Evening star., 1960-07-17
Getty'S Home.
Sweet Home

Place was purchased from the Weston family by the
Duke of Sutherland, and the estate remained as pOPu
lar with the British nobility in the goth century it
had been beiure.
Built in U-shape with center section Hanked by
two graceful wings the has eight major recep
ton, dining and living rooms 4principal bedrooms,
20 lesser and servants rooms, 10 bathrooms plus
Kitchens pantres cellars, laundry and storage rooms
The magnificent dining hall would be ideal for large
dinner parties The l4O-foot ballroom, its floor
gassysmooth by generations of dancers could provide
ample space and delightful setting for dancing
The antiques are "ovf Of this world"
And the formal gardens swimming pool, golf course
and tennis court would be ideal for providing
tves - and their wives - facilities for recreation and
exercise impossible to find in any metropolitan hostey
Although the building itself in excellent cOnd-
on it was obvious that the interior needed consider
able refunishing and modernzation. Fortunately, the
contractors estimates for the necessary work and
installations did increase the overall price beyond
what my accountants had set practical cOst-limit.
And so in October, 1859, the decision to buy Sutton
Place was made. The transaction completed in
December, and work on the house began Immediately.
The manor is completely furnished - with furniture
that would make the most discerning antique col
lectors mouth water. There are pieces that date from
pre-Ezabehan times graceful cabinets and escritoires
imported from the France of the Nalos and Bourbon
kings and Chinese screens brought to England in sail
ing vessels by early explorers.
A touch Of ulsrvism
There are many examples of Chippendale and of the
lighter airier Hepplewhite - also furniture and pieces
produced by master craftsmen who we're cOntem-
poraries of Sheraton and followed his designs.
Mrs Penelope Kitson who is supervising the resto-
ration and decoration of the house. preserving the
Tudor-period grace and elegance. The feel OF the
old house. with its stories and legends will remain, but
the l6th-century manor house will also be nudged,
gently but firmly, into the 1865.
Once, King George IFS relocated military advisors
met in the library and discussed measures by which
they hoped crush the Yankee rebellion in the Ameri-
can colonies. Soon, Engshmen and Yankees will be
meeting in that library in friendly discussion of trade
and commerce.
Although many British firms have established exec
uves residences" in country houses in England and
Europe our companies, far know, are the very
first American organizations to do so.
| think there's szeable element of goodwill
building in this project. Engands staggering post
World War II tax rates have made it impossible tor
individuals to maintain their large country estates. by
taking Sutton Place. putting it in repair and keep
ing up the buildings and the grounds, we're helping to
preserve example of the cultural heritage that IS
shared by Engishmen and Americans.
The main point, though, is that we'll be able to do
our Jobs better and efficiently while wer there
That alone is enough to make Sutton Place good