S t o w e  G a r d e n s

T h e   C h i n e s e   H o u s e

The gravel path winds on again, from the bridge and up the hill towards the Temple of Friendship. But, following a junction west and through the bushes, one comes across this little structure in a clearing, The Chinese House.

It was built around 1738 and is probably one of the earliest Chinese style buildings to be erected in England. It first stood over water in the Elysian Fields, on stilts, access to it by means of a bridge, also in a Chinese style. It is noted in guidebooks, that it once contained a statue of a sleeping chinese lady, although today this has been removed elsewhere.

The structure was taken away by Lord Cobham, during his re-modeling program of the Elysian Fields around 1746, and was then re erected at Wotton where it stayed until the late 1950's. It was removed again and transported to Ireland until 1992, when the National Trust bought it, and returned it back to Stowe, setting it up in its current location, although sadly not over water as it had been built originally.

The exterior of the house is wonderfully decorated, with pictures by Francesco Sleter and Chinese characters. Adorning the curved roof at each end is a gilt painted fish, that glow brightly in the sunshine.

Fancescos Murals:

The Gilded Fishes:

Below: Returning to the main gravel path, the visitor ascends the hill to the Temple of Friendship.

Below: A good view of Bridgeman's Ha-Ha. The drop is approximately 4ft from the garden's ground level, to the field below.

 

 

 

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