Even the land surrounding the country home was likely maintained by sheep. Up until this period, the vast areas of land owned was either farm or forest. Lawn – the ultimate status symbol of the rich and famous So how could you REALLY stand out from the crowd? How do you spend your money in a way that demonstrates just how rich and influential you really are? Bugatti and Ferrari were nothing more than a family name. Who, in today’s world would be considered a ‘multi-millionaire’, were common place and found in almost every town and village throughout the country. There were no YouTubers, no Tatler magazine and no Sunday Times ‘rich list’. However, during this time of Empire, it was not uncommon to find such a house (just look at the National Trust listings on their website). There is a ballroom, drawing room, 20 bedrooms for guests – each one dripping in exquisite decoration, adorned with the finest furniture and rare artefacts collected from around the world.

It attracted other rich people to your house, opened doors for political favours and potentially secured the longevity of your family name. Entertaining in such lavish surroundings could provide further business opportunities. Its whole design has one objective – to show-off your accumulated riches and demonstrate your personal success. You’re a wealthy landowner with a property portfolio to shame any modern-day millionaire.

Lawn stripes