“The most complete example of a medieval secular interior produced by the Gothic Revival.” That’s how architectural historian J. Mordaunt Crook described The Tower House. And he wasn’t exaggerating.
The Tower House, right here on Melbury Road, is a testament to the extravagant imagination of its creator, William Burges. An architect and designer, Burges built this house between 1875 and 1881 as his own personal sanctuary. He filled it with the most exquisite details, drawing inspiration from his vast knowledge of medieval art and architecture.
Burges’s love for the Gothic is evident in every brick and stone. Notice the distinctive cylindrical tower that gives the house its name, reminiscent of his previous project, Castell Coch in Wales. Look closely at the red brick facade and Bath stone dressings, a deliberate contrast to the Queen Anne style he so disliked, which was prevalent in the area.
But the real magic unfolds inside. Each room is a symphony of symbolism and craftsmanship. Imagine lavish fireplaces, intricate carvings, and vibrant murals illustrating scenes from literature and mythology. The dining room celebrates storytelling with its Geoffrey Chaucer-inspired decor. Burges even designed the cutlery! The library with its painted ceiling depicting constellations, is a tribute to Time.
The Tower House is more than just a house. It’s a meticulously crafted work of art, a portal into the Victorian Gothic Revival. Sadly, not all of Burges’s treasures remain. Much of the furniture, including his iconic “Red Bed” in which he died, are now scattered in museums and private collections. But even without its original furnishings, The Tower House remains a captivating time capsule, a testament to the enduring power of a dream.