Ducal Delights, from Chatsworth to Chiswick

A Guided tour of Chatsworth House with the Duke of Devonshire, afternoon tea, and a three-night stay on the Chatsworth estate for six

Chatsworth in Derbyshire is one our greatest country houses, filled with treasures, the surrounding gardens and park laid out by Capability Brown. The estate has been in the Devonshire family for 16 generations, and its contents added to by each. The present 12th Duke of Devonshire is as passionate about the art and collecting as any of his predecessors.

Chiswick House and Gardens was owned by the Duke's family for close to 175 years. Inherited by the 5th Duke on the death of the 3rd Earl of Burlington in 1753, who had designed and built it, he and the 6th Duke subsequently left their marks, including demolishing the old Jacobean house, and adding the distinctive wings for living in (now also demolished). Between them they also laid out the gardens, largely in the form they are to this day. The 6th Duke built the conservatory and started Chiswick’s world-famous collection of camellias. Many of the trees and shrubs in the garden now were planted by the Devonshires, including the magnificent cedars of Lebanon. But from the 1860s the property was largely let out. Many of the pictures, furniture and decorations that graced the interiors of Chiswick House were moved to Chatsworth, and in 1929 the family ceded the house and grounds to Middlesex County Council.

Speaking of his family’s long custodianship of Chiswick House the Duke of Devonshire comments:

I am very proud of my forebears’ ownership of Chiswick House. It was through their love for the place, their careful management and their vision in the 18th and 19th centuries, that the house and gardens have become the cultural idyll in West London that is loved and cherished by so many today. I am happy, therefore, to be part of the present fund-raising efforts, and delighted to offer the opportunity for the highest bidder and five guests to join me at Chatsworth for a tour of the house and our art collection here, including of course many of the pieces that were once at Chiswick.

Works in the Chatsworth collections range from manuscripts to silver, furniture - including examples by William Kent, ceramics ancient and modern as well as paintings and drawings by a host of familiar names.

As well as the tour, the Duke is offering a three night mid-week stay in one of the holiday cottages on the Chatsworth Estate, and afternoon tea in Flying Childers Restaurant.

Donated by the Duke of Devonshire.

Terms & Conditions:
To be taken by the highest bidder between 21st March and 31st October 2021
A guided tour of the house for up to six people led by the Duke of Devonshire
A three night mid-week staycation in one of the holiday cottages on the estate
Afternoon tea in Flying Childers Restaurant
Dates to be agreed in advance with the Duke of Devonshire and the holiday cottage team
Not transferable

Photographs courtesy of Chatsworth House Trust