Where: Burlington Lane, W4

What: A magnificent example of English Palladian architecture built by Richard Boyle the Third Earl of Burlington in the late 1720’s. The design was inspired by the architecture and gardens of ancient Rome. The main front is composed of two double approach stairways flanking a classical portico at first floor level.

The interior with its series of connected rooms was designed by William Kent. There are marble fireplaces with support panels by Sebastian Ricci and paintings by Kneller, Lely and Guido Reni. The garden laid out by Kent was a forerunner to the English Landscape Park and contains some statues brought over from Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli near Rome. There are also statues of Palladio and Inigo Jones.

Nearest underground station: Chiswick

Opening times: April - October Wednesday - Friday & Sunday 10:00 - 17:00; Saturdays and bank holiday October 10:00 - 14:00 (last admission 30 minutes before closing). Closed Monday / Tuesday and November - March. Pre booked tours at other times.

Admission charges apply: (2005) Adults: £4.00, children under 16: £2.00, concessions: £3.00

Website: english-heritage.org.uk