All That Glitters

Polesden Lacey is all a-sparkle with seasonal treats and activities. Claire Saul learns about the inspiration behind the festive programme at this Surrey gem

- Claire Saul

‘Dame Margaret was a famous hostess, a friend of royalty and a lady of strong character and ability,’ reported a Surrey newspaper in September 1942, after the passing of the Hon. Dame Margaret Greville of Polesden Lacey. ‘Her death is greatly regretted in the part of Surrey which knew her well, for she had been a generous benefactor as well as a staunch friend.’

So generous, in fact, that ‘Maggie’ left Polesden and its 1,400-acre estate to the National Trust, ‘for the largest number of people to have enjoyment thereof’. And how they do – last year, almost 400,000 people visited the Edwardian property in Great Bookham near Dorking, to learn about this weekend party house that tempted the cream of society in the early 1900s and to admire the panoramic views from its magnificent grounds. And, of course, to hear about the complex heiress and hostess at the head of the house.

“Mrs. Greville was one of the foremost socialites of the early 20th century,” explains house and collections manager Caroline Williams. “The Greville's had rented a house at Reigate Priory and they also had a house in London, but Polesden was the place in the country where Mrs. Greville could have people for weekends. She used to invite the great and good of society, all sorts of very interesting people – artists, politicians, royalty, journalists, anyone who was influential in society.”