I have long had a curiosity about and a love for the royal palaces around the world (mostly Europe, I suppose.) Before the internet, unless you had access to old copies of Country Life Magazine and could order out of date books, it was hard to find vintage photos to whet your appetite for what th0se palaces looked like inside. The Internet changed all that.
Princess Diana’s Apartment at Kensington from Country Life Magazine – decades before she lived there.
For instance, I had long dreamed of what Diana’s apartment at Kensington Palace looked like Before and After she lived there, and now I know, thanks to the internet leading me to an old copy of Country Life magazine. I was also curious about the Queen Mum’s Scottish hideaway, The Castle of Mey. HERE. And the other Scottish private royal home, Balmoral. And Sandringham which was bought as a family home for the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII. Over the past 15 years, the internet helped me write so many stories about different palaces, including a four part series on Highgrove, Clarence House, Kensington Palace and Nether Lypiatt. And more. LOL!!! I’ll spare you.
But, one royal home was never on my blog, even though I was always curious about it:
Fort Belvedere.
This is the folly where Edward and Wallis Simpson fell in love and where he remained even after he became King Edward VIII. Located in Windsor Park, I’ve been interested in it, but just never had a reason to blog about it, that is, until now.
(Oh, if I had only known what I now know………!)
The rumor all over the gossipy web sites is that the Cambridges, William and Kate, et al, might move to Edward & Wallis’ love nest.
But why???
The Cambridges already have a country estate, Anmer Hall, where they have spent millions upon millions on renovations. It is located on the Sandringham Estate, but it is not an easy, quick retreat from London. On many weekends, the family takes a helicopter there, all together, sometimes even with William flying it. The Queen is reported to be terrified that an accident might occur. Then what? Prince Harry would be King? Meghan would be Queen?
Quick, get the smelling salts!
(For myself, I would LOVE a Queen Meghan!)
Anmer Hall with its new roof.
Anmer Hall was once perfect for the future king’s family. When the Queen gave them the estate, William was still working nearby with EMS Helicopters in Norfolk. And now with the news that Sandringham might no longer be used by the royals for Christmas, Anmer Hall seems awfully isolated. No wonder the Cambridges are looking at a move to Windsor. Lots of family members already live in the area: Prince Andrew and Princess Eugenie, The Duke and Duchess of Wessex. Kate’s parents live nearby and so does her sister and brother.
Kate’s parents, The Middletons live here in Bucklebury, Berkshire near to Fort Belvedere.
Celebrities in the area are the Clooneys and Elton John. Plus Windsor is close to both wonderful day and boarding schools. Most important, it’s close to the Queen who now lives full time at Windsor Castle.
The problem is, there aren’t many appropriate Royal-owned houses left in Windsor Park that are available. Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge would be perfect and so would the Wessex’ Bagshot Park, but both are taken.
Hence, all the rumors about William & Kate landing at Fort Belvedere. There is a tenant there now, but that might be changing. The lease on Fort Belvedere is owned by Galen and Hilary Weston, the billionaire couple from Toronto. Mr. Weston passed away two years ago and maybe his wife is wanting to hand the lease back?????
This month, the noise grew louder about the Cambridges moving to Fort Belvedere. Every news outlet was talking about it. Could this rumor, after floating around for years, finally be true?
If so, Fort Belvedere would be a huge change from Anmer Hall.
Anmer Hall – the Cambridges’ country estate.
You may recall the family clapping hands for the Covid key workers at this very same back door:
Look at the beautiful brick work!!
Would the Fort be a better choice for the young family than Anmer Hall? And Why? And where exactly is Fort Belvedere?
With security, the Fort is about a 1/2 hour drive from London, much, much closer than Anmer Hall.
By contrast, it’s a three hour drive from Anmer Hall to London.
The couple could live at Fort Belvedere full time and just commute to the city for the day. If the boys are sent to Eton, they would be within a skip and jump from home.
Their current home Anmer Hall is a typical English country estate, cozy and welcoming, something the Fort has never been thought of before. Would Wills & Kate want to give up all that family warmth to live in a cold, stone fort? Fort Belvedere has always been considered a folly, a strange little place, not a family home.
WELL!
I have news for you. Fort Belvedere is no longer a folly and it’s not strange. It may have been both of those things years ago, but once John Stefanidis got his hands on it, it became quite beautiful.
John Stefanidis you ask??
Did you know that the genius Stefanidis renovated that strange, odd folly?
Neither did I. But he did. AND, it’s a game changer!!
Now with Stefanidis in the mix, I am praying the Cambridges get the lease on the Fort.
It’s fabulous!!!!!
(The only problem is I doubt they would hire Stefanidis for the job.)
Fort Belvedere recently seen from the air.
