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The Nash Summerhouse

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In 1817-18 John Nash (1752-1835) was called in to redesign the garden. He enlarged the enclosure, added curving walks and a shrubbery around the perimeter, and also produced plans and an estimate (£300) for a garden seat (the summerhouse), to be presented by the Duke of Northumberland.

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The classical summerhouse (listed grade II) is situated to the south of the site and faces north. The southern gate was moved a few metres to the east in order that the summerhouse could be placed centrally with its blank back against the southern railings. The building has two pairs of Ionic columns supporting a plain entablature and contains a single bench seat.

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The Trust renovated the summerhouse in 2010. In 2012, at the request of the St James's Conservation Trust and with the generous support of The Rose Foundation, the Trust agreed to the placement inside of the following plaque commemorating John Nash.

John Nash 1752-1835, Architect.

He designed much of the layout of Regency London, including Regent Street and Regent’s Park, and many exceptional buildings, such as the remodelling of Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews, and relocation of Marble Arch. In St. James’s, his works include Carlton House Terrace, Clarence House, The Theatre Royal, and the former United Services Club, Pall Mall.

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John Nash supervised the design and layout of the St. James’s Square gardens including this pavilion, known as the Nash Summer House.

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Nash Image by Joseph Anton Couriguer. Wax Medallion, c. 1820-1825.

© National Portrait Gallery, London. Reproduced with Permission.

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