Formerly the ‘second best guest room’, the Chinese Room was reserved for distinguished male guests. But it’s been a welcome refuge for sculptor Clare Sheridan whose bust of Shane Leslie can be found on the top floor.
There is a secret passage in this room leading from the wardrobe to almost anywhere in the house – handy for visiting girlfriends or hasty exits. Alas it’s now closed for safety reasons.
Between the Chinese Room and the Print Room, there used to be an unpleasant triangular bedroom known as ‘The Insulting Room’. Anyone disliked by the Leslies would be dumped there as a hint not to return. Sammy has cut this awful room in two to create two delightful bathrooms. The Chinese Room’s ensuite is called ‘The Hobath’ because of the original Hogarth prints lining its walls.