The house was built between 1759 and 1765 for Sir Nathan Curzon who inherited the estate in 1758.
The original design was by Matthew Brettingham and James Paine. The pavilions were completed and work had started on the first floor of the main house when Cuzon was introduced to the Scottish architect Robert Adam.
Curzon was so taken by Adam's ideas that he employed him to direct the work on his new house. The influence of Adam is all around from the buildings in the park to the magnificent state apartments.
The entrance front is considered to be one of the finest Palladian facades in Britain. At its centre is an immense Corinthian portico on a high base with flights of steps approaching on either side.
The impressive Marble Hall was designed to resemble an atrium in a Roman villa and the Drawing Room has a nautical theme.
Kedleston Hall houses a fine collection of furniture and there are superb works of art including paintings by Old Masters and family portraits. The Indian Museum displays items collected by a Lord Curson who was Viceroy of India. Kedleston was the home of the Curzon family for over 800 years but is now owned by the National Trust.
The house is set in 800 acres of parkland with an 18th century pleasure ground. Robert Adam was also influential in the layout of the park and created some charming features including the bridge over the lake, a fishing room with nearby boat-house, the hexagonal summer-house by the formal rose garden and an orangery.
There are beautiful woodland walks, which are particularly good in late spring when the rhododendrons and dogwoods create a spectacular display of colour.
2008:House: Mar-2 Nov: 14:00-17:00 Mon-Wed & Sat-Sun; Garden: Mar-2 Nov:10:00-18:00 Mon-Sun; Park: Mar-2 Nov: 10:00-18:00 Mon-Sun; 3 Nov-31 Jan: 10:00-16:00 Mon-Sun; Closed 25&26 Dec. Last entry to hall 16:15.
Tel: 01332 842191 Kedleston Hall Website
