 Waddesdon Manor
Looking at this magnificent French-style chateau standing in acres of lush parkland,
it is almost inconceivable to visualise the 18th century
Rothschilds living in a Jewish ghetto in the suburbs of Frankfurt. From
this unlikely environment a most powerful financial empire spread throughout
Europe, and the family name is now synonymous with extraordinary cultured wealth.
Descended from the Austrian
branch of the Rothschild family, Baron Ferdinand, came to England in 1859
when he was just 20 years old. Following the tragic death of his new young
wife during childbirth, he never remarried, but decided to look around
for a suitable place to settle in England. Already living in Buckinghamshire,
close to several members of his family, Ferdinand bought 3000 acres of
land from the Duke of Marlborough in 1874 with the intention of erecting
a property to house his growing collection of art treasures. Never intended
as a home, Waddesdon Manor was designed as a pleasurable showpiece where specially
invited guests could share in Ferdinand's passion for 18th
century French art.
The massive building project
took 15 years to complete, but the results were breathtaking both externally
and internally. Designed by a French architect, Gabriel-Hippolyte Destailleur,
the 19th century brick and stone cladding was used to create
a stunning Renaissance style chateau, imaginatively fitted out with authentic
French interiors. Wood panelling, screens and fireplaces are just some
of the 'second-hand' materials, salvaged from French palaces and old Parisian
houses being demolished, that were used to create the beautiful rooms
at Waddesdon Manor.
Having installed his priceless
collections in their perfect setting, Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild
was now able to entertain selected groups of people who would appreciate
the finery on display, and could indulge in the luxury of these surroundings.
Regular weekend house parties were given during the 1880s and 90s, when
his guests included royalty, politicians, writers and society beauties.
In the absence of a long-term companion, Ferdinand's spinster sister
acted as hostess at these frequent gatherings and, on his death, Waddesdon Manor
was left to her. Alice's contributions include several pieces of fine
porcelain from the houses of Sevres and Meissen.
In the early 1920s a Rothschild
from the French arm of the family inherited the splendid manor house,
and he established a stud farm at Waddesdon Manor, as well as introducing additional
18th century works of art. Ironically, the only time that this
ostentatious mansion has had permanent residents was during the Second
World War, when 100 child evacuees stayed with their nannies and nurses.
Although the present Lord
Rothschild is actively involved in the continuing restoration and day-to-day
management of the estate, Waddesdon Manor was bequeathed to the National Trust
several decades earlier. With the family collections being enlarged all
the time by new acquisitions, and the gardens being continually transformed
by experimental planting schemes, the estate is just a never-ending spectacle
of colour and opulence. |
