Unlike other country houses, Polesden Lacey has had many different owners. It was built in 1631 for the Rous family and it remained in their possession until 1723. A long succession of owners then followed, all of whom left their mark on the house.
In 1906 the estate was purchased by Ronald Greville and Margaret McEwan, a wealthy brewer’s daughter. Although Dame Margaret was quickly widowed, she turned Polesden Lacey into a lively weekend party house for British high society.
When she died in 1942, Dame Margaret left the estate to the National Trust. The organisation accepted the bequest largely on account of the first-rate paintings collection. This collection was lovingly started by Margaret’s father, and then expanded by Margaret herself.
From this house you will see the following works in the Mauritshuis:
- Gerard ter Borch - The Introduction (c.1662)
- Pieter de Hooch - The Colf Players (c.1658-1660)
