The Red House
Lillie Langtry (born Emilie Charlotte Le Breton), was a highly successful British actress born on the island of Jersey. A renowned beauty, she gained attention in 19th century London society and had a number of prominent lovers, including the future King Edward VII. After a very public 'courtship' the couple embarked on an exclusive affair. The Prince soon decided that he wanted to have somewhere that they could get away from prying eyes where they could relax and be themselves.
The Prince bought a plot of land in a secluded area of Bournemouth's East Cliff and told Lilly that she could design a home for them. Where others would have preferred jewellery and gowns Lillie was very practical and considered land and property to have lasting value. Lillie designed the royal lovenest, adding personal touches: The foundation stone shows ELL (Emilie LeBreton Langtry) and 1877; The Kings Chamber had a lofty ceiling specially designed to disperse his cigar smoke; The walls featured original paintings and the couple's love of the theatre was reflected in the carved oak fireplace which featured hand painted tiles with scenes from Shakespeare. Lilly named the new home The Red House.
A controversial feature within the building is a stained glass window dated 1881 on a staircase commemorating the birth of her daughter Jeanne Marie who was born in Paris and attended by the Prince's own Physician. Rumour has it that the child was fathered by Prince Louis of Battenberg, the Prince's Nephew, who soon after rose swiftly through the ranks of the British navy. Jeanne Marie was brought up as Lillie's niece and was only told who her father was on the eve of her wedding day.
Lilly did not enjoy the house for long. In 1880 the Prince is reputed to have fallen out with Lillie during a fancy dress dinner party where she came down in the same outfit as him and when he protested that it wasn't the done thing she put ice down his back. Lillie refused to apologise as advised by her friends and overnight became a social outcast. Lillie (on the verge of bankruptcy) realised that she needed a job and embarked on an acting career eventually taking her to the USA. The house was never used by Lilly or the Prince again.
Read more about this topic: Langtry Manor
Famous quotes containing the words red and/or house:
“‘But where can we draw water,’
Said Pearse to Connolly,
‘When all the wells are parched away?
O plain as plain can be
There’s nothing but our own red blood
Can make a right Rose Tree.’”
—William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)
“A house means a family house, a place specially meant for putting children and men in so as to restrict their waywardness and distract them from the longing for adventure and escape they’ve had since time began.”
—Marguerite Duras (b. 1914)