Restored: a jewel in the crown

I had not been to Chiswick House for maybe twenty years.
I remember then how sad everything looked then.
Neglect was everywhere.
Overgrown gardens and buildings with broken glass and falling masonry
All terribly sad.
In recent years there has been a tremendous amount of restoration of the house and gardens.
Around £12.1 million has been spent and the gardens re-opened in June 2010.
All so worthwhile because the house and gardens are now a jewel in the crown of this part of west London.
Chiswick House is a magnificent neo-Palladian villa completed in 1729.
It was inspired by the architecture of ancient Rome and 16th century Italy.
It was built by the third Earl of Burlington as a homage to the Renaissance architect Palladio.






Chiswick was always well known for is world class camellia collection.
It is housed in a beautiful 19th century run of glass conservatory .
And what a conservatory too........... some 300 feet long

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