One of the delights of this trip has been visiting the Rothschild house, Waddesdon Manor, in the English countryside of Buckinghamshire—about 45 minutes Northeast of Oxford. Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild built the house in the 1880's to house his vast collection of English and French artwork and antiques, including many paintings by Gainsborough, Reynolds, Romney, Constable and Guardi. The house was never "lived-in," per se, but weekend parties of 14 - 20 guests was a common weekly occurrence. The handsome "Bachelor's Wing"—for the unmarried male guests—has a wonderful billiards room, walled with antique French oak panels, recycled from a real French chateau.
The house was built in a Neo-Rennaissance style, taking assorted architectural inspiration from numerous chateaux of the French Renaissance. The Rothschilds had extensive French family heritage. Furthermore, it is apparent that they did not wish to emulate the more-typical Georgian style homes of England's other, older monied families.
The home is surrounded by massive, open fields, gardens (both formal and informal) and a wonderful Victorian aviary, filled with tropical birds. A handsome brick stable completes the accoutrements desired by any weekend guest. The property comprises 120 acres.
When the family donated their home to the nation in 1957, the Rothschilds retained management and upkeep of the property—an unusual arrangement. They continue to help fund the maintenance of the estate, making it a beautifully preserved asset and a joy to visit.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248