Seaford House, Listed mansion in Belgrave Square, City of Westminster, England
Seaford House is a classical townhouse on Belgrave Square in the City of Westminster, London, with a white stucco facade and four main floors. It is one of the largest private mansions in London and carries a Grade II* listed building designation.
The architect Philip Hardwick designed this house in 1842 for the Earl of Sefton as a private city residence in the London West End. Lord Howard de Walden bought it in 1902 and gave it its current name.
The building now serves as the home of the Royal College of Defence Studies, where military and civilian leaders from many countries come together for advanced study. Anyone who steps inside finds a space that has moved well beyond its origins as a private home.
The house is not open to the public on a regular basis, but it does open its doors once a year during Open House Weekend in September. It is worth checking the exact date in advance, as access is limited and places fill quickly.
The 1902 renovations introduced a marble staircase with carved friezes and detailed wood paneling that many visitors walk past without a second glance. These interior details shape the feel of the house more than the exterior ever could.
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