Hughenden Manor, Buckinghamshire

Hughenden Manor, a National Trust property, was the home of Benjamin Disraeli and his wife, Mary Anne, from 1848 until he died in 1881. His wife died in 1872.

Disraeli was a novelist and leader of the Tory party in the House of Commons. He eventually rose to become the Chancellor of the Exchequer and prime minister in 1868 and also from 1874-1880. In 1876 Disraeli was given the title of earl of Beaconsfield. His wife was a viscountess.

In 1848 when he purchased the house it was a three storey white Georgian home. Architect E. B. Lamb, in 1862, added gothic decor in the interior and on the exterior.

In the entrance to the home is a statue of Disraeli and another of Edward Stanley the 14th earl of Derby, under whom Disraeli served. Portraits adorn the walls of the hall. The library originally served as a drawing room, but was made into a library by Disraeli’s nephew, Coningsby, who added the west wing of the house. In this room is a portrait of Disraeli and an inlaid marble chimney-piece.

The drawing room contains period furniture and a number of gothic features. Mementoes of Disraeli are collected in showcases. In the garden hall is an oak gothic-style chair dated 1863 carved with the coat of arms of Disraeli. The statesman’s room has engravings of politicians and Disraeli’s desk. The study is largely as it was when he died. On view are personal books and pictures.

In the Disraeli room are family portraits and a case containing more mementoes of the family including silver caskets and gifts from Queen Victoria. There is a portrait of Queen Victoria and Disraeli over the fireplace in the dining room. Marble reliefs further decorate the room. More portraits adorn the staircase. One room in the home is named after Francesco Bartolozzi, an engraver. In this room are the formal robes of Disraeli, worn when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer and a peer.

Disraeli’s bedroom was the south one, now containing furniture from a room which once served as the yellow state bedroom. His wife’s boudoir has a bow window.

There are walks in the surrounding woodland and park. The garden is a revival of a design by Mary Anne, Disraeli’s wife.

Visitor Information

Hughenden Manor is located 1.5 miles from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire on west side of A4128.
Tel. 01494 755573—info line
Open: check National Trust website for full details as dates and times vary for house, garden, park, and shop and depending on time of year. Parking nearby; shop; refreshments