The Great Country Estates of Britain Series: Holkham Hall Revisited 3 of 5

In this post we shall visit some of the hall's grand bedrooms and the north state drawing room. The first room is The Parrot Room. I love this room. It has been the inspiration for the Chatsworth suite, and is named for the painting of the parrots and macaws to the right of the bed.

Above: The bed

Below: The painting from which the room takes its name

The room is located in the strangers wing, so named because it is where guests stay, to this day. It is decorated in rich red and gold velvet damask on both the walls and the canopied bed.

Above: Detail of the bed and walls

Below: The apex of the canopy as viewed when lying in bed

Below: Gilt electric candle sconces

The parrot room has an adjoining bathroom, which is not decorated en suite, but with a variety of tapestries and Edwardian fittings...

Above: The bath with Edwardian 'telephone' tap fittings, a retro-plumbed wash stand and a commode.

Below: Detail from one of the tapestries - a man picking apples for his beloved.

The next bedroom is the Green State Bedroom, which was designed by William Kent, right down to the furniture.

Above: A panorama of the room

Below: The full tester bed with the OTT Earl's coronets on the canopy.

The room is lined with baroque tapestries

The painting above the fire (below), Gavin Hamilton's Jupiter caressing Juno, was considered too lewd to be on display for Queen Mary's visit, so it is reported that they hid it in the attic.

I can not reacall the name of this state bedroom (perhaps someone out there may know). 

Above and Below: The bed, with it's gilt three feather detail.

Below: My favourite thing about this room - the hidden door...

The North State Sitting Room

Below: details of the four Brussels tapestries in the North State sitting room. They depict the sun's annual progress through the zodiac. The were bought by Lady Leicester in 1759 for 134GBP. Today they would be irreplaceable.

Beds and Bedrooms...

Willowbrook Park will have 5 guest bedrooms in total, each with its own theme. There will be:

• The Brideshead Suite


• The Chatsworth Suite


• The Blenheim Suite


• The Carriage House Apartments


• The Royal Suite

The Brideshead Suite is the largest of the bedrooms suites, measuring 10m x 5m (32' x 16')

The Chatsworth Suite is the next largest, measuring 7m x 5m (23' x 16')

The Blenheim Suite is the smallest of the bedroom suites at 6m x 5m (20' x 16')

The Carriage House Apartments are 17m x 4m in total, comprising several separate rooms.

The Royal Suite is 13m x 5m (42' x 16')

Each suite has a unique character and colour scheme. The Brideshead suite will be decorated in beiges and golds. It has two distinct reflected ceiling mouldings to define the bedroom area from the lounge area, and a separate marble en suite. Below is an example of the sort of colourscheme and layout the Brideshead suite will have. Note the use of reflected ceilings, and the traditional furniture layout. I like the way one can break a long room up into several different spaces, whilst keeping it open and light:

The decor that will typify this suite: light and classical...

Other examples of light and open suites:

I also love fireplaces in bedrooms. It is so Luxurious!

There is a fireplace in the Royal Suite and also in the Chatsworth Suite.

I also like the idea of beds in custom built alcoves, however none of the suites at Willowbrook would be suitable for this.

Other beds and bedrooms...

Above and Below: Muted Shades. I like the paneling.

I am not a fan of the colour yellow, even if it is a warm colour.

Green is peaceful, though slightly cool.

Above and Below: Empire Day beds. I Like the canopies. Perhaps in the Blenheim Suite.

I love the bed below. Unfortunately, New Zealand being a million miles away from anywhere, is an expensive place to ship to.

Above: A flamboyant statement. I like the red walls with the purple and green silk canopy.

Below: Too much. I wonder if Marie Antoinette suffered from frequent migraines?