Marble Hill House was built between 1724 and 1729 for Henrietta Howard, mistress of George II, and later Countess of Suffolk. In this idyllic Thames-side setting she entertained many of the poets and wits of the age, including Pope, Swift and Horace Walpole. The villa was designed by Colen Campbell, its perfect proportions inspired by the work of the 16th-century Italian architect Palladio.