On a bright spring morning, I explored Sambourne House, one of London’s finest Grade II* listed houses. Located at 18 Stafford Terrace in Kensington, this remarkable home offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the world of Linley Sambourne, the renowned Punch cartoonist, and his family. Uniquely preserved, it stands as a testament to the Aesthetic Movement, with its richly adorned interiors largely untouched due to the dedication of the Sambourne family’s descendants. If you’re looking for historic houses in London, attractions near Holland Park, or museums in Kensington, Sambourne House is worth visiting.
Sambourne House Highlights
Upon stepping inside, you will discover the ticket counter and a small gift shop in the entrance hall. Next door is a room where you can stop to view the introductory video.
At the end of the hallway on the ground floor is a water closet beneath the stairs that features an unusual tipping sink, one of the many ingenious Victorian contraptions scattered throughout the house.
A few steps in, the morning room contrasts sharply with the richness of the hallway. Once Linley’s studio, it became Marion Sambourne’s domain for overseeing household affairs. The room is elegant with its 18th-century furniture and delicate oil paintings framed by the original Morris & Co. wallpaper, which has remained in place for nearly 150 years.
The dining room reflects the Sambournes’ passion for entertaining, featuring an extendable table that can comfortably seat twelve. The walls showcase a striking blend of green paint, embossed Japanese wallpaper, and Morris & Co. designs layered in authentic Victorian style to create an elaborate and inviting space.
As the tour ascends, the grand staircase serves as a gallery showcasing nearly 300 prints, photographs, and drawings, including many by Linley himself. A conservatory window at the landing once displayed exotic plants and housed an aquarium, adding a whimsy to the otherwise stately surroundings.
Central to family life, the drawing room brims with decorative objects collected over decades. Here, amidst the silk hangings and gilded furnishings, stands Marion’s piano, evoking memories of lively Christmas gatherings and impromptu performances. While it also served as Linley’s studio, it remained a space for music, conversation and celebration.
The studio, originally a nursery and later a bedroom, finally became Linley’s dedicated workspace in 1899. Although it underwent significant changes in the 1960s, careful restoration has restored much of its original character, revealing a section of 19th-century wallpaper hidden beneath layers of modern paint.
Due to a pipe leak, Roy’s bedroom, once belonging to Linley and Marion’s only son, was closed to viewing. Someone kindly let me peek around the door for a quick look, but there wasn’t much to see. Meanwhile, the main bedroom, featuring a blend of Morris & Co. and embossed Japanese wallpapers, has evolved while retaining its original grandeur. Later, Linley and Marion’s granddaughter, Anne, made subtle updates to ensure the space remained faithful to the house’s aesthetic spirit.
Tucked away upstairs, the bathroom served a dual purpose as Linley’s darkroom, where he developed photographs used as reference images for his Punch cartoons. A simple wooden shelf once held an array of chemicals, while the elegant marble bath, now a relic of daily Victorian life, was occasionally repurposed for rinsing prints.
Beyond the opulence, the maid’s room reflects the household’s quieter, more practical side. One of the four female servants would have lived here, surrounded by plain painted walls and minimal furnishings. In later years, Anne transformed the space into a more inviting guest bedroom, adding wallpaper to complement the house’s carefully curated interiors better.
Helpful Information About Sambourne House
Sambourne House is a beautifully preserved glimpse into the past, where every room tells a story- from the richly decorated drawing room to the understated simplicity of the maid’s quarters. A visit here is more than a tour; it is an immersive journey through the layers of Victorian domestic life, offering a rare opportunity to step into the world of a family that left an indelible mark on art and culture.
Located at 18 Stafford Terrace, London W8 7BH, just a short walk from High Street Kensington station, Sambourne House is open to visitors Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am until 5 pm. Admission for adults is £11, though a joint ticket can be purchased for access to Leighton House as well for £22, with concessions available. For further details, visit the Sambourne House website.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Artistic Splendor Of Leighton House
Seven Reasons To Visit Kensington High Street
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.
