Private London

May 22-27, 2019

The ICAA is pleased to partner with Classical Excursions to present this special tour of London, which will grant participants behind-the-scenes access to some of the city's most beautiful and architecturally-significant private homes and sites. The tour will be led by Clive Aslet, renowned architectural historian, author and former Editor-in-Chief of Country Life magazine.

This tour is arranged by Classical Excursions. Please note that a registration form and deposit must be submitted to Classical Excursions and a confirmation of receipt must be received from Classical Excursions in order to be considered registered for this program. Payment of the $500 donation to the ICAA prior to registration does not guarantee placement on the trip. To inquire about registration for this program, please contact [email protected] or 413-243-4155.

Please note a fully tax-deductible donation of $500 per person is required to participate in this travel program. All travel program participants receive a complimentary Individual level membership for one year to the ICAA.

Spencer House

Participants will visit Spencer House, a tremendous neoclassical 18th Century private palace in London. The facades of the House were designed by architect John Vardy, while the interiors were designed by James Stuart.

Thematic House

Featured on the tour is a visit to Thematic House in Holland Park, owned by architectural critic and designer Charles Jencks. The House is an early Victorian villa featuring interiors by Jencks himself in collaboration with Terry Farrell.

Lancaster House

Participants will visit Lancaster House, which was completed in 1840 for the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland. When it was first completed, the House's interiors were a stunning backdrop for an impressive collection of paintings and objets d'art, much of which is still on view. Lancaster House has been a filming location for several notable films and television shows, including The Young Victoria and Downton Abbey.

Leighton House

During the tour, participants will visit Leighton House, the extraordinary private studio-house of Sir Frederic Leighton in the late 19th Century. Today, the house now exists as a museum featuring a fascinating collection of fine and decorative art.

The Albany

Participants will visit The Albany, a single three-story mansion facing a courtyard and flanked by wings, all built by Sir William Chambers in the 1770s. The Albany has been comprised of 69 beautiful apartments or "sets" since the early 1800s. The group will be accompanied by Tom Croft, the architect responsible for remodeling many of the apartments.

Kensington Palace

Participants will tour portions of Kensington Palace, the residence of several members of the Royal family. The group will be accompanied by architect John Simpson who designed the Palace's new public entrance loggia which connects the palace to the Kensington Gardens and new visitor spaces.

Seaford House

Featured on the tour is a visit to Seaford House in Belgrave Square, originally built in 1842. In 1902, the House was remodeled with an elaborate marble staircase, friezes, and paneling. At this time, it was considered one of the great London houses of the Edwardian era.

South Kensington Flat

Participants will enjoy an exclusive tour of the classically-inspired South Kensington flat shared by Hannah and Rachel Cecil Gurney, daughters of Claud Cecil Gurney, the founder of the luxury wallpaper house, de Gournay.

Bloomsbury Flat

Featured on the tour is a special tour of the rooftop flat of renowned architectural and interior designer Ben Pentreath and his partner, garden designer Charlie McCormick, located in Bloomsbury on Queen Square. The flat is located within a building dating from 1720, with the residence featuring rich colors and patterns throughout.

South London House

Participants will enjoy a special tour of the South London home of architectural designer Charles Rutherfoord and his partner Rupert Tyler, which combines the contemporary and classical styles and features a tremendous garden.

What’s included

Stay at the historic Dukes Hotel, located on St. James Square in the heart of elegant Mayfair
Exclusive, special events at the Sir John Soane's Museum, Syon House, the House of St. Barnabas, as well as the Camden home of John and Erica Simpson

FAQ

How do I register for an ICAA travel program?

If you would like to register, you may contact the travel operator organizing the program. Please note that a $500 donation per person to the ICAA is required in order to participate in each travel program. The contact information for ICAA tour operators is included on individual travel pages. Kindly note that the ICAA works with three different consultants for program offerings. If you are unsure which travel consultant to contact for a given program, you may email [email protected] or call 212-730-9646 x109

What does the required $500 donation fund?

Your $500 donation helps to further the ICAA’s goal of advancing the practice and appreciation of the classical tradition in architecture and the allied arts by supporting its varied educational programs, including continuing education courses, college workshops, the Summer Studio in Classical Architecture, New Heights, and many more.

Am I required to pay a $500 donation for each travel program I register for?

Yes, a donation of $500 to the ICAA is required for each travel program you register for. The donation is required for each person attending a tour.

How do I make my $500 donation to the ICAA?

You can make your $500 donation to the ICAA online, or you can download, complete, and mail this form to the ICAA. You can alternatively fax a copy to 212-730-9649. You may also call 212-730-9646 x109 or email [email protected] to make a donation. Donations must be made separately from the registration fee.

Do I have to be a member of the ICAA to participate in an ICAA travel program?

No, membership is not required to attend an ICAA travel program. However, complimentary Individual membership to the ICAA is included with your $500 required donation.

I don’t see the full itinerary for the tour I am interested in. When will it be released?

For full itinerary and more information, contact [email protected], 860-926-4895. Due to the exclusive nature of our tours, some private locations or visits may be omitted from the ICAA's website.

What kinds of trips does the ICAA offer?

Over the past several years, the ICAA has travelled to destinations including Paris; Andalusia; Atlanta; Barbados; South Africa; Chicago; the Netherlands and Belgium; Scotland; the French Riviera; Morocco; the Italian Lake Region; Charlottesville; Naples; and New Delhi, among many other locations. The ICAA is always looking to diversify its travel offerings. If you have a suggestion or location you would like to see added, please email [email protected]