Kenwood House

Film Notting Hill was partly shot here at Kenwood House.

Location: Hampstead Lane, Hampstead, London, NW3 7JR

Description: This lovely house is set in tranquil panaromic parkland and boasts gorgeous period interiors and fine art by many great artists.

Irish brewing magnate, Edward Cecil Guinness, the 1st Earl of Iveagh, bought Kenwood House in 1925 and it is thanks to him that you can admire masterpieces by Rembrandt, Turner, Reynolds, Gainsborough and Vermeer here. When he died in 1927, he bequeathed the house, estate and part of his collection of pictures to the nation. As such the house is also called The Iveagh Bequest.

The brochure tells us Admire the Suffolk Collection, with its magnificent full-length Elizabethan portraits and stunning costume details. Or take a turn outside, in parkland influenced by the great English landscape gardener, Humphry Repton. There are also lakeside walks and meandering woodland paths to explore and enjoy.

The house (formerly called Caen Wood) was remodelled by legendary architect Robert Adam between 1764 and 1779, transforming the original brick building into a majestic villa for the great judge, Lord Mansfield. The richly decorated library is one of Adam's great masterpieces.

Some scenes from the film Notting Hill were filmed here.

Tours: architecture sights you must see

Themes: Art Art Theme