Orignally a couple of cottages along banks of the River Thames, Strawberry Hill House was purchased by Horace Walpole in 1749 and transformed into his own vision of a 'little gothic castle.' It was built as Walpole's summer home but it soon became a popular tourist attraction during Walpole's life as well as after. The house was a reflection of Gothic cathedrals with its vaulted windows and doors, tall spires, and clean, white appearance. It was mainly designed by Walpole's friends, John Chute and Richard Bentley, and it's obvious to see that they took their inspiration from Gothic cathedrals and medieval tombs. It was key in the gaining popularity of the Gothic revival. After Walpole's death in 1797 the House is passed from owner to owner, from cousin's daughter to great niece, to grandson and then to brother. Once ownership of the House fell into his hands, George Waldegrave let it fall into ruin out of spite. Within the course of a week, a hefty bulk of Walpole's prized collection had been sold after George held the 'Great Sale' of 1842. Ten years after George's death, his wife Lady Frances Waldegrave decided to restore the House to its former vision. She added rooms and built chimmneys, and became a gracious host to many parties. After her death in 1879 the House was eventually sold to St. Mary's University College who continue to honor the restorations made by the previous owners. 

Horace Walpole himself was a clever man: an English writer, collector, and connoisseur. He's known for his novel The Castle of Otranto, which was published in 1764 and is known as the first Gothic novel in the English language. He was a revolutionary writer for his time, and just as he imbued romance into literature, so did he restore romance in the Gothic through the dreamy architecture of Strawberry Hill House.