High Society

This victorian socialite created a home for entertaining royalty and the political elite.

- Susie Kearley

Margaret Greville, the last resident owner of the English estate Polesden Lacey, was the daughter of a wealthy Scottish brewer. She gained political influence, became friends with royals and amassed great personal wealth. Her husband, Ronald Greville, was wealthy in his own right. A relentless socialite, Dame Greville loved to mix with celebrities. The Grevilles bought Polesden Lacey in 1906, and with their connections to King Edward VII, regularly entertained members of the royal family at the house. Dame Graville used the central hall at Polesden Lacey for parties and the dining room for intimate dinners.

 After purchasing the estate, the couple contacted architects Charles Mewés and Arthur Davis, who had designed the famous Ritz Hotel in London. The Grevilles commissioned the fashionable architects to turn the house into a grand stately home, and decorators White, Allom and Co., to add sumptuous fixtures and fittings. Money was no object. Dame Greville brought her collection of fine art and furniture into the house, and added all the latest modern conveniences. 

The property still retains much of that grandeur today. Ronald died in 1908, and Margaret, childless, bequeathed Polesden Lacey to the National Trust in 1942, which remains open for visitors.