Christmas through the ages at Hampstead Georgian mansion
Fenton House's Christmas time-travelling experience. Picture: Fenton House - Credit: Archant
Fenton House, the National Trust property that sits moments from the southern edge of Hampstead Heath, is set to throw open its doors once more for a special festive event.
Its annual Christmas do will see visitors experience the ghosts of Christmas past at a time-travel-themed event.
Each of the rooms of the house is decked out to represent Christmas as it was in a different era of the Hampstead landmark’s existence..
Bernadette Kemble told the Ham&High: “What we are doing is holding a time-travel Christmas. The whole house is going to be set out in different eras. For children, there’s even going to be a little robin trail around the building and the garden.
“We are having traditional games in each of the rooms – appropriate to each time period.”
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Fenton House, built in 1693 and hidden on Hampstead Village’s northern edge in Hampstead Grove, is owned by the National Trust.
It is open from March to November each year, but luckily for festive visitors, it always stages a Christmas-themed event during December.
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Bernie explained the National Trust team has been putting the finishing festive touches to the house.
She said: “The trees are up and the rooms looking beautiful. We look forward to seeing everyone for the traditional elf hunt and robin spotting, and to starting the festive cheer with warming mulled wine and apple juice.”
Visitors will be able to experience the 17th century house decked out in four different historical periods – ranging from the Georgian era to the kitsch 1970s.
Bernie added: “There will be the candlelit splendor and greenery of a Georgian dining room and a 1970s living room, complete with gaudy baubles and board games in front of the telly.”
Fenton House was left to the Trust by Lady Binning, its last resident. The mansion was distinctively remodelled by PI Fenton, a merchant from Riga, Latvia, who bought it in 1793.
Christmas at Fenton House runs December 8-21 from Wednesday to Sunday. Opening hours are 11 to 4, Normal admission prices apply, free for under 5s and members.
