Spent a day cruising down the Thames by Cliveden House, then wandering the estate and taking in its many sights, including the lovely rose garden and the charming area dotted with gazebos, and of course a lovely tea and snack at the Conservatory.
History & Architecture
Cliveden Origins: The first mansion on the site was built in 1666 by George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham. After two earlier houses burned down in 1795 and 1849, the current Grade I listed Italianate mansion was designed by architect Charles Barry in 1851 for the 2nd Duke of Sutherland.
The Astor Era: In 1893, American millionaire William Waldorf Astor purchased the estate, revamping the gardens and interiors. Later, his son Waldorf Astor and his wife Nancy Astor (the first female MP to take her seat in the House of Commons) turned it into a premier political and social hub for world leaders, writers, and artists.
National Trust & Landmarks: The house and 376 acres of formal gardens and woodlands were gifted to the National Trust in 1942, though the main mansion continues to operate as a commercial property.
