Osborne House
East Cowes
Isle of Wight, Hampshire (PO32 6JY)
This extensive estate has an exquisitely furnished house and terraced gardens with panoramic views leading down to its own private beach on the Solent.
The House was built in 1845 for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as a country retreat. The Royal couple escaped to Osborne regularly and were there on 24 May each year to celebrate the Queen’s birthday and almost always for the Prince’s birthday on 26 August. After Prince Albert’s untimely death in 1861, the distraught Queen retreated to Osborne for several months, but thereafter avoided being there on these poignant dates. Nonetheless, the Queen spent much of the year at Osborne up to her death in 1901.
Osborne House is available for private events 7 days a week.
The approach to Osborne House couldn’t be more impressive, with cars – or horse-drawn carriages if you prefer – dropping your guests at the Queen’s entrance. There is a spacious car park a short walk from the house giving your guests a glimpse of the lovely grounds as they arrive.
Durbar Room
With its wonderfully intricate Indian-inspired carved white plaster ceiling and walls, this room is a prestigious setting for dining amid a glittering collection of treasures given to Queen Victoria.
Victoria Hall & Orangery
Once Queen Victoria’s private Chapel, beautiful arched windows overlook the Garden Terraces. With double doors leading outside you can serve drinks to your guests in the pretty flower-filled gardens on balmy summer evenings before sitting down for dinner.
Duchess of Kent Suite
Used by the future King George V and Queen Mary for their honeymoon, these lovely inter-linked rooms look out to the terraces and may also be used in conjunction with the Victoria Hall. They work especially well for small conferences or meetings.
Garden Terraces
Your guests can stroll around the scented flower beds as they sip cocktails and take in the panoramic views out to sea, said to have reminded Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples.
The Walled Garden
Another outdoor setting for stylish drinks receptions in this charmingly nostalgic garden, which once provided cut flowers, fruit and vegetables for the royal table.
Durbar Lawn
For entertaining on a grand scale follow Queen Victoria’s lead – she loved to host parties in tents on this lawn beside the house. Summer balls, lavish dinners and concerts are all regularly staged here. Private evening guided tours of Osborne House may be arranged to make your occasion even more exclusive.