"Her mum, Nicolette, Marchioness of Londonderry, hired David Hicks to transform this fuddy-duddy estate into an extraordinarily groovy house with an incredible sense of color, " the designer marveled.

WSJ: Kathryn M. Ireland on La Rocca Pisana's Dining Room

Nicolette Jones, a journalist and broadcaster who has written a book about the Victorian philanthropist and his campaign on behalf of sailors, is behind the move, along with local historian and publisher, Nicholas Reed.

BBC: Samuel Plimsoll: Commemoration for the 'sailor's friend'

And I also want to thank the President, Doctor Miller, and his wife Nicolette for hosting us here at Virginia State. (Applause.) Thank you all so much for this wonderful welcome, this warm welcome.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House