Pages

Friday 21 August 2009

Skywatch Friday - The Holme

I'll have to go out on one of those little blue boats one of these days to get you a closer look at the Holme. However today please note the blue sky! A beautiful sunny day with a equally beautiful sky. It can happen in London.

Back to The Holme, the large country estate house. Actually it's right in the middle of Regent's Park. Yes it is owned by royalty. Prince Khaled Alwaleed, nephew of the King of Saudi. He pops over for a couple of weeks a year to stay here. Reputedly worth £101 million he bought it a few years back for £5 million.

It was built and designed back in 1816 (or thereabouts) by Decimus Burton when he was only 18 for his father.
The neighbours thought it a bit tacky at the time. In fact a lot of the buildings by the Burtons (dad James) and Nash (the designer of Regents Park) weren't all that popular with many of the upper classes. Too ornate they thought.

The Holme has had a varied life. Another of its interesting owners was the British Poet Edward James. There was a rumour that his father was the Prince of Wales (Edward VII). However he is famous not just for his work but also his support for the surrealist art movement. Salvador Dali being one who received substantial support.


Dont forget to take a look at the other skywatchers around the world today

15 comments:

Angie said...

Lovely blue sky and blue boats reflected in the water. Interesting story, the Holme looks a bit like Osbourne House. Is that the telecom tower poking it's head on the right?

Shrinky said...

Gosh, for all the times I've been in Regents Park, I've never even noticed this place, thanks for the back-story, perhaps next time I visit I shall take a closer look too. (Smile)

magiceye said...

brilliant blues beautifully captured!

Unknown said...

Interesting story, the Holme looks a bit like Osbourne House.
good thougts..thanks for sharing...
___________________
samanth
Are you scared to be alone at home need security

Karine said...

A beautiful blue sky and a fascinating story about the old country house! Very fun post, thanks for sharing!

Regina said...

Great place and nice shot!

Hilda said...

Lovely sky indeed!

Your post reminds me of the history books that I love — the ones with lots of little gossipy stories about leaders and royalty. You should be a writer! :)

Anna said...

All that blue....sigh.

Sharodindu said...

nice post with a perfect blend of photography and fabulous lines...
:)

Fio said...

Thank you for visiting Gliwice DP.
Have a great weekend!

Jim said...

Serene scene.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

Cheryl G. said...

I love your history lessons.
The picture is lovely and I can picture myself having fun on a little blue boat.

gavin hart said...

Looks like lots of people have come outdoors to enjoy that lovely blue sky and sunshine. Such great weather must lift spirits enormously!

duopastorale said...

The sun is also out today! Yay! Interesting info. Thanks and have a good weekend.

IleDuLevant said...

Decimus Burton was the tenth child, hence his first name.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...