Let’s take a look back:
THE FIRST TENANT:
THE DUKE OF CUMBERLAND:
The Duke of Cumberland (1721–1765), younger son of King George II and Queen Caroline
In 1750, the Duke of Cumberland erected a folly – simply called “A New Building on Shrubb’s Hill” but today known as Fort Belvedere. The Duke used it as a summer boat house, his own huge estate is the nearby Cumberland Lodge.
Originally, the Fort was a simple, triangular turreted structure, which over the years was greatly expanded by various owners.
The original three turreted Fort Belvedere
If you are a fan of Outlander, you might recognize this Duke as the “Butcher of Culloden” (horrors!) the English officer (not a gentleman) and the sworn enemy of Bonnie Prince Charlie. The Butcher of Culloden systematically massacred all the surviving Jacobites left on the Culloden battlefield that fateful day.
Not a nice guy
But, after Culloden, the Duke of Cumberland needed a diversion and Fort Belvedere was it.
He chose the location near his estate, Cumberland Lodge, and where in 1746, he created Virginia Water out of a small stream. It was there he sailed his famous boat, immortalized in this print, below.
The famous print showing the Fort, seen above Virginia Water, where the Duke of Cumberland’s Mandarin boat is. Amazing, isn’t it? Is that boat even real???!! Actually, yes!
Original plans for the Fort. Notice in the top turret, there are stairs leading to the second floor. These stairs remain there today. The area in the middle of the three turrets is today called the Inner Hall from which several rooms branch out.
Built in the Gothic Revival style, there are three towers. The main room, between the three towers on the second floor, was once the drawing room, but today is the Queen’s bedroom. The other two turrets (besides the stairs) were used as a library that was stocked with 200 leather bound books. Later, one tower will greatly increase in height with a flagpole flying high over the landscape of Windsor Park.
THE SECOND TENANT: KING GEORGE IV & HIS MISTRESS:
King George IV
In 1828, the much maligned Jeffry Wyatville, was asked by King George IV to rebuild the Fort, greatly enlarging it so that George’s mistress could live at the Fort.
Maria Fitzherbert, the King’s on and off wife/mistress who was moved into the newly enlarged Fort Belvedere, the first pair of lovers to live at the Fort!
Don’t they look alike?
Jeffry Wyatville built and restored many royal buildings, including Windsor Castle, so it is only natural that King George IV would hire him to enlarge the Fort.
You may remember Prince Andrew’s country home, Royal Lodge, HERE and the room Jeffry Wyatville created for the lodge.
Remember this magnificent Wyatville room at Royal Lodge?
Wyattville’s creation at Royal Lodge.
Side note: I was watching a documentary on Windsor Castle and was so surprised to hear Prince Charles disparaging Wyatville:
''I am afraid to say that I have never been a great admirer of Wyatville,'' Prince Charles says in the documentary, 'Restoration.’ “Charles said he thought Wyatville had ''vandalized'' St. George's Hall.”
Well! I have NEVER!!!!
At Fort Belvedere, Wyatville added an octagonal dining room which Edward, the Duke of Windsor, would later use as his drawing room. This octagonal room became the most iconic room in the Fort. He also added a library and bedrooms. One turret was greatly elongated so that guests could take in the views from London to Windsor Castle.
In addition, the Fort, made of brick, had an applied wash put over it, along with pieces of flint, which was meant to simulate stone.
Later, Queen Victoria would occasionally use the Fort as a tea room. It was also opened to the public at this time.
THIRD TENANT: THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT’S COMPTROLLER:
In 1910, the Comptroller for the Duke of Connaught, who lived at nearby Bagshot Park, moved into the Fort.
Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught. What a dandy!
Arthur was the third son of Queen Victoria and many important changes to the Fort were made while his Comptroller lived there. Interestingly, the Comptroller later died in a boating accident on Virginia Water!
Prince Edward and his wife Sophie Wessex currently live in Bagshot Park which would make an ideal home for the future King of England William and Kate, but I’m sure the Wessex are never budging from their fabulous home, especially to hand it over to William and Kate.
What a beauty! Bagshot Park where the Duke of Connaught once lived and where Edward and Sophie Wessex live today.
Let’s look at the original Fort Belvedere with its three towers:
Now look at this aerial view of the Fort today:
You can still see the original three turreted building, with all the additions that have sprung up around it. That center section between the three towers is now The Inner Hall from which other rooms branch off. Notice, also the Wyatville addition – the octagonal drawing room. And, also notice in the parterre garden – the center feature is another octagon, which mimics the shape of the Drawing Room.
A very early view of the Wyatville octagonal dining room. Edward used this octagonal room as the drawing room and today, it continues to be used as such. Above it, with the beautiful window, WAS the original drawing room. Today it is the Queen’s Bedroom. Notice the one turret is now much higher than the other two.
