{"id":34315,"date":"2024-02-01T10:31:40","date_gmt":"2024-02-01T09:31:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/d498a79f-e12c-4e9d-a360-0f0b8af66c97"},"modified":"2024-02-01T11:39:24","modified_gmt":"2024-02-01T10:39:24","slug":"kingston-lacy-dorset-what-to-see-and-do","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/kingston-lacy-dorset-what-to-see-and-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Kingston Lacy, Dorset: what to see and do"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kingston Lacy is the ‘richest ever gift’ to the National Trust. Here’s why. <\/p>

By Dixe Wills\n <\/p>

Published: Thursday, 01 February 2024 at 09:31 AM<\/p>

\n\n

All you need to know about the striking architectural gem, Kingston Lacy<\/a>, in Dorset<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>

Where is Kingston Lacy?<\/h2>
Kingston Lacy is a country house and estate near Wimborne Minster, Dorset, England.<\/p>
When was Kingston Lacy built?<\/h2>
Originally built in the 1660s by Ralph Bankes, the explorer William John Bankes inherited the house and estate in 1834.<\/p>
Regarding the house his father had renovated to be an ‘awkward’ hybrid of styles, William John Bankes instructed the architect, Sir Charles Barry – who also designed the Houses of Parliament – to remodel it to resemble a Venetian palace during the 1830s.<\/p>
Bankes turned the house into a work of art, filled with beautiful things in the style of the Venetian palazzi.\u00a0<\/p>
What to see and do at Kingston Lacy<\/h2>
As an inveterate adventurer, Bankes had travelled through much of Europe and south along the Nile, deep into Egypt and brought the treasures acquired during these expeditions to Kingston Lacy. <\/p>
His legacy is an art collection that is the most impressive in the National Trust\u2019s care and includes paintings by Rubens, Titian and Sebastiano. <\/p>
The Spanish Room in Kingston Lacy. Credit: National Trust Images\/James Dobson<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Other highlights include:<\/p>
The ‘Picture Room’<\/strong>: Officially called ‘The Spanish Room’, the rooms feature paintings by Velazquez and Murillo. William John Bankes designed the 12 door panels that illustrate the months of the year.<\/li>
Masterpieces:<\/strong> Works of art by Titian, Rubens, Jan Brueghel the Younger and Sir Peter Lely in The Saloon.<\/li>
Painted ceiling:<\/strong> William John Bankes purchased the exquisite ceiling in the library, originally crafted for a palace in Bologna, in 1840.<\/li>
Bronze statues:<\/strong> Three large bronze figures take pride of place on the half-landing of the great marble staircase. Crafted by sculptor Marochetti, renowned for his work on the iconic Trafalgar Square lions, these sculptures are a tribute to the Bankes family heroes.<\/li>
Miniature paintings:<\/strong> Head to The Drawing Room to admire 50 enamel miniatures painted by Henry Bone (1755-1834). Henrietta Bankes (1871-1953) designed the striking Edwardian pink and gold colour scheme of the room.<\/li><\/ul> $\"Kingston$
The Japanese Garden at Kingston Lacy. Credit: National Trust Images\/James Dobson<\/figcaption><\/figure>
There are also 32 acres of gardens to explore, featuring rosebeds, expansive lawns, a parterre with formal bedding, a Victorian fernery, a Japanese gardenm a sunk garden as well as a woodland, complete with woodland trail<\/a>.<\/p>
Useful Information<\/h4>
House opening hours: 10.30\u20133 (winter 10.30\u20132.30).<\/li>
Caf\u00e9; shop; accessible toilets; wheelchair hire; dogs welcome in the parkland.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Looking for more inspirational days out?<\/h3>
If you’re in the area, check out our guide to the best walks in Dorset<\/a>, or explore Thomas Hardy’s cottage<\/a>. <\/p>
We’ve also put together guides and features about the National Trust properties<\/a>, including their best cinema locations<\/a> and their best walks<\/a>.<\/p>
$\"Lyme$ <\/figure>
Do you have National Trust membership? <\/h3>
Become a member<\/a> to enjoy savings on visits and contribute to preserving these iconic properties for future generations. <\/p><\/div><\/div>
Credit: National Trust Images\/Chris Lacey<\/em><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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