Home House, London’s most iconic and exclusive members’ club, has provided its members with nothing short of extravagance since its opening in 1776. Well-known for its magnificent amenities and luxurious parties, Home House hosts eccentric characters in its inspiring spaces. Both understated and elegant, Home House sets the standard for what every London club should aim to be.
General Manager Giuseppe De Wilde first joined London’s most elite members’ club in 2019. With a background in both the fashion and restaurant industry, Home House was a perfect fit. Among his many contributions to the success of the members’ club is the creation of the exclusive, award-winning Home House Gin. In this exclusive interview, we take a deeper look inside Home House and Giuseppe’s passion for excellence.
How did it all start?
Home House opened back in 1998 as a haven for hedonism and escapism and completely transformed the landscape of traditional members’ clubs. From Madonna making Lady Islington Suite her home while her London house was being renovated, to Pamela Anderson’s iconic birthday party and Annie Lennox’s fairytale wedding, the Club has played host to many colourful characters and iconic moments over the years, ultimately famous for setting the scene of showcasing the best Halloween party, which many other clubs started to copy…
How does Home House differ from other clubs in London?
Very little rules, discouraging nudity and bringing people together with a monthly programme of members’ events.
Tell us about the amazing rooms at Home House.
Throughout its history, Home House has been home to many iconic personalities. All our 23 individually decorated bedrooms are named after the house’s intriguing former residents, including the Dukes of Athol and Newcastle, the spy Anthony Blunt and the famous Earl Grey.
Tell us the top three reasons why people should be members?
- Home House is dog-friendly
- Home House is a very sociable, inclusive Club where many eclectic, interesting individuals shape the uniqueness of the various historical spaces that make the Club so special and different to many other London establishments
- Home House’s hidden gem, a spacious and secluded garden set within the walled courtyard of the Club
Home House is famed for legendary parties. Please tell us about the parties you have throughout the year.
All started with Halloween, which also set the scene for many to start their own and also led to the introduction of a Summer and our annual NYE party.
What about wellness inside Home House? What can people expect?
As well as an extensive gym, a specially curated programme of wellness is constantly being reviewed, and most notably the introduction of Breathwork by Sarah Hyde has been well-received by our members. Her brilliant approach helps manage stress, reset the nervous system and bring clarity.
Describe a Home House member in three words.
Unique, Frivolous, Sociable.
THAT famous staircase. Please tell us the history and the most interesting thing that has happened on that staircase?
The centrepiece of the House is the Imperial Rose staircase. Some have called it the ‘’Lightning Staircase.’’ And although the dome shows every season and every type of weather, it is one supposed lightning that would be the most dramatic to view from the comfort of within. When built in 1776, it was the first and largest suspended staircase in Europe.
Some of your staff and members have been there for many years. What makes them stay?
From Marcel, our Front of House Manager 24 yrs – Hamid, our Restaurant Manager 25 yrs – Ali, our Assistant Drawing Rooms Manager 23 yrs – Andrew, our Managing Director 16 yrs and … now myself completing 6 yrs, Home House exhumes a sense of conviviality, kindness, happiness and family, which are all part of the DNA of what this Club is all about: its people – the members, the staff and Lady Home.
What is next for Home House?
… well, I would say ‘’Mine to know… Yours to discover.’’
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All imagery courtesy of Home House.