After the aforementioned Comptroller to the Duke of Connaught moved into Fort Belvedere, extensive renovations took place: A new service wing was built, along with an entrance porch, both of which were later demolished. Also, the dining and drawing rooms were enlarged.
I found the most beautiful plans for the Duke of Connaught’s improvements. These plans also help you understand the floorplan of the fort.
The darker yellow indicate changes. At the right is the floor plan which I enlarged:
Here in yellow are the changes made for the Duke of Connaught. In purple, you can see the original three turrets surrounding the Inner Hall. To the right is the enlarged dining room and all the new staff rooms. The entrance used to be towards the back left side where the smaller circular driveway is shown. That driveway was demolished by Edward, and today the entrance is at the front while the former entrance now has a beautiful iron pergola over it, thanks to the Westons. Notice the stairway off the Inner Hall. You will see that in an Instagram photo, later. And, of course, notice the octagonal drawing room at the top – the important addition made in the 19th century by Jeffry Wyatville.
The second floor. The Queen’s bedroom is seen over the Inner Hall. Its two bathrooms are in the original turrets that were once libraries. We will see what this suite looks like today – further down.
THE FOURTH TENANT:
THE PRINCE OF WALES, LATER KING EDWARD VIII, KNOWN PRIVATELY TO ALL – AS DAVID
A rare view of the Fort before the swimming pool was built. At the far left is the lily pond over which Edward built his pool. That large tree in front of the Fort was cut down, per Edward’s instructions, as were the trees on the left side, that kept the Fort in deep shade and created mold on its walls.
This is how the Fort looked when Edward moved in.
This shows all the renovations the Duke of Connaught and his Comptroller made according to the floorplans. Just a thought here – that must have been some talented Comptroller to get such a nice “grace & favor” home, given to him by the Crown, along with all those renovations!! After the Comptroller vacated the Fort, it languished in “thick dust and sunken floors.” At this time in 1929, Edward asked his father, the King, for permission to lease the Fort from the crown.
'When I went to my father to ask whether I might live there, he was surprised. "What could you possibly want that queer old place for? Those damn weekends, I suppose." But then he smiled, "Well, if you want it, you can have it."
When Edward moved into the Fort in 1929-1930, he could not have had an inkling that he would have to give up being King for a woman he had not yet even met.
Edward stayed at the Fort until his abdication in 1936.
During his time there, he built a swimming pool, a tennis court, and stables. He put bathrooms in almost every bedroom suite – unheard of in that day, and he installed much needed (steam) heating. In addition, cupboards were added for storage. In the basement, he installed a Turkish steam bath and shower. Edward wanted the Fort to have all the luxuries he had witnessed in Long Island when he visited his American polo buddies.
The major changes to the facade by Edward: the white tower was later shortened by him. Edward’s bedroom/library, left of the front door, had one arched window, here with a sunshade over it – he replaced this with a larger window. The bedroom above had three small windows, today that is also one window.
And notice all the weird elements coming out of the chimney pots! They look like they are channeling aliens. Ground control to Major Tom!!!!
The Fort, seen here under construction for Edward. The scaffolding is up, the trees are down.
After Edward’s renovations. The front view of the Fort shows the new enlarged room and windows in his suite – left of the front door and in the bedroom above. You can really see the original three sided fort, now completely surrounded by the additions. At the center of the Fort is the double front door.
Edward loved his Fort immensely. He wrote “I created a home at the Fort just as my father and grandfather had created at Sandringham…Here I spent some of the happiest days of my life.”
Several noted interior decorators worked on the house while others provided furniture, and Edward’s two girlfriends before Wallis ruled the roost.
A guest wing was added for more offices and rooms needed as he was to become the King. Edward’s bedroom suite was located on the ground floor. Wallis, who moved to the Fort after her divorce in early 1936 lived on the second floor in two bedrooms she had combined to create a suite for herself.
She also redecorated – changing the fabrics in Edwards suite and the Queen’s bedroom which was once all pink. She used cream and white instead.
'The Fort laid hold of me in many ways. Soon I came to love it as I loved no other material thing – perhaps because it was so much my own creation. More and more it became for me a peaceful, almost enchanted anchorage, where I found refuge from the cares and turmoil of my life.'
The back view after Edward remodeled the Fort. Cleared of messy trees, there is the new pool and the hard tennis court. You can also plainly see the one story octagon – the Wyatville drawing room. Notice too, Wyatville’s renovation of the back turret – its height was greatly increased, so much so that one could see St Paul’s with a “spy glass.”
An inventory taken of the Fort during the Duke of Cumberland’s time, mentions a spy glass in a mahogany case.
Outside the back of the Fort, in an arc, are 31 brass guns which were fired in royal salutes on birthdays and important events. The cannons were brought over from the Duke of Cumberland’s estate, Cumberland Lodge.
Master Gunner Turner in a salute to Queen Victoria on her last birthday. Whoa! That smoke!
