When the Carlyles moved into 24 Cheyne Row, they had decided to put its space and size before its location in decidedly unstylish Chelsea. As they became the premier hosts of their age, with a guest list including every great name of the Victorian era filling their home night after night, their instinct was proved correct.

Here many of the couple's possessions, both relocated from their Scottish house and bought specially for their new London home, can be seen in the parlour, the back dining Room, the china closet, the entrance hall and staircase, the kitchen, the library, Mrs Carlyle's bedroom, the dressing room, the second floor landing and the attic study.

Both proved delighted with the tall terrace with the neat, enclosed garden. It formed the perfect backdrop for their wit and their charming company. The skilful home-making of his wife Jane, the beautiful furniture, books, portraits and pictures are all still in evidence. Today the houses gives an authentic flavour of their domestic and academic lives.