The magnificent house was built in Richmond around 1760 for the banker and Lord Mayor, Charles Asgill, for him to spend his weekends and his summer holidays there. The facade of this building in honey blonde stone endowed with a high a central bay, looks over the Thames.

In 1996, Sir Arthur Gilbert donated his remarkable collection of gold and silver plate, Italian mosaics, miniature portraits and gold boxes. In addition to offering scenic views of the Thames, the vaulted rooms of the South and Embankment Buildings house some 800 pieces, including six gem-encrusted snuffboxes that belonged to Frederick II of Prussia. You will also see plates signed by De Lamerie and Storr and gold tableware from official residences of the likes of Althorp, Belton and Stowe.

The gardens as seen today are the result of various schemes: Charles II had the mile-long canal dug and William III created the Great Fountain Gardens. The famous triangular maze to the north of the palace was planted in 1690. Further north, outside the palace walls, lies Bushy Park with its Chestnut Avenue, particularly colourful in May. Under George III, Capability Brown planted the Great Vine (1768), the crop of which is sold late Aug-early Sep.

Syon Park has been the residence of the Dukes of Northumberland since 1594. The house was completely remodelled by Robert Adam in the 1760s with more reception rooms packed with ornaments. The extraordinary gardens include a splendid glasshouse, a nursery and the London Butterfly House.