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Private Tour of the Great Houses of West London with Chauffeurs UK
One of the most glorious examples of 18th-century British architecture, Chiswick House was designed by the third Earl of Burlington (1694-1753). A promoter of the Palladian style pioneered by Inigo Jones, Burlington sought to create the kind of house and garden found in the suburbs of ancient Rome. To do this, he employed William Kent to design sumptuous interiors to contrast with the pure white exterior. An exhibition and video tell the story of the house, grounds and Lord Burlington, including his 'grand tours' of Europe.
As you walk through the house, take in the splendour of the Gallery with its beautiful painted and gilded ceiling, and discover the Red, Blue and Green Velvet rooms. Then step into the classical gardens - a perfect complement to the house itself. The grounds are fascinating - look for the unique statuary in the Italianate gardens and the recently restored water cascade.
Syon House is the last surviving ducal residence complete with its country estate in Greater London. Take a look round the the Duke of Northumberland's London home, view the magnificent State and Private Apartments and enjoy the spectacular Great Conservatory and 40 acres of gardens.Syon Abbey had become renowned for its spiritual learning, public preaching and library. It was favoured and visited by King Henry VIII's first wife, Catherine of Aragon but it got embroiled in the religious turmoil of the King's divorce and his subsequent action of making himself Supreme Head of the Church in England. In 1547, King Henry VIII's coffin was brought to Syon on its way to Windsor for burial. It burst open during the night and in the morning dogs were found licking up the remains! This was regarded as a divine judgement for the King's desecration of Syon Abbey.
The 1st Duke of Northumberland, (formerly Sir Hugh Smithson) is also responsible for starting the Percy family's North American connections. He fathered a natural son, James Smithson. James decided that his fortune, valued in excess of half a million dollars, should be left to the 'The United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institute, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men'.
With its impressive portico and stunning interior design and furniture, Osterley House offers one of the most complete examples of Adam's work. It was executed between 1760 and 1780 for the Child family, the immensely wealthy founders of Child's Bank. A 16th century stableblock also survives intact and is still in use today.
The estate also includes the Jersey Galleries, which feature a programme of contemporary art from April to October and is also the base for Osterley Park's Artist-in-Residence.
Prices per vehicle, not per person
Please contact us if you need a quotation for a larger group
What is Included
What is Not Included
Telephone: +44(0)20 8404 2356
When calling from Canada or the USA please dial:
011 4420 8404 2356
©Chauffeurs UK Limited 2008
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