White Lodge, Ballet school in Richmond Park, England
White Lodge is a Georgian building in the Palladian style located within Richmond Park in London, now serving as a ballet school. Its symmetrical wings extend from a central entrance, following classical proportions and the design principles of Palladian architecture.
Roger Morris designed the hunting lodge in 1730 for King George II, who used it as a retreat during royal hunts in the park. The Royal Ballet School took over the building in 1955, converting it from a royal hunting retreat into an educational institution.
The name comes from the pale facade that contrasts with the surrounding parkland, making it easy to spot from a distance. Visitors can view the exterior during park hours while the ballet students practice their daily routines inside.
The building sits in a secluded part of the park and is not open to the public, as it operates as a residential ballet school. Visitors can view the exterior structure from park pathways but should keep a respectful distance to maintain student privacy.
Edward VIII was born in this building in 1894, long before it became home to the current ballet school. This makes it one of the few royal birthplaces in Britain now used as an educational facility.
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