Talking of money, this Grade I-listed mansion has seen it all, a
roller-coaster of triumphs and tragedies. Built by the Earl of Bute, it was
bought at the end of the 19th century by Sir Julius Wernher, who made his
fortune from the South African diamond mines. It was passed on through the
family, including the formidable Lady Zia Wernher, who was a descendant of
both Tsar Nicholas I and of Pushkin, until its upkeep became an impossible
burden for Nicholas Phillips. He, as Zena … (View original article)