HOLKHAM HALL, NORFOLK

Holkham Hall, on the north Norfolk coast, is less country house and more palace. Faced in yellow brick, Holkham takes the form of a central block, surrounded at each of the corners by pavilions. It is not an entirely happy composition, but there are wonders inside. It has a hall built out of marble (or to be exact, alabaster). This grand space, known as The Marble Hall (pictured), is entered at a level lower than the colonnade, which soars above the visitor’s head. Overhead curves a coffered ceiling. Even today – and however often you see it – the effect is sensational. This is an imperial space, immense and imposing – but also flamboyant and festive.