HOLKHAM HALL, NORFOLK

A supreme example of the English Palladian style, Holkham Hall is more palace than country house. It was designed by the First Earl of Leicester in partnership with architect William Kent and local man Matthew Brettingham the Elder as executive architect.

Faced in yellow brick, Holkham takes the form of a central block, surrounded at each corner by pavilions. The Marble Hall (actually alabaster) is entered at a level lower than the colonnade. Overhead curves a coffered ceiling; even today the effect is sensational: immense and imposing but also flamboyant and festive.

A well was sunk and a horse walked around a circular track to operate the pump that drew water for the many water closets and bathrooms. The family wing’s bathroom had a mahogany bath tub.