‘A St Petersburg palace on a Yorkshire ridge’

Harewood House was completed in 1772, designed by John Carr of York, with interiors by Robert Adam, and furnished throughout by Thomas Chippendale. and contains some of the finest examples in the world of key pieces of furniture, as well as outstanding art collections including Turner watercolours (painted at Harewood when he stayed there), family portraits by Reynolds and Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Titian, Veronese and El Greco.

Yet Harewood has always been, and still is, a family home, as shown through personal items and memorabilia on display, not least from the period 1929-1965, when HRH Princess Mary, Princess Royal, was Countess of Harewood. Known as the ‘Yorkshire Princess’, fulfilling many royal engagements on behalf of HM the Queen, and playing a very active role in the wider community.

When entertaining guests at Harewood, this history create an impressive backdrop, or be explored more deeply. Guests can tour the House, with guides or more informally, with the opportunity to have specialist talks, or demonstrations as you wish.

On arrival, guests are welcomed at the House main door, into the Entrance Hall, which can be used as an immediate drinks reception area, or as a lobby.

Guests then proceed through the Music Room, with its splendid original 18th century décor, carpet and Chippendale furniture, to the State Dining Room.

Hung with portraits of earls of Harewood, the State Dining Room was redesigned in the 1850s as part of a huge remodelling of the House by Sir Charles Barry (designer of the Houses of Parliament) which created the Terrace, added an extra storey, and rearranged much of the interior, to suit the domestic needs of the incoming Earl and Countess of Harewood and their 13 children and supporting domestic retinue! The State Dining Room is therefore essentially a Victorian dining room, and is the only room in the house remaining so, when the others have been returned to their original 18C design.

When the central table is laid, with candelabra and sparkling glass and silverware, the Dining Room is a quite magnificent venue for equally sparkling dinners.

The Gallery is the largest room in the House, and is lined on one side with huge mirrors, and the other with Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Titian, Veronese and El Greco. The windows, along 3 sides, are framed by carved Chippendale ‘drapes’ – which fascinates all guests! It is a spectacular space for corporate entertaining, whether for up to 80 guests at tables, or 200 for drinks or a buffet.

The Terrace, with its elaborate Italianate parterre, overlooks the sweeping ‘Capability’ Brown landscape and lake: a stunning view when taking drinks and canapés.

For an informal discussion about corporate events in the Gallery, call Sue Page on 0113 218 1016, or email sue.page@harewood.org