Feature | STYLE
A royal home
When it comes to homes on the Isle of Wight, you won't find one more famous than Osborne House, owned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, between 1844 and the Queen’s death in 1901
"It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot" said Queen Victoria, of her holiday retreat on the coast. The stunning views across the Solent led Prince Albert to compare it to the Bay of Naples.
Osborne reflects Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's style, taste and interests. Ornate furnishings and historic artefacts fill the rooms and opulent corridors where Victoria once entertained heads of state, inventors, princes and princesses — and ruled the British Empire.
In many ways, Osborne House reflects that of an Italian home, with its palazzo style, pair of towers and outstanding views from the terraces, which are connected by flights of steps. The royal family's rooms were situated in The Pavilion, the household wing was used only by senior members of the royal household and the main wing was used by the older royal children. The forth block wasn't completed until after Prince Albert’s untimely death in 1861. Large plate- glass windows on the ground floor fill the reception rooms with natural light and provide stunning sea views across the terraces.
Queen Victoria demonstrated her devotion to the prince in widowhood for forty years following his death. She ensured Prince Albert's private suite was kept as it was in his lifetime, with many of his things still lying where he left them. The private world of Victoria, Albert and their nine children is still apparent in the nursery and family rooms at Osborne.
The magnificent Italianate 'royal palace by the sea' is complemented by stunning gardens and grounds. The Osborne estate is bursting with seasonal colour throughout the year. See the beautiful tulips in spring,
reminiscent of Victorian gardens. In the summer, enjoy stunning bedding displays and wander around the fruit trees in the Victorian walled garden (where you can also hold a romantic wedding ceremony), or explore the historic trees planted by Prince Albert in the wider parkland.
Today, Osborne House is one of the UK’s most frequented visitor attractions. Still decorated and dressed in the very best Victorian decor, the estate represents a unique piece of history which fascinates visitors of all ages. Osborne is the perfect setting for period films and displays and was recently featured in box office hit, Victoria & Abdul.
Intimate weddings ceremonies can be held on the Belvedere Terrace, with stunning views stretching over the Osborne estate to the Solent. The recently refurbished Lower Terrace is a wonderful ceremony location, with the backdrop of the House, creating a perfect setting. Osborne beach is a unique location for a wedding ceremony, and there is a wonderful opportunity to take your vows, in
Queen Victoria’s Alcove, where she would sit and sketch, or watch her children play. The Veranda on the beach is another great waterside setting.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert made their home together at Osborne, away from the prying eyes of the public. “The combination of sea, trees, woods, flowers of all kinds make it, to us, a perfect little paradise,” Victoria is recorded to have written — and for many years following, they brought up their family of nine children, where they could bathe in the sea, stage plays and dress a decadent Christmas tree.
In 160 years which have since followed, Osborne has seen a royal wedding, alongside many romances and parties inside the house and gardens. In 1862, Princess Alice, daughter of Queen Victoria, married Louis IV, Grand Duke of Hesse in the Queen’s dining room at Osborne. Why not write the next page of the story book — and book your wedding day in one of the lavishly decorated rooms, or on Queen Victoria's private beach.
Visit
www.english-heritage.org.uk/osborneweddings to find out more about getting married at Osborne. Alternatively, call 01983 203055 or email
osbornehospitality@english-heritage.org.uk to speak to the hospitality event co-ordinators.
September and October 2018 51
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