One of several family houses, Mount Stewart remained Edith’s favourite. In meticulously redesigning the house and boldly planting the now famous gardens, she breathed new life into Mount Stewart and transformed it into a colourful and scent-filled sanctuary for her family and a retreat where many illustrious friends came to relax and escape public life.
Although the house is currently closed due to Covid-19, here is a brief tour of the highlights.
Circe and the Sirens
Close to the entrance is a remarkable large portrait of Edith with three of her daughters, painted in 1925. In its colour, symbolism, sensuality and fun it brilliantly captures the essence of Mount Stewart, Edith and Charles’ favourite home.
Central Hall
The Central Hall and east end of the house were built in the 1840s. This space is, architecturally and symbolically, is the most impressive space in the house and forms the main public and family circulation space within the building. It is a cool, airy space but when originally built, it was topped by a dome filled with stained glass which cast coloured pools of light across the floor. Edith Londonderry disliked the Victorian gloom and removed the stained glass dome in the 1950s.
The floor has recently undergone a major restoration, revealing the original pale Scrabo stone, which had been covered with linoleum in the 1960s. The columns are painted to imitate marble. Two life size sculptures by Lawrence MacDonald stand at either end. The four sculptures in niches in the centre include one by L. Bartolini of Frances Anne Vane Tempest and her son George.
To the east end of the hall is Mount Stewart’s new silver display. It holds the Londonderry family silver dating from 1694 to the mid-20th century.