The guns were to be sold and melted down during WWII, but after an intervention, it was decided that the guns would remain at the Fort where they are today.
Master Gunner Turner, the last bombardier, died in his cottage at Fort Belvedere in 1901. In modern history, his cottage, which is connected to the Fort by an archway, was recently completely renovated by the current tenants, the Westons, who pulled up its wood floor to install underfloor heating. Most likely the cottage is now used a lovely guest suite.
The cannon. Notice behind, the arched window peaking out.
Taken after Edward’s updates in the 1930s. The pool has now been landscaped. You can see Edward’s stables to the far left. Today, most of those buildings to the left side of this photo are gone, as are the rooms on that side of the house which were later replace.
This most clear photo after Edwards renovation. Here you can see the bombardier’s cottage, to the right of the arch, which leads to a courtyard. Another clear view of the original three sided Fort, now encased by all the additions.
When Edward first moved into the Fort, it was overtaken with vines and foliage that created mold on the walls. The yards were overtaken with undergrowth. The Duke would ask his weekend guests to join him in the gardening, which was really backbreaking work. At that time, before Wallis was on the scene, his brother Bertie would come over and help garden. He lived nearby in Royal Lodge which Prince Andrew lives today. After the abdication, the Queen Mum loathed Wallis so much, she never spoke to her again.
1933. Before Wallis. At the left, Lord Mountbatten, Bertie, Prince and Princess of Sweden, Queen of Denmark, Queen Mum, and Edward’s then girlfriend Lady Thelma Furness! What a crowd.
Edward wrote that he loved his swimming pool and spent much time sitting by it.
At the pool. Wallis and her Aunt Bessie with Edward’s shadow looming over them.
And more time by the pool.
There were also lunches out by the pool. Here Wallis sits next to her husband while Edward glowers at the camera probably jealous of Wallis’ husband! I have to say, he was really handsome when he was young!
She wanted club sandwiches, dang it! Now go make them!!
Supposedly a true story about a run-in Wallis had with Edward’s chef. Guess who won that one in the end.
Edward was immensely proud of how the gardens turned out compared to how they were before.
Remember:
Before the Comptroller’s time, the grounds were overgrown and a total mess.
Edward’s brothers and friends help clear the undergrowth.
Proud of his flowers!
He was besotted. She, less so.
Playing dress up at the Fort.
An antique biscuit tin showing the then King at Fort Belvedere. I’d love to have this tin!
As happy as they were at the Fort, a constitutional crisis was looming in London. All Edward’s hopes to marry Wallis and remain King were denied to him. He was furious that he was being told he couldn’t marry the woman he loved. But in his heart, he knew Bertie would make a better King. Bertie agreed to step up in his brother’s place.
On December 3, a few weeks before the abdication, Wallis was sent away, never to return to the Fort.
On December 10 1936, The King signed his abdication letter at the Fort with his three brothers, Bertie, Henry and George, as witnesses. I guess his sister Mary, being a female, was not needed. My, how times have changed. But Mary’s spirit was to live on at the Fort in a very strange twist.
When the King abdicated, he too was forced out of the Fort. He believed (because Bertie told him so) that he would eventually be allowed to come live at the Fort once things settled down, but he never walked into his house again. Edward felt deep bitterness to his family and especially Bertie, now the King, whom he felt manipulated him.
All his furniture was placed in the Fort’s basement where it languished for a few years. Finally, it was all shipped to France, much of which was damaged in transit.
His furniture that remained intact was proudly displayed in both his town home and country estate in France.
Despite being forbidden to return, Edward continued to pay for the upkeep of the Fort, hoping he would be allowed back. He was grief stricken when was told that all his plants were uprooted and taken to Windsor Castle.
In 1940, he was informed the Fort was no longer his. His brother Bertie had promised that he could keep the Fort should he ever return and the Duke considered this a failure of Bertie to keep his word.
With that all settled, a new tenant was needed to buy the 99 year lease for Fort Belvedere.
FIFTH TENANT:
Honourable Gerald Lascelles and his wife Angela and son.
The Lascelles.
After the ex King and Wallis Simpson left England, the Fort stood empty for a few decades until 1955 when Queen Elizabeth’s cousin, Gerald Lascelles moved in. (You might remember that name from The Crown. It rhymes with tassels.) Gerald was the son of Edward’s beloved sister Mary, Princess Royal.
Edward was very close to his sister, Mary, and in order to keep peace, she wrote him that her son would be moving into the Fort. I can only imagine how betrayed Edward must have felt!
1963. Jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie visited the Lascelles for a Jazz festival at the Fort. You can see the Lascelles had let the vines overtake the Fort. Gerald was a bit of a Renaissance Man. He was heavily into jazz music and also falconry and hunting and he wrote several books on those subjects.
