Gothic delight
Take a train ride a little deeper into south-west London and you will find Strawberry Hill House. This whitewashed gem of a building was once the domain of Horace Walpole, son of Great Britain’s first prime minister.
This wealthy man lacked for nothing, and set about transforming his home into a Gothic palace, dripping with beautiful stained glass, ornately gilded ceilings – and even a wallpaper designed to resemble carved wood.
The house has undergone a lot of careful restoration in the last few years and is well worth a visit. Enthusiastic volunteers have a wide knowledge of its history. Photography is allowed and very little is off limits. Walpole’s many treasures were sold off many years ago, so the contours and rich details of this mansion are displayed with clarity.
It’s wonderful. Come and take a whirlwind tour here…
Click first image for the full gallery experience
mikeosbornphoto 
Fantastic textures and patterns you’ve captured Mike. Such a great eye.
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I really appreciate that, Emily. There was a great deal of excellent material to feast the eyes on.
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Terrific work Mike and thanks for the insight into this delightful house.
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Many thanks James, lovely it was too. I hope all’s well with your exploits down on the south coast – the weather is staying with us… for now.
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Love the detailed shots, great work as always!
Andy
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Thank you very much, Andy :)
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I’ve never heard of this place but it looks like a photographer’s delight. So much variety and I particularly like the symmetrical approach you’ve adopted, Mike.
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Thank you Andy, I appreciate that very much. I’m a little too concerned with symmetry at times, but warranted on this occasion. The house is well worth a visit.
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What a fabulous place beautifully portrayed.
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Thank you very much, Noeline. Yes, very beautiful and relatively empty and untrampled which was a great bonus. I suggest a visit!
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Brilliant set!
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Thank you Alexander, I really appreciate that!
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Lovely series Mike, you’ve captured the detail and ornate decoration really well…..you get a great sense of the place from your images.
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Thank you very much, Mark. It was hard not to enjoy this visit. A slight issue with poor light here and there, but that’s part of the feel too.
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Beautiful images.
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Thank you very much, John. It’s an absorbing place.
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A great place… Somewhere else in town to add to my list! :)
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I thoroughly recommend it! Staff are very friendly and all visitors get an introduction to the house, and then each of the volunteers are on hand to enrich you with their knowledge.
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A nice set.
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Thank you :)
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Wonderful find and even better that you are allowed to take photos. Great images, love that gilded ceiling but such a shame that the treasures (furnishings?) were sold off.
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Thanks Lee. Yes, a great place. I’m quite glad all the “stuff” has been cleared out – you have a much clearer view of the interior. It’s been restored with love.
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What a beautiful house and so well captured by you on photo! Great job, Mike!
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Hey Koos, thank you very much :) It was a very enjoyable visit. They let me loose with my camera!
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