Houghton Lodge House Tours

About

Houghton Lodge is one of the finest and earliest surviving example of a Cottage Ornée – a genre of ‘picturesque’ Gothic architecture that flourished for about 25 years from 1790. Houghton was thought to be designed in 1790 by John Plaw – one of the pioneers of the style – and was probably intended as a fishing lodge. Some fishing lodge!

Today the house is Grade II* listed and regularly attracts visits from students of architecture and has become one of the must see houses to visit Hampshire has to offer. 

Houghton Lodge House Tours

Open for selected dates in 2026, visitors can book in advance online or pick up a ticket on arrival at the Tea Room between 9am - 1pm

You will be guided by one of the family whenever possible, or by a guide. The tours are interesting and amusing to bring out the personality of the family home. Visitors will learn about Cottage Orné, see the beauty of the exquisite rooms, and listen to the stories and history that have been part of this house since it was built in 1793. The rooms are not very big so we are afraid they are not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and not suitable for children.

Of particular note is the Scagliola work fireplace, the majesty of The Music Room and the beautiful Chinese silk wallcovering in The Dining Room.  The joinery is of the first quality and was technically very difficult to construct.  This and the Regency window heads are extremely unusual.  You can appreciate the ethos of Cottage Orné with the sweeping views throughout the house through gothic arches and doors to the world beyond.  

A dynamic pricing structure for House Tours.