed by Philip Webb, another crucial figure in the Arts and Crafts movement, and was completed in 1860. Today it showcases many of Morris’ early design and decorative ideas, and is even home to original patterns and furniture by Morris and Webb. Visit in the morning and enjoy a guided tour of the house – but be sure to book ahead!
Check back on our blog next week, as we look at what your Royal Oak membership can get you just outside London, and discounts at our London Partner properties!
