Nikolaus Pevsner described 44 Berkeley Square as "the finest terrace house of London," whilst Horace Walpole, who was a frequent visitor, applauded the building’s staircase as being "…as beautiful a piece of scenery and, considering the space, of art as can be imagined…" It was designed in 1742 by William Kent for Lady Isabella Finch, a Maid of Honour to George 11’s sister, Princess Amelia. Behind its elegant Palladian façade, which belies an interior of breathtaking, splendour, she entertained many of luminaries of her age, the proceedings and servants being watched over by her devoted major-domo, who cut a dashing figure in his green livery and powdered wig.
Later, the house was purchased by Lord Clermont, who frequently entertained the Prince Regent, the future George 1V, here, and having passed through a succession of owners, in 1959, the Clermont Club took over occupancy. But Lady Finch’s major-domo has chosen to linger on in spirit form, and over the last two hundred years, his ghost, resplendent in smart green uniform and handsome perewig, has often been seen flitting up and down the grand staircase, keeping a watchful eye on the playing of roulette and backgammon that now goes on in the grand salon. He is said to walk with a slight limp, and his appearances are brief, for having satisfied himself that all is well, he melts through one of the staircase doors and ascends the narrow, spiral staircase to his bedroom at the top of the house.
Go back to the crossing and turn right into Charles Street, turning first left into Queen Street, Mayfair. Go over the two crossings, turn left into Curzon Street and then right through the covered passage into Shepherd’s Market.
This charming network of narrow streets and alleys was laid out in 1735 on the site of the May Fair that gave the area its name.