After the abdication, there were more changes to the Fort made by the Lascelles. In this photo you can see to the left side of the Fort that an enormous amount of rooms were torn down.
There is a one story addition where there once were Edward’s offices – today there is a second story conservatory there.
The Lascelles spent three years restoring the Fort, with the help of designer Stanley Peters (more about him later.)Gerald Lascelles removed most of the Duke’s additions except for the swimming pool and the faux Scottish pine paneling in the Wyatville Drawing Room. He removed many of the offices built for the King. Twenty years later, Lascelles fathered a child with a girlfriend and was divorced. He put his 78 year remainder on his lease up for sale for 200,000 pounds, advertising that the house had an hexagonal Inner Hall, fine drawing room, dining room, library, staff, 6 bedrooms and 5 baths, all on 59 acres. Three cottages were included in the lease.
SIXTH TENANT:
The son of the Emir of Dubai bought the lease from Gerald Lascelles. It was he who rented out the Fort for the “Edward and Mrs. Simpson” movie which was filmed inside the Fort!
THE SEVENTH TENENTS:
GALEN AND HILARY WESTON
The Canadian Billionaires who are personal friends with the royal family. Mr. Weston had a polo team and played with Prince Charles.
This photo above is an aerial view showing the Weston updates. The swimming pool was landscaped and sheltered from the wind. The area under the garrison is also now beautifully landscaped. It looks like there are two tennis courts on grass. Notice the beautiful parterre gardens on the left side of the Fort and a vegetable or cutting garden behind it. There are also hot houses for winterizing the plants. Notice, too, you can see the Weston’s glass conservatory on the second floor that overlooks the gardens.
Even more recent! Notice all the grown box. I love the swimming pool landscaping. And look at the conservatory! Wow!!! The Canadian flag flies when the Weston are in house. They live in Toronto during the winter.
Love that flag!
In the 1980s, billionaire Canadians Galen and Hilary Weston took over Fort Belvedere. The Westons are well known to interior design aficionados as the couple who created Windsor in Florida, and whose house there was designed by the great John Stefanidis.
Hilary was Lt. Governor of Ontario and her husband was head of Selfridges, amongst other companies. The Westons are the fourth couple to live here. Very happily married, it was a shock when Mr. Weston recently passed away in 2020. I wonder if that is the reason the rumors are flying about William & Kate taking over the lease????? Could Mrs. Weston be ready to leave the Fort?
TODAY: The Westons made many changes to gardens and pool area. They extended the stream so that it is now much closer to the Fort. Also they added new windows and doors – seen here in both downstairs rooms, the most gorgeous windows!!! Notice the lancet shape of the windows.
A small, blurry photo of the garden shows the conservatory on the second floor.
Here’s a photo of the Westons working on the renovations. You can see the scaffolding after it was taken down. You can clearly see the conservatory.
It must be beautiful up there, overlooking the gardens.
Another Weston addition. From Instagram. A current view of the parterre garden in full bloom! So pretty! The second story conservatory overlooks this area. Behind the parterre garden, there is another enclosed garden, for vegetables or cut flowers?
The Westons installed garden vignettes throughout the estate.
Close up of the new Weston windows and gardens. Notice the tops of the windows recreating the lancet look.
The Westons have replanted the gardens throughout the estate. Notice at the very right, below, is a glimpse of the basement window. Edward had put in a Turkish sauna and bath down in the basement which the Westons modernized and reinstalled.
Let’s go inside Fort Belvedere.
The majority of photos come from “Rooms” by John Stefanidis, Instagram, the Royal Collection, AND screenshots from the docu-drama “Edward and Mrs. Simpson” a 7 part movie that was actually filmed at the Fort, thanks to the Emir’s son who owned the lease at the time, 1977. Watch it free on Amazon Prime!
THE FRONT PORCH:
The lovers Edward and Wallis sit outside the newly installed front door. Prior to this, the front entrance was at the side of the Fort. These same doors are being used today!
Hilary Weston on her way to Ascot, hence the fancy hat. At the door are red portieres. And see, the same front door!
ENTRANCE HALL:
From the movie “Edward & Mrs. Simpson” filmed at the Fort.
A Lascelles Christmas card taken in the front entrance that leads to the Inner Hall. That small door must be under the stairs on the opposite side of this wall. The door is no longer there. Their decorator Stanley Peters faux painted the arch and the base molding.
From the movie: The view from the front door into the entrance hall. At the right between the two pedestals is the dining room. To the left is the Inner Hall, the original FORT between the three towers.
AND, drum roll please!!!!
The Westons hired John Stefanidis to decorate the Fort and later their Toronto townhouse and their Windsor Florida beach house. Perhaps too – their house in Mango Bay, Barbados. Here, is the same view as above – the entrance hall. Stefanidis painted most of the house in a sunny yellow.
