After a good nights sleep in a wonderful bed - with 4 pillow, I might add - I woke up to another beautiful morning. We had a nice leisurely breakfast with baths, showers, laundry and ironing thrown in. Daughter 1 had picked two houses with gardens she wanted to tour - Syon House and then Osterley Park. Syon House is a beautiful. opulent house on the outside of London with acres 
of park, gardens and the most wonderful conservatory I have ever toured. Daughter 1 picked this house because part of Emma was filmed here, as well as several other movie such as Gosford Park, Cranford and Sense and sensibility 2008. Also, in Art History this year daughter 1 studied Robert Adams, the architect of the 1760's remodel of Syon House. He was one of the main architects that brought neo-classical architecture to England. The original house dates back to earlier than King Henry VIII, but has very little, if any, Tudor influence present. The Duke of Northumberland and family still lives there today. They occupy the inner rooms and leave the State rooms for visitors to see. After a light lunch, we headed down the street to Osterley Park, another Robert Adams creation. Again this house dates back centuries, but Adams had gotten his hands on it and the interior design looks very similar to Syon House, but a little less opulent. The house was given to the national Trust years ago, so no family is currently tied to the house. Even though the park was lovely and the English Gardens 
were beautiful, we were disappointed with the house overall. We were able to tour much of the house (state rooms, some family living quarters and the kitchens, wine cellars and walk-in safe) but there were no leaflets or signs explaining what we were seeing. This is the first time we have had a National Trust property that was so poorly displayed! We caught a ride on the golf cart out of the park and headed for the ice cream truck! Hot, tired and happy we headed home! Once again, I was thrilled to be getting into the back seat! Dinner is on the patio tonight, and we plan to have some great food, good wine and soulful music. Hope everyone has had a great week-end! Only 3 more days and then we head back to the USA!
of park, gardens and the most wonderful conservatory I have ever toured. Daughter 1 picked this house because part of Emma was filmed here, as well as several other movie such as Gosford Park, Cranford and Sense and sensibility 2008. Also, in Art History this year daughter 1 studied Robert Adams, the architect of the 1760's remodel of Syon House. He was one of the main architects that brought neo-classical architecture to England. The original house dates back to earlier than King Henry VIII, but has very little, if any, Tudor influence present. The Duke of Northumberland and family still lives there today. They occupy the inner rooms and leave the State rooms for visitors to see. After a light lunch, we headed down the street to Osterley Park, another Robert Adams creation. Again this house dates back centuries, but Adams had gotten his hands on it and the interior design looks very similar to Syon House, but a little less opulent. The house was given to the national Trust years ago, so no family is currently tied to the house. Even though the park was lovely and the English Gardens 
were beautiful, we were disappointed with the house overall. We were able to tour much of the house (state rooms, some family living quarters and the kitchens, wine cellars and walk-in safe) but there were no leaflets or signs explaining what we were seeing. This is the first time we have had a National Trust property that was so poorly displayed! We caught a ride on the golf cart out of the park and headed for the ice cream truck! Hot, tired and happy we headed home! Once again, I was thrilled to be getting into the back seat! Dinner is on the patio tonight, and we plan to have some great food, good wine and soulful music. Hope everyone has had a great week-end! Only 3 more days and then we head back to the USA!
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