A very unassuming 18th century country house with no particularly outstanding architectural features, but its rather ordinary external shell contains an extraordinary insight into the life of Queen Victoria's favourite Prime Minister. This was the home of Benjamin Disraeli from 1848 until his death 33 years later, and is now more of a museum representing his political career.

Disraeli loved trees, and when he purchased the Hughenden estate he was delighted with the surrounding landscape of woodlands, and the fact that his home was buried deep in a secluded part of this lush valley in the Chilterns, yet only minutes from High Wycombe. The estate can be traced back to Norman times, and the house had been converted from a much earlier farmhouse, subsequently gothicised by the previous owner, John Norris. In 1862 Edward Buckton Lamb was commissioned to soften and 'romanticise' Hughenden Manor but the typical Victorian restoration resulted in an extension of the gothic style already introduced in the house during the 1840s. In an attempt to break the flat, square starkness of the external façade, a parapet of battlements and pinnacles were added, together with some unusual brick features surrounding the windows. Mrs Disraeli concentrated her efforts into reorganising the gardens, and they have been beautifully restored to her original designs.

After Disraeli's death, his nephew, who later inherited Hughenden Manor, extended the house, thoroughly modernised it, and radically changed the layout of several rooms. Since being left to the National Trust, Hughenden Manor is gradually being restored to the mid-Victorian home that Benjamin and his wife had a deep affection for, and contains much of their original furnishings. One of the most atmospheric, and least altered, rooms is Disraeli's study. It was from here that he conducted much of his political work, his personal correspondence, wrote three novels, and towards the end of his life practically lived in this one room.

His library was probably his favourite place, as books had always played a great part in his life, and here he could relax and enjoy his vast collection of volumes. So strong was his affinity with books that Disraeli even claimed to have been born in a library. When Queen Victoria visited Hughenden Manor in 1877 Disraeli made special arrangements to have the legs reduced in height on one of the dining room chairs. A thoughtful touch, and one that shows a very human understanding of the potential embarrassment that may have been caused to his Royal friend, should her legs be allowed to swing about freely.

Apart from much personal memorabilia, there are an overwhelming number of portraits displayed throughout the house showing family, literary friends, society colleagues and members of the Royal Family. Disraeli began to assemble his 'Gallery of Friendship' after his wife's death and wanted it to represent a pictorial history of his life. From looking at some of the famous people portrayed, he clearly succeeded in making his mark during the Victorian era, but they also show that he was proud of his family and background. His wife described him as a genius "whose whole soul is devoted to politics and ambition". He may well have been, but he also truly loved his wife and his beautiful home, spending as much time with both as his career allowed.