Fenton House is a 17th-century merchant's house located in Hampstead, north London, England.

The residence belongs to the National Trust, bequeathed in 1952 by Lady Katherine Binning (1871-1952), its last owner and resident.

Its a detached house with a walled garden, which is large by London standards, and features a sunken garden, an orchard and a kitchen garden.

Origins & History

Although the exact date is unknown, the historic two-story brick house was built between 1686 and 1689.

The house is not named after its original owner, but rather after a later purchaser, Philip Fenton, who purchased the property in 1793. The exterior of the house has remained relatively unchanged since its construction, but successive owners have updated and made changes to the interior on several occasions.

In 1936 the house was purchased by Lady Katherine Binning (1871-1952) who filled the house with collections of fine china from various countries, embroidery and furniture, particularly from the Georgian period (1714-c.1830-1837). After his death, the property passed into the hands of the National Trust, and his collections became part of the historical catalog of England.

Features

The interior houses the Benton Fletcher (1866-1944) collection of early keyboard instruments, some of which are often played for visitors during operational hours, and collections of paintings (including the collection of Peter Barkworth (1929-2006) and loans of Sir William Nicholson (1872-1949) paintings), Meissen, English and Chinese porcelain, 17th-century needlework pictures and Georgian furniture.

It also has fine portraits of King William IV (1765-1837) (when Duke of Clarence) and his mistress Dorothea Jordan (1761-1816), as well as portraits of two of their illegitimate sons, Frederick FitzClarence (1799-1854) and Adolphus FitzClarence (1802-1856), and one of William IV's brother George IV (1762-1830).

The brick mansion, with 1693 inscribed on its chimney breast which is consistent with the date of its core and most of its walls, has a 300-year-old orchard, where around 30 varieties of apple trees flourish.

19th century remodelling

Philip Fenton, a Riga merchant, bought the house in 1793 and in the 19th century ordered much of the remodelling. This comprised alterations to the interiors and roof, the addition of an ornate portico and the pediment, new window frames and glazing. The sides of the building feature balustraded flat areas (parapets) above the standard decorative ledge (cornice) which date from the 18th century.

The building has original staircases with twisted balusters. Main rooms have original panelling, corner cupboards and decoratively carved marble fireplaces.

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