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"It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot" said Queen Victoria of Osborne House, her palatial holiday home on the Isle of Wight. Visit Victoria and Albert's private apartments, their bathing beach and children's play-cottage for an intimate glimpse of royal family life. Then stroll through the garden terraces where the stunning views across the Solent reminded Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples.
Osborne reflects Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's passions, tastes and style. Ornate furnishings and artefacts from The Royal Collection fill rooms and corridors where Victoria entertained heads of state, inventors, princess and princesses and ruled the vast British Empire.
Robert Pope Blachford extends and adapts an existing house into a three-storey residence, with a walled kitchen garden and a brick stable block.
1844-5Victoria and Albert
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert lease Osborne House from Lady Isabella Blachford.
1845A Brand New House
The royal couple buy Osborne. Albert commissions architect and master builder Thomas Cubitt to advise him on an extension. Cubitt recommends they build a new house.
An extensive network of new walks and drives is created, including routes around the perimeter of the park and to a private beach.
1853-4Children's Swiss Cottage
A timber Swiss Cottage is built for the royal children in their own garden, nearly a mile to the east of the house.
1861Stables and Servant Facilities
Stables for 50 horses and carriages are completed to the south. The former stables are transformed into kitchen facilities and servants' accommodation.
1861Tragedy Strikes
Prince Albert dies unexpectedly at Windsor Castle, leaving Victoria overwhelmed with grief.
1887Indian Servants
The male dormitory, first built in 1850, is extended to accommodate the Indian servants introduced to the royal household.
1890-91Indian Wing
The Durbar Wing is built to provide a large reception or dining room, as well as a private suite for the queen's youngest daughter, Princess Beatrice, and her family.
1901Queen's Death
Queen Victoria dies at Osborne.
1902Given to the Nation
Against Victoria's explicit wishes, her successor, Edward VII, gives the estate to the nation.
1903-4Royal Naval College
Part of the grounds become the Royal Naval College Osborne. The ground floor of the Pavilion and the council and audience rooms are opened to the public. Other areas are converted into a convalescent home for officers.
1921College Closed
The Royal Naval College at Osborne is closed.
1954Private Rooms Revealed
Elizabeth II gives permission for Victoria and Albert's private rooms to be unlocked and opened to the public.