Eltham Palace

Approaching the palace, we were ethralled by the interesting features on the building and the mixture of styles.
I loved noticing lots of details and it was interesting to go there with an Architecture graduate.
We were asked to put plastic shoe protectors on as we entered the palace (which made me cross as you can imagine, particularly as mine couldn't be used again as it made a hole)
Inside, I was absolutely smitten and struck by the sight of this entrance hall oozing with Art-deco opulence.  The ceiling was a wonder to behold.
Although these items are replicas of the originals from the time of the Courthard family who bought and did so much to the palace, they were painstakingly based on the originals.
The wooden panelling was so beautifully made.
The two staircases that extended off the main reception area were one of my favourite views of the entire day.
Here was a cabinet of beauties - a fine collection of Maiolica Pottery in the Italain drawing room.
Here in the Italian drawing room, we saw beautiful wrought Iron work and a calm open space for entertaining.



One of the rooms I was most excited to see was the Dining room which absolutely screamed its Art-deco credentials.

Clever lighting in the ceiling, inlaid mother of pearl clocks in the walls...
and these beautiful inlaid mother-of pearl lacquer doors.

We headed into the basement which was a new section of the palace to be refurbished which showed how Eltham was used by the Army Corps during WW2. Although the Courthalds were still resident, they grew tired of the bombing and eventually left, giving the house over to the army.
Here in the basement, I was delighted to see the first of the dressing up opportunities for the day.  It took the opportunity to try on a Navy jacket and hat, an Air-raid Warden's hat and a 40's hat and coat which all agreed suited me (I agree!) The last picture I will tell you about later...

Upstairs, one of my favourite rooms was Virginia Courthald's beautifully opulent bathroom.
It was so spacious and beautiful in every way.

Here is a view of her beautiful round bedroom, again with cleverly hidden lighting.


Then we discovered Virginia Courthald's dressing room!
Alas, the two cupboards behind were locked but to the right, there was a whole set of dressing up items to try on including hats, dresses, coats,stoles, necklaces...

This was my favourite look. Alas, CBC took a couple of pictures of me in a red ball gown and fake fur but he couldn't seem to send them to me!

We moved along to see the other bedrooms of the family and visitors. I liked Stephen Courthald's bathroom too!
At the very end of that floor was the Minstrel's gallery which allowed you to see the Great Hall.  This is where balls and masques of the Tudor kings and queens would happen.

The timber ceiling was super impressive.
There are lots of other interesting rooms and features but one other of interest to me was the Map Room where the Courthaulds planned their next trip.