The Tower House: William Burges’ Gothic Revival Masterpiece in London

Architectural Vision and Design Origins

The Tower House was conceived and designed by William Burges, a leading figure of the Gothic Revival movement, as his own home in the artistic enclave of Holland Park, Kensington. Built between 1875 and 1881, the house’s design draws inspiration from Burges’s earlier work on Castell Coch near Cardiff, featuring a compact but commanding form measuring just over 50 feet square. Its exterior is marked by red London gauge bricks, Bath stone dressings, and a distinctive conical tower clad in Cumbrian green slates. The building’s asymmetrical silhouette and geometric forms—triangles, cubes, and cones—create a bold yet balanced composition. Architectural historian J. Mordaunt Crook praised its logical plan and the seamless integration of medieval motifs with Victorian craftsmanship.

Interior Splendor and Symbolic Richness

Inside, The Tower House is a treasure trove of High Victorian artistry and symbolism. Burges and his team of craftsmen decorated the interiors with lavish attention to detail, embedding narratives and cultural references throughout. Each principal room was themed—ranging from time and love to literature—featuring mosaics, stained glass, carved capitals, and bespoke furniture. Notable elements include the mosaic floor depicting Burges’s beloved poodle Pinkie, windows illustrating medieval tales like the Storming of the Castle of Love, and hall mosaics of Theseus and the Minotaur. The house’s furnishings, many now housed in museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Higgins Art Gallery, were designed to be both functional and storytelling artworks, embodying Burges’s belief in the unity of art and architecture.

Historical Journey and Preservation

After Burges’s death in 1881, The Tower House passed through several hands, including Burges’s brother-in-law and later Colonel E.R.B. Graham. The house suffered neglect and vandalism mid-20th century until preservation efforts began in the 1960s. Lady Jane Turnbull initiated restoration with support from heritage bodies, followed by actor Richard Harris, who believed the house was haunted, and finally musician Jimmy Page, who purchased it in the early 1970s and remains its owner. The house was designated a Grade I listed building in 1949, recognizing its exceptional architectural and historic significance.

Setting and Cultural Context

Situated in the Holland Park district, a hub for artists and creatives in the late Victorian era, The Tower House neighbors homes of prominent painters like George Frederic Watts and Frederic Leighton. Its location within a leafy, upscale London neighborhood enhances its aura as a secluded yet culturally rich retreat. The house’s garden features unique details such as a convex mirror designed to catch the sunset’s rays, adding to its poetic character.

Legacy and Architectural Importance

The Tower House stands as a rare and complete example of medieval secular interiors produced by the Gothic Revival, often described as Burges’s architectural manifesto. It embodies a fusion of medieval romanticism and Victorian craftsmanship, influencing architectural and decorative arts beyond its time. Its preservation allows visitors and scholars to appreciate the depth of Victorian design philosophy and the artistic ambitions of one of Britain’s most imaginative architects.

Visitor Experience and Atmosphere

Though privately owned and not generally open to the public, The Tower House’s exterior and its story captivate architecture enthusiasts and cultural historians alike. Its imposing tower, intricate brickwork, and evocative symbolism invite contemplation of Victorian ideals and the enduring power of architectural storytelling. The house remains a testament to creative vision, artistic dedication, and the layered narratives embedded in built heritage.