Antique hall chairs flank the Kent consoles. A full length Elizabethan portrait overlooks the entire hall. Gorgeous.
Instagram: To the left of the front door, another portrait hangs over the skirted table. To the right is glimpse into the Inner Hall.
Instagram: Hilary Weston fills the house with flowers from the estate. These flowers sit on the Kent console under the full length portrait.
INNER HALL:
The Fort with its three turrets surrounds a hexagonal space, which today is the core of the Fort. The drawing room and Edward’s bedroom/library are off the Inner Hall, just as are the stairs and Entrance Hall.
Stanley Peters, the Lascelles decorator, created this design for the Inner Hall. Angela Lascelles suggested the colors and the dado. He shows a lantern, but the Lascelles kept the crystal chandelier that was previously there.
Movie: The hexagon Inner Hall with its lino floor with a star motif designed by the Lascelle’s decorator Peters. Behind is Edward’s bedroom and through other door are the stairs.
MOVIE: Although Stanley Peters’ plans called for a lantern for the Inner Hall, a chandelier was used instead. This might have been left over from Edward’s days or one the Lascelles brought to the Fort. But, after the Emir’s son left, so did the crystal chandelier:
Today: The first photo of the Fort in his book Rooms, this made me gasp! I had been looking at terrible photos and screenshots from the movie and finally – a view of the Fort that takes your breath away! John Stefanidis’ design for the Inner Hall. As in all the rooms, the walls are a sunny yellow. The table is designed by Stefanidis. Through the double doors is the Wyatville Drawing Room – such a beautiful view! The two busts took a while to source: its difficult to find two antique busts that are the right color and size.
TURRET STAIRS:
A rare, but fuzzy, view of Edward playing the bagpipes at the Fort. The turret stairs are behind him through the door. If you look closely you can see the rope handrail that was there, but removed under Lascelles.
Edward liked to dress up in his Scottish kilt. He was taught to play the bagpipes by the piper from Balmoral and was the only one of his siblings who took up the pipes, which he played at night to entertain his friends at the Fort.
Movie: A closer view of the stairs without the rope handrail. Notice the doors have a hexagon pattern mimicking the shape of the Inner Hall.
Today: Stefanidis replaced the original ropes and tassels threaded through bass rings. He also removed the matting exposing the original stone floor. A wooden vase sits in the niche. In a book about the original fort, the stairs were described as having a “worstead rein line with forty brass strung loops to run it through.” Stefanidis replaced this as an almost exact match.
WYATVILLE’S DRAWING ROOM:
Movie: Edward placed French chairs with yellow leather around the Inner Hall. Here, the view through to the beautiful drawing room with its lancet windows. Does not look as luscious as the same Stefanidis view, before.
The Wyatville Octagonal Drawing Room:
Architectural Digest: A view of the Drawing Room as Stanley Peters designed it. As the years went on, mirrors were added and other accessories.
The paneling is faux painted pine installed by Edward and it is one of the few decorative elements that were kept by the Lascelles.
Lascelles: Dizzy Gillespie paid a visit to the Fort. Through the arch to the lobby of the drawing room, you can see the addition of the antique mirrors flanking the doors, and the crystal chandelier in the Inner Hall.
Movie: They tried to recreate Edward’s decor. It was said to include low, more modern upholstery.
Movie: It looks like the Emir’s son replaced the mantel.
MOVIE: The entry room into the Wyatville Drawing Room. You can see this area on the floor plan.
Today: Stefanidis beautiful drawing room!!!! OMG. He is just so talented!!!! When these photos were taken they were not through with the job, this mirror was later replaced with a gilt one. Pretty antiques mixed with upholstered pieces. Beautiful blue and white on display. Notice the paneling from Edward’s time remains, just painted now. The camera leads through the small entry area, then through the double doors to the Inner Hall with the Stefanidis table and tall lantern. Sigh!!!
This room is painted a peachy yellow tone according to Rooms.
Instagram: Hilary Weston on her way to another Ascot race! Notice the fabulous antique settee in front of the beautiful curtains. The pedestals behind the sofa were previously in the dining room.
Instagram: Hilary and her daughter who lives in London with her architect husband. Hilary wearing an award from the royals.
DRAWING ROOM FIREPLACE:
Edward, the bagpiper, in front of the fireplace with the dark marble and lighter painted mantel.
The Lascelles – same dark marble but the mantel might be darker. Also notice the carving at the side of the marble.
Movie: The Emir’s son left the mantel, but changed the marble to green and added trim around it. You can clearly see the side moldings here.
Stefanidis tried to emulate what the Fort looked like under Edward’s time. He put back the dark mantle. Notice the side carvings are still there, painted out.
