A life in the spotlight

Lady Lucinda, who lives in Hedgerley, was on hand earlier this week to open a newly renovated room charting different aspects of Disraeli's life at the National Trust property where Disraeli lived with his wife Mary-Anne. Lady Lucinda says: "He was a marvellous man. He was fantastic, satirical, humorous, dashing, clever, and a very unique individual."

The Disraeli Room at Hughenden was revamped after it was felt by staff visitors were not learning enough about the politician's life.

Jessie Binns, Hughenden's learning officer, explains: "Visitors generally enjoyed seeing the house, but successive generations know less and less about Disraeli, and we became increasingly aware many people left Hughenden knowing no more about this charismatic personality than when they arrived."

The made-over room is lighter and features bright banners explaining stories, drawers for light sensitive objects, and themed cabinets containing artefacts and stories about the objects.

Other new additions throughout the house include hands on' trunks in the rooms, with artefacts for visitors to touch, quotes from Disraeli on the blinds, authentic room scenes giving the impression the owner has just popped out for a minute, and the opening of the cellar area for the very first time.

Lady Lucinda says: "The new thing is sensational, it is really very good. I like the sayings on the curtains, and I think it will be a good success. There is a whole feeling that he is there."

Lady Lucinda also features in series of video clips in the Stable Yard area, where she talks about Disraeli and his relationship with women. She tells me: "He loved women, and he loved the idea of love, which made him such a romantic character."

One of Disraeli's most interesting relationships was with Queen Victoria, who regarded him as one of her favourite prime ministers.

After his death in 1881, she paid a visit to Hughenden, sat in his study, and laid a bunch of primroses there. This has been recreated in the study, with a quote from one of her journals, and a bunch of primroses.

Lady Lucinda says: "He was a strangely romantic man who adored his sister and his wife, and had a unique place in the heart of his Queen."

It was Disraeli's wife Mary-Anne who created the formal gardens at the house, which have been lovingly restored by gardener Frank Parge and are open to the public.

Lady Lucinda says of Disraeli's relationship with Mary-Anne: "She was 12 years older than him, and he loved her. They both refused to grow old gracefully, and used to caress each other in front of people.

"They were greatly in love. He once shortened a ribbon on a chain she gave him so it would be closer to his heart."

One of the main attractions in the house is the dining room, which is a testament to one story from Disraeli and Mary-Anne's marriage.

The room tells the story of when Disraeli returned home at 2am after defeating Gladstone in a late-night debate. Mary -Anne had a bottle of champagne and a pie waiting for him, and after his meal, Disraeli turned to her and said, "Why my dear, you are more like a mistress than a wife."

The room is complete with sound effects of a crackling fire and a small screen which lights up to tell the story when someone approaches.

Learning officer Jessie Binns says: "We felt this story illustrates Disraeli's flamboyant way with words and the devotion of Mary-Anne to her husband, and it's marvellous to think we can re-tell this story."

Lady Lucinda is married to the former editor of The Sunday Telegraph, Sir Peregrine Worsthorne. He says: "He really was one of our great prime ministers.

"He was the founding father of the modern school of Tories. He was an eloquent speaker, had a command of language, and painted a romantic picture of Britain."

Sir Peregrine adds: "He was a beguiling character, and one of the more romantic figures in British history."

Hughenden Manor is open from 11am-5pm Wednesday to Sunday. The house opens at 1pm. For more information telephone 01494 755573.