Linley Sambourne House (18 Stafford Terrace)

For a virtually untouched and immaculately preserved slice of Victorian living, visit this delightful building. One of the only genuine Victorian townhouses remaining and virtually unchanged it has become something of an unknown national treasure. Home to the Victorian cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne and his family from 1874 it remarkably survives with almost all of its furniture and fittings intact.

The house is found nestled amid a string of smart Kensington mansions in Stafford Terrace. When young Sambourne decided to move in there with his new wife they opted to furnish their home in the modish aesthetic and artistic style of the period. Passed through members of the family who decided to care for the house and preserve its traditional garb, it was finally handed over to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea who - with the help of the Victorian Society - now take responsibility for its upkeep.

Stained glass windows, fancy Oriental porcelain, dark patterned wallpaper, rich rugs, grand brass beds and ebonised wardrobes are just some of the Victorian goodies adorning the high-ceilinged rooms of this property. It’s a bit of a jumble – a heady mixture of clutter and styles that really does typify Victorian décor. It’s a deeply evocative place and somewhere unobtrusive, where you really do feel like you are stepping back into the past.

All visits to the house are guided tour only with set tour times on Saturdays and Sundays and at other times by appointment. Weekend tours are led by an actor in period costume who not only shows you the best the house has to offer but also provides a compelling insight into the lives of the Sambourne family.

Although there may be a limited number of tickets available to buy on the day, it is advisable to book in order to avoid disappointment.

Incidentally, it is worth getting in touch with the property regarding their Christmas Twilight Encounter - an evening of Victorian intrigue and drama, during which you will be treated to a wonderful performance in the house whilst tucking into mulled wine and mince pies.