DINING ROOM:
LASCELLES: Excuse the terrible photos!!! The Lascelles dining room was the subject of a great PR disaster. Angela Lascelles asked Stanley Peters to design a mural based on Gerald’s mother’s estate, which he did. When the Lascelles brought in photographers to publicize the renovations, Gerald loudly announced that he had designed the beautiful murals, not mentioning the work of Stanley Peters or the artist. Peters went to his grave swearing that his career took a nosedive after this job and it never recovered. Worse is that he had agreed to take on the job which lasted for three years for free saying he would get many clients from the publicity. Instead, it basically ended his career.
Another terrible photo.
I do wish I could see the original photos – it looks like a pretty mural, for sure.
Movie: In 1977 – this scene took place in the dining room. The room is completely paneled. What happened to the mural? I assume the Emir’s son paneled the room over the mural.
Today: What a far cry from the Emir’s cluttered stay. Here we have this gorgeous, restrained, John Stefanidis dining room. Cream chairs with red accent ones and patterned curtains. Apple matting. In the corners are two gilt pedestals that were later moved to the drawing room. Blue and white china. I just LOVE this room. Classic Stefanidis.
Instagram. Years later, a rug was laid which you can just barely see under the table. And there are more blue and white urns, along with gilt sconces flanking the console. Red chairs. I like the previous version better with the cream upholstery. The blue and white plates are from OKA HERE.
Notice the buzzer next to Mrs. Weston’s plate to call the help? This made me smile remembering also growing up with a call buzzer. Ours was installed under the tile floor and after the meal, the ever chic Betty Rae would casually use her foot to discreetly call our housekeeper in the kitchen. The only problem was the kitchen was right next to the dining room and the buzzer was LOUD!!! Unsuspecting guests would always get a kick out of what was so embarrassing to a teenager, like me. When my parents moved, the buzzer stayed behind replaced by a small bell. By that time, they mostly went out to dinner each night.
EDWARD’S BEDROOM AND LIBRARY:
The barely seen white door was once the front entrance, later it became Edward’s suite, a bedroom and study. Lascelles used it as a library.
Another view of Edward’s bedroom/library door with his bathroom in the turret on the right.
Today: The Weston’s have reestablished this door as a focal point using new landscaping and a beautiful iron pergola.
Bedroom/Library, First Floor
Edward: Leading off that door where the pergola is now – is Edward’s bedroom, on the ground floor. He enlarged it by using the room next door to create a library.
Here is another view, showing the windows that face the front yard and the sofas facing the fireplace. Notice the tapestry hanging behind his bed.
Paris: That tapestry and bedding and desk was all sent from the Fort to Paris, where it was auctioned off after Wallis’ death. Look how faded the tapestry had become through the years.
This desk from the Fort turned up on an internet shop.
Edward used it in his Paris marble filled bathroom. It was also shipped with all his possessions from the Fort, though from which room is not known.
The Fort: In the adjoining turret is Edward’s bathroom, with its black lino floor andi chrome fittings and marble. Stefanidis wrote that he kept this bathroom much the same, as it was so classic.
Lascelles: The Lascelles changed Edward’s bedroom into a library. That door leads to the Inner Hall which had previously been closed up for the Comptroller (see the floor plans.) The Lascelles’ portraits flank the door. Angela had several which were auctioned off after her death along with all her possessions including many from her mother in law, Mary, The Princess Royal.
The Lascelles in front of the library’s fireplace. You can see this is a normal marble mantel, but the Emir’s son changed it to all matte black stone.
Dizzy Gillespie tries his hand at the piano in the library. Through the glass doors that open to the Inner Hall, you can see the original mural that Stanley Peters designed for the Lascelles. Here:
Stanley Peters original drawing for the Lascelles Inner Hall. Nice, but I much prefer John Stefanidis’ Inner Hall.
His cane bed was against this wall in the movie. Not sure why the production staff didn’t use the entire room and copy the furnishings from the photo shown above with his tapestry over the bed.
Movie: These doors lead out to what was once the front door but is now where the Weston’s iron pergola is. Notice that fireplace in with the matte black mantel. Did the Emir’s son change it from the Lascelle’s marble? If you see him, ask him for me, please!
There are no photos of this room by Stefanidis for the Westons, but looking at current photographs through the windows with its lamps and curtains, I’m sure it is just as beautiful as all his other rooms in the Fort:
The Library from the outside. Curtains and lamps, oh my! Too bad Stefanidis did not take any photos.
The Three Original Turrets:
The three turrets are the center of the Fort, with the Inner Hall is between each turret:
The top original turret is now the staircase, seen earlier. Let’s look at the other two, which both lead off the Inner Hall! Each turret room is behind the glass door with the hexagon design.
The first turret room is at the left of the octagonal drawing room above:
Here’s another view of the turret up close, with its door that leads into the Fort.
Today: The turret looks out on this window, in the drawing room’s entrance. Beautiful Weston landscaping!
