Did Marie Antoinette Have the Best Bedroom in Europe?
Sumptuous interiors are something of a specialty for David Leventi. The photographer is best known for his series showcasing legendary opera houses of the world in all of their exquisitely textured beauty—La Fenice in Venice, La Scala in Milan, Palais Garnier in Paris, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, among them.
Running as a parallel to this project is another ongoing work in progress that trades the stage for more intimate—though certainly no less performative—environs: the royal bedchamber. For this series, Leventi has been letting himself into the private quarters of Europe's grand palaces and aristocratic piles. Thought gilded thrones were the true seats of power? Think again.
We asked the photographer to share a few of these bedrooms with T&C. Then we got to work uncovering the secrets buried within. Where did Mad King Ludwig of Bavaria spend his nights? Just how much did a former prime minister spend on his trimmings alone? And did Marie Antoinette have the best bedroom of them all? Find out below.
Herrenchiemsee, Herreninsel, Germany
King Ludwig II of Bavaria built such extravagant castles, including this one modeled on Versailles, that he was called the Fairytale King. But his bankrupting spending habits (among other eccentricities) earned him a more enduring moniker: Mad King. Guided tours only, herrenchiemsee.de
Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, England
In 18th-century England, Lord Chamberlains had first dibs on the furniture of deceased kings, which is how the fourth Duke of Devonshire ended up with the damask bunk of George II, who reportedly died in it. As they say, one man’s deathbed is another man’s status symbol. Open January–May, chatsworth.org
Houghton Hall, Norfolk, England
Robert Walpole wasn’t a king, but as England’s first prime minister he considered himself deserving of just as fabulous a bed for his home at Houghton. The velvet and gilt trimmings alone cost £1,200. That was in 1732; today it would be more than $300,000. Open April–October, houghtonhall.com
Chateau de Versailles, Versailles, France
Marie Antoinette regularly redecorated her apartments at Versailles to suit her taste du jour. She did the same with her private chambers, which were accessed via a secret door next to her bed and where she could take a break from royal obligations—and, presumably, her husband. chateauversailles.fr
This story appears in the April 2024 issue of Town & Country.
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