Oxfordshire: The charms of Buscot House

Buscot House is a Neoclassical house designed by Edward Townsend in the 1780's.  Two porphyry scagliola pillars date from that period. The rest of the interior design dates mostly from the time of the second Baron Faringdon. The House came into the Faringdon family in 1889. In 1962 the House passed to the National Trust.

The Dutch Room is of particular note. It has gorgeous green wallpaper and a plaster ceiling and frieze in the Adams style. The room includes a beautiful Rembrandt of a young blond man and a Van Dyke. There is also a Rubens of Marchesa Veronica Spinola Doria. The furniture in the room is a combination of Sheridan and Chippendale, the mantle is early 19th century with marble carved with fans and urns. A Sheridan satinwood fire screen finishes off the fireplace and in that beautiful ceiling, they have introduced recessed lighting without spoiling the look.

The dining room is magnificent with red wallpaper and a mahogany table and leather-covered chairs. There is Imari and Ch'ien Lung porcelain and also some 18th-century Chinese import bearing the arms of Stephen Sullivan, an ancestor of Lord Faringdon. The chimneypiece has a central plaque of Diana which was bought from a demolished London mansion. The leather dining chairs are from Clumber Park, the former seat of the Duke of Newcastle demolished in 1938.

One nice thing about Buscot is that even though they don't have a headphone tour they provide you with wooden tablets to read in each room.

The saloon is all gold, with a hint of pink in the furniture. It is a perfect backdrop for the Legend of Briar Rose Panels that cover the wall. It is really quite extraordinary, the ceiling has a fan design in the corners and a medallion in the center.

The drawing room has a very pretty case with miniatures, boxes, a watch and a bracelet. A collection of majolica adorns a table in the center of the room. A very pretty 18th-century longcase clock with floral marquetry in the hall adds a charming effect.

The Normanton room is mostly made up of paintings by living artists. Three windows look out toward the fountain; it is a light airy room with a carpet with a vine pattern. A spooky 18th-century state bed and an Italian or French Chausible are on display. A room of contrasts.

This is an interesting house with a good variety of items to view. Check opening times before you visit as they are limited. Closed on Monday and Tuesday.