Queen Victoria Builds Osborne House

1845-1851

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased the Osborne estate near East Cowes in 1845, seeking a private seaside retreat away from the formality of court life. The existing house was demolished and replaced by a grand Italianate villa designed by Albert in collaboration with the builder Thomas Cubitt. The house, with its twin campanile towers, terraced gardens and private beach, became the royal family's favourite holiday home. Victoria spent long periods at Osborne, particularly after Albert's death in 1861, and she died there on 22 January 1901. Her patronage transformed the island's reputation, making it fashionable for the Victorian upper and middle classes and stimulating the development of the resort towns. Osborne House is now managed by English Heritage and open to the public.