Just back from visiting this amazing property, (23 August 23). You need to book as it is only open on Wednesdays, but it is not difficult - just navigate their website. It really is worth a visit. Carlyle was an amazing man and associated with many famous writers who visited the house. It is steeped in history.
Our guides were pleasant, friendly, and knowledgeable. Catherine and Baxter could not have done a better job! Baxter welcomed us and Catherine gave us a run down on the basic history etc. She was obviously very interested herself, and naturally this rubs off on her visitors. I strongly recommend adding this to your visiting list. It would be a good idea to read up about the Carlyles and basic history before your visit as this would give you a good grounding which would enhance the experience...
Read moreWhat a lovely National Trust visit. The staff are excellent here. Baxter was very welcoming and Thalia's talk about Carlyle was very interesting. They provide a written guide but not really needed as there is a guide upstairs too. The house is pretty much as they left it with a lovely garden. Carlyle and his wife were writers and considered a celebrity couple. Both smart and published. The writing desk brings this to life. There is a painting of their drawing room just as it is now. The house has some interesting features too. Worth a visit if you are interested in looking at history and legacy of this period. Easy to get to by tube, Sloane Square or bus from South Kensington or Victoria. It is only on Wednesday and visits need...
Read moreCarlyle House was built on the site of an abandonded sulphur rendering plant in the 1970's. Since then it has undergone several refurbishments and two major renovations. The most important of these took place in 1995 when a worker digging in the backyard found the fossilized remains of a Triceratops. Since then dinosaur hunters have flocked to the place hoping to bag a raptor or T-rex. In 2002, the house hosted the 32nd annual conference of forensic accountants who trashed the place in an orgy of excessive book-keeping and were banned for life. Right now the house is owned by a Mr. Lemon Buttercup and he is sick and tired of the noise from the tourists upstairs. So, all in all, Carlyle...
Read more