If you visit Eltham Palace you’ll be blown away by its glamour. From the outside, this historic building looks like an English country house. Inside, Eltham is an Art Deco masterpiece.
Eltham Palace
This unique residence was built on the site of the original palace, childhood home of Henry VIII.
History of Eltham Palace
The original palace was built in 1305 and used as a royal residence. Stephen and Virginia Courtauld aquired the lease in 1933, restored the Great Hall and constructed an Art Deco home.
Stephen was the brother of Samuel Courtauld, the founder of the Courtauld Institue of Art and well know industrialist. There’s a stunning entrance hall and glazed dome, designed by Rolf Engstromer.
The Courtaulds had a beloved pet ring-tailed lemur called Mah-Jongg. He lived at the top of the house but was able to roam freely via a ladder in its living quarters. The attention to detail throughout the palace is fabulous.
Eltham Palace Grounds
You approach the palace via this 15th century bridge and moat.
The rear of the Palace is decorated with art deco sculptures and gargoyles. You can see all the way to St Paul’s Cathedral and the Gherkin from Eltham Palace on a sunny day.
The Palace borders the Green Chain Walk, which makes for a great day out hiking. There’s a beautiful stone window adorned with a lion and unicorn.
Eltham Palace Interior
There’s a stunning medieval Great Hall, with an impressive hammer-beam roof.
The Art Deco section of the house is equally impressive. The furniture, exact reproductions of the originals, would not look out of place in a home today.
You access this area via a circular Art Deco entrance hall with a spectacular domed ceiling and wood-panelled walls.
Virginia Courtauld’s bathroom is another highlight. Beautifully decorated with gold mosaic tiles, it features a statue of the goddess Psyche.
Visiting Eltham Palace
Now managed by English Heritage, it’s a lovely day out from London and easily accessible by car or train and we’d highly recommend a visit. There are regular trains to Mottingham, and it’s a ten minute walk from the railway station.
Cafe and Shop
Eltham Palace Glasshouse Café offers lunches and afternoon cakes and drinks, while the shop has a nice range of Art Deco inspired gifts.
Eltham Palace and Gardens, Eltham, Greenwich, London – SE9 5QE
Would you believe that I practically live around the corner from Eltham Palace and have never been!? Scandalous. Well done for getting photos inside! I believe they are quite strict about it.
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