“Sandycombe Lodge is a charming and historically significant property located in the picturesque town of Twickenham, London. Built in 1813 by the renowned English landscape artist J.M.W. Turner, it is a rare surviving example of his architecture and a testament to his love for nature and craftsmanship.
The lodge was Turner’s country retreat, where he would escape the hustle and bustle of London and immerse himself in the tranquillity of the countryside. He designed the lodge himself, drawing inspiration from the rural vernacular architecture of the time, and it is a perfect example of his unique style and attention to detail.
The lodge is a two-story building made of yellow brick, with a thatched roof and a central chimney. It has a symmetrical design, with a central entrance flanked by two windows on each floor. The windows are adorned with shutters and decorative ironwork, and there is a small porch over the front door.
Inside, the lodge has a simple yet elegant layout, with a central hallway leading to the main reception rooms. The ground floor comprises a drawing room, dining room, and kitchen, while the upper floor has two bedrooms and a bathroom. The rooms are furnished with period pieces, and the walls are adorned with paintings and drawings by Turner and his contemporaries.
The lodge is set in a beautiful garden, which Turner designed himself. It is a testament to his love of nature and his skill as a landscape artist. The garden is laid out in a naturalistic style, with winding paths, a pond, and a variety of trees and shrubs. There is also a summerhouse, which Turner used as his studio.
Sandycombe Lodge is not just a beautiful and historically significant property, but also a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of Turner’s work. It is a rare example of the artist’s architectural skills and a living testament to his love of nature and craftsmanship.
The lodge has undergone several renovations over the years, but it has always been done with great care and respect for the original design. In 2017, it underwent a major restoration project, which restored it to its former glory and opened it to the public for the first time.
Today, Sandycombe Lodge is a popular destination for visitors to Twickenham and a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of Turner’s work. It offers a unique insight into the life and work of one of England’s greatest artists and is a must-see for anyone interested in art, history, or architecture.”
Admission is £12.
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