Kedleston Hall

Built as a house to rival Chatsworth

Kedleston Hall is a grand Palladian mansion and a "temple of the arts" in Derbyshire, England, designed by Robert Adam and built for lavish entertaining and the display of fine art collections. Home to the Curzon family since the 12th century, the medieval village was demolished to construct the mansion. Managed by the National Trust, it offers visitors stunning architecture, art, original furnishings, a restaurant, and beautiful grounds for walks.

Its architecture, particularly the south front, is heavily inspired by ancient Rome, with features like a Pantheon-like dome and a Marble Hall mimicking Roman villas. The interiors showcase Adam's work, featuring opulent decorations and original furnishings, as well as collections from George Nathaniel Curzon, the 19th-century Viceroy of India.

The main hall was designed to overawe visitors, featuring twenty massive Corinthian columns made of alabaster. The hall was built for Sir Nathaniel Curzon as a statement of his wealth and power, with a goal of rivaling Chatsworth House. The circular Saloon's design was directly inspired by the ancient Roman Pantheon, complete with a 62-foot high coffered dome.

Here are some of my photos of the main hall and the circular saloon;

The rooms on the State Floor (first floor) are accessible only by stairs when open to visitors. 

As soon as you ascend to the State Floor, you're transported to the opulence of the 18th century. These rooms were crafted to exhibit the family's wealth and influence, showcasing their art and furniture collection. After 30 years of restoration, the State Floor embodies architect Robert Adam's original vision for Kedleston.

While exploring the hall at Kedleston, be sure to admire the architecture alongside the family portraits and gilded furniture. The ceilings are also meticulously crafted, from the saloon's dome to the dining room's intricately patterned alcove.

The South Front of Kedleston Hall, designed by Robert Adam, is a striking example of neoclassical architecture, inspired by the Roman Arch of Constantine and the Parthenon's dome. It features a triumphal arch motif with a double portico, four Corinthian columns, and classical statues on the parapet, creating a dynamic and ornate façade that was intended to be a magnificent showpiece. Although the original plans included two additional flanking pavilions, which were not built, the South Front remains a monumental and influential design element of the house.

Kedleston Hall's grounds feature an 820-acre parkland and 17.5 acres of pleasure gardens, designed in part by Robert Adam and featuring elements like a Medici lion, orangery, and Hermitage. Visitors can enjoy walks, lakes, 18th-century flowerbeds, and views of the Hall, making it a tranquil space for picnics and wildlife watching.

All Saints' Church, Kedleston

All Saints' Church, Kedleston, is a redundant Anglican Church. It is all that remains of the medieval village of Kedleston, which was demolished in 1759 by Nathaniel Curzon to make way for the adjacent Kedleston Hall.

Monuments to generations of Curzons, dating back over 700 years, fill the church. They just show that the Curzons have been linked to Kedleston for seven centuries. The range of monuments is simply amazing, ranging from medieval effigies to ornate neoclassical tombs by Robert Adam.

Honestly, this was one of the most gorgeous places that I have visited. It brought Rome back to me since I had not long been back from visiting the eternal city.

Thanks as always for taking the time to read my Blog!