Osterley

Today's the day .......................... to play in the park

This is where Will had his meeting today - Osterley Park. So while he was hard at work, I had the day to explore it.

It's hard to believe that it's only eight miles to Piccadilly Circus in the centre of the London from here. Although I suppose the continuous stream of large aeroplanes flying overhead with their landing gear engaged - is a bit of a giveaway that Heathrow is not that far away.

The magnificent house that you see today was created in the late 18th century from a Tudor Mansion. The architect Robert Adam spent two decades from 1761 designing and refining the original house for its owners - the very wealthy banker brothers, Francis and Robert Child.

Osterley has been a location used in several films including The Duchess, Miss Potter and Mrs Brown but for me, it's the gardens and grounds that make it quite unique. I spent a very happy day exploring the Great Meadow, the Long Walk and the bluebell woods - and the lakes. There were flowers everywhere and the birds were singing ..........................