Create a royal setup for man's best friend: extravagant dwellings designed for our canine companions
In the realm of grand estates and opulent living, an intriguing trend has emerged: the creation of lavish dog kennels. From historical structures to modern-day retreats, these doggy abodes are a testament to the deep bond between humans and their canine companions.
Flora Watkins, a renowned freelance journalist who has worked for BBC News and Horse & Hound, delves into this fascinating world. Let's journey through time and explore some of the most notable dog kennels in British history.
In the 1820s, Henry Currie, a banker, constructed two fine kennels for his deerhounds Dersey and Dermid at West Horsley Place in Surrey. Fast forward to 1840, Queen Victoria paid similar attention to her dogs' creature comforts when the royal kennels were built at Windsor, complete with red and blue tile-paved yards and compartments warmed with hot water.
James Wyatt, an architect in Georgian England, was chosen to build a new dwelling on the Goodwood estate in West Sussex for the 3rd Duke of Richmond in 1787. The Kennels, a fine, flint Palladian structure with two long, low wings, was notable for an early form of central heating. The original design was intended for the Duke's prized foxhounds, while human occupants may have shivered in their bedrooms.
Fast forward to the 20th century, and we find Ightham Mote in Kent, home to the only Grade I-listed dog kennel in the country, built in 1890 for Sir Thomas Colyer-Fergusson's St Bernard, Dido.
In more recent times, dog kennels have undergone a transformation. Hound Lodge, a later hunt kennels built by the 6th Duke, is now a luxury 10-bedroom retreat. One of the original whelping kennels at Hound Lodge has been transformed into a 'dog bedroom' with a kilim-covered mattress and pet portraits. However, the Hound Lodge kennel has been used more for Instagram moments than as a bedroom for a dog.
The Kennels at Goodwood have been converted into a sumptuous members' clubhouse, accessible to dogs who receive a personalized enamel bowl. Dogs often accompany guests on stays at Goodwood, and most prefer to have their dogs in the same accommodation rather than sleeping elsewhere.
Sting and Trudie Styler's home in Wiltshire boasts large, thatched farmhouses and Swiss chalet-style kennels for their Irish wolfhounds, complete with heating and memory-foam beds. Mike and Henrietta Lindsell, owners of Blickling Lodge in north Norfolk, designed kennels in the shape of a pentagon to enliven a featureless part of their garden, with the help of architectural adviser Nigel Slater.
The architects responsible for the design and construction of the dog kennels at Goodwood House and Hound Lodge were Philip Tilden and Cecil Brewer. The current Duke of Richmond notes that dogs have remained a steadfast part of Goodwood, spanning back over three centuries.
The trend of luxurious dog kennels has extended to the world of design and architecture, with the Barkitecture competition showcasing exceptional designers such as Norman Foster, Rogers Stirk Harbour, Linley, and Jony Ive. The inaugural 2022 winner, Bonehenge, was inspired by a dog turning round in circles before it settles down.
In conclusion, the evolution of dog kennels from simple shelters to luxurious retreats mirrors the deep bond between humans and their canine companions. As we continue to value our pets, it's clear that these furry friends will continue to enjoy the finer things in life.