Stefanidis: This turret room is used as a bar. The prints were the idea of the Westons. The door on the left, leads to the kitchen. The chandelier was made by Stefanidis – he made two, one for each turret since they would be visible to each other.
The second turret is this beautiful writing room with a custom made desk. This turret is the tallest one. Notice the original print on the desk?
Yes! The Westons purchased the print of the Duke of Cumberland’s Mandarin Yatcht he kept at the Fort.
Second Floor “The Queen’s Bedroom:”
The original building. On the second floor was the drawing room, today the Queen’s Bedroom
Behind the octagonal drawing room on the second floor is the Queen’s Bedroom.
The Queen’s Bedroom. Originally, this was done in all pinks but Wallis redid it in neutrals. Here you can see there is a mural painted on the walls! Prince of Wales feathers on the canopy.
Before the Wyattville renovation, this room was the Drawing Room with a $600 Chelsea porcelain chandelier hanging from the ceiling. It was done in all blue silks.
Another view. Through the doorway on the left is the turret. There is another turret entry on the right. Both were turned into bathrooms by Edward. But, originally when this was the drawing room – both turrets were libraries that held hundreds of fine leather books with gold lettering on their covers. One turret was painted blue with gold and the other was green.
Across from the bed is this area that overlooks the Wyattville Drawing Room below.
Stanley Weston’s sketch for the Queen’s bedroom:
The Lascelles Queen’s Bedroom.
And their vanity room overlooking the Wyatt Drawing room.
Today: For the Westons, Stefanidis made the vanity area a sitting area. The doors open to the top of the Wyatt Drawing Room. As with the rest of the house, the walls are a yellow.
The bedroom – Stefanidis built twin closets on each side of the sitting area. The closets have lancet style molding. The green chair is a striking accent in the sea of yellow and red.
Fans shades cover lights just as in the sitting room. The plates are in an octagon shape (again,) sitting below a beautiful portrait of a young man. Antique gilt frame.
Oh John, John!!!!
I love you!!!
Each connecting turret, the former libraries, now hold the two master baths. This room was not changed much. Stefanidis added the shades and chair. Notice the ceiling!
Today: Look in the windows of the sitting room in the Queen’s bedroom. The curtains are RED! I just love all the yellow throughout the house, but it seems much red has been added. And notice to the right, the Weston’s iron pergola.
Edward: An upstairs guest room.
Today: A guest room by John Stefanidis! Another beautiful room in yellow with a Bessarabian rug. I love the desk and chairs at the end of the bed. I might try that in my own bedroom.
He’s a genius. I swear he is.
On Instagram – I found this photo of the late Mr. Weston and Hilary. I drove myself crazy trying to decide where this fit in the Fort, was it the Fort? Where was THAT staircase? Was it added to reach the new conservatory they put in? And what was that room to the left with the blue walls and red chair???!?!?
It wasn’t until I found the original floorplans for the Comptroller of Bagshot that I realized it was the Fort.
Here, behind the dining room addition, you can see the staircase with a room to the left.
Whew! Such relief to find those stairs!
Instagram: And the room to the left? Shown here. Beautiful console and mirror and flowers! Hilary loves to store baskets under consoles and tables.
Instagram: There was this room that I could never source. Is this the library? I love the pink wallpaper of which I wish I could see more of it. Does anyone recognize it?
A photoshoot at the Fort’s new swimming pool when Edward lived there, after the landscaping was completed.
Movie: How it looked after the Lascelles moved out.
Today: And here, a garden party by the Westons. So pretty! With their OKA plates and striped tablecloths. The grass now leads right up to the pool coping, no more stone patio. Love the large box!!
Another party, under the iron pergola.
Another yet garden party.
Such a great idea! Wallis gave this cigarette case to Edward before their marriage showing all the places they had traveled together, including cruises. Notice – “The Fort!!” is shown.
The Fort has been the scene of much happiness and love – With the King and his mistress, then with Edward and Wallis, later with the Lascelles (before their divorce, ouch) and now, with Galen and Hilary Weston who are such soulmates. I looked at hundreds of photos of them online and there are only a few where they were not holding hands!
So, maybe this would be the perfect spot for William and Kate?
A rare photograph of the couple holding hands! Kate looks glowing here, just beautiful. It will be so interesting to see if they land at Fort Belvedere and if they do – what they plan to do to it!!!
And now, new news! It was reported the Fort Belvedere is too small for the Cambridges. After the Queen passes, they will move to Windsor Castle. Seriously? Wow. Just wow. The fort is too small?????? It really isn’t and they could add onto to it.
It is said that King Charles and Queen Camilla (Oy) will move to Buckingham Palace and Clarence House will be saved for Prince George.
It seems odd that all of a sudden they are talking about real estate. Is the Queen really sick? Is that why? She looks frail, but not sick. Time will tell.
For the times they are a changing.