Spencer House, Westminster

In 1758, James "Athenian" Stuart, who had studied the arcadian values of Ancient Greek architecture, replaced Vardy as the architect of the project.

As a direct result of this, Spencer House was to have authentic Greek details in the internal decoration, and thus it became one of the first examples in London of the neoclassical style, which was to sweep the country.

As the home of successive Earls and Countesses Spencer, the staterooms of the house became a theatre for the pageant that was London high society.

During the Blitz of the Second World War, it was stripped of its few remaining authentic treasures, specially made furniture, and fireplaces.

The lease of Spencer House was valued at £35 million in the 2017 annual report of RIT Capital Partners.

The west side of Spencer House, which overlooks Green Park
View of the house, circa 1800
The north side of Spencer House, with the front door on St James's Place