A Photo Tour of Hughenden Manor & Parkland
Today we visited the National Trust's Hughenden Manor. This beautiful red-brick Victorian house was once home to Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, and his wife Mary Anne. It was later discovered that Hughenden Manor once held a secret World War Two operation.
The Walk-up
After meeting the initial staff member who checked our new membership form, we parked the car and headed to the booth to collect our tickets. The path to the manor was picturesque and quick. Before venturing further, we stopped at the cafe for two flat whites and chocolate brownies, then sat by the bench near the front lawn to chat and finish our snacks.
The House - Exterior
Hughenden Manor is located within the Chiltern Hills. The green landscape brings a sense of calm and relaxation, and provides a great contrast to the almost orange-hued red-brick wall. The columns and wall accents are eye catching. The 18th to 19th century Victorian home was designed by architect Edward Buckton Lamb.
Mary Anne influenced the beautiful decor style. Accents of marble portraiture and fireplaces, textured wallpapers and rich deep colours form the basis of the homey design.
The Entrance & Library
Hughenden’s library contains exactly 3,373 books. The oldest book dates back to 1477.
The Drawing Room
The drawing room was one of Mary Anne’s favourite rooms to retreat to after supper. The ‘B chair’ was embroidered by Mary Anne herself!
The Room with the Spare Chair
Hillside Map-Drawing Quarters
The secret role of Hughenden Manor in the Second World War was only revealed when a volunteer guide overheard a visitor telling his grandson about his wartime service there.
The Kitchen
The Staircase & Robe Room
The main staircase is home to many portraits of Disraeli’s closest friends and colleagues, while the robe room tells an interesting tale. The black silk damask robe was used by Disraeli as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Disraeli refused to return the robe when Gladstone took over from him in 1852 because he refused to pay his counterpart's moving bill, as was the custom.
Hughenden Manor Collection
Featured below are just a handful of the Hughenden Manor’s collection items that were given to the National Trust.
The Study
The Boudoir Room
The Bedroom & Dressing-up Room
The Dining Room
The Gardens
The Hughenden Manor’s Cafe & Gift Shop
The Hughenden Manor’s Used Book Store
The Parkland & Monument
Overall it was a pleasure visiting the National Trust’s Hughenden Manor. The photos you’ve seen here barely scratches the surface on the history and beauty of the manor and its collection. We definitely recommend that you check it out in person if you are ever in Buckinghamshire.
