Orleans House Gallery, which the Duke of Orleans once called “my peaceful house in old Twick”, is about to come alive to a new wave of admirers after its long refurbishment.

The House’s makeover, which visitors can see for themselves from March 1, is said to be fit for a King, or Queen – a nod to its illustrious history as a royal favourite.

The baroque Octagon Room was commissioned in 1710 by the then Secretary of State for Scotland to curry favour with the new monarch King George I.

Later Queen Caroline, whose portrait now hangs in the Gallery, also dined at the house along with her children in 1729.

In the 1800s the House became home to Louis Phillippe, future king of France, for two years.

Louis marvelled at the tranquillity of the place, writing “I bless heaven, morning, noon and night that I am in my peaceful house in old Twick.”

Councillor Paul Hodgins, leader of Richmond council and chairman of the Orleans House Trust, said: “Its history will be celebrated through a brilliant new animated display, which will play on loop in the new interpretation area outside the Octagon Room.

"Sharp-eyed visitors will note a special cameo from the Duck d’Orleans – the gallery’s semi-resident mallard who sits on the Coach House roof during the spring.

“The restoration work undertaken at the House over the last few months has created a spectacular site and really celebrates the role the house has played as a centrepiece of life in Twickenham for three centuries.”