Photo source: Matt Brown, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Turners House is a Grade II* listed historic house in London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, and a member of Historic Houses. Read about its history, architecture and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Turners House
In 1807 J.M.W.
Turner bought a plot of land between Twickenham and Richmond Bridge and built himself a retreat he called Sandycombe Lodge, now known as Turner's House, at 40 Sandycoombe Road in Twickenham.
He designed it himself, having once said that if he could live his life again he would have been an architect.
The house is looked after as a member property of Historic Houses, though entry is not included free for members.
Turner lived there with his retired barber father, who took charge of the large garden.
Read more on WikipediaHistory of Turners House
Turner completed the lodge by 1813 as a private escape from London's art world, walking to the Thames towpath to fish and sketch with friends. He sold the house in 1826, a decision likely hastened by his elderly father's declining health. The building has since been extensively restored to show it as Turner himself would have known it.
Architecture of Turners House
Sandycombe Lodge is a modest, compact villa that Turner largely designed himself without formal architectural training. Its restrained classical lines are thought to show the influence of his friend, the architect Sir John Soane. The house holds a Grade II* listed building designation, reflecting its special architectural and historic interest.
Worth knowing
The house was home not only to Turner but to his father William, a retired Covent Garden barber, who ran the household and tended the garden, which Turner fondly called his father's 'farming'. Turner used the house as a base for fishing and socialising with fellow anglers along the Thames.
Gardens & grounds at Turners House
The garden, once tended by Turner's father, survives today. The garden and toilet are fully wheelchair accessible to visitors, though the ground floor is only partially accessible and there is no lift for upper floors.
Facilities
Plan your visit to Turners House
Nearest station: Sudbury (Suffolk) Rail Station (7.4 miles)
Check official website for seasonal opening times; generally open April to October on selected days
Places to visit near Turners House
Historic places nearby
Within 5 miles of Turners House there are 2 historic properties, including 2 historic houses.
Within 10 miles of Turners House there are 10 historic properties, including 6 historic houses and 3 churchs, across Historic Houses, Churches Conservation Trust and National Trust sites.
Within 20 miles of Turners House there are 38 historic properties, including 14 historic buildings, 13 churchs and 9 historic houses, across Churches Conservation Trust, English Heritage and Historic Houses sites.
Facts
The only house J.M.W. Turner ever designed, built as his private escape from London's art world.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, England
- Visit duration
- Allow 1 hour for a guided tour
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