The house contains Chinese export tea bowls, Imari vases, japanned longcase clocks and lacquer cabinets galore
of museum quality. He valued it at £50,000 to £70,000.’
Bryant Barrett’s eye for the latest in fashionable interiors is underlined in the spectacular library. ‘It’s the best example of Strawberry Hill Gothic outside Strawberry Hill,’ says Suzanne. Ogee-shaped bookcases and window frames are echoed in the frieze and chimney piece. The library once contained more than 2,000 books, most of which were sold o in the early 20th century. A rare Pinxton porcelain tea service, made by a short-lived Derbyshire factory and decorated with views of Milton Manor from the late 18th century is
among the treasures now displayed on the shelves. ‘Three pieces from the service were exhibited in the Washington National Gallery of Art ‘Treasure Houses of Britain’ exhibition (1985),’ recalls Suzanne. ‘My mother had never flown (this was the only time) but couldn’t miss seeing it on display, or having tea at the White House with President Reagan.’
Royal allies
Barrett’s royal connections have left an indelible mark on Milton. ‘He was a close friend of Princess Amelia, George II’s favourite daughter, and the overmantel in the drawing room came from the princess’s country residence, Gunnersbury House,’ says Suzanne. In its centre is a painting by Thomas de Keyser showing children in a chariot drawn by a goat. The children’s identities are unknown but they may be members of the royal family. ‘Barrett must have treasured it because he had the John Webb ceiling adjusted to fit it in.’
Oriental works of art are another of Barrett’s passions and reflect the taste of the time. Milton’s corridors and rooms contain Chinese export tea bowls, Imari vases, japanned longcase clocks and lacquer cabinets galore. Upstairs, a bedroom and dressing room are hung with exquisite hand- coloured Chinese wallpaper. ‘This was my mother’s room. She was the first to open the house to the public in the 1950s and was amazingly tidy, so she didn’t mind people seeing her bedroom.’
Suzanne no longer lives here, but has striking recollections of her childhood at Milton. In some senses it was a privileged existence, with a butler, nanny, cook and maid in attendance. In other ways it was far from luxurious. ‘My mother thought too much heat would spoil the panelling. There was no central heating, only a two-bar heater in our bedroom,’ says Suzanne. She helped to guide visitors from a young age. ‘At first I was embarrassed. I couldn’t understand why people wanted to see our house. But we met all sorts of interesting people, including Roy Strong. And I still love taking people round – it’s such a special place.’