The story
Edward Linley Sambourne, a leading cartoonist for Punch magazine, moved into 18 Stafford Terrace with his wife Marion in 1875. They decorated it in the fashionable "Aesthetic" style, packing the rooms with William Morris wallpapers, stained glass, blue-and-white china and hundreds of framed pictures. Remarkably, their descendants kept the interior largely unchanged.
The house played its own part in conservation history: the Victorian Society was founded at a meeting in its drawing room in 1958. Today the house is run by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and is known as Sambourne House.
What to look for
- The crowded drawing room, with Marion's furniture and Linley's drawings.
- Linley's photographs, which he used as references for his cartoons.
- Original stained glass and decorative details throughout.
- Period bedrooms and bathroom with original fittings.
Combine it with
Leighton House, the extraordinary home of the painter Frederic Leighton, is a few minutes' walk away and shares the same management. Holland Park and its Kyoto Garden are close by, as is Kensington High Street for lunch.
Visiting tips
Sambourne House is open on set days and often by guided or timed visit, so check opening days and book ahead. The rooms are small and full of objects, so visits work best for small groups and for people with a real interest in Victorian design.
Getting there
High Street Kensington station is a short walk away. With Mason & Green, we can drop you on Stafford Terrace and combine the visit with Leighton House and Holland Park on an hourly hire booking.
Frequently asked questions
Who lived at 18 Stafford Terrace?
The Punch cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne, his wife Marion and their family.
Can you visit Sambourne House and Leighton House on the same day?
Yes. They are a few minutes' walk apart and are managed together.
Do I need to book?
Opening is limited, so check the official website and book ahead where possible.