Portman Square

The square was built between 1674-1684 on the land of Henry William Portman. The most notable properties were Home House, built by Robert Adam for Elizabeth, Countess of Home, and Montagu House, built by James Stuart for Mrs Elizabeth Montagu and destroyed during the Blitz. In the book Home House is occupied by the Duke of Atholl, Grand Master of the Ancients. Here is a drawing of the main staircase of Home House, from the Sir John Soane Museum in Lincoln's Inn Fields, to give a taste of the grandeur of the properties.

The Honourable Basil Cochrane's mansion in Portman Square was described as being among the largest in the square, at the south west corner, and also accommodated the ambassador of the Ottoman Sultan (Turkey). Cochrane also set up his Indian vapour baths to the side of the property.


Nearest tube Marble Arch.