A grand mansion near the royal palaces of central London, Lancaster House is one of the most splendid private houses in the city. Its richly gilded rooms are used today for grand events of state. The house was built in the first half of the 19th century for a royal duke, and later passed to a wealthy noble family. No expense was spared in its making. Its interiors are among the most lavish of their age, with marble, gilding and great staircases in the rich style of the day. They were meant to dazzle guests. A grand central hall rises through the building, lit from above, around which the great rooms are arranged. It is the heart of the house. In its heyday the house was a centre of fashionable and political life, where the great and powerful gathered for balls and receptions. It rivalled the royal courts nearby. A famous singer is said to have performed here for a young queen, who remarked that she had come from her own house to a palace. The story captures its splendour. In the 20th century the house was given to the nation and put to use by the government for official purposes. It became a place of state business. Today it hosts conferences, summits and receptions, welcoming leaders and guests from around the world. Its grand rooms make a fitting setting. Because of its splendour, the house is often used as a backdrop for films and television, standing in for palaces and grand homes. Viewers may know it without realising. It stands close to a royal palace and a famous park, in one of the most exclusive corners of the city. Its neighbours are among the grandest in the land. Not generally open to the public, the house may sometimes be seen on special open days. These rare chances are much sought after. It stands at Stable Yard, near St James's Palace, in the heart of central London.

Type: Tourist Attraction

Address: Stable Yard, London, United Kingdom, SW1A 1BB